Mood Meter

This week I seemed to go through so many different moods I got to thinking about the Mood Ring and wondered how many different colors I'd be showing even in a single day.  The ring (yes I had one back in the early 70s) worked by using a central stone containing thermotropic liquid crystals that changed color in response to body temperature.  The crystals twist and turn with heat, reflecting light differently to appear as various colors.  However, as I suspected and research verified, the ring was not a reliable indicator of one's true emotional state.  During my research I found the Mood Meter; an evidence-based approach to help individuals recognize, understand, and label their emotions, or how they are feeling at a particular time.  It was founded by Dr. Marc Brackett, at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and has been adopted by over 5000 schools across the globe. 

They claim that using the Mood Meter helps with emotional self-regulation, improves decision-making, enhances relationship-building, and fosters empathy.  How it works is to... Recognize:  Perceive emotions in oneself and others.  Understand:  Delve deeper into the underlying causes and consequences of emotional experiences (what triggered your feelings)  Label:  Plot your energy and pleasantness (name the emotion with a precise word to foster clarity).  Express:  Constructively convey emotions in healthy and productive ways, like through verbal expression, creative outlets, or physical activities.
 

Regulate:  Manage your emotions by choosing a strategy (like dancing, horseback riding, working out at the gym, partying with pool peeps, snuggling a kitty, journaling, reading a good book, etc.) to shift to a desired state and achieve your goals.
 

Saturday 9/13 - It was Babe's birthday six years ago.  The memories of this experience were heartwarming.  This was pregnant Mama Styx on 9/12/19.  







And these were her babies.  Babe (the darkest one) was my favorite from the very beginning.  
There was still no sign of Rose or Shadow this morning, dropping my mood meter to concerned.

I met Betty and Joanne at the ranch (the blue dot on the map) before 8am and we tacked up for a ride.  It was cold to begin with, but warmed to a very pleasant mid 70's.  Joanne (seen in the only four photos taken this morning) rode Zorro. 

Zorro has been doing well, with no further lameness issues since he tweaked his back left leg August 15th when Courtney was warming him up for pony rides.  




As you can see from the map, Zorro was ridden 6½ miles.  He held up great, no lameness issues, and seemed to enjoy being out on the trail.  As I type this, right now, I am becoming frustrated because I can't get the text to align correctly.  To temper my anger, I am just going to let it go, move on with my blogging, and give up on how it looks.  

Yesterday Katy had done several little adjustments on Zorro, including his back right hip.  He had swelling there that we have started putting lineament gel.  And also we have been giving him Previcox for pain and swelling.  But he seems fine and Katy said the exercise is helpful, so that we did.  

We went at a leisurely pace, not doing anything faster than a slow gait, although when Zorro was out front, he wanted to speed up as usual.  Joanne did a great job keeping his energy down.

Standing for photos also gave Zorro (along with Rico and Dorado) rest and practice at holding still, which the Pasos struggle with sometimes.  Notice the fall colors starting to appear, as leaves have definitely been falling since the start of the month.  I was feeling melancholy about summer's end.

Oh, Rico and Dorado did very well, although sometimes I felt like Rico was rather sluggish... usually when we were in the lead.  He only had one small spook and all three horses were cooperative.  I was feeling content.

This is not a horse trail, but a walking path on the Peavine Road South designated Hiking Marathon trail, which Joe and I did late in the afternoon.

Once back to the barn and un-tacked, Joanne gave Zorro a Previcox and liniment rub.  I had to rush up to the shop to help Joe with the bush-hog before going home.  Actually Joanne came also because Joe had sounded distressed.  He was aggravated, overheated, and exhausted.  We were only a little helpful.  







I had lunch and read in the sun on the deck, but it was too hot.  I got in a good arm and ab workout at the gym.  Also I noticed that Shadow was back, but Rose is still gone.  I have seen Shadow push her away, to get her food and water, even though he has his own.  This makes me a little perturbed. 

The only other photos I took today were from our late afternoon hike.  I asked Joe to be in some of my photos to make them more interesting.  


This is all Joe had for me when I asked him to smile.   



Not only is it good to monitor your own emotions, it is most beneficial to be in touch with the emotions of others.  I would say on the mood meter, Joe was at red/orange - annoyed.  





So I quit asking him to stop and pose in my photos.  There is a serene feeling about this moss covered log, maybe because it matches that color of the corresponding mood meter box.  






This photo looks down at the metal bridge we had crossed and the rock steps we had just climbed.  This was a new trail that is still under construction so it was just an out-and-back hike for the marathon, totaling three miles.   









Here was the turn around point.  I had my weighted vest on and was feeling the 'burn' for sure (fatigued on the mood meter).  

Joe was following me going back down to the bridge, so took this photo for me.  The very bottom of the stairs consisted of very steep steps.  

And then Joe stopped for me to take one more photo of him coming down the steps.  






I snuck in this shot of Joe off this (video) as I was going up this very long 'staircase' of huge rocks that was on the other side of the bridge, going back to our SUV. 

Actually these next two photos are also from the video.  The rock work was amazing.  

I like the sun rays in this photo.  It was getting low in the sky.  I'm not happy about it getting dark so early, already, and how much sooner dark will descend on us in December and January.

It was a late dinner for all.  Maggie has stopped limping but we want to give her more rest, so she had stayed home.

Sunday 9/14 - Shadow looks like a hole in the ground in this photo.  No Rose as of yet.
I worked at the pool from 10:15 - 5:15.  It was my last day and I actually had a really fun day.  The regular pool peeps had a potluck so I spent much time visiting and eating with them.  I figured I'd be fasting tonight, so why not eat up.  Also, Patty and Shirley spent a good part of the day enjoying the sun so I visited with them too.  It was the perfect ending of (what I thought at the time) was the conclusion of) my summer pool job.

Monday 9/15 - Amiga and Zorro getting a drink following their breakfast.  
After fasting all night again, I was back at the lab for a blood draw at 7am.  There were two people ahead of me and I was in fairly quickly.  Immediately the phlebotomist said I didn't need a blood draw because I had one in August.  That was the one I had with Dr. Davidson who was checking my iron and did a tumor marker test.  (Which both were very good.)  Anyway, she said insurance wouldn’t cover another blood draw, but that she would double check with my doctor to see if there was anything in the blood panel that wasn’t checked that needs to be checked. 

I headed to the ranch, again having a power bar, but drinking milk and not tea because Betty and I were going for a ride and I didn’t want the tea to kick in out on the trail.  As soon as I arrived, the lab technician called to tell me I did need to do a blood draw for  something not tested in August and that insurance would cover it.  So now I get to fast again for a blood draw tomorrow morning.  I was quite annoyed.  




Betty and I had a great ride, going just over nine miles.  The horses were wonderful.  They were exposed to a few things they hadn’t seen before and handled it very well.  At one point, Rico kind of floundered in a deep muddy hole we had to walk through cause it took up the whole road.  He does not like going into water.  

It was a lot deeper than I expected because he had stepped off to the side (into a deep rut or hole, hidden by the murky water) to try to go into the woods and not have to walk through the water.  He stumbled but caught himself.  It was nothing like this photo, which I got a kick out of, but I did get splashed a little.  




Back at the barn I saw that Rico did get his back leg all dirty, and  just after Joanne had given him a bath the day before. 😳
But something odd happened.  After I picked Rico's back right hoof, when I put his foot down, he didn’t set it on the ground.  In fact, he bent it over front ways, resting the top of his hoof on the ground.  Like the below photo (off of Facebook) shows.  He just stood there with his foot like that for quite awhile.  It was weird. 

Anyway, as I was brushing all the dirt off of him, I sort of massaged his hip a little bit and it just seemed like the muscle kind of moved some.  I don’t know, I can’t explain it.  Then, when I went to lead Rico out of the barn, as he pivoted on his back right leg, he gave on it.  He proceeded to favor it, walking stiffly and with sort of a limp.  Now I felt frustrated and concerned, when just moments earlier, upon dismounting, I had felt happy and pleased.  

After Rico rolled in the paddock and got a drink, he seem to 'walk it off' looking more normal.  He proceeded about his business, heading out to the back pasture.  I was a bit perplexed... what had that foot/leg issue been all about?

Before heading home at 3:30, I checked on Joe and Dave, who were working on fixing the trailer light.  Thankfully, just the bulb needed replacing, but they had to dismantle part of the panel to get to it.  






I went home for a quick, late lunch and then Joe (with truck and trailer) picked me up.  We went to Shirley's to get a few things she was giving to us for the ranch.  





We loaded the bench in the trailer and this huge milk canister in the truck (and also an iron horse planter not photographed).  We went straight back to the ranch to unload and then we were done for the day.

While doing chores, Karen reported that Rico was walking fine when he came in for dinner.
 

Tuesday 9/16 - The day wasn't a complete wash out, although my colon was by the time I went to bed at 10:30 after my completed colon prep. 

First thing this morning I saw that Robert Redford had died.  This (video) photo-montage is a nice flash in time of some of his accomplishments.  What a great actor, horseman and person. 

For the second time this week (third time total) I had fasted since dinner and went to the lab at 7am for a blood draw.  This time after the draw, I was not allowed to eat anything all day long as part of my colonoscopy prep.  


Monita


From the lab, I went right next door to the gym and had a great, total body workout.  I was a little depleted of energy and feeling apprehensive about the actual laxative part of the prep.  I was also worried about possible tumor detection.  But seeing old familiar faces I haven't seen in awhile (because the afternoon gym goers are different than the morning crowd) and visiting with friends, helped lift my mood.


Babe


I hit Food City on the way home, really wishing I could eat, but bought food I knew I'd enjoy tomorrow.  I did buy apple/pear juice which I had when I got home, but my tummy hurt.  I needed milk and crackers which settle my stomach, but both weren't permitted.  Only clear liquids (no coloring) were on the menu.  Later I had ginger-ale.  

Mama Styx ↓

The actual 'laxative' part of the prep that I started at 2:00, went very well.  I took one pill every 5 minutes (12 total) over the hour while drinking at least 16 oz of water.  I started trips to the bathroom at 2:40.  32 more oz of water were to be consumed over the next 90 mins.  Then the whole thing was to be repeated at 7pm.  I never felt nauseous, but man was I bloated.  I started the second go round at 6:15 so I wouldn't be up too late making trips to the bathroom, which seemed to occur almost every five minutes for a few hours after each 12-pill sequence.  By 10:30 my gut had slowed, and it seemed safe to go to bed. 

Wednesday 9/17 - The only photos I have today are from this (video) Joanne sent after she and Betty had taken Rico and Dorado for a ride.

I was up to use the restroom several times after going to bed.  At the 2am awakening/restroom trip, it took almost two hours to get back to sleep.  Then I woke on my own at 5:12 and got dressed to go.  Joe was up shortly after and we got to the clinic for my 6am colonoscopy time slot.  When asked how I was doing, I said 'great, except I am afraid to fart.' 😧  It was 6:25 when they were wheeling me back to the procedure room.  


I was waking back up at 7am and Joe and I were on the road for home at 7:15.  
The great news:  My colon was clean (no tumor or polyps) and I don't have to have another colonoscopy for two years!!!  One big happy dance and my mood was a mixture of relief and giddiness.   
Once home I had breakfast while savoring two cups of tea.  I thought I would nap, but wasn't sleepy (probably the tea) so got this blog started, waiting to nap when needed. 

My mood meter reading registered at a tad bit lethargic, effects of the anesthesia.  Since I'd had a great workout Tuesday morning and because the prep took so much out of me, including not much sleep, I decided just to take the whole day off, so spent most of it blogging, playing with my kitties, and laying around or reading.

Besides, I had to stay home because I wasn't allowed to drive and Joe had gone golfing.  Also, I still couldn’t trust my farts, so wanted (needed) to stay close to the restroom.  They fill you with gas to scope you, so I was doing more than my fair share of breaking wind.

I got news that the pool was staying open another week because it was forecasted  to be so nice.  Not that I wanted to give up any of my free days, but I was glad to help out to make the pool peeps happy. 

I never did feel the need to nap, but got very sleepy right after dinner.


Linda, who took this turtle's photo, made it into a postcard.  She sent it in celebration of my good news.  








At feeding time, the big, dark tabby, tom cat was in the process of starting a fight with Shadow, so I sent Maggie out to break it up.  Shadow ran off and Maggie chased the tom in the opposite direction.  I still have not seen Rose.
I was in bed turning the lights out early.

Thursday 9/18 - The majority of the photos I have for today were sent by my kids at dinner time.  All three of them had met up for the meal together.  Courtney with Layla (already 3½ months old and growing up so fast.  

The whole gang: Vale, Britney, Joe, Courtney, Layla, Dan and Ava.  I was feeling a little guilty and regretful for not making the trip to Nashville with Joe to pick up Britney.  But I just hate riding in the car, had a list of things to do, and would be going there the first weekend of October.  

I really enjoyed relaxing with my morning tea.  I had rushed a late cup driving to the ranch Monday morning and skipped it Tuesday and Wednesday.

My 8am doctors appointment went well.  All my blood levels were on the good side of the normal range.  Except vitamin D was a little high, but that’s better than being a little low.  My calcium, my thyroid, my sugar, my good cholesterol, my bad cholesterol... everything was in great shape.  This makes me joyful, knowing that my diet and exercise have helped put me at good blood counts. 

While at the doctor's office, Patty, who was at the ranch, left a voicemail; 'call me back as soon as possible.'
 

When I called Patty a little later, she immediately said 'we’ve had an issue here at the ranch.' My heart sank and I was full of dread.  I always worry that something may have happened to Amiga or Rico, or any of the animals.  Thankfully it wasn't anything horribly bad.  Evidently, Brooke left Banner and Rico in their stalls all night.  Not a good thing, especially since they had very little food and water.  Since Wednesday night was Brooke’s last night to do chores before leaving with Banner, I did not make a big deal out of it, but I did inform her about her mistake.  She was so sorry and did offer to clean up both stalls, which was nice of her.
 

I went to the gym, right next door to the doctor's office, and had a super good arm and ab. workout.  I thought I’d be low energy after the fast and colonoscopy, but I think the cleansing of my system had me feeling in great shape.  I was very enthusiastic and also quite upbeat chatting with folks.  

I made a trip to Food city to get items for Britney’s visit plus restock on things we were low on.  And I had one impulse buy, can't resist these $2.99 bags of popcorn.  I came home for a big lunch and then tried to do some more blogging but also did some reading because my book is really good and it has me captivated.

While at the ranch for afternoon chores, I picked kale, watered plants, mucked the upper and lower paddocks, and filled feed bins and Rico’s food bags.  

Joe picked Britney up at the airport and meet the rest of our clan for dinner at Hickory Falls restaurant. 

I did some housecleaning once home, got word from Joe we had an overnighter with two horses coming to the ranch, but Patty was going to handle that.  I was in bed reading when Joe and Britney arrived at 9:30.

Mood Meter experts say: 'Check in with the state of your mind and body. Ask yourself: At this exact moment, what is my emotional state? Am I feeling up or down? Pleasant or unpleasant? Energized or depleted? Don’t search for the precise emotion but rather discover the general area where your mood exists in the Mood Meter. This practice will help you build your emotional vocabulary and enhance your emotional wellness.'   
This can be tricky for me, especially when some of my mood changes are so quick.  They remind me of the song Hot N Cold by Katy Perry.  😆 

Managing It All

Who'd have thought retirement life would be so busy?  It's not like I'm raising three children while holding a full time job.  But now I have so many different interests that I am conflicted because I can’t fully attend to each of them.  I have work at the pool, ranch chores and managing our small boarding business, horseback riding and training, working out, blogging, concerts and dancing, eating healthy, reading, family and friend time.  Then I have to find time to take care of my cats and dog, go shopping, clean, meal prep, eat, sleeping, bath etc.  Oh and there's also my doctor and dentist visits, vet visits, farrier, horse chiropractor, and so on.  

Saturday 9/6 - It was a cold, rainy day, all day long.  I tried to finish last week's blog but had three days left to account for, just too much.  I hit the library to pick up the next James Patterson book in the Alex Cross series, since I had finished the Nicholas Sparks book, and then spent three hours at the gym.  My workout consisted of a vigorous warm up (I needed because the cool gloomy day had me feeling cold).  I continued with a total body weight workout, and an hour on the elliptical, and ended with some good stretch and balance work for my cool down.

Betty and I had planned to ride, but it was still raining when I got home at 2:30.  Eventually we both voted to stay home, have tea, read and maybe nap.  I worked here blogging after a hardy late lunch/early dinner and shower, sitting in my loungers.  

I never got the nap in because I got news from Brooke that she would be moving Banner by the end of the month.  So that had my brain working overtime.  It would change herd dynamics and the work schedule.  But also, I have a "waiting" list of people that might want to take the open spot, so I was thinking through all those possibilities.  (I'll be looking for the perfect fit with person and horse.)  Managing it all (the boarding business) has its challenges, but worth it all because it enables me to afford two horses.

I had to be talked out of my loungers to get dressed and go to The Grove for yet another concert, the Pink Houses, a John Mellencamp tribute band.  I couldn't believe they were still holding the concert because it was cold, damp, and actually misting when the concert started.
← Nancy, Mike, Micki, and Patty.
 
Mike messing with Nancy →


I wasn't a Mellencamp follower, so the music was not familiar to me.  Also there was a very small crowd so you didn't feel the energy as usual.  And it was not ideal weather.  But it did clear off for awhile, and those who were there were having a good time.  







And the band was actually quite good.  Everybody raved about how well they played Mellencamp's music.  






It got foggy again before the night ended, but that added a cool vibe to the evening.  I did not yell for an encore, but many did, so two more songs were played before I packed up my chair and headed home... to a warm bed.

Sunday 9/7 - I was up reading from 10 to midnight because I hadn't been able to fall asleep, so I didn't get up until 6:30.  I was still unable to finish last week's blog because I needed to be at work by 10:15.  I was struggling to manage it all.  

 

It was a cool day, only getting up to the mid 70s, and the pool water was only 74°, so I only had 15 customers during my whole, full day (11-5 pool hours) shift.  Patty had dropped in about 3:30 and we discussed ranch business and by the time she had left, so had everybody else, so I quickly did the closing procedure and was able to leave just after 5pm.  

I got my nightly jobs done once home, and my weekly tasks of trash collection and watering plants, and still had time to finish last week's blog.  I felt like I was managing it all well, for the time being.  I would proof the blog and post it in the morning though, because my mind at night just ain't that cognitive.

Monday 9/8 - I no longer work Mondays because of our new September pool schedule, where we each only work 1 or 2 days a week, but do a full seven hour shift (including opening and closing procedures).  So, after the usual morning ranch chores, I did some other jobs with Joe's help.  Above, got some gravel to fill in the hole that's been made by water from the shed roof, but is where we keep the manure wheelbarrow, tipped on end.  

I cleaned old corn cobs and leaves out of the corn crib where they have been sitting (since this was last used as a corn crib) for years, and has been on my to-do list several years. 

I had also picked up a lot of sticks from under the trees in the pasture and corral.  






Then I picked up the larger stones from the lower paddock that have come to the surface and are not the best for the horses to step on or the mower to run over.

We had decided to keep our two benches (that each convert to a half table) out at the ranch where they will be used more often.  So we placed them here for now so they are off the grass for mowing.  Joe also dismantled and hauled off the old, rotten, sagging picnic table.  

 



Karen and Joanne were planning to take Zorro and Rico out on a ride at noon and I had planned to ride Amiga out alone in the morning and then go to the gym in the afternoon.  Well, time got away from me (just can't manage it all) so I ended up riding with them.  








Amiga did well, only favoring her bad front leg on the downhills.  I only rode her a few miles, returning home while Joanne and Karen continued down the trail.  




It was such a pretty day and beautiful riding weather.  I enjoyed the company of the other two (video) but also like the silence and intimacy with Amiga when alone on my horse.  She did great leaving the two, but we were headed back to the ranch.  

It was after 3:00 when I got home, and I heard the music was starting early (at 5pm) so I abandoned the idea of the gym.  Besides, I was kind of tired. 

Tonight's band 'Dreams' was a Fleetwood Mac tribute band (with singer Stevie Nicks).  Again they weren't one I followed so I didn't know a lot of the songs.  And their music was much slower and not good dancing music, so I mostly sat and listened.

Tuesday 9/9 - Betty and I trailered to East Fork Stables, meeting at the ranch at 8:15 and arriving at EFS before 10am.  The horses loaded and unloaded beautifully.

After checking in at the office, we parked, unloaded, saddled up, and hit the restroom before hitting the trail.

Day parking is by C campground, so we rode out on the 'C' trail (video).  Betty has ridden here many times over the years so she took the lead.  The weather was perfect.  You couldn't ask for a nicer day.  

 










Betty did not feel the need to be photographed, but took a ton of photos of Rico and I. 
 

When we reached the meadow, we had several choices on which trail to take.  We took 'B'.  

Rico did great all day and I was so happy with him.  Other than two tiny spooks and wanting to turn around for about a ½ mile while leading the way down one trail, he was flawless.  


A cabin in the woods, with the outhouse in back.  This was literally out in the middle of no-where.









In some cases I couldn't decide between photos so included more than one.  It just sort of captures the moment better.  Rico did well standing for photos, although moving his head and tail.  




Right away we started noticing skeletons along the trail.  So they became the opportunity for staged photos.  Rico was sometimes leery of these scary things, but also showed curiosity.  












There were many animal skeletons lurking around in the woods as we rode.  This was an armadillo.  




Oops, did this person get knocked off their horse because of the tree branch?  😄  














I loved Rico's curiosity, yet caution. 

  
← today' photo of Owen’s Overlook looked quite a bit different than in this November 20, 2022 photo. ↓

 

 






Jean and I viewed this when we had camped and rode at EFS.  Jean was riding Robbie and I was on Amiga.

Betty and I had tied Dorado and Rico to a pick line at the Overlook picnic area.









We got some photos of the view and then had a snack.  





These two characters were trying to steal a bite of my granola bar (live photo). 

There were many signs on the trees with inspirational quotes that were nice to read.  And there were also 'hidden' pictures and art that were fun.   

We'd almost missed this one.  



I don't think Rico even saw it, or he was unimpressed.











It was very cool how the light shining through this plaque showed the raccoon face.  

We saw Fairyland (which did not impress me with all its artificial figurines) and a few more overlooks.  

Notice the name of this one... reminding me of our party for Britney and Juan Carlos.  


 
My 'between the ears' shot of the sign.  













There were a few cool rock outcroppings and 'caves' or overhangs we also rode by.  Oh, and there were also several creek crossings.
 

Rico lead the way a fair amount of the time and did very well (video).  I was very happy with and quite proud of him.  We had to go back through the meadow for a bit and it had gotten buggy and hot out in the open.    







Thankfully in the woods it was cool with no bugs at all.  Ideal riding conditions!  I had taken a video (or tried to) of all the wild flowers, but it did not record.  There were tons of different varieties and colors.

We took trail 'B' back to camp and rode through part of the campground to get back to our trailer.  On our way back we hit the obstacle course, after encountering other articles of interest, like this covered wagon.

Rico had a tiny spook at a trash can but otherwise did very well.  

We played around on several obstacles.

A tractor dumping gravel into a big dump truck kept Rico's attention for a few minutes.

Here is a map of the nearly nine miles we rode, in just over 3½ hours.

We let the horses eat after untacking and Rico even got in a little roll.  They did great loading and unloading again to get back to the ranch.  It had been a fantastic experience.  I was pretty much 'spent' for the day by the time I got home close to dinner time. 











It was early to bed with the three cats and my book.

Wednesday 9/10 - During morning ranch chores, Rico gave me a little scare.  After breakfast, I had put him out in the front pasture, where he was eating grass contently, while Zorro and Amiga remained closed into the paddock.  At one point I saw him lay down and roll and scratch, and I didn’t think anything of it.
 
   

But then about 10 minutes later when I was coming up from the barn, he was still lying there and had laid down flat out.  I thought he was sleeping because when I came up close to take a picture, it sounded like he was snoring, but then I noticed him seeming to breathe heavily, and the noises were more like maybe groans.  But I really don’t know.  I was afraid he was colicking.

It took a minute to persuade him to get up.  I walked him down to the corral and he got a big drink from the water tub there.  Then I walked him through the lower paddock where he also got a drink from that water tank.  After that we took a long walk, going around the whole back pasture, in both directions.  He has never been in that field and I had wanted him to get a look at the fence line.  When we returned to the lower paddock, he got a tiny drink out of the pond.  He hadn't pooped, but I decided he was okay so turned him loose.  He went galloping off to be with his boy buddies in the back field.

When conversing with the ladies about this 'episode' I decided it wasn't colic, because he was not hardly distressed (no thrashing about).  Maybe he had a little gas, or was just tired from yesterday and sleeping hard.  I hoped I had managed it all right.

The lower photo was taken a few days ago while heading home past former Wildwood Stables.  The local farmer (Dale, who was too busy to cut our hay) has taken down all old, rotten fencing and was clearing the fence line.  


 
Today I noticed that Dale is in the process of putting up new fencing.  He is getting ready to bring in cattle.
  







This is definitely a better outcome than a housing development, condos, or golf course.  But I wondered if we will ever be able to get the stables back.  I plan to continue to pursue it.

I had gone to the gym and got in a good arm and ab. workout, since my legs have been getting a fair amount of exercise the past two days.  And then I had a late lunch out on the back deck with these fur babies.

I got these photos from this (video).  






Shadow does a lot of cute rolling and rubbing in kind of a submissive and friendly gesture and has entangled or snared me into being his friend (food provider) with purring, headbutts, and gentle rubbing against my legs.  



And look at Rose's little dribbles around her mouth.  Was she salivating over my mac&cheese?

Man these cats sure have a way of working themselves into my heart.  I think all the cats manage me, rather than I manage all of them.

Thursday 9/11 - Patriots Day  
I hadn't slept well; troubles managing all my thoughts concerning ranch operations, trailering plans, upcoming medical appointments, and ideas for Britney's visit.  

Since I was up so early, I had extra time and was able to do my computer games. I also realized I had forgotten to fast for my blood draw so would get it done tomorrow.  No appointment is necessary, you just walk in.

While sitting here trying to get work done on this blog, being distracted by games, I also made some phone calls.  I scheduled my mammogram and also left a voicemail with my doctor's office to see what time the lab opened tomorrow morning.
 

The day was warming up and Rose had to move from the sun into the shade on the back deck.

I ate a big, late (3rd) breakfast and then hiked the short Glastowbury Trail with Joe.  We both then met at the ranch and I helped him remove a big tree from the fence line in the back pasture.

 




The before photo I took Wednesday when I was walking Rico around the back field.  Notice Cowboy was following us.  

And here's the after photo.  The big, heavy, dead tree was just barely on the top line of barbwire.  Most of its weight was on a few little trees it had landed on and was 'hung up on' or being held up by.

 

Betty and Patty arrived at the ranch around 1:30 for us to go for a ride together.  It had gotten a little warm, especially out in the sun, but otherwise was wonderful.  Patty turned back early with Zorro who we don't want to overwork. 

Betty and I ended up going 6½ miles.  Rico seemed a bit sluggish or tired at times, but led the way for much of the ride.  Both horses did a great job.  

I have been struggling with what’s best for Rico.  Where is it best for him to be 'kept.'  And how much should I ask of others, in terms of moving him from one herd to the other.  I like him to have two herds so he won't become so buddy sour.  It's helpful to him to have both groups he’s comfortable with.  We have had Rico with the three boys during the day and the Pasos at night before, so I was doing that, but it was a lot of trouble switching him, so he is in the front pasture by himself during the day for the time being.  Once Banner is gone, the dynamics will change again.

 

 

 
Rico has been dealing with staying on the front pasture by himself but is very glad to join back up with the Pasos overnight.

I had gotten a voicemail from my Dr. office to call them about the lab hours.  Well, it was too late, the office was already closed.  Why didn't the secretary just tell me the hours in her voicemail?  I hoped the lab was open at the usual 7am time, so fasted all night after a big dinner.

Friday 9/12 - Today was sister Cathy's Birthday and the chiropractor morning at the ranch.  But first I had to go get my blood draw.  I was at the lab at 6:45 for their 7am opening...  come to find out they are closed on Fridays.  Ugh!!  Wish the doctor's secretary would have told me that in her voice mail.  I drank my hot tea from a thermos and ate a protein power bar while I drove to the ranch.    


I fed the Pasos and started leading them down to the barn.  Bonnie was already there brushing Cowboy.

Patty, Joanne, and Betty soon showed up, as did Katy (the horse chiropractor).

Amiga waiting in her stall while Katy worked on Rico.  Joanne took videos, which I got all these photos off of.  

 

Katy worked her 'magic' on five of the six horses (not Banner).  She performs a manual evaluation from head to tail (including each leg) to identify areas of joint dysfunction or restricted motion in the horse's musculoskeletal system, then applies a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust to a specific joint or spine segment to restore motion and function.

We could see immediate results in areas where Katy had done an adjustment.


In these last two photos, Amiga is having her turn.  Each horse held very still, as if to know Katy was helping them, and actually liking what she was doing.  

I made the decision to keep Rico with the gelding group 24/7, so put him in the back paddock and made up food bags for feeding him down in the barn.  I moved his feed bowl down also.

Once home I indulged myself with a larger than usual lunch because I hadn't had my usual 2 or 3 breakfasts. 
I had opted to hike with Joe (working on the 26.2 mile hiking marathon for the month of September) rather than go to the gym.  So I had time to do a little yard work.  





I noticed this rather large and interesting cluster of fungi in our backyard while picking up sticks, a constant job when you have so many trees.  

Like mother - like daughter.  Mama Stix on the left and Babe on the right, both with their front legs stretched out and one back foot sticking up.  
  
  

I fed Maggie an early dinner and Joe and I drove quite away to do a hike, but the park where the trail was closed at 4:30.  So, we went on into town as planned and had dinner at McAlister's Deli and then did some needed shopping at Walmart.  
We got home to feed the cats a late dinner.  Rose had not shown up for breakfast, and there was no sign of her or Shadow. 
I continue working at managing it all.