WOW!

What a glorious day! This was one of the finest days for riding in a looooooooooooooooong time!

The barn was the scene of a lot of activity as many of us gathered to ride who haven't seen each other in weeks. Rusty was awesome and I did some more work without stirrups during my ride. Yes, I know today was another "teaser" but it was fantastic!

As soon as I turned Rusty out after our ride he rolled again! He's shedding a lot and I know it feels good to him to roll. But he came up a muddy mess once again. Oh, well. I'll brush him out again on Tues. He gets his feet trimmed Tues, also.

Can't wait for the weather to be warm enough so I can give him a bath! He's so pretty when he's clean and white. His red hairs glow like copper!

Teasers

Sorry I haven't posted in such a long time!

Have been able to ride more regularly but the cold weather is back this week! We've had some wonderful days at the barn if you don't count the rain.

Rusty has been very good. We've had great rides and Marie says that she sees how well we're doing together! I'm very glad about that!

Yesterday, with all the rain, Rusty's pen was very wet! Lot's of standing water and mud. Rusty was pretty muddy but NOT where I needed to put the saddle!

Our warmer days make me long for spring! They're just "teasers" to let me know what it's going to be like. Soon, I hope. I saw a robin today -- my first one!

So, with Rusty shedding like crazy, robins and red-wing blackbirds returning, my lilacs budding, new growth on my rose bushes -- I'd say we're about at the end of this awful winter! Still, it can slap us around with some cold days yet. Better weather is coming!!

Harvey's Passing

I'm sad to report that Harvey passed away sometime over the weekend. He was about 36 or 37 years old. He was a sweet old guy. Poor Oscar took it very hard. He wandered about in his pen calling for Harvey. They were pen-mates and good buddies for a long time.

Harvey is buried by the woods near the Grass Arena. Joan, Stacia, and I rode out to visit the grave today. Harvey will be missed.

YIPPEE!!

Yes, I'm cheering again! Not only did I ride again today but we rode OUTSIDE!! It was fantastic! We trotted and cantered through the snow. Joan and Stacia were outdoors with their horses and so Rusty and I joined them for a wonderful ride.

We don't get many winter days that are nice enough to do this, so we were glad for the opportunity. Even if we don't get to do it again at least we did it once!

Rusty was really good out in the snow. At first, I was a little concerned about the footing, but there was no ice under the powder and the footing was fine. We had a wonderful collected canter both directions. Terrific! I really hope this is not the last time we get to ride out in the snow. Lots of Fun!

HIP HIP HOORAY!

Why am I cheering?? I actually got to RIDE today!

I checked back and I saw that the last day I got to ride was Jan. 6! 23 days ago!! Talk about equine-withdrawal! Most of those days, I saw my horse after I did the stalls, but last week I had pulled my back out and so didn't go to the barn at all. I'm not the only one, either. Several of the ladies I ride with have expressed similar feelings about being away from their horses.

Today, however, I not only saw my horse but I brushed him, tacked him up and rode! Wonderful!

You know what was so sweet? When I went out to get Rusty, he saw me at the gate and came to me! He missed me, too! Awww.

This has been one tough winter for horseback riding! If it's not too cold, then we have a snowstorm that makes driving out to the barn dangerous. Anyone for Springtime?? I am!!

The Shack

I've just finished reading the most amazing book! It's called The Shack and it will change the way you look at life. The main character in the story, Mack, has had a most tragic experience. He calls it "the Great Sadness" and it's threatening to shut him off from life completely if he can't do something about it.

He receives a note from "Papa" to meet him at the Shack. At first, Mack writes it off as a very sick joke. Finally, curiosity gets the better of him and he goes. What he encounters there will have you laughing and crying! You will not look at God the same way again.

I won't give any more of the plot away. Everyone should read this book! You will not be disappointed.

I love to read and I've had books change my life. In High School I read Mere Christianity by CS Lewis and it had a profound impact on my life. Later, as a married adult with a family, I read The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. This is a totally awesome book and again, it had a great influence on my life. I rank The Shack by Wm Paul Young right up there with those two wonderful books.

Check it out at the Library or get it at your favorite bookstore. Please reply to me here and let me know how you liked it (or not).

Happy New Year!

Welcome to 2009!

Hope all of you, your families, and your horses had a wonderful Christmas. I was able to spend time with my three granddaughters on Christmas Day. The picture you see is me holding my newest granddaughter. She was born Oct. 8 and her name is Alice May. She joins her older sisters, Laura Lynn and Athena Rose.

Rusty had a week off because weather out here was so bad I could not get out to the barn all week. But I've been out there 3 times this week and rode! Rusty has been great! We had a wonderful ride today. I loved spending the first day of the New Year with my horse.

I'm believing God for great things in 2009. I know many people are glad 2008 is over. All of us went through some rough times in 2008. But, one thing I've learned is that God is always faithful and He will never leave us.

My prayers and best wishes to you and your families this new year. God bless you!