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!

BRRR!

Well, I knew cold weather was coming but this is ridiculous!! We are having Jan temps in early Dec. It won't be winter officially for another two weeks!

With the unusually low temps this week, I haven't been able to ride Rusty twice in a row. I can tell he misses me because, when I go out to the paddock to see him, he comes up to me from across the paddock. Usually he waits for me get closer before he comes to me.

I'm really praying for a moderation in temps so we can ride!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm so very thankful for the many blessings I've enjoyed. I have good health, a wonderful family including three beautiful granddaughters, a special husband who understands me, great friends, a job where I can make a difference in people's lives, a vibrant church that is reaching the community in new and innovative ways, two goofy cats, and (of course) my horse, Rusty. He is a special part of my life and we learn so much from each other.

Along with Rusty, I have my wonderful friends and their horses at the barn that I enjoy riding with, talking to, and learning from. I'm especially thankful for Marie and Gary and all their hard work that makes On Eagles' Wings Equine Center so great.

So I'm wishing you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving. All of this belongs to God. Yes, times are tough right now and I know a lot of people who are out of work. Let's keep our focus on God and look for ways to bless those around us. No matter what our situation, there is always someone we can be a blessing to.

God bless you this Thanksgiving. Enjoy this special time with family and friends.