Friday Night
Well, well, well. Where on earth have I been? Seems like forever since I have written anything. I am missing my own words... Heh, heh! I have been very busy. I had a dr.s appointment this morning, just in Elderton, a chiropractor's appointment this afternoon, also in Elderton. I babysat baby Isabella yesterday while Alison went for my groceries. We played and told stories for a bit and than took a nap on the couch together. She slept in her little seat beside my feet and I curled up above her. We were sleeping when Ali came back. It was kind of cute. Sounds a little bit presumptions, but the baby was cute I just happened to be in the picture.

My horses have been having a blast playing outside. They think there is grass in the pasture; there isn't. They sure spend a lot of time chewing dirt I guess. Horses won't eat dirt really; they are able to sift apart even the smallest of particles in their feed. I have a mare, Zulu, who would eat everything except a soft powdery additive, Rice Bran. It has the consistency of powdered sugar. I am amazed at the dexterity of her lips. My new filly, oops forgot to say about that.

Wednesday afternoon I brought home a yearling filly, kind of a light red roan. It's hard to say what color she will shed out too be. But she is a real sweetheart, a Paso Fino with a black and white pinto paso for a sire. She could throw (give birth too) pinto marked colored babies. She was left to stand in the field for most of her first 12 months so she does not act her age. Though she seems very eager to learn and very, very anxious to be loved on. I had her out in the round pen today most of the day. I had some hay, a water bucket, and a feed pan with her own special sweet feed all outside in the sunshine. We walked around practicing walking with a lead rope. Some of the time I just sat in a lawn chair enjoying the fine weather. Mia, short for a much longer official Spanish name. My camera is broken so I will have to get Ned to take few photos so I can post them up like a proud mama.

OK, I must get some sleep. No funny stories or lessons to be learned, my mind and body are weary.

Twist'n the Night Away

Interesting is a good word to describe my life. Never boring. Not for as long as I can remember anyway. My battery is going to run out and I am too lazy to go and hunt a cord (nap time). Just had to respond to Roberto's comment. Heh, heh...shipped, cooled, horse semen, nothing like the stuff. We really are in a brave new world, do you think? Sometimes I sit and just wonder about all the stuff we have access to in our lives. I never had a TV until I was almost in elementary school, then it was a green and beige 12 or 13 inch black and white that my dad could fix by taking the tubes out of the back and going the drug store. At the drug store and some hardware stores there was a machine where you could test your TV tubes to determine which ones needed replacing. Usually the store had the new ones on hand. Dad would head home and replace bad with the good and whaula...back to the Mighty Mouse. The only plasma involved was any you might need if you cut yourself on a broken tube. More on this thought after my nap...

Two Days Good

The baby I

went to see

Yesterday was fantastic, and today way up there again. I rode two horses today, made supper, cleaned up from supper, washing a load of clothes, and am on my way to read to Jer. Also, I went and looked at a little filly I am considering buying. My husband Drew and I are planning on easing into the horse breeding business/hobby. My black mare is contracted to be bred to a beautiful stallion out in California. His stuff, semen, is coming here, not him, nor is she going there. It is called AI breeding for anyone not up on modern horse breeding. They will FedEx the cooled semen overnight, then comes the vet and hopefully in a month or so we will know if we have a baby. Cool huh? I may try and post a link for the stallion's website. http://www.lakeshastapaints.com/html/amigoscodybar.html
OK, I guess I did it. Check it out; he is a looker.

Rode Sunny this Am...he did really well; considering I have not had him out for a few months. We walked down the driveway, up on the hill, and even out on the rode for a hundred yards or so. I was a little restless at first, but settled down and seemed to enjoy himself. I would have worked him a bit longer, but Drew invited me to lunch, so I could not pass that offer up could I? Forgot about that, I was a busy girl.

Ned went with me after supper and we took Cool up on the hill. I rode for a while and then he got on for at least 20-30 minutes. She was raring to go, and was in a big hurry to get up to the arena. She ran right through the gate and started down the rail. She was ready to fly, usually I have to kick the daylights out of her to get her to pick up a corto. (trot for a paso) I think I could have gotten her to canter today, but it was cold and I did not have that much time. She was wonderful for Ned. He seems to be a natural. He has nice long legs, makes it nice for him and the horse.

OK, time for me to go read with Jer. I am getting sleepy too and I have to take a shower. I need to think of some uplifting words before I sign off. The sun was out all day and it seems to keep my spirits lighter. If only I could focus on the Son of God more, then night or day, trial or joy my heart would sing the song of Life without hesitation. 'Cause His Son always shines. Today I feel His pleasure in my tasks well done. So much yet to accomplish in my messy, messy home but I know God will give me vision and direction each day's duties and the strength and wisdom to complete them for His Glory.
Nite....

All Gone

For those awaiting the conclusion, whatever the before mentioned profound thoughts were. They are gone.
Sorry.

Monday...afternoon

Drove to the city this morning. Sounds like something from a TV show, like we live not in THE City. Of course I don't, live in THE city or any city for that matter; not even a town either, just a town-ship. Sort of a sprawled out collection of folks who don't really live next to anyone else. I do have neighbors I can see, and probably could holler at if the emergency was grave enough or the miracle that incredible. Most likely I would pick up the phone or send a kid to pass a message, ie. a loose dog, or stray cat, or maybe an invite to an impromptu BBQ. In reverse, my received message might be my horse had stomped their rhubarb, or was last seen loping over the crest of the gravel road towards some illicit adventure. Hah! So goes life in the town-ship.

But anyways, I drove to the City this morning to see my neurologist. I like him a lot. He is like visiting a friend or old acquaintance. Friendly, interested in how I feel, even all the little stuff, achy shoulder, gimpy toe, 'cause those neurologists see everything as potentially connected to your neuro stuff. Oops, I have not even gotten to the point of this post and I have to run and get Jer at the bus. Rain is falling steady and cold. I am going to post and finish later....cliffhanger.

Better

White bright sunshine reflects brittle cold and my boots crunch into frozen snow; slow going over to the horse barn this morning. The blue of the sky shimmers gloriously floating wispy cotton tufts. How could anyone stay angry. Breathing in the cold air fills the lungs and energizes the brain. Lofty thoughts of the Most High God lift my spirit high above any trouble in my land.
I love the early hours barn work. Sonny nickers an impatient "Hello, where's my breakfast?" Eager snorting begs for morning hay and grain, anxious to munch down breakfast and head out to romp and roll. Nothing much funnier than a short stubby brown pony rolling in the snow, feet up in the air, sitting up like a puppy. Ha...nothing funnier.
Anyway, after a morning like that how can anyone stay angry. Seems like proof that God lives and cares for His own. He sends us smiles when we need the the most. Shows us how to find the gold underneath the muddy waters and the silver in the darkest cloud. Life is not about just making it through the trials but seeing past the darkness to the glorious light of the Son.

Angry

I am so angry; really angry I think. Of course I am not sure...how angry, or why I am angry, not really sure. I have a few guesses. Just nothing concrete. Like, "So and So did this or said that." No, there is simply this underlying simmering going on in my spirit. I feel like I could just blow a gasket at any time. Angry yes, empty too; not too uplifting for a Christian blogger to write about and claim or admit too. I think I am confessing sin maybe. I do not want to be seething. I want the peace of God. I want to feel love towards my family, overwhelming concern and care. The last couple of days some stuff has happened that just has me riled up. Some of it is just blatent inconsideration, some misunderstanding, and some maybe just plain ignorance, ignorance of the unknowing just don't get it 'cause I am a man kind of stuff. Either way I should be able to cry out to God for a forebearing spirit, overlook an offense, and forge ahead doing good in Jesus name. Instead, I am lying here in my bed pouting about my own selfish unmet desires. Silly huh? Sad maybe? Good thing I have a loving Savior who foreknew my sinful ways and loved me, and covered my sins with His own Perfect life. Good thing.

Celebrate Wednesdays

Today is a celebration of Cool's first trail ride. I can hardly believe it. I saddled her up, rode to the end of the drive, and went left. Not up the hill to the arena, but left on the rode and then a quick right up the haul road for a local mine. After five P. M. there would be not traffic. Remember, I can ride after five since Cool's stomach is still on Eastern Standard Time, and five is four to her. Anyway, there we were, my horse and I, headed into uncharted territory. Trees on one side the back side of homes and fields on the other. I had never been up this road before, alone, or with Drew, and here I was atop my favorite horse on an adventure. Soon the fields turned into woods, a pond, probably a runoff pond from the cleaning plant. But to me this afternoon it was Lake Ontario. My jumpy, finicky, won't step in a puddle, sweetheart of a mare, just tromped up the dirt road like she was carrying a queen to her palace. At least that is how I felt. I kinda think she did too. She was a little hesitant a couple of times and she side stepped to avoid the muddy water, but she was the bravest steed ever. Whew, it was a blast.

Proof that stepping out into new and sometimes frightening adventures can be OK. More than OK. Incredible! Adventures under the covering of the Holy Spirit are adventures of the High Soaring spiritual type. No words recorded in Webster's can describe the joy, peace, contentment, more, more, more. The thrill and excitement of walking into a scary place and coming out whole are indescribable. Riding off the farm today was something we had never done. We stepped out in faith and returned victorious. The metaphor may seem weak, but the horses represent a whole new world for me. Everyday is a new risk-filled event. Every day, Jesus goes before me, paves the way and leads me on. Overwhelming gratitude and love for my Savior swell up and spill out, leaking and spraying ecstasy all over your/my world.

My horse is named Cool Rhythm.

Wednesday
I have been lazy about posting. But I have been horsing about a good bit. My house can show proof to that. Even now I must run to the barn and then to meet Jer at the bus. I do have laundry in the washer and in the dryer. I emptied and ran the dishwasher, and worked on putting away clothes from...get ready, from Florida. Yep, still had a huge pile that I kept moving around from the duffel bag, to the chair, to the bed, to the floor. You get the picture. I need to get back to writing. It is very good for me for many reasons.

Right now I have to grab some paperwork and run to the barn. I have stuff that must go out in today's mail. I just wanted to write something to get into the swing.

Sunny Saturday

Hi-ya,
I am back in the north. The sun is shinning today. For now. Yesterday we had sun, but it kept playing hide-in-seek. Mostly hide by late afternoon; at which time it became clear why it had to keep hiding. The winds kicked up to well, to very fierce. Grey-blue clouds growled about the horizon adding to the ominous aura of the early evening. Jer had a basketball game in Kittanning. Allen and Stacy went with us to the game and then to dinner. It was a pleasant evening.
Today looks to be a fun one too. Jer is grooming Poco getting ready to ride. I would like saddle up Cool and take her for a spin. Jer is a bit leery of two horses out at the same time. Truly I think he likes me to be free to lend a hand if he gets in a pinch. And, he is con viced Cool is the root of that's scary and evil in horses.
The blog entry today is neither witty, nor informative, or the least bit spiritually uplifting. Just wanted to let anyone who reads I am alive, and home. Life is good. I rode my horse the other day; it was good. Oh, the guy is here to work on the floor. Gotta go.
sek

Picture of Jer and Sam at Gatorland

Saturday Nite
Here we sit. Went to dinner late; then to Target for a quick stop. Dinner was wonderful, as usual. Smokey Bones is right up the road not too far and they do have great ribs. The food took a little while, but the place was really busy. The Daytona 500 is tomorrow and many people stay here in the Orlando area. Quite a few folks could be seen sporting race wear. We had to wait over an half an hour for our table. BUT we were not disappointed. Yum, yum.

Of course anyone who has ever traveled or eaten with our family would know... we eat good, darn good. Last night we went to a place called Vito's. White tablecloths, black-tied waiters(resses). HUGE steaks and chops. I had pork chops, they were incredible; almost 3" thick, fire-grilled, some kind of grilled pepper mix that included a hot variety. So you had a fantastic grilled taste coupled with a zesty pepper flavor and a melt in your mouth texture.

Not Saturday, Sunday
Well, here we sit again...same place different TV show. Tonight it was Cracker Barrel for dinner. We went there after the rodeo, and after horseback riding early in the morning. We had a very busy day. My bones are very tired, and pretty darn bounced about. An old quarter horse is a whole lot bumpier than my Paso Fino. Cool is not the best a her gait, but her on a bad day is Cadillac smoother than the trail horse I rode today. I just thought she was bumpy. We have two paint horses at home, now they have a jumpy trot, but as trotters go they are smooth. Jer's Appaloosa is pretty rough. Today's ride took the prize for most likely to bruise my bottom. I wisely took four ibuprofen before we left to ride; I just took four more a few minutes ago. Sort of a preemptive strike. Well, not too preemptive, I am already starting to ache big time.

It's funny though, all this pain only makes me long to ride my own equines. I am getting homesick for them. Pain can often be a catalyst to work, or to pursue a better quality of...of anything we are involved in. "No pain, no gain." An often spouted axiom, is based on scripture, maybe not directly from the first time spoken, but God does promise us increased character, greater spiritual strength, and a more intimate relationship with our Savior when we persevere under duress, hardship, and personal trials. So every time my bottom or legs or back start to ache I will have to remember how much fun we had enjoying the early morning Florida sunshine, the family fun that was had; all well worth a few pains. As with the pains of life the reward often equals or surpasses the painful trial. And so the gain definitely justifies the pain.

Whooppee...I am back! Well no, I am in FLORIDA! But, I am back on my blog. I feel like I have been snowed under. OK, not snowed under; it was 75* hear yesterday. Shewww, it was hot. We went to see alligators, and later we went to Dixie Stampede AND I go a whiff of my favorite cologne...HorseSense.

I have to run for now, we are on our way out the door, shopping. We had to bundle up today, long sleeves and jeans. Burr.

Cool White Sand

Well, take two. I began the tale of Travels South a few minutes ago, but somehow backspaced myself out of the working window. I wonder how different the old Apple computers work. Do they zap stuff into cyberspace as easily as the PCs or is it all about my incompetence?

Anywho, we are in Florida...just arrived here a few hours ago. The hotel is right on the ocean. I was determined if I was going to be in Florida I was going to see the ocean. By the time we checked in and took our stuff to the room it was dark. So, we tramped off behind the hotel, through the pool area, across a walkway, and up over a gazeebo. The walk continued over the dune and dumped us out on the cool sand. Of couse I had shoes on up until that time, but kicked them off just to feel the sand between my toes. The sand was not warm but I am on vacation and I am having fun. At the very least I am going to experience the ocean, the sand, and everything sunny and warm.

The walk to the water seemed to go on forever; it must have been over a hundred yards. The dark night and the cool temps gave an almost somber sense to the evening. Jer was little nervous to walk into the darkness with the sound of the ocean so far distant we could hear it, but the longer we walked it was if the waves kept creeping out. The white caps could be seen we never did get to them. The waters edge seemed miles from the roar of the rolling ocean. Toes in the shallow cool ripples was as close as we got to the big water.

I am getting tired, and worse that my throat is a bit sore. Please pray that goes away real quick. More tomorrow when we get to our house. I hope I do get to see Soppress and Felipe, I guess we can stop at the farm either way.

I think my Bible is in the car. Will have to look for a Gideons....

Cold Enough Yet?

Burrr....The temperature in the barn rose all the way to ten degrees today. The farrier was here this morning and we were in the barn for almost two hours. Jeff said he was not cold. I was OK until the last twenty minutes or so, then my toes started to lose feeling. I lied and told him I was bothered by the temps. But by the time we went into the office for me to get a check to pay for the work, I was more than a bit cold. Why could I not be "man" enough to just say yep, I'm cold. I mean I am a woman...what's the big deal for me to admit to a man that I was cold. And, it was what, ten degrees? Now, I do dress for the weather, multi-layered, good boots, a hat and a hood. Heck, I don't care what I look like. Sheesh...What kind of pride problem do I have?

I have to get to bed. I overslept this morning and I cannot do that tomorrow morning. Jer has a two hour delay but as of yet school is not canceled. I enjoyed having him home these last few days. Of course today I was busy in the morning and then did not get a chance to spend much time with him this afternoon. I had big plans for today, big plans on what I had wanted to accomplish. I must remember that tomorrow is another day. And regardless in just a few days we will be on vacation. Anything I do not get done before then, will just have to wait till we get home. And moreover, God is bigger than any of my failures. I do have my share of failures, but Jesus has already perfected them by His perfect life and His sacrifice on the cross. My prayer is that the Lord would show me the balance between resting in His Grace and standing up and stepping out in faith to become more like Him.

Me and my Girl

So what you think? Meet Cool and I down in Lexington VA last summer. We were looking pretty fine, uh-huh! The picture is a little blurry; and it didn't used to be one I liked much. But, after looking at it today I decided we did not look so bad after all. She always looks good, but the costume I am wearing was a bit uncomfortable and I felt like a geek. Geek or not you can see the love in my eyes, hers too if you look close enough. Believe it or not she was considered to be overweight at this show. We won't discuss what I was considered, which might be why the get up was not so comfortable. I remember thinking then she was a bit chubby, but the picture sure doesn't show it. I must have it bad 'cause when I look at pictures like this I get all emotional, as if Cool was my kid or something. Weird huh?

We made it to church in time for almost half of worship. I was so jazzed. It was so good to be in corporate worship. The power of God invades and captures. My spirit was lifted and revived. I will miss my church when I am in Florida, which by the way we leave for in only five days. Whoopee! I am excited, but I miss my home, Ned, my horses. Like I said, my church.

My dear friend Cynthia became a grandmother on Friday past. It's almost like I became one too. Ali has been my almost daughter for over fifteen years. I am so very proud of that young woman. God has given her a beautiful baby, but Ali is a great momma. She handled little Isabella like a pro, gentle but confident. Her sweet care was a joy to watch.

The night is again blustery to say the least. The crisp clarity of the last few eves is gone, the swirling winds are stirring up fallen snow. Blowing white coupled with overcast skies have created a heavy misty blanket of cold. Tonight my equine friends seemed a little more content to be inside. I hope to open their doors for a few hours tomorrow. Even though they were not kicking the doors down to get out, I know they must be getting cabin fever.

OK the dog needs to go out and I need to stretch my legs. I just had a funny thought though, I can post photos of us sitting around the pool enjoying the warm sunshine while I am in Florida. The pool is located right out the back door in a screened in lanai. I hope that won't cause anyone any problems....

Oh What a Nite

Pitch black, bright almost full moon, sharp piercing cold, its night again. Something about night that stirs deep emotion...Checked on the new heater in the office, seems to be working OK; but the horses are strangely quiet, their breath showing long and steamy. The peace outside the barn is fierce, but inside eerie silence. The horses seem to almost sense the coming frigid temps; expressive round eyes beg for a change of venue.

God is so good. All the time. I can trust Him now during the bitter cold. The animals do not have the hope of tomorrow. I wonder if they remember that it has been cold before, only to warm back up. How much do horses know to anticipate? They sure know when breakfast and dinner time is supposed to be.

I seem to be rambling. I am getting tired. I know that I am sure glad that God has reveled Himself to me. He has shown me His goodness and made me glad.

Winter Winds

Walking across the yard this evening I could hear the wind snarling in the distant corners of the night. Heavy darkness and fast-falling snowflakes smother all sounds local; the eerie roar of the wind and desperate peals of a few hounds trying in vain to frighten off the coming Arctic chill are the only sounds. Already the barn seems farther away than the several dozen yards I had just hiked and the black quiet settled deep into my heart. How cool is it when, an Arctic freeze, heavy snowstorm, and deep black night bring a peace and calm so sweet that all is invisible except for the beautiful face of Love, and the face belongs to Jesus.

I git by with a little help from my friends

Strength is returning, bit by bit. Thanks dear friends for your thoughts and prayers. I tended to my critters this morning. ...'felt good to get back out in it. I am more than a little weary after a normal day's activities. Truthfully, probably less than a normal day's activities. Jer needs me to help with homework.

Wise Words

Below you will find a copy of an email I received from a friend today. I believe it contains wisdom for young and old alike. Though, us just a bit older ones may find it somewhat more humorous.

Just remember:

Matthew 6:25-34 25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 28 "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

George Carlin's Views on Aging

(Absolutely Brilliant )
IF YOU DON'T READ THIS TO THE VERY END, YOU HAVE LOST A DAY IN YOUR LIFE. .

George Carlin's Views on Aging

Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we're kids?

If you're less than 10 years old, you're so excited about aging that you think in fractions. "How old are you?" "I'm four and a half!" You're never thirty-six and a half.. You're four and a half, going on five!

That's the keyYou get into your teens, now they can't hold you back. You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead. "How old are you?" "I'm gonna be 16!" You could be 13, but hey, you're gonna be 16! And then the greatest day of your life .

.. . You become 21. Even the words sound like a ceremony . YOU BECOME 21. YESSSS!!! But then you turn 30.

Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk! He TURNED; we had to throw him out. There's No fun now, you're Just a sour-dumpling. What's wrong? What's changed?You BECOME 21,

..you TURN 30,

then you're PUSHING 40...

Whoa! Put on the brakes, it's all slipping away. Before you know it, you REACH 50 And your dreams are gone.But wait!!!

You MAKE it to 60.

You didn't think you would!

So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50 and MAKE it to 60.

You've built up so much speed that you HIT 70!

After that it's a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday!

You get into your 80s and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30; you REACH bedtime And it doesn't end there.

Into the 90s, you start going backwards; "I Was JUST 92."Then a strange thing happens. If you make it over 100, you become a little kid again.

"I'm 100 and a half!" May you all make it to a healthy 100 and a half!!HOW TO STAY YOUNG

1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay "them."

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever.. Never let the brain idle. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's. (MY FAVORITE)

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our enti re life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable,improve it. If it is beyond what you can improv e, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Sick

I have been down & out for almost three days. Please pray for speedy and complete healing. I am behinder every day.
Thanks
sek