Oregon in Late February
I'm up in Oregon tending to my sister Barbie who had rotator cuff surgery on Monday. This is not fun for her, but is an interesting change of pace for me. I'm loving the green, wet, cool, fresh, clean, blooming, quiet, restful, healthy, natural, organic, available, thoughtful lifestyle that surrounds us. I can breathe and think deeply as I walk. And I can walk almost everywhere.

Here's an old picture of Holly and me when we were both teenagers. I posted this before and wrote a little entry about our relationship here.

Busy little Mudranch tagged me to post an old photo and I'm afraid that is the only one I have other than the photo of me on my stick-horse I use as my icon. Sorry to be so repetitive. I actually love that picture and I certainly did love that horse.

Floyd

Cats seem to know things that are only in our minds. This boy acts like he already knows I'm leaving for a few weeks and is becoming more and more clingy. He's the fur-ball who has to get into my suitcase and be sure I have some of him to take along. I could use his whole coat since I'll be up in Oregon. I only have sweatshirts and sweaters down here, OH, but wait, I do have one barn coat. Think I should wash it? Maybe Floyd could give it a good licking.

Ponying Bella In The Desert

It was wonderful and satisfying to lead Bella with her mother. There was no fighting the halter or pulling away. She came along like she had done it many times before. She's such a smart girl. She and her mother both got a little grain and turned out when we got back to the ranch.

Yes, and happy Valentine's Day to you too, Sunrise. You are a couple of days premature.

Always working on new material.

I especially like to ask for backing up both before and after a little lunging session. I have gotten her to back through the in/out gate now and she never tries to rush out. She must be anticipating having to turn around and back out. I don't have tons of confidence in myself as a real horse trainer but so far she is willing to work with what I ask. Someone mentioned bridling a horse and tying their head to the side OVERNIGHT to get them bending properly. Oh my. Makes me want to throw up. Can you spell torture? Bella bends with very slight pressure and I have even got her to come around by just tapping her side. Working poco a poco is much better for both of us. Anyway, she's coming along and I'm crazy about her.

I'm An Earth Rat

so happy New Year.

February's Desktop Picture

These are sequential pictures from this morning. I peaked over my right shoulder as I was reading MiKael's blog this morning and found the possibility of something picture worthy unfolding out there. The first one was the clue that if I was patient for 5 minutes I might get some copper-colored water as the sky brightened. This also reminds me that the sun is definitely marching north.
Yeah for Groundhog Day!