Bliss

I spent the evening snuggling with Diesel. He hung around cuz he was hungry. I admit...I tricked him into hugs. He was just waiting for dinner. Nevertheless, we bonded. He is a character. It is more than a fluke, though. He loves his people. He hung around while I cleaned the water trough. Sniffed my butt while I scrubbed. Stood still for me to wash the mud out of his hair. So vain.





I spent the last few hours sitting in the shade soaking in the evening. I really have a nice place here. Yep, bragging just a little bit.

Missed a Spot

I am horrible at applying sunscreen. A few small, uneven spots on my legs are causing a great deal of pain. Cry like a baby. Can't wait to see how bad the tan lines are later. But, the kayak trip was fabulous.

How does this relate to 3ChunkyMonkies? I feel a need to ride despite no one being around. However, there is NO WAY I am putting on pants. Ain't happening.

I am ecstatic about boot shopping in a couple of weeks. I'm making a run to Houston and am gonna try on some field boots. So much fun. I have had them on the wish list for over 2 years. Zip back boots, of course. I have no one to pull dress boots off :)

I've decided to use my back yard as an arena. Not quite big enough but just as big as the old trainers covered arena. I rode my short-strided mare back then, though...not a behemoth. Should help with balance.

Becca has had another diet change. The grazing muzzle is not working well. She has worn a large hole in the mouthpiece and it is rubbing her face as well as causing a bump on her nose. She is now eating a bran mash with a few oats and a bit of oil. Hoping this will help improve her hoof growth. We'll see. So far, a week in, she still has excess gas. I miss riding my Bec.

Ride 'Em Cowgirl

Hard to believe the last two rides have been western. I rode the fenceline this evening in search of the elusive ground. I have gone over that stupid electric fence 3 times now. Can't find the problem. I thought I had it tonight. Found it twisted around the permanent fence in one spot. That wasn't it. It's not the charger, not the ground ( I watered it), not the corner that busted. Tomorrow I'll get another look at it. The point is....I rode the fenceline on my trusty steed.

Priss is a saint. I love her. She is solid, confident, calm. I had a good ride. My butt hurts in weird places. Doesn't do that English. We only had one problem with our ride. Diesel. He was pushy and feeling good. He did not respect my space at all. I wanted to beat him. He crowds me when I ride someone else. At one point I was in position to whack him for getting too close...I held nothing back. Can't have a behemoth charging and kicking when I ride. Dangerous. And scary when the ground begins to shake before the freight train (Diesel, get it?) comes blasting past. The ground shakes...then the pooters begin. He stepped on ALOT of frogs :) I would be more mad if he wasn't having so much fun. I love for the horses to jump and stretch and frolic. Just not near me, thanks. After the ride, I lunged Diesel pretty hard. I asked nicely and if he kicked those legs out at me, I growled and pushed him forward until his attitude changed. Had to push twice. After cool off, he gave me his attention and respect. Little gals must behave, big boy will behave or I go squish. Not cool. He has his days. Saturday I was in love with him. He stood still for an hour waiting on the farrier. No hissy fits. Much respect. Saturday was good, today bad.

But Priss....Saturday good, Monday great. I love her. Worth a billion bucks. No lie. My life is blessed.

Heartbreak

I love my house. It is a great neighborhood with kind people. But not everyone. Tonight my neighbors dog ran off. They went in search of him but could not find him. As the sun went down, we worried in the yard, thinking he must be having a grand ole time. He hobbled up in great pain. Someone shot him. Who shoots little Chihuahuas? He's obviously cared for, wears a collar. One of my neighbors shot him. He was rushed to the vet. I'm waiting to hear. It could have easily been my Scruff. Say a prayer for Julian. He's in bad shape.

And while I am emotional, might as well share this: My grandmother read this poem last year and sent it to me. We buried her last week.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle Autumn’s rain.
When you waken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled light.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
So do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there. I did not die.

UPDATE: Julian did not make it. He survived surgery but the damage was too great. He had been shot twice. He had been kicked so hard his jaw was broken. What is wrong with people?