Barnstorming

I can’t help but rave about Laura Crum’s latest release.  I love this story from the start with Cutter to the 12^th book, Barnstorming.  The story of veterinarian, Gail McCarthy, began with her adventures at the age of 31.  This also happened to be my age when I discovered the series a few years ago.  It was so easy to relate to the characters.  With each book Gail ages and her life evolves.  The story is so engaging that every year I make time to reread each book in the sequence.  I don’t plan on changing this tradition.   

The story is full of excitement, suspense, and, of course, horses.  Laura Crum does a fantastic job of telling a story that moves quickly but has the detail needed to really relate to the characters, human and horse, alike.  The main character, Gail, struggles with decisions about family and career at the same time dealing with life and death situations and a mystery that keeps your on your toes. 

I made a day of this book.  I found a very rare opening in my hectic life and sat on the couch with a drink and snacks and just read the book cover to cover.  The feeling I got as I read the last page was bittersweet.  It was delightful to enjoy the experience but disappointing that it was over.  I could give you a book report and summarize the story but that would just ruin it for you.  Get the book.  Or better yet, order the entire series.  I did and have never regretted it.

The Way it Goes

It's about time for an update. Becca has been a doll. I'm riding her every week and she is doing fantastic. Last weekend, I took her on a 4 mile trail ride down turn rows and across streets and a low water crossing. She took it all in stride and was a pleasure to ride. And then she worked great in the rodeo arena. She is even loading better. This issue came up when she realized that getting in the trailer meant we were going to work. And work is something she hadn't done in alot of years. The point is I have my own RIDING horse and I love her. It's like getting a new horse but better.

Diesel is another story. He had been sound for 2 weeks. The custom shoes where working and the pain from the navicular and bone chips was minimal to none. He was even sound at a lope. So my plan was to ride him and Bec this afternoon. But you know how it goes....

He didn't come up for breakfast. He just stood with one leg cocked. Uh oh. I walk out to him and see no swelling or cuts or bites. As I got close it was painfully obvious something was very wrong with his stifle. So after bute and hydro-ing for awhile the vet arrived. His thought is patellar tendon tear. It is hard without mobile xray or ultrasound. We wait and bute and hydro and see. So, this is the way it goes. Always something. I hope this gets better. Regardless of the fact that Diesel is a incredibly expensive, gorgeous pasture ornament, I still am fond of him and hope he can live happily ever after.