The person behind The Hermits' Rest blog and many others. I'm a certified Texas Master Naturalist and love the nature of Milam County. I manage technical writers in Austin, help with Hearts Homes and Hands, a personal assistance service, in Cameron, and serve on three nonprofit boards. You may know me from La Leche League, knitting, iNaturalist, or Facebook. I'm interested in ALL of you!
You hear that a lot, right? That people fill their lives with too much stuff, make their kids too busy, etc. true, I like to be doing things and am no good at just sitting. But I declare that some of the things that occupy my time aren’t making me busy.
All the knitting and crocheting I do calms and soothes me. I’m not busy.
I would guess that most of us have ways of looking busy that actually relax us. Some take us away from our numerous tasks and duties. You know, like reading. Dang, I read a lot of magazines. They don’t make me think for overly long stretches, and there are pretty photos.
I’m glad not all magazines have disappeared. And I’m sorry I used to think this was a yucky magazine, but it’s fascinating and full of turquoise and respectful stories about Western people.
Anyway, I just wanted to say it’s okay to fill your like with things you enjoy, even if it makes you seem too busy. Your only too busy if what you’re doing makes you upset or exhausted.
Speaking of busy, for the FIRST TIME EVER all 8 chickens laid an egg today. This didn’t even happen when they were young!
Yes, everyone is busy. My goal is to be an enriching kind of busy, surrounded by pastimes I love, beauty, and interesting people. This will keep me young and vital. I hope.
We keep busy by eating. And yes, Suna now feeds our bull buddy when we eat.
I always wonder what the animals do all say when I’m working. Today I snuck out and spied on Goldie, to see what was going on in the woods. Soon the whole pack joined her for a very important meeting with the neighbors.
Hello, hello, let’s all take our places.
Apparently, the dogs and cattle had some items to discuss, and Goldie was in charge of getting things going.
Now let’s settle down! Where the heck are the refreshments? The cows aren’t sharing their milk. It’s time for the meet and greet. Let’s all touch noses. Wait your turns, Brownie and Blackie!Now that we’re all here, let’s go over the dog agenda. You cows need to stop moving around in the woods at night. We can’t hear the coyotes and hogs for all your stomping. Wait wait! The rest of the dog committee wants to make our points! Ooh. It’s Alfred. We have to listen to him. He guards us. Let’s all touch his nose. Dang it, I’ve lost control of the meeting. You guys, get back with the group. Penney, go back inside. We’re breaking into subcommittees. Mooers to the left, stompers to the right, please. Barkers in the middle. I’m lobbying for less barking and more nose touching. Will you go along?
At the above point, Vlassic and this calf appeared deep in conversation. The calf was nodding and seriously considering what Vlassic had to offer.
Meeting adjourned! Let’s go bark, moo and stomp!
And the party is continuing as I type. The animals seem to genuinely enjoy their interactions. Humans with the agenda of napping, however, wish they’d find another venue for their get-togethers.
I ordered more yarn for the popular colors in my temperature blanket, and while on the Knitpick website I saw two books that looked interesting. First, let’s see how the blanket is coming along.
Third row, finished March 13
You can definitely see that the third part of January cooled off. The dark blue where it’s 30-35 degrees showed up and there’s even an all-blue day at the end (by the way, the dark blue is way prettier in person than in the photos where dark blue and green look black).
Better view of Celestial Blue First two rows of the blanket. Finished March 4.
The first twenty days were pretty warm, into the 70s (bright yellow and the lightest yellow). It’s going to look interesting as time goes on. Next row will go into February. I decided to make the square between months solid black at first. But now I think I’ll make it’s center the most popular temperature range of the previous month. That’s Alfalfa, the light green that represents 55-60°.
Books
So the books I got were mostly motif based. The first one is Colour Crochet Unlocked, by Jane Howorth and Dawn Curran (2023). As the title implies, it’s British. Luckily, I can translate their stitch names into American.
The cover shows projects, which are quite nice, but the part I liked best were all the interesting and not-too-hard motifs the authors share.
The back of the book. Look at those ideas!
I kept coming up with things to make with each new pattern. This book is worth owning, plus it was on sale at KnitPicks. The only part I didn’t like was the long discussion of color theory. That’s because I’ve read so many of those in various books. It’s fine for a beginner though, and quite clear.
If you need inspiration for blankets, pillows, and such, this will be a fantastic reference book. They do have garments in the pattern collection, but I like the home decor options.
The second book is from KnitPicks, Block Party: Modular Blankets (2020). You can probably guess why I got this one. I do love modular projects. Yum. The cover drew me right in.
That’s a cute blanket
There are only ten projects in this one (all knitted), but it was inexpensive. I think there was only one pattern I wasn’t interested in making, but I think I might even like it done in other colors (it was solid gray). The book is thicker than you’d think, though, because there are many, many photos of each one, including extreme closeups. I enjoyed looking at them, but if you just want patterns, it’s sort of overkill.
Back of book with more projects.
I will certainly find my next project in one of these books!
By the way, I’ve had a really good blog week. Yesterday was by far my most popular single day on this blog. Thank you all for the stories you shared about your family’s naming traditions both here and on Facebook. It was nice to write something cheerful that was popular, for once. So, here are flowers to thank you all.
Pink evening primrose Future thistle Bonus buckeye butterfly Prettiest Indian blanket Delicate dewberry Good ole bluebonnet Stork’s billRagwort
What is your middle name? Does it carry any special meaning/significance?
This was today’s blog prompt. I know I already wrote today, but wanted to contribute. My name can be difficult!
Who am I? I see my dad when I look in the mirror.
My middle name given at birth is Ann. I’m one of the few people in my immediate family who doesn’t go by their middle name. My dad, mom, brother, sister, maternal grandmother and many of my dad’s siblings go or went by their middle names. My husband does, too.
By the way, happy birthday, Ernest Lee.
I go by both my names, Sue Ann (when I’m not Suna, my self-bestowed name). I’m named for Bettye Sue (Aunt Pug) and Doris Ann, my dad’s sisters. I’m glad I got their middle names.
I think I wrote a post once about not calling me Sue. Yes. I did. So, go read that for more. I like having one of those Southern US two-word names. I do like them separated, so it’s vaguely annoying that Dell spelled my name SueAnn in their directory and what show up in email sent to me. It could be worse. Most of my Indian colleagues have some very interesting initials and truncated names in the system. You need to ask what to call them.
Names matter. Find out what people want to be called and pronounce it well. Folks appreciate it.
You know, win, place or show, like in horse racing. We came in third in all areas of the Spring Fling Working Horse Central show, in the Beginner category. That’s what we are, rank beginners, and I’m pleased as I can be.
I didn’t panic when Suna stuck ribbons on my halter.
I’d set my hopes pretty low, given how Apache fell apart last week when we tried to do the Trail stuff at Sara’s. But he coped well after spending the night at the facility last night. While our first Functionality test ever, I was awfully proud of myself for remembering the dressage pattern and for doing all that trotting. And Apache did his best, too.
We tried to be cheerful.
When it became time for our second test, the Trail, Apache was not thrilled. He didn’t want me to mount, and once I did, he descended into his old ways. I walked him outside, so he wouldn’t hurt anyone. Luckily other riders helped me get him calm, and he ended up doing all the obstacles. A couple he even did well!
Not too bad.
Apache and I were both exhausted by the time Agility came up, where we were supposed to go fast, but we stepped up and did fine. I was about to skip it, and we ended up coming close to the scores of the first and second place horses. I’ll remember this next time I’m about to give up.
Here we’re slaloming
I’m too tired to write more, and I need to go rest the toe Apache broke before we even rode. I hobbled all day. But I’m tough.
Ow.
It was great watching all the other horses and riders. They were inspirational! The other Beginners have all come far and overcome things. And Sara’s mount Sully is ready for maternity leave, so she went slowly. Aragorn did great, though, at his first show in the Novice class. He enjoyed the cantering.
Basking in her retirement Go mama!
I was calling for Aragorn (telling the next obstacle) so no photos. Apache got too many photos. It was nice of Lee to take some.
Don’t make me trot. Thanks for helping, Lee
I’m sure grateful to Tarrin, her family, and all the other helpers who made the show go well. I learned so much. Here are a few more photos for anyone who likes horse pictures. One thing I notice is I have pretty good posture. I’ll have a new topic tomorrow.
It’s been a long day, but Lee and I managed to do all the things needed to get us, the motor home, the horse trailer, and Apache to the swanky wilderness of Washington County, Texas, to try Apache at a horse show. Teamwork!
Off we went.
But first, I want to thank everyone for being kind to me after yesterday’s blog about my son. I appreciate it.
My other son made this excellent shiplap wall.
Today I’m talking about patience and how it pays off with horses (and other things). I’m happy to say that patiently working with Apache has gotten us to where we can try a show. I don’t even mind if he falls apart again, because I know he CAN do nearly all the required things and even enjoys them. And he did fine riding over here, too.
I’m more excited than I look, honest.
My biggest reward for patience came yesterday. I decided that I had time to groom all the horses after I got them in their pens. I figured I’d just try to put a brush on Mabel and call it good. That would be progress, letting me do that when she wasn’t tied up.
You underestimated me!
I talked to her and started brushing her (not the tough curry comb, but the grooming brush). I tried her neck. Good. Shoulders. Fine. Stomach, she leaned in! And haunches were no problem. I even did her legs. I saw no signs of distress or discomfort!
Look, my mane has no hay in it.
It was very satisfying to get the stuff out of her mane, too. I was very tired of looking at mud balls in there, plus all the hay. And ah, now that she has a tail, it’s lovely to brush. No tangles or anything, almost like human hair.
Well, this is unflattering and the tail doesn’t even show up. Poor horse.
I was so pleased at how the session went, especially because she continued to stay with me and ask for more petting and rubbing when I was done. She let me rub between her ears! Next we will go on walks.
Here she’s alerting me to a huge piece of farm equipment.
This is all so good. It makes up for the fact that I’m wheezing again, probably from breathing in so much hair, dirt, and hay dust. It’s okay, though. The doctor said I’m healthy except I need Vitamin D. Not bad for an old broad.
Enjoy some phlox and bluebonnets on the roadside today. This is such a great time of year in Texas.
What is one question you hate to be asked? Explain.
This is the daily blogging prompt. When I saw it, I immediately knew the answer. It’s really hard on me when people ask:
How is your son?
Every time I’m asked, I’m reminded that it’s been years since I heard from him directly. One day he said he needed some time before he’d talk to me again, and that was that. So, I really don’t know how he is, other than indirectly.
Small melilot, bluebonnets, and Indian paintbrush, because I need a picture.
Maybe someday I’ll know what caused the rift. Maybe not. As I’m repeatedly reminded, it’s the estranged person’s right to do what they need to do, and that should be respected.
It’s not at all helpful to speculate about possible reasons for the situation, because I have no way to know. His father won’t talk to me about it, nor will anyone in his household. I’m glad they respect his wishes, and if the situation were reversed, I would be grateful.
When I’m sad, I hug Fiona. She always seems to like me.
Still, I’m human and a mother who loves her children unconditionally. So, it hurts to be asked how my son is doing. I wish him peace and love, and respect his wishes.
I’m always being warned by people wiser than me that I should expect ups and downs with Drew and Apache. Monday was a big down for Apache, with his difficulty settling down.
And I’d been concerned that I’d messed up with little Droodles, too. But today was extra encouraging. He came up and asked to go out. He was rewarded by a chance to do more “mowing” and enjoy the removal of excess hair. He’s looking good.
I’m playful, too!
I wish I had a picture of him standing there watching me and Apache when I groomed him. He is really looking like a healthy horse.
I look like a healthy Bull!
As for Apache, he was back to his new normal today. He jumped great going left and medium going right. And he cantered up a storm in the round pen, looking happy.
These flowers made me happy. The dewberries smell great.
Our ride was just great, too. We did a bunch of the things in the Trail test just fine. I was so pleased. Lee said all he heard while working on the RV was “good boy, Patchy!” I did say it a lot. I am not so concerned about the show this weekend. We will get lots done tomorrow and Friday, and he will have fun.
I had fun breathing on Suna, gluing myself to her, and trying to eat the eggs. She wouldn’t let me.
And in honor of International Woman’s Day, here’s our girl Mabel, leaving her leftovers to her buddy Apache.
To be truthful, the number one thing I’m grateful for is my tack room. It smells pretty good in here for a room full of horse feed.
It’s clean, mouse free, and cheerful. And not stinky.
Number 2: Happy horses. Apache is calm again today, Drew has been running around with Dusty, and Mabel has let me rub all over her.
Nice smelly thing, with view of Dusty putting his leg in his food tub.
Number Three: Good health news about dear friends. I was so relieved to learn a former neighbor is recovering from a bad stroke, and my friend Jeff got his eye worked on again.
Number 3.5: the goldfish enjoying their evening snack (food that falls off horse lips after they eat)
Number Four: Returning birds. I was greeted by the sweet sound of a red-winged blackbird this morning. Plus, the barn swallows are swooping and chattering outside my office. I love that sound.
Swallow at work
Number Five: I got to see some local friends when I went to get a prescription filled. I was off really early because I’d started work at 6 am today. You can edit a lot of job aids in that silence.
I’m Not Grateful for…
Why was I working so early? Because I was awakened by the familiar horror of skunk breath. Yep, Goldie got another one. Once more I had to remove pitiful remnants of an animal who was where it shouldn’t have been. Once more Lee and I were trying to deodorize a giant dog. Ugh. But the rest of my day has been fine.
Geez. It was a challenging day. At least I was able to pick some pretty wildflowers.
Yes. My desk is cluttered.
I decided after last weekend that Apache was ready to do some shows. Today I went to Sara’s house to film him doing the Trail test, which is mostly stuff he has done many times at Tarrin’s or my house. I got him clean and put on a show outfit.
Ready to go, carrying my soda and stuff.
We managed to get over there without disturbing the Haggard the bull, but we walked, just in case. But once we got to Sara’s, where she has done a GREAT job setting up a course to film on, Apache indicated he was not interested in my agenda.
I did my best to show him the obstacles, like the pole and flag he dealt with Saturday with no issues. Then I went to get into the saddle and he kept stepping away. That was a hint. I probably should have listened.
But instead I got on, and Apache turned into 2021 Apache. He was totally nerved out. I was patient. I breathed. He just couldn’t settle down. I’ll spare you the details of how I probably should not have tried picking up the pole. Or doing anything.
Sara encouraged me to at least film trying to go through the course once he was a little calmer. We did at least visit each obstacle. At a walk. It’s a baseline. And we did what we could do under the circumstances.
My sweaty boy and I dragged ourselves home, only to have some random black cow come after us as we walked down the drive. I just yelled at her and she stopped and glared at us.
Fine. Then I looked at our gate. What did I see? This guy.
I’m bulky
Now, he’s a friendly bull, but I didn’t want to take any chances with a tired horse and me coming in. So, I headed over to take a chance at walking Apache down the road. But no, there was no gate that would let us bypass the cattle guard. Argh.
But there WAS a gate at the far end of our pasture, nowhere near Haggard. So we trekked the long way and made it back, with only a little scare when all the other horses came running up and I hoped they wouldn’t break through the “electric” fence that really isn’t.
Apache got rinsed off and loved on when we were back. He couldn’t help being nerved out. And I’m really glad I have leftover ice cream cake. I’ve had enough adventures for one day.
I feel like Anita did last night, like something heavy is on me.
The Hermits' Rest 