Today was cold, but the sun was shining, so I spent as much time as I could outside. It’s gonna get icky again, so I wanted to enjoy one last nice day for a while.
Ah, sun
The horses were out in the far pasture, where there is plenty of grass, apparently, since they’ve ignored their latest hay bale. Drew has been mowing down bur clover, which I’m ok with.
Mmm. Grass.
Apache doesn’t like clover, thankfully. It wound probably make him sick. He’s moody this weekend, anyway, and he managed to find more burs, but he was easier to groom than last week!
I’m ignoring y’all.
I looked at a lot of birds today, too. All the savanna sparrows were using the new pond as a bird bath this morning. It was so charming to watch them wading and splashing. Too bad my photos don’t show them well. It entertained me, though.
You can sort of see them.
It was frosty, too. I love the shiny grass. The winter here can be wonderful. I can see birds better in the bare trees, I’m not sweaty, and it rains some. Droughts are no fun.
Chilly!
You can’t miss the mistletoe in the trees, which is our main seasonal decoration this year. I laugh when people say they are looking for it. We have plenty to share!
The green stuff is mistletoe.
The moral to my story is enjoy your good days, and don’t take them for granted. Enjoy a few more pictures from yesterday and today.
Apache is jealous of my food Dinner is better on the ground
Ooh doggies, it was nippy today. It wasn’t that cold, really, but the wind was fierce. And it kept drizzling all day. What a great day for horse lessons, right?
That’s a big NO from both Apache and super-bundled Tarrin.
It hadn’t felt too bad in the morning, but it got worse and worse. By the time Tarrin got to my house, I think she was glad to go in the tack room and warm up a bit. I needed to defrost from scraping the layers of mud off Apache. He literally had mud balls hanging from his mane and scattered across his coat.
But look, I’m a magnificent steed, he says. There is still mud on him; don’t be fooled.
That was the least pleasant grooming session I can remember. And he was not a happy guy at first. As you can see, he was physically great. But mentally he appeared to be elsewhere.
Magnificent steed, magnificent steed, going where I please…
It was pretty hilarious when I rode him. The wind was whipping through my layers and my teeth were chattering, but I soldiered on asking him to walk briskly then stop, a thing he is normally fine with. Nope.
No one said it would always be fun. Here he’s backing up. Again.
He got to do it a lot until he deigned to stop like he should. Then he got to do something else. Hooray. Funny boy.
Drew would like it to be his turn. Note that I, too, am bundled. The wind whipped through even my heat-reflecting layer.
That’s Drew in his new fancy rope hackamore that Tarrin re-tied after I botched it. Knots are not either of our strong suits. It’s pretty, though! I now know how to loop it and stuff. What a cowgirl.
You HAD to buy a bit, Suna?
It was not ideal to learn to use the new bridle and two pairs of reins with frozen hands, but now I figure it will feel great when it’s nicer outside. Drew was very patient getting his chin strap put on (it came from my surplus collection from when I got the trailer, so it doesn’t match yet), then with me putting the bridle on and off repeatedly.
I’m tired of the fiddling, says Drew. I’m jealous of those mittens, says Suna.
Drew was way more cooperative than Apache, since he’s used to riding in bad weather. We even side passed better. I’m working on reins, but getting there. It’s fun learning with him. He tries and so do I!
The picture of endurance. Thanks for the photographic proof, Tarrin!
After Tarrin got to go home, we took a road trip to look at yet another potential mobile office for Lee. The weather was spooky. That’s what got “In the Bleak Midwinter” going through my mind. It was gray on gray.
Bleak
Nonetheless the day was saved by the treat of going to dinner at the famous German restaurant in Wahlberg. We hadn’t been in years. I sure enjoyed my Hefeweizen and the sauerkraut. Ahh.
Yum.
The place wasn’t too crowded, so it didn’t feel all germy and they had a huge fire in the fireplace. I even enjoyed the Wahlberg Band, which featured much excellent yodeling. No, honest, it was good! What a pleasant change of pace.
Time to yodel!
Tomorrow should be sunny, so it won’t be so bad riding and exercising. Maybe Apache will act like his mature self! If not, I’ve always got crochet and football.
PS: hi to my step-sister and spouse. Loved your card.
The height of “fall color” has arrived, and I’m really enjoying looking at it.
My view.
But oh my goodness, I am sick and tired of being sick and tired! How long can a cold last, anyway? How much mucous can one nasal cavity hold? I guess I am going to find out, because I feel just awful, still.
Head toward the light, Vlassic!
I had 5 straight hours of meetings this morning, many of which required speaking and acting intelligent. That was no easy task. And before the weather gets bad again, I want to ride Apache and Drew. But I feel like crap.
Thanks, trees.
I got to wondering if maybe this is more than a cold, so I took yet another COVID test, but it just mocked me.
That’s a negative
I had been thinking COVID because I am tired and if I exercise a lot, it’s hard to breathe. But hey, a cold will do that, too. Or maybe the flu tests missed some kind of flu and I have that. All I know is I’m almost finished with antibiotics, which means I’ll probably get a sinus infection next. (Yes, I take probiotics.)
That brush pile may be ugly, but it houses a lot of white-crowned sparrows!
Anyway, that’s my whine. I am tired of being sick, even if I’m a Bad Ass, according to my coworker who sent a mug just like hers. That was a kind gesture, wasn’t it? And yes, I look like I feel. Crappy.
When the fall color arrives here in the middle of Texas, it’s subtle, and you don’t see it coming. I love this season and take comfort in the quiet beauty of our cedar elms and oaks as they prepare to lose their leaves for the winter.
I see some orange and yellow out there.
Today dawned sunny and crisp, but not cold. It was a welcome relief to see the sun for the first time in many days, and even more welcome was the sight of the new pond finally completely full and draining to the other side of the dam. After four cloudy, drizzly days, we had a large front move through overnight that brought enough rain to fill the drought-parched tanks for the first time since last spring. I guess the drought is over, at last.
It’s full!
I keep you healthy
The way this season has crept up reminds me of how I’ve been moving into the autumn of my life and not realizing it. I’ve been lucky to be very healthy since we came out to the Hermits’ Rest and have been growing stronger and more capable thanks to working with the horses and other animals.
Realistically, I am old.
But this illness that came up last week has been a very unsubtle reminder that I’m not a young person anymore. A cold that I’d usually just power through over a few days has made me weak and tired. I didn’t expect that at all. I keep trying to go out and get things done, only to feel worse and fall asleep for a few hours. I’m not bouncing back.
I am glad that it’s been so wet and muddy out, because it the weather had been good, I know I’d have been trying to force myself out to work with Drew, who needs me on him and working with him. But our working area is a little lake right now, and I am barely able to maneuver across the muck to get the food buckets for the poor horses. (They are not suffering; in fact, I think they are enjoying the pleasant temperatures and the abundant hay.)
And the horses have puddles to stomp in.
As I’m pulling myself out of the depression episode and feeling my mortality more than usual, it’s taking effort to not go into reflective mode and dwell on goals not achieved, mistakes made, and errors unaddressed. The sun’s helping me remind myself that I’m still able to learn new things, be kind to those who’ll accept kindness, and forgive others.
I should do more looking at reflections and less reflecting. This is the creek, with water at last.
While it’s true that I notice my memory failing and don’t know how much longer I’ll be a useful member of society, I do have confidence that no matter what, I’ll be able to enjoy each new autumn when it arrives. It may just be different from now on as I go from the autumn to the winter of life.
Now, that’s a pondSo much betterHackberry leavesLook! Color!Happy hedgerowPretty seedsCoral vineStinkhorn!Autumn in the Walker’s Creek area
Yesterday was US Thanksgiving. I didn’t blog, because, thanks to still being sick, all my energy was taken up with cooking. I’m glad to report, that with some help and good cheer, the meal came out great and everyone in our little ranch community had fun.
Lee could not help, as he had a giant dog on his lap. (Joke)
It rained all day again. We aren’t getting much each day, but it’s helping. Between the dismal weather and my throbbing sinuses, I didn’t want to be out much, anyway.
Dismal
Today I’ve felt a little better, so I went to the Red House to remove fall decor and make it look Christmas-like, since that’s the thing people do nowadays. I discovered the new wardrobe had arrived for the second bedroom. It’s rather large. Some rearranging will be needed.
I put it sideways but need help lifting the rugPretty details
There are now king sized pillows on the big bed, too, though I need to exchange one of the shams’ pillow for the new ones. New ones are pretty lumpy and would be better for shams, but I got too tired to switch them out. Darned cold. In fact, I fell asleep after writing the previous sentence. I’m tired
Otherwise it’s looking subtly like winter holidays are coming. Or perhaps it’s kitschy. I did my best. Maybe we have a guest this weekend. Still wanting a couple of “test guests” before going all out.
I also got a couple of baskets and decor items. Most of the stuff I found in a cabinet. I bought the big red ball. Stuff from Bobcat houseDittoThe kitsch department This looks good.
So far, the best suggestion I’ve gotten is to leave a few books out. That’s a good idea. I can leave some of the novels I’ve read and a couple of Texas books.
Fake books don’t count.
Time to go home and rest and drink plenty of fluids. I’m thankful for you readers and friends. You make my life richer.
A cold front blasted through this morning. Declan mowed the yard, and we were comfortably discussing how he should wait to trim until later, when a huge gust of wind came and instantly lowered the temperature. Declan said, “Hello, winter.” It’s a powerful front that has lowered the temperature at least 20 degrees and brought a lot of rain.
The downspouts got their first workout. Gurgle.
Usually if it rains hard here, we get a flood. But while we got a lot, it didn’t instantly refill the ponds. I was happy to go out to the new pond a couple of times to see it wasn’t full all the way, and now was slowly filling.
You can see it’s higher after a couple of hours, but still has a ways to go before it’s full.
The arroyo and front pasture are nicely draining into the pond, and I hope not washing too much dirt away. Some grass had started to grow. I’m encouraged, though.
The front draining Coming in from the arroyo
The dogs weren’t thrilled by the thunder and stayed close to me all day. Well, except when the cows and calves decided to stand right by our fence and moo. And the calves enjoyed the rain and we’re playing, which especially outraged Harvey. It was hard to work (in between internet outages).
Stay near Mom!I’m scaredSandy noseHow dare they get so close!Taking care of business.
It may be cold and wet, but we’re cozy. Sending cozy thoughts your way.
I’m always telling you all how much being out in nature helps me deal with my chronic anxiety and Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD). Today I’m really taking advantage of it and pulling out all the stops with nature, cuteness, and sunshine helping me deal with how people treat me and (the worst) the fact that it’s the second Tuesday in November in the USA. Election Day. I sure hope that voting tradition continues!
I’ve been voting since this time of year in 1976, when someone I truly admire to this day got elected, Jimmy Carter. I believe there’s only been one other time I actually admired a Presidential candidate. The rest I had deep reservations about or was just okay with. This year, we just deal with governors. I did vote for a few governors I liked, especially when I lived in Illinois. But I just hope that I continue to have the right to my personal freedoms and can feel safe in the future. And this is why I need warm fuzzies and cute animals to cheer me up.
Just pet our muddy selves and you will feel better, Suna.
You’re supposed to say what you’re thankful for nowadays. It spans all of November, not just the US Thanksgiving holiday like it used to. I guess it’s to help us remember what is still there for us. I’m thankful for the friendly animals in my life, like Christmas the bull over at Tarrin’s house.
Who wouldn’t be cheered up after petting that fuzzy head and being licked by his giant black tongue?
My merry band of horses, who are enjoying the front pasture, the new pond’s hill, and the mud.
Fun times in the front pasture
A lot of the time, though, I just need to breathe and look at the sky. While I missed the lunar eclipse last night (Lee was sure it was tonight), I did enjoy the sight of a beautiful sun dog in the afternoon sky. I love those cloud rainbows!
I also loved the rain we received over the past few days. It was supposed to rain again today, but maybe it won’t. At least new grass is growing and it’s no longer crunchy outside.
I’m breathing more steadily now and resolve to continue to treat people the way I’d like to be treated and assume people are doing the best they can. This reminder I saw on Facebook really rings true and has helped me for the past week or so.
Peace to all. Let’s try not to live in fear, especially of our neighbors.
There isn’t much going on. It threatened to rain here all day, but didn’t until evening. Lee and I went to the Lowe’s and Target stores in Temple (the town, not a synagogue, even though it was Friday afternoon), where it did rain a bit.
Two crocheted items, my finished ruana and in-progress blanket, have me cozy.
Dodging raindrops got me chilly, though I was glad we got most of the bedding for the vacation rental so it can get going soon.
I got home in time for a dinner and gabfest with Anita (and the very nice server at the Central Avenue Bistro), where I got all caught up on Pickle the dog’s adventures.
I dressed up! Lipstick and green jewelry. Much better than the hay encrusted ensemble I had on five minutes earlier.
Nice normal day other than the rain that we humans welcome and the thunder the dogs hate.
It was a wondrous and ephemeral morning. When I went out to feed the chickens I was surrounded by a swirling fog and glistening dew. I stood there and watched the hens enjoying treats inside a cloud.
Great start to my day.
I turned to go back inside and glanced at the RV parked next to the garage. That’s when I found Nature’s jewels.
They were dancing in a light breeze
As I looked around I realized the spiders had been very busy around the house, catching so many bugs for us. The dew just highlighted their artistry and industry. Thank you, spiders. I hope you enjoy what I found.
The beauty of the morning helped me get through some painful memories, so I was truly thankful.
Drippy willowThese are killdeer Sparrows coming in for a landing
Now about those lumps of coal. It’s not coal. It’s those ubiquitous cockleburs.
Mommy, fix it!
We plan to move the horses to the pasture with the hay ring, so I went out with my loppers to eradicate the burs growing there. What a pain. But everything east of the pond is in the burn pile!
Bye bye.
Those things are so persistent. They were all over me today, too. But all equines are now bur free.
Grr. On my fancy shirt.
And thanks to the rain, they are still growing! Why are their flowers so pretty?
Sigh
Tomorrow’s lunch hour will see me out lopping away between the pond and the driveway. I’m not giving up! And hey, I’ll get to enjoy the new life in the pond, where I saw bullfrogs this afternoon. I’m pretty sure there are new dragonfly larvae for them to enjoy.
It was a wondrous and ephemeral morning. When I went out to feed the chickens I was surrounded by a swirling fog and glistening dew. I stood there and watched the hens enjoying treats inside a cloud.
Great start to my day.
I turned to go back inside and glanced at the RV parked next to the garage. That’s when I found Nature’s jewels.
They were dancing in a light breeze
As I looked around I realized the spiders had been very busy around the house, catching so many bugs for us. The dew just highlighted their artistry and industry. Thank you, spiders. I hope you enjoy what I found.
The beauty of the morning helped me get through some painful memories, so I was truly thankful.
Drippy willowThese are killdeer Sparrows coming in for a landing
Now about those lumps of coal. It’s not coal. It’s those ubiquitous cockleburs.
Mommy, fix it!
We plan to move the horses to the pasture with the hay ring, so I went out with my loppers to eradicate the burs growing there. What a pain. But everything east of the pond is in the burn pile!
Bye bye.
Those things are so persistent. They were all over me today, too. But all equines are now bur free.
Grr. On my fancy shirt.
And thanks to the rain, they are still growing! Why are their flowers so pretty?
Sigh
Tomorrow’s lunch hour will see me out lopping away between the pond and the driveway. I’m not giving up! And hey, I’ll get to enjoy the new life in the pond, where I saw bullfrogs this afternoon. I’m pretty sure there are new dragonfly larvae for them to enjoy.
The Hermits' Rest 