The Hermits' Rest

Wandering with Visitors

It’s always fun to show off where you live to visitors, and there’s so much to show off these days! So today I took my intrepid visiting friends on a walking/driving tour of our small town. I also got to visit some places I wanted to go!

After a peaceful morning, we headed to the bakery for what I guess was brunch. We sat up in the mezzanine to watch the “action” around the square, of which there was none. But that’s okay.

Next we headed to the antique shop where I got to chat with the folks there while Patty found a celluloid thimble to buy. In ZX I got some wine and David got an eclipse shirt, while Patty found a really cute top. They enjoyed all the art and memorabilia We peeked in the windows of the Venue to see the work our family members helped with.

I got Sherrie Jo and Patty to pose in front of the restored signage.

We wandered to the old jail, which really is an impressive building. I forget how cool it is!

Both the architecture and the grounds are quite beautiful. It’s very well kept.

Of course we visited the Chamber of Commerce, where everyone was friendly. At this point I’m sure the visitors must have thought I knew everyone in town, which was further confirmed when we went in the Bling Box. I got my yearly pair of Corky’s flip flops.

Finally we hit the museums. I hadn’t seen the railroad museum since it moved. They did such a great job on rebuilding the train layouts. The ceiling is a sky, too. I need to go back and read more about the local railroads.

Cameron and its environs. Volunteers have done amazing work.

Finally we went into the local history museum, which is a lot more fun now. We identified a strange object that looked like a bulldog holding a tuning fork as an old curling iron, and next figured out what the item pictured below is.

It was warming up, so we took a drive around town to see the sights. I got to see Anita’s house with its new paint job. It looks sharp! I’ll have to get a photo. We got food for dinner and headed home.

There I did enjoy the finished roof on the tack room. It looks quite snazzy now. I also have Apache pain meds and his normal meds. He was walking, but not yet normally. So it’s Plan B for the show tomorrow.

We had hot tub time, a fun dinner and lots of conversation through the afternoon and evening. Lee showed Patty lots about bookbinding, while all us women crafted (Sherrie Jo was embroidering pillow cases, Patty was crocheting a rug, and I finished another row on the 2024 temperature blanket.

After dinner we fired up the fire pit, which was quite beautiful. So was the sunset.

The only things that marred the evening were a big ole dog fight (in which Carlton and Harvey both got owies) and Apache breaking out of the dry lot into the small paddock. There he proceeded to call to the other horses and race back and forth along the fence line. Hmm. Racing. I guess the pain meds kicked in. He’s staying home tomorrow anyway.

I sure enjoyed having guests and hope they make it to their eclipse destinations safely. Who’s next to visit?

Sportsing and Friending

What Olympic sports do you enjoy watching the most?

Two topics today: visitors and Olympic sports.

Since the prompt is about sports, I’ll answer that first. I’m not sure I’d decided on a favorite Olympic sport, but upon reflection, I realized all the sports I like most involve twisting and flying in the air. I also figured out that I like winter sports the best.

So, in summer Olympics, I enjoy gymnastics and skateboarding. I had to check to see if skateboarding was still going to be in. Yes. Much twisting. I also like equestrian jumping.

In winter sports, I like ice skating, ski jumping, and snowboarding. Very twisty. I just love watching those sports, none of which I can do myself.

As for visitors, I’ve been looking forward to some old friends from my LLL days to come here for months now. They arrived from different directions within five minutes of each other!

So nice to have a guest motorhome, and space to park a guest’s motorhome.

My friend Patty from Arizona drove here in her very cute travel van. She’s already visited some interesting spots and will continue her adventures at a ranch in the best part of the solar eclipse on Monday and then on to parks and sights on the way back.

Sherri Jo and David are here from the Seattle area. He was skiing in various mountain areas until heading here after picking Sherri Jo up in Dallas. They’re going to a cool house on Lake Travis to watch the eclipse with friends. That also sounds fun!

We talked a lot and sat in the hot tub. Well, I didn’t, because I was checking on Apache constantly. He’s walking but not well. I knew it was time for another setback, darn it. I gave him pain meds and took him off the grass. Hoping that helps.

Work started on the fence that will let me manage grazing more easily.

After swimming, we went to the Central Avenue Bistro for the longest meal ever. Wow the service was slow. The food was good, and it was nice to have Anita join us. I got the bonus of seeing friends, too. It’s sure nice to have guests occasionally! I treasure time with dear friends.

I drove them around after dinner and showed them the town at night. People invited us to drink wine as we drove past the ZX place. It sure made Cameron seem friendly!

I look forward to tomorrow. We will do more Cameron activities, such as they are followed by dinner. And maybe I’ll get in the hot tub.

Cowgirl Kendall Is Tired

That might be my first and last Beyoncé reference ever. Between work, running to pick up new glasses (yay for vision), and yet more horse issues, I’m tired as heck, so this will be short.

Apache seemed sore yesterday, so I put his boots on today. It’s good he’s patient, because I’m not very elegant about putting outfits on horses. I put my back out with all the bending, crawling, and tugging, so now we’re both sore.

Here you can see the new glasses have a wee bit of Suna excitement by being purple.

Later, he stomped on my foot with an unshod hoof. That’s always the human’s fault. My foot should not have been there. But now that’s bruised, too. Not a lot of riding occurred today (I did get on, but he said, “nope.” Since he’d moved around and trotted with me on the ground and he was very polite in his refusal, I took his word for it.

Dang, I hope he’s better soon, since there’s another show Saturday. I’ll give him (and me) pain meds tomorrow. His will be delivered in applesauce since he also now only eats grass. It’s always something to keep me on my toes!

Tomorrow starts a fun and busy few days, so I’m gonna wrap things up. I don’t want to disturb Carlton; he’s also tired.

Drew’s Reform School Report Card

You may remember that my beautiful gray gelding, Andrew or Drew or Droodles had some behavior issues brought on by an undetermined injury, so he had to go back to the trainer for remedial education. I’m just kidding, Tarrin and her team have been working to rehab him.

Note that he is still beautiful and much lighter than last year.

I’ve seen him when I take lessons with Apache, and of course I’ve been getting updates, but today was my first time seeing his progress. Tarrin wanted me to see how he’s doing and make sure I’m good with the next steps.

It was very windy today, which made him look glamorous.

One good thing about today was that, since I didn’t have an Apache lesson, Sara was able to bring Jhayati, who’s now 11 months old and learning manners. I arrived early for my lesson with Drew so I could watch how they work with the filly.

I’m pretty sure she’s as tall as Drew. Still mostly black, she’s getting gray.

They’re making lots of progress with Jhayati, who had a lot of stimuli and new experiences today, like being in a stall alone, wind and dust blowing, and other fillies to neigh at. I was happy to see how she’s doing in lead line and impressed with how well Sara is dealing with childish antics. It will be fun to watch her in the coming months.

As for Droodles, his report card shows that he’s improved a lot, but still has back pain that causes difficulty in turning right. His neck is much better, and he had another bodywork session today, which confirmed continuing issues.

He can relax while walking, but still snaps his head around sometimes.

He received a dose of a horse anti-anxiety drug whose name I can’t remember. It helps with serotonin uptake, and should let him be calmer around other horses. The combination of pain and horse hormones was making him quite annoying.

Tarrin rode him today and explained it’s mainly walking in straight lines with a little trot, to keep his muscles in shape. Turning right he had issues, and his left leg still shows signs of weakness, but he wasn’t pawing and asking to stop today, which he had been doing.

Because he’s still not 100%, Tarrin has made him an appointment to see the fancy vet in Bryan to look into whether he needs a shot in his back to ease pain until his damaged vertebrae fuse (damage caused by being ridden by heavy people at too young an age). She will also get his head looked at from where Fiona kicked him, and get his necessary vaccinations and Coggins test. That sounds like $$$$$. But, it may be what we need to get him to graduate back into a rideable horse.

Mostly I want him happy and comfortable. I e missed being able to groom, stroke, and ride him. He’s not going to be a hunter/jumper candidate, but Tarrin thinks once we get past this hurdle, we can have a long relationship. I hope so!

Meanwhile, I have Apache, whose feet seem a little sore after his trim. Tomorrow I’ll put his boots back on. It’s always something!

By the way, did you know grapes have flowers? Of course they do! But also, they smell wonderful. The little things mean a lot!

Morning Ritual Snooze Fest

What are your morning rituals? What does the first hour of your day look like?

Whoo-ee! What a boring question. I know that will attract readers galore. Since I did an April Fool thing on Facebook today (I said I’d given up blogging), I’ll just stick to the snooze-worthy facts.

Maybe our first winecup Mallu’s of the year will be more enticing. Look at all that pollen.

What do I do when I wake up? What most people do, I assume. First I find my glasses, phone and watch. Then. I relieve my poor bladder. Next, in an exciting twist, I turn on the coffeemaker, which Lee usually sets up the previous evening. I make sure to completely shut the lid, which he doesn’t do. That’s my contribution.

Also, the first Engleman Daisy of the year blossomed.

Then, if needed, I shower. I shower every 2-3 days so my hair doesn’t dry out. I use things that smell like roses: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel. I like roses. In summer I swim daily.

Next on the agenda is tooth brushing with the annoying electric toothbrush I hate, and flossing. Yes, I floss. If I didn’t wash my face in the shower, that’s next. I use rosewater mycellar water, however that’s spelled.

Off to the closet I go, where I determine which cutesy undies and bralette from my friends at Me Undies to wear, and which jeans, t-shirt, coordinating socks, and shoes (probably Skechers) to wear. If I wear jewelry I’ll choose that as well as glasses of the day.

Now come exciting anti-anxiety meds, turmeric, and probiotics. On Saturday I also get Vitamin D. What a rush!

Hmm, I then apply serum and facial moisturizer. If I’m going somewhere I put on foundation to cover my red face. It doesn’t cover the wrinkles, so I’m only slightly vain.

I got ducks that look like my horses. It’s done Jeep owner thing.

That covers the first 30-45 minutes. It’s followed by pouring coffee and going downstairs, where I fire up the computer, write in my bullet journal, check the Facebook, and start to work.

After an hour or two I take a walk to feed chickens, listen to birds, and check on horses, then I eat something. But that’s later.

Is anyone awake? I’m not.

Today was also just fine. The horses had their farrier time, and everyone was quite well behaved. No horse complaints.

Kathleen escaped being attacked by scorpions and was able to make dinner, so I had time to goof off and chat with the menfolk in the evening. Ah, as my high school buddy Jeff N. pointed out, every day’s a good day when you get to be this age.

Waking up and doing your routine may be boring, but yay, you’re alive!

All Is Well and Colorful, Too

Friends, it’s been yet another pleasant day with nothing to complain about. The lack of stress in my life right now is very welcome. Plus it enables me to be available to people who do have stress going on.

Hard to stress out when you are surrounded by fields full of flowers, butterflies, and bees.

Yeah, the closest I got to being stressed today was trying not to step on honeybees who were busy on the various clovers and other flowers. The ground was buzzing!

Bees love these yellow ones and the bur clover. I still hate burs.

In a major Suna triumph, I managed to get through an Easter pasture ride with Sara today without letting Apache’s stress get to me. Because of that, we went all over the front pasture, including places he historically had issues with. Mabel neighed at him a little, but I got him refocused.

Both Aragorn and Apache did a good job going up and down a hill, then successfully went across the dam on the big front tank. There was a lot of tight turning and steep climbs, but we all did fine. It was even fun. This was the spot where I had to fall off or get impaled by a mesquite tree the first time I ever tried riding out there. That tree is dead, too. And this time, I was in charge, not the horse.

I tried to boss Suna, but she didn’t let me.

When we got to the gate to our place, Apache expressed his opinion that he wanted to go home quite strongly. It didn’t work. I rode him away and THEN dismounted. And yes, he’d been a fine animal, so he got to go home.

Aragorn would like to point out that he was also brave and cooperative.

Because I now have a new hose and spray nozzle, I was able to give Apache a much-needed bath when we got back. There was some deeply ground-in dirt to remove. He was also extra sweaty, thanks to still having a lot of winter coat.

I was impressed that, even though he wasn’t dry yet when I turned him out, he took six whole minutes before rolling in dirt. I’d thought it would be 30 seconds, max.

I’m sure it felt good. After he ate his dinner, he let me curry him some more, and the dirt came right off, along with a lot more clean, fluffy hair. I did have to chuckle, because when I finished, I realized that Fiona, Mabel, and Dusty were waiting for their turns. So they each got some rubbing. I’ve created a real love for grooming in these guys! It’s fine with me, because next poor Fiona will finally shed out. That’s always a workout.

Kathleen came back from her latest adventure. I knew she’d arrived when I found the first rat snake of the season in the chicken house. They know she’s here, we’re pretty sure. I’ll keep an eye on Kathleen so she can safely get through her medical stuff with no more help from insects, arachnids, reptiles, or livestock.

Could you please escort the guest away from our perches?

Avian Visitors

It was another pleasant spring day, the kind that makes you forget you live in the land of unbearable summers. Since my dear spouse isn’t big on doing anything involving leaving the premises before noon these days, I had the morning all to myself. After I fed the chickens, I looked over at the horse pens and saw a white bird land on the ground.

I wondered what a great egret would be doing over there rather than by a pond/tank. As I walked closer, I realized the bird wasn’t alone.

Once I saw how many there were, I realized it must be time for a cattle egret visit. They show up at least once a year. Upon closer inspection I could see the color on their heads, which confirmed who the visitors were.

Later I saw them with the cattle, but they’re gone now.

I’m still here, even though you didn’t share pictures of me earlier in the week. This is my adoration of the pretzel bag face.

Most of the day I spent reading, which is such a luxury, and going to Costco to order a couple more pairs of eyeglasses. I got one intellectual black pair, and one funky red pair. No more online glasses for me. They just don’t work out real well.

I’ve been enjoying this period of peace, calm, and equanimity. Living in the moment is easier on days like today.

Yes, Laughter IS the Best Medicine

What makes you laugh?

My dad’s Readers’ Digest magazines always had lots of jokes, with some of the corniest ones in the column labeled “Laughter Is the Best Medicine.” My kid friends and I would go up in our treehouse, where dozens of old RD magazines were stored in an old trunk, and read each other the jokes until our cheeks hurt. Being a kid in the 60s was pretty great.

Now I read most of my jokes on Facebook, but rarely laugh out loud. What does get me going are the antics of the animals around our ranch. Chickens running because you might have food for them always elicit at least a smile.

And when the dogs start playing, Lee and I are thoroughly entertained. They run themselves ragged, with Carlton being fast, Penney being clever, and Goldie falling all over herself. Harvey watches and barks.

Then there’s stuff like this. She jumped up and immediately commenced to licking.

As for the horses, they can be just as awkward as Goldie and as graceful as Carlton. Mostly it’s Fiona who makes me laugh. Today she was begging to be petted, but Tarrin and I quickly realized she was covered in poop. We stuck to picking burs off her head and sides, which she loved so much we just had to giggle.

Today was more of a peaceful and pleasant day than anything else. I managed to get all my work done and still have time for a bakery treat with Anita. Then I spent enough time with horses that I ended up sunburned a little. It was worth it.

Another beautiful day in the neighborhood.

It was Tarrin’s monthly visit to the ranch for lessons. Since Drew is still at her house we worked some with Mabel. She’s really doing so well. You can barely tell her back is messed up, and she has nice muscles. She’s so friendly now, too. When I went to get Apache and called for the horses, she immediately galloped up. Dusty and Fiona trotted. Apache did come halfway…

Mabel let me brush a lot of mud off her before Tarrin arrived. Then I got to watch how Tarrin gained her trust by being patient and calm. Soon enough, Mabel volunteered to be haltered. Tarrin just approached and retreated and let Mabel sniff her hand as she shaped it just like a horse nose. I learned a lot.

By the end of the session I was brushing her mane out while Tarrin got all the burs off her forelock and mane. Mission accomplished with no stress on my lady horse!

Working with Apache also went very well. Tarrin kept telling me how much I’ve improved at things, and I have to admit she’s right. By gosh, I gave some groundwork and riding skills developing!

And Apache stayed pretty calm over by the house.

We practiced doing a variety of circles at a walk and trot in the round pen. He practiced calmly walking (much improvement) and I practiced using just one hand on the reins. I practiced with each hands, which is important to be able to do, according to Tarrin. It was fun practicing.

Learning

I’m impressed at how much calmer I am now while riding. Things no longer escalate like they used to, because I’m learning to nip things in the bud when Apache starts to go wonky. My calm helps his anxiety, too.

This is where Apache was thinking he’d gone far enough.

I also think he was pretty tired after a lot of cantering in the groundwork part of the lesson. I doubt he was up to frenzied uncontrollable trotting, so the whole lesson was quite civilized. I’m so grateful to Tarrin for her patience with us, and proud of myself for sticking with this horse through all our ups and downs.

If only I had on a cowboy hat, I’d feel so Texas.

It’s a lot easier to laugh when you are feeling good about yourself. Dang. I feel good about myself! Past me would be surprised.

All Grown Up

When you were five, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Ha, I’m pretty sure I wanted to be a horse when I grew up at that age. I know I tried eating grass, and spent time practicing my whinnies. I also wanted to be a dog herder. I would gather up all the neighborhood dogs and try to get them to follow me (no leash laws back then).

We want to herd cattle. Or play with them.

After that I wanted to be a veterinarian or Supergirl. As you see, I haven’t changed much, except now I write all those ideas down.

Things are good here:

Monarchs are here, plus I saw a big zebra swallowtail.
Our niece is not too badly hurt from getting kicked by Big Bag Betty B**** (a cow who m, deservedly, leaves for the sale barn soon) even though she was life flighted by helicopter to a hospital pretty far from her farm. (She posted the story, so for once I can do more than vague hinting.)
I had a great session with Apache the Paint today, better than usual, even. He sure has energy and joy now.
Tarrin has a plan to get my gray horse Drew better, which involves some expensive veterinary stuff, but gives me hope for our future.
There was time this afternoon to watch the dogs play with cows (nice ones) and to hang out on the patio with Lee. We are much less stressed than yesterday!

My herd, minus Harvey, who doesn’t play with cattle, and Vlassic, who was in the garage.

I wish every one of you at least one beautiful spring day to spend with those you love, and I hope your childhood dreams came true, at least a little. I can’t BE a horse or herd dogs, but I can hang out with them!

Cognitive Dissonance

What’s something most people don’t understand?

That’s what most people seem to be unable to grasp. There are just too many people out there who don’t see any problem with holding beliefs or opinions that cancel each other out.

So you’re pro life. Good for you. But once a baby is born you’re against helping it. And if it wanders onto your property as an adult, you’d shoot it. And your guns are more important than innocent children in a school or people trying to attend a concert. You’re pro life and pro murder. How can you believe both?

I’ll stop before I offend the other 50% of readers.

Sorry folks, today has taken a turn for the worse and I’m in a less centered space than I’d like to be. The family health issues just keep on coming and there’s nothing we can do but observe and stay centered. Well, we can support each other, which IS something.

Life is challenging. We know that. But it’s also good. Is that cognitive dissonance?

I’m so glad I have lush pastures to wander in (with proper footwear to avoid snakes) and sweet horses to love on and breathe the scent of their grassy (mud encrusted) coats.

The equine buddies are my calmness center right now. Even Apache calmly let him remove his boots and asked for head rubs, and Mabel keeps asking for attention. It surprised me, too, how grooming Dusty and seeing him look so healthy made me happier.

Thanks, horses.