This weeks thoughts...

When we moved from the city to our farm house my little retriever Rusty went ballistic. Rusty was a simple dog with a need to be adventurous.

When I say adventurous I mean escape from the back yard.

As a simple dog with a huge desire to “explore” Rusty all too often escaped to chase the ducks that habitated the neighborhood pond. If he couldn’t dig a hole fast enough he would climb the fence.

Rusty once knocked on the front door to let us know he had escaped and then hi-tailed it through the neighborhood and he had also jumped out of the window of a moving truck choosing to run beside it instead. I can't imagine what his little brain was thinking.

No, Rusty wasn’t the brightest pup of the litter but he was always very friendly and a genuinely happy dog.

And then we decided to move.

We boarded Rusty and the other dogs with the vet that my daughter worked for. When we went to pick the dogs up, the kennel man would NOT leave his office until I removed the EVIL ONE…Rusty. It seems that he became very vicious at everything and everyone. ACE made him meaner. Really? Rusty?

While we were building the farmhouse we lived in the mobile home that was on the property. Returning home early from work one day I saw that the builders were at a standstill. I asked what was going on? Rusty had escaped and there wasn’t a man in the group that was about to take on the crazy bastard. Seems he got a bit vicious with them too.  

Eventually he relaxed and once again became a friendly, simple dog. Life was once again good for him as he could finally be FREE to explore and chase things.

A few years ago, my sister moved to PA in October. With her went her dog and cat. They all traveled well together. She told my aunt that the pets were well behaved and potty trained. They would be good in her home. Pinky swear.

Their new home was nice and all seemed ok. So what does her usually well behaved pets do? The cat now does its business anywhere but in the litter box and the dog pukes and has chewed all of his hair off.

What the...??

This was also the same year PA had more snow fall then it had since the early 1900’s. Coming from Florida…snow was VERY confusing to the dog. The dog thought snow was fun for about 15 seconds.  

He's bald and it is -2 degrees with 12 inches of snow on the ground.

He too does his business anywhere but outside or the litter box.

My aunt didn NOT find this amusing...at all.

They moved back to Florida within 6 months.

To read another incredibly funny story on moving with pets that is also very well illustrated I encourage you to go to:

http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2010/11/dogs-dont-understand-basic-concepts.html

I dare you not to laugh. And not pee your pants. Or have tears coming down your face. Dare you.

Millie: Is an 86 year young whipper-snapper that I have been assisting with organizing her stuff. If she has one of something, she has 50. In her words: “If I like it, I buy lots of it”. She does. And now she pays me to get rid of it or organize what is left.

She is no longer allowed to go shopping alone.

While organizing and cleaning out her dressers we finally made it to her nightstand. Inside the nightstand was an economy sized box of KY Jelly…warm lovers version, one tube missing.

I asked her if she has taken matters into her own hands now that George is gone? She said NO! The DR recommended it for when she gets dry “down there”. He also recommended cortisone cream which she also has the economy sized box but that box wasn’t kept in the night stand.

She gave me the KY…

Are you thinking of the little old lady dirty funnies right now?

Nature: Ron had told me that a “baby” hawk was hanging out with the birds at the feeder. He thought it was so cute…kinda like Baby Huey and all of the normal sized ducks…

Only in this case it was NOT a baby hawk, just a small one. And he was HUNTING. Succesfully.

That's all for now...

Time Moves On...

Recently a young friend gave birth to a beautiful and healthy baby girl. Mom and daughter are both doing fine and have the rest of their lives waiting for them.

At her baby shower I reminisced about when I was young, pregnant and very poor. I was in the hands of the government when it came to my health assessments, pre-natal, delivery and post natal care. When I went into labor we had to BORROW a car from a neighbor to get me to the hospital.  

Good times.

When ready to deliver I was put in a room with a “view”. While straddled, splayed and in IMMENSE pain I was told that I would have an audience “if I didn’t mind”. Ummm, say what?? Next thing you know, the nurse opens the blinds and there stood 30 nurses and doctors watching the Big Event.

Seriously, I don’t make this stuff up!

At that time, that era in my life, there were plenty of baby showers to go to, weddings and graduations. My friends and I were all young and were ready to make our mark on the world.

And time moved on…

In the next phase of our lives we were now going to birthday parties for our children, birthday parties for reaching age milestones…30, 40, etc. Getting the big promotion always brought on a celebration and there were divorce parties as well.

And time moved on…

In no time, so it seems to me, our children were graduating, getting married and having babies. Now they have the world at their fingertips with the hopes of making a difference, buying a house, etc.

The parties we now attend are for 50, 60, etc. Grandchildren are the center of our attention as are our aging parents.  We are more likely to attend a funeral or a retirement party than we are a baby shower.

And time moved on…

I reflect upon all of this because recently I was hired to help an elderly parent go through her stuff as she has accumulated a lot over her 85+ years of living. Both her family and she want to organize, de-clutter and ultimately lessen the burden on them having to do it once she is gone.

She was once the owner of a very big house full of furniture and mementos and now she is living in a 3 room apartment. There was quite a bit to go through, EACH with a memory attached.

Lots of stories were shared.

 The love of her life has been gone 8 years now but he is still just as large in her life through her vivid memories. She still has all of her faculties when it comes to memory but circulation, hearing and co-ordination are ebbing all too quickly.  She still worries about clothes that show her “poochie” belly. (DO we EVER stop worrying about this!) And like all of us, she isn’t quite ready to be old.

I was reminded of my Mom and Grandmother. At 98 my Grandmother was still worried over her figure and how she was going to start a new diet plan…right after dinner, coffee and a piece of pie. Oh how I loved that woman! She shared so many stories with us about growing up, marrying her sweetheart and raising a family. Their dreams were exactly like ours…just a different era.

My grandparents had to move from their house to a small addition ridding many years, many rooms of furniture and the like. Fortunately there were plenty of relatives that wanted most and what wasn’t wanted was sold at a good profit. That “found” money went into assisting them with their move.

And time moved on…

My new elderly friend shared with me her health woes yet she doesn’t want to tell her family about her most recent health assessment as she doesn’t “want them to worry”.

Because I didn’t “pinky swear” that I wouldn’t tell anyone, I did. I told her son who hired me. He needs to know. He doesn’t have to do anything, he just needs to know. They are a close family so I have no doubt they will become more involved.

Funny, no matter how old our children are, we don’t want them to worry about us.

As time moves on, don't forget to take a moment to visit with a friend, parent or relative that has gotten long in years. They might not think they are “old”, but I am sure they will appreciate the company to share a story with.

The Benefits of Rest

For the last 30 days +/- most of us have been running around more than usual. There was the decorating and the cooking, and whether you were hosting the festivities or attending them, there was quite a bit of extra energy used. Then there was the perfect gift purchasing followed by returning perfect gifts received.

The end of the year was celebrated with more festivity and maybe you stayed up later than usual expending more energy and consuming more party type foods and drinks.

Lets face it, it's been hectic.

Now come January 1 we are exhausted. We have done all of this extra activity which required more than usual energy and eating unusual foods. Our bodies are screaming that we NEED some rest.

Hopefully you were able to take the opportunity to rest and restore on January 1.

In that same sense of thinking, let's discuss our endurance horses. For the last __________ days/months/years we have been asking them to expel extra energy, consume unusual forages, and go, go, go. No matter  if you are a Top 10 racer, middle of the pack rider or a turtle, we have asked our horses to go the extra distance.

And they too NEED THE REST.

Like us, each horse is an individual. While some horses seem to thrive on all of the excitement of repeated competitions, others may eventually begin to wilt. Some signs that they need a rest could be lack of appetite, lack of competitiveness, even a bit cranky. Instead of not caring about the saddle about to be placed on his back, he now throws his ears back or moves away. Maybe he has lost some weight or the glint in his eye.

I truly believe REST is BENEFICIAL.

I own and ride a horse that does much better at rides when he has been rested well. Miles are miles and whether competing or training, they add up. Trust me, Farley gets cranky when over worked. When he says he is tired he usually says it by spooking at grass and ant piles. Ok buddy, I hear ya! Time to take a breather.

There have been many, many articles and books written about how to create a great endurance horse. Paragraphs abound with such things as pacing and feed practices, negative splits and electrolytes.

It is my opinion that not enough value is placed on the benefits of REST.

When we first start out in this sport we want to try to win or at least Top 10. We want others to see that our horse has what it takes to be a real contender. We want people to know we have read the articles and that we are "trotting the trot".

It is for the newcomers that I stress...LESS IS MORE and for the rest of us, a friendly reminder.

How many times have you been to a ride where Billy Bob had not rode Thundering Hooves for 6 months and they sailed through the ride like a dream? Horses can retain their conditioning longer than their owners.

I am NOT saying to take a pasture potato out and ride the snot out of him.

If you have had a back to back ride schedule and your horses performance is starting to lessen, why not give him some rest? Take his down time as an opportunity to volunteer.

I cannot tell you the knowledge I have gained first hand by volunteering. Think your horse is pretty good on his vet inspections? Watch others who really are to give you a wake up call.
Think you trot him out well or coming in at a 64 pulse is normal? You may be surprised to find out...not always.

For the record I AM NOT A VET. I am a rider. The article is simply based on my experience and what I have watched for the past 3000 miles of competition. Out west, for some folks, that is ONE Season!

In our bag of tricks, the tools of our trade, we need to make sure that REST is one we have and use.

Goethe Challenge 2011

The last time Farley and I competed at Goethe we completed the 75 mile course. It was my first 75 and I was tired yet elated about the completion and how well Farley and I worked together. The cold beer afterwards was nectar to my body and soul. It was a good feeling.

This year was different as we only did the 25 mile course for several reasons: With Farley coming back from his recent tie-up I didn't want to over do it yet I wanted to see how he was in his performance level (as good as ever), I had told friend and ride coordinator Helen I would volunteer the remainder of the day and that can be hard to do after riding the longer miles and I also don't do well in humidity and it wasn't lacking on ride day. All in all, I made the right decision for the right reasons. We came in 9th place with a 3 hour ride time and a very good card. CRI's were 52/44...nice. Doesn't mean I won't stop worrying when he doesn't drink as often as I think he should but he seems to have recovered which was most important to me. It was still a good feeling.

A few of us dressed for the occasion. That is, we decorated our horses and ourselves for Christmas. Oh sure it was an FEI ride but as AERC riders we thought a little holiday cheer would liven up the place. Debbie and Boomer were bedazzled in red & green glitter with green tinsel braided in Boomer's mane. Come nightfall, battery operated Christmas lights were adorned. You could see the pair coming a mile away. Jody and Stormy aka Snowflake were sporting large snowflakes and silver glitter. Oohs and ahhs were heard all over camp. Farley was dressed in traditional red ribbons with Christmas bells. His bridal wrapped in berries and mistletoe and we both wore antlers. Pictures were taken, fingers pointed. It was fun.
I volunteered, which I like to do when I can, for many reasons...to watch how other horses vet through, learning the ins and outs of timing &scribing, assisting in any way and of course...the jokes, gossip and carrying on with each other. You have the opportunity to learn so much about the folks you have been competing with for years.

We are all so much alike in that our lives cater to the funding of our addiction...horses and endurance riding. And we all seem to have similar "when I first started endurance riding" stories.

Talk to anyone who has been in this sport for awhile and most of us have one thing in common...we over rode our first horse. We were sure that to have a fit horse we HAD TO RIDE miles upon miles weekly and we had to do it as fast as the horse could. Thank you to all of those kind first horses that went the extra mile (literally) for us to get this far.

Many of us try telling new people to the sport that too far, too fast, too soon is TOO MUCH. More often than not, they learn by experience. I think it is because it is a competition and it is assumed we may have an ulterior motive but we don't. We help each other for the better of the horse, for the education of the rider.

What would have been MORE helpful to me as the above is the following:

If you are a female in the sport then at some time you are going to experience the "screaming pee-pees". Sounds funny but this is no laughing matter. The wrong saddle, wrong underwear or just too much friction on your "hoo-ha" and you'll know as soon as you go pee. Trust me, there is no "ha-ha" in a rubbed raw "hoo-ha". LOTS of ointment before peeing and during riding helps this malady tremendously. Seriously.

Our significant others know that any celebrations we do after the ride that involved the "screaming pee-pees" won't be involving the "hoo-ha". NO WAY, NO HOW. Talk to us in about 3 days until then, be one with yourself. For real.

Overall Goethe was a tough course this year. Florida has been in a drought and with that the sand becomes deeper. I always find a flat sand course more challenging than a course through the mountains.

Congratulations to all who completed and to those who didn't, I have no doubt a valiant effort was put forth in both the rider and their horse.

Super Easy and Yummy Recipes

Most of us will be invited to some kind of holiday social gathering with a request to “bring a dish”. Back when I worked for the newspaper each division had a party and I tried to make all of them if for anything, the food! We had some amazing cooks at the paper.

For the time and kitchen challenged I am sharing 3 recipes that have 3 ingredients that will get you rave reviews and more than one request for the recipe. None of these are "my" creations but they have become standard at my house around the holidays.

My Dad and his wife hide their cans of cookies from each other. Dad's wife had thought hiding her cookies in the freezer was safe. Unfortunately for her she was WRONG. Imagine her surprise when she went to snack on her hidden gems only to find out my Dad doesn't mind eating frozen cookies!

(If you Google any of these recipes you will most likely find a pictorial demo if needed)

Mint Oreo Truffles

(You will need a food processor or blender and wax paper)

1 bag of mint Oreo cookies (or any other flavor)

1 block of cream cheese, softened

1 package of white chocolate or regular chocolate bark

Crush cookies until fine. Mix crushed cookies with cream cheese. Roll into small balls. (I have a melon scoop that makes the perfect size)

Melt chocolate bark per package directions in a bowl big enough that you can dip balls into. (Refrigerate the balls for about 15-20 minutes if they get too soft before dipping into chocolate)

Roll balls into the chocolate using a fork, tap fork on bowl rim so that the excess chocolate can drip off, then let harden on wax paper.

Once set, place on serving tray or store in covered container

White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies

(You will need wax paper)

1 Box of Ritz crackers

Peanut butter (smooth)

White chocolate bark

Place a dollop of peanut butter between 2 crackers making a sandwich. Make the sandwich so that the flat side of the cracker is on the outside. Do this with the entire box of crackers.

Melt chocolate bark per package directions in a bowl big enough that you can dip the sandwiches in.

Dip sandwiches in melted chocolate with fork, tapping fork on bowl rim allowing excess chocolate to drip off, place on wax paper to harden.

Once set, place on serving tray or store in covered container

Onion Dip (hot)

2 Cups of sliced onions (Vidalia or Spanish or a mixture of both)

2 Cups of shredded Swiss

2 Cups of Mayo

Mix together in oven proof casserole dish and bake in preheated oven on 350 for 20-30 minutes. You want the top to be brown and bubbly.

Serve warm with pita chips and/or tortilla chips.

Three recipes using three ingredients which I assure you will get you rave reviews.

Just Three Words

I have been saying in my house for years that we could make lots of money in the music industry if we could come up with the right combination of just three words.

Like A Virgin, Red Solo Cup, Someone Like You…Just three words incorporated with a few lyrics have made the writer and singer of that song LOTS of money.

One day I hope to figure out the money making combo of just three words, One Day Soon. But for now lets discuss what we can do with just three words that can make a difference today.

Just as just three words can make someone cash rich, they can also make someone emotionally rich.

I love you, you are smart, I need you, don't give up…

Just three words can bring comfort, strength, encouragement. Just three words can give us emotional support when we need it most.  When we are physically impaired or mentally drained, hearing just three words can help us through the rough time.

Many combinations of just three words lets us know that someone cares, someone loves us or someone needs us and we feel better emotionally and in turn we feel richer because of it.  

When on the receiving end of just three words, we find the strength to carry on. Finding the right combination of just three words enriches the giver too.

No real money involved with just three words in this scenario yet they have a great deal of value…sense of worth.

Let’s take a moment to come up with just three words to encourage a friend, a co-worker, a child, a parent... anyone who needs to hear them.

You might find out that they… Really Appreciate You.

Change

This is the time of year when most of us are excited with the holidays…the cookies, the big meals, the gift giving and party going. We also get ready for the coming of the New Year where we vow to make changes…lose weight, quit smoking, etc.

There are plenty of advertising campaigns to fuel the fire.

And with the thought of change we assume, at least I assume, it will be BETTER. My boss calls me a Pollyanna. I call her other things but that’s a story for another time.

Many of my friends are going through changes right now. No reason to wait for January 1. Some of the changes I feel will be good while others…I don’t know but I hope they work out for that person how they wanted, needed.

Me? I am about to make a change. I don’t know if it will be for the better.

I am selling a horse I absolutely adore. I rescued him 3+ years ago from a terrible situation, lame and 200+ pounds underweight. I paid the $$ the seller was asking and brought him home. For 6 months I allowed him to be just a horse. To eat, to run, to be. He needed it.

It took him 3 days to realize his pasture was bigger than a 100 x 100 foot lot, under a busy interstate and that there weren't 12 other horses to share it.

He’s big now. You’d never know he was scrawny. Close to 16 hands and 1100 pounds, he is a power house. I get mesmerized every time I watch him trot across the pasture. He is my dream horse.

Most days he trots down the trail effortlessly. You have no idea how much ground you have covered until you realize nobody is behind you. On other days he Piaffe's down the trail, or goes sideways, or up or backwards…More than 4 horses just blows his mind. I don’t know why.

But, with his change for the better, he has become too much horse for me. He is competitive, and he needs to work daily. He isn’t dangerous he’s just silly and with his size it scares me.If I were young and full of P&V this would be a non issue. I have ridden that type of horse before and enjoyed it.

Now, not so much. I don’t have the ability to keep his body and MIND focused daily.  He needs a job and a rider who can bring out his full potential. I truly wish it was me.

He is kind, he is inquisitive and he would be the most liked boy in school as he can be very charming.

I need the nerd.

With the New Year I hope to give this horse the opportunity he was bred for with a rider who can bring him to his full potential. And hopefully that will be the best change for both of us.

(To a special friend: You are Smart, You are Beautiful, You are Important.)