Kathy's Dusty Trails

Dawn to Dusk

2012-01-24T21:37:00.000-08:00

We've had three days of rains, sometimes coming down in solid sheets of water, other times gentle sprinkles. Winds too. The ground has drunk it up, broken branches litter the yard, and the chorus of frogs at night is awesome. We are all so happy to have rain.
The weatherman says we'll enjoy warmer temperatures and dry skies for a few days. Which translates as 'fog in the valley' for a few days.

Early this morning on my drive to work, I just had to pull over, get out of my truck,

admire the view and snap a few photos. Nice drive.....

Too soon, I am down in the valley, the Central Valley that is, not the same as a pretty little valley one imagines nestled lushly between two mountains. The foggy drive down here just doesn't do much for me. Bleak.

But look! Time to head home after work and what a reward!

Happy Trails to you.

Winter

2012-01-17T20:20:00.000-08:00

This morning's chores included breaking the layer of ice on the horse, mule and dog water buckets. Thankfully, no frozen or broken water pipes or lines.
Water lines are shallow here and pipes rather exposed because we just really don't get much in the way of freezing weather.

So most of the plants which appeared perky and blooming just yesterday, have frozen into a wilted mass. Even the gnome looks cold.

I have bunches of these also melted and mushy looking.

Our little hummers don't migrate, they hang around all winter. This cutie pie has been teasing the boys lately, I've been watching their antics and know their regular hangouts.

Not so brightly colored in the early morning light. This fellow perches high in an oak tree just behind the house. He's quite tame and will feed with me standing very close. He is also very vocal and quite aggressive chasing the other hummingbirds about.

They perch on their tiny branches all night long, while their heart rates and body temperatures drop very low. In the first morning light they start moving, their little hummer metabolism speeds up and they quickly need to feed. I didn't actually take a Hummingbird's temperature or heart rate myself, of course you knew that. I have several feeders out and will make sure there is always plenty of liquid energy available. They just seem so fragile, I feel bad for them out there in the cold.

....and glad to come in and warm myself in front of a toasty fire.
The cold weather is supposed to continue and we are hoping for the rain that looks promising within the next few days. Things are very dry here, this is supposed to be our rainy season.

Keep warm.

A Winter Morning: January 12, 2012

2012-01-12T12:07:00.000-08:00

Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy.

Sunshine in my eyes can make me cry.

Sunshine on the water looks so lovely.

Sunshine almost always makes me high.

IF I had a day that I could give you,

...I'd give you a day just like today,

IF I had a song that I could sing for you,

.....I'd sing a song to make you feel this way.

John Denver, 'Sunshine on My Shoulders'

Happy Birthday Amy!

Sunny Trails..............

2012-01-11T09:41:00.000-08:00

Jerry and I decided to spend the last three days of 2011 doing one of the things we most enjoy. Not snow skiing, there is NO snow. The weather had been dry and clear all of December, perfect for camping and riding. We hauled two of our horses north three hours to Oroville where there is a nice Equestrian Campgrounds near the reservoir. Although it is winter and the leaves are fallen from most of the Oak trees, the Live Oaks and pines lend a bit of green to the hills. The camp was empty, we had our choice of sites. This place is usually best in the spring, by May the temperatures can reach the 100s, been there, done that. Fall can be nice but very dusty, winter is usually very wet with muddy, slick trails. This December weekend was good.

We rode the trails each of the three days we were there. The first two days were cloudy and very chilly, nice riding weather. There had been just enough previous rain to keep the dust down. Both horses were eager to go. That is my view of the world atop 'Rock'.

We rode from late afternoon until sunset on day one.

Day two was overcast and cool. From sections of the trail, the resevoir can be glimpsed. It's at it's winter's low mark, but there were still plenty of boats out there, big ones. The trail meanders through the foothills; woods, meadows, creeks and the lake.

A nice clear stream to drink from.

This pleasant rest area is halfway on one of the trail loops. We didn't stop to picnic but I did get the travel journal out of the mailbox and jot a message that we had been there. I always enjoy reading what the other riders and hikers have written.

Of the three days riding, the last day was the best. Still chilly but the sun shining brightly and a clear blue sky. We rode a couple of hours before packing up camp and heading home.

This is NOT the camp we packed up that last day of 2011. This camp that Jerry and I had set up in the Colorado wilderness in 2006 illustrates how I most love to camp. Roughing it, an outdoor campfire to cook over, close to nature. In 2000 - 2001, I spent almost a year traveling and camping across the USA with a dog, a horse, a truck, a horse trailer and my tent. A great adventure. Several months ago, Jerry and I began discussing taking a month long vacation this summer, traveling through the western states with a horse and mule each. I was imaging trailering to different wilderness areas, 'packing in' our camp supplies on the mules, you know 'roughing it'.

Well surprise, surprise, surprise....... This is how the ol' cowboy of mine pictures traveling across the USA. Gag...... pampered.

Our new traveling hotel. Four horse stalls in back and in front the human's living quarters complete with shower, toilet, kitchen, couch, table, microwave, surround sound stereo, television, air conditioning, heat, bed with mattress, running hot and cold water...... CAMPING???? Who kidnapped my mule-skinner, cowboy, macho-man husband? I want him back!!!

There he is riding away with crazy cowdog Cort. This man who dragged me up the mountains in November after our first (and last so far) snow to ride horses in the freezing cold has morphed into a luxury seeking camper. I am bewildered. I am planning to bring my tent and bedroll along on our trip and pray it doesn't rain much. I guess if he wants to cook in that indoor kitchen, I'll still eat his meals. Maybe I'll even use that shower, if I have to.

Happy Trails however you travel them!

2012

2012-01-04T11:50:00.000-08:00

A new year. 2012 sounds so science-fiction-type futuristic. I still want to say 19--'something'. We have working vehicles that were born in the 1990s, are they considered antiques? I am pleased when I get a senior discount. Fifteen years ago I thought how dreadful it would be to ask for senior discounts, worse yet if anyone asked if I qualified; now I am pleased. I am excited that my husband got hearing aids and can hear the birds and frogs (and me). A new year. Another trip around the sun. Some things changing; comfort in the things that remain the same. I hope to make the most of each new day, each passing week, the months that so swiftly slip by and each new year I may be blessed to travel.

May each of you be blessed on the trails you travel this new year.

A Quicky in the Rain

2011-10-10T15:52:00.000-07:00

Rainy season here again, already? Fresh snow up in the mountains, so soon? We'll be mowing grass again before you know it. Filled the wood shed with wood last week, and had to fire up the stove twice already. The horses are getting fuzzy, Carson is quickly growing back his full winter coat, and my sweatshirts are back on the lower shelf, within reach. Jerry and I are heading to the coast Wednesday for a five day horse camp/trail riding trip. After four dry months, I won't mind if we have to ride in rain. We've had some wonderful rides this summer, I've tried a few times to share photos, but..... you know the story, often in our neck of the woods the use of cell phones, internet, and television seems to be just out-of-reach..... we do have reliable indoor plumbing and electricity. With the rain, I'll be indoors more and probably attempting internet more often.

Cousins

2011-08-01T20:16:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning the two Grands and I hit the trails not far from home. It was a warm, sunny morning.

I rode Cheyenne western, little miss rode my mare English, and the boy, for some reason, decided to ride his mount, Remington, bareback.

Heading out.

Sharing an apple during a break.

The day was getting warmer, the horses were eager for a cool sip of water.

Hot, dusty trails and smiley faces.

Giving the horse a break. It sure was getting hot!

The American River, our destination. Can you see all the rafters down there?

Riding along the 'Down and Up Trail'.

The horses are tied to the hitching posts, our lunches eaten, time to cool off.

The river is wide and swift, this is a calm protected little area, perfect for wading. But of course, balancing on the rocks is much more inviting.

We spent an hour cooling off and watching the rafters come through the rapids. The kids had fun exchanging hellos with all the friendly folks out enjoying the river. They liked when people called out 'ooohhh, pretty horses'!

The ride back was hot and tiring. We didn't realize that it had reached 100 degrees! We gave the horses nice cool baths and treats when we got home. I think that it was a wonderful way to spend the day with two very special young people!

How Dry is it in California?

2011-07-29T06:56:00.000-07:00

Dust Bowl dry. Just ask the Grankids......

How Hot is it in California?

2011-07-28T01:32:00.000-07:00

It's well past midnight and here I sit in my hotel room unable to sleep. A long day working locally, then a long, slow, torturous drive through heavy traffic and highway construction for over four hours to my next 'job site'. I'm tired, but too wound up; probably caffeine induced. I took a benedryl 1/2 hour ago, it should kick in soon.

I have been messing around on my laptop and remembered I used to blog, and I used to enjoy it. For some reason I had just stopped; kind of like every time I start a journal, or a diet, or an exercise program.

So while I'm waiting for the old diphenhydramine to take me away, I'll talk weather.

We enjoyed a wet, cool winter and spring. Carson loves that cool weather. He sports that heavy, luxurious fur coat with pride, ignoring the occasional 'fat dog' comments.

Early summer was amazingly cool also. Nice green grass and cool earth, refreshing to roll around in. While the rest of the U.S. was unusually hot, we were loving our unusual not-so-hot summer days. But alas, the heat is here with us now, as we knew it would be, as it should be. It has been in the 90's

I finally had to put away every one's winter coats......

.....everyone's........

Birds

2011-04-05T22:24:00.000-07:00

Anna's Hummingbird -these little jewels are quite demanding and have no fear.

Help me out..

Northern Flicker

- I haven't noticed these before, are visiting in small flocks.

Purple Finch

-very shy and on alert at all times.

Dark-eyed Junco

-stop by in groups for a quick snack and scatter away just as quickly.

Spotted Towhee

- new acquaintances.

White-breasted Nuthatch

-entertaining busy little clowns.

American Gold Finch (male)

-definite hierarchy in the ranks. Real beauties.

Acorn Woodpecker

- despised destroyers of property.

My new little hobby. I've enjoyed my bird books for years but made no real effort to identify the visitors that I was unfamiliar with. Tristan's wild flower identification project last year motivated my wild bird identification hobby. Having a camera that can take a picture clear across the yard sure helps. Having dogs and cats that want in on everything I do outdoors doesn't help so much. I shoot 20+ crummy pictures for one or two clear ones and then start searching through the books. All of these photos were taken from in the house, and all taken late winter-early spring 2011. I hope that with more practice I'll improve the quality. Feel free to correct any mis-identifications.

Have you started any new hobbies that you are enjoying? Please share.

Two weeks of rain...

2011-03-31T23:30:00.000-07:00

...two weeks of being cooped up indoors, resulted in multiple pathetic cases of cabin fever at my house last week. We had to get out. A break in the rain, a suggestion to go walking, leading to an afternoon of fun in our very own Nature's Water Park. Ours as in 'all of us', much of this canyon is BLM land. A short, five minute stroll from our front gate. This canyon is steep and the two-track muddy slick, a slippery slidery trip down to the bottom. The sound of the wind howling through the tops of the pines and the roar of the rushing creek energizes the soul.

Feeling the freedom of running with the wind, leaping, racing the water. Cort does too....

In a few short months these rapids will dry to a trickle and the hot sun will suck away the green.

Rubber boots, a boy, and water...

Rubber boots, a man, and his two dogs..... (just in case you were wondering)

Playing. One measuring the depth and checking the current. The other considering the construction of a foot bridge using downed timber, he even mentioned going home for a mule and ropes.

Leaping for pleasure, cuz he can.

Leaping up hill, over dangerously rushing waters, to bravely save me from the attack of an aggressive, starving cougar. The mountain lion sprints away at the charge of the courageous canine, leaving me unharmed. Once again my heroic companion saves the day..... and that's my story.

End of the trail. The canyon gets steeper, the creek rapids swifter, the rock bottom rockier. I let Carson decide if we continue onward, he decides not, his paws are as far in the water as he's going to get.

We back-track, play in mud and water, search for gold, discover four varieties of tiny wild flowers, make plans to hike over to a different creek. When the sprinkles come, we climb out of the canyon and make it home before the down pour.

I enjoyed my wet and muddy trails. Enjoy yours!

McCall, Idaho

2011-03-15T22:37:00.001-07:00

We made a quick trip up to Idaho last week to spend time with Jerry's sons and family. One had come home on leave from military service in Iraq. We all met up in McCall and stayed in this neat 'cabin'. The snow was white, fresh and deep. One grandson was able to skip school and be there to spend time with his military Daddy.

The view from the cabin windows.

The cabin windows with the 'view'.

The grandson asked me to bury him and take pictures. We had so much fun playing in the snow.

We spent an entire day in the woods in the mountains riding snowmobiles. Fabulous.

Jerry enjoyed playing with his boys and their toys.

Fresh snow had fallen the night before, we were the only tracks out there. The trails were freshly groomed and smooth.

Love those trees.

Snow was falling wet and heavy on our trip back in. We could have used mini-windshield wipers on our goggles.

It was a great visit but the time went by much too quickly.

Back to California and our green grass, flowers and more rain. Flash flood warnings are being issued.

Happy Trails.

Deep Steeps, Wicked Lines.......

2011-03-07T15:49:00.001-08:00

Still more Jackson Hole, Wyoming pictures to share.....

I am not an advanced skier and I wanted to go to the top of the mountain, without having to ski back down on very scary black diamond runs. So, we rode the tram to the top, had breakfast, looked around, were awed by the scenery, then rode the tram back down. I know, very wimpy....

Corbet's Cabin, at the top, provides a warm place to sit and enjoy a hot cocoa with wonderful breakfast waffles.

The tram leaves Teton Village, elevation 6311 feet and runs up the mountain to the summit of Rendezvous Mountain, elevation 10,450 feet.

Each trip up the mountain, the tram is packed with about 100 people and their gear. Skiers, snow boarders and a even few sight-seers planning to get back down the mountain via tram (us).

View from the summit. The day we were here, was the only blue sky day all week.

Steep and deep.

Does that look vertical? It is. Are those ski and board tracks? They are. Deep, steep, wicked...

This photo was taken from the tram.

Did we go down there? hahahahaha hardly........

Are they getting ready to fling themselves down there? yep.......

Does that look cold? It was. Did I walk out to the end of that crazy overhanging deck? No. I have an issue with heights.

We left the summit on the tram, returned to the village, put on our skis and spent the afternoon on the less steep part of the resort.

It was wonderful!

What's Up Today?

2011-03-07T12:54:00.000-08:00

We've had two days of rains. Last night and pre-dawn this morning it sounded like we were in the middle of a roaring river, the rains and wind were pounding us. By late morning, the sun was peeking through the clouds and my yard wandering revealed fresh new life.

My garden gnome is steadily guarding the heart-leaved bergenias. I enjoy their thick, dark ,evergreen leaves. The pink flowers show up in the winter and stay through spring.

The resurrection lilies showing off thick green foliage will soon whither away. Then, late in summer we will be 'surprised' by the Naked Pink Ladies.

My primroses have been blooming nicely throughout the winter. Keeping it real here, you see I do need to do some dead-heading.

This little violet is the first of the season, I was so excited to see it this morning, I decided to share my flowers with you today.

These small, bright yellow daffodils are later blooming than our more abundant taller pale variety. The taller ones are finished already.

They are quite cheerful along the fence line.

I planted these from tiny bulbs two years ago. This is the very first one to bloom and I don't remember what it is. It's very tiny and delicate.

This flower and the following one, I have found randomly growing around the yard. When I find one, I dig it up and transfer it to a flower bed. Otherwise, they get chomped by horses, mules, dogs and mowers.

They are cute and colorful, bloom in the late winter/early spring and I have no idea what they are. But I like 'em!

The white lilac bush is ready to burst! While the purple lilacs are just beginning to show buds.

Sunny forsythia bushes signaling the approach of spring.

Plum blossom on our Elephant Heart Plum tree.

This little yearling tree is thick with blossoms. I am beginning to notice honey bees visiting.

It is a Santa Rosa Plum Tree. I certainly enjoy my little hobby orchard.

The largest bud on our loaded Double Delight Nectarine Tree.

This decorative plum tree is in full bloom. I'd like a few more of these.

Blue skies and white clouds, but NO oak leaves yet.

I hope that your day has been a lovely one, no matter what your weather has been.

Tomorrow, Jerry and I head off to the deep winter snows of Idaho for a few days. His son is home on leave from Iraq and we want to visit before he ships back out.

Keep our military men in your prayers please.

Happy, peaceful trails to you.

Yellowstone Park, Wyoming

2011-03-02T13:46:00.000-08:00

No words needed......

Happy Trails!

Jackson Hole, Wyoming Jan. 2011

2011-03-01T20:09:00.000-08:00

Double H Bar National Elk Refuge Sleigh Ride

Horse-drawn sleighs transported groups right into the midst of the resting elk herds. Thick, warm throw blankets provided a welcome barrier to the bitter, cold wind sweeping across the valley. Our knowledgeable and skilled driver/guide answered our questions and explained the history of the refuge.

The elk don't react to the horses and sleighs; we were quiet, stayed seated and were able to closely observe bulls, cows and calves. Loved those antlers!

There were elk as far as you could see. The forage available beneath the snow and the body condition of the elk are closely monitored to determine how much hay to put out daily as supplemental feed. There is a fence to keep the elk off the freeway, and though they can wander the valley lengthwise for quite some distance, they tend to stay where the feeding areas are. Once the snows melt and green starts showing, the elk split up and begin the trek back up into the mountains.

The elk have migrated here from the mountains for centuries. Once their winter feeding ranges became populated by ranchers, the elk discovered stores of cattle hay made for easy meals. After several years of slaughtering the offending elk to save the cattle, concerned cattlemen and citizens pooled resources and raised funds to feed and designate land for safe wintering of the large elk herds. The herd appears fat and healthy.

Not all survive the winter. The fallen bodies are left to nature.

A mangy coyote retreating from his feast.

We thoroughly enjoyed this adventure. Being able to experience these wild creatures 'close-up' without disturbing them was awesome. If you get to Jackson Hole in the winter, you must take this tour!

California Sunshine in the Winter

2011-02-15T10:04:00.001-08:00

A Michigan native, ten years in California, I continue to be thrilled and thoroughly enjoy our abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers in the middle of February.

The Orange tree is in a friend's yard, near Fresno, she generously gifted me a huge sack of oranges.

I am still editing my Wyoming vacation pictures. I'll share them as soon as I get through them, Mom!

Time to Catch Up

2011-01-28T09:51:00.001-08:00

I left you back in the mud for an awfully long spell. It has been a busy winter out here, I'll catch you up on the happenings around these parts, but it may take a while.
I'll start at Thanksgiving. I took time off work to spend some time with Jerry. I was thinking maybe a day trip or two, going out for dinner perhaps a movie, long walks in the park (not really). Jerry thought it would be great to spend quality time together. The following five pictures illustrate our very basic differences of that concept.

Our front yard on Thanksgiving weekend. Tristan is working hard and has a happy face.

Sure he has a Happy Face because he gets to play with the big boy toys.

Jerry also has a happy face. He rented this toy for the weekend. He controls it from the bucket, it goes up and down, sideways, backwards...... It allows him to reach all of the dead and dying tree branches that need to come down.

Our quality time together involved me, with my cell phone set to speed dial 911, carefully watching how close the toy and Jerry came to the power lines. OSHA would not have approved; there were no hard helmets worn, no safety lines attached, and the cowboy chain saw operator would stand on one leg leaning way over the basket to reach limbs. I also got to haul the cut limbs out of the way. Be glad you cannot see my 'happy' face.

I also got to set out orange traffic cones and stand out in the road to prevent cars from crashing into the toy. One neighbor did drive by and he laughed at me for the cones, but he does crazy things on his property too.

The limbs were all trimmed, the yard cleaned up, and a new pile to burn is ready. Next time I'll have to communicate better when I take time off work to spend time quality with Jerry.

Occasionally, life gets boring and needs to be spiced up a tad.

You know, something exciting and unexpected that captures full attention.

Preferably not so unexpected that the urge is to run in the opposite direction.

The most fun often comes from unexpected sources.

A barrel of monkeys is always good for a laugh.

Middle School basketball was the sport of the season. Tristan played well and gave it his all.

There were exciting games and some proud moments.

The Placerville Christmas Parade is an annual event we participate in. My part is taking pictures. Jerry is riding my mare Rock and packing Christmas on Remington.

Our riding club won first place in the equestrian entries.

Jerry, Rock and Rem.

Visiting our favorite Tree Farm in December.

Good try Jerry.... too small.

Too big Tristan ...... keep looking.

Searching for the perfect Christmas Tree.

Our best ever Christmas tree set up smack in the center of the house.

Even Billy the Kid thought we had the best ever tree.

Peaceful winter evenings; a Grandson, a book and a cat.

This where we spent Christmas day. High in the Sierra, on the slopes, until the chair lifts were closed down due to heavy, gusting winds in the early afternoon.

Out on the town with good friends on New Year's Eve. This was a notable part of the holiday decor in one of our finest local dining establishments.

The Cowboy's winter project. A roof addition on the barn.

No snow at our house this December. Last year's blizzard was a once-in-20-year storm and I'm holding them to that promise.

The votes are in, my Chili was tasted and judged to be #1 this year. Yeehaw!

January trails are wet, but time spent with good friends is worth a bit of mud.

My Man and My Mule. hehehe

Someone likes his new Christmas bike.

The hiking is muddy too....

but the mud is worth every minute of time spent keeping up with the boy.

I'll try to have our awesome winter vacation pictures ready to share in a day or two.

Happy Trails!

Rainy Days and Slop

2010-11-22T13:58:00.001-08:00

Autumn rains help the green grass grow. My trails are no longer dusty. The arena is muddy.

And just take a peek at these horses and mules....

It rained all weekend, off and on. It's raining again today. We try to minimize horse-time spent in the pastures, to give the grass a chance to grow. The critters enjoyed a play day in the sloppy arena mud.

The reddish and brown horses kind of hide the dirt.

Napping, in the mud.

I did say that they "kind of" hide the dirt.

"Hey, don't take my picture".

Mud Wrestling?

Licking up rain water from the bottom of the barrel.

White and grey.... not hiding the mud too well.

Spa Special: Full Body Mud Bath

May as well rub it in.

Pedicure

GROSS!

My Home Work

2010-11-16T20:24:00.000-08:00

The past two months I have been home only on weekends; working five hours from home during the week is too far to commute daily. Not only am I home, I have several days 'off', yea!
Grab a cup of coffee and join me on my day.

Jerry and I enjoy a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast on these chilly mornings. Today I cooked a new hot cereal, a blend of seven grains. um mm- not so yummy, kind of slimy and gooey. Time to wash breakfast dishes.

Toss sheets and blankets in the washer.

Make the bed with clean fresh sheets, open windows and let the fresh mountain air and sunshine stream in.

Sunshine in the morning makes me happy......

It is a bit chilly this morning, not even in the 50s yet. Lets make some chocolate cookies. They're for everyone else of course, ski season is almost here and I sure don't need any cookies.

mmm mmm mmmm Maybe I'll have just one, or maybe two with a cup of coffee while I check out the news on my computer.

My #1 shadow in the house this morning. He hurt his knee jumping off the deck yesterday and is on 'bed rest' for a few days.

Feels like a chili day today.

Fry up the ground beef, onions and green peppers.

Looks pretty good, smells good, it'll simmer for the day and then be rated tonight. I plan to compete in a Chili Cook-off in January and I plan to win. We'll be eating weekly chili until I perfect my recipe. Today I tried something new, a different ingredient that was mentioned by an old friend in Illinois.

Got the wood stove clean out. Ashes were deep and things in the surrounding area covered with dust. Look at that clean glass!

Before shoveling and scrubbing!

It's noon and we have visitors. Sheesh, you never know who is going to drop by when you live in the country!

"Can I come in and play?"

"NO you can't! You are a Billy Goat and you stink!"

"Oh yeah?!"

Time for my outside work. More rain is predicted in a few days and there is still one half of a pasture needing seeded. I'll haul out seed and oats and spread it.

There are my other two shadows today.

This lower acreage will one day be more than just a pasture. My plans are to build cross country jumps and trail obstacles, it is a slow process, as it competes with other projects on a very long to-do list.

Jerry finishes up his work for the day and comes out to disc my freshly seeded land.

I wander up to the barn and tackle a few messy stalls.

It gets dark too early! It's already time to bring horses in and feed them.

Time to go in and taste that chili.

Have I mentioned that I love my days off?

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Trails!

Yesterday's Visitors

2010-11-01T21:45:00.000-07:00

Sunday Brunch Bunch

2010-10-31T12:04:00.001-07:00

The gang's all lined up for brunch out under the trees.

Cort's just checking that everything is in order, it's his job. Every happy Queensland has a job.

Horses shuffle around as they eat, Wrangler wanders around paying a visit to everyone.

Pistol and old Remington seem to enjoy one another's company.

These two, Cheyenne and Rock, are together when they aren't bossing around the rest of the herd.

The lovely ladies, Millie and Willow are sharing the same pile of hay.

Check out the body language. Can you see Willow clearly indicating that Millie is most unwelcome "in her space"?

Millie moves off a bit and her expression asks, "is this far enough away?"

I'm not sure what Cheyenne is trying to tell me here.....

Happy Autumn Trails!

From the "Hood"

2010-10-29T10:08:00.000-07:00

Just because they're cute.

And, they aren't in my yard.

My Autumn Garden

2010-10-28T11:16:00.001-07:00

Cooler weather, welcome rains and shorter days; my gardens are changing with the seasons. I was gifted with this little garden pixie from my Mom several years ago and she keeps a steady watch over all things growing in her realm.

Every year I am truly surprised at the early emergence of daffodil sprouts. A Midwesterner for most of my life, I don't expect them to show until spring. I keep an eye open for a lucky 4-leaf clover!

Here grows a pretty little unidentified bush that is bearing tiny, tight blossoms. Finally, this year we have protected it from the ravishing lips of hungry deer.

Mums!

Geranuims, I love red the best. Lavender and pink from last year are blooming also; I need to dead-head today.

Fern and Mums. The fern is thriving in this cooler, moist weather.

This fella became a resident in June, a birthday gift. I unwrapped the package he was housed in, removed him, and wondered if a mistake was made.... 'umm, he is adorable, how cool to get an Elf in the summer.....' Okay then, he is not a Christmas Elf, he is a Garden Gnome, but I think he secretly heads North in the winter.

100 % Chance

2010-10-23T21:52:00.000-07:00

of precipitation this past weekend....
It came down for about 30 hours, with heavy gusts of wind and an unofficial total of 8 inches of rain.

My Pink Ladies are almost ready to harvest.

I'm looking forward to green grass and cool nights.

But not so much the mud.....

Happy Trails!

Point Reyes, Part 1, Ride to the Coast

2010-09-27T08:13:00.001-07:00

Ten days ago we loaded up two horses and headed to Point Reyes, on the coast, north of San Francisco. Hot and dry at home, the weather predicted rain along the coast and coastal range for the weekend. There, on the windshield, our first raindrops since spring. The drive was nice and I was hoping that the rain wouldn't ruin our trip.

We arrived at the campground safe and sound, quickly set up camp, saddled up the horses and hit the trails with some friends who had been there for a few days already. It was very foggy and damp in the forest, so refreshing!

The trails were bordered by lush green trees, bushes and ferns. It smelled so good!

Back at camp, the horses are napping on the high-line. A group of our friends had been there for several days already. We all enjoyed a pot luck dinner and a surprise birthday cake for one gal. Jerry had made his delicious cherry cobbler which everyone always gobbles up. The group warned us about the persistent raccoons hanging about the campground, scavenging any bit of food left unsecured. One couple had stashed all of their food in coolers in the bed of their pickup truck the first night, only to find all of their food eaten or destroyed in the morning by those pesky coons.

We kept all of our food and horse feed locked up in the horse trailer. But in the morning we found raccoon prints all over the hood of our truck.

The second day was rainy enough for slickers, it was more of a fine mist and it was deliciously cool! We took an easy trail along the foot of the mountains, mostly flat, some wooded areas, and we had to ride through several cattle pastures with lots of momma cows and new baby calves. Not many pictures, my lens was wet and the pictures were awfully splotchy.

On the way back we stopped to watch this fella browse along the trail. Then he decided to mosey along ahead of us for quite a distance before he turned and disappeared into the thick underbrush.
After returning to camp, the others in our group packed up camp and went home. They all had previously ridden the trail over the mountains and to the coast before we arrived, it rained the day they rode to the beach.

We woke Monday to a beautiful day! After eating breakfast and packing our saddlebags with a lunch, we headed out. The trails are nice and well manicured, no dust, lots of green and even flowers still in bloom. So many wonderful trees, many of the large ones were Douglas Firs, and numerous Bay Laurel trees with that wonderful bay scent.

This is the view I had of Jerry and Cheyenne for most of the ride. Cheyenne was eager to be walking out at quite a clip while my mare and I were happy to quietly stroll along the paths.

We would catch up with the boys for some yummy green grassy snack breaks. But notice old Cheyenne, he is looking ahead wanting to be on the move again.

Some stretches of trail in this rain forest area were still wet and muddy, we did some slip sliding around on the steeper slopes. Lots of climbing uphill on the way to the ocean.

We loved these trails, cool wet and refreshing. Not humid at all. And No Dusty Trails!

to be continued.......

Point Reyes, California Part 2

2010-09-24T23:15:00.000-07:00

The way was very well marked and there is a very large network of trails in this park. Hikers, bikers and equestrians with no motorized vehicles allowed. Many of the trails are for horses and bicycles only. We started at the Five Brooks Trail Head 6.0 miles ago and at this point it was 0.7 miles to get to Wildcat Camp on the beach.

The trail is drying out, the trees are further apart and the sunshine was streaming through.

We've reached the summit of our climb through the wet rain forest surroundings, and catch our first glimpse of the ocean. The narrow, slick-with-mud, steep trails were now behind us. I was giddy with anticipation......

We frequently dismount on rides to give the horses a break, especially on the steeper down hill trails. The horses seem to enjoy it and we get to stretch out our tired limbs and rest that part that sits on the hard leather seat. This was long, tough ride and we all appreciated the breaks.

Just zooming in on the coast ahead and below. My focus and settings aren't that great on the trails, most of the time it's get out the camera and shoot fast while my mare is walking along.

Cheyenne kept wanting to look out to sea, his mane blowing and his nostrils flaring. The blues were incredible but I haven't taken the time to adjust the color on this picture.

The remainder of the ride to the coast is along this two track dirt road. There is a camping site next to the beach that folks can hike into and the road is used by the Rangers to service the outhouses and check the campground daily. The road runs the entire way but it is a much more scenic route to ride or hike the trails.

Steep switch backs take us lower quickly. It is dry and windy, and the vegetation is completely different on this furthest west slope of these coastal mountains

Here we are, finally at sea level. It was lovely.

One last bit of narrow, steep path, just a few steps from the sand and the Pacific Ocean.

To be continued............

Point Reyes, California, Part 3, The Pacific Coast

2010-09-24T21:52:00.000-07:00

We made it! Tracks tell that we weren't the first riders on the beach that afternoon.

Our destination, the Pacific Coast. The waves were high, the wind blowing and the roar of the surf constant. Both horses were on high alert.

First close-up look at the big noisy ocean.

Once she figured out the waves weren't attacking, she focused her attention on the globs of kelp littering the sand.

As we s l o w l y walked aong the beach, my mare kept watch between the waves, the kelp and the small rocks that tumbled down the cliffs beside us. Horses point their ears in the direction of their interest, her ears were spinning like little wind mills. I did not take bunches of pictures, there was the greater need to use all of my skill to keep my hot, red-headed, firecracker of a horse between my legs!

It was a great time.
I think I need to return to this sweet place.

HAPPY TRAILS!

Kid in the Country Part I or Preteen Driver's Ed

2010-09-16T00:24:00.000-07:00

In the country, we teach kids how to drive young.

Give them a few years learning balance on a two wheeler and in trees. Once these skills are mastered....

Graduate to small engine operation, making it as rewarding as possible, maybe a small allowance.

Once the young person shows common sense and the desire to advance, a vehicle with a larger engine can be introduced. Once the trainee has mastered forward, reverse, turning both left and right and can avoid running over inappropriate objects.......

..... stick him on a small tractor. Teach him to operate a large, spinning auger and have him dig a bunch of huge post holes, under supervision of course.

Tease him a little by letting him ride along on the big tractor and assist with digging the neighbors out of the snow. (Snow we had, that we really weren't supposed to have, according to our realtor two years ago,.... ) moving on,

Let him ride along with my cowboy, in a back hoe, digging big holes in the dirt, ripping out tree stumps, creating much noise....

demonstrate the tremendous power of an engine.

get him excited and get that adrenalin pumping, make him crave driving!

Make him want to drive so desperately that he is willing and eager to operate the ranch tractor successfully weaving between many small trees.

All of this preparation and training, so that he eagerly starts up the tractor to pick up and dump loads of horse manure for his Nana (me).

Bull Pups

2010-09-15T20:53:00.000-07:00

Just because I think they are cute and because you got to see them at their c-section, here they are again.

A reminder of how they looked in July at less than an hour old.

Here they are 8 weeks old, full of curiosity and wrinkles.

Watch out world, here they come!

Lumpectomy

2010-09-14T22:18:00.000-07:00

The previous post reminded me of a recent case at work, I'll share pictures knowing a few readers may be interested. Others won't enjoy, so Di, you may want to skip this one.

The bulbs these Lily sprouts emerged from, oddly resemble.........

The tumor sprouting from this cute guy's head! Am I right?

He is an older fellow and the owner was concerned about surgery at his age, but when the ugly mass grew large enough to droop over his eye and began to ooze, she agreed surgery was the best option.

The area was shaved and prepped for surgery.

The lump was successfully excised.

........skin opposed and sutured.

And this sweet old boy recovered rapidly and is doing quite well.

Good news, the tumor was benign, not malignant.

Summer Produce and Blooms

2010-09-01T10:07:00.000-07:00

Darkness creeps in earlier, the night air is refreshingly cooler, rain is falling in the high country and the oak leaves are falling in our yard. Farewell summer, I'll miss you.

August is a hot, dry time here in California. The grass is 'golden' and thirsty.

The pastures lack green grass, our wild flowers are no longer in bloom, in the country our vehicles are dust covered.

In hot, dry, golden, thirsty month of August we witness the Resurrection Lily.

The stalks seem to grow as you watch.

Bright pink Lily blooms soon brighten the gardens.

One short month and the flowers fade away.

The final day of August was one of celebration. My peach crop was ready for harvest. Our second harvest here at the log cabin was 3x greater than last year's crop.

Tristan was eager to pick the ripe fruit while I documented our great success. I battled three major fruit tree diseases this spring, insects all summer, jay birds that ate every single ripe nectarine. One peach tree survived but bore no fruit, but this tiny little tree not only survived, she gifted us with ten wonderfully delicious peaches. Cool!

Peaches in crystal.

Geraniums have been blooming. Maybe no deer will sneak in to eat them this year.

The summer squash are growing well in some very entertaining shapes. Plenty of zucchini also.

Farewell to August but I am glad that September is here.

Our dusty trails are craving some rain......

From the back of my mule.....

2010-08-24T22:30:00.000-07:00

This was my favorite ride, ever, anywhere. Two weeks ago we explored a trail loop in the Sierra Nevada on horse (mule) back with a group of friends. Perfect weather, abundant mountain wild flowers, overlooks and views that melt away burdens. I'd love to share the lonely sound of breezes rustling the pine boughs and pause with you, to deeply inhale the fresh mountain scent of sage, pine and flowers. Instead, I'll settle with sharing these few photos of a small section of our vast wilderness.

Steep switch backs taking us higher and higher into the mountains.

Snow still melting, created little streams feeding fields bursting with color.

Trailing along the crest of a ridge.

Millie looking for her buddies ahead. They have disappeared in the fields of lupine.

Pretty.

See the patch of snow in the distance behind Jerry and Pistol? Those two little dots on it are a boy and his Golden Retriever sliding and playing in the snow.

A bit of rock climbing.

I want to go back and stay a week, or more.

Our noon lunch stop.

Pistol and Millie taking their noon break.

Lake Tahoe can be seen in the distance.

Peace.

We rode for 4 1/2 hours, stopping frequently to enjoy.

Yes, I want to go back.

Enjoy your trails.

Beanie Babies

2010-07-14T07:39:00.000-07:00

Sharing one of the joys of my 'job'.

Rescue

2010-06-24T21:57:00.000-07:00

She was found abandoned in Sacramento, I don't know her story.

We met her two weeks ago.

Our adoption application and home inspection (yes, really) was approved.

She moved in on Monday.

The 'foster mom' called her grey mare. I have named her 'Willow'.

Willow's first four legged friend here was Cort. He welcomed her by grazing right along with her.

She is very sweet and mellow.

Yesterday she shared a pasture with Remington and they got along just fine. Today I gave her a bath, pulled and braided her mane and fussed over her a bunch.

Yes, I know we already have a full herd, but no one else wanted her and I liked her enough that I didn't want to see her go to the "already too full" horse rescue center. I like her even more now.

Let's go to the Zoo!

2010-06-23T08:34:00.000-07:00

I like animals; I work with them, I live with them, and I go visit animals on summer vacation days. I had the day off yesterday and asked Tristan if there was anything he'd like to do together, he chose the Zoo. So come along with us to the Sacramento Zoo. It's a sunny day and the temps are in the high 80s.

The reptile house is always a favorite. We kept our eyes on this fella for quite a while. No blinking, no noticeable signs of respiration, no movement at all.

Look at those cute tiny nostrils and bitty toes.

Pretty in pink.

I like these stripes, and horns, and what a lovely eye.

Something up there is bringing a smile to Tristan's face.

A chimp! And Tristan was bringing a smile to his face. (Or maybe he was chewing on his lunch.)

I love Lemurs.

Did Tristan grow green peacock feathers?

She looks deep in thought.

.......wondering "does this pattern make my bottom look big?"

Momma and her March baby. aaahhhhh

Snow leopard napping.

I hope you enjoyed our little field trip. So, does anyone know what kind of animal is in picture #4? Just wondering if you know. There's no prize if you guess, but give it a try. Hint, not a native animal of North America.

I'll post again tomorrow, I have a surprise to share.

Happy Trails.

Bodie, A Ghost Town

2010-06-17T22:41:00.000-07:00

Bodie, California: a spontaneous detour on our way home from Bishop. Wandering a dusty path, surrounded by fragments of long forgotten dreams, rusty remains of stories untold, mysteries of abandoned hopes; kneeling in dirt while caressing the smooth, weather-worn slats of tired, aged carriages; peering though the warped panes of curtained windows; I felt drawn to and connected to this lonely place. A few short hours was not enough time.

A small peek at Mono Lake and the snow covered eastern slope of the Sierra.

Once a booming mining town, a small percentage of the town remains as a State Park, allowing a priceless glimpse of our western history.

A family's transportation? Freight hauler? Supply wagon? Where did it come from? Who pulled it? A fancy team of horses? Sturdy mules? Oxen? How old are you and where were you created?

I wish to age as beautifully as wood.

Peaceful and lonely at the same time.

1800 s Fire House Wall.

Graced by nature's garden.

Homestead

Where'd they all go?

Past and Present.

At rest.

Mule Days

2010-06-15T06:29:00.001-07:00

We erected our teepee in a cow pasture surrounded by mountains, motor homes and campers. It was a big party of folks who like mules, horses, camping or just getting away. I am going to print my photos and make a big poster to show Millie and Pistol so they can see what kinds of things they should be doing with their lazy mule lifes. Enjoy!

Life With Wrangler

2010-04-30T12:05:00.000-07:00

If you have been visiting here for awhile, you have already met Wrangler, and may have seen some of these photos already. He is a favorite around here. I went into the pasture for a photo shoot a few days ago and he followed me everywhere, making it difficult to get pictures due to his nose in my lens.

He moved in with us in August 2008. He kept suffering major injuries and his human mom at that time, couldn't deal with him. She called me, we brought him home, and I wondered, "What did I get myself into?"

This was the final straw for his previous owner, when she said 'no more'.

This was the first one and it was almost healed, when........

next he did this to himself. She was never real sure how he was doing it, but he was continually getting torn up.

Over time he healed well. We were finally able to turn him out with the rest of the herd, he made friends and played well with others. No further injuries for a year.

Jerry started riding Wrangler one year ago and we were pleased with his good nature and calmness. This was his first ride and he calmed right down after a couple of little half hearted bucks. What a little sensible sweetie.

Fast forward to this winter/spring. Wrangler is 3 1/2 years old now and getting spunkier. We have plenty of calm quiet times with the herd grazing peacefully together.

And then there are the days when he is full of himself and wants to play, play, play. The other boys will play rough with him. The two mares do not want to have anything to do with the rough stuff and they let him know.

Sometimes things get too rough and we find these kinds of things and can only guess what happened; such as, one wild colt getting to tough with the above 'old boy'.

He loves to run and certainly enjoyed playing in the snow this winter.
Wrangler is a Paint Horse, colored white and brown, not so easy to keep the white parts white.

Wrangler and Cort share breakfast most mornings.

As a three year old horse, he is losing his intermediate incisors. That bottom one was very loose and he was wiggling it with his tongue, just like a child with a loose tooth.

Later the same day the loose tooth is gone and the adult incisor is peaking through the gum. Sorry, I didn't bother washing the grass from his mouth or brushing his teeth before taking pictures.

Wrangler totally skipped the terrible twos, but he has saved it all up and is a feisty, 'full-of-it' three, almost four year old.

He suffered this recently, a short, deep gash to the shoulder. I think he tried to play his silly colt games with a certain mare and she wasn't going to put up with him.

Patched him back together.

Two weeks ago we drove an hour to meet up with a group of friends for a trail ride. Here are Jerry and Wrangler ready to go. What I did not get a picture of, was Wrangler taking off as Jerry put his foot in the stirrup and dumping Jerry flat on the ground, on his right side, on his damaged shoulder, which promptly and fully dislocated.....

-with a worried crowd of friends and strangers surrounding us, I was able to pop that baby back in. I am getting too used to doing that. Then, our MD friend wanders over and asks, "what's up", he missed the fun. However, did request that we wait next time so he can watch.

SOOOO..... Jerry says he is fine, attempts to climb back on the crazy three year old, and before he can get his second boot in the stirrup, that colt goes into a wild bucking episode that would thrill a rodeo audience. And for the first time ever, I get to see Jerry bucked off a horse. It wasn't pretty.

But he kept on smiling.

We didn't go on that ride......

Anti-Freeze

2010-04-28T21:32:00.000-07:00

Piles of hail, rivers of mud and water.

"Sorry Cort, I can't make it stop."

Baby, it's COLD out there!

A storm hit this evening. Driving rain, screeching winds, thunder and hail. I am rather fond of my new baby tomato and pepper plants and I am worried for their well-being. Tristan bundled up, grabbed a flash light and an arm full of sheets, ran to the garden and covered the tomato cages for me. The apple trees were beginning to blossom, morning will reveal the extent of damage suffered by my little orchard.

The electric blanket has warmed my bed, I'm headed that way now.

Happy Trails to you!

Homework Can Be FUN

2010-04-21T14:12:00.000-07:00

Class assignment: find, identify and describe 50 different California Wildflowers.
Two months to complete project.
Three weeks left. Areas covered so far include; central valley, our foothills, foot hills further south, coastal area, canyons, American River banks, our yard and pasture and road sides.

Tristan, Cort, Carson and I spent four hours in the forest 30 minutes from here "working" on homework.

We found TEN new varieties on this outting AND we had a 'blast'.

No dust on these muddy but happy trails!

Winter Gardening

2010-04-07T09:05:00.000-07:00

My daughter sent me this and I treasure it as my gardening slogan (plus it is cute). We are beginning our third year of gardening here at the log cabin in the woods. We started with red clay-like pine needle laden soil. Our first veggies were greatly prized but not very abundant.

With hard work, two years of compost, and rich, black, aged horse manure plus a whole lotta luck; we are eating fresh salads with home grown lettuce already. I picked the above bowl of greens this morning.

Amy attempted a winter garden this year. She planted spinach, brocoli and lettuce. Only the lettuce grew.

And it is growing well on the upper level of the garden.

We have a two-tiered vegetable garden. Last year the lower level supported a variety of squash
that grew surprisingly well. Early in the winter I roto-tilled several loads of compost and manure into the lower level, planning to plant squash and melons in the spring.

This is the lower level. Bunches of lettuce have come up without being planted intentionally; must have been from those seed heads I tossed in the compost pile the past two years.

Two weeks later these plants are growing and thriving, no work - all luck.

and as we know... my garden needs all the luck it can get.

Happy Trails to you.

Rendezvous

2010-04-06T10:53:00.001-07:00

Jerry and I are members of the Backcountry Horsemen of California (BCHC). The purpose of the organization, in part, "shall be to perpetuate the common sense use and enjoyment of horses in America's backcountry and wilderness". The group is made up of regional 'units' involved in education, service, and the love of the backcountry. The yearly state Rendezvous combines classes, training, contests, clinics and competitions all in one busy weekend in March.
We made it our first camp out of the year, packed up our tepee tent, grub, some clothes and headed to Merced.

Jerry enjoys being camp cook and that's fine by me. He gets up first to get the fire going, and by the time I crawl out of my bedroll; hot, strong, camp coffee and a hot breakfast are ready.

The last time we went to rendezvous, we took our horses and entered a few contests. We decided to go without animals this trip. I had forgotten how much simpler camping is without having a string of horses to care for, I enjoyed it.

We both entered some of our photographs in the Western Art Show. Amateurs, we enjoy photography and take a lot of pictures. Three years ago, Jerry entered one of his photos and was awarded a third place. This year he entered one photo and ........ drum roll please....

He was awarded FIRST PLACE in the photography division. Yeehaw.

and......

I earned a THIRD. woo hoo!

and......

also an honorable mention.

Just in case you were wondering, yes there were more than our few photos entered. If you can see the little green sticker on my black and white, you'll see entries already numbered in the 30s when we brought our pictures in.

It was not our typical camp out, our little camp was squeezed between campers at the Fairgrounds. We were in a perfect spot to watch the Trail Trial Classes in the Arena.

There were groups competing in the Dutch Oven Cook Off. It sure smelled good out there.

These very cool Iron Mules were used to teach packing techniques. Jerry hung out here a bunch, sharing yarns with the 'old timers', learning a new knot or two, and sharing a few tips of his own.

We both completed enough 'Gentle Use' classes to earn our first pin. There were great classes and awesome speakers. The core classes I took included, Gentle on the Trail - with Campsites - Concepts - Stock Management - With Plants and Animals. Mostly common sense stuff but with so many more people enjoying the backcountry, we feel it is so important to be very gentle on the land so it can be enjoyed for generations to come. We learned camping concepts as kids in my family; don't pick the flowers, leave things cleaner than when you arrived, no littering and pick up other's litter, a big thanks to my Mom and Dad.

It was a fun weekend. We came home and Tristan had a new Science Project from his teacher.... find, pick and identify 50 California Wildflowers. yep, that's true, pick 50 wild flowers... we discussed gentle use of wild plants and I loaned him my digital camera to capture images instead. I offered to write a nice letter to his teacher, he passed on that.

Enjoy your trails, but please don't pick the Wild Flowers.

A Peaceful Easter at Home

2010-04-04T22:14:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter. We four had a quiet, peaceful day at home. My extended family in Michigan had plans to get together at Mom and Dad's today and I hope each of you enjoyed a great day of visiting. I also hope that your weather was better than ours. Around noon the rain blew in on heavy winds and our moat is functional once again. All morning we spent quality time outdoors together working on fence lines and stacking wood. An early afternoon dinner was yummy and enjoyed by all. This evening has been very relaxing; our wood stove keeping the cabin cozy, the scent of baking cinnamon raison bread filling the house, while wind and rain dash a pleasant rhythm against the tin roof .

I have spent two hours attempting to load some Easter pictures for you. Most were pleasing spring-like pictures, honestly. Very reluctantly, I have given up on them and what you are about to see are the last two pictures I had planned to share. ~~often~~ Sometimes our internet connection up here in the backwoods is frustrating and I just throw my arms in the air and give up.

We had a busy month of March and once again I was stunned to find it was time to turn the page on the calendar already.

Happy Easter everyone. Peace to all.

Foot wear of the day.

No, not the full moon on Halloween. This was our sunshine at it's brightest late this morning.

Happy April Trails.

A Perfect Day

2010-03-10T21:17:00.000-08:00

This is a big, deep hole in an old Oak tree in our front yard. It's inhabitants have been very busy lately. Who resides in this cozy nest? Can you guess from my picture or post?

Sunday was a most beautiful day. We spent the day out in the sun enjoying our little corner of the world. The fruit trees that I planted a year ago are budding and blooming.

This nectarine tree is thickly covered with pink buds. The peaches are trying to catch up. The cherries and apple trees are just starting to get tiny buds. We were careful to plant varieties that would cross-pollinate successfully.

New flowers are appearing almost daily. They are such an exciting surprise. Many flowers were planted by the original owners of our cabin and we discover new ones each season.

Lavender and purple are my favorite colors.

Another view of that habitat. I wasn't able to get a clear shot of 'who lives deep in there'.

Cort laying down catching some rays instead of trotting all about making sure that everything is in order. That is his job, you know.

Jerry mowed most of the front yard. He left a long strip for me to high-line the horses out for some extra grazing.

We had horses and mules spread out all over the property grazing since the ground had dried from the previous heavy rains. More blossoms on the plum tree.

It was so refreshing to spend the day outdoors working on plants and with the animals.

Then came Monday, and the cold weather returned. Hail, freezing temperatures and frost. I covered my fruit trees with plastic to protect from the freeze. I believe it worked!

Tuesday it was cold and rainy up here. I worked down in the valley an hour from here and it was sunny but a bit 'brisk'.

This morning the schools delayed opening an hour due to the icy road conditions. Brrrr, I have been chilled all day.

According to the folks that earn good money to predict such things, it should start warming up again tomorrow. I am hoping that they are correct.

Happy Trails!

Warning: Laceration Repair

2010-03-05T19:56:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I shared the humor of watching horses frolicking in play. Following my 'just keeping it real' theme, I'm showing the real life results of two 1000# hoofed creatures playing their rearing, pawing, striking and biting at one another horse games.
Not to point any fingers but my patient here is poor old Remington and from yesterday's pictures you all know who his favorite playmate is.
Actually, we didn't see the insult occur. Late one night, several days after our return from Michigan, Jerry mentions that he saw blood dripping down Rem's face, the night before.... Excuse me? Last night? Well, we all know that when a horse is walking soundly and gobbles his food down as usual, we tend to forget things like blood trickling (pouring) down a face. Right? I get that. And as a very understanding wife, I hardly made any audible rude remarks about letting him (the cowboy) bleed for 24 hours if he ever got sliced, or cut, or stabbed. So, late at night we go out to the cold dark barn, sedate the horse, use buckets of warm water to wash all of the crusty dried blood off of his face, shave away all the the dirty surrounding hair and get a good look at the source of the blood.

Ugly, yes? You can't tell from the picture but the laceration was mainly the shape and size of a horse hoof. Yes, and there is one gelding living here who likes to play like is a wild stallion, standing tall on his hind legs and pawing the air with his forelegs.

Jerry's firm grip on the ear is to keep Rem's head steady, even sedated, he would try to shake his head with any touch to his forehead. The laceration was quite deep in the center, the area was contaminated with ground in hair, and the edges of skin had already started to contract. Ideally, when suturing a wound, you want a fresh, minimally contaminated surgical site. We weren't getting that.

Lots of scrubbing, trimming damaged skin edges, and attempts to closely oppose the skin margins led to a less than ideal laceration repair. There's not much extra skin on the forehead of a horse. Not at all like a cat or dog with so much extra skin you could make a whole new pet.

The finished result was quite disturbing to me. It will heal more rapidly than leaving it open to heal, but infection is more of a worry when a contaminated deep wound is closed, and it just was an ugly repair.

Most sutures can be removed in 10-14 days. I kept him on antibiotics for a while, twice daily scrubs, and didn't remove the sutures for 4 weeks. They could have been removed in 3 weeks, but you know, when a horse is walking soundly and gobbles his food down as usual, we tend to forget things like sutures. Right? You understand that.

So here is Remington on Jan. 31st, showing just a wee bit of a scar. Once his hair grows back and he looses that goofy pony tail, no one will ever know. Except us.

See, not bad for a bald guy. If anyone asks, maybe I'll claim to have done a little brain surgery.

Naw, horse people would never believe that, as much as we love them, they don't have much in the way of...... um never mind.
Happy Healthy Trails.

Horse Play

2010-03-04T19:38:00.001-08:00

There's no messing around when the grass is green.

But when bellies are full it is time for fun. Cheyenne, the herd boss is inviting Pistol to play.

No response; Cheyenne moves to the other side and invites a bit more vigorously.

Pistol doesn't lift his head from his pile of hay, he ignores Cheyenne's rare display of playfulness.

"Ho, hum, bite me all you want. I don't care. I am a tough guy and I am not in the mood to play".

The look of youth and innocence? He is the youngest of our herd. This is Wrangler.

That partial blue eye of his, the mark of insanity. Not officially, just in my opinion.

Meet our "old man" Remington; calm, steady and kind. And did I mention, old.

Remington wanders over to Wrangler, "Hay little buddy, wanna play".

"Yeehaw, you betcha, come on let's go!"

"Whoa there little buddy, slow down a bit and don't be looking at me like that with your crazy eye."

These last two pictures need captions. Please help me out!

A River Runs Through It......

2010-03-03T13:02:00.000-08:00

An alternative title could be, "Keeping It Real Here".

Or maybe, "Life Is Not Always Sunshine and Flowers".

We wouldn't have our lush, green grass, trees, and colorful flower gardens if we didn't have days like today. The Sierra snow pack deepens, reservoirs refill, streams flow and the good earth soaks up moisture, offering thirsty roots a cool drink.

I take you on a tour of my place again today.

Enjoy!

A river runs through it, through the barn and stalls.

Having 1000 # four legged beasts confined for several days of raging rains makes for a mess, and an aroma, not floral.

The source of our river, the head waters; a quagmire; a sticky, slick, red clay mess. My lingering memories of a green meadow where does and fawns frolicked and entertained, fade as I survey the results of Jerry's current project.

I always thought it would be lovely to have a cute waterfall and pond and maybe even stock it with goldfish.

But nope, up here in the foot hills we stock our ponds with Mountain Dogs.

Not only the barn sports a river today, our house proudly displays a moat; a brown, flowing moat.

A small bit of a drink for the grass.

Don't even mention how plump the dog appears. It is an optical illusion, poor body positioning and a luxuriously thick winter coat.

What the heck? Do you see what I see?

Gross March Snow.

We are not at an elevation supposed to get snow today!

Maybe I'll stay in and enjoy my warm, cozy cabin. We finally found and brought home a dining set that we both liked, Indian Rosewood.

And this is the truth, so help me. By the time I came in the house, copied my pictures on my computer, then put the pictures up on my blog, the rain stopped and I just now stepped out and took this picture.

Happy Trails Indeed!

April Showers.....

2010-03-02T14:54:00.000-08:00

Growing up in Michigan and spending most my adult life in the midwest, I would often repeat (over and over in my mind) the little ditty, "April showers bring May flowers". I needed the reminder that the rains and grey skies would give way to blue skies and colorful gardens, eventually.

As a reminder of the coming spring season, for my friends, family and 'others' suffering the bleakness of the cold winter days and seemingly never ending snow, I lovingly share a small taste of my winter with you.

Please enjoy.

A few of our newly planted Redwood Trees.

Manzanita Blossoms.

February abundance of daffodils.

Sweetly scented.

Poppies peaking.

Resurrection Lily greens.

Primrose.

Another Primrose.

Heart-leaved Bergenia

A bit of sunshine for those rainy days. (in other words, I have forgotten the name)

Irises.

and a touch of Fun - gus.

I'll be back tomorrow.

Muddy trails here, but Happy Trails to us and hopefully to you too!

The Vacation Is Over

2010-01-01T16:05:00.000-08:00

We flew into Detroit on Christmas Eve, missing the excitement and trauma of the failed terrorist act by one day. Christmas was spent with family in the great, white, frozen North. I had a wonderful time visiting with the old and meeting the new. The trees were bare, the sky grey, snow was on the ground, and Christmas cheer evident everywhere.

There were crisp blue skies too, blowing winds and drifting snow.

The 'medium' grand-girl traveled up from Illinois with her family to join the fun. She ran and laughed and frolicked in the snow.

We reached home safely on New Year's Eve. Security was run very efficiently and quickly at the airport. Minor delays occurred with de-icing but we still made our destination on schedule.
I was glad to see all of my furry four-legged family healthy and they were excited to see us.

I was in bed early last night, no late partying on New Year's Eve for me.

Up early this morning, Jerry and I enjoyed a breakfast of French Toast and sausage. Once our chores were finished, we made a grocery list and drove into town to shop. Back home again...and the vacation is finished. My laundry is done. All of the Christmas ornaments are down.

Winter gardening. The radishes continue to grow. I love radishes.

But so does something else. More than half of the radishes that I harvested today had been chewed and chomped on by 'something'.

Do you know what this is? A gopher trap, it needs to be set in the garden.

Irises and daffodils are growing well.

His vacation is over also. Being in charge of the wood shed, wood box and stove is an every day chore, even while on winter break, even on New Year's Day.

Plenty of wood from the recent storm.

Another never-ending task, oak leaves.

I missed this face. He missed me.

Things are greening up, it did rain off and on all day today. Cort seemed content to have his "pack" back home and he kept busy supervising our outdoor activities.

This was taken November 29 th. A tall Digger Pine that Jerry chopped down to clear the area he plans to build our riding arena.

It was a large tree and it grew at quite a severe tilt, these trees uproot and break off easily. The large 'stump' directly behind the tip of the newly cut one and in front of Jerry, broke off in a wind storm the summer before last.

Today Jerry sawed and chopped and cleared the Digger Pine.

It was a burn day; we started on the vast piles of branches that litter the property. The branches are wet and green and burn slowly. I'm guessing that it will take the entire winter to get rid of everything that was dropped during the snow storm.

Jerry and Tristan working on grading the site for our arena. They worked outdoors all day long. That is a short sleeve T-shirt Tristan is wearing; it must be a boy thing.

I frown upon this kind of male behavior. That is NOT water he is tossing to 'reduce the flames'...

These broad green leafs are in several of our shaded rock gardens. I don't know what they are. Someone told me they were Skunk Cabbage, they are pretty and they don't stink so I am not calling them Skunk Cabbage. This one is blooming today.

The daffodils are starting to bloom.

I dug them up, thinned them and replanted in the fall. They are coming up like crazy. My thumb is beginning to feel green.

And look at this, the lilac bushes are budding. Seems too early. This one is a white Lilac. We did not get any flowers on it last year, it was (oops) trimmed back too late in the year.

These little purple flowers made it through the snow and the freezes and continue to flower.

Yes, the vacation is over, and we accomplished much today, but I did take time to relax and smell the flowers.

I miss all of you Michiganders! or is that Michigonians? spellcheck suggests Michiganites.... Stay warm........
Happy Trails!

SNOW!

2009-12-10T23:48:00.000-08:00

I enjoyed a 'wild' weekend in Vegas; watching the National Finals Rodeo, shopping, people watching, watching my sister thoroughly enjoy the country music bands. But I kept an ear tuned to the winter storm warnings back home in California. After a long but uneventful flight home Sunday night, we were met by rain at the airport, heavier rain as we reached the foothills, rain and snow mixed as we climbed towards home.... and this....

Snow greets us at our gate. Not too bad, I suppose. The house is toasty warm and we crawl between flannel sheets and fall fast asleep. I plan to rise in a few hours and head south to work.

We are jolted from our slumber sometime early morning by a crack of thunder. I think how weird that the blizzard has changed to a thunder storm. Then back to sleep. Jerry wakes me saying he can't find the alarm clock. The clock isn't missing, the power is out. Both now fully awake, we realize the earlier boom wasn't thunder.... dressing quickly we grab flashlights and head out the door. Amazed to be greeted by a dazzling white landscape littered with downed branches and trees, sagging power lines and trees heavy with packs of snow performing the most incredible gymnastics.

The realtor assured me that it snowed very seldom at this location. hhmmph

Amy and Jerry hung pine boughs and bows on the fence posts last week. The fresh snow is a nice touch.

Billie explores.

This is supposed to stand straight up.

Tristan was one of the happy ones.

Power lines and trees and snow.

A candy cane wanna-be.

Jerry and Tristan being good neighbors.

More happiness.

This is the thunder maker... just missed taking out our new fence. At 6:00 a.m. we were clearing it from the road. Jerry chain sawed, I supervised and offered suggestions.

These smaller oaks did smash the back fence.

Annie has the right idea.

Four days later, the electric is back on, just in time for my return home tomorrow. I hope the snow is all melted by tomorrow too.

Coon Hound

2009-10-25T21:01:00.000-07:00

Got out of bed, opened my window blinds and noticed Cort laying in the yard, staring up a tree. As soon as he spies me, he jumps to his feet and starts leaping and twisting and spinning in the air, all while loudly vocalizing an alert to a trespassing varmint.

Looking pleased with himself, but always goofy with one ear up-one ear down.

He doesn't howl, he doesn't bay, he has an annoying high pitched yip, yip, yip, that gets our attention.

She's b a c k...... every few months she wanders over, gets treed, then high-tails it out of here when we distract Cort and no one is looking.

She's large, she's cute, but we don't want her nesting here and raising a family again. Can't blame her for trying though, this is a nice place to live.

Coloma Cemetery

2009-10-23T21:25:00.000-07:00

This morning I visited the small local hair salon for a new 'do'. I like it. It's wavy and layered. I thoroughly enjoy my time at this Beauty Shop, an owner who says she is old enough to be my grandmother, I laughed and we figured out the dates and she could be my 'mother' not grandma!
Folks, both men and women, just stop in for chat and coffee. A real friendly gathering place, home-town atmosphere, good people.

Tristan had a short day at school so I picked him up instead of him riding the bus for an hour to get home. We visited the local thrift shop and I picked up a few bargain items to create more costumes for my front yard scary gathering.

Late this afternoon, on our way to the 'big town', we stopped in Coloma. I have lived in the area for several years and have never visited the Coloma Cemetery. We were on our way to a Haunted House and I decided it would a great time to visit the small local graveyard. I love graveyards, the older the better. You know about Coloma, right? The location of Sutter's Mill? The place where gold was first discovered in California and started the whole rush West? There's interesting history here, and this Cemetery is lovely, a wonderful resting place.

Several beautiful iron 'privacy fences' encircle family plots.

On a hill side, the trails meander up and down and all around.

Some markers are interesting indeed! I want to know this whole story. And what's up with the coins?

A few wooden markers remain, most so worn they can't be read. Someone recently had painted in the carved wording on this sad plank.

What a peaceful, gentle spot.

Tristan shows us the oldest grave he could find. 1850.

I plan to go back and spend more time wandering and reading.

Does anyone else enjoy visiting old cemeteries?

I had to stop to fuel up my truck, Tristan got in the bed of the truck to watch the sky and he was doing some wild dancing and singing, I caught this shot before he saw me and calmed himself!

No pictures of the Haunted House. The High School put it on and it was fun. Dark, spooky and lots of strobe lights, way beyond my photographic skills.

A good day and I blogged twice this month.

Lovin' October

2009-10-22T09:47:00.000-07:00

Shorter cooler days are here. Autumn. Rainy season. Chili, stews, soups and baked goods.

I love October, especially since I don't have blizzards, frozen pipes and icy water buckets looming in my future.

Today will be a long winded, probably too many photos, look at life here at our cabin this month.

I don't really love 'everything' about October. The rains softened up our rock hard ground which apparently our gophers find very pleasing. Mounds of dirt and gopher holes are not my idea of desirable landscaping. However, the cats and Cort are entertained for hours at a time, which in turn entertains me, so not all is bad. They'll even catch one of those bad boys now and then.

With the rains and cooler temperatures we have things sprouting up all over the place. Daffodils are peaking up through the soil, Resurrection Lilies are just showing their green tips, and pictured above are some new plants coming up in a couple of our rock gardens. I am pretty certain aren't just weeds but what are they? Any help with plant identification is welcomed. Thanks in advance.

Several plants are still flowering. My roses continue to be sad and pathetic, refusing to be photographed.

Vegetable production is winding down but the plants look green and marvelous, I think that they love this cool wet weather. The green pepper plants are still proucing blossoms and peppers.

We tried a new variety of squash this year, Patty Pans, and we think they are great. They are still blooming and producing and hiding little ants.

Amy planted a row of radishes a few weeks ago. They are thriving. I had planted some in the spring, they hated the California summer heat and did not grow. Amy also planted a few rows of lettuce at the same time but they have not sprouted. We had lots of lettuce from the garden all summer long and were hoping for a winter crop also. Oh well......

I planted two rows of carrots in the spring, they also hated the hot summer and seemed to just be barely surviving. I didn't give up on them and I have been rewarded with a spurt of carrot growth. A baby carrot! And it tasted wonderful.

This week's colorful bounty.

And then there's Halloween. I thoroughly enjoy decorating with scary creatures. One poor soul greats you coming in the gate, two if you count the dog.

A closer look, he's not one-legged, just angled that way. I would love to have a large stuffed buzzard or two to perch above him. Maybe next year. Perhaps if I tossed chicken livers up there, real buzzards would come pose for me?

Two Halloween's ago this critter was making friends with Dawg the Sheep, now he is Carson's buddy. Cort just wants to find gophers, good Cort.

"Some" in my family have poked fun at her. She is a witch without a hat, I believe it must have fallen in the river on her way here. And her broom, so it's not a typical witch broom, it is better than the vacuum cleaner that she almost rode to our house. I'm not sure if Carson likes the witch or just insists on being part of my scary pictures. Cort's off somewhere digging up gopher tunnels, good boy Cort.

Last week's rains seemed to clean the dust off of everything. Our sky really is this color. Can you just smell the scent of pine on this crisp, clear day? I can....

Oaks are busy dropping millions of leaves and acorns. I should gather the acorns, pound them, make acorn flour, and find some tasty Native American recipes to try.

HAHAHA I crack myself up. I can't even blog more than once monthly these days.

I bet that Jennifer would do it. ;-)

A little reminder of the BIG storm that we had last weeks. Tristan and I gathered this pile of limbs out of the front yard the day after the storm. We didn't lose any trees, just old dead branches.

May you always see the rainbow!

HAPPY TRAILS!

2009-09-03T12:27:00.000-07:00

Taking a lunch break.

Another day at home working around the Log Cabin and I am loving it. A breeze is rustling the leaves, making the 90 degree temperatures feel much cooler, and the sky is that deep shade of blue that encourages slow,deep breaths.

After seeing the rest of the family off to work and school this morning, I fed horses and assorted small pets, made my bed, watered the flower beds and veggie garden, visited on the computer for a bit and enjoyed a phone call with my 'across the continent' daughter.

I have a list of inside chores waiting to be done but decided to enjoy the great outdoors instead.

I started on straightening out the tack room. The clutter on the floor isn't always there, I emptied shelves to straighten and reorganize, moved saddles and bridles around, swept away spider webs. Decided I needed to go get a ladder or stool to continue. Wandered over to the garden to check the sprinklers....

Then...... started on this pile of iris roots, tubors or bulbs, whatever they are called. We worked on the front fence last week. The property is (or was) lined with irises along the road. Jerry had to dig them all up. So here they are in this pile. I started cutting off the green tops and putting the roots in the can. Then stopped. Am I supposed to wait until the greens turn brown to cut them off? When do I replant irises? What kind of fertilizer do I need to supplement the soil with before replanting? When do I dig up and thin the dafodils? When to plant my tulip bulbs? Dropped my scissors and wandered back to the barn....

Back to the barn; forgot my stool for the tack room, decided I'd clean the stalls. Odd as it sounds, stall cleaning relaxes me. My thoughts drifted to Tristan, this morning he asked his Mom if he needed to change clothes if he cleaned the stalls before school. Her answer was, "yes, you can't go to school smelling like horse poop", so he didn't clean stalls. This is one of his regular chores which he does after school. After two stalls I put away my rake, didn't want him irritated that I did his work...

Feeling as though I just can't focus and finish any one project today. Went and looked in the garage. ugh

I was thirsty so wandered into the house for a drink.

Well, it's almost noon. A drink and maybe an early lunch today. A bit of cold coffee left from this morning's fresh pot. This summer I have taken a liking to iced coffee. It's as equally refreshing as iced tea.

I crush a bunch of ice, blend in milk, add a splash of stout cold coffee.

Mmmmm mmmmm good. Today I'm thinking a splash of flavor would be good. Yes: but I have NO bananas, no berries, maybe a dash of vanilla?.........

well heck...... a splash of this, a dash of that, here a little of that and to top if off this!

Not bad!

Then I start thinking again, is this a problem? Drinking alone before noon?

Naw. Don't worry, I really don't have a problem.

Then I remembered my trip to Puerto Rico a few years ago with Mom and Dad. Mom and I would kick back, read all morning, as soon as it was noon, we would wander (high-tail it) down to the little pub, to enjoy one of their delicious tropical adult beverages. It was one of our little vacation pleasures. So I will consider this liquid lunch of mine a little vacation pleasure. I am starting the Labor Day Weekend early. Tomorrow, Jerry and I head off on another adventure.

So here's to you Mom and Dad!

Back outdoors now to be more unfocused than before.

Happy Trails..........

Felidae Felis domestica

2009-09-02T10:04:00.000-07:00

Hhhmmmmm, not a cat; but very, very cute. The littlest (medium-size) grand daughter and I visited him/her at the Sacramento Zoo this summer.

Well..... this isn't a cat either, but I threw in this picture anyways. Any guesses? This tree reaches over our roof.

OK, I should change the title of this post. I realize that not everybody is fond of cats, but most everyone enjoys a family of deer out for a stroll in the neighborhood, so this picture is for everyone.

Not a cat.......

CATS: The original topic of this photo series.

Billy and Annie adore one another. They really aren't as fat as this picture makes them appear. It is the bad angle of the shot, really. They are actually quite svelte.

This is Tristan's cat Lucy. I call her Looney Lucy. Fits her to a 'T'.

Looney Lucy does tricks. Here she leaps from one building to another following her Mom's hand signals.

Annie likes Jerry the best, follows him everywhere, helping with chores and tasks.

Then there is Billy..... Billy, Billy, Billy.

We really prefer him to stay off the ceiling.

Billy and Molly-the-Shy-one.

Billy, bird watching.

I've noticed that Billy just can't seem to keep his feet on the ground, unless he is eating or sleeping, he reminds me of an eleven year old boy.

Side note:

For a good laugh today visit www.poopandboogies.blogspot.com be sure to read the comments!

My First Orchard

2009-08-31T21:22:00.000-07:00

I planted a little back yard orchard during the winter. My sister and nephew came to visit during winter break and saw my spindly little baby trees. She asked about my fruit trees yesterday. So since she asked....

I'll show..... The peaches were pretty, but the leaves were all holey from ants. The trees wore lovely blooms this spring. We had colorful cherry blossoms, abundant peach blossoms, a few nectarine blossoms but the apple trees only flowered a bit. I had high hopes for a taste of fresh fruit this summer.

I suppose I should post a picture allowing you to actually appreciate the size of our first peaches. Hhmmm, not so big I'll be the first to admit. But it was a proud moment when we determined that it was time to harvest.

Well, I guess I should also include a photo so that you can appreciate the size of tree that produced those four little mini peaches. Even the grand kids had no trouble reaching the branches to pick the fruit. And yes I said four, four fresh peaches and five here for dinner. What could we do?

DESSERT!

Fresh peach slices over vanilla ice cream for all! The best dessert we had all summer long.

I am pleased that it was such a tasty dish because it was the most expensive dessert that I have ever enjoyed.....

The COST of planting a small orchard:

Planting orchard......................................................1 fun day digging in dirt

Fruit trees (3 cherry, 2 peach, 1 nectarine, 4 apple).........$308.63

Gopher wire..............................................................$12.86

Dirt & Fertilizer.........................................................$43.58

Insecticide.............................................................$12.00

Antifungal fruit tree medication.......................$15.00

Hand watering...................................................2 x weekly chore until August

Drip system (installed to eliminate above chore)....1/2 day hard labor in August

Digging out danged Star Thistle by hand....weekly allowance to Grandson $$$

The pleasure of sharing and enjoying the fruit of your labors - PRICELESS-

BUT WAIT!

THERE'S MORE!!!!!

We have AN APPLE growing also!

The End of July

2009-07-30T23:12:00.000-07:00

The last pictures I shared, (two whole months ago) were proof that we do have green grass here in golden California, but not during the summer. The following pictures illustrate our golden time of the year. Go ahead and laugh, just remember to check back in with me in December when you are thigh high in Midwest snow and I am mowing green grass.

We are continuing to enjoy the company of four grand kids. For two days now, we have been able to get out and enjoy the horses early in the mornings while it is still relatively cool.

For quite some time now, we have suffered over 100 degree temperatures. When not down in the river, the kids stay in during the day and go out to burn off energy in the evening. I now have some time off work, so have been playing with these three rascals, trying to give Amy a break. The fourth granddaughter is in her late teens and not much into riding horses. Playing is hard work, they wear me out.

This granddaughter's wish for her visit was to be able to ride a mule. She thinks they are so cute! She was thrilled to get her wish and ride Pistol. But I tell you, he is like driving a big heavy tank, he can't help it, it's just the way he is. She was excited to get to experience Pistol, but confided to me, after about half an hour, that she would maybe stick to riding horses.

Warming up in the round pen. This was the little one's first ride on my mare. The older granddaughter has been riding old Remington since the end of June and they are good buds. Tristan rides them all but he is on his favorite, Cheyenne. The kids were having a blast and kicking up quite the dust storm.

I am not really sure why that 11 year old boy is pulling the mare's ear... maybe he is giving her an ear massage? He does pet the mule's ears quite a bit.

More of Tristan and Cheyenne.

The other eleven year old, a granddaughter, doesn't pull horse ears.

This tiny little gal loves to ride and is quite the horsewoman. She doesn't like to be called little though, she told me today that she is medium, not little.

Noon saw us hot, dusty and hungry. After unsaddling horses and tossing them some hay, we went in for lunch. I thought a trip to the theater to watch a movie would be a fun treat. We saw G-Force, cute and the kids liked it. I haven't been to a movie for so long I didn't realize the matinee now costs what regular price was just a short time ago. Well, maybe a few years ago.

This evening, after dinner, we were invaded by aircraft. Small planes and helicopters passed repeatedly overhead for a few hours. Jerry turned on his scanner and heard that a wild fire was being battled a few miles down the canyon from us, along the American River. Lovely. I had our escape plans all thought out and ready to be put in action. The kids were given their evacuation orders, just in case, but they were more interested in the few but large particles of ash and burnt grasses drifting down on us. The aircraft have gone, the fire must be out. Ah, golden California.

The children are asleep where all good grandchildren should be, outside in tents.

Wink

2009-07-29T15:43:00.000-07:00

I'll have to title a post 'How I Spent My Summer Vacation'.

Soon.

Jerry rigged up an outdoor antenna device that seems to encourage my computer to stay connected to the internet for more than two minutes at a time.

It has been a 'wink and it goes by' summer.

This is a 'wink and it goes by' post.

Western Weekend

2009-05-26T23:02:00.000-07:00

Hey, do you remember these fellas?.......... oops, wrong picture,

Do you remember these cowboys? Probably not, I never got around to blogging about our trip to Durango, Colorado last fall. It was an amazing trip, six men and one crazy woman.

It was a trip of awesome views and inspiring nature.

The men thrived on outdoor manly activities.

Not all was hard work, we took time for some exciting trail rides on those mountain horses.

The men did all of the camp cooking in rustic settings. Feel free to enlarge this photo to marvel over the kitchen set-up. This was real man country, I felt as a woman, I was being allowed to enter sacred grounds.

In the mountains, living in a log cabin and tents, riding horses, packing mules.........

The week went by much too quickly and before I knew it we were leaving the back country, headed for home, jobs, hot showers, modern kitchens, flush toilets and doors on bathrooms.....

The yearly trip to Durango, has been a tradition for about 14 years. Jerry has been gathering together groups of what I call his "city slickers" to leave the city behind and be real cowboys in the mountains of Colorado for a week in the autumn.

This year, the trip will not take place. We decided to invite last year's "city slickers" out to our place for a Western Gathering over Memorial Weekend.

Wives were invited also and it was a great bunch gathered at our cabin in the woods. Some stayed in the log cabin, some slept in tents, and a travel trailer made the trip.

I had a great weekend, but then, I slept in my house, in my own bedroom, in my own bed, and took a hot shower nightly.

I fondly remembered Colorado as I watched the men do manly men things.

Please don't ask..... yes, he IS shooting a gun out of the country kitchen, no that is NOT Jerry.

Those cowboys did ALL of the cooking for three days out in this kitchen next to our garage.

Jerry loaded up horses and mules and the boys hit the trails.

Two of the "City Slickers" got to enjoy the experience of riding mules, there were not quite enough horses to go around. For some reason it made me giggle. They were really good sports about having to ride mules. Not everyone wants to ride a mule. Just looking at this picture makes me giggle again.

A couple of our local friends joined the ride. I hiked ahead to snap a few pictures.

Then the ladies and I drove around in my truck and did a little sight seeing.

Their ride took them up along the American River, the hills are still green, a breeze was gently blowing, and it is not summer-time hot yet.

Everyone seemed to have a good time.

But by-golly, we are all going to really really miss Colorado this year.

Camping in the Woods

2009-05-19T22:11:00.000-07:00

This camping area is a short distance from our house, less than a half hour drive. We trailer here for day rides but this weekend we met with several of our riding buddies to camp and enjoy the trails together.

I love this area. Temperatures soared near 100 degrees in the central Valley, were in the 80s at our house but it felt much cooler and more comfortable here in the tall trees. We set up our tents, settled the horses in, set up the camp kitchen and went for a couple of very pleasant trail rides.

The 'boys' saddling up for our ride. At this campground we 'high-line' the horses and mules to keep them from wandering away. Ropes are stretched from tree to tree, the animals are tied with a lead rope just long enough for them to reach the ground to munch their hay, they can move around a bit, and are quite content. It was Millie's first camp outing, her first time being high-lined and she was a perfect lady the entire time.

Jerry made dutch-oven biscuits, gravy, sausage and hot, strong camp-fire coffee for breakfast.

We washed dishes, saddled up, and were on the trail by 10 am.

Hey there Amy, hurry and get that lunch out of those saddle bags so we can eat! Amy rides Remington with a cool Australian saddle, more comfy than a western or huntseat saddle on the long trail rides.

Our trusty mounts are tied while we break for lunch. Pistol, in the foreground, was my ride for the weekend. The second mule is our little Millie, Jerry's trail partner this trip. In the background is Rock, my mare, who was ridden by Tristan all weekend. Tristan usually rides Cheyenne who stayed home with a sore hoof and the colt Wrangler stayed home to keet him company. I drove home from the campground to feed and check on them, the dogs and the cats.

On this ride I neglected to take any pictures of our actual trail riding. I was too busy steering the mule.....

A few years ago, I thought mules were fine as pack animals but swore I'd never ride one . Now I have to admit that I am quite fond of them and enjoy the ride. The difference between riding a horse and a mule can be compared to riding in a luxury automobile versus a 4-wheel drive diesel truck.

I enjoyed our first campout of the season but was glad to get home, take a cool refreshing shower, and relax.

Now we have lots of projects to complete around home to prepare for our big Cowboy Memorial Weekend Party here.......

more about that later, I am off to bed.

My May Post

2009-05-14T12:06:00.000-07:00

I fully intended to start blogging more regularly...... I didn't until today.

I've been busy working at clinics and here at home. We have constant projects needing our attention: Planting, building, repairing, maintainence, animal care, house work, laundry, yard work, horse & mule training, meetings, and so on and so on...
Today I am home -alone -. That is not a complaint.

I am taking a computer break. This morning I paid bills, went to the post office, sprayed our little baby orchard and rose bushes with fungicide (yes we have fungus, two types), finished three loads of laundry, went to our hospitalized neighbor's to take care of her cat and 2 dogs (one is fecal and urinary incontinent, so is no easy chore), looked at my garden's weeds and sighed and came in for lunch.

Our flowers and yard and pastures are lovely this time of year. I'll post pictures soon. *wink*

I need to run now; I have stalls to clean, a building to clear, a garden to de-weed, camping gear to pack up for tomorrow, halter the horses for the farrier at 4pm, camp grocery shopping to do, and who knows what else, maybe wash a vehicle or two, maybe paint the wood shed (not likely).

I fully intend to start blogging again more regularly.

I miss you all.
May your trails be peaceful.