Scenes from an almost perfect day

Finally, I got back to doing what I love--riding horses. I am so busy that this quite often gets put off to some other day--and then does not happen. But TODAY-- I went trail riding with Randy, Linda and my mom, about an hour away from here. Sure some things went wrong (flat tire on trailer, potentially stolen tractor when I got home, etc)....but the rest of the day was awesome.
Mom rode Gyro, probably for the first time. Gy is always a treat in every way so mom had lots of fun. The weather was perfect--about 70 degrees. In August, for Pete's sake.
Radar and I had a great time--every time I get on him, I am reminded how much I love this horse. I mean really love him. I am not selling him. So there Barry (please don't be mad, I just cannot do it). I love him.
Due to all the hangups getting there, I arrived sans-beer. I know--almost unheard of right? But a safe move when one is going to meet Head. He always is stocked. He can hook a girl up. The only thing to make a day horseback better is a cold beer at the rest points, so it is good that he is reliable in this way. But when Head busted out these little bitty beers, I cracked up. He had a selection of regular size beers and beers for midgets or children, and you could not know which one you were getting when you stuck your arm in the saddle bags. It was like some bizarre game of spin the bottle, I swear.
And you know he is a real horseman, just by this scene back at the trailer. A real horseman never takes his spurs off--he just changes boots instead.

When we got home, I discovered some unfortunate things- my head almost spun plumb off my shoulders and I had the beginnings of a full-blown come apart. The details of that may or may not come later. I did not want to skimp on Hammer boot camp due to fury though, so we got him out and went through the motions of his refresher course of saddling and stirrup flopping. He was so good tonight that we decided to push our luck, and ended up having a great ride. Hammer was the same horse I brought home from the trainer three weeks ago and not that raving lunatic that I dealt with last week. We played around in the hay field for a while, until Madison got bored with me. She set up a bunch of obstacles for me--cavaletti, scary diesel cans and wadded up tarp stuff--anything she could think of that happened to be laying around (and that can be just about anything in my world). Nothing put Hammer off--even kittens jumping out at him at Mach 2--he was a rock star. We played til dark, then gave him the night off.

It is amazing how that turned my world around. I was so proud of us. It was the perfect way to end the day.

It must run in the family

and this time, I am not talking about the foul mouths, bad attitudes and various other wackaloon attributes, but this horse thing.

We already knew that Gabi was totally into animals, as her big show with Fonzie yesterday demonstrated. Today we all went riding together, and she got to sit on Twister, Gyro, and a few others. Because she is so tiny, someone always has a hold of her and it makes her so angry that she cannot go by herself. Yes, all 23 pounds and 20 months of her. She pushes people away, tells them no and cries when you take her off. It is ridiculous. Yesterday, she clapped most of the time, but today we were able to get through to her that she needed to hold the horn so the horse could move.
This is her kissing Barry, but then telling him to go away so she could ride. If she was not on a horse, she was constantly saying "up, up, up". When she was on one, she said "go go go". If you asked her what a horse says, she would neigh and crack up. It was so cute. I give them two years and she will be riding her own pony behind us on these rides, instead of waiting at the trailer with Leo, waiting for us to come back.
This is my cousin Kim. She rode Gyro on one shift.
This is my aunt Jana, Kim's mom--she is my mom's little sister. Twister took good care of her. He still looks a little bit like a zebra. He does not care. He is losing weight for no good reason lately, so I am keeping an eye on him.
This is Edward, the brother-in-law. He does not normally look like a thug, I think it is that crazy hat he had on. He is not, not by a long shot.
When we came back from one ride, Gabi insisted on going up up up, then raised her arms up and shrugged her shoulders, like she did not know why she was having to share the horse. Funny kid.
This is Barry and Jack. Jack is Kim's son. This was Jack's first ride with us, except for on Marvin the donkey a long time ago, and that does not count. Jack had a blast and if he said thank you once, he said it ten times--it is nice to know how much he appreciated it. I was amazed at how well he did, he followed instructions well, he did not get bothered by anything, and did a great job with Rock. Even though she is 26 years old, she is plenty opinionated, and is blind in one eye, so we had to think carefully about who we could pony her from to start his ride--so that it was not someone she would feel obligated to beat up on. That left us with Playmate, who Barry is riding, and is 27 years old. She has probably not been ridden in at least a year, and it might well be a couple of years. She was PERFECT, as was Rock, we could not have asked for more out of any of our horses that the behavior we got from these girls today. They did so well that we were able to let Rock loose in the woods, and Jack handled her really well up and down the hills and through creeks--all in all, it was a perfect family ride.

This is the second shift of the ride--me, Mandy and mom.
And Edward was part of that group as well.
This is Barry and Jack on their first entry into the woods--I like how good these old bay mares look, and knowing how much fun Jack had and that Gabi has to look forward to over the years made it more fun for everyone else too.

When that was over, we came back to my house, and had chili that Aunt Jana had hauled all the way down here from Chicago. We had ten people here, I think, and played some crazy Dominoes game that brings out some nastiness in this bunch. Evidently they played this game last nite too as I took my nap, and Barry was not kidding about how insane these people are--not that that is news to me at all. That he willingly hung out with my family is a little strange, which just goes to show you how much better things were this year than they have been in years past. We did not have any real screaming or arguments of any significance, which might be the first time every in the history of family doings in this bunch.

It is amazing how much easier the days are when you know the person calling you a SOB, or a MF'er is not doing it in anger!

Tomorrow is back to business, as Kim and Jack, Leo and Jana head back to Chicago, and Mandy and Edward head to his hometown to do his class reunion, then back to Houston on Sunday.

Back in time

Doesn't this look like an Abercrombie ad? This is my mom, I guess when she was in college, by the sweatshirt she is wearing

I horrified her

My mom. And that is actually harder than a normal person, because after all, she lives with Dad and that keeps a person in a constant state of outrage. Or at least subtle confusion

We just had lunch and she made the mistake of telling me that I had to vote no on the proposed constitutional convention in Illinois. Which I would anyway, but I stupidly said that I do not take directions from people who vote like she does (which is all I have to say about that because honestly--I don't want to freaking hear any more politics).

This somehow got us on the Constitution. I think me arguing with most people about the Constitution is kind of like me arguing about the death penalty--it is just not fair. Unless you are immersed in it every day like I am, it is the rare person who has the tools to hang in there in an argument with me about it--that is not a put down believe me, but living in a topic makes you a little more well-versed than the average bear. I also come across like I am lecturing--which I kind of am, since it is my job to educate and persuade on the matter of upholding the Constitution in different situations. It is still irritating to listen to, I can well imagine

Mom claims she gets the First Amendment but does not think that certain people (read: Obama's ex- preacher) should not be allowed to say the things he does because they are offensive to her.

Here we go--my own mother, should I have to explain the whole First Amendment to her? I guess so. This is when she started getting that horror-stricken look on her face. Why she is ever shocked by anything I say, I cannot understand--as you know it will be at first blush, outrageous, but ultimately will boil down to the same basic principles.

So off I went into my points. She did not enjoy me.

What people do not get is that the First Amendment does not guarantee you the right to say whatever you want WITHOUT fallout or repercussions. Not in any way does it guarantee you that. It only guarantees you the right to keep on saying it. The rest of the world is free to think you are an asshole, as she does the preacher, but he still has the right to keep on saying it. The world can decide to quit talking to you, to insult you, to throw up on your shoes (although that is getting dicey as it might be a battery or a tort)---but they cannot stop you from saying it. Your job might can stop you--but your job is not the government (even when it is). Your dog is free to run away from home because you are so repugnant. But you can keep on talking.

She confuses societal pressures such as political correctness with the law. Just as the preacher can say what he wants (and her complaint is that he has influence over families and may incite them to violence based on hate), so can she--on the street corner, in her driveway, at Steak N Shake where this convo occurred---there is no difference. That she chooses not to because she fears the repercussions is not the same as being squelched by the government.

This dragged lunch out longer than it should--and may have caused some people to finish their lunch faster than they would have in order to get away from me.

When we got back to my office, I asked her to try to look at the bigger picture of things and separate her emotions and her value system from rational thought when analyzing things, and see if she maybe got a different answer in her head than in her heart. I do not know if she will do it, but she did quit looking horrified and instead looked defeated. How disappointing I must be to her that I am such a radical loudmouth

She got me back though--she was going to pick up a piece of my costume for tomorrow from her friend, and now she says she does not think she can deal with me and my radical opinions.

Another weekend in the woods

It was cold this weekend, so we built a fire as soon as we got settled in camp Friday nite. Headleys had some family issues arise, so it was just Barry, Mom and me, plus Emily, Jessie, Adrianna and her brother, Alexander, who arrived just before us. We had a great dinner of italian beef that mom made, then some ribs, pineapple, tomato salad and cheesy potatoes that Adrianna brought. We talked a while, then read and just enjoyed the fresh air. It was a relaxing night, after the initial trepidation about where in the campground our trailer could fit.

Verdict--one good spot in the area we like, that will allow us to make the turns to get into it---



The leaves are changing, and this is such a beautiful area. We are so lucky to have it just an hour away.

Jodi and Ed arrived a little before 10 am Saturday morning, so we had some breakfast, and took our time saddling up for the ride. Too much time, as there was a disaster or two in the making. We mounted up and went to Adrianna's cabin to get them. As we waited, we played around in the pasture--Target calmed down pretty quickly, and we remarked on how well he was learning patience, which he needs to work on. Barry had previously talked to another group who wanted to ride with us, since they did not know the trails. As they arrived in our area, something still unknown set Target off. The next thing we knew, he was bucking from a stand still--and I do not mean a little bucking, he was dead serious, throwing in a lunge and really getting some air. He bucked like a mad man, as we all sat there dumb-founded.

The other group had two loose dogs with them. By the third buck or so, the little rott was on Target's ass---barking and chasing as he bucked himself across America---a few bucks later, Barry voluntarily dismounted. I have no idea how he stayed on that long...I sure had no idea he was that kind of cowboy. This was big time rodeo bucking.

And it was not over. With the dog still on his heels, Target bucked two huge circles--pretty circles, worthy of the reining pen, they were so uniform. He bucked the whole way. I have never seen anything like that. By the third pass, he was simmering down into a lope, but he could not stop as the dog was still chasing and barking.

What was his owner doing, you ask? NOTHING. Barry said later that from his vantage point on the ground, he saw that her horse set to bucking as well--which suited me just fine, as she made no attempt to control her damn dog who had no business loose with other horses. There were four or five people with the dog girl and they too did nothing.

By the time Targ was making his big circles, Radar was dancing--he was scared to death. Eventually, Target came to Radar and stopped snugged in close to us. Rad was still hopping around and I was trying to figure out where to grab Target--his reins were twisted up around his ears, and I was a little anxious to get out of the center of the saddle, for fear I would get dumped too. As usual, it was Jodi to the rescue and she got Target's reins--by that time, he was shaking in his boots, and Barry was getting up.

He is tougher than he looks, as got back on Target and we set off in the other direction--shed of the wild dog group, thanks. I do not even think they said they were sorry. As we headed that way, Radar finally blew and went straight up. Do not ask me why, I think he just could not take it anymore. We went back to the trailer, and put him in a snaffle bit--he has been out of that almost a year, but his Myler combo bit was clearly pissing him clean off. We proceeded as normal after that, and things got back to normal.


Today, just Jodi and I went out for a short ride together, and Fred determined that when he is in the lead, he is anti-markers on the side of the road. All he did was snort it and look at it funny, but I like to mark these occasions to recall when my horses act a fool.

This is one of the caves we stopped at yesterday--we had lunch there.

My pics are all out of whack, but blogger is not cooperating. This is Fred having a snack.
The tie-line at camp.
The picnic table. Yeah, this is not interesting, is it?
Radar needs a haircut. Maybe this will remind me to tend to that--he looks silly and I think he is embarrassed.
See how contrite Target looks here? He was likely hoping that Barry does not leave him out there to die, after his little episode.
Mom and Jodi--interesting facial expressions, aren't they?




The scene of the explosion, just before it happened.
I do not think Radar is ever tied anywhere without doing something goofy with his reins. Maybe he was showing off that he is back in his snaffle bit
Twist wants everyone to know that he was the good one.
Barry, about an hour post-pitching, with his admirers and their mother. He was self-medicating. I think he needed help to get up--his ankle is hurt, as is his hip and his butt, and he has bruises he does not understand on his inner thigh. If he had as much experience getting pitched as I do, he would know full well those are horn and pommel bruises---he is lucky he has me to tell him these things.


You can see from these photos how the trails are covered up pretty well by leaves. And it is loud to ride through it, but with temps in the mid 60s, it really was beautiful riding--I will take that over 100 degree rides all day long.



We rode about 4-4.5 hours and made it back to camp for dinner. Ed still cannot ride since his shoulder surgery, so he polish the aluminum on his trailer and just relaxed. Then he got stuck grilling dinner, which was steaks and chicken and a whole pile of Adrianna's food. I was too worn out to eat. Linda and Randy were still hoping to come down, but things worked against them. They did come down for dinner and brought pizza and hung out for a few hours. By 8 pm we were all practically nodding off in our chairs, and by 9 we were all retired to bed. I stuck it out long enough to watch Saturday Night Live, but not even all of that, I do not think.


And now, for real, I am sending in my power shot to be cleaned and fixed as most of these photos really suck.

Now you know where it comes from

The ability to appear to be a doofus, even when you are not really, I mean.

This is my mom. and yes, she always looks that silly. She likes to wear a hat, but I did not know that if you give her a perfectly good hat like this fine orange straw hat I bought at the Calgary Stampede because orange is my favorite color, that it would immediately turn into a stupid hat when she put it on.Even Radar looks a little skeered of her in this shot, doesn't he?
The trees are starting to turn at Sam Dale Lake---just barely starting but it counts. The weather was perfect yesterday, about 77 degrees, with a light breeze.
Headley is looking serious here-- but the photo is noteworthy because he is not flipping me off like he normally is.
Mom rode Twister yesterday which is only interesting because it has been almost exactly five years since he pitched her off and broke her back. We have never held it against him though because it was such a weird situation, and now we have confirmation that it was a symptom of his major pain (that is now gone, thank God).
The beans are mot ready yet there, and this is the stage I think it is prettiest, because they are so bright yellow.
The milo is pretty now too. I do not even know what milo really is, don't let me kid you. However, both of these fields are in the State Park.

I guess I do not have to post every single trail ride I go on, do I?

My mom the Rebel

I just found out the best thing. I thought the best thing was my mom getting pulled over for not changing lanes when the State police were on the side of the interstate. Then I learned she had to pay $257 in fines and court costs for it.

I thought that was great.

Now I get a phone call from my sister asking why I did not tell her that mom got in trouble from the bailiff at her court date for talking in court, and also did wrong about something else while she was there.

I did not tell her because no one told me. I am sure that was so mom would not have to hear about it for the rest of her life, but that is no excuse. It gives me such pleasure.

Her punishment is that I am putting it on here for all the world to see.

That'll teach her

Kid tested and mother approved!

Thanks Lorna for the good title!

After work today, mom came out to ride with Madison and me. I let her pick which one she wanted to ride and she picked Radar (well, I only gave her two choices, but still). It has been almost four years since a freak horse accident broke her back and she has only ridden a few times since then. It still hurts sometimes, and she is so busy playing golf and socializing that she does not have time to ride. The few times she has ridden, it has been on the same horse she was riding then, and although it makes her nervous, she has barrelled through and done it. I am not sure if she is brave or getting senile since she is almost 64, but it is cool that she still rides.

This was a big step though. I knew Radar was up to it, because lets face it, he is too lazy to act up unless I make him use a bit that is in the wrong place is his mouth. I did not do that today.

He was PERFECT for her. I could not have asked for more from him. We did not have trails to work with on most of our adventure, and we rode in some areas even I have never been on. There were lots of stickers and thick brush, and lots of wierd stuff underfoot that would get their feet tangled up---and Radar just kept plugging. He was so cute, picking up his feet all the way to his belly to get loose of the tangles...just a real trouper. He never so much as flinched at it, let alone acted up.

We had a good time, and this discovery of fun woods just behind Madison's house is very exciting--we have a whole new place to investigate. On the way home, we stopped and let her sister and the baby pet Rock. While we were waiting, Mom said "Dont you bet she is just in heaven?" Man I sure would have been! Which is what I said, and then realized that I still am. It is so much fun to get to share the horses with her. It is possible that it is pathetic that my best everyday riding buddy is eleven years old, but what can you do? It gets me out there, and I can feel virtuous about it. I may take her to Rend Lake to ride this weekend since BS has some 100 miles bike race that I dont think I can bear to sit through.

That reminds me--this is so cute. She bought us necklaces from Claire's. They are on suede strings, and they have a horse on them, and one says "Best" on it and one says "Friends". Is that the cutest thing you ever heard? She let me pick which one I wanted, so I took the friends one. I forgot to wear it today and she asked me about it, so I have to do something to make sure I do not forget tomorrow.