AUGUST 30th, 2010

Hello everybody.

I know it's been a long time, and I apologize! I have a few more posts from last year to catch up on, and then I'll start writing again the current stuff.

Sorry!

Friday, September 18, 2009 through Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Friday - Square dancing . . . tonight was the regional dance . . . people came from all over. I left Moki at home, and wore a dress! It was one with those big petticoats, and I had to wear "petti-pants" for when I did a twirl. Just about everyone commented, because they're so used to seeing me in jeans!

Saturday - I drove to Ignacio today to go to the Horse Expo. I went to one horse clinic that was supposed to be leadership with horses. Since I have issues with that, I thought it would help. Unfortunately, it was more theory than practical, so I didn't get much out of it. Then, I went to the end of a gaited horse clinic, and that was pretty good. Also, I walked around inside to see all the vendors. They had all kinds of cool horse stuff, and one had a big stuffed animal pony that blinked its eyes and moved its head. That was awesome! The same place had life-sized stuffed animal Border Collies.

I ran into Pat there! She was handing out info for the mustangs she's been training. They have now dropped the price of mustangs from $125 each to $25 each. She told me there are several there who have the temperament of Sparky . . . which is the temperament that I want. I wish I was in a position to buy one, cause I would love to have a horse now.

Then they had a contest where the horse and rider had to go over or do a series of obstacles: grab a flag and put it somewhere else, go into a stall and close the door (all on horseback), back into and around another stall, jump a few small jumps, walk over a teeter-totter, rope a fake calf, walk through a small body of water, and then get into a horse trailer. Several of the horses had trouble with the water and the teeter-totter, but everyone did it eventually. It was fun to watch.

They didn't exactly have any food for vegetarians or semi-vegetarians, and just when I was about to buy some nachos, they closed the snack bar! So, I left early and was starved. On my home, I stopped at the Ute casino in Ignacio and bought this incredibly good burrito for $4! You can always count on casinos for good, cheap food. It was awesome. I ate the burrito, didn't put one single cent into a slot machine, and went on my way!

Sunday - Another rainbow! Mancos has more rainbows than any place I've ever lived! I hope that means that I will find my pot of gold while I'm here!

On our walk this morning, Moki and I ran into the attack chihuahua again. His owner was right there and after trying to call him and him not coming, she just let him growl and raise his hackles at us. Some people need to learn a little more responsibility!

Monday - Today really felt like fall. It was cool all day, and my heater came on a few times. I like it!

I drove to Cortez again for square dance lessons. This time they had "Plus" lessons in the beginning, and someone loaned me her husband. The lessons were great, and the steps were easier than some of the advanced mainstream! But, it was great fun. Then I helped with the mainstream lessons, and that was fun, too.

Tuesday - Therapeutic riding, and I took more pictures of horses for my therapeutic riding book. The pair of swallows that live just outside my place lost either one nestful or two nestful of babies. When I first moved in, one baby was running around on the ground, too young to fly. I was hoping it would make it, but it didn't. The parents are pretty dedicated, though, they lay more eggs, and the babies just left the nest. I couldn't believe they had babies this late in the year. I thought there were three, but today I saw the fourth one. It is considerably smaller than the rest.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009 through Thursday, September 17, 2009

Wednesday - When Moki and I were on our walk this morning, and as I walked down the street that I always go down, it sounded like someone called my name . . . which totally confused me, but I still turned around to look. A woman came walking outside her house toward me, and it wasn't until she got close that I realized it was Bernadette - - a friend that I met at Seniors Outdoors. I knew she lived in Mancos, but I thought she lived close to my old house . . . but, no, she lives close to my new house! How cool is that! And I've walked by her house every day, twice a day, usually, for over a week, and never saw her!

Thursday - Moki and I went to Cadence therapeutic riding today. The improvement in all the people I've worked with is truly amazing. Not long to go before it stops for the winter. I'll miss it.

Friday - Tonight was steak fry night at square dancing. I had chicken! The food was delicious . . . everyone brought a side dish to share . . . I brought cookies, and later on, I almost finished them all by myself! Then we had square dancing, and I still struggle with some of the advanced calls. I'm going to attend the beginners lessons again, and hopefully that will help. My friend, Shirley, who lives in Pagosa, told me that a lot of beginners quit when it gets to the advanced calls. I found that interesting. That tells me the instructor needs to focus longer on the advanced calls. I know it would have helped me.

Saturday - I got good use of my new computer-telephone device today. Jadwiga, my friend from Germany that I met at the ashram, called me and we talked for over an hour! The sound was good, and it worked perfectly.

When I saw Aubrey today, she asked if I wanted to go look at her new thoroughbred mare. We walked through a gate, then down a perfectly vertical ladder (scary!), and across some mud, and then over to the mare's pen. Rider, Aubrey's gelding, and Stuart, the pony were hanging around the pen. The new mare is sorrel (kind of a red color), just like Rider.

Sunday - I drove to Durango today and met Rosemary. We went to the Whole Expo Health fair. It was more like a woo-woo fair. Not much health and lots of woo! But, it was fun. We tasted some chocolate that had more antioxidents than spinach. It was awesome! I bought a couple crystals and another hematite ring. I met Les and Kay there from Durango square dance.

Monday - This evening I drove to Cortez to help with square dance lessons. It was fun. Driving home, all I could see was lightning all over and no thunder. Then the rain started, and I could barely see while I was driving. Then the thunder and the rain. I took the wrong turn off, but realized it right away. What a great lightshow this was! Awesome!

Tuesday - therapeutic riding. I took pictures today, and had a couple guys sign release forms. Their pictures will be small, but I still needed them. One of their sisters called this evening to say the family didn't want me to use the pictures. This messes up my plans, but I'll deal with it. Maybe I'll use just the horses, instead.

Thursday - therapeutic riding. I took pictures of therapeutic riding horses today, and it will make the book even better! When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!

Monday, September 7, 2009 through Tuesday, Sept 8, 2009

Monday - On our walk today we ran into an attack chihuahua. The little guy came at us with teeth bared and hackles up. Even swinging the leash didn't daunt him much. Finally, he gave up, though, thankfully. Then I passed a ten year old kid on the street and said hi. He had seen the episode with the chihuahua, and he showed me the rock in his hand. He said, "I always carry a rock with me because that chihuahua freaks me out!" I guess his grandparents must be in my generation . . . you don't often hear a kid talking about "freaks me out." I thought that was interesting.

Aubrey moved the horses to the area right outside my door. She had me move the car so they wouldn't kick it or anything! But, it's nice having them right outside. Moki is more used to horses in a corral, so when we walked up to them in the open, he was a little scared.

Oh . . . Moki has a new trick now . . . taking the toilet paper off the roll and running with it through the house! Bummah!

A horse just snorted right outside my window . . . how cool is that!?!

Tuesday - We went to Cadence for therapeutic riding today. Lisa came with her camera, and took more pictures of me on Dolly . . . this time with an English saddle. Now, I have to put all the pictures together and see what we've got . . . to see which poses we need to reshoot.

Moki was such an angel . . . he stayed in his cage all morning and never complained. What a good little boy he is!

We came home in the afternoon, and the horses were still outside. Rider came right up to Moki, and although Moki likes horses, he's not used to them being free like that . . . he's more used to them in the corral when they "talk" to him. So, it took him awhile to warm up to Rider, but eventually he licked his nose! It's so cute. I'll try to get a picture of the two of them together.

Pictures:

Rider looking in, Moki looking out

Rider and Moki bonding

Thursday, September 3, 2009 thru Sunday, September 6, 2009

Thursday - Moki and I went to Cadence today for therapeutic riding. When we got there, Ken was working on Snowman, using a flag-type thing on the end of a stick, and rubbing it on the top of his head. Snowman is very sensitive about putting a bridle on, and Ken wants to work him out of it. When he saw me, he hands me the lead rope and tells me that it's my new project! I gave Snowman some reiki, which he liked, and Ken walked around saying, "Woo-woo!"

Friday - I took Moki with me to square dancing so that Karen and Dick, who are leaving for Florida, could say good-bye to him. Also, Bob, Jackie's husband, had never met Moki. He got lots of attention! And the rest of the time he was a good boy, and I had a great time!

Saturday - I found a hiking trail near my house! I don't know where it leads, though. In our evening walk, we followed it, but it turned back around and it looked like it could rain any minute, so we went back the way we came. Maybe tomorrow morning we'll follow it and see where it goes. Moki's been getting a little obnoxious lately, and I take it to mean he needs longer walks!

Sunday - I met Rosemary at her church for a pancake breakfast. Then we hung out for awhile at the Durango swap meet. On my way home, I was hungry again. I have to tell you, I am not a big fan of cell phones - - in fact, have always hated 'em, and always will - - but, they can be convenient. Halfway home, I realized in my brilliance I had put the pizza place's number in my contacts! I pulled over to the side of the road, and ordered a pizza! How cool is that! Got to town, and there it was . . . ready for me! Awesome!

And speaking of the miracles of modern technology . . . I was very disappointed to find that I couldn't get a "land-line" in my new place because the cable had been cut between the main house and my little house. Brian said he would dig the necessary trench for it, but I felt guilty to ask him to do that. THEN! I found a device that hooks to your computer . . . it's a phone jack that plugs into your computer with a USB port, and then you plug a regular phone into the jack. It works perfect! Free calls (except for the price for the device, and then $20 a year after that!) And the voicemail works so cool . . . when someone leaves me a message, it sends me an email with the message embedded in it . . . so, I can listen to the voicemail from my email! How cool is that!?

Brian came in today to fix the heater, and we had a long conversation about the poleshift . . . my favorite subject! Life is so sweet!

Thursday, August 27, through Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Thursday - Therapeutic riding today. Ron's wife, Katie, was there, and she and I and Katie's daughter, Emma, rode Star for a minute or two. Star is a Peruvian Paso. I have always wanted to ride one! When I was young, I watched a Disney movie about Paso Finos . . . similar type of horse . . . and they had a contest. The rider would wear a top hat, and on top of the top hat was a glass of wine. The best horse could go around the ring without spilling a drop of wine. I've wanted that kind of horse since then! Star is what is called a "gaited horse." Her gait is . . . well, smooth enough not to spill a glass of wine! I've never felt it before, and it was really awesome! You can't tell by the picture, but she has beautiful blue eyes.

After the end of therapeutic riding, Ron invited me to sit in on the board meeting. It was mostly about the upcoming fundraising trail ride. I mostly sat quietly and just listened. Moki was in the other room, and he got a little noisy at times. Katie said I could turn him loose (he was in his crate) with her dogs. but I knew he would run around like crazy, so I said no.

Moki jumped on the bed for the first time today! He's getting big!

Saturday - Moki passed a big milestone today . . . he lifted his leg for the first time! My baby is becoming a man!

Sunday - I drove to the Ute Casino today, just outside of Cortez to play in a poker tournament. I got there early and had to kill some time. I wandered around looking at all the new fangled slot machines . . . nothing like the ones that the casinos had when I worked there. I finally found a penny slot machine, and played it for about a half hour . . . for one dollar! Me = last of the big time spenders! I did okay in the tournament . . . never got a good hand . . . and made it till the final round. I paid $5 for $1000 worth of chips, and on the first hand after the break, I lost it all! It was close, too, but coming in second doesn't count on these hands! I had fun, though, and may go back again in a month or so.

Monday - My old computer is old and tired, and my new computer's cable came today, so I could finally set it up! It's awesome!

Wednesday - Moki and I went on our first hike today. We went with Senior's Outdoors in Durango. Well, we met in Durango, met again at Purgatory (now known as Durango Mountain Resort), and then drove to the parking for Spud Lake. Kathleen, and her dog, Boone, drove with me. The road was HORRIBLE! It was like an almost four wheel drive road with rocks and ruts everywhere! But, my car did fine! Great, even. But, I am really glad that I got new tires! I don't think the old ones would have made it on this route.

The hike was perfect for Moki and me. He and I have been walking a mile and a half twice a day. I had to ask the vet if he could do three miles all at once, and she said to give it a shot, but make sure he doesn't overheat. Luckily, it was a cool day, so that wasn't a problem. Everyone commented on what a good boy he was! They thought he was beautiful, too! Well, not everyone . . . there were like thirty people there!

Anyway, it was a cool hike, and he and I both did fine, and the car did fine, and I enjoyed visiting with Rosemary and Kathleen, and some other people there. We had a great day!

Friday, August 21 through Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Friday - I traded my car in today. It had some expensive issues, and it was most likely contaminated with bad bugs. I couldn't take the chance. I got a Toyota Rav4, and it's a very nice car.

This evening was square dancing! It was a blast as usual!

Saturday - Aubrey, the landlord Brian's daughter, came over today to help me with Moki again. She's so good at this, and Moki is showing a marked improvement from her suggestions.

Wednesday - I left Moki at home today so I could drive to Farmington to get a new set of tires for the car, and do some other quick shopping. I still can't leave him alone too long.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Thursday - I drove to Farmington today to see Pat and Stefan at the mustang ranch. After hugging Pat hello, I asked where Stefan was. She sent him home! Not home to Largo, but home to Germany! I missed him by one day! I was very disappointed, but it was still good to see Pat and hang with the mustangs for awhile.

But, on to the mustangs. Pat "introduced" me to all the mustangs. They kept them in little groups, and Pat had names for each group: the Vikings, the Mustalinos (or something like that), and others. Then their names were reflective of the groups they were in. None of them were "tame" yet, and shied away when I got close. Except for the two that Pat had already had at Largo and were already trained to halter and lead.

Today the BLM was coming out to put freeze brands on the horses. It's a gentler kind of brand rather than a hot branding iron. First, they put the horses in a chute, and then moved them to a "squeeze chute." Someone was on the other side of the squeeze chute, and pushed on the squeeze part in order to make the horse immobile, or as immobile as they could get it. Then, a man took a stick to the horses lips to force them open so they could see how old the horse is. You know the expression, "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth?" It's because the mouth is how you tell how old a horse is.

After that, the vet who was on premises would take blood from each horse. Next, was the freeze brand part of the procedure. They poured liquid nitrogen into a container and then put the "branding iron" in with the liquid nitrogen to get it cold. It was nothing like the old fashioned branding irons (which some still use.) It is very short, about the size of a hand held squeegee. While the horse is squeezed tight in the squeeze chute, they put the freeze brand onto the horse . . . and it has to stay there for thirty or forty seconds. Sometimes they guy holding the device has to move all around as the horse tries to get away from it. But, some of the horse just stood there . . . it just feels really cold, not the heated pain like a hot iron.

Each horse got a number and any kind of marks or blazes on him or her were written down. It was interesting.

Pictures: mustangs in corral, branding device, branding with horse in squeeze chute, Pat pushing the squeeze chute

Sunday, August 16 through Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Sunday - More trials with Moki. He has become food aggressive . . . after I put his food down, if I walk by or come close, he'll show his teeth and growl at me. Ever since he started that, I've been hand feeding him . . . one handful of food at a time. When I looked it up on the 'net today, I discovered some interesting information. He does a lot of things that show that he thinks he is the pack leader. I realized that I had to change things immediately, or I'd have big trouble real soon.

I learned . . . the pack leader: always goes through doors and gates first, and always like to walk in the lead. The information said you need to get the dog to sit before you go outside, and you need to be the first one through the door. Moki didn't like this at all. He didn't even want to sit. He stood by the door trying to get out first and barking his little, high pitched ANNOYING bark. But, I remained firm, and finally got him to do it.

When we went on our walk, I forced him to heel the whole time. Usually, I let him do his own thing for most of the walk, and only make him heel for part of it. Also, we stopped by the side of the road, and I wanted to work on sit and stay. He didn't care much for this, either, today. He refused to sit and barked and barked and barked. I kept "encouraging" him until he finally did it. We did it several times, and it wasn't until the last time . . . maybe the fourth or fifth time . . . that he finally did it without fighting me too much on it.

The other thing he always does is grab the leash. I've been letting him do it, because when he has the leash in his mouth, he doesn't pick up rocks and things off the road. I hadn't realized how aggressive he has been with it, until I wouldn't allow it today. As soon as he realized I meant business, he actually behaved better all the way around. This is really a great website that I found.

And, after many times going outside (after I read the info), he finally sits quietly by the door allowing me to go out first without fighting it at all. Success. Although, as a pack leader, I still have to enforce all these new behaviors. Oh yeah, and tonight when I fed him, I pet him while I hand fed him, and he wagged his tail a little bit. Not much, but that is a submissive behavior, so I'm making progress.

Monday - Volunteering at Medicine Horse for a class they're giving. This class is like the one I volunteered at before, but this one is all girls. Today, they learned the cowboy rules ("Howdy partner!"), and learned the emergency dismount. One of the horses got sold, and I didn't get to say good-bye. Bye Doc! I'll miss you. He was one of my favorites.

Moki has been much better, but hasn't totally given in to the idea that I'm the pack leader. We had a little session tonight where I'd put him in the submissive position, and he'd get up and bite me. So, I'd put him down again. This went on for about ten minutes, until he finally gave it up. Somehow, I think this won't be the last time! He's had it his way too long, and I didn't even realize it. Luckily, he's still small enough for me to physically put him down.

Tuesday - Today at Medicine Horse, the girls rode Abby, the "fake" horse. It moves just like a real horse, and often on tv and movies, the "riders" are actually riding a horse like Abby. Then we worked on brands . . . the girls designed their own, and then painted the horses. We used Missy and JayJay today. Afterward, we washed the horses off and shampooed where the paint was. The girls had a good time!

Moki is getting better, but still not content to be an underling in the our "pack." Today, I noticed for the first time that he's wagging his tail more. That's a good thing because it's indicative of submissive behavior. He wasn't wagging his tail before because the alpha dog doesn't need to. Now, he's finally making an effort to please the new pack leader . . . me.

Wednesday - Today was the last day of the girls' group at Medicine Horse. They learned how to groom the horse, and how to saddle. I told them to be careful of the flank on the horse, because that's where they put the band to make a horse buck at the rodeo. Ronda corrected me! They put on a sheepskin band, and it is only a cue for the horse! I had no idea! She said the horses are bred to buck, and they don't need the band on. Interesting!

Next, the girls rode Missy one at a time, learning how to steer and stop. They really liked that.

Friday, August 14, and Saturday, August 15, 2009

Friday - No one called me that Cadence was cancelled today. When I got there at 9:30, I caught a couple horses and started grooming them. Then I saw Ron. It was almost 10:00, and I wondered why I was the only one there! But, it was cool that I was there, because I asked Ron to give me a riding lesson. Dolly had a little snotty nose, so I rode Rosie, saddled. Ron taught me some cool stuff. He told me how to post, which I've never done, and I never quite got that. There was another woman there posting, and I asked her about when you rise in the saddle, and she said she was taught when the shoulder moves forward. So, next time I try it, I'll know what to look for. Rosie had a pretty nice trot to sit, though. And riding bareback, which I normally do, is more conducive to sitting a trot.

This evening, I went square dancing . . . square dancing and round dancing, I should say. The round dancing is mainly the rumba and cha cha. There are so many different names for all the different steps, and combine that with the horse terms I learned today . . . my head is spinning! Let's see . . . is side pass a horse term or a rumba term? What about shoulder to shoulder? Hand to hand or is it hand to hoof? Disengaging the hind quarters? That must be for the horse!

Saturday - Last day at my old house! And, I might have found someone to rent the buggy, ole place! My garage sale gave me just about enough money to cover paying the guy in the back house to take the "contaminated" stuff to the dump. Then, I brought a LOT of stuff across the street to the thrift store. I had to leave a big, heavy table in front of the house because Tig, who brought the stuff to the dump, never returned to help me move it. Oh, well. Whatever is meant to be! During the garage sale, I got very few people. But, at least it gave me a chance to clean everything out, sweep and mop the floors, and clean the sinks, etc. I am done! Well, almost done. The outside garbage can was overflowing, so I had to leave a bunch of garbage in bags by the door (so I don't have to step inside again!) But . . . I forgot that I left some stuff in the freezer. Most food items I just threw away, which was unfortunate, but I'm not taking any chances. The freezer stuff should be safe, so I need to go back and collect that. But, I AM DONE! FOREVER! YIPPEE! Another chapter in my life, closed, slammed shut, and done! Thank goodness I am outa there.

Brian, my new landlord, had a little dinner get-together and invited me over. One of his guests, Pam, brought her six month old puppy, Riata. Brian said to go get Moki. Riata was afraid of his exuberance, and Aubrey, Brian's daughter who is an animal trainer, helped Riata get over it. But, she was still scared. Meanwhile, Moki, who is never allowed to be free when he is outside, was running around and loving being in the fenced enclosure. He was jumping on everyone and mostly just making a nuisance out of himself. There is a little pond there, and he apparently thought he could walk on water, because next thing you know, he is swimming in the pond, unexpectedly! He was soaking wet! Then he shook himself and got everyone wet! After a little while longer, I took him home, dried him off, and put him back to bed. It was a fun evening for me with some interesting people.

Monday, August 3 through Thursday, August 13, 2009

Monday - More moving to new house. Today, I started teaching Moki to heel. He did better than I thought he would . . . since I've just let him run wild (on leash) on our walks, I thought it would be hard to get him to settle down. But, for his first day, he did pretty well. He's got "down," "shake," and "stand" pretty good now . . . he'll do it maybe 90 per cent of the time. But, I got the feeling that he's already bored with it, so I added "sit," and "on your side," which is kind of a half of roll over. He's a smart dog - - I have to keep him interested!

Tuesday, Wednesday

More moving and organizing. Plus, driving to Cortez where it's hotter, so I can "bake" items in the front seat to make sure I kill any bad bugs so they won't go with me to the new house.

Thursday

Drove to Durango to buy a bigger crate for Moki. Brought it home, cleaned it with bleach, and took it over to the new house . . . it never entered my old house!

Friday

Last night was my first night in the new house. Blissful! Perfectly blissful! Moki woke up in the middle of the night, realized he was in a different bed (new crate), and started crying. I comforted him, and he went back to sleep.

More moving, and decided not to have that garage sale just yet.

Saturday/Sunday

More moving. But, now every time I'm at the old house for more than a few minutes, I get the heebie jeebies, and have to come home, wash my clothes, and take a shower! I'll be so glad when I'm finished moving and don't have to go in that house anymore!

Tuesday - Moki and I went to Cadence this morning to help with therapeutic riding. This afternoon, I went to the old place to clean up a bit. I bought a pair of shorts (I'm not really a shorts person!) just so I wouldn't feel like things were crawling up my legs at the old house! I cleaned out my desk, and a couple small boxes, which is more than I expected to get done today. I have to bag up the stuff from the desk, and wash and extra dry some of the clothes, and I'm getting really close.

Thursday - Hopefully, this is one of my last days at the old house. It still gives me the heebie jeebies. I talked to Nanc from the back house today, asking if it is all right if Tig borrows her truck to take some of my stuff to the dump. She doesn't have the bug problem that I did. She told me about the bugs she gets . . . seasonally . . . and I didn't even get those! She has mice, though, and luckily, I never got those. I never got the garter snakes, either, that the previous tenant told me about.

BUT, today, after talking to Nanc, and after finishing cleaning the dog crate . . . I went to go into the house, and there, pretty as you please, is a fat garter snake marching his little butt into the house through the open door. Well, he wasn't exactly marching, and I couldn't really find his butt, but you get the idea! I tried to get him to turn around, and he wouldn't, and finally I got the fireplace tool, and used it as a snake stick to pick him up.

I held a cobra in India without a second thought (well, maybe one or two) and I won't pick up a mostly harmless garter snake. I say mostly, because the previous tenant's young son used to catch the garter snakes that came into the house. He told me that one of them bit him, so he named it Snappy. I was afraid today's "guest" might be Snappy! And I'm here to tell you that even if a snake isn't venomous, it still hurts when they bite you! Ask me how I know!

Friday, July 31 through Saturday, August 1, 2009

Friday - I was on my way to Cadence this morning, when I received a call from Dale. Because of all the rain last night, Cadence is cancelled today. I drove back and started driving the back roads of Mancos. As we drove on a dirt road, I saw two large birds. They looked like blue herons, acted like blue herons, but they were a golden brown color. They might be American bitterns, but I'm not sure.

Saturday - I went to a free Parelli demonstration today. Pat Parelli is one of the premier horse trainers/people trainers today. He teaches people how to work with their horses. The demonstration was at a ranch here in Mancos, nestled into the green mountains. It was an absolutely beautiful area. The woman who gave the demonstration, Jenna, had just graduated after working twelve hours a day, six days a week, for two years to complete the program. She worked with her horse in the round pen, showing us different techniques, and then showed him lying down. It was interesting . . . she picked up one of his front legs, encouraging him to lie down. Apparently, it is a difficult thing to teach a horse . . . I've never seen another horse do it "on command" like this. I may try to find out if I can be a working student . . . and her father told me they are going to have a rent-a-horse program . . . but, I'm wondering if that is in conjunction with Jenna's instruction. I will email her soon.

She also said something that I really liked. She said, "It's only a mistake if you know it's wrong and you keep doing it." I thought that applied in life as well as to horses!

This evening, I went to square dancing . . . in Cortez! Now that I live in Mancos, Cortez is closer to me than Durango. But, a lot of the same people go to Cortez and Durango, so I knew almost everyone there. And square dance people are so nice and friendly and supportive . . . they made me feel at home! The caller was a woman who I didn't know, and her husband became my partner for the night, so I could dance every night. And, I got home early!

Started moving into my new house today.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Thursday - I found out today from Pat that she sold Chaco! To someone in Mississippi! I will miss that boy. I was hoping to see him again when I went back to visit the ranch in August. Wasn't meant to be! Good-bye, Chaco! I will miss you!

I had lunch with Rosemary, today, in Durango. It was good to see her . . . she's been gone, traveling all over the west coast for over a month. Her house just sold, and she and Jeff are moving up to Purgatory for a few months.

I've been working on training Moki. I don't know why I didn't start sooner . . . I just couldn't focus on it. But, he's been doing really well. I used to work with an animal trainer, many, many years ago, and he said that if you want to a dog to learn to stand, you have to teach him stand before sit. So, we've been working on "stand" and "shake hands," and when he had those reasonably well, I added "down." He isn't consistent with any of them quite yet, but we're up to about 80% or 90%, so that's good. Next week, we'll start on heeling, I think.

On our last trip outside last night, a big streak of lightning cracked just over our heads, followed immediately by a huge, explosion of thunder. It was so close, that both Moki and I ducked! It was the loudest, and probably closest that I've ever experienced. It was scary! When we went back in the house, we found that the power was off. Bummer! Luckily, the water still worked, so I could shower . . . by the light of a couple flashlights! But, the power came back on before midnight.

Tuesday, July 28 through Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Tuesday - On our way to Cadence this morning, we passed some wild turkeys in a field! They were cool! I haven't seen any since many years ago in Maine. They were always in a certain field there, but when they built a bank in the field where they used to hang out . . . well, I never saw them after that.

Lisa brought her camera today, and after therapeutic riding, she took pictures of me on Dolly, the palomino, for my next book that Ron suggested. Her camera is so much better than mine, and the pictures came out great.

Wednesday - This morning, Moki and I went to the vet for another puppy shot. She checked him over again, and he's fine. Later, I had to call the vet about a possible poison issue again! He may be a perfect puppy, but he loves to get into things! I had placed some petroleum jelly on the cement floor. Why? That's a whole 'nother story! Anyway, I was on the phone and heard licking, and oh no! He had eaten one whole side of the circle of petroleum jelly! The vet assistant asked how much he weighs (23 lbs), and how much he ate . . . I estimated about three or four tablespoons. He said it was okay. I looked again at the floor and thought that it was only one or two tablespoons. Even better. Later, I was on the phone for just a minute, and he got into it again! He pretty much completed the four tablespoons this time! I couldn't believe it. And it's not just in the middle of the floor. I have a couple of baby fences put up to keep him from it, but he keeps circumventing them. Luckily, it won't hurt him.

He's been getting a little wild lately, so I decided to increase our walking distance again. After the one square block, we ventures up one block and down the other in downtown Mancos. So, I guess we're walking a block and a half now. Doesn't matter . . . Moki still likes to try to run the final quarter home! So, he's fine with the extra distance, and still runs around in the house.

Saturday, July 25, through Monday, July 27, 2009

Saturday - Went to look at a new apartment today. It's a separate space away from the main house. It's a one bedroom, and is totally twenty-first century! Including: a microwave, dishwasher, and washer/dryer . . . and, did I mention . . . a flush toilet! OMG, it has a flush toilet! I filled out an application, but Brian, who owns the place, said I have to be cleared by his daughter who has three dogs . . . so, I have to bring Moki to meet her and the dogs tomorrow.

Sunday - This morning I went to what is called a ranch rodeo. They do stuff you'd normally do on a ranch, rather than the trick kind of stuff from a real rodeo. They had to load cattle into a trailer, give a calf a shot, and do other realistic roping stuff.

Before it started, they did something called "calcutta," which is what pari-mutual betting was before it was pari-mutual betting. You could "bet" on one team of riders to win the rodeo. They had an auctioneer "selling" the teams. It was incredibly interesting. Each team sold for about $75, and whoever had bought the winning team got the rest of the money that the other people had bet.

I noticed some of the cowboys using stirrups like I've never seen before . . . they were circular, and the boot goes in all the way to the heel. Most stirrups have a flat place on top where it connects to the saddle, and a flat place on the bottom where you have the ball of your foot. These were totally different. There was an older cowboy sitting in back of me, Dan, and I asked him about the stirrups. He said they're called "oxbow stirrups" and are for roping cattle or something . . . easier to get your feet out of.

Called Brian and went over and met Aubrey, his daughter, and two of the dogs, Johnson and Roxie. They were fine with Moki . . . not exactly friendly, but it was okay. Brian had me fill out a rental contract, and it's a done deal! I'm moving!

Monday - After I signed the papers yesterday, I thought it was a done deal . . . but, today, I found out Brian had called my references. For some stupid reason, that scared me. But, not to worry, everything checked out! Silly me.

Monday, July 20, 2009 through Friday, July 24, 2009

Monday - Today, at Medicine Horse, I volunteered to help with a boy's group learning about horses. Ronda was the main teacher, and Tammy, her college roommate was the assistant. Kyle and I were helpers. There were five boys. Ronda and Tammy come from rodeo/ranching families, and both of them got rodeo scholarships for college! That made me jealous, I must confess. Kyle is about fourteen, and lives on a ranch.

For the boys' first day, they learned emergency dismounts. The horse would be walking along, and they were encouraged to put their arms around the horse's neck, and slide gently to the ground, landing on their feet. They all did great!

Tuesday - Moki and I went to Cadence today to help with therapeutic riding.

Wednesday - I went to Medicine Horse again today to help with the boys group. The boys each designed their own brand, and then they took washable paints and painted the brands on Whiskey and another horse (I can't remember who!). Poor Whiskey has a cold or some respiratory problem! I gave him some Reiki, and hopefully he'll be better soon.

Thursday - Today at Medicine Horse, the boys learned how to rope. So did I! I've always wanted to learn to rope! Now I know how! Well . . . I can't exactly do it, yet, but I know how! I was having problems, and asked fourteen year old, Kyle, what I was doing wrong. He said my loop was too small. It worked! I had a blast, and the kids, did, too. Some roped while others rode one of the horses through a maze, and learned to rein. Then they switched, and they all had a blast!

Fri-Cadence - Moki and I went to Cadence today to help riders. Afterward, Ron took pictures of me doing yoga exercises on Dolly. Later, Moki and I went to square dancing.

Friday, July 17 through Sunday, July 19, 2009

Friday, July 17 - therapeutic riding, cleaning saddle, square dancing, water

I went to therapeutic riding today, and afterwards, instead of cleaning corrals today, I cleaned a saddle! It was a "tooled" saddle, with fancy engravings on it, and the saddle soap kept getting stuck inside the engravings. Later, I saw Ron, and he suggested using a brush to get it out. It was hard work, and by the time I got to square dancing, I was pretty tired again.

I came home after square dancing, and had no water. Bummer.

Saturday - Still no water today. I talked to Nanc, the woman in the back house, and she didn't have water, either. I called the landlord. He said to try to find the meter to see if the water was running, and if it was, to call the town to have them shut it off. In the meantime, Tig, the guy in the back house said he would dig in the spot he thought it was leaking, and see what he could see. He said once we get it shut off . . . it's like shut off! Because although I say we had no water, we did have a trickle . . . and I could wash my hands and get water to drink.

Later, Tig said that he found no leaks, and he thought it was the town's problem, not ours. He said he'd call, and that I should call, too. I was too tired tonight to call.

Sunday - I called the sheriff today to report the water. That's how you do it here in the country! Shortly after I called, a man shows up at my door telling me that the town had turned off the water Friday because of a leak. He's sorry they didn't tell us. That's nice! He also said they didn't plan to do anything about it until tomorrow, Monday. BUMMER!

Friday, July 10, through Thursday, July 16, 2009

Friday - Moki and I had a big day today. We left the house early to do a new therapeutic riding session. The boy on the horse that I led was eight years old, and he has loved horses since he was two! This was his first time on a horse! He rode Magic, who is one of my favorites. He's a beautiful, black horse with a star on his forehead.

While I waited for the volunteers and clients to leave, I took Moki on a long walk along the back part of the corral. One of the horses, Stevie, kept coming around. I picked Moki up and held him up to Stevie. Mokie licked Stevie! When I put Moki down, Stevie put his head down and tried to poke his nose through the fence. He liked Moki, too! It was cool!

After the clients and the volunteers left, I helped Ron's grandson, Brandon, clean the mares and foals area. Brandon, who is somewhere between sixteen and twenty-five, (???!!!) was so cute. In between shovelfuls, he was texting someone on his cell phone.

After that, the three of us went out to one of the pastures and fixed a fence where the wire was broken in a couple places. I mostly watched!

Then, Moki and I went into the house with Ron and Brandon, and I ate the lunch I had brought. Moki kept busy with Ron's dogs, Chief and Miles, and Brandon's dog, Shelby.

Then, I went back out and cleaned most of one of the large corrals. Every half hour I'd stop to take a rest, and give Moki a drink and a walk. It was pretty hot out. I stayed and did as much as I could until about 3:30. Moki and I went to a park in Durango. We stayed there for awhile, while Moki played and chewed things and I rested.

Next, square dancing! I changed clothes, and we started with round dance lessons. I had a ball, but I did too much corral cleaning and my feet hurt and I didn't have much energy left for dancing!

Saturday - On our last time outside tonight at dusk, about 8:45, we walked around the car toward the street. We heard all the neighborhood dogs barking, and some yelling, which I presumed was someone yelling at the dogs. Then, I heard something coming through the tall weeds. There, only fifty or sixty feet in front of me, the BEAR comes out through the weeds and into the street! I said, "Oh frig, the bear," and we headed closer to the house. The bear glanced at us and ran across the street and disappeared into the field. I'm sure that Moki scared him away . . . yeah, right . . . Moki would be just one bite for that bear! He was beautiful! He had a brown and blonde coat . . . looked like he had been to a beauty parlor and gotten streaked! I've never seen a bear that color. It was so awesome . . . a true gift from the universe!

Thursday - Moki and I went back to therapeutic riding today. Moki kissed Stevie the horse again, and after the clients left, I rode Dolly bareback. It's been awhile since I've been on a horse . . . since the ranch in Largo, and I didn't sit the trot too well. I just need more practice.

This evening, I went to open mic night at the bakery in town. It was interesting . . . I thought it would be all poetry, but most people read passages from their books. If I can find a good passage between now and the next one in a month . . . I just might read! I was thinking about a chapter about Uncle Addul . . . but if anyone has any other ideas of what might be interesting to read, let me know!

Friday, July 3 through Thursday, July 9, 2009

Friday - I had what I thought was a black widow. She and her vertical web were in an odd place, and I didn't think I could catch or kill her. (I try not to kill spiders . . . even black widows.) I went to Walmart to buy a non-toxic bug killer, but they didn't have any. I ended up buying 409 cleaner, because I had read somewhere that it was good at killing bugs.

I brought it home and waited until "she" was in a good spot in her web. Then I sprayed unmercifully. Then, I let Moki out of his den, and fed him. We went outside for a quick walk. Back inside, I forgot about "her" until I saw Moki over there licking the 409! OMG! I think it must have been mostly dry after fifteen or twenty minutes, but I immediately scooped him up and rinsed his mouth with water. Then, I called the vet. I spoke to one of the assistants, and she told me that with his body weight, it shouldn't affect him. But, if he starts vomiting or getting diarrhea, to come in immediately.

I had read somewhere that if a dog is poisoned you should give them sauerkraut. I was planning to have fake hot dogs for lunch, and just happened to have a can of sauerkraut. I opened it up and put some in Moki's dish . . . not knowing whether he would eat it or not. He just kept eating! He got about three or four ounces of sauerkraut.

Then, I wanted to check my sources for sauerkraut to see if there was anything else I needed to know. I couldn't find any corroborative sources! I kept looking and found a couple mentions of sauerkraut to make a dog vomit! Bummer.

Moki ended up being fine all day long, and eliminated the sauerkraut at the end of the day! Which was great, because if I remember what I did read, the sauerkraut would have absorbed the poison so Moki did get rid of it.

For dinner, I also added a little bit of milk thistle to protect his liver. I'll continue doing that for a few days. All's well that ends well. I never keep anything toxic in the house, and this is a good reason why!

Saturday - Moki is fine. Update on the black widow . . . I now have a very clean black widow spider! She spun a new web! So much for 409! Today, I tried rubbing alcohol. I sprayed her good. I'll let you know tomorrow if she comes bouncing back again!

When Moki and I take our walks, to the right is the park . . . we don't go in, just walk on the outskirts. If we walk to the left, there is a big meadow where we saw the deer a few days ago. Today, we saw a big garter snake! It was about as thick as my thumb . . . fattest garter snake I've ever seen . . . and about twelve to eighteen inches long. It was peering out into the road like it wanted to cross. It was probably going after the chicken . . . Moki stepped over it without noticing, and when I bent down to take a closer look, it turned around and took off back into the meadow!

This evening, the fireworks were in the park next door. I could see about half of them perfectly from my window! The other half . . . I could see the left side of the display! But, in the comfort of my own home . . . can't beat that! Happy 4th!

Tuesday - Moki and I went to therapeutic riding again today. Before it started, Moki got to play with Ron's black lab, Chief. At first, Moki was afraid. But, Chief is a sweetheart, and after awhile, Moki was right into it. I led horses and helped with the exercises today. I'm giving the riders exercises from my seated yoga book. It's working great!

Thursday - A couple days ago I started doing a "really" long walk with Moki . . . one square block. I was afraid it was too much for him and I was pushing him too hard . . . until we got to the last quarter of the walk. That is the park where we usually walk around. He recognized it, and started running home! So much for it being too much for him! I'm thinking of doing another square block in the evening now. But, it's 5:30 now, and the weather channel says it's 89 degrees outside. It doesn't feel like that to me, though! So, we might give it a go.

Yesterday morning when I took Moki out for the first time, I saw that the trash can was knocked over. It is a big, heavy trash can. Someone has asked me several times if I've seen bears here . . . so, I thought maybe a bear had done it. This morning at 3:30 in the morning, I was awakened from a sound sleep by a big bang. I thought it was the trash can going over again . . . and I wanted to confirm my suspicions. Suspicions confirmed! A big ole bear was rooting around in the trash. How cool is that? Well, kind of cool and not cool. It's not good for bears to do that, because eventually they'll hurt someone and then they'll have to be shot or something. So, we're going to move our trash can back toward the houses, and hope he avoids it from now on. But, it was cool seeing him.

Moki has been doing this cute thing lately that I have inadvertently taught him. The book said when you're training the dog to come to you, start out when you feed them. Usually, though, Moki is right there wanting his food. So, what I used to do is go across the room, entice him over to me, and then hurry back to his dish and call him. But, he got wise. As soon as I set the bowl on top of the kitchen table and look at him, he voluntarily walks away. If he doesn't go far enough, I tell him to go farther, and he does! Then I call him to his food, and he comes a runnin'! It is so cute!

Later: We went on the second walk, and after we got home, Moki still ran around like crazy! I guess it wasn't too much for him!

I talked to Nanc, the lady who lives in the back house, about the bear. She doesn't like him. And she told me about a raccoon . . . she doesn't like him, either. Nanc is a city girl, and really doesn't like all these critters. Not me. I LOVE these critters!

Monday, June 29 through Thursday, July 2, 2009

Monday - Moki's first shot (with me). I tried to get a different kind of vaccine . . . a simpler one . . . but, couldn't find anyone here or Durango who carried the simpler kind. Oh, well. I can only do what I can.

Late this afternoon when Moki and I were walking along, I looked up and saw a deer in the empty field we walked by. It was cool! My first deer in Mancos! Last week, I had seen tracks leading to the river, but this was my first real sighting. Since I am right by the river, I'm seeing all kinds of cool birds and today I saw the biggest butterfly I have ever seen. It just kept hanging around . . . it was so awesome. And when we walk in the early evenings, I can smell that wonderful rich, perfume fragrance.

Thursday - During our first walk this morning, I heard a big cow sound! I hoped it was a cow and not a mother bear! Someone's been telling me about bears and raccoons around here, but I haven't seen either one. This morning's was definitely a cow, cause I saw it a few minutes after the sound.

They have a farmer's market just down the street from me on Thursday which is pretty sweet. I bought some lettuce today.

Moki is doing much better behavior-wise. I read again and found out that I wasn't supposed to use the submission exercise as discipline. That helped, and the shaker can (full of pennies) helped, and more exercise has helped. He is such a sweetheart, following me around all the time. What a perfect puppy!

And speaking of doing unto others as you would want them to do unto you . . . I bought a breadmaker for $5 at a church garage sale. I downloaded the manual, bought the ingredients, and was very excited for making my first loaf today. I followed all the directions, set the correct loaf size, and crust darkness, and all . . . pushed the start button . . . and . . . nothing. Nothing! How can someone donate a bread maker to a church sale KNOWING that it doesn't work! Talk about religious hyposcrisy! OMG! But . . . I shouldn't jump to conclusions. In fact, I should give them the benefit of the doubt. Maybe they didn't know . . .

Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28, 2009

Saturday - While Moki slept, I went to the annual Mancos Renaissance Fair. It was small, but very Renaissance-y. I took a picture of three, little lambs. If I go back tomorrow, I'll try to get more (not of the lambs!) Oh, yeah . . . as I was walking through the fair, some guy comes up to me and says I need a hug. I'm game. I go to hug him . . . and start to . . . and another guy with him says, I wouldn't do that. I look up, and the guy is COVERED in mud! I didn't notice! So much for being aware!

Back at home, I'm still having issues with Moki biting. The book says to grab them by the scuff of the neck and give a gentle shake while saying, "Errrr." This is to simulate his mother grabbing him by the scruff when he did something wrong as a tiny puppy. But, when I do and let go, Moki grabs the hand that just had him by the scruff. The piece I was missing was that when they stop, you're supposed to say, "Good boy!" I wasn't doing that. After I started, he was better, but still mouthy.

Today, I had a breakthrough. It just so happened that when he bit me, my head just happened to be close to his scruff. So, the hell with simulation! I bit him in the scruff, growling all the way. He immediately stopped what he was doing, turned around, and looked at me, like . . . oh! I get it now!

From that time on, he was better, although I had to do it a few more times. But, why argue with success? Sometimes, I could just put my face down by his scruff and growl, and that would work, too. Finally! My perfect puppy has returned!

Sunday - Yesterday at the Renaissance Fair, I stopped at a crystal booth and bought some sage for doing a "clearing" on my new home. The woman was a Reiki person and offered to give me a smudging blessing. I said yes. I really needed it, too . . . ironically. I honestly felt significantly better afterward.

Today, I went back there to pick up one of her cards. She has a Reiki share group, similar to the one I was involved in in Maine. I'll be happy to be doing that again.

At the Renaissance Fair, they had a play centered around a mud pit, men battling in armor, a Punch and Judy show, a singer, and food booths.

Tuesday, June 23 through Thursday, June 25, 2009

Tuesday, June 23 - They came today to bury the cable for my telephone. They worked fast and got it done quickly. After they finished, the ground looked pretty much like it did before they arrived. Good job!

Wednesday, late - As I sit in front of my open window as the sky darkens, the wind blows sweet, fragrant perfume into my home . . . luckily it is the nature kind of perfume, so I can enjoy it to the fullest! Wow. Life is good.

Thursday - Moki and I went to therapeutic riding today, and Ron gave me a terrific idea! More on that later.

Thursday, June 18 through Sunday, June 21, 2009

Thursday - Cleaned the corral again, today, happily. My favorite horse, Whiskey, and his partner, Missy, are in a pasture somewhere enjoying the grass. I miss him! He should be back soon. While I was out there, I saw about twenty-five vultures circling by the river. It was very cool. I've never seen so many at one time like that. There might have even been more . . . it was hard to count them because they were flying around. A few weeks ago, I saw about eight vultures flying around out there, and then noticed that one had a long "tail." At closer inspection, it was a blue heron flying with all the vultures! Michelle thought maybe it was trying to protect its nest . . . I think maybe it was just enjoying the flying!

While walking Moki tonight, I saw a double rainbow! It was awesome! The second one could barely be seen, but the first one was really bright. I got my camera and took a picture, but the second one was already gone, and the first one faded a bit. Still, you can see how cool it is!  The other picture is looking left from my house.

While I walk Moki every day, the fragrances around the river are awesome. It is really nice being out here.

I also saw that a bird had built a nest in the side of my house near the roof. I saw the mom with something in her mouth, and I could hear the babies crying. Then she went in through a hole to feed them. Baby birds . . . cool!

Friday - Tonight I went to square dancing . . . with Moki! Everyone loved him, of course! He was a little noisy at first. But, at one of the breaks, I took him outside, and when I brought him back in, he settled down and went to sleep. What a baby.

At square dancing, we are now getting round dance lessons. This is kind of slow dancing, but in a circle. Tonight we learned the rumba and the cha cha. I learned the cha cha many years ago when I took ballroom dancing lessons. But, the rumba was new. The problem with the rumba is that you have to swing your hips, but I've never been a hip-swinging kind of girl! Maybe this will teach me how!

Saturday - Although he slept most of the day, when he was awake, he was an incredible pistol! I had to do those submission exercises constantly. At least he's scratching the door to go outside now.

Sunday - Moki was back to being the perfect puppy today. I think he was just tired yesterday.

I walked through town today to the local health food store. On the way, I saw a cowboy on a horse "park" his horse in a restaurant parking lot, and go into the restaurant! I am SO in the perfect place for me! On my way to Cortez the other day, I saw some cattle in a field and the calves were so small and the grass so tall that you couldn't see the calves when they kneeled down. It was awesome! It's like paradise for me here!

Monday, June 15, 2009 through Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Monday - The phone guy came today. He said no one had had a phone in this place for over five years! He had to string a wire over some trees into the next lot. I asked if it would cost extra, and he said, "No, it's our dime." Cool! And next week, some other phone guy will come back to bury the cable underground. Finally! A land line! Awesome! No more cell phone! Well, I'll still keep it in the car . . . it's useful to me there . . . and makes sense.

I went to the mill today to buy some firewood. It has been cold and rainy lately, and freezing in my house. I need to build a fire! Probably, now that I've bought wood, it will warm up and I won't need it! This is the same mill that I bought the sawdust shavings for my composting toilet.

Tuesday - Moki and I went to therapeutic riding this morning. He stayed patiently in his "den" while I led horses and people around the arena. Everybody thought he was wonderful! I introduced him to a couple horses, and he was fine. And it was really great getting back to the "horse smell" that I've missed so much! Getting there this morning only took about as long as it used to take me when I lived in Durango. But, getting home, all the traffic had built up and it took almost an hour.

Wednesday - This morning while Moki napped, I drove over to Medicine Horse. Michelle, who usually cleans the corrals, was gone . . . so, I volunteered! I haven't cleaned a corral in so long, and I've missed it! It is just so zen! I only had to clean up after two horses, though, so I finished in five or ten minutes. Then I brushed everyone . . . and it was good to get back to that, too.

This afternoon, Moki and I went to the doctor so he could be wormed. She held him in her arms and talked to me, and I didn't realize she was examining him the whole time! It was pretty cool. He's fine, and healthy!

Later in the afternoon, just before my meditation, another really cool thing happened: I heard cows! I looked out the windows and couldn't see them, but I heard them clearly. It's one of my favorite sounds!

Friday, June 12, 2009 through Sunday, June 14, 2009

Friday - I drove into Durango today for some quick business. On the way, as I'm driving down the highway at sixty mph or so, up ahead, I see a big, lumbering beast crossing the highway. I think it was a beaver, but I'm not sure. I slowed down and changed lanes to "protect" him . . . and so many times this happens to me, you'd think I'd learn a lesson . . . my protection backfired. When he saw my car slow down to the side of him, he turned around and started back across . . . right in front of an oncoming truck! Thankfully, the guy saw him in time and slowed down and even pulled partially off the road to avoid hitting him. I feel so bad for animals that have to cross the dangerous road to live . . . this is indicative of habitat loss.

I learned something today. Moki has been nipping me lately, and I just thought it was puppy behavior. According to this great book called _Super Puppy_ that Pam gave me, biting, and some of his other behaviors are indications of dominant behavior. It's normal for a puppy to do this . . . it serves him in the wild . . . but, in a home situation, it must be controlled or you will end up the number two dog in the pack . . . and that "ain't" good! The book described how to put the puppy in different positions to basically show him that you're the boss. One of the positions . . . the puppy lying on his side, and you holding his scruff with one hand, and holding down his body with the other . . . well, Moki didn't like that one much. He screamed like a banshee! After doing it several times though (in a few hours time), he began to accept it and not fight much.

I was the number three dog in Tika's pack for eight years . . . and I don't want to do that again! So, I will remain diligent about encouraging submissive behavior with these practice positions.

Saturday - I drove into Cortez today to go to the Farmer's Market and the Craft Festival. The Craft Festival had a lot of Native American artists with their crafts. Amazing stuff.

Sunday - Rosemary came over and we drove to Cortez to have lunch. It was a great lunch, and then we went over to the Craft Festival again. Rosemary likes that kind of stuff, too. This will probably be the last time I see her for quite awhile. She's going on an extended road trip up to the north west through Oregon and Washington. I'll miss her a lot.

I've had Moki a week now, and he's already growing up. At first when I walked him, he would try to pick up every stick, every plant, every piece of gravel we came across. He wouldn't really "walk" . . . he would just explore and experience every thing he came across. I think it's the linear/non-linear deal.

Many years ago when Karen's son, Dylan, was just a toddler (I think he's twenty now,) I went to visit her and we went hiking. We followed a trail. But, Dylan didn't want to follow the trail. He just wanted to explore, and he ended up climbing straight up this big hill. Karen and I were thinking linear, and Dylan just wanted to experience and explore. Same with Moki.

So, that's how it's been, but today and maybe yesterday, he's started walking more . . . running sometimes, too! He still tries to pick up sticks and gravel and eat plants, but that's more secondary now.

The other difference in my cute, little guy is his sleep habits. He used to play and play and run around the house exploring and chewing inappropriate things, and eventually acting like a kid who is overtired. At that point, I would pick him up and put him in his "den," until he went to sleep. When he awakened a couple hours later, I would take him outside and then let him play again. This would go on many times during the day. But, now, when he gets tired, he just goes to sleep by himself . . . usually right at my feet, which is so sweet! He still occasionally does the overtired bit, and I have to put him in his den, but that's rare now. He sleeps when he's tired most of the time.

Tuesday, June 9, 2009 through Thursday, June 11, 2009

Mancos, Colorado

Tuesday - Great to be home! But, I am still exhausted. Moki is finally starting to play with his toys now that he's getting used to his new home. Luckily, he sleeps a lot, too! I still have a lot of cleaning and putting away to do.

I gave him a bath/shower today. The breeder suggested it to get the puppy smell off. I wasn't going to because I like the puppy smell! But, he picked up some fleas on the rest stops on our way home, and I thought I might get rid of them that way. He didn't like it much. Then, the house was a little chilly even though I lit a small fire in the wood stove, so we took a drive, and I dried him with the heat on high in the car! He didn't like that much, either! He complained most of the way.

But, we took a nice drive to the other side of Mancos . . . across the highway. I found the little grocery store, the laundry, and a movie rental place. When I came home, I tried to get my second hand tv and second hand dvd player to work. No luck. I'm trying to download the manuals now. Tomorrow, I need to pick up batteries for the remotes, maybe that will help.

Wednesday - Finally feeling halfway human today! Went grocery shopping this morning, and was happy to be cooking for the first time in my new home. Oops. The oven didn't work. Luckily, I have a large toaster oven, and it worked perfectly. Awesome.

Moki is such a character. He likes "action" toys. He loves the ball, and he has another toy that when you drop it, it bounces. He loves chasing those around. And he also likes the set of doggy keys that I gave him. he also stalks his toys, which is unbelievably cute . . . this charcoal gray fluffball stalking his little toys. What a cutie!

I went to a yoga class in town this afternoon and ran into my back door neighbor. The class was a little tough, since I haven't been practicing as I should! But, it was good to get back to it.

Thursday - Ah, at last! A full night's sleep! Moki didn't wake me up until 5:30 this morning! Awesome! I feel great today!

This evening I went to the Ute Mountain Rodeo in Cortez, about fifteen minutes from me. The rodeo was pretty cool . . . I'm not sure about the animals, but I enjoyed watching the cowboys! Although, Pat from the ranch says that these animals have it pretty good. They only work about ten seconds a day. Some of the calves get thrown to the ground pretty hard, though. I didn't like watching that. The bucking broncos were fun.  And while I sat in the bleachers, to the right of me was Mesa Verde, and to the left of me was the LaPlata Mountains . . . with newly fallen snow!  It was beautiful and awesome!

Back on my soapbox . . . they started the rodeo off with a prayer . . . granted they said something about a free country where you're free to practice any religion . . . but the prayer wasn't an "any religion" prayer . . . it omitted Muslims, Jews, Hindus, others, and atheists. I hate when that happens. I do have to give them credit, though, for including the welfare of the animals in the prayer.

My favorite part of the rodeo - - besides the cowboys, of course - - was the "mutton-busting" - - when little kids "rode" a sheep. They had to stay on for as long as they could - - bareback - - I don't think there are any "sheep saddles!" The kids ranged in age from five to seven, and were they ever cute! They all wore a helmet and a body protection vest. The winner rode the sheep over halfway across the arena, and most of that distance hanging off of one side! These little cowboys and cowgirls at the rodeo were all darling, with their cowboy shirts, cowboy hats, and cowboy boots. But, these aren't costumes . . . these kids are real cowkids! A five-year-old boy who was the son of one of the rodeo's organizers rode his pony all around the arena holding onto the American flag with one hand. It was incredibly cute!

Saturday, June 6, 2009 through Monday, June 8, 2009

Casper, Wyoming

Saturday - I left this morning at six A.M. for Casper, Wyoming. I used cruise control for the first time. It is kind of weird . . . it feels like auto-pilot, only you have to remember to steer! I had a weird thing happen when I made a stop about three hours into my journey. I stepped out of the car, and it felt like I had gotten off a boat . . . I got dizzy, and felt a little seasick! I had been driving seventy-five miles an hour . . . the speed limit . . . but, I'm not used to that and it felt strange. The dizziness mostly subsided after awhile, but after I got back in the car, I was careful and tried to stay more aware. My next stop . . . the same thing happened, only not as bad. Is it from going so fast? I don't know, it was weird! The following stop, right at the end of my journey, I felt no dizziness, so that's good. But, it was an unusual experience. I know what you're going to say . . . why didn't I stop?! It's just it didn't seem to affect me in the car, only when I got out . . . like I said, unusual experience.

I'm staying at the campground where I'll meet the puppy people tomorrow.

Sunday - Sleeping in the car last night wasn't such a great idea! First, I tried sleeping under the sleeping bag. That didn't exactly work. Finally, I broke down and got inside the sleeping bag, but since I couldn't really put my feet pajamas (!) on, I had my clothes on, and the pockets of my jeans were full . . . so that wasn't that comfortable, either! Then, I had bought a camping pad to put under my sleeping bag, but the sleeping bag kept sliding on it! And since the back of the car doesn't fold all the way down, my head was a little elevated, which was okay if it hadn't been for the sliding situation! It was silly, but an interesting experience! Needless to say, I didn't get much sleep!

Moki arrived about nine-thirty. Oh, is he ever a doll! He is the pick o' the litter, if I ever saw one! He cried quite a bit when we first drove away, but then settled down. He is the sweetest boy! I think we're going to be very happy together!

The breeder said that they had to drive through a blizzard yesterday from Idaho to northern Wyoming . . . and snow today the first hour of the way! I thought they were kidding, but they weren't. And it was pretty cold outside where we were at the time.

I can say one thing about Wyoming . . . it's windy! I had to really grip the steering wheel, because the wind kept blowing me around. Mostly cows and pasture land around here. Once I entered Colorado, it seemed much greener! I saw a cool road sign today, "Eagles on roadway." Unfortunately, I didn't see any. But, I did have to slow down for a couple prairie dogs.

It was too late and too far to drive home in just one day, plus I'm exhausted from so little sleep, so we stopped in Craig, Colorado for the night. Moki wanted to get up at three in the morning to go outside! Bummer!

Monday - Home at last. It was another long day of driving with too little sleep, but we made it safe and sound arriving home mid-afternoon. I am exhausted. Moki just wants to investigate his new surroundings.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009 through Friday, June 5, 2009

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Tuesday - I left early and had a beautiful drive to Santa Fe.  I went a different way, and it was much more beautiful than the interstate!  Karen and I had lunch with my sister Carol.  Afterwards, Karen and I drove back to her house, and went walking through the plaza.  The plaza is downtown Santa Fe - a redone area that is upscale and expensive art stores and tourist places.  But, the heart of Santa Fe is still here with old churches and cool places.  We walked by a church with a statue of Saint Francis out front.  I have always loved statues of St. Francis - - patron saint of the animals - - but, I had never seen a statue like this . . . with him and a dog by his side.  It was awesome.  In the courtyard, close to the statue, was a labyrinth.  I can't resist those, and Karen and I both followed the path to the center, and then followed it out again.  Labyrinth's are supposed to be very introspective "devices."  I'm not sure if I had any epiphanies while I walked, but I did think it was fun!

Wednesday - Karen and I walked to a used cowboy boot store today called Kowboyz.  The interesting thing is that when I was in Los Angeles, staying with Karen's mother, Edie, we were going to go to this store, but I found out that they had moved to Santa Fe!  So, I finally returned to Santa Fe and went to the store.  

We walked on down the street and found another western store, and I bought a cowboy hat that I had been looking for.  Then, we ate lunch at a place called Cowgirls!  It was a cowboy kinda day!  We also walked through the oldest church in the United States.  It was pretty awesome . . . built by Native Americans, and they still had the remains of an old Native American village preserved under the church.  It was interesting.

Thursday - Today, was my grand niece's or my great niece's (my niece's daughter . . . I don't know the official term) graduation from middle school. She had a solo piano piece, and she did wonderfully! The music sounded beautiful, and the way her hands moved across the piano keys was also very beautiful to watch.

When I got back to Karen's house, the four of us - - Karen and I and Checkers and Benton - - walked down to the plaza. We did some people watching, and the dogs enjoyed hanging out down there. I had written in a previous blog entry that men my age aren't cute. Karen insisted that they are, and she showed me some that I had to admit were . . . on the cute side!

Friday - I went to lunch with my sister, Carol, and my niece, Lisa, today. Good lunch, good conversation. Then, when Lisa went to drop me back at my car, we talked for a long time. I haven't seen her for quite awhile, so this was nice connecting again.

Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, May 30, 31, and June 1, 2009

Saturday - Rosemary drove over this morning, and we went over to Mesa Verde.  The entrance is only six miles from here, which is awesome.  Woo woo warning:  I lived there in a previous lifetime, so it's good to be back in the same neighborhood!

We walked down to see the Spruce Tree House ruin first, and from there started the Petroglyph hike from the bottom.  When I took the hike earlier this year, I started and finished from the top, because the bottom was still closed.  After we had hiked quite awhile, we found some fresh scat on the trail.  It was flat and black and kind of diarrhea.  I'm not as good at recognizing scat as I once was, but thought it might be a small bear.  I didn't have the nerve to stick my finger in it to see how fresh it was . . . something I later regretted!  We walked on along a beautiful trail, and found more of the same scat every once in awhile.  

After walking what seemed like forever, we came to the beautiful petroglyph panel.  Then, onward we went.  Shortly after the petroglyph panel, we had to climb upward on some rocks.  I had done this the last time I took this hike.  Rosemary was in the lead.  She starts climbing up the first rock, and all of a sudden lets out a yell, and comes tumbling backwards over the rock.  I thought it might be the bear belonging to the scat!  Poor Rosemary landed on her tailbone.  I asked what it was . . . I could still run for it!  She said it was a snake . . . I am so bummed that I wasn't in the lead so I could have seen the snake.  It took her awhile to get up, but she did, and with a little pain we finished our hike.  I decided that the scat was much too small to be even a small bear, but we never found out what it was.  We found older identical scat on the trail back.

After that, we went on a tour of Balcony House ruin, which was incredibly cool.  You have to climb up a twenty or thirty foot ladder, and then crawl through a small tunnel.  The ruins are awesome.  I forgot my camera!  Sorry!

Back at home, I put more stuff away.  Time is running short before I leave.

Sunday - I continued cleaning and putting stuff away, with a short break for a walk through town.  It is such a nice town!  I am so happy and so lucky to be living here!

Monday - I drove to Durango today for last minute errands, including getting my oil changed.  Back at home, I put more stuff away.  Getting close now.