Monday thru Thursday April 27 - 30, 2009

Monday

I drove out to Medicine Horse again this morning.  It's about thirty miles one way, but it's a pretty drive through the mountains.  I brushed all the horses, and gave them each a taste of Reiki.  Barb wanted to work on Stealth together . . . her giving him an equine massage and me giving him Reiki.  But, I got to talking to Lynne, and didn't get out in time.  She was already finished.  But, Barb held him on a lead rope while I gave him Reiki, and he really got into it this time.  That was good.

The guy I worked for the nights I did the Stephen Stills concert called me tonight.  He wanted to know if I wanted to work some other event in Durango .   He said we were the best crew he'd ever had.  I told him I couldn't do this event, but to keep me on his list, because I had a blast last time!

Tuesday

Leading and side-walking and brushing horses!

Wednesday

Brushing more horses!

Thursday

Leading and side-walking and brushing horses!

Saturday and Sunday, April 25 and 26, 2009

Aztec, New Mexico

Saturday

I went with senior singles outdoors to Aztec, New Mexico to see some New Mexico Arches.  They aren't as "grand" as the ones in Arches National Park in Utah, but they're cool.  At one of the ones we stopped at, there was a crack in the rocks below the arch.  Someone double dared me to go through it.  Being fourteen again, I can't turn down a dare!  So, I squeezed through!  Success!  We also saw some petroglyphs.

Afterwards, we all went to lunch at a Mexican restaurant in Aztec.  I had something I've never had before . . . a chili relleno.  It was delicious!  Great lunch!

Sunday

Someone from Cadence Riding had called and asked if I would volunteer at the Home and Ranch show, so Sunday morning was my spot.  It was slow, and I only talked to the other volunteer, Dave.  Turns out Dave and I went to the same high school in Los Angeles!  Small world, huh?  He graduated many years before I did, but still, it was pretty amazing.

Then Rosemary dropped by, and said she was going shopping in Farmington.  I talked her into waiting until my "shift" was over.  Then, we were off to Farmington.  The new house I'm moving into is unfurnished, so I wanted to pick up some stuff for it in Farmington.  We had a good time, and then drove home a way I've never been.  It was pretty farmland almost all the way.

Friday, April 24, 2009

I drove out to Medicine Horse this morning.  Michelle, who cleans the corrals, was there, but no one else.  I brushed out all the horses, but I didn't want to bother them while they were eating, so I didn't tie them up.  I just brushed them as they ate.  Afterwards, I'd give them a minute or two of Reiki. 

JJ, one of the horses who wouldn't let me brush him the other day, allowed me to today.  And then when I gave him the Reiki, he LOVED it!  So, that was cool.

Tonight was a weird square dancing session.  Almost no one was there.  Several regulars were missing, and there were no "angels" or single guys for me to dance with.  So, I had to borrow people's husbands!

I talked to Shirley about going to Pagosa Springs to dance, and I asked about single guys or "angels" there.  She said the angels were just for the dancing lessons.  So, I said . . . once I'm finished with lessons, I have to have a partner?  Bummer.  I've been looking, but not finding yet!

When I was in my twenties and thirties, I'd often feel like a "third wheel on a bicycle built for two."  Since I've been single this time (at this late date!), this might be the first time I had that feeling.  It was just momentary, and didn't bother me much, but I did feel it and acknowledge it.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday April 21-23, 2009

Tuesday

My first volunteering day at Cadence Therapeutic Riding went well.  Three other volunteers were there to help, plus the regular people.  We brushed the horses, and got them ready to ride.  Our first rider was late, so luckily we got to practice before anyone arrived . . . which was good because none of us had done it before!  Lisa got on the horse, I think the person teaching us led the horse, and me and another volunteer were the practice side walkers.  Your arm gets tired after holding it up so long, so every once in awhile, the side walkers switch sides to they're using their other arm.  It was interesting, and good practice.

My first real assisting experience was with an adult on the horse named Dolly.  I was the horse leader, thankfully, and two other helpers were the side walkers.  The horse leader's whole responsibility is taking care of the horse, and making sure it does the right thing.  The side walkers responsibility is to the rider, making sure the rider stays on the horse.  This person riding had a hard time staying on, and so the side walkers had to really push him back on again and again.  I was glad I wasn't a side walker at that point . . . he was a big guy!  Man, was he funny, though!  He kept us in stitches the whole time he rode!  What a great attitude, and a lesson for life!  Dolly kept wanting to walk faster, and I had to keep slowing her down.  

Next, was a young child on the pony, Peanut.  I was a side walker this time, but since Peanut is small, my arm didn't have to reach up so high!  But, soon, Ron, it's his ranch and he's the head of the Cadence, called me over to be side walker with someone else on Dolly.  But, it was this older child's first time, so his session didn't last as long.  Most sessions are about forty-five minutes, so it's a long time to have your arm in the air!  I definitely prefer being the horse leader!

Wednesday

I drove to Mancos to Medicine Horse Therapeutic Riding.  I talked to Lynne, who runs it, and I met Barb, another volunteer.  I starting brushing the horses, and cleaning their hooves.  Afterward, I'd give them a little Reiki.  When I started giving Doc Reiki, he stepped back and picked up his head, like, "What is that!?"  But, then he stepped forward into my hands, and after a couple minutes his eyes were closing with relaxation!  It was cool.  I worked on the horses that Barb wasn't working with.  She lives halfway between Durango and Mancos, so we talked about carpooling.  That would be cool.

Thursday

Just after I arrived, I went with Katy, Ron's wife, to catch some horses.  We brushed them, and got them ready.  I led Snowman around, and he was much easier to lead than Dolly from the other day.  Dolly was a little pushy!  Then I led around Peanut, the pony.  She kept looking for Dolly, who is her pasture pal, and all of a sudden when I wasn't expecting it, she started trotting!  I got her slowed down right away, but it was an eye opener!  There weren't as many volunteers today, but not as many clients, either.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Today is my orientation at Cadence Riding.  There's about twelve or fifteen of us there.  First, Ron takes us through the whole ranch, pointing out the horses, and the different corrals.  We get to one corral which has three of the Cadence horses in it, and he asks who wants to catch them.  I raise my hand.  I thought . . . I can catch JD and Cisco, both of whom don't want to be caught . . . these bomb-proof therapy horses will be a piece of cake!  Wrong assumption!  Ron hands me the halter for Peanut, the pony.  Two other people get halters for the two horses.  The three of them stay together, and won't let us get near them.  I try walking slowly up to Peanut, and turning my back on her like Pat taught me.  Ron points out to the others what I'm doing.  Of course, it doesn't work . . . but, it's a good strategy!  What I didn't know is that these may be bomb-proof horses, but they haven't been handled for six months, and today was their first day on grass!  They didn't want to leave!

Ron finally comes in and the other two horses come to him, and the girls are able to put the halters on them.  Once they're caught, Peanut lets me come up to her.  We lead them out of this corral, and into another, and then outside.  Ron notices how I'm holding the lead rope . . . again, how Pat taught me . . . and tells the others that this is the correct way to hold it.  So, that was pretty cool!

Then we went inside to watch the therapeutic riding video on how to do everything.  The stories really got to me, and I was constantly wiping my eyes!  We were going to have a practice session after the movie, but it started raining, so we couldn't.  We'll be on our own on Tuesday!

When I arrived home, I found an email from the kennel whose puppy I wanted.  I didn't have high hopes because four males were already promised.  But, the email said that the mother dog had six males and one female!  Score!

Rosemary and I met Kathleen at the Barn Dance in downtown Durango this evening.  The music was good, and watching them dance was fun, too.  Before Kathleen got there, Rosemary wanted to try out the dance steps.  So, what the heck, I'll try, too.  Neither of us could finish the song, it took so much energy to do these steps!  We both sat down out of breath and panting for air!

We didn't stay long, and then we went to hear Celtic music at a nearby bar.  They hadn't started yet when we got there, and we couldn't find where the band was set up.  Finally, a guy with a guitar comes in and says to Rosemary, "Am I the only one here?"  Then a woman with a violin comes in, and they set up across the room.  It was just the two of them, and we had a hard time hearing over the din from the bar.  So, we went up closer and found seats against the wall just across from the two musicians.  Five minutes later, another guy came and set up next to the guy with the guitar.  Then another woman with a violin.  Soon, all the seats around us were taken with musicians, and we were right there in the middle of it!  There were a circle of musicians, and then Rosemary and I!  It felt weird, but what a treat!  Then MORE musicians came, and we gave up our seats, but still stayed standing right at the circle.  It was pretty awesome.  There were two or three guitars, and five or six violins, a mandolin, and several percussion-type instruments.  It was absolutely awesome!

I got home, and my roommate had had a dinner party and they were just starting to play games.  I managed to get myself invited, and we had a great time!  

Friday, April 17, 2009

This weekend in Durango, they are having the annual Meltdown . . . it is a bluegrass festival.  Rosemary asked if I wanted to attend a free bluegrass concert at the train station.  We met Kathleen there.  The band was awesome!  They were really great, and they were local boys . . . from Durango.  I only stayed for forty-five minutes, though, because I couldn't miss my square dance!

Tonight's dance was a regional dance.  People came from Cortez, Pagosa Springs, and Farmington.  There are some people from those places during our regular weekly dances, but many more tonight.  I thought maybe I could meet someone . . . but, unfortunately, all those from out of town already have a partner!  There are only a couple available guys that I can dance with.  Once, Wilma, found me a partner.  For the next "tip," I had to reserve Louis in advance!  And then for the next one, I saw Les standing up there, and I RAN up to him before anyone else could catch him!

On the tip that I danced with Louis, he got me into a square with three callers.  If you square dance in a square with three callers, then you earn a "purple heart," which is worn on your name tag.  It's kind of a big deal, and not everyone has one.  So, as soon as I get my name tag, I should receive a purple heart.  

But, I have to tell you, these guys are crazy!  For one of the dances, one of them, a male, partnered with another man . . . and a woman partnered with another woman.  It makes it so hard to follow!  When I get lost, I normally look for the woman across from me . . . and it was a man!  During the dance, we often switch partners as part of the calls.  And one time, the woman who was pretending to be a man, and the man who was pretending to be a woman, got partnered up!  Now THAT was confusing!  But, it was so funny . . . I had a stomach-ache by the time the dance finished from laughing so hard!

Wednesday and Thursday, April 15 and 16, 2009

Short addition to Monday:

I forgot to relate two quick things about the new house.  As we're standing out in front talking, (about when the blue heron flew over), Sue said that sometimes there are cattle drives down the street right in front of the house!  Is that awesome, or what!  Then, she said one time they were outside, and this cowboy rides up on his horse, along with a packhorse and a dog.  He says, "Howdy partner."  Well, maybe he didn't say exactly that, but I'm sure he meant to.  Then he said, "I just rode up from Arizona.  Is there any work around here?"  Is that cool?!  Mancos is ranch country!

Wednesday

I'm too tired to go on the senior hike today.  I thought I would still go to swing dancing lessons this evening, but I was too tired for that, also.  I decide to work on some bureaucracy.  I've been here almost six months now, so I can finally change my health insurance from Maine to Colorado.  I call AARP, and get all the information, and the person informs me to fill out the application online, but their computers are down right now.

I try periodically for the next couple hours with no luck.  Then, I have to call back to get my membership number, because the one they gave me earlier was wrong.  I finally get to the screen to fill out the application, and it tells me that it doesn't accept my browser, and to call customer service.  I call customer service, and the only other choice is to wait for them to mail me the packet!  Basically, they are excluding most Apple computers.  Bummer.  I thought I could do it online, but they said because of privacy issues, they can't do that, either.

Rosemary isn't home, so I can't borrow her computer, so I drive into town to go to the library.  What a crazy process this has been!

I speak to the Alaska landlord today.  They will send me a lease on the house.  I can hardly wait till it's signed, and this is definite!

Thursday

I told someone a few years ago that the first snow of the year, and the last snow of the year always made me cry.  Well, I've been crying a lot, because it keeps snowing, and I keep thinking it's the last snow.  I did my walk this morning, with beautiful, soft snow falling.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Mancos

I arrived at Medicine Horse at 9:30. First, I had to fill out volunteer paperwork. After that, Lynne took me out to see the horses.  In the first corral were Doc, Stealth, and Indie.  They are all older horses.  The three of them were hanging around the water trough, but not drinking.  So, Lynne went over to see why.  The water had a heater in it, so the water doesn't freeze.  

She took the heater out.  What she thinks happened, is that something went wrong with the heater and when the horses tried to drink, they got a shock.  After she took the heater out, Indie and Stealth took a long drink, but Indie was still afraid.  She kept hanging around the water, but wouldn't get too close.  Then, Stealth stepped in.  He would slurp up some water, take a step back, and let it drip slowly out of his mouth.  Indie would put her mouth under his, and drink the water that he "gave" her.  It was a wonderous thing to watch!  It was almost like a bird mother feeding her little ones.  And it wasn't a one-time thing.  Stealth did it several times!  Lynne said she'd never seen that, and neither had I.  But, it was pretty awesome!

Then, we went to see Missy and Whiskey.  They were also older horses.  Whiskey has a sway back.  They were both very sweet.

The last corral had three younger horses in it.  They were rescued from a Premarin farm in Canada.  Premarin is the drug that they get from pregnant mare's urine, and is used for menopausal women.  Makes me want to try it!  Yeah, right!

Lynne talked about their therapy sessions with a counselor, the person receiving therapy, and the horse.  The horse often mirrors what the person can't talk about.  I found that interesting,  awesome, even.

So, after the horse introductions, Lynne said that they needed someone to just hang with the horses and get them used to people again.  I can do that!

There is a river across the street from the horses, and there are nests in the trees - - blue heron nests!  Lynne said there are also bald eagles around the area.  Is this place awesome, or what!  Herons and eagles!  I have chosen correctly!

I still have several hours to wait until I can see the new house (new to me) which is about five minutes from the horses.  So, I drive to Mesa Verde which is right up the road.  I get in free with the year's pass that I bought last time, but I pay $3 for a tour of Cliff Palace, which wasn't open last time I visited.

Cliff Palace is awesome.  I think it is the largest of the ruins in Mesa Verde.  They used to think that it housed one hundred fifty families, but now they think that it was for more ceremonial purposes, because there are a lot of kivas there.  While, I wait for the tour to begin, next to me a kid is telling his younger sibling about a ladder that we have to climb . . . it is steep and away from the ruins a bit.  I think he is just teasing the little kid.  Although, in the briefing, it says you have to climb four or five ladders during the tour.  But, I can see two of them inside the ruins.

Later on, at the end of the tour, it seems the older sibling told the truth!  As I climb the ladder, I'm on the lookout for what the ranger said were the "steps" the Ancestoral Puebloans created for themselves.  They are just little, cutouts on the rock face, and would be scary!  I didn't bring my camera today, but I'll be back here often.  Not to worry!

I thought I would have more time in Mesa Verde, but it didn't work out that way.  I had just enough time to eat lunch in the restaurant there, and drive back to Mancos.  Sue wasn't there yet, so I walked over to the river . . . not too far from her front yard.  You can hear the river this time of year from the house.

The inside of the house is much bigger than I thought it would be.  Sue has it divided into three rooms:  the boys room, her room, and the living room.  The kitchen is off to the side.  She has the composting toilet disconnected, and is using another system like my friends in Missouri use.  The house has it's flaws, but it is a nice house.  I want it!

While Sue and I are talking outside, a blue heron flies by!  She says she sees them often because of the river.  The house is just five minutes from Medicine Horse.  It's perfect for me.

As I'm driving away, a hawk flies over.  A good sign.

Saturday and Sunday April 11 and 12, 2009

Early this afternoon I had an appointment for my orientation at Cadence Riding.  It is out in one of my favorite parts of town.  I have to drive a road that I think I've mentioned before . . . Epitome Road, I call it.  Thirty years ago, I thought that country road with its cattle, sheep, and horses was the epitome of why I moved to Durango.  I arrive at the house about five minutes early, and find it curious there are no other cars there.  When the door opens, and I say, "Cadence Riding?" she says, "Yes, but it was canceled.  No one called you?"  I guess not!  I was disappointed, but it was a nice drive on my favorite road!

As I'm driving back home, my phone rings.  It's the woman who lives in the Mancos house that I want to rent.  I had called to tell her that I was going to be in Mancos on Monday and to see if there was any way I could see it then.  She said yes!  Awesome!  Some things just work out perfectly!

I get home and am still exhausted from yesterday's hike and concert setup.  I actually sneak in a nap before the concert!  It felt great, and was exactly what I needed!  I arrive at the concert before 6:30, and walk past security and everyone else like I belong there.  I walk through the doors with no one saying a word, and then proceed to the bleacher area that we were told has the best line of sight and the best sound in the place!  Susan, one of the other girls in the volunteer group, is already there.  We have a long wait.  Katy, the other girl in the group arrives soon after and entertains us.  She's a funny twenty-four year old.  

The concert is great!  During my favorite songs, I close my eyes and visualize the things I want in life.  The songs make me feel pure joy which, in theory, should bring the things I want into my life!  I'll let you know if it works!  

When the concert ends, our labors begin.  First step was taking down all the chairs.  Then, we had to dismantle the stage, and in between carry or push stuff out to the trucks . . . in the snow.  Not bad, though.  I kept busy, and basically had a great time.  The producer of the show thanked all of us and shook our hands.  Met a couple interesting men .  . . but, nothing interesting to report here!  I got home late, tired but after having a great evening.

Sunday

I get up late, and am too tired to do almost anything.  I think about going to the movies, but I'm too tired even for that.  I see that Pam has turned the hot tub back on, so I might go in there later and vege out.  I'm exhausted.  Still.

Rosemary brought me over an Easter basket!  That was so thoughtful!  

Thursday and Friday, April 10 and 11, 2009

Thursday evening

This evening I had my monthly archeology meeting.  At the beginning of the meeting before the scheduled presentation, they go over all upcoming hikes, and announce any new ones.  I was very happy that they announced a new hike close to the Largo Canyon area . . . where I lived at the horse ranch for five months.  I loved that area, and I signed up immediately!  I can hardly wait to return to my "old stomping grounds!"

The archeologist who gave the presentation talked about a site that we will go to next month.  She told a story about approaching the Hopi nation about the burials they were excavating.  She said she expected them to yell at her about the burials, but instead, they yelled because the site was called "totah," and that is a Navajo word!

Friday

We met early this morning at a local park, and then carpooled over to the trailhead, which is about an hour from here.  Rosemary and I carpooled with Kathleen, who has a dog.  I snuggled with Boone in the backseat.  He stood on my lap to look out the window.

Fourteen of us went out to Sand Canyon.  I had taken a part of this hike before, and really liked it.  Several ruins that you can see just as you're hiking.  Barb, the leader of the hike, was "caretaker" to some "secret" ruins in the park.  She said if she told us where they were, she'd have to kill us!  Nobody asked anymore!  It was a very nice hike, and afterward on the way home, we stopped at Dairy Queen again for chocolate malts!  I also had a turkey sandwich.  Although we had lunch while we were hiking (stopping at a nice spot overlooking a canyon), I thought I needed more since I'd be working late.

We got back to Durango, and I went directly up to Fort Lewis to help with building the stage and helping out.  The stage was almost completed by the time I got there, but there was still lots of stuff to carry in.  Some of it was pretty heavy, but I made out okay.  I think I got home around 6:30 or 7:00, which was great, because they had initially said it would be till 8:30.  There is no show tonight . . . it is just a one night show.  And tomorrow, after I watch the show, we have to repack all of this stuff back into the trucks!  Bummer!

Sunday, April 5, and Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Sunday

Rosemary called and asked if I wanted to go to Trimble Hot Springs.  It's a mile from me, and Rosemary works there one day a week.  She gets to go for free and can bring a guest.  We sat in the sauna for about fifteen warm, glorious minutes.  Then we went into the hot pool.  You can't call it a hot tub, because it's swimming pool size.  There are two levels of heat in it, and we stayed in the "cooler" one.  It was still pretty hot, though!

Wednesday

Another senior hike this morning.  This one was partially on a new part of the river walk, but most of it is on a regular hiking trail right near the river.  It was very nice.  I talked to several people while we walk.  I love it that I have "grown" enough that I can talk to anyone now and feel comfortable.  I think I probably have India to thank for that.  I couldn't do it before.

Later, I go back to town for the Stephen Stills concert meeting.  When I arrive, there are several men and I am the only woman!  Then another one came in, and later yet, a third one showed up.  We have to actually build the stage!  And carry a bunch of stuff in, and who knows what else.  I will miss the beginning of it on Friday, because of my hike, but the lead guy said that was all right.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Woke up to snow all over my car.   I did my walk with gentle snowflakes falling . . . my favorite thing.  How wonderful is this?

I've been wanting to take some more pictures, and this seemed like a great opportunity.  So, after my walk and working on the computer for awhile, I grabbed my camera and take off in the car.  I've been seeing that herd of elk almost every day I go to town, so I hoped to today . . . the first time I've had my camera.  Sure enough, there they are in a field by the side of the road.  Awesome!  I pulled over, rolled down the window, and took some pictures.  The train choo-choo-ed by as I took pictures of the elk.

Then, I drove up to Fort Lewis College.  They have great views up there.  The clouds blocked the view of the farther-away mountains, but you can still see how beautiful this is.  While I'm up there, I see a vulture glide lazily through the sky.  I've only started seeing them this week, and I'm really happy to see them.  One day on one of my walks, one flew directly over my head (fifty feet or so, that is), and vocalized as he went by me!  He spoke to me!  I've never had that happen before.  Many people dislike vultures, but when they are in the air, their flight is as beautiful as any bird of prey.  I like vultures.

Next, I go to the fairgrounds for a tack sale . . . tack is horse equipment.  Cowgirl wannabe that I am, I wanted to go to this sale. I walk in and am in heaven. Horse stuff all over. I wander through the snaffle bits and cinches and bridles and spurs and saddles and it is awesome. I find the horse therapy place I sent my volunteer paperwork to and they haven't responded since the last phone call several months ago. The man says they were talking about me yestrday and wanted to get hold of me. The orientation is next Saturday!

Then, I accidentally hear a conversation of a woman who needs someone to take care of her animals for a day or two.  I had just put an ad in the paper for horse/ranch sitter, but got no response.  I give her my reiki card.  She's happy that I will do this for her.  She has two horses (only one will be there), a mule, a donkey, a llama, and several goats.  She also has five dogs.  This will be cool!  She lives in Cortez, which is just up the road a piece from Mancos.  That sounded "cowboy," didn't it?!

Then, I found another horse therapy place called Medicine Horse, based in Mancos.  I signed up to volunteer for that, also.  It would be really wonderful to have that place so close, if I get the house in Mancos!  Hopefully, I will!

Tuesday, March 31 and Wednesday and Friday, April 1 and 3, 2009

Tuesday

On my walk today, as I passed  a couple horses that I see most days, one of them came to the fence to "talk."  I petted it on it's face, and got a whiff of that wonderful horse odor.  It's not puppy breath, but it's close!  Now, I'm antsy to get back to horses again.  I applied at a horse therapy program in December and they were supposed to get started by now.  I emailed and after several days, I called and left a message.  I need to get back to horses.  Really.

Wednesday

The river walks that I took every Wednesday with my senior group was only for the winter.  Now, we're doing regular hikes.  Today, was a hike up to Fort Lewis College and then to an area called "The Lion's Den."  With all the talk about mountain lions around here . . . I wasn't sure what to expect!  But, it was just a very nice picnic area with an incredible view.  Oh, yeah.  The fist ten minutes or so of the hike was straight uphill and just about killed me.  I went as far as I could and then had to rest.  There were still people behind me.  Every time I was about to catch up with the people in front of me, there was a turn in the trail, and I had to wait for those behind me, so they knew which way to go!  Oh well.  We all caught up eventually!

Wednesday night, I picked Rosemary up and we went to the Rec Center for the swing dancing lessons.  We left early enough so we could do the climbing wall first.  When we got there, they had changed the times because of spring break!  Bummer!  So, we had an hour to kill.  We started playing pool, and if it wasn't for "slop" or accidentally shooting each other's balls in the holes, we never would have finished!  Rosemary won . . . by only one ball!  

While we were playing, Jeff, Rosemary's husband, shows up.  He makes a lot of jokes about us playing pool, and asks where our beers are!  I mentioned to them that I had seen an ad in the paper for volunteers for the Stephen Stills show.  (from Crosby, Stills, and Nash).  They both said, "Go for it!"

Jeff left and Rosemary and I wandered upstairs for the dancing.  There were more girls than boys, so Wendy, our instructor, had someone go out to the weight room to try to get some more volunteers!  It worked!  Three more guys showed up!  We learned the Charleston, which was really cool.  Tonight's lesson was much easier than last weeks.

Friday

I called the ad in the paper, and I will now be volunteering for the Stephen Stills concert.  I'm pretty jazzed about it.  I get to see the show at least one of the nights, too.  I think it should be a blast!

Square dance lessons were really difficult again, tonight.  I'm learning all the more advanced calls, and a lot of them, and it's hard to keep them all straight.  Everyone gives me the same advice:  just keep doing it.  The lessons are from 6:00 to 7:30 and 7:30 is when the regular dancing starts.  I used to occasionally dance the regular  . . . though I needed to be helped through most of it!  Now that I know a lot more calls . . . I dance many dances of the regular . . . though, I still need to be helped a lot!  But . . . not as much as before, so I'm definitely improving!  Everyone tells me how great I'm doing . . . they are such a wonderful, supportive bunch!  Tonight Richard, the caller, gave me a square dance book so I can study the calls at home.

I came home and Pam and Thad were having another gaming party.  The last one, a few weeks ago, lasted until about four A.M.  Bummer.  I went into my room, put in my earplugs, and tried to ignore it.  I read awhile, kept the earplugs in, and was luckily able to fall asleep.  Yup, it's definitely time to move on.  I hope that place in Mancos works out.