2010 - - finally

Well, as you can read from below . . . I really did think I was caught up. But, now it's months later, and I never posted this. I still have another post about my trip back to Maine . . . then, I'll be almost caught up. I'll try! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!

September 12, 2010

Hello Everybody who's reading! This is CURRENT . . . notice the date . . . 2010! I'm finally caught up! Ok, I'll give a very brief synopsis of the past year, and then I'll thrill you with my account of my spectacular trip to Maine! Here goes!

A couple months ago, a friend and I went to the Renaissance Fair in Pagosa Springs, Colorado . . . that is about an hour and a half car's drive from where I live. It was very small, but nice . . . I bought some insense, sage, and lavender. The highlight was when the belly dancers were on stage . . . belly dancers who were about my age . . . I walked by the a tent close to the stage and heard someone call them the "geriatric troupe!" They were actually quite good for geriatrics!

The therapeutic riding place where I volunteer had a fund raising trail ride in June. The main guy who was arranging everything unfortunately ended up in the hospital. So, a lot of his stuff fell onto me. But, it all got done thanks to the board, and everyone had a great time. I might have a picture of this one . . . oh, the only pic I have doesn't show much . . . sorry! This pic shows everyone registering for the ride.

Then, there was the Renaissance Fair in Mancos . . . the town I live in. It was also small, but interesting. The best part, though, was after dark . . . when I returned to watch the fire dancers. Everyone surrounded them in a great circle, and they danced in the middle doing daring things with fire that looked even more spectacular in the dark. It was pretty awesome, really.

I did hear one guy say . . . "hey, there are no electronics here and everyone is still having fun, imagine that" . . . I did get a kick out of that . . . and I agreed!

I also went on a few archeology club adventures, including one in the winter or early spring that required me to drive about a half hour in a snow storm! It was worth it, though, and I had a great time. I've also returned to Mesa Verde a time or two . . . I always love the time I spend at that place.

Sun Mon Thurs Sat September 2009 something

Sunday - When Moki and I took our walk this morning, there were more balloons all around. At one point, there was a big balloon right above us trying to gain altitude. The burner kept making this loud noise. Moki looked up at it, and with his most grown-up voice, gave the balloon a deep warning bark! It was so cute!

Monday - Went to more Plus lessons in Cortez, and then was an "angel" to one of the new guys who is learning mainstream. Angel, means that I was his partner. He really already knows most of the moves, which is pretty cool. There are three other people there who are just learning, so it's all an educational experience, though!

Thursday - This was the last day of therapeutic riding at Cadence. All of the people I've been working with have improved so much. Most everyone had two side-walkers to begin with, and now many of them ride almost completely on their own. It is so satisfying to see that. I came for the horses, and stayed for the people. What an incredibly gratifying experience it has been.

Today, when I went to renew the book I'm reading, _Sophie's World_, they wanted to give me my new library card. She said, "That's funny, your old card shouldn't have worked." Then she checked, and my old card and my new card had the same exact number. She said, "Wow, that NEVER happens. That is really amazing." Then another woman from the library came by, and she showed it to her. The other woman was shocked, too. They asked something about my life, and this must be a lucky sign. And I said, "My life has been pretty amazing lately, and I'm not surprised about this at all!"

Saturday - parade

Today was the non-motorized parade in Durango. One of the little boys I work with rode Magic, and I led him down the middle of the parade. It was a gas!

Friday and Saturday September 2009 something

Friday - When Moki and I took our walk this morning, in the field where there are often cattle, I saw several Canadian geese on their way South. One way that Border Collies learn to herd sheep is to start with geese . . . so, I thought . . . maybe I could turn him loose in the field and see what he does. But, I figured they'd all fly away!

I walked a couple more steps and looked to the right, and saw balloons! This weekend is the Mancos balloon festival! It was really cool!

Square dancing! Before the regular square dancing is now Plus lessons. I love plus! It has some really cool steps to it. We learned Acey Ducey, Load the Boat, Coordinate, something about a teacup, which is really a fun move. Before plus started, Richard did me a favor and had everyone do Spin the Top, which is a mainstream move, but I didn't know how to do it. So, that helped me a lot.

Then, during the main square dancing, Richard threw in a lot of the plus moves, so I got a chance to practice, which was great!

Saturday - Moki and I got up at dark thirty, and drove toward Dolores about thirteen miles. It wasn't as easy to find as it was supposed to be, but I found the ranch at last! This was the trail ride fundraiser for Cadence Therapeutic Riding. I sat at the check-in table, gave people their numbers to pin on their backs, and had them fill out a couple release forms. So, I got to see everybody, which was pretty cool!

Right before the ride began, Ron asked if I wanted to be an assistant judge. So, I got in the truck with Katie, Ron's wife, and a bunch of people, and we went looking for the obstacles. Unfortunately, no one knew exactly where they were! After driving around for awhile, we got close, and then Scotty, the lead rider, found us and showed us where we should be. I was with Robin, Burt's daughter, and Burt and Katie and Dave. We were at the stream crossing obstacle. Robin judged the contestants on how well they and the horse crossed the stream. Burt called off the numbers, and Katie and Dave took pictures, and I timed the contestants. They were only allowed one minute to cross the stream.

There were two main categories: open and pleasure. All pleasure had to do was to get the horse across the stream. Most of them had no problem, although some of the horses balked a little. For open, it was more complicated. They had to approach the stream, turn the horse around 180 degrees, and then back the horse down a small embankment into the water . . . still backwards. Lots of those horse didn't want to do it. I had to call time on several of them. It was all fun to watch. And surrounding us were the beautiful hills turning to fall colors. It was like being surrounded by a huge patchwork quilt.

It took quite awhile for all the riders (67) to complete all the obstacles. Afterward, all the points had to be compiled. Then, Ron handed out all the prizes. It was a great day!

Pictures . . . riders in the trail ride . . . a horse at the water hazard where I was . . . me sitting at the end of the table in a blue hat . . .

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Wednesday - Started putting together my futon today, and wouldn't ya know it . . . I'm missing one of the major pieces. Major bummer.

I think the baby swallows have already left the area! I didn't see them at all today.

Thursday - Therapeutic riding. Ron (the main guy) said that I should try to get a NAHRA certification . . . that I'd be really good at it. I'll check it out. I took more pics of horses today for the book. Also, had to take some over with Dolly. Burt took the pics for me. I hope they turn out.

I saw the baby swallows today . . . three of them, anyway.