Winter Goes On...

Hello again people...

I watched Julie and Julia this weekend and I think that any serious blogger would ban me from the world of blogging for writing as little as I do...what can I say, I have a life!

It has been both a comfort and a burdon this winter... I am living in Goffstown and although I enjoy greatly getting home and preparing and eating meals with not only my fiance but my soon to be new brother and sister in law, it does kill the majority of my night. I have a 45 minute drive to and from work and it's a killer most days to drive past good 'ol exit 17, where my horse and my best friend reside. But it's cold and it's dark and the comforts of home are calling me.

Those of you who know me know I am NOT a winter rider. I prefer much to wait until the spring when I do not have to fear losing my toes to the bitter cold. This winter I am leaving Sky alone much more than I ever have and I am trying not to let my anxiety that she will turn into a bucking bronco over the winter get the better of me. Last winter I insisted on getting on her at least once a month, and despite my silliness, she was more mature and grown up in the spring for having been left alone.

So this winter I am concentrating on losing some of my extra weight (down 13.1 pounds since November!) and getting my affairs in order so that when Spring hits, I can tackle all my lofty horse ambitions! Hopefully I will have a 'real' job by then with the real pay to go with it so I can afford all those dreams!

Anyway, it was a sad day this weekend at the barn when Lisa found the new black pony, Maddie, had colicked overnight beyond help and had to be put down. The vet told her that Maddie was about 25, and at the end of a long life. I can only be grateful that Lisa saved that horse from an end unworthy of the service I am sure she gave to some lucky children. I know that Lisa did her best to make her comfortable and honor her last day.

On a brighter note, we are getting ready to have our first barn pot luck as there are SO many of us boarders at "my farm" now. I cannot even keep them straight in my mind and can't wait to get to know them all better - and better yet, plan rides and camping trips and showing excursions and parades (just kidding about the last one!).... but seriously, maybe I can drag my dear Lisa to camp with the horses one time!

Ok. I am off to bed... another long winter night with only dreams of my horse.... But I have no complaints, people... I am a lucky girl. I have love and I have a job to go to tomorrow and I have an ice cream bar to look forward to (hey, I'm dieting, cut me some slack!)... Seriously, I have so much to be thankful for and I am grateful for each breath I take...

Good night.. sweet dreams... tomorrow be grateful for your horse. Stick your nose into his or her fuzzy neck and honor the service they give you!

Love you all - so very much.

C