My beautiful saddle.  It is new to me.  I love it and it fits both Sage and I to a T.  It is a Circle Y Equitation Seat saddle.  It is not only the nicest saddle I have ever had but the most comfortable one.  It is little heavier than my old one but I usually can manage to get it on my big girl.

I am watching a program on HRTV about Fresian horses.  They are such beautiful creatures. Last week I watched a program about Morgan horses.  I have found both of them just going through the channels. 

No snow here yet.  They keep predicting it but none has shown up yet.  I should have ridden today but I just didn't have the oomph today to do it.  I am getting after myself about it.

Blessings

Our sunset tonight was breathtaking.  It was red as if the entire sky was on fire.  We have awesome sunsets here but this has to have been my favorite.

Today I finished my shopping.  I got my eyebrows done, baked 2 loaves of zucchini bread and took a good long nap.  My feet hurt, not the one from my crash landing, well it hurt but not because of that and the other hurt too.  They are getting old.  The rest of me is fine.

We have the funniest Christmas tree.  I had it decorated nicely and ornaments started disappearing.  I blamed Tazzy but found them, and continued to find them under the rug on my side of the bed.  And then I caught River dismantling the tree and then trying to pull it.  I got after her but she kept doing it until nothing is left on the bottom half.  She did chew some but mostly just took them off and hit them.  Then,     it occurred to me we had moved her bed to put the tree there and she does not like it where I put it.  I don't think she has gotten into it twice.  I have to laugh but I don't like my funny tree.  If I put them back on, she takes them off.  So, everything is on the top half and she is still pouting.  And they say stupid animals?

Tomorrow, I am going to try really hard to get a ride in.  Poor Sage must feel like I have deserted her.  

If there are typos in my blogs, I mostly know when I am done but my silly computer won't let me fix them so I try really hard to do it right the first time.

Blessings

Merry Christmas

from me to my blogger friends.

I bought this coat last summer at a yard sale and it feels to elegant to weat it and I got a lot of compliments.  It is not real fur but it feels like it.  Love it.  We had just come in from church. 

I went out a little bit to take some items out to Bob and about froze.  It feels colder than it did when it was really cold.  Its about 41 degrees but it is windy.  That makes it feel so much colder. 

I will around this week but wanted to send this off as my Christmas Card to you all. 

Blessings,

Our two little dogs.  Skeeter, the poodle, is mine.  He is 61/2 years old and devoted to me.  I should have brushed his ears.  Pistol is the Jack Russell cross and she is Bob's.  When he goes some place without her, she grieves.  When Bob went hunting she did not eat for several days and just laid around crying.  It was pathetic.  We love those little dogs.  If you have been to our house they are our greeting committee.

No snow or ice at our house.  Bob took a friend to the airport this morning at 4:00 AM and he said it was all around us but we were spared.  Bob got the tires changed on the truck today so it will be ready to go when we leave for Nikki and Chrissy's on the 22nd.  I am glad we are not going tomorrow as the Snoqualemie Pass will be closed for 3 hours or so both directions. 

I am thankful our kids have jobs but it certainly makes it difficult to have a family get together.  They all work different hours and have different days off.  Instead of coming here, we are going to Tom and Christy's on Thursday for an evening.  Then we will go to Ryan's percussion concert at Rogers. 

The horses are all looking good.  The cold cold weather did not faze them and now its mild.  By Monday it is supposed to be close to 40 and I am planning to ride.  If there is snow that is OK but not ice.  I need to remember to take a picture of my new saddle.  Love it so much.

Blessings

Day 12 of the 12 Days of Christmas

Cowboy boots, Two are Bob's, Three are mine and the others are a part of my collection. 

Thank you for putting up with my yearly event.  I always love doing it. 

Bob and I went into Spokane on a string of errands.  We both needed things to finish things we are making.  Also got Bob a jug of chocolate milk.  He makes himself chocolate milkshakes with it.  We found everything we needed for our crafts but I forgot hairspray.  Never can get everything, even when I have a list. 

I think it hit 30 today.  Snow and freezing rain is predicted.  I don't mind the snow so much but I hate freezing rain.

Life is busy. 

Blessings,



Day 11 of the 12 Days of Christmas

12 candle stick holders.  Most of them were from my father in law.  He collected them for many years.

I tried all evening yesterday to get this posted but nothing worked.  I will load the last one in a little while.

Blessings

The 10th day of Christmas

10 Christmas Tree Ornaments

I am finally getting them on the tree.  The tree came with lights and they look pretty.  I had looked and looked for the box of ornaments.  Bob found them today at the bottom in the closet.  I was glad to find them.  There are some treasures of ornaments in that box.  One is one I made when I was in first grade.

It has turned into a heat wave.  It was 23 today.  20 degrees higher in just a few days.  We are predicted snow but it has not arrived yet.  Can't say I mind that.

I got my sisters and her grandchildren box got mailed today.  I found out why last year's box was a month late.  Somehow I had gotten the zip code wrong and instead of going to Tennessee it went to Florida.  I was very frustrated and said I would not use the post office this year.  I didn't but the UPS lady found my error.  So it was not the Post Office's fault.  I need to apologize for the ugly things I said about them.

So tonight I am wrapping gifts.  My least favorite part but must be done.  I use boxes as much as possible.

My foot was much better this morning and got some good shoes on my feet.  I put on my New Balance walking shoes.  It helped some but by the time I got home from my trip to the store my foot was swelling and hurt so back to my Crocs for the rest of the day.   It is recovering but not fast enough to suit me. 

Blessings,

On the Ninth Day of Christmas

Nine Santa Clauses

I have collected them a long time.  this is a drop in the bucker of what I have. 

I think we are having a heat wave.  It got to 20 today.  Don't want to put away my winter clothes though.  Maybe by the weekend I can ride.  Hope so.  But I can assure you I will get on her outside of the round pen.

Had a wonderful conversation with my longtime friend Louise who lives in Denton Texas.  After watching the news and seeing what things are like in Dallas I was worried about her.  Denton is just outside of Dallas.  She is fine though and staying indoors because it so icy.  It was so good to talk to her.  We have been friends since we were 5 years old. 

I just about got 90% of my shopping done today.  Now I have to get my sisters box in the mail tomorrow though.  I am slow.  I will send it UPS.  Now come the hard part and that is wrapping it all.  I am not a good gift wrapper upper.  I would just leave them in the plastic sacks. 

Blessings,

Day 8 of the 12 Days of Christmas

Eight of my hats.  I wear them all at times.  Even the Cougar hat when its cold. Its funny, yes but I love it.

I had a good day.  After church I had to hurry out to my friend Vicki's and hopped in her cousin Claudia's car and we went to our Promise Stitching quilting Christmas Party and our own little quilt show.  It is always fun.  So many lovely quilts. 

When I came home I got to watch the last minute of the Seahawks game and moan that they lost.  There are three more game and they will win them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Then I took a nap, ate a bowl of soup and now its for an evening of TV and relaxing and probably early to bed.

Blessings

Day 7 of the 12 Days of Christmas

7 Little cuddly stuffed horses.  Just 7 of many.  I have to fight Pistol for some when she figures out how to get to them.

It is bitter cold here.  At ll:00 AM it is 8 degrees and the wind is blowing.  Makes it so bitter.  Bob is over trying to get Katie's water going.  It froze in the pump house.  I think they should have left some water running but I don't know.  They are looking for a house to buy so I imagine they will be moving by spring. 

We are boing to a Christmas Party this evening over in Dalton Gardens, Idaho.  Hope the roads stay clear.

See you all tomorrow,

Blessings

Day 6 of 12 Days Of Christmas

I love candles.  It does not look like it but they were all burning. 

Our high temp today was 12.  It is 9 at the moment according to my computer.  I had to go to the Copy Shop to get our Christmas letter copied and then to Walmart to do some shopping.  By the time I came out of Wally World the wind had come up.  Man oh man was it cold. 

I am watching the NFR finals.  I really would love to go but would want to go if I could go all week.  Thank goodness for television coverage.

Stay warm,

Blessings

5th DAY OF CHRISTMAS

Five of the trophies I won when I was showing horses.  Mostly ditto I think but maybe Glory and maybe Rosie.  Or if its halter could have been Mel.    I am taking the plates off of them so I can keep them and then I will recycle them back to the North East Zone.  I loved showing but I did it and I excelled at it and now I want to trail ride.

Glory be but its cold.  I had a zone meeting this evening and the thermometer in the car which is usually pretty accurate showed 5.  We had a little snow today but not much.  The roads were clear.  I can't get my foot into either of my furry boots so my feet got really cold.

Blessings,

ON THE FOURTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS

I bring you 4 pairs of reading glasses.  You  may ask why you  have four pair of reading glasses.  Sometimes I go shopping and don't have any in my purse so I buy a pair, or sometimes I lose them around the house and a lot of times i leave them places.  I actually have more than 4.  They were the first ones I got a hold of.   Silly me.  The dollar store ones are a little flimsy but otherwise they work fine and dandy.

My foot is doing better for the most part.  It is hurting and keeping me awake but it is better every.  Finding that there were no fractures was jolly good.

He also told me I could ride all I wanted to if it didn't bother me.  Well our weather is so dastardly cold 12 at the moment and is supposed to be 5 by morning.  I don't ride when it under 20.  Too cold for all of us.  So it will be a few days before the weather will cooperate.  I don't mind riding in the snow but we haven't had any to speak of yet.

See you tomorrow,

Blessings

On the THIRD DAY of CHRISTMAS 

I give you 3 turkey feathers.  I think they are so pretty.  I have a whole vase of them and some other feathers I have picked up here and there.

I went to the doctor with my foot and had an X Ray of it.  I will find out the results tomorrow.  It is still big and more purple than yesterday.  I walked pretty good on it this morning but by this evening it is a little on the painful side.

I thought the doctor might not be too happy about me riding at my age and he thought it was great and told me to continue to ride as long as I felt I could.  I wanted to hug him.  So heal up foot, Sage and I have places to ride to. 

Blessings,

On the Second Day of Christmas I give you 2 old feet.  One is kind of pathetic looking.    It still hurts.  But I can mostly walk on it without a cane today.  It is turning black and blue.  Not very pretty. 

Snow predicted.  It feels like it but don't think it has started yet.  I sure wanted to ride today but not only is it cold, My foot is not up to it.  I may have to break down and go to the doctor.

See you tomorrow.

Blessings

The 12 Days of Christmas

Every year I do this the first 12 days of December.  Not the 12 days the song sings about but my 12 days.

This is day 1.  It is 1 book, THE BOOK.  It is my well used Bible.  

A nasty rainy day.  I still am limping around but have managed to keep my foot elevated so the swelling is about the same.  Aggravating.

I missed a good picture today.  It was raining and the wind was blowing and when we got home from church Sage and Rosie were cuddled together out of the wind. 

See you all tomorrow.

Blessings

Happy Thanksgiving

I fully intended to have pictures for this post but an incident yesterday took care of that.  I had my small camera in my pocket and got on and rode Sage around in the round pen warming her up.  She was perfect AND then we went to ride out of the round pen through the hoop gate.  I did not duck fast enough, hit my head and unseated my self.  Off I went over her rear.  I reached up to try to catch me but I fell to the ground and landed on my ankle.  It is not broken but painful and can not walk well. 

Sage looked around at me like "What are you doing down there?"  Then she went off to eat where she could find some grass still growing.  Bob got to me and I told him to get Sage.  He put her in her stall and by that time I had my boot off.  If I hadn't I don't think I could have.  I did get a pair of lace up boots on today so we can go eat but I won't be walking much. 

Tomorrow, these boots will go back on and if the wind is not blowing a gale I am going to ride rain or snow!!!!  Sage did nothing wrong, this was all my fault.    Lots of ice and Excedrin has got me to this point.

After we eat (we are going out)we are going to go visit some friends.  Lots of invites but we just wanted to do this for once.  Our Spokane kids are all working and could have gone to any number of places but this is our choice this year.

So again, Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.  I am awestruck at the amount of people who read this blog.

Blessings.

Another day in the life of us on our little farm.  This morning I wasn't even up yet.  Bob brought me in the paper which he does almost every morning.  He was looking out the window and who should go galloping by - Chico.  We very quickly got into out outside clothes and got out the door.  We found him out behind the barn.  When he saw me he ran to me like mom there you are BUT he would not let me get a hold of his halter.  So, I said you get back where you belong buster and guess what, he did.  Trotted right over and into his pen.  I made over him and told him he was a really good boy.  So now, his gate has a latch on it not just the chain thru the slit.  He is smart.  I know he opened it by himself with his mouth.

Bob had a doctor appointment today.  He had a lump on the back of his tongue.  He got an excellent report.  He just has a lumpy tongue.

After the doctor report we went to Big R and got me a pair of bib overalls - heavy cold weather type.  Not Carhart but the same.  Now I can go ride and not turn into a Popsicle.I had warm coats but nothing that kept my legs and body warm.  I have to dig out my winter insulated boots too.    Now I can go ride and enjoy it. 

Tomorrow I have brunch with my special friend Lisa.  Love her so much and we will talk until she has to leave for work.  It will be a great time. 

Blessings,

Whew, a weekend gone by and it was a good one.  We had an appointment to show Stella after church Sunday to some neat people.  After a great service at Turning Point Open Bible Church we scurried home and got Stella looking her best.  Anita and Annie came and not only did they buy Stella for Annie's girls but they took Peanut Butter for Annie's brother.  We were so blessed.  We know the home and it will be a good one.  I am thrilled.  We had been trying for months but I am fussy about who bought them.  It was certainly an answer to prayer.

Today after the Line Dancing class that I take, I went to the fabric store and on the way home I stopped by a friends home to see her.  I talk to her on Face Book but have not seen her face to face in a long time.  It was so good to see her and her husband.  We have been friends too long not to stop in and talk a while.  She lives close to the road we go to town on often. 

I have not ridden in a few days, just too cold.  I hope to go by Big R while we are in town tomorrow and get a pair of coveralls so I can go out and not feel like an ice cube.  I did mess with Sage yesterday some but just too cold to ride. 

Blessings to you all.  Maybe pictures one day soon. 

Lea

I did not realize it had been 10 days since I have written here.  I guess it is because nothing much has been going on.  I have ridden a few times and Sage has been great but we have had a lot of rain and now it is VERY cold.  It was about 5 when we got up this morning.  I just have not been too inspired to get out and ride when it is so cold.

I cut the squares out for another quilt yesterday and today matched the squares up and put them each in a little pile - its a 9 patch scrappy quilt so each 9 pieces get pinned together. 

This darn cough is better but my sinuses aren't.  Guess I will have to break down and go to the doctor.  Bob has an appointment next Tuesday with an ENT for a problem he has in his mouth. 

The rest of the horses are just fine.  Bob really enjoyed riding Raven on his hunting trip.  I know he rode trails that I would have been slightly hysterical going on.  She sure came home not so fat as when she left for positive. 

Do take care and I hope I have enough sense to not let 10 days go by again.  Every blog I read I go to every day or so and am disappointed when there is nothing new, so I am sorry folks.  No excuse, just off my rocker I guess.

Blessings.

Two of the pictures for Sage's registration with the Mustang Horse and Burro Association.  No real need to register her but I want to.  And I am going to get some nice halter pictures of her for a halter class done online.  They will keep track of trail riding and such and have awards.  Fun to do with her and not drag her to real horse shows.  I liked to show when I was younger but now i want to trail ride.

Today we had an awesome ride.  First we rode around cows big pasture.  She did not mind the cows, she is used to them.  There were some things that worried her but we had not ridden out there before.  Then we rode up and down the driveway.  She balked a little, actually a lot going out the drive but when she would do it after about 4 times, we went across the road and rode different places than we had before.  She liked it and we climbed over a couple of places where there are big rocks and she did that well.  I am so proud of her.

I am still hacking with this cough.  It seems some better though.  I am just really REALLY tired of it.  Five weeks now. 

Blessings to you all,

Lea

I am sorry I have been so bad about keeping this up.  Besides being feeling really cruddy with a cold and cough that doesn't seem to go away and Bob went Elk Hunting and I had to animals all to myself.

Love this picture of the quail.  I was taking pictures of magpies and looked the other way and there was a flock of the pretty little things.  I took a ton of pictures and this was my favorite.

I have not got to ride this past week.  It is cold and very nasty out.  The cold I can dress for but the sloppy nasty stuff, not so much.  We had 3" of snow the other night.  I could ride in it if the sky would cooperate but a big old rain storm is supposed to blow in tonight.

Last weekend I went to Yakima to the Washington State Horsemen 72nd. annual convention.    I am so previleged to be a part of such a great organization that not only has all kinds of equine activities but supposts legistation that involves all of us with animals.

I am entering Sage in an online Halter horse show put on by the National Mustang and Burro organization.  I can't remember the exact name.  I hope she does well.  I will enter her into a mares 3 - 6 and a  color class.  We will see how she does.

Blessings to you all,

Lea

The top picture is a round pen on some property down the road.  It has wonderful horse facilities but not used.  It makes me so mad.

The bottom picture is my friend Pat riding Wrangler.  She had fun and I hope to get to ride with her again.

Bob is gone elk hunting with our horse Raven.  They will have fun.  He will be gone a week.

I rode Sage almost every day this week.  Today I rode her without anyone being here. She was a little hesitant but we did it.  I was pretty excited about that.  Its the first time we have accomplished that by ourselves. She gets better all along the more I ride her.

We have had to most marvelous fall weather.  It starts out foggy but it burns off and in the afternoon its up to about 70.  Today was cooler.  This is supposed to be a weather change.  No rain, just colder.  In fact really cold at night.

Life is good,

Blessings,

Lea

Chico got weaned this week and he is very sad.  He has quit calling for his mother and his mother just went out to the pasture on a run and has never looked back.  Sage has taken over the comforting of him.  She is one side of the fence and Ditto is on the other but Ditto isn't paying much attention.  When I take Sage out to ride, he gets upset but she doesn't.

Had another picture of Chico but while I was working on getting it to where I wanted it, it went away.  Me and computers.

We are having marvelous weather.  Not warm but sunny and bright.  Perfect Indian Summer weather.

I have been riding Sage almost every day.  She is such fun to ride most of the time.  No sign of buck or rearing.  Her only real bad thing she does is stop.  Just stop and won't go.  Circles work wonderful though and then she thinks yes I better go.  Love that girl so much.  In fact, I am off now to go saddle her up and take a ride. 

Blessings,

Lea



 This is a quilt top I have been working on for almost a year now.  It is all hand done.  Getting ready to sandwhich it and get it basted so I can start quilting.  It is for the next grandchild who gets married  I don't know who that will be but thats who it is for.  Notice in the lower right hand side of the picture.  Tazzy is peeking around the corner.

And this is what Tazzy did when I started laying the flannel out.  So I gave up at that moment.  She thought she was saying she was helping me and I was yelling (in my head) HELP.

I have been riding Sage most days.  That is where I am going as soon as I finish this.  She is being such a good girl.  Bob is sure its not the same horse that we took to Oregon.  I love my new saddle, it fits her and it fits me.  My knees don't hurt and my hips don't hurt.  My back a little but the knees and hips were what really bothered me.  Now just to get her on a trail ride and I will be completely happy.

We weaned Chico last night and neither he nor his mother seem too much disturbed by it.  Rosie was just done with him and had just about weaned him herself so it has been an easy process.  I will need to go spend time with him sometime today.

Blessings to you all,

Lea

I have so remiss about keeping up my blog.  I am sorry but just so much keeps happening and going on.

First of all my Sage is home.  We went and got her Wednesday.  I went for a nice ride with Suzanne and Julie.  It was a pretty day and it was just right.  Sage did awesome and I enjoyed it so much.  My heartfelt thanks to those two who made my dreams come true.  I am excited what we are going to do together.

The leaves are beginning to turn color and I love this time of the year.  What I don't like is that we have to have winter before Spring.   Would just as soon skip winter except Christmas week.  Then winter can go away. 

I have been going to lots of high school foot ball games.  Love watching our grandsons play their hearts out.  Also I started Line Dancing classes again with Vicki.  I don't know how well I am doing but it is good exercise.

So as we welcome October, I say to myself, where on earth has this year gone.  My mother once told me that the older we get the faster time goes by.  I do think she was correct in that. Or time flies when you are having fun.   

Blessings to you all and I will try to do better.

Lea

I need to clarify something - big blue was dinged up but the new truck is not.  It is in perfect shape.  I got my sentence turned around.  If you read my entry you will understand. 

Blessings

 Chemmy and Yuma eating their supper.  Yuma thought I was going to try to catch them I think.  Chemmy looks like I dare you to take our supper.  All I wanted was a picture of them together.

 If you are on my Face Book you have seen this picture.  It is probably my favorite picture ever of Sage and I.  Julie at Columbia River Equine Center/Tack Store in Irrigon, Oregon took it while I was visiting and riding Sage.  She just did awesome.  I was a little nervous at first but not Sage.  She just walked along like the awesome horse that she is.  I can't wait to get her home.  Our big blue truck died this week and we had to buy another one because we must have a truck.  Now we can go get her.  I can not wait.

 Our Grandson is #8.  He plays on the 9th grade team and does a spectacular job on special teams.  Seth is a good boy and we are proud of him.

The full moon Thursday night.  I was driving home from Seth's game and could not help but stop and take a picture.  It made it just about as bright as day.

Besides the death of Big Blue this week was pretty uneventful.  We knew something was wrong but it was really really wrong.  The transmission, shocks, the entire front end and it will cost more to fix it than what we paid for the new one.   It is really beat up too.  Used hard and put away wet as the saying goes.  

Last week I made a 2 day trip to Irrigon, Oregon to visit Sage and to ride her.  My friend Julie owns and operates Columbia River Equine Center and Tack Store.  Suzanne is her trainer and assistant.  Suzanne has been riding Sage in the round pen, arena and on trails.  Fortunately the Equine Center is on the Columbia River and there are miles of trails to ride along the river.  In sage brush, sand, Russian Olive trees.  She loves to go in the water, she goes up steep little hills and down.  I am so proud of her and of me too. 

I was in the middle of writing this last night when the storm hit with a vengeance.  First came the wind - 60 plus mph with dust.  That was awful.  The came the rain, lightening and thunder.  It did not last long but we lost power for a little while.  We don't usually but that is what happened before the wind even got here.  I just turned the computer off and went to find matches to light candles.  But then the power came back on so we could watch the end of the Seahawks football game. 

Please keep our 22 year old granddaughter in your thoughts/prayers or what you do.  Nothing I want to go in to publicly but she needs all the thoughts and prayers she can get.

Have seen more high school football this month since I was in high school.  With 2 grandsons playing, we have been trying to get to their games.  Ryan is on Jr. Varsity and he suits up for the varsity games, Seth plays 9th grade.  The JV won tonight.  I was proud of them.  The metal bleachers get pretty hard on the bum though.

FINALLY the pump is repaired.  We have been using a hose stretched from Katie's.  Now we have water pressure again.  Drippy showers have been aggravating. 

Blessings to you all,

Lea

Top picture - Mariah riding Raven.  A sweet girl riding on her l5th. birthday.  She had fun even if Pepper tried to buck her off when she was going to ride him.

Bob took the saddle off Pepper and then they had a little work out.  He tried to buck with Bob a couple of times but he snapped him out of that little idea.

All in all, one of our best days this summer.

I still am working on getting yard sale stuff together.  It is a chore.  I won't happen this weekend but maybe next. 

A rip roaring thunder and lightening storm is approaching and I am getting off of here and turn it off.  We may lose power, it is starting to flicker.  So night all -

Blessings,

Lea

Kailee Suender riding Wrangler. 

Tried to load more pictures of her sister and others but..... maybe tomorrow night.

Kailee is a blessing.  She showed up today to clean stalls and to help with some other things.  What a blessing that young lady is.

Yesterday I got stung and it turned into a massive red, swollen itchy arm.  I called the doctor and he asked me to come in.  He put me on a short term steroid dose.  It hasn't started working yet. 

Kailee's father is our Worship Pastor at church and their whole family came out and we had the best of times with them all.  The kids rode the horses and Lisa (mom) fell in love with Peanut Butter.  Wish she had a place for him, I would give him to her.  She was raised on a farm and I think she misses it.  She is a dear friend.

I am counting the days until I get to ride Sage.  A week from today I will be off to spend 2 days with her.

I told a friend on her blog that I would give my left arm for her time at the beach - that is the one with the sting on it.  That is how i feel about my arm.

Blessings,

Lea

Once again I can't seem to get the computer to cooperate about the pictures.  So will just have to tell you about them one by one.

The top one is is gnarly aspen trees.  I just thought it was interesting to look at.

The middle picture is of our friend Joyce.  She had been peeling potatoes and Amigo and Hobby came and tried to take them away.  The ate the potato peelings like candy.  Hobby is huge - 16h I think and I was sitting in a chair and he came and I thought he was going to sit on my lap. A sweet horse he is.  We didn't take horses but had fun playing with theirs.

The bottom picture is just - on a clear day you can see forever.  The mountains across the valley are the Tobacco Root mountains. 

We had great fun with our friends and it was good to just relax and let the world happen.

Today I got told I could go down and ride Sage.  Ooh I am excited.  I can't go this week, too much happening but I think I will go on the 10th if that works with Suzanne and Julie.  How cool is that, she is doing wonderful.  They are even picking up her hind feet and a farrier was coming to trim her up.  I am so excited.

I am taking part in a photo challenge for the month of September.  Our first word is CURLS for day 1.  I have to think of a good picture.

We were given a spaghetti squash and had never had one before.  Really, I imagine you all have, but I hadn't.  I like squash but I did not like that.  I thought it was icky.  I am glad we also had corn on the cob and a cabbage/pineapple salad. 

I watched my Cougars play their first football game today.  Yes, I am a WSU fan win or lose and the lost today by one touchdown.  That is where I went to college.  A long time ago.  I wish I knew then what I would have rather studied and then I might have finished. 

Tried to go yard saleing today but there were not in abundance.  Found a few in Medical Lake and one in Airway Heights.  I didn't want to drive clear into town.  One of them had a lot of quilting stuff.  My downfall.  Bought a lot of half yard pieces in the colors that I like to work with.  More than I needed I imagine.  Quilting has made me a fabric junkie.

Hope your holiday weekend is wonderful,

Blessings

Lea

 Our first view of antelope.  We have been on a short little trip to Bear Creek, Montana.  It is about 50 miles from West Yellowstone.  It is a campground/trail head on Bear Creek.  A lovely little spot in Montana.  Although it is Bear Creek and there are signs all over the place about grizzly bears, and black bears, there were none to be seen.  I did not want a grizzly to come through but maybe up on the hillside.  We did see fresh bear tracks on a little hike Bob and I took but no sighting.  The antelope were very leery of us and took off when we stopped to take a picture. 

 The clouds were very interesting.  The swooped up behind the hill and the disappeared back down.  I thought we were in for a thunder boomer but it did not happen.  The cloud was very pretty though.

Any one who really knows me, knows that I HATE bridges.  Bridges of any kind, and mostly walk over bridges.  I had Bob take my picture so I could prove that I walked over it.  You can't see my white knuckles hanging on though.    I almost waded though, I will have to admit.

It was great to get away for a few days.  We visited some friends who were hosting the campground for a couple of weeks.  They have a nice camper so we stayed in the cabin that is provided for them.  Then we journeyed up to Helena and visited some good friends who moved from Cour d'Alene to Helena a few years ago.  It was good to see them.  We had wanted to see other friends in Whitehall but they were on their way to Spokane to visit family so that did not work.  I was sad about that. 

So now back to our routine here.  The big storm that went through here on Sunday took out 8 to 10 big poplar trees.  Some over fences.  Fortunately nothing was in the pasture.  And a big Blue Spruce in the rental where Katie lives.  It just came down in the yard and did not hit their house.  Bob worked most of the day getting it cleaned up.

Tomorrow evening is the Mustang and Burro Club meeting.  I hope every one shows up.  We have some things to decide and to put into motion.  I enjoy that group.

I spent most of the day inside getting laundry caught up and putting things in order.  I don't know about anyone else but when we get home from a trip, stuff gets brought in and set down. 

Blessings,

Lea

The top picture is Stella and the bottom one is Peanut Butter.  Stella is a medium sized pony mare.  She has had her feet trimmed and has been saddled but no one has been on her.  She is lovable and loves treats and to be paid attention to.  She needs a new home.  We are asking $150.00 for her.  She is 3 years old and is Turing blue roan.

Peanut Butter is also 3 and is half mustang and half QH.  He is a very friendly guy who tries to put his head in the halter when you go after someone else.  He is 3 years old and needs to be worked with.  He was kind of a rescue.  People were supposed to just board him but never came back.  We want $100.00 for him. 

I am praying someone comes along.  They are nice horses but we just can no afford to keep them nor time to work with them.  If you know anyone who might be interested give me a shout out here or if you know my number you can call.

Our car is in the shop.  I am sad because we were going on a little vacation this week.  Not happening.  Maybe next week.  Depends.

Sage is doing well.  Got some pictures from Julie.  Hope i hear from Suzanne too.  She is the one who is mostly riding her.

Blessings,

Lea

Bob and his sidekick Pistol taking a break from unloading hay.  She is never far from his heels.  Its been too hot for him to be taking her with her and she is getting a little put out.  She is a good dog. 

If you read my Face Book page you read there we had a collision last night with a big buck deer.  Sort of squished the front quarter panel clear back to the passenger door.  We could not find him but I am sure he could not have lived through it.  It made me very sad for the deer but scared the bejeebers out of me.  The air bags did not go off or we would have been in a pickle.  It goes in Monday and thank goodness for good insurance.

I got stung for the fourth time this summer today.  My hand is all swollen.  I am pretty tired of playing dodge and dart with the bees.  They got my last picking of raspberries.  They are really ornery this year.

I got my blood work results from the doctor today.  All is very well.  Just wish I had more energy. 

I have not heard about Sage for a few days.  I get so anxious when I let myself worry about her.  I know she is doing well.

Blessings,

Lea

Chico

2 months  3 days

He is a little character.  He does not like to be told what to do when he is on the lead rope.  He gave me a drag around this afternoon.  I finally got him anchored so I could handle him. 

I guess we had an awful storm last night.  It woke Bob up but for a change, I slept through it.  I hate thunder and lightening so I am grateful to have slept.

Nothing about Sage today.  Patience Lea, patience.

I am so tired I could drop this evening.  I cleaned our bedroom top to bottom today and put a bunch of things out in a bag for the yard sale.  And, I through out a bunch of stuff too.  Have been meaning to do it since I got home but today was the day. 

Blessings to you all,

Lea

Two of our sweet Great Grand babies.

Jaxson is 8 months old and a tiny little guy.

It was Piper's 3rd. birthday.  She is my little Pipster, a tornado in a wee girls body.  Love those babies.

Another hot one and the fire danger is really high again.  It is going to be a hard fall if we don't get some real rain.  And with thunder and lightening due over the weekend, the danger is higher.  I worry about the grain farmers who are getting ready to harvest or are in the middle of it.

Didn't hear how Sage was today.  They were going to take her down to the river on a ride today.  Wish I could watch.

Had my yearly doctor's checkup.  I am amazingly well.  He liked my blood work and was amazed at my blood pressure.  It has come down a lot.  My heart rate is slow too.  He said that is good though.  He looked me over good.  Yesterday I fell down the back porch steps but I didn't hurt anything.  My wrist is a little tender where I caught myself but I think I looked like a 75 year old gymnast who didn't do as well.  My foot just slipped on the top step.  Nothing to show for it today, not even a bruise. 

I am off to bed.  Bob just got home from working in the hay fields, fixed him something to eat and rather than raise my BP worrying about the hours, I am just going to let him eat in peace and I will go to bed.

Blessings,

Lea

The top picture is of the three of us on the train.  We had such fun.  Would have liked to have seen a bear or a moose or a chipmunk for that matter.  The scenery was wonderful.

The bottom picture is the bridge of the ship.  All the operations of the Norwegian Jewel.  I expected a wheel but its all computer driven.  At least that is what it looked like.  It was fun to watch.

Golly its not just hot but muggy.  Our cooler can't keep up with it too good.

Haven't heard from Oregon about Sage yet.  Just that she was OK.  I am anxious to hear.  Lord help me be patient.

Just a plain ole day.  Laundry and stuff.  Other than I gave a riding lesson to Dianna today.  She trotted the first time.  She almost bounced off but I got Raven stopped.  She was laughing but I know she was a little frightened.  She does so well for a nine year old. 

So, I think those are the last of the cruise pictures.  Sorry if they were not interesting to you.  It was an experience of a lifetime for this old lady.  I don't feel old but my feet.  They are wearing out.

Bless you each and every one,

Lea

The top picture is at our nature walk in Ketchican.  But, alas, we did not see any.  I wanted to.

The bottom picture is an eagle landing on a tower in Juneau I believe.  They are so majestic.  Loved watching them.

Today I had Justin for a while so his mom and dad could take their dogs to the vet.  Callie is due to have puppies this week.  They did an ultra sound and there is either 12 or 13 puppies in there.  They will be busy with puppies for sure.  Hope she can sell them easily.

We returned Marilyn's horse trailer this afternoon.  We appreciate so much being able to use it.  It was lighter to pull and it is a bumper pull so we could get the hay on the truck.  It was a blessing for sure.  I did hear from Julie today that Sage is doing good.  I hope they send a picture soon.

Today I got a call from my cardiologist's office saying I had an appointment on Wednesday.  I know I did not make it and have another appointment on Wednesday.  I cancelled it.  She said it was a 3 month check and I don't know what they are checking.  I cancelled it anyway.  I have never had to go that often since my first bruha 10 years ago. 

It was hot and muggy today.  It rained hard for about 1 minute.  Than it was hot and really muggy. 

Blessings,

Lea