More Miles

I had another really great ride tonight. Oh I'm so falling in love with her all over again. She is just a gem!!!! I never before enjoyed riding her as much as I have this week! This ride was even better than the last. We went on different trails than before... mountainous hills, beautiful valleys, blazing through overgrown territory in the heart of the forrest, over logs, under branches, across the creek, and out into wide open prairie-like fields where the grass was as tall as my horse. There were some trails on posted property where my friend has permission to ride. They are extremely nice wide groomed trails where all-terrain vehicles are forbidden. This is prime hunting ground in its time. There are tree stands and such and even a few cameras that flash with motion sensors. That was a real treat... she jumped, but didn't miss a step. I think it shocked me more than her. We chuckled wondering what the land owner will say when he sees the look on our faces in those pictures.

Keith has had our camera because he was at the Pocono race last weekend. He's been taking it to work to show off his photos. I'm going to have to steal it back and take some pictures of our rides. I need to get a small saddle bag to take along such things for our rides. The last time out we saw a red-tailed hawk from very close... a few days earlier I spied a bald eagle nearby. The neighbors of the farm say there is a black bear estimated to be about 400 pounds who has frequented their property. I'm not real keen on meeting up with him, but I'm intrigued to know they are nearby.

Back In The Saddle Again

I RODE MY PONY TODAY!!!! SHE WAS A PEACH!!!! I'M ELATED!!!!

You have to understand that SHE hasn't been ridden since springtime and I haven't ridden for what... a YEAR or more!!!!

She kicked and fussed for about the first 5 minutes. I think she really hates having to wear a saddle that is tightened. We went up a really big hill and she forgot whatever it was that was annoying her. We walked the countryside for over an hour, up and down big mountainous hills, and even into the creek. I've never actually ridden her in water before, but she tramped right into it and was rather surprised to find her feet wet. She hadn't been watching where she was going, but too busy putting her nose where it didn't belong... in the butt of Sir, the horse in front of us. None the less, I am quite the proud rider. She did WAY better than I had expected all around.

I can feel tightening in my legs and shoulders already. Oh I am SO going to feel this in the morning. (But it is SO worth it!!!) I already took some precautionary tylenol! I might need a handicap spot to park tomorrow... I may or may not be able to walk... But it feels good to be so active and pursuing what I love... riding my horse.

My friend took a couple pictures when we got back. She couldn't stop talking about just how CUTE my Penny is. I know... she is... what can I say? Thanks :) I love love love her!!!! But alas I forgot to ask if she would be able to e-mail those to me or if she has to get them developed. So... if they aren't too bad... I will post them when I get them.

Tuesdays With Jen... My Memoirs

It's still early in August and we have already blown through a few birthdays in the first 4 days. Seriously, August has always been like the month of birthdays, not just for my family, but for friends and acquaintences as well. For instance, I know of at least 3 people who share my very own birthday. I know of at least 4 that share my Dad's birthday PLUS someone who celebrates an anniversary that day too.

I remember as a child celebrating the August birthdays. Mom made a tiered cake. The biggest lower level was for Grandpa's birthday (29th), then another layer for Dad's (13th), then a layer for me (17th), and a layer for Amanda (16th). I do believe she wrote our names on each layer with icing. That was a cool idea Mom.

When Amanda introduced me to John, who is now her husband. I liked him for two reasons. 1) He opened both my car door and hers (gentleman) and more significantly 2) We share our birthday - August 17th. COOL!

I always thought it would be really cool to have a gigantic birthday bash in the month of August and invite everyone I know who has a birthday this month... but alas it's never happened. Maybe because its mid-summer and everyone is so busy with summer activities? Vacations? Farm Show? Fairs? Etc. And now starting to prepare for back-to-school already!

So let me give a big shout out to all my August Birthday Pals!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Blessings Monday

We recently got a letter from my Aunt who lives in Arizona. I try to keep in touch with her by writing occasional letters. She is not physically well these days, so it is a challenge for her to return a written response, although I know that she loves to exchange letters.

The letter explained the multiple physical barriers she is enduring at this stage in her life. She is basically bed-ridden and relies on her husband to cook, clean, and care for her.

Along with the letter was an unexpected gift of money with a note to buy something that we have both been wanting. Oh the possibilities. Oh the fun in dreaming them up! We sat on it and prayed on it for a while.

As we were preparing for our incoming guests last week, we decided what things we have both been wanting... a new area rug and a small tv stand for the living room. Our living room decor includes deep red walls, a grey couch, white full length curtains, and some black accent pieces of furniture.

The correspondence and the gift were appreciated blessings. We are grateful to have the opportunity to splurge on a little something that we have been wanting. THANK YOU!!!! God is SO good and provides in such unforseen ways. I love it!!!

Do you have blessings to share? Stop over to Down On The Farm and share with us! Thanks Marci for hosting once again.

Sneak-Peak Sunday

Handy Hubby has been at the Nascar Race in the Poconos all weekend. I've talked to him a couple of times and he is bubbling over with excitement. He got a lot of autographs, including Keifer Sutherland, the grand marshall for the race and a bunch of drivers too. He's on his way home now... I'm glad he was able to go. He really enjoys that stuff.

Why wasn't I at the race? Well, I had committed to attending a Beth Moore conference that was being held in Louiseville, KY and in over 700 locations world-wide via simalcast. Myself and four other ladies from church signed up to attend at another local church a couple months ago. If you aren't familar with Living Proof Ministries, follow the link and get acquainted. What I love about Beth Moore is that she is so very real. Her work is not about her. It's about God and she takes absolutely NO credit for her work. She speaks most specifically to women with a humorous, down-to-earth attitude. She's comical and sincere... and it was a fantastic weekend of praise and study. AND... I love that I ran into my very own physician in attendance. It's nice to know that your PCP is a godly person. I knew that about her before, but it was more confirmation to see her actively seeking the truth... right before my eyes. Just to share one simple key point from the program that has settled deep within my heart... Guard your heart because Satan is seeking to snatch the word from it and HE CANT HAVE IT!!!! I never thought of it quite like that before. The Lord tells us to write his word on our heart so we do not depart from it, but it is true that Satan seeks to take our focus from that. Simple, yet profound.

What else have I done??? I spend some more time in study and prayer. Relaxed. Enjoyed the peace and quiet. Let the birds out for a bit. They are silly... they put themselves back in their cage. I watered the plants. Did some laundry. Met Amanda and John for dinner and chat. I was thinking about doing some work, but never did. I see I'm getting a ton of spam on my work e-mail, so I didn't want to open it up at home. I get it on my Blackberry. That's how I know it's there.

So now it's late on Sunday. It's time to call it a day and kiss the weekend goodbye. My darling husband will be home sometime between now and the crack of dawn... probably closer to the latter. I missed him so much.