Saturday's results

For the past several months I've been preparing for yesterday. Practicing moves, transitions, and focusing on having fun. Dressage has many elements as well as riding a horse. You have the horse who is new at being off the farm and doesn't see any of her familiar horses, you have the test you have to learn with individual moves and transitions you are being judged on, plus the most important, breathing and focused on relaxing (horses can feel everything). I would say it was a successful day.

1. Shiloh got use to the new surroundings
2. I had a great time
3. We placed in each class, 1st, 2nd and 3rd!

Dressage Today

Shiloh and I begin a new journey today. This will be her first show ever and my first return to the show ring since my cancer in 2009. 

I awoke this morning early with excitement and anticipation. Dressage is "the art of riding and training a horse in a manner that develops obedience, flexibility, and balance." Many say it's ballet on horseback. I can tell you we are far from looking like that but it sure is fun working at it! Wish me luck!

Bringing in 2013

Marshall and I brought the new year in with some of our "oldest" and dearest friends, Ted and Teresa Sawyer from Raleigh!  Years ago when they moved to Raleigh from Gboro we began the tradition of driving to Raleigh to celebrate with them. Over the years we've made many transitions from nights together to just visiting sometime around New Years. This year was different, they came to stay at Mardo and Marshall made plans for us to venture downtown and celebrate with 30 people we didn't know. It was by far the most fun we have ever had on a NYr's Eve. Here are some pictures to show.

Face paint was a hit for us!

What will next year hold? The bar has been set!

Thankful Day 4

• Marshall home
• Next week
• No SAD
• Job
• Shiloh
• Beauty
• Contentment
• Life
• Discipline
• Self-control

Thankful Day 3

• Marshall made it safely to Las Vegas
• Friends to eat dinner with
• Laughter
• Quiet
• Seeing deer run with their white tails showing up the hill in the woods
• Sleeping to 7:30am
• Animals to keep me company
• Sun beaming through the windows
• Girls to visit and shop with

Thankful Day 2: Weekends

It's not that I live for the weekend but boy do I enjoy the anticipation of Thursday and Friday being just around the corner. Today we celebrate Veteran's Day with a big production including breakfast and a program for local veterans. They come in droves and many make it an annual event. After the festivities die down, the staff are allowed to leave for the weekend. This should be around noonish. For this I am thankful!

Thankful Day 1

Two weeks from today will be Thanksgiving. I've decided to spend the next 2 weeks writing each day about a place of thanksgiving. Day 1: as I awakened this morning I am thankful that routine and order have been restored to me in my eating.