First Birthday's are always fun

for everyone and sometimes for the birthday girl.

Went to April and Steve's house last Saturday to celebrate Bailey's first birthday. She will officially be one tomorrow. Happy Birthday, Bailey. (Artwork courtesy of elder sister Bridget.)


Here are some photos of the family.

Bailey in her ballerina outfit.

Trying out the trike.

Big Sister, Bridget, riding her two wheeler. She, too, is dressed in a pink ballerina outfit.

Thumper's Father was Correct

He was so smart his advice: If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. Can be it carried over to If you can't say anything, say nothing?

Apparently, since I haven't spoken to the masses via this blog in weeks, I am taking this wise old sage's advice and not saying anything by choosing not to blog. (Unintentional; however, the result is the same).

Well, here is what I have learned these past few weeks.

1. I am smarter than I previously believed I am. (Not sure if that makes me smarter than a fifth grader or not.)
2. I am stronger mentally than I ever believed. (I do need to get tougher in some areas and less anal in others).
3. I am a creature of habit and that's not always a bad thing.

And, although this list is much longer, it is boring. So, to the masses, I say: I am here. I am doing well; learning mucho stuff, most of it useful; busier, but more organized than ever (except for keeping the masses updated); and enjoying it all.

Almaden Farms Summer Show 2008

I scanned these two photos incorrectly, so follow the links and you will see how the weekend went. The tale of two horses. The tale of two minds. Our next assignment, and WE HAVE DECIDED TO ACCEPT IT, will be to get our minds as one and that means gettiing my mind in the correct state. Details will follow.

/080712jumping.pdf


/LukeandIcollage.pdf

July 08 12 of 12: Better late than not at all

Well, it was a fun and exciting weekend. More on that later this afternoon. When I get caught up. For those readers who are new to 12 of 12, the credit goes to Chad Darnell. Check his blog for more photos from all over the world.

Saturday was an eventful day. I was at a USEF rated (B) show in Watsonville, CA. The host was Almaden Farms and this was their 30th Summer Show. It is a Hunter/Jumper Show and was held at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds.

Since I was riding in the first class, the morning started off early.

Our Show sign at our barn area. Taken about 8:30am Watsonville CA.

The groom preparing the horse. This is the stabling area. Taken 8:40am Watsonville CA.

Awards presentation for the Enchanted Farms Jumper Class. Three of the women I ride with placed in the class. Stabling area can be seen in the background. Heather Whitney, our trainer, is assisting with the presentations to the winner of the class, Teresa and her horse, Even Steven. Teresa is the friend who loaned me her towing rig to attend the confidence building clinic. If I told you how old Teresa is, I would never blog again. Let's just say, Luke and I have many years of happy jumping ahead of us.

The warm-up arena. On the left is Kendra and her horse, Keven; and on the right is Mackenzie walking Luke, my horse, out. Luke had just finished winning his Jumper class and Heather was on to the next rider. I had already taken off my boots and hat, so Mackenzie who loves to ride, but doesn't really like showing, was our working groom. Taken about 12:45pm. Watsonville CA.

This pony was stabled near us. We called him "Mini-Me, Luke" because he looked and moved like a miniature version of Luke.

The washrack. Getting preped for another day.
3:30pm


Waiting at the back gate. Watsonville CA

The posted course. It is a bit tough to see, this is the roadmap to success in the ring. The jumps without numbers were not used in this particular class and jumping one of them makes you off course. (More on this concept in a later update).

The dreaded-horse-eating zebra and quad. In the barn area. 5:20 pm

The empty back gate area. Although you can't really see them, there are people walking the course for the big event of the evening, the Mini-prix. Walking the course helps you visualize what was written on the posted course to how the jumps actually are. Taken at 5:25 pm.

On Saturday evenings, there is a golf cart decorating contest. (These people have WAY too much time on their hands. And I am grateful.) The creativity is amazing. This is the "Circus Cart", entering the arena. Although you can't tell from this angle, the cart is decorated like a lions cage. It was awarded best most creative golf cart. 6:30 pm

This golf cart is an Olympic ship carrying US athletes. It won for most patriatic.
6:35pm.

The Los Altos Hound Group Demonstration. They don't chase foxes anymore, but do go on "hunts" like in days of yore. Very cool demonstration. I just don't think I could handle all the dogs under foot.

Changes

Well, the vacation was wonderful and photos and accounts shall appear in the next few days.

12 of 12 is tomorrow and I will be in Watsonville at a horse show. Will try and not bore the crowd with too many equines, but it will be change of pace from previous photos shoots.

Speaking of changes, and we were weren't we? I am embarking on a new and exciting direction and looking forward to the adventure. Will keep everyone updated, but many descriptions will be cryptic. Let's just say that this past week contained some of the most exhilarating information and encounters I have faced in a long, long time.