August 21 was a scheduled PVDA show; I wasn't riding until 3:03 and 3:57, so we didn't have to get up at the crack of dawn. The bad thing is if I ride early, then the day is salvagable. I drove to Cathy's, we got Bella on the trailer, started out to the show and Dave called to tell us that there was thunder and lightening at the show and the show had been put on hold. Oh, well, we were on the way, so we continued on. Got to Schooley Mill, the show was still on hold, and we could see the lightening and hear the thunder. After a few minutes the show was back on; I tacked up, got on, warmed up, and was ready to ride! Just as I was getting ready to go into the ring, the show was put on hold, AGAIN. Then, it started to rain and pour buckets! Finally, the show was called. So, back in the trailer, untacked Bella and home we went. Since I was at the end of the day, there were about 15 people who were scheduled to ride. Not sure how many did not ride, but there were only about 5 riders there when I got there. So far, no news about a make-up show or refund of money.
So, since Hurricane Irene came through, there was no riding Saturday or Sunday. Sara and I drove up to Cathy's, but unfortunately, we drove right into more rain. We went to Dunkin' Donuts and got a bagel, coffee for our breakfast. We were very fortunate that our electricity never went out; well for about 2 seconds, no trees fell on our house, and water in the basement was minimal. Saturday it rained all day and got progressive worse when the eye of the storm hit in the early hours of Sunday. The Patapsco River is raging right now and did overflow its banks. Fortunately, it did not flood Ellicott City.
Once I got home, I took a shower, and upstairs I went to sew my skirt. I got a lot accomplished, but ran out of steam. I have only a little bit more to do; hopefully, I will have enough energy to finish the skirt tonight. That is probably a pipe dream, but I can plan. There's always tomorrow!
With the weather being so nice today, I will run; I do need to do some strength training, but I can't pass up good weather.
Hopefully, I can ride this weekend as Sara and I are both riding Smash in a show on September 11. Ack!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Monday, August 8, 2011
Big Event on Sunday
Yesterday, Sara and I were given different horses to ride. The reason? Sara is planning on riding Smash in a September eventing show; I wanted to then ride Smash in two dressage tests only. I had ridden Smash a few times, the first time being a total disaster. She totally shut down on me, and that, people, was the end of the lesson. The next time I rode her, it was only for about 2 minutes after our lesson. Sara wanted me to feel the power of the horse, and power there is. So, yesterday, I rode Smash the entire lesson, and Sara rode Cathy's horse, Rizzo. Sara had never ridden Rizzo before, nor had anyone except for Cathy. It is her horse, you know.
So, we start the lesson with the normal walk, then trot. I worked on not falling off, learning a new rhythm for posting since Smash's stride is so much bigger than Bella's. Getting that perfected took about the entire lesson. Sara spent her lesson figuring out Rizzo and how her brain worked. A feat, for sure. Then, Cathy says to canter. What? On this huge horse with a huge stride? Are you nuts? I had earlier told Sara I wasn't sure if I wanted to canter with Smash. But, I sucked it up and did it anyway. That horse has a great canter! Very smooth and not as chunky as Bella's.
We both had an exciting and interesting lesson; we both learned how to ride completely different horses than we usually ride. Sara has ridden Smash a lot and has done a great deal of training with that horse. She did all the hard work, I got on and rode! I certainly like that arrangement.
So, we have decided that it is very possible for me to ride Smash in two dressage tests after Sara has completed the eventing portion of the show. Of course, we will have to let the farm know that we are riding the same horse so they don't schedule Sara's dressage/jumping/XC jumping at the same time that I want to ride the dressage tests.
Cathy said that if I am going to continue to ride Smash, now I have to learn to jump her. Again, What???? Seriously???? I do know that I am my own worst enemy, and once I get over the jitters, I'm ok.
Sara and Cathy came up with a traininig schedule that Sara would ride Smash next week, I ride Bella (I do have a dressage show coming up); then on alternate weeks, she will ride Rizzo and I will ride Smash.
I'm very excited about this new adventure with Smash. I was almost petrified of her; one; she is very big; two; she is very strong; three; I didn't have confidence in myself to ride (this is a very bad thing to do to oneself). I fooled everyone and rode Smash well.
Onward and upward, apparently.
Feeling better from the cold I had since Wednesday. The last time I exercised was Wednesday morning, when I felt ok enough to run, but I went downhill fast. Stayed home on Thursday, but went back to work on Friday. The only exercise I have done is the riding. Today I have to get back into the swing of things. I'll probably do some running/weight work so as not to overdo anything. Sure. That's the ticket.
So, we start the lesson with the normal walk, then trot. I worked on not falling off, learning a new rhythm for posting since Smash's stride is so much bigger than Bella's. Getting that perfected took about the entire lesson. Sara spent her lesson figuring out Rizzo and how her brain worked. A feat, for sure. Then, Cathy says to canter. What? On this huge horse with a huge stride? Are you nuts? I had earlier told Sara I wasn't sure if I wanted to canter with Smash. But, I sucked it up and did it anyway. That horse has a great canter! Very smooth and not as chunky as Bella's.
We both had an exciting and interesting lesson; we both learned how to ride completely different horses than we usually ride. Sara has ridden Smash a lot and has done a great deal of training with that horse. She did all the hard work, I got on and rode! I certainly like that arrangement.
So, we have decided that it is very possible for me to ride Smash in two dressage tests after Sara has completed the eventing portion of the show. Of course, we will have to let the farm know that we are riding the same horse so they don't schedule Sara's dressage/jumping/XC jumping at the same time that I want to ride the dressage tests.
Cathy said that if I am going to continue to ride Smash, now I have to learn to jump her. Again, What???? Seriously???? I do know that I am my own worst enemy, and once I get over the jitters, I'm ok.
Sara and Cathy came up with a traininig schedule that Sara would ride Smash next week, I ride Bella (I do have a dressage show coming up); then on alternate weeks, she will ride Rizzo and I will ride Smash.
I'm very excited about this new adventure with Smash. I was almost petrified of her; one; she is very big; two; she is very strong; three; I didn't have confidence in myself to ride (this is a very bad thing to do to oneself). I fooled everyone and rode Smash well.
Onward and upward, apparently.
Feeling better from the cold I had since Wednesday. The last time I exercised was Wednesday morning, when I felt ok enough to run, but I went downhill fast. Stayed home on Thursday, but went back to work on Friday. The only exercise I have done is the riding. Today I have to get back into the swing of things. I'll probably do some running/weight work so as not to overdo anything. Sure. That's the ticket.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Horse Show Recap - July 31
Theresa and I participated in the Liberty View dressage show on July 31. The farm is nice, it's fairly close to Cathy's, and it is a very laid back place to be. The weather was warm, but not as boiling hot as it has been, so the show did go as planned. Theresa and I got tacked up, took the horses into the indoor arena to warm up, and for some strange reason, both horses thought that was the show. They were both "up" and moving forward well. As soon as we walked out of the indoor ring, both of them put their heads down and acted as if the end of the world was coming.
Bella is still in love with Satchmo, and she followed him everywhere, even tried to follow him into the ring when Theresa went to do her first test. After Theresa another rider did Intro A, then Bella and I went to do Intro B. A few more people did Intro B, including Thersa. However, the ones who were supposed to go after me were not ready to ride. I was asked if I wanted to go early, and I said no, I would wait. But..... these people were so late that when Theresa was finished Intro B, I was the only one there. So, instead of waiting for another 20 minutes, I went ahead and rode Intro C. Bella and I had our usual conversation when she's decided that the show is over and she doesn't have to listen to me. Luckily for me, the judge couldn't hear that conversation, and she even said that we were very relaxed! Cathy couldn't believe it, but I told her that Cathy, Bella and I were the only ones in that conversation.
Me: Bella, we have to go across the diagonal; Bella: No, we don't; Me: Bella, it would be nice if you would keep trotting towards M; Bella: I'm thinking about it; Me: Bella! Change rein! Bella: Ok, if you insist.
This type of conversation seemed to carry over to circles at E and B, canter circles at A in both directions, and our free walk. Our scores were not too shabby, and ended up with a third place and a second place. Theresa earned second place in both her tests. (Tried to put the videos up that Sara took, but keep getting an error message, etc.)
Of course, being a glutton for punishment, I have signed up for the next PVDA show on August 21 to, again, attempt conquer Intro B and C tests.
Never give up; never surrender, as Tim Allen says.
Caught a cold the other day; it has put me down for a few; I went into work early to run on the TM as there was a staff luncheon, which ruined my noon-time exercise regimen. I had a runny nose (more than usual)and felt a slight ache. I left work early on Wednesday, stayed home on Thursday, but was able to get back on Friday. Now all the germs have moved into my throat. However, no fever. I am armed with cough medicine and Ricola cough drops in case I should go into a fit of coughing.
No running or exercise yesterday or today; I must save myself for my Sunday riding lesson.
Bella is still in love with Satchmo, and she followed him everywhere, even tried to follow him into the ring when Theresa went to do her first test. After Theresa another rider did Intro A, then Bella and I went to do Intro B. A few more people did Intro B, including Thersa. However, the ones who were supposed to go after me were not ready to ride. I was asked if I wanted to go early, and I said no, I would wait. But..... these people were so late that when Theresa was finished Intro B, I was the only one there. So, instead of waiting for another 20 minutes, I went ahead and rode Intro C. Bella and I had our usual conversation when she's decided that the show is over and she doesn't have to listen to me. Luckily for me, the judge couldn't hear that conversation, and she even said that we were very relaxed! Cathy couldn't believe it, but I told her that Cathy, Bella and I were the only ones in that conversation.
Me: Bella, we have to go across the diagonal; Bella: No, we don't; Me: Bella, it would be nice if you would keep trotting towards M; Bella: I'm thinking about it; Me: Bella! Change rein! Bella: Ok, if you insist.
This type of conversation seemed to carry over to circles at E and B, canter circles at A in both directions, and our free walk. Our scores were not too shabby, and ended up with a third place and a second place. Theresa earned second place in both her tests. (Tried to put the videos up that Sara took, but keep getting an error message, etc.)
Of course, being a glutton for punishment, I have signed up for the next PVDA show on August 21 to, again, attempt conquer Intro B and C tests.
Never give up; never surrender, as Tim Allen says.
Caught a cold the other day; it has put me down for a few; I went into work early to run on the TM as there was a staff luncheon, which ruined my noon-time exercise regimen. I had a runny nose (more than usual)and felt a slight ache. I left work early on Wednesday, stayed home on Thursday, but was able to get back on Friday. Now all the germs have moved into my throat. However, no fever. I am armed with cough medicine and Ricola cough drops in case I should go into a fit of coughing.
No running or exercise yesterday or today; I must save myself for my Sunday riding lesson.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Stop Staring at Me, Sweater!
It worked! The staredown between me and the sweater was won by the sweater. I finally caved in and started sewing it together. Never under estimate the power of a sweater stare!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Another Hot Week - Weather Wise, That Is
The temps last weekend were actually tolerable. Saturday was a really nice day since we did get out and go to a BBQ in the afternoon. Sara went riding Saturday morning to exercise Smash and get her in shape, so I went with her to help set up the jumps in the field. Fortunately, we went early enough so it wasn't too hot. Dave had gone shooting (photos, that is) in the a.m. and when he got back, we prepared ourselves for the BBQ. It was nice; we sat in the shade and chatted with people. Nothing exciting.
Sunday Sara and I went to our riding lesson; we did some more jumping. Bella is a jumping fiend, but tires out quickly. That's what happens when one is a "senior" horse. She loves to do her job, but she tires out fast. It's ok, I was tired, too! We should call ourselves, "Team Geriatric".
After our lessen we went to another BBQ, which wasn't really a BBQ, but more of a get-together. Our friend had a Mexican theme for food, which was very tasty and very fattening. His daughter, husband and triplets were there, and the kids are great entertainment. They asked, Is Funny Dave coming? Didn't care about anyone else, just Funny Dave.
Work goes on as usual; nothing exciting going on. Just getting through the days the best I can.
In knitting - Still plugging away at the Penny Straker sweater; making great headway on the left front; and I think it's time to measure it to see if it is the same length as the back (up to the armholes, anyway) so I can start shaping the armhole on the front.
My blue sweater continues to stare at me. I should pick it up tonight and start sewing it together just to stop it from staring at me. Should and will - two entirely different things.
Dave went to the doctor today about his knee. It wasn't bothering him for awhile, but when the weather changed, the knee started to act up, again. His surgery last year was to harvest some cartilege to grow it for a possible transplant this year. However, with his parent situation, we're not sure if he should do anything now because if he does this, absolutely no weight is to be put on that knee for 3 months! How irritating is that? And of course, there's the other question: If he gets it done, will the knee stop hurting?
Running on the TM today; way too hot, again, to go outside and I hear the temperature will be over 100 degrees by the end of the week. Ugh.
Sunday Sara and I went to our riding lesson; we did some more jumping. Bella is a jumping fiend, but tires out quickly. That's what happens when one is a "senior" horse. She loves to do her job, but she tires out fast. It's ok, I was tired, too! We should call ourselves, "Team Geriatric".
After our lessen we went to another BBQ, which wasn't really a BBQ, but more of a get-together. Our friend had a Mexican theme for food, which was very tasty and very fattening. His daughter, husband and triplets were there, and the kids are great entertainment. They asked, Is Funny Dave coming? Didn't care about anyone else, just Funny Dave.
Work goes on as usual; nothing exciting going on. Just getting through the days the best I can.
In knitting - Still plugging away at the Penny Straker sweater; making great headway on the left front; and I think it's time to measure it to see if it is the same length as the back (up to the armholes, anyway) so I can start shaping the armhole on the front.
My blue sweater continues to stare at me. I should pick it up tonight and start sewing it together just to stop it from staring at me. Should and will - two entirely different things.
Dave went to the doctor today about his knee. It wasn't bothering him for awhile, but when the weather changed, the knee started to act up, again. His surgery last year was to harvest some cartilege to grow it for a possible transplant this year. However, with his parent situation, we're not sure if he should do anything now because if he does this, absolutely no weight is to be put on that knee for 3 months! How irritating is that? And of course, there's the other question: If he gets it done, will the knee stop hurting?
Running on the TM today; way too hot, again, to go outside and I hear the temperature will be over 100 degrees by the end of the week. Ugh.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
On the Home Stretch
Today is the day! Dave will be taking his mother home from the rehab center. They have hired a 24-hour nurse who will be living with them and will take care of the cooking, some cleaning, helping Dave's mother in and out of the wheelchair, etc.
Sara is back from her vacation, which she enjoyed very much. Her birthday was yesterday.
Dave's birthday is today.
What timing. Sara was born 12:10 a.m., July 11, and Dave had the nerve to say, Can you wait until tomorrow? I think not.
Not much else to report except I've gotten back to WW since the scale says I've put on a few pounds. I don't really believe it, but what can one do?
Running on the TM lately or working on the elliptical. Just too darned hot to go outside these days. Today is going up to 98 and with the humidity, will be over 100 degrees. No, thank you. I'll stay inside.
I'm still plugging away on the Peggy Straker cardigan, but I'm now on the left front. It's a beautiful sweater, but definitely a lot of work. My blue "plain" sweater is waiting for me to sew it all up. I am not looking forward to that, so I look at it and keep going.
Sunday played around with the fabric I have with the leopard motif on it. Yet another challenge I have put to myself. Why? oh why?
Sara is back from her vacation, which she enjoyed very much. Her birthday was yesterday.
Dave's birthday is today.
What timing. Sara was born 12:10 a.m., July 11, and Dave had the nerve to say, Can you wait until tomorrow? I think not.
Not much else to report except I've gotten back to WW since the scale says I've put on a few pounds. I don't really believe it, but what can one do?
Running on the TM lately or working on the elliptical. Just too darned hot to go outside these days. Today is going up to 98 and with the humidity, will be over 100 degrees. No, thank you. I'll stay inside.
I'm still plugging away on the Peggy Straker cardigan, but I'm now on the left front. It's a beautiful sweater, but definitely a lot of work. My blue "plain" sweater is waiting for me to sew it all up. I am not looking forward to that, so I look at it and keep going.
Sunday played around with the fabric I have with the leopard motif on it. Yet another challenge I have put to myself. Why? oh why?
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