2008

Happy Holidays! The snow finally came to McCall just in time for Christmas. We have been enjoying some great skiing the past week. The barn is pretty quiet with a handful of lessons, a few horses in training and snow piling up.

The end of 2008 is here, and though the analysts say good riddance, I feel like it really has been a good year.

Exactly one year ago when we tragically lost Dennis. I didn’t have any faith or idea on what might be in store for the year to come. But as life would have it, we had a great year and I like to think Dennis is enjoying the view!

The year started with AMAZING skiing; some of the best ever with great conditions, company and terrain.

From there we traveled to Arizona for some WSH in the sun. While we were south, we sold 5 horses, learned to road bike and spent some quality pool time.

A large group of us got together in England for a celebration and tour in May that couldn’t be beat.

The summer was filled with great horses, friends, shows, clinics and runs. Josh and I got away for a few camping trips and Shilo got a new knee!

Fall 2008 included selling the last horse for sale in the barn, passing my Instructor Certification exam, seeing family from west coast to east while still spending some time reading by the fire and enjoying time at home.

So, now as 2009 looms in front of me, I am torn between apprehension and excitement. I would like more horses in training, full lesson schedules and clinics booked nation wide. Until that happens I will be enjoying the opportunities McCall and its surrounding areas has to offer and keeping my options open for adventures to come!

Great video

Just saw this great video and wanted to pass it on! Check out this partnership and luck! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJd-U8w_6bw.

December 1

ARGG! Mice! I can’t get away from them.I am sitting here in front of the computer, and Thomas just brought in one through the dog door. When I said Thomas’ name, he dropped it and now he is tearing the house apart trying to play with it. Meanwhile, I have opened up all the doors (so, now I am freezing!) and am trying not to watch the inevitable murder to come. The alternative of having the mouse free and alive in my house doesn’t sound great either. This is after having to empty all four of my mouse traps at the barn this morning! By the time I had them reset and was mucking, I had caught another one! What a mess! Anyway…

The “weekend” began with meeting my friends; Shawna, Ashley and Lindsay in Boise to check out some horses. I was impressed with the athletic ability of all the horses and got to meet some interesting, fun people; but we didn’t bring anything home. I got to teach a little while in Boise and spent some quality time in the Boise Co-op and Wine Shop! Always signs of a good day!

We had a great holiday and I hope you did too! Dinner was amazing; served in courses with everyone’s help and ideas. We started with duck-sage sushi rolls with a maple-bourbon sauce, and then went to mandarin, beet, fennel and shallot spinach salad; chunky squash soup served in squash shells with fresh bread followed by potato soufflé! The main course was duck breast over risotto with chili-chocolate crème brûlée to finish. Wow, what a dinner! We took the leftovers to share in a great forest service cabin the next night after a soak in one of my favorite hot springs.

We returned from the cabin in time to teach a little and enjoy some relaxed time with our guests. Sunday, we had friends up to try some horses. With the excuse of selling horses, we played around jumping around and testing our (and the horses) trick repertoire.

This week is starting out warm (MUDDY!) and foggy with a good chance of snow coming later this week! I am running some horses down to Boise for people to try on Thursday and will teach a few lessons while in the area. I have the two year old, Tryn here at the barn keeping me entertained. Young horses are so rewarding with the speed they learn!

I should run and help Thomas get that mouse out of here! Chiao~