Three Times In One Week

You read that right.  I rode three times this week.  The weather is suppose to take a turn for the worse and I wanted to take advantage of another 50 degree day, even if the wind was getting up some. 

I thought about riding Hugo again but changed my mind and picked Otoelene.  With a jog like that how could I resist.  

And this is what her jog is like while riding.  And yes, she really is jogging,  not walking.   I could do this all day.   This is why Allie only wants to trot on Otoelene and not Clyde.  

But today, I wanted to get my nerve up to head outside.  So after walk, trot, and canter inside, 

We went outside.  I will have to admit that I am still not mentally over the accident.  I lead her around the field first before getting on.  She did find, but I didn't really do much,  just a few circles amount the cattle feed troughs.   But at least it was something.  

I think a trail ride would be nice.  Maybe when the weather is nice again I can talk Joe into going on one.  

 

Another nice weather day so I decided it was Hugo's turn for a ride.  

He wasn't too thrilled about getting close enough for a selfie.  He is a little funny that way.  Always a bit iffy on the ground.  

But the more important thing is  not being iffy in the saddle.  But you can also tell that his attention is sometimes elsewhere.  He doesn't always keep an ear on me like Otoelene does.  

But we had a nice ride and that is always what counts in my book.  I am trying to ride enough so when someone asks if I am riding I can honestly answer, YES!
 

Coffee Table Book

I found a site on line that will turn your blog into a book.  Since I am starting my 19th year of blogging, I realize that I would not be able to turn the entire thing into a book.  But I thought 10 days would be nice. 

Can you guess which 10 days I chose?  Ecuador!

I picked the largest book, 12 inches by 12 inches.  

And it automatically designed the book.  

I selected the cover photo and wrote a little preface, but that was about all.  It was suppose to arrive for Christmas but alas, it was late.   But it is now on my coffee table for viewing if anyone drops by.  

Then today I got another surprise, a tariff bill.  This surprise was not as welcome as the book.  But from my research it looks like I will have to pay it.  No where on the site did it mention this extra fee.  I did find this in the terms of use

When you order Books for overseas delivery, shipments may be subject to import duties and taxes, which are levied when the package with the Books or products arrives at the destination that you specified. Any charges for customs clearance shall be borne by you, as Into Real Pages has no control over such charges and cannot foresee the amount charged (if any). You agree that you are the importer of record for goods and services you order and you shall comply with all laws and regulations of the destination country.
 

I also didn't know it was coming from the Netherlands by way of Canada.  Live and learn.  But I still like my book. 

Winter Sowing

“Winter sowing is an easy, inexpensive technique to start cold-hardy seeds outdoors in repurposed plastic containers during the winter

letting natural cold and moisture stratify them for strong, early germination, eliminating the need for indoor grow lights or hardening off plants.”

I saw a YouTube tutorial about it and wanted to give it a try this year.

I went with 1/2 gallon juice containers, cut them with a knife but left a bit for a hinge. I also drilled some drainage holes.  I labeled each container and set them in a semi protected location. 

I am hoping for some Frazier fir seedling, lupine, redbud trees and Japanese maple trees by spring. 

On a different note, to liven things up before Spring, I am decorating with some large shatter proof Christmas ornaments that I got 90% off at Walmart.  

I passed them by the first day I went because I didn’t like the colors that were left, gold and pink.  Then after I slept on it I realized I could paint them any color I wanted. And I do like pink!  Why not decorate for Valentine’s Day and Easter.  I think they look like gazing balls out in the yard. 

 

Back In The Saddle

Looks like I took a bit of a break from riding.  Between the weather, the grandchildren and the holidays, I just didn't make any time to ride.  

I changed that today and caught Otoelene.  

The temperature was warm but it was starting to rain.  I just stayed in the barn to ride.  

But at least I did it.  I need to do better at making the time.  And there were no issues, she did great. 
 

Birdfy Update

As you can guess, I was a little worried about getting a refund for my mystery shopper experience. 

I had to follow the links to purchase the product then set it up and review it on Kohl’s wedsite. 

After that I had to send a screenshot of the review and a copy of the invoice on how much I had spent. 

All of this was over two holidays so 3-5 business days turned into over two weeks. 

I have been enjoying the videos of the birds and the ability to check out the feeder live. So I had sort of resigned myself to the idea that I just bought myself a present. 

 But guess what, the refund came through. As an added bonus, because I had purchased it at Kohl’s, I had $20 in Kohl’s cash to spend.  So not only did I get a free Birdfy bird feeder, I got a new shirt!

Surprise Find

Remember the metal goats from my walk in Brevard?

I saw them on several people's porches in just a small neighborhood.  

Well, the trend has made it to southwest Virginia.  I could not believe it when I saw it in a thrift store here for $4.00.   It is cute as it can be. 

I checked Etsy and Ebay and it looks like it sells there for $50-$80 for this petite size.  

I hope that it will be the most realistic goat that I see in my yard.