More Life Yet

If you remember, we had some issues with Jessica last month HERE.  I ran some bloodwork on her which was all normal.  A few days later I lunged her in the barn and she was much more herself. 

So yesterday J wanted to try her out.  She was her usual spunky self in the barn while lunging, running has hard as she could and bucking.  She got a little sweaty but the temperature was 25 degrees cooler than August. 

Then we went for a ride around the farm. 

She way out walked Otoelene.  We had to keep trotting to catch up. 

But she was stubborn and didn't want to cross the creek.  

And after a pass through the gorge and through the cattle she was pretty uppity. 

The only problem was she was limping on her right front by the time we got back after riding for about an hour.  It wasn't consistent, there was no heat or swelling anywhere and her shoes are in good shape.  I guess we will just have to settle for rides closer to home with her for now. 

Then on a different but similar subject, I have been trying to keep my outdoor arena mowed so when the mood strikes it is ready for me to work with Draper.  It looks like it is calling now. 
 

Coupon Saturday #49

But first, a couple of pictures to prove I still have horses.

While I was at the beach, I let Otoelene out of the fat lot so J wouldn't have to haul water to her.  I don't think it really matters where she is.  I am pretty sure she can live on air.  (She is in the back left, you know, the fat one)

But it is handy to have her close at the barn for when we need to do some cattle moving chores.  

So, I tried 3 scenarios today.  First one worked perfect.  Pepsi at Food Lion was 3/$11, but at Dollar General it was 3/$8 so I was already $3 ahead.  

But getting all the other stuff lowered it to $3, happy dance. 

Second scenario I really didn't need anything but it was all going to be free so how can you pass that up. Plus, I got powdered donuts which I like but never get.  

And it doesn't stop there.  I got 25 cents back on Ibotta for the oatmeal, that makes it -5 cents!

The third time was not the charm.  I know I was pushing my luck and hoping that 2 different store coupons would come off the Suave, but alas, only one did. 

It ended up $2 higher than planned.  But oh well, can't win them all.  Total savings, $80.
 

Day At The Beach

I was lucky enough to be able to go to the beach again, but alas, not with J.  V and M were there for a couple of the days, then I was by myself, except for the 2 guys painting the deck, for the next couple of days. 

The weather Monday was perfect and the water warm and calm enough for me to jump some waves. 

I tried my hand at bird photography, 

but it looks like I have some sort of smudge on my lens. 

I should take E's advice and not try to bird with my pocket camera. 

Then it was time for a couple of holidays, 

I found some scary faces for Halloween.

I think this is my most detailed face, it even has a nose. 

Looks like we skipped Thanksgiving and went straight to Christmas.  

Some people build sand castles, some people decorate Christmas trees, to each his own. 
 

Guest Photographer

 E sent another excellent group of pictures to share.

Three Moooves

There has been a lot of cattle moving around this week. 

 First, we moved 2 loads of bred heifers to J's dad's house.   This involved getting them up, deworming, loading on the trailer,

 then unloading.

 Now they should be set until winter. 

 Then there was another cow that had twins.  J tried to get them together to go to the barnlot, but this little one took off in the opposite direction.  J finally got fed up with trying to herd him and just picked him up. 

 I got the halter out of the truck and we about had him halter broke by the time we got to the lot.  Farmercising, picking up and pulling.

 The J gave me the job of rotating the cattle here today.  They don't really come when I call but they know the sound of the 4-wheeler and they were ready for new pasture. 

A pretty easy move, just open the gate and get out of the way. 

Coupon Saturday #48

There was a big clearance event a couple of weeks ago, about $60 of more free stuff.   Somethings they actually paid me to take so I got pepsi, milk and chips for less.   I forgot to take a picture of it all before I put it away.  But I did find a unicorn. 

 Something about Dollar General's computer system, when they quit carrying an item it goes to a penny.  The workers are suppose to pull the item from the shelf and do whatever they do with them, my guess is the dumpster.  Anyway, sometimes things get missed and penny shopping is apparently a big thing with the couponers.  I haven't gotten interested in it at all but I did find this one by accident. 

And yes, a 10 pack of socks for a penny.   I just need to find someone with small feet.

View From My Porch

 J walked out on the porch and saw the bald eagle.  It was down by the creek, pretty far away, but J said he was able to see it because he was wearing his glasses.  He claims he can zero in on most anything with them on. 

 I, on the other hand, grabbed E's camera, and started taking pictures.  (after I went back in to get the memory card)

 The zoom lens is very nice, plus I had the porch rail to steady it with. 

It's pretty amazing to get to see an eagle from your porch.