Bread

I decided to try my hand at baking whole wheat bread, after approximately 10 years of not doing so. The first batch was a failure, because it had too much salt! Yuck... tasted like soda bread.

The second batch, which I made yesterday, worked very well, however! Yippee!

Mom used to make bread once a week, when we were growing up, and we got so addicted to it. She made marvelous bread and one of my favorite things was to slice into a fresh loaf just out of the oven, smear on a thick layer of butter and try not to snarf too quickly. My bread isn't as good as Mom's, but it will have to suffice until I can get Mom to re-show me how to make it like hers!

Fancy That

Have I mentioned how much I love my horse?

Home Gr(oa)n

Stop and Smell the Flowers

Advice from Valiant McGary.

Ride down memory lane

Today, we downloaded the soundtrack for "The Man from Snowy River" which was perhaps the most influential movie of my childhood. It was, after all, the first movie I remember seeing in the theater! It was definitely the catalyst for sparking our fascination with the Equine.

I think we had a fairly atypical childhood, in some ways... horses were an integral part of our lives, our imaginations were active and we had many outlets with which to express our interest in horses. We wore out two pairs of stick horses (that our aunt had lovingly made for us) and "rode" them who knows how far. In fact, at one point my parents had to tell me to stop cantering my stick horse so much, because it was hurting the "horse's" growing tendons. I was only allowed to trot for two whole weeks! :-)

Snowy River also inspired some of my more daring - and incredibly stupid - moves on horseback. I once rode our horse, Billy, straight down the face of a hill which was difficult for a person to traverse on foot. Providentially we survived without major mishap, my fantasy was fulfilled and fear was conquered.

In addition, my most favorite song to play on the piano was "Jessica's Theme" from Snowy River. It was the only song where I could get lost in the music and make less mistakes because I wasn't distracted by the semantics. I knew the scenes reflected in the music.

I realized recently, in looking through my old journals, that it was through my love and understanding of horses that I first learned to understand myself better. I always had difficulty expressing what I was feeling and thinking, but if I started talking about horses (and the things I thought about my horse), it was almost a segue into the emotional me that was slowly developing and being discovered. I wonder how many people have things like that in their lives that help them to discover and express the relational/emotional part of themselves or how many have never had an outlet for that discovery or expression.

Eating Enough for Two

yeah, not me... my horse! She's eating double what she was eating 3 months ago! I think she is going to have a big baby. I'll try to post recent photos of her soon. She isn't showing too much yet, and in fact I had been having a hard time keeping weight on her, until the past two weeks. Now, I'm starting to see a little "pooch" in her belly. :-)

Yesterday, after our lesson, one of my students and I spent about 30 minutes just rubbing her all over with the rubber curry comb and scratching her belly. She's so expressive and when she wants us to scratch in a particular spot, she will point with her lips (to the best of her ability, since some spots are simply out of reach for her) to help us understand her desire. If we pause to rest, she'll walk up and lay her head on my shoulder to indicate that she would be exceedingly grateful if we continued. Why is it that all my animals are so demanding? :-)

The things we value

As I pulled into our apartment complex this evening, I saw two women carrying a shelf over to the dumpster area. I (secretly) stalked them and when they were gone I trotted down to see if their junk could possibly be my treasure. :-) Indeed, I was not disappointed. I hoisted the rack onto my arms and hauled it up the unending stairs that lead to our home. It now resides outside our door as the shoe rack and because it is solid wood, stands up on it's own (unlike the previous rack, which needed quite a bit of help to fulfill its intended function)!

So, to totally change the subject... I am consistently reminded that though we each value different things, we're highly programmed in our culture. I think the more I have been away from mainstream media (since we don't watch TV, anymore), the more I'm realizing my own taste in things. My likes and dislikes have become more unique, but also well defined. I am less influenced by what others deem valuable or desired (or at least by what is portrayed in commercials). It's kinda' fun getting to know myself a little better. :-) The terrific part is that I'm starting to observe and appreciate more about my hubby too! He's swell!

Hiking, hiking, hiking...

We're planning a trip down to Havasu Falls next summer and I woke up thinking about it this morning. I think I'm in that "let's go have fun and leave all responsibilities behind" mode right now. Cool, clear water, sense of accomplishment for having conquered "the hike," hot hiking food, long conversations at the picnic table, good book, invigorating climb down to Mooney Falls, hot chocolate in the mornings and sleeping in a tent next to the water. Need I mention the despicable outhouses? They make for a truly unforgettable trip!

If you look closely at the photo, you will Jess standing near the base of the falls.

Too much

Have you ever noticed that everything happens at once? If you're going to be overwhelmed, then you're going to be completely overwhelmed. If something is going to break, then at least 3 somethings are going to break, as well. If you've had a great morning, then you're very probably going to have a great day.

So many of the people who are an integral part of my life are suffering from this reality. Some are overwhelmed and discouraged. Some are just living each day as it comes, because it's simply too painful to live, looking ahead. Some are fighting their way through, grasping for every foothold that might offer leverage.

Scripture tells us that we won't be given anything that we cannot bear. I know sometimes it seems like that's not true because - let's face it - when it rains, it pours. But, I think we must remember that it is true and we will not be left alone to defend ourselves or to pull through the mud. Let's not forget that we have each other for a reason and that even if we were all alone, we would never truly be so.

Vacuum Cleaners and True Joy

Much to Valiant's chagrin, we purchased a new vacuum cleaner yesterday. Our previous "terrifying" cleaner (as Valiant would concur) finally bit the dust. I keep wondering which appliance is next. First it was the dryer, then my curling iron, then the vacuum. We've been giving our washing machine a lot of compliments lately, in hopes that it will be motivated to keep on spinning into the year 2008. They just don't make things like they used to... I remember my parents saying that 15 years ago. What does that say for us now?

I am ashamed to have to confess how much joy this new cleaner has brought me (and Kim, not just because it has such a dramatic affect on our "fearless" puppy). When I vacuumed yesterday, I was astounded to discover that vacuum cleaners actually do pick up dirt! Sweet! I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. Our carpet was purring by the time I was done.

The really embarrasing confession, however, is that I woke up this morning thinking, "I can't wait to vacuum!" Man, I need a job (yeah, and keep praying for that too)!!!

Floating Fairy Lovers

We went for a marvelous hike this weekend - 6 girls- so much fun!!! We woke up early (well 7:00 is early on the weekend, right?) and headed for Barton Creek. We ended up hiking 7.5 miles along the creek. The creek was so full, and we "had" to cross it several times. In some parts it was well over our waists (though the water line went a little higher on those shorter members of our party).

At one crossing, the water was a little above my knees and I was ambling forward, about 1/3 of the way across when I glanced down only to see Madison and Val floating past me. It hadn't dawned on me that they wouldn't be able to touch the ground at that crossing and so would invariably be forced to swim. They weren't concerned at all as they swam along, but it became quickly apparent that they would soon be swept down the stream, as they were defintely floating faster than I was walking and they were riding the current rather effectively. I rushed after them, grabbed the harness of Madison who was closer to peril and then Val who was a scottie length behind Madison. They were frustrated that their progress had been thwarted (it's not very often those little legs whisk past the "big people" with such ease), but were willing to let me drag them to the bank, nevertheless.

Hiking is just way too much fun, especially in such a beautiful place. Makes me crave the outdoors!

This vacation's Top 11 - Caution, Long Read

1. Sonic Music Marathon

How do you know you live in a small town? When the highest form of entertainment is the music blaring through your speakers as you careen around the corner at the Sonic drive-in. Whoo Hoo! Whilst stopped for 10 minutes to get a healthy, fresh Coney dog in Fort Stockton, we had the pleasure of observing 14 low-riders cruise past us with their windows down and their volume up. Makes you wanna’ live in a small town again (not so much)!

2. 4 frappucinos and your disgusting head

“Your Disgusting Head”… yeah, that’s the title. As Jessica brilliantly observed, perhaps the best way to truly appreciate the book is to drink 4 frappucinos first (note: recommendation based on personal experience). Nevertheless, Jess and I managed to thoroughly entertain our disgusting little heads with the book for over an hour, minus the 4 frappucinos.

3. Rental Car Ridicul(ousness) - Coming soon to a YouTube near you!

How long does it take one blond, one mom and two “Lizzies” (ever seen Pride and Prejudice?) to pick out a rental car? Well, we set out to break any previously known record while finding a car to drive for our entire 12 hours in Denver:

Scene 1: Mom scans the horizon of available mobiles, only to happily settle on the most obnoxiously ugly one on the lot, which we now lovingly refer to as the “Roach”. Once all luggage is satisfactorily loaded into the vehicle all three daughters whine miserably enough to cajole mom into settling on vehicle option #2, which we now lovingly refer to as the “Red Baron”.

Scene 2: All 4 women clamor around the new prize vehicle, only to discover that opening the trunk poses are formidable task. After pressing every visible button to no avail, one said “Lizzie” considers the “remote” possibility and pronto! the trunk opens. All luggage is again satisfactorily loaded and off we go… but wait a minute… so far only mom is seated in the vehicle and all doors are soundly locked. After considerable counsel amongst those still remaining on the outside, mom is successfully advised on how to open the remaining doors and everyone is belted and ready to go… or are they?

Scene 3: “This car sits too low and is a safety hazard to any God-fearing SUV driver." Exit all four women + luggage. The Roach again becons Mom. All luggage is satisfactorily loaded into said Roach and off we go… or… “did someone die in this car?” Everyone gasps for air, grabs their nose and with all remaining hands, exit people + luggage from said vehicle.

Scene 4: Is it possible? Indeed… 20 minutes have passed, but the four said females have securely landed themselves in a large, black, gas-sucking sedan that sits high enough off the ground to satisfy the SUV snobs and is new enough to satisfy the olfactory sensitivity of certain un-named.

4. Denver Train to Nowhere

Okay, we’re good on time, going to make it to the wedding with minutes to spare, but isn’t that a train ahead? Well, like we said before, we have minutes to spare, so we won’t sweat it… we’ll just sit here patiently like all the other civilized folks around us… and we’ll wait, and we’ll wait… is that train actually moving? and we’ll wait… is that train going backwards? and we’ll wait… is that train going forwards? Okay, alternate road must be found because the train is making no progress in either direction. Alternate road leads to beautiful office park with no outlets. Now, we’re not just racing time, but we're back to the train… wait, it’s moving… or is it? Yeah, but now it’s moving the other direction… Alternate route #2 here we come! Sweet success! We’ve outsmarted the directionally challenged, road-blocking train and we’re very possibly going to make the wedding on time despite our best efforts!

5. 11 mile hike up West Fork

See photos on Krista’s blog - need we say more?

6. 500+ photos to show for it

We’re out to prove the digital rocks! Well, we've certainly proven that this new digital camera was worth every penny! Think of the memories we’ve preserved for all of history!

7. Mountain Elevation Nearly Kills Hikers

We love to hike – it’s true. But, we realized on this trip how much our love for hiking is not equivalent to our body’s ability to fulfill our dreams of mountain conquering. Of course, it was just the altitude, we shamelessly assured ourselves. At least we were in it together… walk for 2 minutes, stop for 3 minutes to breathe, walk for 2 minutes, stop for 3 minutes to breathe and so on so forth. It was invigorating!

8. Long-lost cousins

It was amazing to see our cousins again, after a nearly 6 year absence from one another. The wonder of re-kindled relationships cannot be overestimated! We love you cousins!

9. Hot chocolate by the campfire

Mmmm… good. Wake up on cold morning after a restful night sleeping under the stars and fill up tummies with warm, dark hot chocolate and marshmallows on top = recipe for contentment.

10. Nose-barking at the coyotes

Valiant will tell you that if you bark through your nose (think, “Oof”, whispered) it doesn’t count as a bark. Thus, you can’t technically get in trouble if you “oof” (whispered) all night.

11. Topless guys in London, Texas

No shoes, no shirts allowed in London, Texas. All men in London, Texas, were topless as we meandered through on our way home from this scintillating vacation. So, if you’re out for some sightseeing, we recommend starting at the West side of town until you reach the east side of town. There will be plenty to see, but you can bet shirts won’t be top on the list.

Graduation et all...

Krista and I just returned from a trip to AZ to see Jess graduate from high school. It's hard to believe that our little baby sister is now a 'dult (as she used to call us). It was so wonderful to be there to celebrate with her and to see a glimpse of what she has been about these past four years. She has touched so many lives in her short time at her school and I am very proud of her. What lies ahead for this marvelous young woman? I can't wait to see!

We topped off our time in AZ with a great hike in Oak Creek and two nights on the "Mountain" as we lovingly refer to it. I have attached some photos of our canyon hike to give you a taste of it's beauty. Madison and Val were such troopers. what can I say... Scotties RULE!

On the way back to Texas Krista and I listened to a biography of John Adams, which was totally inspiring. I was reminded that our "forefathers" were people just like us, but they were thinkers who aspired to understand more, to always be growing in knowledge and understanding, to defend man's inaliable rights and to live according to their understanding of God and who He had created all men to be. So, onward...

Valiant Puppi

Anybody have a chai latte they want to share?

Here is a recent photo of our Hoodie-Hoo.

She's in her destructive stage right now, and always in trouble but she's completely lovable and huggable (just be careful she doesn't bite your nose off).

More photos

Fancy Photos

Here are some recent photos of Fancy That.

Dressage is dancing!

I've been taking lessons on Fancy for the past couple months, with a wonderful trainer in south Austin. I'm learning Dressage. When people ask me what dressage is, I tell them it's like "horse ballet." It's a very technical riding, and expounds upon the natural talent/ability of horses.

Krista found this video clip, which is marvelous to watch! This is freestyle dressage (the horse and rider perform to music).

Fancy's Baby

Well, we saw the heartbeat on our little (and I do mean little - about 2 inches long) baby horse! Fancy had her third ultrasound and we saw a fluttering heart pumping in the little figure on the screen! The doctor printed the photos off for us, and we've had to be careful that everyone understand this is our HORSE'S baby. :-)

Fancy finally moved into a stall at the barn, so there is a warm and dry place for her to stay. Our hope is that her stall will become "home" to her, quickly, so that she will be comfortable (as possible) foaling there next January. Because she's pregnant, she's very moody and having a hard time adapting to any changes in her routine.

This is the website for our baby's dad. You can also see all of the other babies that were born this year and get a little idea of what our foal might look like.

Ever seen a seahorse?

How to move forward?

So today has been a weird day for me. I feel like I'm standing on a precipice and I have to move forward but I don't know how to. I don't know how to go forward because I'm tired, but also, I don't know where I'm going. One of my greatest weaknesses is fear of the unknown. What lies ahead and what steps do I need to take to get there?

There is a relief that comes with trusting that a Supreme Creator (of all things) knows; He knows what each of us is to do with the life we're given. He also knows what lies ahead for each of us, and though I sometimes wish I could glimpse that, even for a moment, I wouldn't actually want to know. However, standing in the midst of fog, without knowing what lies ahead and not wanting to remember what lies behind (in too great a detail) is a lonely place to be. Ahhh, for the next season.