Finally Rode

I finally got out for a ride yesterday! Winter has been reluctant to release it's hold and we've continued to have a lot of cold, wind and even snow. I did take both Marie and Buckshot over to Upper Pond Stables. I turned them both loose in the arena and let them run first. As any self respecting mule would do, Shots rolled vigorously rolled first. then they both ran and bucked like crazy things. When they were done, 23 year old Marie was puffing but not all that bad. 12 year old Shots was puffing like a freight train. Boy does he need some conditioning. My friend Brooke rode Shots and I rode Marie later. They were both very good and we had fun.

Last Friday I had surgery on my right hand for carpal tunnel release. So, I've been a bit handicapped all week not being able to use my right hand much. I've been able to take care of the horses as I found I could still clean stalls by tucking the end of the pitchfork in the crook of my right elbow. I can't use the wheelbarrow but thanks to a friend (thank you Kate Rogers) who recently gave a bunch of muck buckets, I've been filling them and I'll get Fred to empty them.  And my friend Amy Beem came to visit and pick up some jewelry pieces I made for her. I threw some hay down from the loft. A manageable one handed task. Amy stacked them in the alcove for me. Not so much a one handed task.

Today I had surgery on my left hand. So this week I'm going to be begging for a lot more help as now my left hand is incapacitated and the right, while doing well isn't completely healed yet. Anyway, we finally had good weather yesterday and yet another of my wonderful friends, Linda, came and picked me and my horse up, trailered us over to Winthrop where there are some dirt roads that are nice for riding. I was sure I could ride my good, steady, dependable Marie with only one hand. Linda saddled Marie for me and we had a lovely ride. I seem to be blessed with many wonderful friends.

last piece I completed before surgery for my friend Tracy