Stuff that inspires….

I’d like to believe I’m a bridge builder. 
I love this card below, found by my fellow Marthas Vineyard loving friend Joan
 at Trader Joes… I should have asked her for the artists name on the back of the card..

Isn’t this just the most beautiful oasis of a hot tub
 on a cold winter day or night?

Regardless of what we’re handed, I’m reminded over and over again
that Life is what we make of it. 
When I want to gripe about whatever isn’t going my way,
I think of the people in my life who inspire me, and there are many.
The ones who are living a fullfilling life, who find enjoyment in every day,
who bring light to other’s lives, who almost never complain,
who soldier on and find humor and grace in every day living,
 regardless of their circumstances.
Dawn, Vicky,  Carol Ann, Beth, Hilary, Misha, Sally,
Vickie, Sandra…
and the list goes on.
There’s inspiration everywhere you look,
if you’re willing to open your eyes, receive and believe in it. 
It’s a new day, people. Make it a good one. 
(Jeez, you’d think I was auditioning for Oprah)

Getting it right… again.


     I fell off the healthy eating and regular exercise wagon a few months back for no good reason at all, to be truthful. However, a new year always seems like a good time to kickstart the good intentions and make them realities. That’s just what the Mr. and I are doing.
    I’m back to daily walking and a simple 20 minute yoga routine 3 or 4 times a week . Today was glorious at the beach…

   My yogi friend Lynn clued me in to healthy shakes/smoothies and her new love – the Vitamix.  I wanted to fall in love with the Vitamix too, for all those luscious, antioxidant rich powerhouse shakes it could provide me in my quest for a healthier body.  When I saw the price tag, however, the thrill was gone.   Holy crow, is ANY mixer really worth $500????   I said that very thing to the store clerk this morning and she laughed… and repeated the mantra I’ve read on many reviews… “Oh, but it’s sooo worth every penny”.    Maybe it’s true, but I still just couldn’t bring myself to do it.   I opted for a Cuisinart model that the clerk said would be almost as good as the Vitamix.  Good enough for me.

  I was so excited, I came home and made my first green smoothie…. 2 handfuls baby spinach leaves, pear juice,  half of an apple, fresh parsley, a banana and a cup of water. It was delicious, I kid you not.  I probably should have blended it for 30 more seconds, but I don’t mind this consistency at all.

   Lynn also sent me a link to Prevention Magazine’s list of healthy shakes, and they all look beautiful, don’t they?  Click on link below if you are interested in the ingredients.

http://www.prevention.com/25-delectable-detox-smoothies#ixzz2H8eiKUYZ

This is the Crazy Sexy Goddess –
(somehow I don’t think it can do that for me)
avocado, banana,
 blueberry, cucumber, kale or romaine, coconut water

Blueberry Ginger
almond milk, blueberries,banana, ginger


The Cranberry Cleanser
 cranberries, celery, cucumber, apple, pear, spinach.

So, back to the resolution I’ve come to year and year again…
My hope is that in 2013 I stick with all the good eating and exercise
I initiate, and then some.

Have you made changes for the better to your diet and exercise routine
over the years that you know have really had a positive effect on you mentally and physically?
If so, share them in the comments section.

Winter morning farm chores

   I’m one of those people who could see herself living in several different kinds of environments.  I grew up in a neighborhood where you could talk to your neighbor from your own front porch, walk to the store to get a gallon of milk, a Hershey Bar or your dad’s cigarettes (the shame of it).   School was just blocks away.  So was the big sledding hill at the local park, and friends were right down the street.  Not a bad way to grow up.

  I’m definitely not a  big city girl, as in every day living, but how cool is it to have immediate access to all that culture, the awesome food- so many kinds! – the vibe of the ALIVE city.  I could also  get used to walking off my terrace on to sugar-white sand and the sound and sight of the ocean just in front of me, palm trees overhead for shade.

  What I’ve got though, where I know I belong… is right here in this small farm lifestyle.  When I think of my life’s journey, I’ve consistently made choices that would get me to this place. When we’ve attempted to leave the lifestyle, we’ve returned to it.   (This Old House was supposed to be a house restoration project, not a farm rejuvenation project for our family.  When we sold the previous farm it was to downsize the workload.  Ha! )  I feel better physically when I’m doing the work involved, though,  even on  frosty cold mornings like this.

One of the downsides?
 The animals need tending twice a day whether
you want to go out in the 15 degree weather or not.
They need tending even if you’ve got the flu.
It’s a holiday and you’ve got food to prepare… animals first!
Hurricane?  Secure the animal headquarters before your own.
Pouring rain?  You’re getting wet!
I’ll take you along for a typical winter morning chore routine.
This is done after dogs have been fed, laundry put in, dishes from last night done
(yes I leave them in the sink overnight, bad habit. I know.  )
and almost grown manchild is fed and off to school.

First, out to the chicks.  I open their door,
and today I scatter left over mashed sweet potatoes and oatmeal in the outside run…

Check for eggs… so far just one…

..and in the coop, refresh water, which has a heater under it…
check light, which is a red flood light, because that does not
through as much heat as a heat lamp, better for the chickens with such a small coop.
…and refill the mash feeder.
 Then up to the barn where the boys are waiting for grain…
Opie has heard my activity at the coop and is now banging at the door
for food.
I notice I forgot to dump the water bucket last night and it’s frozen
this morning. Some chipping and kicking and it’s ready for refill.

Grain and supliments, distributed to the horses…
Hay is distributed in piles far enough apart so there is no bickering.
Horses turned out as the sun comes up over the pines,
blankets adjusted if need be,
Max has two on while it’s this cold –  one for insulation and the outer layer for waterproof.
Next, I bring the gator over and muck stalls. 
No more wheelbarrow, this works much better.
When all three stalls are done,  I drive the gator up to the top of the property
where we have a manure dump, which the Mr. periodically cleans out.
Not a bad gig if you aren’t opposed to getting a little dirty.

Look what I found!

I’m feeling like crap, just so ya know…
my sinuses are not happy, allergies have flared…
or I’ve got that cold/flu crud that’s going around, take your pick…
 So I’m sulking over the computer,
 but I’ve found some good things to share- lucky you! 
Sam just posted this easy hearty breakfast bisquit…
YUM!..and doesn’t she take such beautiful pictures of the food, too?
Lisa is sharing this delicious bran muffin recipe…
…and Nana Diana is talking gingerbread. I do love good gingerbread..
with whipped cream, a fresh batch. 
http://thenanadiana.blogspot.com/2013/01/gingerbread-giggles-and-recipe.html
I’ve been looking for a good recipe for Taco soup…so I googled…
http://christiwilliams.blogspot.com/2011/10/taco-soup.html
and look at this recipe! YUM!!..
Taco and Cornbread Casserole
..and what’s dinner without an awesome dessert?
Key Lime and Coconut Cake… I LOVE these flavors…
several variations…
http://penniesonaplatter.com/2009/03/02/key-lime-coconut-cake/
fancier yet…
http://www.dianasdesserts.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/recipes.recipeListing/filter/dianas/recipeID/4275/Recipe.cfm

and just to add marshmallows on top… how about this…
Toasted Marshmallow Shake.  
http://acozykitchen.com/stands-toasted-marshmallow-milkshake/

The Show Boat

Many moons ago..
when my daughter was very young..
we began a journey that would consist of fits and starts.
I’ve had a horse since way before I could afford one,
but showing was never a goal for me. 
Trail riding is my bag, with some ring work for fitness sake.
We started with lessons at a quarter horse barn with the idea of
a safe learning experience for my young child.
and here is where the idea of showing was introduced.
We bought a quarter horse. And then another.
Still my favorite breed, they tend to be solid and dependable.
Below on the right is K with our mare at the time, Sadie.
We tried this route for about two years..
my infant son on my hip or in a stroller,
hauling our horse to lessons and shows because we
really couldn’t afford to keep her at a training barn,
which brings you much more success in the show arena, truth be told.
Then I noticed we weren’t having fun anymore.
K was tired of the serious lesson atmosphere
and the buying and selling of horses that  turned out to be
“not the right fit” for her.
We got attached, you see.. and the selling was heartbreaking and frustrating.
Plus, we didn’t have the big bucks that buy you the quality horse
you need to do well against the competition.  
Sadie, up above?  She ” wasn’t fancy enough”.. and I wish I never
listened to the trainer and sold her. She was a good girl,
I should have atleast kept her for myself.
She did go to an awesome home, I find solice in that.
At this time I had bought a young horse for myself, sent her for training,
as is the proper way to break a horse when you’re not experienced
in green horses and their schooling…
and she died in a training accident. I still cry over that loss.
That was the straw that broke it.
We left the world of QH show,
and came home to recover what was truly in our hearts.
Years passed, I continued to ride my Quarter Horse, 
K rode hers. Life happened, but not in the show ring.
Two years ago, after a long recovery from an un-horse-related accident…
my daughter decided she wanted to ride again.
She started with lessons at a local QH barn with a family oriented QH group 
we knew from Back In The Day. 
You’ve all read about Beemer and K’s success this year..
we were so fortunate that his owner made him available to K for
the Open show season (Not QH circuit). 
It’s been a great year. 
For those who are unfamiliar with the higher end horse show circuits,
know this.  It’s ridiculously expensive, and there are politics.
There’s much travel if you’re a serious contendor,
and you really can’t do it from your backyard. 
You need an agent.
(i.e. qualified trainer)
Enter Max… we weren’t really looking to get into the QH circuit again…
but with the acquisition of our senior gelding, Max…who even at 17 years of age
 is still capable of the beginning levels of QH show,  
we’re traveling down that road again.
This time it’s all K’s decision. She wants to try it, so I’m trying to
make it affordable.  Because of his age,
we bought Max for a bargain basement price, and boy
were we lucky.  He’s not caviar, but he’s certainly lobster fresh from Maine, 
and that’s just our style anyway.  
The average show Quarter horse cost anywhere from $20,000
to $200,000., depending on how crazy you want to get and how big your wallet is.
You can pay $8,000.00 for a show saddle if you want the very best.
This one is for sale for that very amount. and It’s used.
Our Trainer found another used version for a fraction of the price.
Max wearing his new “bling” …..
It’s not just the horses “clothes” that are expensive.
There’s the matter of the riders attire as well.
Last year I bought a few $60. blouses out of catalogs for the open show circuit
and they were suitable.  Heck, one blouse I bought on a sale rack for $19.
This year… we have to kick it up a notch. OK, a freak’n staircase.
You can spend anywhere from $1,000. to $5,000.
on a custom showmanship or western pleasure jacket
if you’re crazy enough and your wallet is big enough.
(not that there is anything wrong with that!)
This one below is for sale for approximately $3,500.
but we’re not going there.
We’re looking at a few used jackets for much less.
Thankfully there are opportunities to buy used show clothing.
So.. here we go again,
only this time I’m not driving the train,
I’m just a cheerleader on the sidelines.
I realize how lucky we are to be able to do this..
 We’re doing it on a budget and with reasonable equipment,
reasonable expectations. And our expectations are..
to have fun, to enjoy the experience,
 to take good care of the horse doing the work,
and walk away with a sense of accomplishment and pride,
 regardless of the color or quantity of the ribbons.
Max will live at the big barn for now, safety of the indoor and instructors
 being the main reason..
and he’ll retire here at This Old House.
For us.. that’s what it’s all about.
  

When is the last time…

…you made a snow angel?
Built a snow man?
Last night, as we all huddled around the fire
(and the TV and FB via various methods of ipad, iphone, etc)
I stood up and declared I was going outside to build a snowman.
Anyone coming? 
You woulda thought I said I was digging a tunnel to China
with a teaspoon and a thimble. 
However, after a few minutes… 
we were all out in it. 
You’re never too old for this ….

I’ve never had a dog who balled up with snow…
and this is Frasier’s first real snowfall,
being the Southern boy that he is.
He loved the romp in the white stuff! OMG! EXCITING!!!
But not the iceballs after.. or the warm bath to melt them.
I suspect I’ll be rinse-and-repeat-ing all day.
This morning, Smiley doesn’t look so happy.
or maybe he’s just doing his morning yoga.

So.. if you’re one of the lucky ones and you’ve gotten SNOW…
get out there and make a snow angel or a snowman, yes YOU.
Take a pic! If I get a few or more pics, I’ll post them here.

Project 24 – Christmas Day 2012

Wow, what a fantastic turnout for this Project 24.
Thank you all for participating.
May we all enjoy a Happy, Healthy, Peaceful New Year –

 – Karen

1am -Cindi, Florida – ” Icicle lights. It was raining hard at the time.

 We were in a tornado and thunderstorm watch. “
2am – Mark, Sabine River
“A crew member sits outside the door, phone in hand,

alone with his thoughts, sending Christmas greetings home”


3am – Kate, Denver, Colorado
“The emptiness and silence of new snow on a sleeping city, Christmas morning.”

4am – Ms. Anthropy, Texas
 “After an evening spent in a house full of people, twelve of them young, hyper kids,
I’m exhausted. I plan to spend the rest of Christmas day recuperating.
I survived another one and I’m relieved it’s over.”
5am – Vicki, somewhere in the South 
“Not what I had planned to send but we have no power from ice/snow
and I took this pic of Froto this morning on my phone.”
(A+ for effort, Vicki!)

 
6am – Cheyenne, rural Alberta, Canada
“Chores Christmas morning……-26C”

7am – JP, Connecticut
“Christmas Blessed”
8am – Karen, Connecticut
“Our living room, with a dusting of snow outside for a perfect
Christmas morning.  The Mr. and I waited patiently for our grown and
almost grown children to wake up and let the festivities begin.”

 
9am – Saara, New Finland
“Just planning to get up after yesterdays Christmas celebration.
 (In Finland we celebrate Christmas at 24th and the Christmas Day is usually really silent,
slow and lazy – we do nothing, just rest and eat well.)”

10am – Andy,  North Carolina
“Brunch at Moms“
11am- Tim, Connecticut 
“We were still waiting for the grandchildren and our kids to arrive.”

 
12 noon – Diane, Blue Ridge Mountains
“Just a bulb on the monkey tree glowing at noon.
 It was a dreary day but we ate well and made it through”.

1pm – Sally, Florida

“Enjoying the great-grands and reminiscing”….

2pm – Vicky, Minnesota
“Classic Minnesota cold and frosty Christmas Day.
It was -12 when we awoke! Definitely stings the toes and bites the nose!!”

3pm – Diane, Florida –
“Our little snowman’s first trip to the Ocean! Canaveral National Seashore”
4pm – Karen, This Old House, Connecticut 
“Table set for Christmas Dinner.  Feeling very blessed
to be able to put good food on the table and share it with family”.  

5pm -Deborah, Minnesota 
“It’s the small things that get you through :’) “
6pm – Kate – Chronicles of a Country Girl,  Maryland
“Taken just after dinner, this is my niece Colleen. Her dad is my husband’s younger brother. We always have Christmas dinner at my in-laws home in NJ. They are from England so we have Christmas crackers and we wear these lovely paper hats during dinner and read all the bad jokes that come from the crackers. It’s wonderful.”  

7pm – Joey, Connecticut 
“JOY takes it’s form in many ways on this Christmas day…but also, every day. 
 You only need to seek it out and catch it.”

8pm – Joan, New Jersey
“Unfortunately an uninvited bug was one of my gifts today
and so the first picture is pretty much how I spent Christmas.”
“My dad was a police officer in Newark NJ and worked for awhile in the emergency squad. The guys would busy themselves with projects between emergency calls. This was one of them. That 5 ft Santa was drawn on thick plyboard by my dad in 1956. He brought ours home and my mother and I painted it… it took almost a week to finish him. I love how the buttons are on the wrong side, and I love that it’s probably the only project the 3 of us did together…but most of all I love that Santa looks just like my dad. This is a family treasure and we all love him.”

9pm – Kate, British Columbia
“My life on Christmas Day…unfortunately I came down with that horrible flu
that seems to be going around and spent most of Christmas Day and all of Boxing Day in bed. 
 I crawled out of bed long enough to take a picture, crawled back in and that was Christmas!”
10pm – Beth, Wisconsin –
“This photo is just a tiny part of the best gift I  received on Christmas day.” 

11pm – Nancy, Wyoming 
“Looking through the quiet house last night for my 11 p.m. slot I came across this and didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. One of our grandsons thought the undecorated tree made a good nest for this ostrich beanie baby. Not the dreamy after Christmas photo I had planned, but it certainly represents The holiday this particular year! And it was taken with my new iPad, a nice surprise from my sweetie of 46 years!”

Midnight – Sandra , Virginia-
“Knitting…and knitting my life back together.”