A Look Backward and Forward

I vividly remember last Christmas! Still in a wheelchair, my brother having to help me into and out of the car. Pudding-thick liquids, still in the nursing home.  Now I can get in and out of the car, only use a cane on uneven ground, and my left hand is strong and getting better every day.  Still knitting, but I have a strong urge to sew! Even poor stitching cues the hand recovery. Growing tired of reading so much and the cleaning/shredding is coming to an end. Way past time to be better--which I am--but I feel ready to try to adapt my procedures. It's been an interesting year but it has gone fast! Please don't take good health for granted! I don't think I did, but there is good lesson here somewhere!  The neurologist did say mine was caused by a blood pressure spike--how on earth do you treat for that?  Normally it was low, but it took just seconds to do the damage and it's over the year mark for recovery.

Making breakfast casserole for tomorrow. You'll find the recipe under the Recipes tab on the left sidebar.

Happy holidays and so many thanks to all who have supported me throughout this ordeal!

We all need more laughter!

Oh No...

I think they're gaining on me!!!!

Yep, here come those turkeys now!!!!

HeHe!  I just couldn't resist.  Hopefully that will start off your day with a smile.

Awww, Go Sit on It!

Blissfully laughing,
Sharon

Might As Well Laugh

Here's looking at you!

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

At Christmas one of my friends (thanks, Susan) gave me a page-a-day calendar with horses on it.  It also includes lovely "messages" which I thought I would share with you from time to time.

Here are several I hope you enjoy:

"A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it.  It just blooms."  Zen Shin

"You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late."  Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Laughter is much more important than applause.  Applause is almost a duty.  Laughter is a reward."  Carol Channing

"The secret of your success is determined by your daily agenda."  John C. Maxwell

Pompera

Happy Sunday, my friends.  I am enjoying the comments you are leaving!  Thanks so much!

Blissful hugs,
Sharon

A Couple Updates

January 2 and I already feel like I am behind for the year!

I have updated the schedule here and on my website. And I have added several new sites to my blog list.

In the midst of this changeable weather, I thought I would share this pic.  It's in the summer, during haying season.  That's me, Lacey (30+ years old) and Luna, one of the barn cats.  

Blissful hugs,
Sharon

P.S.  I am listening to Gone Again by James Grippando.

My View

This has been my view this morning--whenever I haven't been shoveling stuff into the bucket!! How's your day going? ;-)

My Girl

Yep, you guessed it...another commercial for my main squeeze, Pompera!

I need longer arms to do selfies with horses!

Blissful hugs,
Sharon

In My Spare Time

After more than 30 years I have again picked up my crochet hooks.  And here's what I have been making--fly bonnets for horses!  What?  Yes, fly bonnets to keep flies out of their ears and eyes while being ridden.  (Not to be confused with fly masks which cover the ears as well as eyes, and most of head, used when the horses is turned out to graze.)

These are just a few of the ones I've made so far.  And I am still making them!  My goal is one for each horse at the barn--and that number is into double digits....

I am combining two patterns and adding a bit of my own "flair".  The ears are made of cotton lycra fabric to be both cool and stretchy.  Many differently shaped heads so they are being made in different sizes.  I'll try to get pics of them on the horses--they look really cool!

Blissful hugs,
Sharon

Me and My Gal

I've still been spending time at the barn and Pompera is still my main squeeze. She is happy and healthy and enjoys her "spa sessions". She's so shiny that her dapples are visible in the sunlight.

Where Has Sharon Been?

At the barn!  I've been spending quite a bit of time at the barn, mostly grooming and hanging out with the horses.  

Can you believe we actually had a chance to ride outside in March?  In t-shirts?

And this was taken just yesterday!  Yes, that's my main squeeze Pompera.  We had such a good ride--even my instructor was impressed!  I love this pic of us under the flag.

And, yes, for those with inquiring minds, I am still quilting and teaching.  I have a small piece almost quilted and ready to share.  And I am still teaching classes.

Truly blissful hugs!
Sharon

P.S.  I am listening to Breakdown by Jonathan Kellerman.

Keeping Watch

Pompera is helping me keep an eye out for health, prosperity, happiness, and dreams-come-true for my family, friends far and near, and for you, dear blog reader.  Your comments  are greatly appreciated in both good times and bad.

Always remember how truly special you are, and, whenever possible, choose happiness.

Do any of you have a special word for 2016?  I am torn between "balance" and "timeliness".  What the heck; I may just go for the gusto and use both!

Happy 2016!

Blissful hugs,
Sharon

P.S.  For those who are wondering:  Yes, there will be quilting stuff on the blog soon.

Happy New Year!

As 2015 draws to a close, an update of sorts.

Dickens in a box!  I set the box aside after unloading it and the next thing I knew....

Red squirrels are the topic of many a conversation this year.  (The comments are not always complimentary to the squirrels!)  Here, the red and gray squirrels are competing to see who can find/hide the most corn.  The people who harvest the corn behind the house just take the cobs.  There are many full and partial cobs left and the critters bring them nearer the house to hide.  Sometimes in plain sight!  Seeing them carrying cobs bigger than they are never gets old!

On a cloudy day, one ray of sunshine hit the N/S part of the weathervane.  I love details like that!

And here's my main squeeze, Pompera, from a couple days ago.  She is just too cute for words.

2015.  A year of great joy, great sorrow, family, friends, quilting, horses, and Dickens.  A full life.  My life.  And I am thankful for everyone who is a part of that life.

Blissful New Year's Hugs,

Sharon

Pompera and Me

In September, I leased Pompera, my main squeeze, and we went on an adventure.  (I'd been telling her about it for months!)  Strawberry Fields, where I take lessons, trailered Pompera to a different farm where the two of us participated in a Centered Riding Teacher Certification clinic.  Whoa back, readers...we were student riders, not going for teacher certification!  I was lucky enough to spend four whole days with Pompera and other horse-minded people.  And other horses, too!

These pictures were taken on day three.  I was assigned two teacher candidates.  They alternated days of being lead teacher and assistant.  While we completed paperwork in which we stated what we hoped to accomplish, I also added that I was willing to learn anything they wanted to teach me!  What a blast!

We wove in and out of five cones at walk, slow trot, and very fast trot!  We did a labyrinth twice--where you walk in, halt, turn, halt, turn and walk forward, halt--and keep repeating until you walk out!  (This is only part of what we did!)

Four days of being at the barn over 12 hours a day!  Cleaning stalls, feeding, watering, grooming--ahhh, spa days indeed.  I got home each night dirty, tired, and eager to go back.

The moral of this story?  Grab the gusto while you can.  I don't want to get to the end of my life and say "I wish I had".  What makes your heart sing?  An old saying, but one I've taken to heart the last few years:  If it is to be, it is up to me.  I can make it happen if I want it enough and am willing to work for it.  How about you?

Blissful hugs,
Sharon

My Main Squeeze

Today I had a chance to spend time with my main squeeze, Pompera.  Pictures taken from this angle always look funny--like the horse's body is toooooo small for its head!

I also groomed a Percheron and hand grazed an older mare.  The sun was shining through the clouds and it was a glorious day!

I feel refreshed and invigorated--like I had a spa day (not that I've ever had one, but I think the end result is still about the same--that feeling of euphoria; am I right?).

It's off to the land of Nod.  Sweet dreams, everyone!

Blissful hugs,
Sharon

Pompera

Pompera and I had a great lesson last week.  These two pics are taken from a short video my instructor took, so they are a bit grainy if enlarged too much.

I am so glad to have the opportunity to ride.  As Winston Churchill said:  "There's something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a (wo)man."

Blissful hugs,

Sharon  

A May 1 Surprise!

My mom and I spent the day together doing errands and then we went to our favorite greenhouse, Grisamore Farms in Locke, NY.  We got fabulous pansies, begonias, citronella geraniums (supposed to repel mosquitoes), and fuchsias.  Normally we wait until later in the season, when it is more appropriate to plant.  But we often find ourselves with a limited selection when we wait, so today we went.  They've only been open for the season for a couple days.  As we were driving back past the farm store, I spied the mare and then...the foal!  I had to stop and pet the horses!

What a cutie!  Mom is pretty patient, but a couple times the nursing got a little rough, and she nipped that cute butt to express her displeasure!  (You can see the greenhouses to the right in the background.)

Interesting markings on the legs, plus the stripe down the back.

"Who you lookin' at?"

"I'm totally ignoring you."

"But I am soooooo cute...just ask me!"

After I had turned off the camera and gotten back into the car, that foal "smiled"--several times!

With the striped back, the leg stripes and the longer ears, I'm thinking there may have been some hanky-panky in the paddock!  I did a bit of internet research, but didn't find any definitive answer.  Do any of you know?

So I had my horse fix today!  And did a bit of hand quilting.  A good day!  Hope yours was too!

Blissful hugs,
Sharon

P.S.  I am listening to NYPD Red 3 by James Patterson.

Turkeys

For me, the turkeys returning in the spring is a highlight.  About a week ago, I saw something huge way down in the field.  I grabbed my binoculars and took a look, thinking it was a deer.  It was actually a tom turkey in full display!  The hens were playing keep away as best they could.  Peck, peck, peck, look over shoulder--here he comes--quick scoot across the field, peck, peck, peck...repeat!  (These pics are in color--it was before the field and trees started greening up.)

As I was choosing the pictures for this post, I inadvertently clicked on this one.  I was about to delete it, when, I figured...who's a bigger turkey!  It fit the title.

Happy end of April, everyone!

Blissful hugs,
Sharon

P.S.  I am listening to Hope to Die (Alex Cross) by James Patterson, and reading High Hearts by Rita Mae Brown.

P.P.S.  Have you seen Becky Goldsmith's new book "The Quilter's Practical Guide to Color"?  It is fabulous.  You'll never have to wonder about how to use a color wheel again!  Easy to understand, lots of examples, and patterns.

Happy

Last night I had the pleasure of riding with two other ladies from the barn.  Not a lesson, just the three of us "horsing" around!  

I got to groom and ride my main squeeze, Pompera.  I've been lucky enough to spend more time at the barn grooming and just spending time with the horses.

Tomorrow I'll show you what I've been working on today.  (Yes, it's quilting related!)  I'm still undecided about the background and may try out a couple small blocks to decide since it is hand piecing and a fairly large project.  I second guessed myself on it and bought different background.  Now I'm thinking my first choice may have been best.

I'll think about it more tomorrow ;-)

Blissful hugs,
Sharon

P.S.  Check out my hand--doesn't it look fake?  And much too graceful to be attached to me!