House Guests & a Night of Cards

Early morning sunshine and the magpies started the day, which encouraged me to get up and make coffee before settling in with some marketing and a little blog time. S slept late, enjoying some extra time in bed with his coffee and phone.

I headed outside to let the horses out and fill the water troughs, treating everyone to some apples while I was at it. There are not as many apples this year, but the birds seem determined to sample any that are growing. Most of the nice ones now have at least one bird peck in them. GRRRR!

S eventually made his way out to join me, sitting on the deck in the sunshine with his devices.

Be still my <3, Shaina has this video of Renn avoiding sidewalk cracks from 2 years ago today!

He bathed Harley while I dug potatoes and onions for supper. He then mowed the little patches of grass that are growing in the shade around the fire pit while I remade our bed. Just another day of us tackling our own little jobs around the ranch.

S was soon back inside watching baseball, while I got busy with lunch and supper preparations. I prepped the potatoes for the BBQ, made the salad fixings, whipped up our favourite balsamic dressing and prepared the zucchini dish.

The Jeep rolled in after 2:30 and the visiting began. Once the sun returned after a little reprieve, we enjoyed some time on the deck while Shaina and Matt caught Mac and Jimmy and introduced them to his Mom Betty and her husband Tony, visiting from Ottawa.

S & M walked the horses to the gate and back

Britt joined us too, doing her feeding and then coming over to visit on the deck. It was a beautiful afternoon for everyone to catch up.

Shaina prepped a most delicious warm corm salad for supper too. Supper was enjoyed inside, and unfortunately the weather decided that our outdoor plans were over. The wind had picked up and the temperature cooled down, albeit with yet another amazing sunset, so instead of a campfire, we moved on to games inside.

And there were lots of card games and lots of laughs.

B eventually headed home around 11, but we weren't ready to quit. The games continued until after 1 a.m.! 

I settled down to read for a while, while Betty seemed to enjoy some tablet time. I’m not sure about Shaina, but the guys quickly drifted off to sleep.

A long day that started with sunshine, apples, gardens and chores ended well past midnight with family, friends, cards and laughter. No campfire tonight, but honestly, the sound of everyone laughing around the table was a pretty good substitute.

Shaina shared these photos of their trip to Banff yesterday

Cleaning, Zucchini & a Night Under the Full Moon

A wee bit of reading started the day before I moved on to coffee and socials. Then it was time to get productive. I set the robot vacuum going and started the cleaning while the horses were let out, taking a pile more pea plants I had pulled along the way and a bag of veggie tops with them. The horses were more than happy to take care of the garden leftovers!

Back inside, laundry was on the go and the robot moved on to more rooms. We headed outside where S loaded up all the recyclables while I did some hand watering. I also found four perfect-sized zucchinis ready to pick. My hand-pollinating is working!

With the onions, dill and cilantro now all pulled from the big raised bed, I reworked the soaker hose and got it watering properly again. I did the same with the in-ground bed. It feels good to get things rearranged as the garden changes through the season.

Linens were changed on the beds and the bathrooms cleaned while S made grilled cheese for lunch and caught up on the news. I was once again a few days behind, so after lunch I uploaded the videos for Wednesday and finally got that blog posted. A little more tidying and a few more loads of laundry and we were ready to jet into town.

S dropped me off before 2 to get my nails refreshed while he dropped off the recyclables and ran a few errands, including picking up some last-minute weekend necessities like milk and eggs. While waiting for him to pick me up, I grabbed us a couple of Tim’s iced coffees.

Back at the ranch, it was back to laundry and directing the robot around for some spot cleaning while S caught a nap in Big Brown.

The winery was having a party we had been invited to, with food trucks planned for supper. This was yet another thing I would have been perfectly okay with missing, but S had his heart set on going… so off we went!

We took the Ranger and found lots of people and plenty of dogs enjoying the event. There was a bit of a hiccup with the food truck—it had apparently been double-booked—but thankfully it finally arrived around 7:30 because by then we were both starving!

Mexican food it was for supper, along with live music from a young girl who was very good. There was also birthday cake for owner Phil’s 48th and, of course, lots of cold refreshments.

Thanks, guys, for the fun night!

We headed home under the full moon, settled in for another episode of Lioness, and eventually called it a night.

A day that started with cleaning, laundry and garden chores ended with Mexican food, music, birthday cake and a party under a full moon. I may have been perfectly happy to stay home, but sometimes the prince knows when it’s time to get out and enjoy ourselves—and tonight, I'm glad we did.

Bull Riding, Pumpkin Spice & Another Summer Scorcher

S said he was aiming to be back in town by 10, but as I was up making us coffees at 8:30, he changed his mind. It was suddenly, “I better get there.” He showered and was tapping his toe, ready to go, while I finished my coffee and got myself ready too, with the off chance of staying to watch the bull riders again. I fed Harley and let the horses out just in case, because you never know where the day might take us.

When we got to town, there were water puddles everywhere. Turns out they had received rain and hail overnight while we once again got absolutely nothing. Of course. It also turned out S had forgotten his truck keys in his haste to get going. So I drove him to the rodeo office, where he brought me back a pumpkin spice muffin—worth the trip! I then dropped him at his truck, where at least he could use the door code to get his gloves for cracking chute gates today.

I came back home and got busy marketing my latest tutorial and working on the blogs. It was only 20°C when I dropped S off, but already 27°C by the time I was home. Looks like another scorcher ahead.

Hank's new pony rasp arrived in last nights parcel

I also chopped up some bison tongue and liver to make Harley a few meals, along with some broth I had made for her. She certainly isn't lacking for homemade food around here!

After noon, I packed up some cold drinks and headed back into town for the second day of bull riding at rodeo school. The improvement in the riders from yesterday was immense. You could really see them gaining confidence and getting better with each ride.

Once the riding wrapped up, we once again gathered for cold refreshments and visiting with the group. Lots of laughs carried on for another hour or so at Boreham’s trailer before the five of us headed to Road House for supper.

Once again, supper came with plenty of laughs, stories and good company. These spontaneous rodeo-school days certainly weren't what I had planned when I woke up, but they have turned into some pretty great days.

After supper, we headed back to the ranch, passing B on her way out from feeding around 8:30. S headed straight for the hot tub while I fed Harley and the cats and watched a bit of Surfer Girl until he came in.

Then it was another episode of Lioness, checking one more off the list before calling it a night.

Two days of bull riding school, friends, cold drinks, good food and more laughs than planned. My little “just say yes”challenge is definitely paying off. Sometimes saying yes to an unexpected invitation gives you a much better day than pulling weeds and yard work.

Just Say Yes: Bull Riding, Backyard Carrots & an Unexpected Evening

Mornings are definitely getting cooler, with the windows open all night, and of course the sun is up early along with the dang magpies. Today I opted not to scroll Instagram with my first coffee but instead curled up with my book. A much nicer way to start the morning!

S woke, made his coffee, got dressed and shaved, and was off to rodeo school by 9, hoping to get in on the Tim’s promised coffee and donuts at the grounds.

I published a blog post as well as the tutorial for Kaylin’s IKEA organizer, then shared it up on the various sites before heading out to release the ponies. I pulled more pea plants and sunflowers, both of which the horses were very happy to help dispose of. I also harvested a few of the first carrots, with varying degrees of success. Dang! They may not win any beauty contests, but they’ll be eaten, odd-looking and all. :)

Back inside, I turned my attention to marketing, something that has been neglected for far too long. After a bowl of leftovers, I headed back outside because it was simply far too nice to stay indoors. I scooped poop, pruned some branches and was pulling weeds in the island when S texted that I should come watch the bull riders at rodeo school.

And there it was—another impromptu decision in my personal challenge to just say yes.

I quickly changed and drove into the rodeo grounds. I met up at a friend’s trailer, and she and I walked over together and found seats under an umbrella, which was absolutely perfect on this 29°C day. The agricultural staff were videoing each ride, while Donny Jo and Scott Schifner critiqued each one.

It was quite the challenge for the riders, ages 16-21with varying levels of experience taking on different bulls, steers and cows. There was even one girl brave enough to ride three!

Scott talking to the young girl with Sheldon just off to the right 

Once the clinic ended for the day, we all enjoyed a few ice-cold refreshments at the rodeo office. Somehow that morphed into heading back to our friend’s trailer, where the fellows had Caesars while Bev threw a pasta casserole in the oven along with hot garlic bread and tossed salad.

THANK YOU!! It was so tasty.

There were lots of stories, laughter and visiting, and before we knew it, it was time to head home. I was the designated driver and safely got us back to the ranch around 10.

Once home, I settled down with my book after finally forcing Harley outside for a pee following her long quarantine inside. Apparently B hadn’t even popped in while she was out feeding, so Harley had been holding it for quite some time!

S was sound asleep almost immediately, while I squeezed in a little more reading before calling it a night. The winds picked up and thunder rolled but nothing happened.

Another day that didn't quite go according to plan—and another reminder of why I'm enjoying this little “just say yes”challenge. I could have stayed home pulling weeds, but instead I ended up sitting under an umbrella watching bull riders learn their craft, sharing laughs and stories with friends, and enjoying an unexpected supper.

Sometimes the best days are the ones you didn't plan for.

Cool Mornings, Rodeo School & a Birthday Helmet

The open windows bring much colder air in the mornings. They also seem to amplify the annoying magpies raiding the apple trees and gardens while making their racket. Nothing like being woken up by a flock of feathered thieves!

S was up, made us coffee, ate some cereal and was out the door by 8:30, heading to the rodeo grounds—otherwise known as his second home. It’s rodeo school week, so I suspect I won’t be seeing much of him around here for the next little while.

I did the usual morning routine of blog posting, pet care and housekeeping while a beautiful day was getting underway. It really is amazing how much no wind and sunshine can change your energy and outlook. After all those blustery days, the calm felt wonderful.

My workout followed, then I got ready to meet Sharon and Coreena for C’s birthday lunch. I headed to town after 11, and Coreena and I had a good visit for over half an hour before I finally called Sharon, who had completely forgotten about our lunch! LOL. She made it over, and by 1:30 we wrapped things up and all headed our separate ways.

I did a grocery run before heading back to the ranch.

Once home, I was watering the tomatoes and planters when S arrived before 4. I dug potatoes and pulled onions for the Calgary kids and hosed everything off, getting their veggie load ready to box up.

Shaina and Matt arrived after 5:30 and brought S the right size hockey helmet for his birthday. He was pretty excited about it and immediately got it fitted to his noggin while enjoying a beer and visit with Shaina and Matt.

Then it was time to head out and catch Mac for her evening lessons and walk, with a very helpful Harley along for the adventure. Thanks for walking her too, guys!

Just a few girls relaxing in the sunshine

Fresh herbs and the picked veggies, darn scab, thankfully it is easily removed.

I had supper ready just after 7, with Britt joining us after her work day. After eating and more visiting, B headed out to feed, with Shaina going along to help before they caught Mac again. Jimmy was also brought into the barn, where B kindly did her front feet even though her back is still killing her from doing Hank’s feet a few weeks ago.

Matt found a little time during the golden hour to simply sit and watch the horses. There’s something about that time of day at the ranch that makes even a busy evening slow down for a moment.

B headed home first around 9, with S and M soon following with their load of vegetables. S headed for a hot tub soak while I watched some Surfer Girls, and then we wrapped up the evening with Lioness.

Only this time, I was the one who tucked out first.

After a day of sunshine, friends, family, horses, garden produce and plenty of visiting, I think I had earned it.

From Windy Drudgery to a Golden-Hour Evening

The wind blew through the night and right into today. Yuck. After my coffee, I finally published the last vacation blog—whew! That feels like a pretty big accomplishment after all those vacation days to catch up on. The ponies were released and cats and dog fed as per every morning.

grass cut always looks nice and the rain gave it some green again

S pressure-washed the Fireball and then his truck before putting the Fireball back up on the lift, while I tackled the drudgery laundry. Glamorous ranch life!

He came in for lunch before heading to town for a doctor’s appointment, hockey and his usual coffee klatch. I had a sandwich and then got busy in the garage, rearranging my furniture under the lift after sweeping the floors.

From there, I somehow wandered down an Ancestry rabbit hole after Vance had me share his login information. Many things needed updating, especially with new DNA connections and deaths. :( 

After 3:30, I loaded up Harley and off we went to see Murray, our horse chiropractor. He was kind enough to fit her in after hearing that the dog chiropractor had some issues that required a vet referral. A couple of adjustments later and we were on our way.

I stopped at McDonald’s so I could get a pineapple refresher, although that turned into more of an ordeal than expected. I had somehow been logged out of my app, then discovered I was out of phone storage, all while Sheldon happened to pop his head in the window because he was arriving to meet his hockey buddies for coffee. He continued inside while I battled with my phone, eventually gave up and headed home. Sometimes technology just isn't worth the aggravation!

I let Harley out at the gate and let her wander home while I made her supper, then picked some more zucchini for ours. Thankfully, by then the wind had finally settled into just a breeze. I gave Harley her Cartrophen shot too now that she was adjusted.

While Stella ate, I managed to cut quite a few mats out of her fur with the scissors. Not a pretty look but I bet it feels better. S was home after 5:30, and we soon got supper underway.

It was delicious—salmon on the BBQ with all the little zucchini I could find, onions and garden-fried potatoes. B popped in to enjoy some of the extra veggies before heading off to feed her herd.

And then, just like that, the day redeemed itself.

The evening had turned absolutely beautiful. The wind was gone, the sunshine was glorious and everything was bathed in that warm golden light that makes the ranch feel extra special. Sitting on the deck was completely tranquil after the blustery day we'd endured.

The hot tub came next as the sun continued its slow descent, followed by a shower and another couple episodes of Lioness.

A day that started with yucky wind, laundry and frustrating technology ended with garden supper, a calm deck, golden sunshine and a beautiful sunset. I'll take that ending any day.

Cake, Catch-Up & a Windy Birthday Visit

Happy cake day to my little (but taller) sister Amanda! Hope you have an amazing day filled with family, fun and lots of reasons to smile. ❤️

After coffee and S heading off to church, I settled into a morning of blog catch-up and accounting, with a couple of ranch breaks in between to feed the pets and let the horses out. I published Friday’s blog, finished up the last vacation day, and also completed yesterday’s medieval adventure. Slowly but surely, I’m getting caught up!

The day was overcast but horribly windy. Boo. The kind of wind that makes everything outside just a little more difficult.

I was finishing up my workout when S rolled in around 12:30 with Opa, which I had ordered after what turned out to be a lengthy after church visit. S ate his wrap watching baseball then hit the couch.

I spent the afternoon taking care of plants inside and out while S mowed the yard. Watering plants and digging in the garden with that wind felt like having a hairdryer blowing in my face, especially once the temperature climbed to 27°C. Not exactly ideal gardening weather!

B was out to ride and do her horse things, finishing up and heading home before supper. I had a roast beef sandwich while S took the Ranger out for a drive, then I settled back in with my new library book, tuning out the heavy winds.

I dug a couple of hills of potatoes and pulled some onions for the Paetz family, then cut a big sunflower bouquet for the birthday girl. Nothing says summer quite like a giant bunch of sunflowers!

S changed his clothes, had a sandwich and then we headed to town, stopping at the liquor store to pick up some refreshments before heading over to visit Amanda and the family for her birthday.

And of course, there was ice cream cake—which was delicious! Thanks! 🎂

We eventually headed home around 11, where I settled back in with my book for a little more reading before calling it a night. It was raining in town when we left but of course not at the ranch!

A windy day, but a good one. A little blog progress, some garden and ranch chores, homegrown vegetables shared with family, a birthday celebration and ice cream cake. Sometimes the simplest celebrations are the sweetest.

Knights, Jousting & an Unexpected Medieval Saturday

While having coffee this morning, S happened to notice a reminder that the Medieval Festival was happening in Strathmore today. Another last-minute, impromptu event! I quickly published our last full day of vacation blog, jumped in the shower, fed Harley and the cats, and we were out the door after 10:30, hoping to make it in time for the 11:15 jousting.

As we got closer to the rodeo grounds, it became pretty obvious that half this following was way bigger than we expected. Traffic was backed up to the lights and the line to get in was just as impressive. Eventually we parked way out in the boonies, walked all the way around and then down the long lineup to get to the end rather than going straight there. LOL. By then the line stretched down 817 about a quarter of the way down the high school football field.

It took more than half an hour to finally reach the gate, where the medieval experience really began. There were people in costume everywhere, and I would easily say 85% of the crowd was completely committed to the costume role-playing. It was quite the sight!

There were areas showing all sorts of medieval skills and activities—a stew being cooked over an open fire, metal being forged with bellows, a wooden boat with its sail, hand carving, sewing and all kinds of demonstrations. The marketplace was another whole adventure, with real swords, helmets, costumes, crystals and every sort of role-playing item imaginable.

We did manage to buy some very expensive coolers from a distillery we have bought from before. We probably should have asked the price first, because we bought eight bottles for $41! Oops. Apparently we were feeling medievally reckless.

The food truck lineups were about 50 people deep everywhere, so we decided food could wait and headed to the beer gardens for a cold drink instead. We sat in the grandstands and watched the armed skills demonstration before heading to the truck to meet Leonard and Ina for a late lunch at the Roadhouse.

 

 Full challenge video

The day had started out pleasantly cool at 20°C, but just as forecast, around 3 o’clock the sun came out and the temperature climbed to 28°C. Beauty!

We made our way back to the festival around 3:30 to get a seat for the 4:30 jousting performance. Good thing we went straight up to the grandstands instead of getting caught in one of those 30-deep beer lineups, because the stands were already almost full and people just kept coming. Before the show started, the “herald” even had everyone scooch over so they could squeeze more people in.

Then came the main event.

The knights came out in full armour and put on quite a show. Horses, armour, weapons and jousting—it was a pretty unique spectacle and worth the effort of getting there.

Once it ended, we picked up our coolers and made our way home. Chips and dip were had while we played a couple of games of crib, but S soon got hooked on the Jays game. I took advantage of the quiet time to work on today’s blog.

I was just taking Harley out for a much-needed walk when B arrived. She headed out to ride Roo in the dimming golden hour while I continued my never-ending battle with the weeds, pulling away at them one small chunk at a time. As I keep reminding myself, you eat an elephant one bite at a time!

Once back inside, we started Lioness again while B finished her ride, fed up and headed home. We made it through a couple of episodes before S was out.

I started a new surf-girl series instead, enjoying the tropical views and a little armchair escape before calling it a night.

Not a bad way to spend a Sunday that wasn't even on the agenda when we woke up. One minute we were having coffee, and the next we were dodging traffic, watching knights joust and wandering through a medieval village. Sometimes days you jut have to try something unexpected.

Days Are Getting Shorter

Coffees in bed got the morning started, with me moving on to blogs while S settled in with his laptop. Cutest Cowgirl went live today, so cute.

Harley is also back to loving her raw food, which makes me happy. B was out to feed and gone like a ninja in the night before I barely knew she had been here.

Sheldon made himself a sandwich and headed to town to meet with a town councillor about the AI data centres before heading off to shinny. I made myself a sandwich and then got busy around the house. All the floors were cleaned, followed by a workout in the master before I vacuumed. More dill was picked and walked down to the gate for my old massage gal, who had texted asking for some.

I also finished the last two vacation blogs, so slowly but surely I am catching up on that backlog. I washed the front-entry rug and hung it outside to dry, getting a bit of an early fall cleaning underway. Then came some accounting and, finally, some marketing work before I headed outside for the gardening chores.

S was home before 6 after his day in town, including a stop with the McDonald’s coffee crew. We had leftover roast beef for supper, although Harley's muddy face, the freshly cleaned floors didn't stay that way for long needing the robot back for a do over!

Shaina sent more videos for the vacation blog, but they all needed to be converted and added to the Tuesday vacation post, so those will go live in the morning. I also published yesterday’s blog, which means I am slowly catching up—a phrase that seems to be becoming the theme around here lately.

S headed to the TV room for baseball while I took advantage of the amazing golden hour outside. I deadheaded the roses, which have an incredible number of rose hips forming this year and more weeding. The 2 ponies were put back in barn paddock, complete with hay and treats, and then I headed inside to finish season 1 of Sterling Point.

After S had his hot tub, he joined me for Lioness. I wasn't sure about it when we first started, but once I remembered it was another Taylor Sheridan creation, it started to pull me in. Now I'm hooked enough to keep watching.

It was a pretty ordinary day at the ranch—cleaning, cooking, gardening, horses, blogs and all the little daily chores. And that golden-hour garden time? It must be enjoyed as the days get shorter.

Weeds, Wrenches & a Fireball Victory

Sunrise was bright and sunny as I let Harley out and fed the cats after 7, although the blue skies didn’t last long and the clouds soon rolled in. I made my coffee and got right to the blog, publishing the smoky vacation Monday post.

S was up making his coffee around 9 while I was already outside, weeding and digging in the large raised bed and hand-pollinating the zucchini. S settled onto the deck with his coffee and laptop while I moved on to weeding the area with the bar weeder. I tell you, you have to stay on top of these weeds—holy moly, they can take over in no time!

From there I moved into the garage, which was long overdue for some attention. My work table and little feed table had become catch-alls for all sorts of things, so I spent some time organizing, putting things away, washing the sink and cleaning the doors. The Mexican saddle got another coat of oil too, although it is still soooo dry. That leather is definitely thirsty!

S had returned to working on the Fireball, so we were both busy with our projects. I popped inside for a sandwich and got the robot washing the kitchen floor while I published Tuesday’s blog. S pulled the pump he needed and came in for a sandwich and some more YouTube research. I found him some black spray paint and a paintbrush to use with gas to clean so he could carry on with his pump progress, then headed back outside to do more gardening.

Jimmy was especially pleased with me pulling more pea plants. Apparently fresh pea-plant cleanup makes a very good horse snack!

Back in the garage, S was struggling to get the pump back into the Fireball, so I gave him a hand but mechanics is not his dream job nor is patience—so I wisely came inside to get supper started.

Renn channelling her Auntie Amanda

The roast went in first, followed by the potatoes I had dug, yellow zucchini and onions, all prepped and ready to go. After all that work, supper was super tasty, with plenty of garden goodness on the plate.

Afterward, S took the Fireball for a drive down to get the mail and came back with good news—the repair was successful! 

Harley was taken for a well needed walk then S helped man the gate as I put the horses in after tossing their evening hay.

We finished up the comedy movie we had started the night before and then headed off to dreamland.

Sheldon also sent me a bunch of photos from last weekend, so you might want to go back and check out his shots. He even took this one of Har.

Another day of weeds, gardens, garage projects and getting things fixed, with a homegrown supper in between. The ranch never seems to run out of jobs, but there is something satisfying about ending the day knowing a few more things are checked off the list—and tonight, the Fireball leak was fixed.

Cutest Little Cowgirl Visit

S was awake after 7 and already making coffee this morning. After 8, he headed off to town for yet another rodeo grounds work bee while I enjoyed my second cup and got busy on the blogs. I finished Monday’s post and published it, then finished up vacation Monday’s post. I also completed yesterday’s post. Slow and steady, I am finally catching up!

The skies were overcast and a bit smoky to start the day, although things would change quickly. Harley’s raw food was delivered while I was doing my workout, and by the time I was outside watering my planters, we had full-on sunshine.

Renn and Shaina arrived before lunch, with Shaina catching up on some work while Renn and I played in the castle. I made tuna sandwiches for lunch, while Renn opted for a jam sandwich. B was out a little later to feed and do Beibs’ feet. 

After lunch, Shaina, Renn and I headed out to catch Hank and Mac. Renn led Hank back to the barn after a short ride, and once inside, both ponies got brushed and, of course, plenty of snacks from Renn. 

Jimmy checking if Renn might have any peas to give him too.

Started with Renn at the end of the lead helping to walk Hank 

Soon she was off on her own leading the good boy

please disregard the middle portion viewing the ground as I did not know I was videoing but her little voice is so cute

Renn brushes and feeds cookies to Hank & Mac

Shaina braided Mac’s hair while I took Renn inside to hang out with Grandpa who was now back from his morning in town and eating lunch at a benefit lunch at the Chevy dealer. That gave us a chance to take Mac and Hank for a walk out into the pasture in the 25°C heat.

Shaina loaded Mac into the trailer while Hank and I hung out in the shade, and then they joined us. Once the ponies were released, we headed inside, where Shaina went back to work, Renn and I played, and S apparently decided it was a good time for a couch nap.

At 4:30, Renn was loaded into the Jeep with a freezie in hand, with Shaina planning to meet Kaylin at the mall after work. I dug potatoes and pulled dill, loaded up the buckles and headed to town.

We had supper on the patio at Boston Pizza, but unfortunately it was a bit of a disappointment—overpriced and underwhelming. Not exactly the dining experience we were hoping for. But weather was nice for eating on a patio.

We stopped at Paetz’s afterward to deliver the garden goods and buckles and have a quick visit. S even gave Archie’s virtual-reality goggles a try. We picked up Harley’s kennel and blanket while we were there and borrowed their rug cleaner for our bedroom.

The gas prices were another little adventure. The other night I had noticed gas was $1.509, and tonight it had jumped all the way to $1.789. As we passed the old Husky, though, the sign said $1.512, so naturally we stopped to fill up. Only then did we notice the stations beside it had dropped to $1.489. 

DQ had a Blizzard deal on, so we grabbed ours and sat out front watching the #1 traffic and people go by. A little people-watching with a cold treat is a pretty decent way to end the town portion of the evening.

Back at the ranch, I tossed hay and got the two chubbies into their paddock before S and I planned to head for a hot tub. But as usual, squirrel! First I had to feed the cats and Harley and water the tomatoes. There is always just one more thing.

Finally, we made it to the hot tub, and the sky put on quite a show, turning spectacular shades of pink as the evening settled in. No camera to share this amazing view but S says "You have shared 1000 pictures of the view." Yes that is true but it always amazes me.

After a shower, we started a new comedy movie, but apparently we were both done for the day. We tuckered out before it was over and finally admitted defeat, shutting it off.

Another full ranch day—blogs, ponies, gardens, family, errands, overpriced supper, cheaper gas we missed by a few cents, a Blizzard and a gorgeous pink sky. Slow and steady really is the theme lately, but little by little, I’m catching up on everything.:::