Check Up, Escaped Horses, and Stiff Pilates

No sun greeted us at 7 a.m. this morning. Just that heavy, flat winter light that makes everything feel a little slower.

S made coffees today delivering them back to bed, then scrolling for more updates on the cartel chaos in Mexico. I finished my first coffee in bed, then jumped into the shower before pouring round two. With that second cup I published Saturday’s post and polished up Sunday’s so it’s ready to go later today. There is something deeply satisfying about hitting publish before 9 a.m.

S showered next, then promptly nodded off in big brown for awhile before heading out to fuel up the car. Meanwhile I vacuumed — again. Dogs inside during shedding season is basically a full-time management program.

We were on the road after 9:30, stopping in Langdon where I ran in for teas and a muffin. I dropped S off a half hour early for his checkup and made the most of my free window — a quick Winners return and a little wander through the aisles. There’s something therapeutic about aimless browsing now and then.

I chauffeured the patient back home just after noon, he hit the bed to watch the news but fell asleep instead. I finished up the custom dresser tutorial — another project ready to publish as next month's paint project.

Later S went out to roll a bale for the horses while I read on the bed. Of course, the horses took that moment to escape into the big field. They were thrilled with themselves. I watched them gallop and carry on, though poor Katie — with her bad knees — will likely pay for that enthusiasm tomorrow.

Once they settled at the fresh hay, Harley and I bundled up and walked out to close the gate. It was only -2 and sunny, but that prairie sun is deceptive. It felt just as biting as those -12 days. Sheesh.

The rest of the afternoon was quiet. I read while S watched poker and whatever else filled the TV screen. B came out for her usual feed and Cooper’s bathroom break before heading home.

Renn in training to cook chicken last night

I wrapped up the Top Model documentary and started a Gordon Ramsay series — decent, not riveting. Somewhere in between episodes I did a beginner Pilates routine and wow… it is painfully obvious my flexibility packed up and left town years ago.

Winter days have a way of stretching and shrinking all at once. Chores, coffee, animals, a bit of productivity, a bit of escape. And just like that, another one folded into the books.