Actually, I'm doing quite well with "all things in general". Perhaps it's the struggles that provide fuel for the creative fire...of my blogging...in my veins? (See what I mean? I am totally un-inspired.)
I've just been so busy!
Riding with Ray Berta once a month has been incredible. Not just because he's in Carmel Valley, which is one of the most beautiful places on earth, but because Ray is an amazing horseman. My riding has improved, my horse is pissed, just kidding....she actually seems to be happier now that I'm learning her language and we're actually getting somewhere. Ray is also quite handy with a rope, being a third generation cattle rancher on the Berta Ranch. So I'm learning some ranch roping from him as well!
When Maddie and I are not in serious "training", we're having a lot of adventures! We've ridden on the beach (not really that much fun. I was disappointed, she was terrified), in the hills, to several wineries (that's right, we did the Spring Stampede Wine Ride in April), sorting cows, practicing our ranch roping skills (or lack thereof), we went to a bomb proofing clinic, I've joined the California Horseman's Association and their 'Trail Riders Awards Program' (logging hours on the trail...might win something!), and because my horse is game for just about anything, I thought she might enjoy being part of the Alameda County Sheriff's Department Volunteer Mounted Posse Unit - as a patrol horse, parade horse, general awesomely important horse. We're somewhere in the application process. They provide support to the Sheriff's Department at events like rodeos, sporting events (i.e. Oakland Raiders games), etc. as well as some fun PR; Color Guard, Parades, etc. They're a top notch group of people, hope we're up for it. I really really really really like the uniforms.
I think I mentioned in my last post that I've started running again....with an awesome coach this time! I have a friend who recently graduated from Santa Clara University and was on the track team. She is incredibly mean and doesn't seem to understand that I'm super old (I'm just kidding, she's greeeeaaaaat). She's inspiring me and holding me accountable, so I'm up to a couple of miles and have been running consistently, 3 days a week, for about two months now. It feels great to be running again. I'm hiking and walking on the off days. I've lost about 8 pounds so far. I'm also back on Weight Watchers because I like eating a wide variety of foods and love their recipes (and for some reason, I don't make them unless I'm actually on Weight Watchers, which makes no sense at all....?)
And I actually do still have a full time job...which might help explain why I've been MIA. I guess I've got a lot going on....not to be confused with "I've got it going on", which I pretty much do as well.
The picture insert option is working again! Here is a "catch up" montage:
"Working the gate" at Ron Butler's Ranch after bringing some cows in
Riding with friends in the Sunol Wilderness Area
You really can't have a horse without riding through a fast food drive through at least once....
The Bill Dorrance Memorial Arena at the Carmel Valley Trail & Saddle Club
Bombproofing Clinic!
Movin' cows around on the neighbor's ranch
Our trek up Mount Diablo
Sorting Practice
One of our many solo rides - this one to Lake Del Valle
Relaxing with some fellow cowgirls after a ride
Sometimes we just hike together...
Wine ride!
Maddie terrified on the beach
Oh yeah....and we're still doing lot's of thisssssssssss!!!!
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