ta-ta technology!

I'm headed off to a weekend horsing around in the Nat'l Forest.  South of my county and into the land where technology doesn't work.  Hurrah!

I leave you with photos of this beautiful state.  She's finally greened up and leafed out in her entirety.  Happy weekending, all!

Blippits

A party-filled night.
A snowy Halloween.
A miming failure.
A happy dog.
A re-affirming love for the greatest horse in the world tonight on a wonderful ride [finally].
More on all of this throughout the week; for now this video of riding Stan tonight.

Saftey and the like

Whoop, whoop!  I am getting one of these in the mail very shortly!

After 4 years of non-helmet wearing I’m converting back.  I can’t guarantee that I’ll end up wearing it a perfect 100% of the time from now until infinity, but I’ll definitely wear it often.  I’d also (not for another couple years probably) like to get one of these (also by Tipperary).

I saw them [for the first time] at the endurance race this year and was intrigued.  I want one!  I become a [much more] ballsier rider when I have a helmet on, so combine it with the protective vest?!  Bring it.  Okay, just kidding, don’t “bring it”, but I won’t be very hesitant about things that I was uncertain about prior to protection.

I’m pumped.

Had a pretty good ride on the QH/Arab mare again last night.  She’s just brilliant.  I really enjoy her.  She’s definitely swung my door to the middle between the mares vs. geldings decision.  I’d be happy with either now.  No more discrimination.  If the horse strikes me as capable of doing what I want (one day when I’m legit shopping, you know) I will take him/her home with me with no concern to the gender.  Hell, if I could start him young, I’d even take an un-cut colt and consider keeping him a stallion as long as he respected the world and wouldn’t screw a fence post.  I digress…  The mare was great though.  Still figuring out which bit she’ll listen to best though.  We did a lot more jumping last night than we had prior.  She’s willing, but still tries to balk and avoid if your attention wavers just the slightest.  But that’s probably my fault as I have no formal jumping lessons. 

Which leads me to this…

For Monday night I have scheduled my first ever formal hunter/jump seat lesson.  Whoop, whoop!  Another reason to order the helmet TODAY so I have it on Monday (free 2-day shipping, baby!). 

Many equine updates to come!  For now, I’m off to a weekend (yeah, I have 3-day weekends every other week, booya) of fun and chaos in Morgantown!  Let’s go Mountaineers! 

Hope your weekend proves fun and enjoyable!!

A Country Kind of Weekend

I. Love. This. Time. Of. Year.

PERIOD.

Cool weather.  Changing leaves.  And the county fair.  LOVE!!  Back to my country roots real hard and deep this weekend.  Livestock, mud, rodeo, country music, beer, and amazing, amazing people.  Seriously, what could be better!??!?

So many photos to come.  Just you wait.

Recapping

A relaxing evening at the camp

I had high aspirations to write a lengthy post about everything that has gone on, but as more things keep happening and happening, the likelihood of that is becoming slimmer and slimmer.  So here's the bulleted version:

• Morgantown bound last weekend.  Visited with so many people and had a hands down amazing time.  I sucked at partying and going out when I was in college, but I seem to be better now considering my bedtime of 5am on Saturday morning!  (Gibbies for drinks, Bent for mad dancing, and onward with more friends for a cool down.)  Win.  And I wasn't even drunk and therefore didn't have to combat a nasty hangover.  Double win.
• Hotdogs are a completely acceptable breakfast.
• Drove to Elkins,  then to my cabin on Saturday for my dad's birthday/to see family for the weekend.  Intended on staying the night there and hitting up some Purple Fiddle action, but sleepiness over took me and I drove home and conquered 12 hours of sleep.  Booya.

Mini-tour of our cabin; family built it/re-built it in the late 80s after the first burned down

Kenai wanted a charred stick but was afraid to get it

Family and friends

The high elevation fields and mountains of WV where our cabin is

Just chillin' on a back road

• Woke Sunday morning with the realization that I had another two days of weekend and Elkins was presenting me with nothing to do.  So, spur of the moment, I drove BACK to Morgantown for the WVU vs. Marshall football game.  I had no ticket but I did tailgate for a bit and then ran into a friend I hadn't seen in two years and watched the game w/ him at his friend's place.  We got hungry and decided to walk the 6 blocks to my car midway through the 3rd quarter - oops.  Rain, hail, lightning, thunder & me screaming expletives at the sky as hail pelted my bare legs.  (WVU's game ended up have 4+ hours of rain/lightning delay and Marshall defaulted the win to WVU, 33-13)  Yeah, it was a good time.  Hilarious.  I haven't been thoroughly soaked by rain in a long time.  Loved it.  We finally got into my car, got across town, and snagged showers and some food at his friend's house then headed out for a sushi dinner a little while later.

Ravi drenched

Drenched, but happy!

Om nom nom nom

• I ended the evening crashing at my friend Jack's place with him and his buddy.  Chilling and watching movies on that rainy night was just what I needed.
• It basically rained from Saturday - Thursday here.  Boo.
• Rain brought cooler temps.  Yay.
• Sickness struck me down Tuesday morning.  Tonsils swollen.  Queasiness started to ensue.  Went to work for a half day and came home.  Ended up being out of work all week until Friday late morning.  Fever, strep, nausea, puking.  It was glorious.  NOT.  Despite being loaded down with tylenol I still had a fever of 101.5.  Blech!  And NOTHING I ate would stay down for two days.  My food love has returned.  And I have a renewed sense to work out and be in shape after lying in bed for three-ish days.  Must. Move.

 

Cows in the road; how many points should I get for hitting it?  'Cause I may or may not have grazed one at a balmy 5mph

My Escape

More pictures and video to follow in the upcoming days...