My granddaughter Shayla started doing high school rodeos last spring. Her horse was a pain in the behind, however. She fought going into the arena like crazy. Over the summer, Shayla bought a new horse (a palomino), and this weekend was the one and only fall event. I got to see her run barrels on Sunday, but I made a big mistake. I was busy taking photos when I should have been just watching. I missed too much. I won't make that mistake come spring. I will depend on others to snap photos.
My ankle got a major work out yesterday, walking back and forth to the car and horse trailer over uneven ground, through some sand, through some gravel. I confess, I was a bit nervous at times. But I did pretty good and came home with only mild discomfort. We'll see what my physical therapist has to say.
During the years I owned horses and did my own share of riding and running barrels and poles, I learned that I didn't mind all the dust and dirt and sweat … right up until the moment that I drove up to the corral and unloaded the horses. After that, I was so eager for a shower I couldn't get into the house fast enough.
Makes me think how spoiled I am. I walk into the bathroom, turn a knob, and seconds later, I can step into a hot shower and wash away the day. It hasn't been all that long since homes didn't have running water or water heaters (and in a good portion of the world, they still don't). My mom grew up with an outhouse and weekly baths with the water heated on the stove. Granted that was 90-some years ago, but still. That was my mom. Just one generation removed from me.
It's a good thing to remember the incredible blessings I have. No matter the things I may do without, I have so much to be thankful for, so many things that I take for granted. Heating and cooling. A house with a roof that doesn't leak. Clothes that fit. A washer and dryer. A trustworthy car. So much to thank God for on a daily basis.
In closing, I'll share some photos from last spring when Shayla's mare met Poppet and ended up "laughing" over the experience. (Click to see the larger version.)
Wishing you all a fun, laugh-filled week.
~robin
