Category Archives: Twists and Turns

Torrington Jackpot

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My friend, Deb, was kind enough to babysit me today.  She took me with her to the barrel racing jackpot in Torrington.  Since I still consider myself “new” to Nebraska, I took for granted that I’d be in Nebraska for this shindig.  I was a bit surprised when we crossed the state line into Wyoming.  It wasn’t that far into Wyoming, but I was excited to see some new territory just the same.

Deb was kind enough to pull over so I could get a shot of Scottsbluff.

Deb was kind enough to pull over so I could get a shot of Scottsbluff.

Deb's rig is quite comfortable for humans and animals.

Deb’s rig is quite comfortable for humans and animals.

I tried (and failed) to record Deb’s run, but Harley (the young horse) did well.  (My daughter needs to give me lessons on how to use her video camera.)  I was so disappointed to not have the whole run on video, but I will do better if she ever invites me again.

I had plenty of time to stroll around and photograph many beautiful horses.  I had the pleasure of meeting a nice young lady named Bailey.  Actually, I saw her run in the arena, loved her horse, and followed her to her trailer to ask if I could get a picture of the horse.  Bailey was kind enough to let me take a picture of Shambo.  I hope Bailey visits the blog to see the picture.  🙂

Shambo is a beautiful buckskin mare.

Shambo is a beautiful buckskin mare.

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Bailey caught this horse during our chat.

Bailey caught this horse during our chat.

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This lady was kind enough to pose for me.

This lady was kind enough to pose for me.

Subway, Deb’s dog furry child, was quite indignant because Deb put his collar and tether on him for safety.  There was a road right beside the rig, so she made sure he was safe in spite of his protests.

Subway was not happy.

Subway was not happy.

Deb and Harley had a good run, and I had fun watching all the horses.

 

Wishing Life Away

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“Oh, I can’t wait until Friday!”  I said that this week.  Did you?  You might be curious to know what my big plans are for the weekend.  I work my second job.  So what was the hurry for Friday?  I’m never really sure!

I realized as I looked at the calendar that all I’ve been doing is wishing my life away one weekend at a time.  And for what?  I’ve reached the conclusion that I should focus on making every day the best (as I live it) rather than waiting to “have fun” at the end of the regular work week.

Are you waiting for the weekend?

Are you waiting for the weekend?

Just a Reminder

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This just serves to remind you that our Nigerian daughters are still missing.  There are missing children all over the world, but that doesn’t make it right.  Some children are not more important than others no matter what the media might suggest.  A prostitute’s child is no less important than a diplomat’s child.  Different resources may be available to help search for those children, but the bottom line is that we all must open our eyes and help.

Take time to look at the faces of missing children.  How would you feel if your child were missing?  Did you know that May 25th is dedicated to missing children?  It’s horribly sad one needed to be created in the first place.

https://www.facebook.com/bringbackourgirls

http://www.missingkids.com/KeyFacts

http://www.ojjdp.gov/missingchildrensday/

Blind Eye?

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My adopted community is small, but caring.  If a family is having a hard time, there’s always someone willing to get the ball rolling and organize help.  It’s amazing to watch.  Sometimes I am ashamed of myself for not noticing a need in the first place.  I should have paid closer attention.  I should have known.

I’m not saying to spy on your neighbors, but I know I’m guilty of putting on my blinders when I leave the house.  Are you?  I simply don’t notice—or maybe I even turn a blind eye when I have a gut feeling that something is off.  How many horrible things have happened throughout history due to apathy and/or turning a blind eye?

I watched a video this week that drove the point home.

http://www.upworthy.com/no-one-applauds-this-woman-because-theyre-too-creeped-out-at-themselves-to-put-their-hands-together

You may wonder what the video has to do with my post, but turning a blind eye can apply to anything unpleasant that we don’t want to see.  It could be animal abuse, hungry children, a hurting family without resources…anything.  I have to make an effort to “be present” in my own daily life.  We all need to remember that!  Make an effort to get to know the new family down the street.  Make an effort to see beyond polite conversation down to the need that may exist.  Many people are embarrassed to ask for help.  Maybe we should offer it anyway.

Super Mom!

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Where’s my cape?  Oh, never mind!  Today was great!  I got to sleep late, and Bela slept even later.  Once I got up and moving, I decided to make some (turkey) bacon and eggs to entice Bela out of the bed.  Fail!  End result: she ate breakfast in bed.  That usually doesn’t happen, but since she hurt her ankle, I let it slide.

Once her breakfast was taken care of and the dishes done, I was looking for something for myself.  I had gone to bed last night thinking about my mom’s recipe for cassoulet.  I thought it called for some ketchup, but I couldn’t remember for sure.  After a quick phone call, I put everything (one can of white Northern beans, one can of drained carrots, four cut-up wieners and some ketchup) into the pot, “cooked” a few minutes and had an easy lunch.  I have enough for two or three more meals.  Just in case you’re interested, Mom said some garlic powder and onions can be added to the recipe.

Easy, one-pot lunch!

Easy, one-pot lunch!

Since I had conquered today’s meals, I was looking for something else….that’s when I found a box of cake mix in the cabinet.  Hmmmm.  Why not?  I also noticed a small box of food coloring, so I added a few drops of color to the batter.  🙂

I used a knife to swirl the colors a bit.

I used a knife to swirl the colors a bit.

After the cake was done, Bela and I taste tested (for quality control purposes).  I even managed to get some icing on a few pieces.  Bela tried a piece before it was cooled!  (I might have, too.)  Lunch, check.  Crazy cake, check.  Popcorn and a movie?  Sure, let’s do it!

I made Bela some popcorn, and we settled down to watch The Book of Life (again).  What a wonderful day off.