Learning the Ropes

Today was the first shooting match in which Bela could have competed, but she didn’t feel ready.  I took Bela and her friend, Gen, to the Hyannis high school so we could observe how things are run.  Shooters register on arrival, make a note of which group they are in and amuse themselves until shooting time.  Bela and Gen watched for a bit, but we noticed that many kids had brought their iPads, phones or other devices to kill time while they waited.  After the girls discovered an open connection, it was (as the saying goes) all over but the crying.

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I spent my time chatting and laughing with (and at) some of the other moms.  I was told that normally the moms pack some snacks to avoid concession stand prices.  I learned quite a bit about shooting, too.  Most of us were there as cheerleaders more than coaches anyway.

Best gas station ever!

Best gas station ever!

Free breakfast is a really big deal!

Free breakfast is a really big deal!

The girls got free breakfast, thanks to my favorite gas station.  🙂  I even had egg rolls.  After four hours at the high school, it was time to dash back home so I could finish my laundry (at work and home!).  We saw some deer, so I (of course) pulled over to take a look.  Once I got home and checked the camera, I discovered that I had taken 115 pics today!

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Bad to Good

My question to my friend was, “Why do I always worry so much when God has everything under control?”  Maybe I should explain from the beginning….

One of our little furry family members wasn’t acting right.  He was listless and snappy.  Chance (AKA Fancy Pants) never snaps at my daughter!  He acted like his back hurt, and he had trouble jumping on the bed.  I called the vet yesterday, gave Chance a dose of aspirin and planned to “wait and see.”

Pretty soon it was bed time, but I was worried about our boy, so I couldn’t sleep.  I usually get up at four in the morning to do laundry at the nursing home, but I gave up on getting to sleep by ten.  I figured I could go in to do some laundry early.   I can do a lot of laundry in three or four hours!  I had everything washed and delivered upstairs so the floor would be well stocked; that made it possible for me to take Chance to the vet this morning.  (I went to work after that to finish the laundry.)

After catching a few hours of sleep, Bela and I got up and took Chance to Hyannis.  The vet determined that Chance has some arthritis and would benefit from being on a prescription.  Sometimes we forget that our little guy is aging….he is eleven or so.  He has more grey on his muzzle than before, but we don’t discuss it.  (After all, he doesn’t mention my grey hair!)

I was running low on money, but I had to take care of our Chance, so I was relieved when the vet said he could bill me.  I paid something anyway, though, to lessen the payment later.  With what I didn’t pay, I was able to buy us breakfast.  I knew Bela was as hungry as I was since we had hopped out of bed and hit the road.  I went to the local “breakfast spot” to see what I could do.  (I would like to insert here that I’m sure God knows the state of shambles affairs concerning my check book!)  I went in to order myself some egg rolls since I know from experience that they rock!  I get some every time I am in Hyannis….

I noticed there were no hamburgers in the case.  Breakfast was technically over, but there were some “tornadoes” in the hot case.  The clerk handed me one and said, “Oh, it’s free since it’s left over from breakfast.”  I sure was relieved—and shocked!  Did I mention this store also has free coffee?

This little jaunt to the vet turned out quite a bit better than I had anticipated!  Chance is fine, and we had all we needed.  So, why do I worry so much?

Chance is in his favorite spot.  He might be holding a grudge about the vet trip.

Chance is in his favorite spot. He might be holding a grudge about the vet trip.

 

 

 

Rodeo Saturday

Saturday rodeo and my day off…..it was a miraculous sort of day! I got up a bit earlier than my body wanted, but after a pep talk and a cup of coffee (not in that order), I managed to shower and get out the door by 7:40. Hyannis is about 45 minutes from home, and I wanted to be there early enough to get a good parking space. I also knew that Deb and Scout had to be ready by 9. It was a bonus seeing other people from my (adopted) town once I got there.

I love taking pictures, and horses are always fun to photograph. I figured out how to take video with Bela’s camera, so it was a fun day.

Crow's nest

Crow’s nest


Bernice is ready to roll.

Bernice is ready to roll.


I've never seen an ugly horse.  :)

I’ve never seen an ugly horse. 🙂


Another beautiful equine specimen

Another beautiful equine specimen


Warm up time in the ring

Warm up time in the ring