It snowed here!!!! The weather report had been saying there would be snow down to 1000', and we're at about 1800', so we were waiting for it. My co-workers told me about a previous year when it had snowed at that elevation and suggested we stock up on water just in case. So we did. But we didn't need it; we didn't lose power or have any pipes burst or anything (knock wood for future cold snaps!).

Snow in our neighborhood isn't unheard of, but isn't a regular occurrence, and hasn't happened since we've lived here. I haven't seen snow fall since I don't know when, so I was excited on Friday when I was at work and looked out the window and it was snowing! It was so beautiful and quiet and peaceful...

When I got home from work, Colin said it had snowed a bit, but it didn't stick. Friday afternoon, though, it started snowing again! It was our neighbor's birthday and we had plans to go out to dinner; she was so happy to have snow on her birthday! (We had a wonderful sushi dinner, followed by a play during which we all fell asleep but it was fun anyways)

On Saturday mornings, Colin feeds the menagerie and I get to sleep in a bit. But when I opened my eyes at 7:30 and saw the snow in the trees, I couldn't sleep. I grabbed the camera and went out to take some pictures; hopefully Colin will post them. (Barn, trees, pasture, horses, back yard) The snow didn't last the day, and we didn't get anymore, despite lyingweather.com's forecast. So I'm glad I took pictures!

On the horsey-front, the boys are doing well. Miles blew a huge abscess out his heel - he was lame for a week before it blew and while he's much more comfortable now, he's still not rideable. I've been trying to figure out his attitude issues and have been wondering if it is a symptom of something else. I contacted an herbalist who recommended something because he tends to be "overly sexy" (her words!). I tried to give it to him and he refused his feed. And continued to do so over the next few days; I guess he likes being overly sexy! In the meantime, he had been grazing at the neighbors (insert picture, Putty!) and seemed to have a more agreeable personality, so perhaps the grazing has some benefit that helps his attitude issues. I took him off his beet pulp and put him back on his alfalfa pellets and he is now happily eating again, even his overly-sexy-reducing herbs! I'm wondering if he has an ulcer and the fresh grass that he was grazing on helped his tummy. Once the ground gets a bit harder again, I'll put him back on the neighbor's pasture and see how that goes. He certainly loves being out there (as do all the boys!).

Paddy is doing well. He is now back to work without his shoes on, and I'm really pleased with his progress! He is totally sound and rideable in the arena. He's a bit ouchy on the trails when it is rocky, but isn't refusing to move, so I'll keep taking him out. The weather is supposed to be nice all week so maybe we'll go to the mine on Thursday afternoon.

Colin was kind enough to come out and take pictures of me on Paddy yesterday (insert picture, please!). After I rode, Colin got on for a short lesson and I took a couple pictures of him, too (insert more pictures, please)! Paddy is such a nice horse - he is very careful and steady with Colin. I feel like Colin is safe on him and I think he enjoys riding Paddy.

I've got to go now; we're in high demand for social events this week and we're heading to our neighbors' house for dinner!
- posted by Susan @ 6:28 PM