As we prepare for the new year..

A Message by George Carlin:

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness..

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

A little Update

It's been a month or so since I posted, so a little update.
I've done very little with the horses, due to horrible weather the last few weeks, and also I've been to the UK for 10 days to see family before christmas.
It was my nephew Thomas's 18th birthday, so we all went out for a meal to celebrate.
It was great to see everyone and catch up, and although I'm always ready to come home, I wasn't quite ready to leave, if that makes sense. I enjoyed spending time with my Mum and Dad, and it was difficult to say goodbye.
Because of the weather and the fact that I was going to be away, we sent Bonbon to the centre equestre near to Ross. She teaches there and we decided it would be good if she could go and get some experience and some confidence riding out. It was hard to see her go, and it goes against all my instincts, but in the long run, she needed someone who could take her out, get her used to everything and give her the confidence. Unfortunately, I'd already decided that it wasn't going to be me, as she's been quite challenging at times! :-(
On friday I went over and rode her out with the yard owner and she was fine. He really likes her and all the staff kept telling me that she was 'une tres, tres gentille jument'  ( a very, very nice mare) with no hint of malice at all. Well I knew that, but sometimes it needs someone else to spell it out to you.

Anyway, we went to collect her yesterday and she loaded fine and not a murmur all the way home. It was also my first time towing with a horse onboard ( I have practiced, obviously, without a horse!) so I was very relieved when we got back home.

Corky and Remy were really subdued for a few days when she went, and were glad to see her back, although she was on edge and alert, squealing and kicking out at Remy, as she re-established her place in our little herd.
After a night in the field she seems much calmer, and she settled down for a snooze in the stable this morning.

I know it must have been quite a trauma for her, and I feel bad, but I think it has done her good. I rode her up the lane and into the school this morning and although she was looking at things, she was forward and willing. We had a walk and trot on both reins in the school, and then came back home. She was fine.
She's lost quite a bit of weight too and looks very fit now - where did my cuddly little girlie go?

I also rode Remy in the school - it's been three weeks or so since I've ridden him, but he was a good boy and we had a walk trot and canter on both reins. The sun was out and it was nice to feel the sun on our backs.  He's a very hairy boy though, he looks like a chubby little teddy bear!