Jackson riding Bailey (bumpy!)

January 2021

These photos were taken at the end of Jackson's bumpy ride on Bailey.  The video is below.  Bailey has been coming along well under saddle, however, on this day Jackson was asking her for the first time to canter.  She was showing her displeasure at that request.  :)  Bailey was kicking up with both hind feet and at that point all Jackson could do was ride her through the rough spots to show her that kicking up won't stop the training.  Jackson hung in there and Bailey came through the other side cantering without any problem.  Good training day. 

Jackson riding Jim

January 2021

Jonathan took these photos and the video of Jackson's very first ride on Jim. This is the first time Jim has had anybody on him.  Jackson is getting him comfortable and relaxed.  He is flexing him trying to relax his neck.  The goal of this first ride is to get Jim comfortable with Jackson on his back and get Jim to move forward just a little without being afraid.  Everything went well and it was a successful first ride.

Jackson riding Piper and Bella

January 2021

Jackson has been working with Piper for awhile getting her used to having weight in the stirrups and movement over her head.  This has prepared her for the first official ride.  

Jonathan took these photos of Jackson working Piper in the barn.  Marvin and Jackson have a good system worked out.  Piper is still not too sure about anyone but Marvin.  But Jackson can get on her and try to teach her some things.  She tends to get a little riled up though, so Marvin will go in the round pen and from the ground ‘work’ Piper.  Then Jackson is just riding her throughout that workout.  It is going well. 

Below is a photo of Jackson riding Bella.  He continues to work with her on a regular basis improving her. 

January weather

While I am not the biggest fan of winter, I do find so much beauty in winter scenes.  I can't help but try to capture it with a camera.  It never works... it is always more spectacular in person, but I like having the photographic memory to go along with the images I store up in my mind.  All bring joy.  

Mama and I were driving to town one morning when we saw the frozen fog on the trees at the health dept.  I actually pulled into their parking lot just so we could take a closer look and take a few photos.  It was eerily beautiful and we were both glad we had stopped to take it in.  We also noted that the melting that was occurring was on the north side of things, not the south side.  It was the same on the ground as it was in the trees.  Interesting...

It looks like flowers on the tree...

the way the ice envelopes every single needle is so pretty!

everything is the same color... top to bottom  :)

Except... that sure looked almost like sap trying to run in that willow to us!

Another weather day... we have had the most interesting light/clouds/sky this winter.  That kind of thing draws me in and is almost impossible to capture with my little camera.  But still, I try.  :D  ha!

it was starting to snow... yet again...

sun bursting through...

more weather days...

Mama and I were rather enthralled watching the ice fall from the trees when we got back home.  :) 

Family Zooms

December was a month filled with zooms!  Even beyond my 'regular' zooms that include wine clubs, book clubs and Bible studies.  While that could make me feel 'all zoomed out' it wasn't like that at all.  These were all such special events and joy-filled.  We have discovered that we really appreciate being able to 'get together' with people from quite literally all over the world.  Zoom has been a true blessing of 2020.  I intend to keep it moving forward.  :)

December 6, 2020

Kerry and family hosted an Advent celebration the first Sunday in December.  What joy to gather with people from all over the US and Great Britain.  It was a very special time of readings and singing carols.  

December 19, 2020

Our family gathered for a quick zoom on Dec. 19 so that we could create a video to be used during our church Christmas Eve service.  Again, so nice to be able to include even those who don't live locally.  Not everyone was available, but we had most of us!  

Side note - it is much harder to make an 'in unison' video on zoom than you might think!  :)  (the outtake video was pretty funny, too). :D   (we turned in version #2)  :)

After we created the video and everone got off, Marvin, Jonathan and I enjoyed a little one on one zoom time with our favorite little fella.  :)  What a cutie pie!

December 26, 2020

The day after Christmas we held our second family reunion of 2020 via Zoom.  This has been wonderful!  And we have definitely had people able to join in that wouldn't necessarily be able to travel and be together in person.  This is something we will carry with us even after we can gather in person again.  

This time we used the break out rooms which allowed for more intimate conversation.  Everyone agreed it was similar to the feeling you get when you eat at a table with a smaller group and can really visit.  We had 3 break out sessions so folks really got to mingle.  We plan to do this again in March.  Such a special time!

December 27, 2020

I was so looking forward to this... zoom time with my dear Jennifer!  Jackson, Brianna, Maverick, Marvin and Jonathan joined in with us for a bit, but then Jennifer and I had some great one on one time.  We intend to watch a movie together next time - just like the old days.  Love and miss this girl! 

January 2, 2021

We started 2021 off right with a virtual Hootenanny!  :)  It was kind of fun to discover that the last Hootenanny was on January 2 of 2020... we consider this 2021 version a fresh new start and are definitely looking forward to an in person version later this year.  

So many wonderful get togethers and events on zoom.  A year ago at this time I had never used Zoom... and now I can't imagine going without it.  It has been a lifeline and a source of joy throughout the harder times of 2020. Very grateful!

Below is the video of the first (and only!) virtual Hootenanny! 

New Years Eve/New Years Day

 December 31, 2020/January 1, 2021

Here we are!  Partying on New Years Eve!  Ha!  

So ready for 2021!!

We started 2021 with another storm.  Not too bad and we kept power so that was certainly good.  

We did have some damage inside to our ceiling from a couple of weird leaks that came through around vents in our roof.  I guess it was because we had strong icy rain and wind that came from the east and pushed the water in a different way.  Oh well, we are just building up a big list for dear Geoff H when we can get him in.  :) 

We were lucky with this leak that most of the water gushed through that light fixture so the issue on the ceiling was minimized since the water had a way out.  

This one was different - there was no way for the water to escape so it just spread. I was sure thankful it didn't drop down on all those external hard drives, however!  Definitely could have been worse.