SKYWATCH FRIDAY

The first 5 shots were taken at 7:40 this morning from my back porch.












These last two shots were taken at 7:10.





To view more beautiful skies from around the world> http://skyley.blogspot.com

TALK ABOUT AUTUMN...

I played with the photo above within iPhoto. If you click on it, it will look like a painting.

There's no doubt about it....fall has fell at Skoog Farm.







When I dropped some apples off at the Smag's house, their trees were still vibrant!

The most brilliant color I have seen.






Now, to get on with my day.

What is in Abbe's future? Today I spoke to Andrea, who spent dozens of hours training her...teaching her to pull a cart. I let her know that my decision to give this up is final. Three weeks ago I was ready to call it a day (and we discussed it) but have taken this time to really think it over. My gut tells me I should not do this. If she were a made horse I would not hesitate, but between my age, a bad knee and my comfort zone...riding would be a much better choice. I will never give up line driving as it is a pleasure...no more blinders for my girl tho. In fact, today I received my Bitless Bridle and I'm pretty sure she and Berlin are going to love it. This past week I have done some ground work and Abbe seems much more relaxed and happy. I'm trying not to feel guilty about this, as I have invested a lot of time and money in harnesses, carts, lessons, training and more. I have the greatest respect for Andrea and if she had Abbe they could go to the moon. But, she is mine, and I am not a serious trainer. On the good side, she is more disciplined, excellent trailering, well behaved at Glen Darach and has been exposed to the best training and experiences I could ask for. Now I have to get Jenny to start riding her so Berlin and I can have some company. I want only the best for this Pony and hope to make some progress in a venue that is more comfortable for me. Anyone want to buy a cart and harness?

Dark, muddy and gloppy going through the front paddock. I did not let the dogs go with me as they had to be at the groomer by 10am and could not arrive all dirty.

Bermuda loved not being chased by Gucci and Phoebe.

He likes to sit on the ledge that goes around the top of Abbe's stall.

Got into the 50's today...sheets off.

That means let's all roll in the mud.

On the way back from dropping the dogs off, I stopped to pick some BEAUTIFUL apples.

Of course I had to zig and zag all through the detours.

Tonight I will attempt to get some photos of my nice, clean pups. Night all.

MORE PLAY WITH PHOTOSHOP

If you really want to see the effect, you will need to click on these photos.

My first ride....Lady


Abbe


Hito in neon


Marieke (Berlin's Dam) and her full brother, Hollander


Berlin again....

and again....

JUST WALKIN' IN THE RAIN....GETTIN' SOAKIN' WET....

It rained last night...and it was raining this morning.

On with the sheets....hay under the shed roof.

Got in the house around 9:30. Did not let the dogs come out to the barn, so they went for a short run around the yard.

Drove to Brockport...Chorus practice at 10:30.

The detours were still messing up the streets...

And it was still raining.

We had a pretty good session today. My coughing has just about disappeared.

Home for lunch. Decided to just hole up in the house for the afternoon.

We had a few moments without rain, so I took the dogs back out for awhile.



As per usual, the fire was going in the kitchen.

So many of the leaves have fallen, there is no sign of grass in the yard off the kitchen.



Went out to do chores at 5:30. Gosh! it was raining. I think the horses were quite happy to go into their stalls.

Don't the clocks get changed pretty soon? It will be totally dark when I do chores.



The kids left the exercise ball outside the other day...Love the color with the leaves.

Dinner? Our homemade sauce on spags with a salad. Nothing fancy.

That's it for now. Night all.