Hello, Ju. Jul. Aug. SEPTEMBER. FALL!

On September 17, 2025 By AveryIn Dogs, Horses, Life, Uncategorized1 Comment

oYe. Uh, hi. Hello there.

How many times now have I basically began to you in this exact same manner?! Too many to count, now that is sure. One of these days I will come up with a different opening. Maybe. Who knows. I am not sure I even believe that, so it is OK if you do not.

I started a post back in June, planning to catch up. I got a couple paragraphs down and then never came back to it. In fact, it took me quite a while to even find where WordPress now hides draft posts.

How is it already September…FALL!?! Yikes. Each month is going by like a the blink of an eye. It seems to have felt like that for the last two years to be honest! Since it was FEBRUARY that I last wrote, I am sure this is no surprise to you, dear readers. F. E. B. R. U. A. R. Y.

So, here I am for my seemingly new, regular, season change update. Back in February it was the anxious await of spring with the countdown to time change, greening landscapes, and shedding horses. Welp. Now it is the flip side. The change of fall has been in the air for a little while now while we all await the cooler temperatures. The foliage is starting to change. Horses (the one horse, Chance, like clockwork) have started to put some hair on. Cousin H and I have already had a fall cooking and movie fest and I am brainstorming holiday desserts. Pumpkin bread is happening soon.

Anyhoo…what all has been going on?! A LOT! Strap in and hold on. Get your drink of choice. I am sat here with my vino. Some things are going to need their own posts later on, but here are the highlights. This is going to be all over the place most likely and fair warning I will not be re-reading before hitting publish!

Lito celebrated his 12th birthday! Talk about a yikes! It feels like just yesterday he was a gangly colt. Sometimes I still see that colt in there, but his is a full grown Spanglish man full time now. I made him have a photo shoot and he was none too pleased about it, but he gave me some good looks so I will take it.

I will tell you it really was a lovely spring. One we are not always fortunate to have. I had to have a sweater on a few times in May with my morning porch coffee time. I know, crazy, right?!

I snuck away for a week to Hawaii just as the summer heat started to show itself.

What is that you say?! Slipped that one in there, didn’t I?

Yes! I got invited to come to Hawaii and ride Carino into the crater! I of course could not turn an adventure like that and the opportunity to visit my Aunt and Uncle down. Life is about saying ‘YES‘ when you can! Carpe diem, YOLO, all of it.

Then my Cheetah turned 21. Talk about a mind boggler. I made her do the same photo shoot as Lito. She did not really show up to play, but I got some decent enough shots.

Merley bob also celebrated a big birthday this summer and got to go to the hill country for a ride with Lito to celebrate. This birthday was one that honestly, I have been…I do not even know the word. Fearing, I guess. A birthday I never got to see with my Darcy girl. It does not help that the end of May was the anniversary of her passing. It is always a strange time for me. A big part of me actually subconsciously thought we would never get here.

But he did! My Merley turned 6!

I am a bad mom and never got around to his birthday photoshoot, so please enjoy these other snaps.

Need a break yet? OK, hurry fast. I won’t wait long.

OK, where were we?

Lito and I had a big adventure with his first out of state mountain trip to New Mexico!

New Mexico was a great end cap to summer. This morning I enjoyed pinon coffee that I bought there.

The summer really was lovely and quite mild. Many places got quite a bit of rain. Some places tragically too much. Others like us have had almost none. But, I have even had some nice mornings out with my coffee since August and I just got my winter horse hay loaded in last weekend. It sure is nice to get that chore finished. Now to source hay for the cows, which we will need more this year than in years past.

September and fall have gotten off to…um…a rocky start? Dichotomous? Is this a train wreck of a transition?

I guess that is how I could put it. I could use a myriad of different words.

It began with a major high.

I brought Lito home over Labor Day weekend for the first time and it was lovely. I had a pajama party ride with friends down the road followed by a care free afternoon with them in the pool. The rest of the time was spent enjoying our first rides at home, homemade brunches, and movies on the couch with Merle for the afternoon rain storms. It was the most truly relaxing time I have had in a long time.

After that high came the nightmare of a low. The kind that makes you regret everything. If I had not had that weekend, maybe this would not have happened. If I had never gotten into horses. I am going to be really quick here. Cold even, at least it feels that way to me. It is the only way I can put it down. It still haunts me and it will for quite some time.

We lost our dear Lei Lei. I never did introduce you to her I do not think. She was the most perfect of large bay pinto ponies. She had spirit and spunk. She fit right into the very heartbeat of our herd. I do not know how else to put it. She was perfect in all the ways. Even in her naughty pony ways. Her loss is palpable. If you could see a literal hole, it is there. A hole in the herd. In the energy. In the pasture. In the barn. In the soul. The property.

It was a fluke that I was even at the farm that morning, but it was clear from a far that something was very wrong. I got mad at first, who has the time for this? I got a call into the vet right after that. The rest of the heard knew everything was wrong. I cried with our vet before we loaded her up and I drove her to the hospital for her last chance.

Chance knew she was not coming back. The look on his face when I came back alone. He turned away from me the following morning.

We prayed she would just have an impaction in her small intestine and that fluids and pain meds and all the juju dances would get her through. Unfortunately, we believe she had a fatty, strangulating mass and quite possibly a resulting rupture. We could not get her stable and had to make the call at 3:30 AM.

I do not know what else to say. I proceeded to clean and prep her stall anyway because I did not know what else to do. I sat and stared at the box her mane and tail came in for days.

It is the very worst part of being involved with horses and animals in general. That is the unfortunate reality which is why I am even sharing this.

Then, in the truest way of horses, Lito was lame the following weekend. That will have to have its own update later as well because now I am worn out, but he is making progress in the correct direction. So there is that.

I really am very sorry for dumping on you. If you have made it this far, I appreciate you being here.

Walk in love, dear readers. Until next time.

Happy October!

On October 1, 2024 By AveryIn Horses, Life, Music6 Comments

Or, as us cool people know, the best month of the year.

Ah, my dear readers. How I have longed to sit down and chat with you. How have you been?

I am still over here just a runnin’ ’round like crazy. What is really crazy to me is how long this little corner of the internet has been around. EIGHT years (back in August). Can you believe that!?! That is just wild. I created this blog on a whim it felt like. I had been thinking about it for a long time and had done a very little research, but then one day, bam, I just went for it. While at work, no less. Don’t tell anyone. I remember being so surprised at how easy it was and also too, very proud of myself. A part of me longs for when I could write to you most every day like I used to. The majority of me though is just so glad about where I am at. I am working on being OK with stopping in here when I can.

I am currently sitting on the porch, sipping on some rose wine (long time readers know how this can go sometimes!), enjoying the sunset while I write. I am sitting in the same place I drank my coffee this morning to enjoy the sunrise. In fact, if I am being truthful, and you know I always am, what is left of my coffee is sitting here next to me on the table next to my glass of wine because I willfully left it there this morning when Merle and I hopped in the truck to head to work. I know, how very adult of me. I will be even more honest and tell you that I even put my bottle of wine in an ice bucket and that is sitting at my feet. It would be even better if Merle was at my feet too, but alas, the smells in the country can not keep that dog down for long (or really at all). He is out there sniffing and wagging his tail, living his best dog life.

I am feeling blessed that I am looking at some green grass in front of me, but pretty much everywhere else has been burned up to a crisp. Texas summer is holding on strong and keeping us rather warm in the afternoons with highs in the mid to upper nineties. That is one of my justifications for the wine in the ice bucket. It is still so hot! I plopped an ice cube in my wine (gasp!) to keep it cool when I sat down and it has already melted in full.

Pops asked me just the other day if we were going to have a fall. I have two horses growing coats. Which the one I know he starts that early every year no matter what. The trees are turning and beginning to drop their leaves. We have had some semblance of a cool front that has granted us some admittedly very nice mornings, they just do not linger all that long.

I am not complaining though, do not get me wrong. I so feel for everyone that has suffered in the path of hurricane Helene. Some of that destruction many did not see coming at all. You know we know how you feel. One thing after all of these storms that I can remember is that you have to remember ANYTHING can happen in the storm path. No two storms are the same. Scale category means absolutely nothing. Obtain any and all information you can from varied sources.

Anyway, here I am again talking to you about the weather. I can not even remember what all I have told you other than sharing my trip to the mountains of Colorado.

Here is the thing. Shhhhhhhhh. Don’t tell anyone. Life has changed for me in a (big) way, but it does not feel or seem that way. It is so natural and comforting I can not explain it and I really can not explain how grateful and blessed I feel. Really it happened a little bit ago, but I am keeping this quiet for a while to really let it all absorb. Let it settle. BE PRESENT. Get used to it. I have not shared it with really anyone, and that is OK. I may share it one day. Everything with work and the animals and everything else is the same and as great as ever and there is nothing to worry over. The most grand AHA moment there ever was.

Another, even bigger AHA moment. You will likely be tired of this one, but I do not care. This is the one ‘never’ you can say. NEVER forget that you are not promised tomorrow. LIVE your life for real. I lost someone near and dear to me and to my Mamma and to my family. She and my Mamma were the very best of friends. One of my God Mothers. Sad business that. Took me right on back to H and I felt like I could barely go through the motions.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Avery Arendale (@13ahamoments)

So back to the anyway.

I baked pumpkin bread for the first time already this season (not that I need that excuse, but go with me here) way back some time in August. It felt good and right. There was just the slightest inkling of a fall thought in the air. If you believe the air can have thoughts. It was not really fall at all then (and I knew it would not be), but it sure was good. I stashed the second loaf in the freezer. I am feeling the need to pull it out now.

Lito and I have been riding, as per usual (I could go on and on about how year 11 is the absoulte magic year for homebred horses, but I think I will leave that for another day other than to say that this/he was the best decision I have ever ever made), but we have been getting ready for our big ride coming up in a couple of weeks ever since I got back from Colorado…I actually went back to Colorado for my cousin’s wedding the week after I got back from my Colorado vacation if you missed that…did you follow that???….ANYWAY…In just over a week’s time we will be making our way in that direction. If you don’t know, we go on a big week long ride in the hill country of this great state every October (outside of COVID…but a small group of us had our own little one that year anyway in the east Texas pines) with a group of ladies I belong to (since I am nice and always here for you, if you missed it and are interested and want to see what it is all about…within reason (some of it is like secret society stuff…see the following 2023 2022 2021 2019 2018 2017 2016…you’re welcome, there are at least some great pics). There is always a lot of prep work leading up to the ride outside of the riding hours to get you and your horse ready. Maintenance on the trailer. Stocking up on horse essentials and feed. Then the actual packing for both you and your horse and traveling.

I have been obsessed with this song lately. Really hitting my jam. Not really sure why, other than I have lived in this space. And, sometimes still am…like when I have to go to funerals. Anyway, It is so so good. Sometimes some of you good readers would ask me my favorite song or band of the moment. This is where I am at.

Give it a listen and remember, “you are still fine…God’s perfect wording…you’ll be alright…God is not giving you up,” OK that is the actual biggest AHA moment.

I am on a roll here tonight, OK? The coyotes like this song too if you were wondering.

You know there is always a song or band. Which! Hey! By the way, one of my favorite bands, Cross Canadian Ragweed, is kinda (sorta) getting back together! They broke up way back around about when I graduated from college. They once (or many times) said they would never get back together. Well, never say never because they are going to do a show (a big one…with a bunch of greats) and see how it goes! Fingers crossed it goes and sounds great and they go all in and make a new album. Honestly, waking up to that news today (well really they have been teasing the news for a little bit if you didn’t and wanted to know) sure made me feel like dang near anything is possible in this world. The press on this is overshadowing their website on google, otherwise I would link it for you. Really, I could try harder, but at the moment I am not going to (so sorry!). So, who wants to go to Oklahoma with me in April? I bet the tickets are already sold out. The internet and the world basically died (and went back to high school) when the news broke I think. I am not sure I could tell you which of their songs is my favorite.

Well, my dear readers, it is time. It is (past) dark now and feels pretty dang good out (and the bugs are being summoned to my computer screen….and a frog is hopping across my porch rug), but it is about time I get ready for bed…and have no more wine! We are up early and back to the office in the morning! Work is always busiest when you are! And you know what? I would not have it any other way right now.

Walk in love, dear readers! Tell me something good!

Tune back in for some great hill country between the dun ears pics!

Some Days Are Diamonds

On August 28, 2024 By AveryIn Life10 Comments

I am a Texas gal through and through, but there is just something special about Colorado and the mountains, especially in summer (and not just because it is so hot here right now). Every time I go is different, yet it is the exact same. The last time my family went, I opted out because of my Ireland trip, so this time felt almost like a homecoming. Greeting a long lost friend. We have a strong nostalgic connection to this place.

It is the mountains for me. Everything about them. How they make you feel small, like storms. How they are always there, but always different, like the sunrises and the sunsets. I feel like we took full advantage and it made for a diamond of a week (see what I did there?).

I chose to drive instead of fly and make it into an adventure. Unlike some people, I really enjoy driving and seeing new things. Listening to music or audiobooks.

I dropped Merle off at the kennel (not all places are dog friendly in Colorado…insert major eye roll) on Thursday late afternoon and worked from the farm on Friday so I could take care of some necessary farm things before hitting the road early Saturday morning (and to sneak a ride in on my Lito. One because I wanted to/I was going to be gone long enough, but also because our last ride was not the best and I needed to ‘right the wrong’ so to speak. We righted the wrong).

I took a different route to west Texas than I normally take and made the ‘swiftest’ swing through NRS World in Decatur that I possibly could. I purchased a few things because they made me happy and continued on my way.

Texas was really showing off with some beautiful weather and showing all the lovely effects of a good spring and summer.

I rolled into Amarillo with just enough time to check into my hotel, change my clothes, and then head to The Golden Light Cantina to hear Dale Watson play.

It was a great time and I sat next to some cool people at the bar. He even played some Merle Haggard.

I called it a night relatively early as I needed my rest for another full day of exciting driving.

I am not sure if I have waxed poetic about west Texas before, but if you did not know, I really love west Texas. It gives me all the feels. The flatness and clear views. The cotton fields and pivot waterers. Good looking cows cooling off in the playas. The smell and the feel of dry air.

My second day of driving was really spectacular. All I wanted to do was stop in at one of the many ranches I was passing, borrow a horse, and ride until I couldn’t anymore. It really makes me want to do a cross country ride, to envision what it was like two hundred years ago.

If you have never taken a cross country road trip, I highly recommend it. Like, really. Words and pictures (of which I do not really have because I was driving) really do not do stunning countryside justice. Pack snacks and fuel up when you can (and have music or books downloaded…) because sometimes you do not know when you are going to be in no man’s land.

I was driving and having a merry old time when I was getting hungry for lunch. I looked around and looked at the map and wondered if there was going to be any lunch to be had. I was feeling very fortunate for the apple I grabbed from the hotel on my way out.

As luck would have it…or something else…I ‘stumbled’ upon the cute little saving grace of a town, Westcliff, in the front range in what felt like the middle of nowhere. The view dropping into town almost made me drive off the road. I was so surprised and pulled over to find the best place to eat and have a little break from driving.

The drive through the pass into Aspen was an adventure in itself as I had never driven it myself before, but it was so worth it. The weather was showing off a little as it was lightly raining on the way up and the way down, but it was not raining at the top.

I stopped a couple of times to enjoy the views…and let people pass me.

I kept my jacket on when I got back in the truck, rolled my windows down, and turned my music up as I enjoyed the cruise down into town. I did have to roll my windows up a couple of times because of the rain, but that did not dampen my mood.

We cooked dinner in my first night followed by music porch time and enjoyed an easy hike around town the first day, including stopping in at ACES and catching the Osprey (we saw them many times).

Y’all should know by now how I am about trees…

We had a lovely lunch in town followed by naps while it rained in the afternoon.

Tuesday morning we got up and out early with a packed lunch to head to Ruedi reservoir to hike around, fish, and have a picnic. We saw much bird action while there including Osprey with caught fish, Bald Eagle, Red Tailed Hawk, and fly catching birds.

Wednesday morning, after a bear tried to bust into a dumpster around 12:30 AM, dawned a bit rainy. I ventured into town with my rain coat to get my traditional coffee and muffin at Paradise Bakery (sorry, not as good as it used to be!) before having a nice hike at the base of the mountain.

I just love all the pops of color with the flower plantings all over the place.

We then hiked to a lovely and indulgent lunch outside of town.

The lunch was good, but it was the hike and the views that really made it!

I could have stopped right here with a picnic lunch!

Thursday was chilly, but we ventured out to explore the John Denver Sanctuary (a must), followed by some trails and neighborhoods before heading to lunch.

We went up to to top of Snowmass mountain for fun before coming back down for dinner. The rain quit right as we sat down outside and gave us a beautiful rainbow.

After dinner we enjoyed a fire with wine and a movie before bed.

My last day was a big one. I ran out to Louis Swiss Bakery (WORTH IT…my new regular) to grab some breakfast things and some cookies for the day. We drove up to Grizzley reservoir for a hike with long time friends. Spoiler alert, the reservoir was drained for dam repairs (!) and that seemed to make the drive up in my truck (and the drive back down) a bit more rough than it should have been. Took away a bit from the arrival that is for sure. We missed the memo on that until we were on our way there. However, the mountains put on a show regardless!

We hiked to Frenchman’s Cabin (we were on our way to the ghost town of Rubi) before we decided we had enough of the elevation, cold, and rain (and my hiking boots…I will be getting something different).

We had a very nice leisurely hike back down looking for the sun shining on the mountains.

We did have momentary breakouts of blue sky.

The sky opened back up with thunder right as we got back to the truck.

We bumped our way back down the mountain in just enough time to unload, change, and grab an early dinner. After dinner and a little packing, we had wine and porch time with music before bed.

Saturday morning dawned early but ready. My parents helped me load the truck and I set off with a big mug full of coffee and a scone from Louis Swiss. My plan was to stop at the divide to enjoy some of my coffee and scone if it was not raining. Well, it was not raining! I was again chasing the sun, but I saw some cool beams on the mountains.

I took some pictures of some people at the sign before continuing on my way. It was a much easier drive the second time, so my advice is to take it!

I rolled into Amarillo upon my return with west Texas in all its glory. The sky was red with that tell tale red dirt and early sunset and the wind was blowing, the rain sprinkle was a little cold, and that smell. That west Texas petrichor. There is nothing like it.

I had intentions of going back to The Golden Light, but I was too tired (and sore! It took me a minute to get my walking legs back). It was a ‘rock star’ hotel night with wine from Pinkie’s Liquor store and local delivery pizza in bed with a movie. The rest of the drive back to the farm was good and I was very glad to be greeted by my ponies. I picked up the Merle Monday morning on my way to work.

This week began with a welcome break in the brutal temperatures. It has me thinking. Thinking of fall and baking pumpkin bread. All of it. I said it, you were thinking it. It is coming!

Walk in love, dear readers, and BE!

Tell me what you have been up to this summer, what you are looking forward to this fall!

Happy Fall, Y’all!

On October 5, 2023October 5, 2023 By AveryIn Life, Music, Uncategorized2 Comments

It is here. Finally.

It is finally fall.

I have to say, I think all of our wishing for summer to hurry up and get on out sure seemed to make it get up and go! This weekend we will have highs in the mid seventies and prayers for rain on the way there. Which, it is currently raining right now while I drink my imaginary cup of coffee. Why imaginary, you ask? Imaginary because I am just a good adult, and I am out of coffee. Well, technically, I am not out as I have a bag of coffee packed for next week, but I do not want to get into it, so I really am being a good adult. Just your average every day musings going on over here.

So, here we are, October, and there you are! If you can not tell, I am more than ready for it. If you know any Texans, I bet you already know this. I might freeze with lows in the low fifties.

Chance started growing his winter coat a couple of weeks ago, which is normal for him, and it was actually noticeably cooler on Sunday morning. My brain wanted to tell me it was even cold! It was not actually cold, we have still been having highs in the nineties and so humid, but the horses’ coats were the tiniest bit puffed up that morning and the nineties are on their way out.

The crazy thing is the timing of it all, but there is never any surprise there. I am just grateful for it. Lito and I will be headed to our annual ladies ride in the hill country for the week starting this weekend and through next week and we will be glad for the cooler temperatures, I grant you that. I think we might both be a bit fresh with it! I will have my lunge line at the ready just in case and his sheet. When temperatures drop while we travel, I always throw his sheet on for some extra comfort. It may just be for me, but it is just something I do along with giving probiotics and electrolytes every time we travel.

ANYWAY.

I have been jamming to this song and those like it these days. It will make for good driving music.

We are mostly ready to go! The trailer is mostly packed and I have most of my things ready to throw in a bag. I do have to pick up some things at the feed store after I drop my Merley Bob at the kennel tomorrow on my way out to the farm. Leaving Merle behind is one of the worst things about some travel.

I sure wish I had some real coffee right now to go with the pitter pat of the rain on the car port tin roof.

Well, it is way past time for me to get going for the day and I have lot to do before I head out tomorrow.

Have a great day, dear readers, and walk in love!

Trip Hangover.

On September 20, 2023September 20, 2023 By AveryIn Horses, Life, Uncategorized10 Comments

I think trip hangovers just get worse with age, just like regular hangovers. Why can’t it be the opposite? Like wine and beauty?

This time, the trip hangover lasted about a good week and it felt like it took me almost a solid two weeks to get to feeling like my regular self and back in the groove, but truthfully I did/do not have time to wallow in a trip hangover even if it was obviously and absolutely worth it.

I have of course been back to riding my big boy, as per usual. He had a little two week break with my traveling which is good for him.

We ride all summer and all year, so periodic breaks are good for his mind and body. Besides the fact that I would do it anyway, riding through the summer is important around here unless you have your own covered arena…which I do not. Most people seem to take the heat of the summer (which has been about three months worth this year) off of riding in addition to winter, but you never know when in the winter or more desirable temperature months you will not be able to ride because of rain and mud. We really generally only have two seasons, summer and winter. The other two seasons kind of only pass through. Keeping a higher level of baseline fitness for them (AND you) is better and easier and SAFER to me than having to hurry up and get one legged up two different times of year in a hurry before it gets two cold/wet or too hot.

THE POINT IS (don’t worry, you did not miss anything), news flash, Lito is the best boy and acted like he did not even have a break.

Last weekend I was in Dallas for my niece/Goddaughter’s baptism.

We have been busy this year and it is not over yet! We still have a couple exciting things coming up.

Long time readers know we go on a big adventure every October and this year is no different. We will head to the hill country in about three weeks (actually, less than!) and the count down has begun in earnest. No rest for the weary, as they say, but hey, we can rest when we are in the nursing home, right?! We have good reason to hit the fitness grindstone. More riding equals a happy Avery and Lito, so it is no hardship to be sure.

Then in November, I will be headed to New Mexico for a long weekend with good friends to visit another good friend. You will hear more about this later.

The even more good news is that we have had a bit of a shift in the weather. Knock on wood, but I think we are finished with triple digit temperatures for the year. Hopefully. It was beginning to feel like it would never happen and we were going to be stuck in a perpetual August. That is really how it feels. Like it is never going to change, even though your brain knows better. We still have highs in the nineties, but we are trending in the fall direction. I can feel it.

AND, we got some rain. At least and inch and a half. I will pause here for you to do a happy dance on my behalf. Then I will do one for you, just give me a reason to! You can count on me, dear readers!

We still need quite a bit more rain for the grass, the pond, and to start to bring down the drought deficit, but we will take any we can get. Lito and I rode the pastures Monday morning after checking the cows and calves and I can see some grass growth and some greening up. There was still barely any standing water and there are still a few cracks in the ground, but again, we are trending in the right direction.

The rain and the ticking down of temperatures really put me in good spirits after Ireland. As if the trip of a lifetime was not enough! I treated myself to a pumpkin spice late while I did some grocery shopping AND I made pumpkin bread. Ya, you heard me. We are all in the ‘ber months and fall is HERE. Get with it and get ready! It is time for baking and the season!

Tell me, have you started to celebrate fall? Have you decorated yet? Pulled out your sweaters? Indulged in anything pumpkin? Baked anything???

Walk in love, dear readers!

Farm Porch Coffee.

On October 8, 2022October 8, 2022 By AveryIn Uncategorized2 Comments

Well, dear readers, this little corner of the interwebs has turned into a once a month update at best! That statement at this point could read once every two months. Details. There are worse things to be sure, however I do apologize for it. It is not what I had intended.

How have y’all been?

I am sitting outside on the porch at the farm with my coffee. It is quiet and still. I am putting off thinking about what all I need to do in favor of writing to you! I think I was doing that last time I wrote.

Where is Merle you ask? A logical question as it might not be this still were he here. He got dropped off at the kennel yesterday for boarding. He is at his annual stay while I am about to begin loading up in preparation to head for the hill country for my annual ride. I have a quick respite here at the farm before striking out right before dawn on Monday to meet up with R and her mount to go west.

Two Questions.

On October 30, 2020April 28, 2021 By AveryIn Life4 Comments

And just like that, ‘fall’ has blown in from the north all the way down here to Texas. The horses are getting fuzzy and the pecan trees are turning and losing their leaves. The sunrises over the pastures and moonlit nights are spectacular.

And, um…that means…

We are almost in November?

I mean, what? Indeed where has the time gone?

I find as each year passes that question is ever more on my mind. Anyway, that is a thought for another day.

Not that I am going to lie, I am more than happy to welcome my favorite time of year, even if it feels a little different this year than years past.

Take heart though, not everything has been or will be different. Just look out the window and see the seasons change. Feel it. THAT is not different. That my dear readers is comfort.

I sat and watched the most recent front push through on Monday evening.

It left us with clear and cool nights that are ‘here to stay.’ I mean, we are still in south central Texas, so it is not like we get ‘real’ winters by many standards.

You can not see the rain of pecan leaves, but trust me it is there.

That is our fall expression here. It is interesting, I always notice it, that change of fall, in the exact same place. Right there in the same place as these pictures. It is always in the moment that I am walking out to the horses or riding under this very pecan tree. It is generally the first moment I bother to wear a sweater. The pecan leaves are always falling and beginning to roll across the ground. I did not think of that until just now.

Anyway, you know that sound of the wind through the drying, falling, bumbling leaves. That feel of the chilling air. Think of that when looking at these pics.

The horses had already gotten all their frisky, first chill energy bursts out.

Not all that much has changed since I last wrote.

We have been riding. All over.

Enjoying sunrises.

Watching those sunrises get better and better.

Going on adventures when not working.

Being present. Living life. Being busy as it would have it. That is the season we are in right now. The extraordinary of ordinary, every day life.

I spy a Merle Man!

Speaking of adventures…

Where dis?

HorseAddict, look! Just fulfilling a riding dream of mine. To ride in the forest. There may not be actual snow on the ground, but there is a snow blanket of pine needles!

This was our most recent adventure with friends old and new and new scenery in east Texas. We camped at Ebenezer Park and rode in and around Lake Sam Rayburn and the Angeli n a National Forrest. In the tall pine trees. Talk about magical!

Lito won the award of best jumper of down trees.

Every bit of magical as I dreamed it would be.

I love how we do not have to even leave the state to have such a variety of riding places. I have been blessed to ride in several different, beautiful places in this great state.

If we could not go on our usual October adventure fun, I will take this one!

The last time I wrote to y’all I was asked two questions by a dear reader and I figured I would answer them here.

Back in the office or spending more time at the farm?

Am I back in the office or spending more time at the farm? Both?

You see, I am in the office at my new job (now a few months old) about four days a week and I am also able to spend more time at the farm in both a professional and a personal capacity. Quite the door that opened up I dare say! Life sure is interesting and keeps us on our toes.

Song of the moment?

What is my song of the moment? Goodness. This is always a difficult question for me, but it is certainly easier than the ‘what is my favorite song’ question. My song of the moment has definitely been Who Am I by Needtobreathe. There are other gems on this album, so go treat yourself to a listen.

“You grow Your roses on my barren soul”

Seriously. That lyric. All the lyrics. Truth does not even touch the feeling. It gets right down in your soul and just rocks you. You’re welcome. My kind of gospel right there.

What about you dear readers? Are you back in the office at all? What is your song of the moment to share?

OK, fine. How about more than two questions? What is the extraordinary in your ordinary life?

Walk in love, dear readers!

The Change of Fall

On October 1, 2019October 1, 2019 By AveryIn Uncategorized1 Comment

Do you feel it?

You know it. What I am talking about.

The feeling in the air.

The days are getting shorter.

Fall is here. Or. At least coming to these parts!

To celebrate, I will share with you the ultimate fall song. Remember this one?

It is October! And I felt it in the air this morning while taking Merle out.

Well, actually, I have been feeling it in the air for a few days now and it has been just slightly, ever so slightly clicking up. Not just because we have now hit October 1st. You can only really feel it at dawn and dusk and if you try hard, throughout the morning. That soft, drier air. It has a different feel. A different smell. It makes me giddy inside. Just downright giddy, I tell you. For the change in more than just temperatures. For freshness. For the setup of the reason for THE season. The reflections of the past seasons and the ones to come. You know how I get this time of year.

I have been out of the state for work for a few days drilling a well. With how busy and ‘full’ life has been the last few months, I was not looking forward to having to be away from home and my Merle. As it happens, like it always does, my eyes were opened while I was away. I was driving myself to dinner after my sift was over one night when I was caught in awe.

I was headed into the sunset down an old, old road that had been long cut through the tall pine trees of the rich timber country. I first noticed the way the light was forming the sunset and the time of day. It made me realize how the days have been getting shorter and the sunsets earlier, and earlier. Then I noticed the ever glow of the golden color of the rays. They were clear rays that bounced off of everything they touched, illuminating anything in contact, but at the same time, my eyes could not tell the difference from one to the other. How they shone between the trunks and the long shadows they created. The rays were seemingly suspended there, caught in that moment and time. Still. I like to think of them being captivated, much like I was. Rewarding me for seeing them. There was promise held in that golden light suspended in those trees.

The camera could not see what I was seeing.

It made me even more excited for fall and what is to come.

My cousin and I have already done an ‘all the fall things’ cooking session. She made a pumpkin chili and I made a pumpkin toffee dump cake. Um. GOOD. We have even picked more things to make for another fall evening and I can not wait. The date is not even on the books yet. Nothing gets me more excited for this time of year.

Sister K texted me yesterday reminding me that tomorrow (meaning today) was October 1st. Which really only means one thing. That we can start playing Christmas music. I know, I know, settle down. We will only play it for ourselves and BIL T, don’t worry. She is married to him so he has to listen (joking!). I promise to not share any Christmas music here until December.

There is another thing about this time of year. The thing that makes me the absolute giddiest of all giddy. If you have been around here for a little while you might be able to guess. It is something that happens for a week every October. A week that I live for. Now that my work commitments are complete (and I can feel myself breathe again) and we are in this fine fall month of October, I am thinking of nothing else.

Walk in love, dear readers, and do enjoy this fall! Embrace the change and allow it to happen like the change of the seasons.

You Know What?

On October 23, 2018 By AveryIn Faith, Food, Horses, Uncategorized5 Comments

Sometimes, beauty just finds a way to smack you in the face and take your breath away. AHAmoment. It makes you stop and take note. For good reason.

Sometimes even before you have finished your first cup of morning coffee, so you better wake yourself up and be ready for it!

I walked out of my parents house with a cup of coffee after feeding Sunday morning and I was smacked in the face with this beautiful sight. I could not help but snap a quick photo of it. It had me smiling all day.

You know me and that light and those long shadows.

You see those pine trees there? Legend has it they came all the way from Georgia. Random, yes, but I love these pine trees more than any other. I never knew I could be so sentimental over some random pine trees in Texas that are said to be from Georgia. What a story I am sure they could tell.

I love how after twenty years of coming here, I am still amazed and taken away by the beauty. God’s beauty. The interesting thing about it is that it is never the same. It is dynamic and ever changing. From day to day, season to season, year to year. Like God’s love. Ever present and eternal, always taking you by surprise and reminding you of His presence. It brings your feet right square down to the ground.

Anyway. While Sunday was a stunner of a day, Friday and Saturday were wet, cold, and windy. We got quite a bit of rain ourselves and the ground was basically soup (not the best for riding). It had us all in an eating and drinking mode. Convenient since I really had zero desire to organize and clean all my things from my trip.

We all had been craving molasses cookies. Presumably all suffering in silence until I broke down and stated my craving aloud and everyone desperately agreed. Naturally, I had to bake some. If you have never tasted these delights, you are missing out. We all grew up on them.

It is as simple as that. Or, as this rather.

Make the dough.

Ball the dough (directly, if you are too impatient to chill the dough first).

Roll the dough…in sugar. Making sure to get some on the counter with the help of a little person. You are not doing it right if you do not.

Bake the dough.

But not too long!

Then you eat an exorbitant amount of them! So so good. They got me thinking. I should try these with pumpkin!

Want the recipe? I will share it with you soon!

After baking, we took a stroll to the river to see how high it had gotten.

There is a beach under there somewhere.

It is still supposed to rise up a bit more, but it should stay in bank even still.

All of that work made us thirsty. I made myself a ginger orange margarita.

By then the day was almost over and it was evening feeding time.

These two just tickle me to death. This is definitely not the best photo in the world, but I sure do love it. I often find them like this. Five and a half years later and they still choose to share a stall.

Then with a Sunday like this…I just have to show you again.

What else is there to do but hop on the best mare and call for the kids to come out and join you.

Such a contrast of weather in two days.

Walk in love, dear readers!

The Season Of Fall

On September 3, 2018September 4, 2018 By AveryIn Faith, Food, Horses, Life, Music5 Comments

It is about that time of year and I am not talking about hurricane season. Although we really need the rain. We almost got some this weekend. Hopefully this week we actually get some.

But back to the season at hand. It is more than just entering the ‘ber months and entering fall. More than baking all the fall things, which I am very excited about. More than family time, which is everything.

It is the season of reflection. Of being grateful and thankful. Remembering those that are no longer with us and also too of those that still are. Cherishing every moment we have with them. Thinking of the future.

It always seems to hit me right at September first. With the start of dove season. College football. The distant promise of cooler temperatures. Finding new recipes for fall baked goods and sides to present at holiday meals. Thinking about Christmas presents and the real reason for the season.

It makes me want to drink red wine while I eat chocolate pie and listen to prayer and gospel songs. They have a healing effect I swear. You should try it some time.

What does fall mean to you? How do you remember those that are no longer with us?

Walk in love, dear readers!

And because I have to, I have a song to share with you.

“All my love is due Him”