Goodbye, Bochica

Saying Goodbye

Last week my beautiful Bochica crossed the rainbow bridge.  After having strange swellings for several years,  he had been diagnosed with Cutaneous Lymphosarcoma in 2008.   His tumors would pop up and then disappear.  Finally they just stayed.  Last year one burst and drained and then closed up.  But this year it burst again, and did not close up.  Poor boy --  it was a mess, burning his skin where it drained, and I could tell he felt terrible.  He was also losing weight.  Luckily, I moved back just in time to say goodbye.  After talking to the vet, I made the decision to not let him suffer any longer.  On my last two visits, he just hung his head and loved on me.  Totally unlike him--he only did that when he felt terrible.  He just was not his usual spunky self.  Even though I knew it was the right thing to do, it was the hardest thing I have ever done.  Euthenasia on a horse is not like on a dog or cat.  They are such large animals, and there is no easy way.  It was a very traumatic experience.  The vet told me he thought he had been holding on until I returned.   Now I'm trying to just remember him as he was. 

I have so many good memories of that little boy. (Even though he was 20, I still thought of him as that little 5-year old.)  I credit him with giving me a reason to live after my husband died.  Those years with him were the best of my life.  I couldn't wait to get up every morning and see him.  He was a character.  When I bought him, he was a 5-year old spooky Paso Fino.  This is a picture of him when I first bought him.  Cute, huh?

He was scared of everything.  Of course I first kept him in a busy barn, the worst possible place for him.  I spent many hours each day working with him.  I worked with a couple of trainers, with me doing the training and them directing.  What fun!  I think he taught me as much as I taught him.  Then I moved him to my place and he got better and better. He knew lots of words and was a smart little horse.  He probably never was a safe ride -- we were both scared, but it was worth it.  I used to sing to him when I rode to help us relax.   He had such a smooth gait, a true Paso  Fino.

This is a picture of him in his prime, at my place:

I hope to remember him like this and to think about all the good times I had with him.  This picture is of me "de-spooking him."

We both never did get totally brave.  I was truly blessed to have been able to live my dream of having horses on my place.  And I was blessed to be able to find a wonderful woman, Charna, to keep him and Moe on her retirement ranch when I was no longer able to keep him at home.  She kept me updated and sent pictures every month or so.  I dreamed of both Moe and him often.   I was able to at least go visit once a year.  And, as I said, I was so relieved that I could be with him at the end.

Goodbye, Bochica -- I love you!!

This was also the final goodbye to that way of life -- living in the country and having those animals.  Now I live in Fort Worth in town and have just Rufus, my dog.  I'm determined, though, to adjust and make the most of the rest of my life.  I feel Bochica's spirit urging me on. :) I hope, in time, when I've grieved, to be able to volunteer, doing something with horses.

I'll keep you posted on my progress!

Moe

My sweet Moe made his transition across the rainbow bridge today-he was around  28-30 years old.

 When I went to look for a companion horse for Bochica, I thought I would buy a paint pony for the grandchildren. However, the minute I saw Moe, I fell in love with him. The very next day after I brought him home, I discovered he had cancer. I had him treated 3 times and finally it was cured. $$$ It was worth every penny. He was a great teaching  horse for the grandchildren, yet stepped up for adults who rode him. He was one of a kind. He always came up when I called and often followed me around when I rode Bochica. He nickered softly to me every morning when I came to the barn. 

Moe began his life on an Indian reservation somewhere in New Mexico. Later he was used as a hunting horse in Colorado and then as a Polo Cross horse. When I bought him he was already 15-17 years old. He was a little arthritic and stumbled occasionally, but was all heart. He would go anywhere I asked him. The only two things that spooked him were Texas Longhorns and miniature horses. :) He was a sweetheart!!

One funny story--one time I was taking a horse training class and we had an exercise where we were blindfolded and herded. Well, Moe was in my pasture across the street, and went crazy when I was blindfolded. He ran the fence and neighed loudly until they took the blindfold off and moved him closer to me. Who knows what horses think??

Unfortunately, circumstances last year led to me having to leave my horses and move out of state. I was fortunate enough to find a wonderful retirement home for him. He lived out his last year in a herd situation in a large pasture with ample grass and shelter. He made new friends and seemed very content. When I visited  him last summer, I saw he was failing--for the last few years he had been going down. I asked God for a clear sign when it was time for him to go.

Today I got the call I had been expecting for a while. He seemed to be having either strokes or seizures and was now suffering. So the decision I had been dreading had been made for me. I am just so sad that I couldn't be there to hug him one more time and tell him what a good boy he was and how much I appreciated him. I am sending my thoughts out to him!! 

Moe, you are crossing the rainbow bridge and will soon have no pain or suffering! I love you!!!

HOUSES

How Many Houses??

As I've been packing for my move in July (yes, I'm moving AGAIN), I've been going through old photographs. I have especially been drawn to those of my different homes. What  diverse styles!!

I only have a few memories of my first house. My favorite parts of it were the big porch, the stair landing, the little sewing room in the turret, and the big playroom. To this day I am very fond of porches--they call to me!! My brothers and I sat on a limb of the big pecan tree next door and bemoaned the destruction of it. It was to be replaced with a modern house.

A grand old house!

The next house was very different as you can see. It was a very modern house and had central air conditioning with a tower in the back yard. Italian tile floors were laid throughout,  which needed mopping every day because every footprint showed! A house cleaner's nightmare!!  My favorite parts were the double fireplace and the large wooden hanging light shaped like a dog bone.

Quite a change!

This little house in Albuquerque was my first purchased home. We bought it for $25,000, the price of  an automobile today! We had a marvelous view of Sandia Peak from the backyard. I had so much fun decorating that house.

Maybe I'll find a photo when the yard was in!

Next, a move to Clarksville again, and a house built by my daddy and designed by my mother My favorite part of it was the kitchen, with its apple green countertop.

A special house!

Next, on to Plano and another house. I liked the den, with its built in bookshelves and nice paneled walls. And I loved the fact that the elementary school was in the neighborhood--my boys could ride their bikes to school.

A snowy day!

Then for 10 years, I lived in apartments--no photos of them!!!

Life is strange. I was forced to finish raising my boys in apartments (yuk) and it wasn't until after they graduated from high school that I re-married and moved to Algonquin, Illinois. What a change in many ways. This was a little add-on house neighborhood next to the Fox River. Wonderful old lilac bushes,beautiful flowers, a little screened porch, and a birdwatcher's paradise.

I learned to shovel snow here!

Then, finally, back to the South! In Atlanta we had a two-story house with a basement. (The mover told my husband that we had certainly "come up in the world".  :)  Lots of stairs!! My favorite room in this house was my bonus room upstairs--I could spread out all my craft supplies!! Also I loved the little study where my husband and I each had our computers.

At least the snow didn't stay long here!

Whew--another move--this time back to Texas, on the Guadalupe River in Canyon Lake. This was to be our dream home--I spent a year designing it--but alas, my husband died two weeks before it was finished! I do have a lot of good memories, though, of my time there. I had so much fun decorating it, hosted my son's wedding there and had lots of company. I had a beautiful kitchen, walk-in pantry and wonderful bathroom. Also both a covered porch and patio overlooking the river. My flowers flourished - probably because of being watered from the river. I loved the river at times but at others, felt threatened by it. Two years after I sold and moved, the river did flood and the water was up to the roof! For once, I listened to my "gut" and moved at the right time.

My dream home!

Next, on to Sun City in Georgetown. My worst real estate venture. I loved the house, especially my open plan and the patio and backyard. But I did not like the closeness of the neighbors and the general atmosphere. I lost a lot of money in order to get out of that situation. But it was worth it!!

Too many restrictions here!!

Sometimes one has to be very, very unhappy in order to take a leap and make a drastic change. I had been filled with grief since the death of my husband. Nothing I did seemed to make it better. But then I took the trip to Colombia, and finally I gathered my courage and made a significant change.  ( You can read all about that on another post.)  At age 59, I bought a young, spirited Paso Fino and thus began a wonderful adventure. Every day I couldn't wait to get out to the barn. So I moved to an equestrian community, bought another horse for the grandchildren to ride, and and began learning all about training horses, buying hay,dealing with farriers,  and living in the country!! What fun--I do think this time in my life was the absolute best!! My favorite things were the porch and the barn there. And of course the horses. I am so grateful for that experience.

The wonderful wrap around porch!

However, one more move was yet to come! I moved back to my hometown, Clarksville, and started over once again. This time I moved to the country, not in a neighborhood. My house is 10 minutes from town, yet secluded enough to be private. I've loved it out here. The horses settled right in, I adopted a dog and three barn cats (who think they are front porch cats). I've had so many good times here identifying flowers, riding the horses, bird watching and just enjoying nature. My little house has been easier to take care of and note that I also have a nice front porch!! I told you I love porches!!

My little slice of heaven!

Well, never say never!! When I moved here, I said it was my last move. But circumstances change. With much sadness I have now boarded the horses at a good place and am moving to Vienna, Virginia to live with my son and family. That will definitely be a change. I've had very mixed feelings, as you can imagine. I vascillate between crying and being excited. Once again, though, a book called out to me and I just read one that has inspired me--it is Home Sweet Anywhere, by Lynne Martin. It is about a couple near my age who sold everything and travel the world. Obviously with my health and financial situation, I cannot do that. However, it did reinforce my thoughts of beginning a new life and trying new things. I will turn 70 this year--sometimes that seems ancient-but I guess it is true that you are only "as old as you feel" or "act". So I'm ready to move once again and try new things. Who knows, maybe my 70s will be my best years!! Oh, and here is the final photograph--maybe my last house???

I wonder what I'll like best about this house??

I cannot decide which house is my favorite. There are parts of all that I like.  Which is your favorite??? I would love a comment and vote!!

 I do know that a house does not make you happy--it is the people in it and the life you lead outside of it. I had just as many happy times in that little house in Algonquin as I did in my big houses.

Stay tuned for the progress of my new life in Vienna, VA!!!

SETTLING IN

Well, Bochica and Moe have been at their new home a month now.  They seem to be settling in just fine. The leader of the little herd, Ritz, immediately took Moe under his wing.

Moe and his new buddy, Ritz

After all these years of Bochica being the dominant horse, now Moe seems to be. When I went out this week, Bochica and Moe had teamed up with Jake, a paint. Their buddy seems to change every few days. I wonder who they will finally to choose to hang out with. They are still sticking pretty close to each other. Moe doesn't let other horses get too close to me. Bochica just basically ignores me!  I miss them so, but am consoling myself with the thought that they are living a good life! I'm very grateful to have found this wonderful place!!

Grazing peacefully!

I'm hoping they can live out their life continuing to be part of the little herd, with plenty of room to roam.

My next post will be a visit to the past--my many houses. Stay tuned!

A New Home For Bochica and Moe

Saying Goodbye

Sometimes it is so painful to do something, even though you know it is the right thing. This was the case yesterday when I took my horses to their retirement home. I never in my wildest dreams ever imagined this day would come. My days with Bochica and Moe have been some of the most rewarding in my life. For eleven years my life has revolved around these horses. Living without them will be a HUGE adjustment.My only solace is that they are in a very good new home and will be taken care of very well. I will probably miss them much more than they will miss me. As I said earlier, I will be moving this summer and just physically cannot take care of them any longer. I decided to go ahead and board them so I can assure myself that they are settled in and happy. 

So, yesterday a very nice woman came and hauled them for me.

Bochica waiting

Bochica knew something was up. He was listening and  heard the trailer coming way before I did, His ears perked up and he began dancing around. Earlier I  had a long talk with him about  leaving. I think horses understand more than we think.

Moe waiting

Moe was waiting calmly.

A huge trailer

When they saw the trailer, they both perked up. Bochica really got excited. Bochica had never ridden in a trailer that large. I was concerned about him loading, but Moe was the one who balked. I think he was afraid he was leaving without Bochica. So she loaded Bochica first--he walked right in with no hesitation (Good Boy!) and Moe followed without any problem.

A welcoming committee

Moe was the first one out. Both horses immediately began eating grass-then it was off to the barn. Soon they will be in a large pasture with other horses.

A window just my height

Who is that horse in the last stall?

The wonderful woman who runs this place had a nice warm bran mash waiting for them. They seemed to settle right in and even Bochica did not seem nervous. They will be in the stall most of the time for a couple of days just to make sure they are healthy. Then they will be gradually introduced to their new pasture mates. I'll be visiting them tomorrow to see how they are--and probably most every day. I'll keep updating!!

Stay tuned!!

What A Difference a Haircut Makes

Wow! What a difference a haircut makes -- for pets as well as humans!

Rufus was so long and shaggy and very dirty. I have been under the weather and haven't felt like cleaning him up. So I finally decided to take him to the groomer. Well, when I picked him up, I almost didn't recognize him. See the before and after---

Rufus before grooming

Rufus after grooming

Which do you like better?  I think I prefer him before--he was just so cute! But now there will be less hair floating around my house. :) And it will grow. And he is nice and clean!! Poor baby, he is one tired doggie!! He will get a good rest tonight!

Stay tuned for more from Salsipuedes!

                                       

A New Hobby

As I said earlier, I believe one secret to happiness is being able to adapt. Well, as part of my adaptation to circumstances, I've decided to begin a new hobby, something less strenuous than the "country life". :)

I know you must be wondering what I will try next. My new hobby is jewelry making. There is a lot to learn! One of the first things I learned is that it is no fun to spill your seed beads! Do you know how tiny they are and how difficult it is to pick them up off the floor???

These are a few of my beginner's pieces:

Christmas presents

Reminds me of amber

I like blue anything!

A set

I had hoped to work on new items during the cold days of February; however, another project occupied most of my time. Then when finished it, I came down with "the crud". I have been under the weather for a couple of weeks, but finally feel human again. So this week I hope to get back to jewelry!! Wish me luck!!

Stay tuned for my next project!

Fascinating Crows!

I've had more fun observing the little flock of crows that live here at Salsipuedes. They visit the barn every morning and clean up the spilled grain the horses left behind. Crows are very determined--last year I smeared peanut butter on a tree trunk. They would fly by and grab a little. Eventually they got it all. This year I smeared a pine cone with peanut butter, then rolled it in bluebird nuggets and raisins. This was supposed to be food for the bluebirds, right? No way! The crows spied it first. Check this out:

When I checked the pine cone yesterday, no bluebird food remained. The crows won again! I'll have to think of a new challenge for them. Stay tuned!

I Feel Like A Gypsy!

I've almost set a record here for the longest I have lived anywhere! It's been 5+ years.  But it seems that I wasn't meant to stay in one place long. I will be moving this summer. As you know, I've had my house for sale for a while. No luck, so I've listed it:

Calling in the "big guns"

Maybe Century 21 will have better luck. Go to their site and see the photos! It is a perfect place for someone wanting a rural life, yet to be close to civilization.

As I've said before, I believe the secret to happiness is being able to adapt to different situations. I've certainly had my share of that!!  Sometimes even in the midst of total despair, we must just make the decision to be happy. I'm working on that!!

It is with great sadness that I make these decisions about moving. I've found a good place for Bochica and Moe--they will be with a small herd of geldings in a 40 acre pasture with shelters and quality pasture and hay. As difficult as it is to think about moving and leaving them, I do feel good about their care. I'm putting out feelers for a home for the cats. By the way, George seems to be recovering!! Time will tell. 

The boys' new home to be!

Are you curious about where I will be going? Well, it will be a BIG change! I will be moving to the Washington D.C. area, probably Fairfax County, VA, to live with my son and his family. It will be quite different from this rural life I lead presently. And after living alone for 16 years, it will be a HUGE change. I have very mixed feelings about all of this, as you can imagine. My blog posts may change in the future to "how to adapt". :)

Meanwhile, I intend to squeeze every good moment out of this country life! I will enjoy everything nature has to offer here at Salsipuedes. I'm also making plans for new interests since I won't have my beloved horses. Stay tuned for future posts!

Poor George

It is so hard when a beloved pet gets sick. They can't talk to tell you how they feel. A week or so ago I went out to the barn to feed and found George laying flat out unable to get up! Well, I called the vet immediately and they told me to bring him in. I rushed over there, just at closing time. He worked on him for quite a while (he was so sick they couldn't even get a temperature). He diagnosed a stone completely blocking his bladder. It was touch and go as to if he would even survive the night. But he did and stayed there several days. $$$$  Unfortunately things are  not going well. Poor George!!

My George!

Unfortunately the vet did not tell me he would have to be on special food the rest of his life. All of you who have cats understand that that is not as easy as it sounds. George would not touch the "special food". I tried everything, but he just turned his nose up. So today I traded it for some dried food-so far no luck. Maybe he will eat it in the morning.  I fear he is already getting more stones and is wasting away. Poor George!!! Any suggestions?

George is my favorite cat--I brought him out here as a 6 month old kitten. He has killed all the mice (who might bring snakes) and is quite a character. One of his favorite things to do is ride in the golf cart. When he was a kitten, he would climb a tree and get scared to come down. I would drive under it and he would jump on top of the golf cart. Now he just likes to ride.

George and his best buddy, Rufus

Before I had Rufus, George would sit in my lap and always come to me immediately. When I brought Rufus home, George pouted for 2 weeks and would not come near me. Then oddly enough, he fell in love with Rufus. Now he comes and sits on the doorstep waiting for Rufus--and Rufus always knows when he is there. They love on each other and like to lay down together.

All the cats relaxing

George and the others are supposed to be "barn cats". But it seems at times they are "porch cats". This is one of their favorite places to hang out.

Snoozing on the swing

As you can see, he also likes to snooze on the swing. What a relaxed cat!!

Just hanging out!

This does not look so comfortable, but he likes it!

Well, wish me luck with George. I fear the worst! He is just not eating and I believe he already has another stone. I am frustrated beyond belief. Any suggestions?????

Stay tuned!

Bucket List Update

  

Time to Update!!

To learn Portuguese (no progress)
Pass on my love of the land to my grandchildren (in progress) Vacation in  Charleston, S.C. (Still hopeful)
Visit the redwood forest (Still hopeful)
Make a good friend that I can talk to about anything (Still hopeful - last attempt failed)
Sew a hand pieced quilt for my granddaughter (soon to be begun) (Maybe this year)
Learn to do pen and ink drawings(No progress)
Learn all about cows (any ideas how I can do this???)(No progress)
Finally learn to meditate (know of any classes, anyone?) (Have begun)
Organize my house!  (It is organized - now that it is for sale) :(  )
Visit Lost Maples State Park in the autumn (maybe next year)
Learn to do watercolor(No progress)
Learn about dragonflies(Maybe next  summer)
Find my talent (Wish me luck)(Maybe my talent is appreciating others' talent)

NEW ONES

To see a bald eagle (have been looking, but no success so far)
Make jewelry (am in the process of learning--post to follow)

Learn to "live in the moment" (That would be a major accomplishment for me!)

And still that mystery one!

Stay tuned!!

A New Look For My Lawn

It seems I still have a lot to learn when it comes to "outside" stuff. :)  I learned an important lesson about lawn mowers. Always check your tires!!! For some reason, I seem unable to tell if a tire is low just by looking at it. I mowed my lawn and uh,oh, look what happened!!

A new look!

You will remember that I have my house for sale--this is the worst time for the lawn to look strange!! Seems if a tire is low, the lawn ends up striped! I guess I could tell prospective buyers that I did it on purpose--and call it "lawn sculpture". Now I'm hoping for warm nights so the grass will grow enough for me to mow one more time before winter!! And believe me, next time I will check all my tires!!!!

Stay tuned!