2016 - Movin' On~

I didn't even think to do my usual yearly wrap up until this month - almost a year later!  Looking back - I realize my last one was at the Homestead in 2015.   2016 was so full of change - none expected or planned - but each in it's own way moved us forward on the path of life.  We've been very blessed to have our family to love, friends to support us & opportunities to experience the beautiful places we have.

January 14th, 2016 - Three Fingers from the Homestead~

The year started out normal enough.  A New Year's Day ride with our Traildusters Chapter of BCHW.  The mild, but wet winter & spring gave me plenty of nice days of riding.  Below - a photo of the first of the Trilliums.

4-11-16 Trillium~

By April, as usual, Farah & I had covered a whole lot of miles.  Butch was working what by now had become his usual routine.  Long hours on his job sites & even longer hours on the freeway commuting. 
A friend wanted me to show her the way up to Stimson Hill & I never had to be asked to make that ride.

4-11-16 Whitehorse Mountain from Stimson Hill

A trip to Quincy & visit to the Cave B winery with friends, was a highlight.  We left camp in pouring rain - but it was so eerily beautiful it made memories I'll never forget.  As Scott said;  "Farah tried to kill you three times." He wasn't kidding - she'd even reared & struck out at him & his horse when he was holding her reins.  It wasn't her weekend...

4-29-16 On our way~

May, my mare redeemed herself & made us proud by accomplishing my other competitive goal, the  Best Condition award at the Mt. Adams endurance ride.  Even with the shank, Butch had his hands full trotting her out at the Vet-in.  She was ready & knew the name of this game!

5-21-16 Butch has his hands full, at the Vet-in~

As June rolled around, little did we know it would be our last annual trip to Nehalem, OR.  A week of bliss riding on the beach. Sandy & I had such fun!  It was probably the last time Farah & her sire Ody will be together.

6-9-16 Connie & Farah, Sandy & Ody~

By late July, change seemed to be happening daily.  Getting the Homestead ready to sell, had us both working long hours.  Butch would come home, load the truck & haul the boxes I'd packed to storage.

8-1-16 Grandson Ben & Butch on the construction site~

My trails were wiped out.  No more riding from home.  I was doing what so many horse people now do, trailering to ride.  It seems we never appreciate anything enough - until it's gone...

8-7-16 Butch views the destruction ~

By September, with the Homestead sold, packing, sorting, hauling, donating etc. was in full swing.  We were constantly looking at the sales ads on-line, searching for a place to live, in the town we thought would suit us best.

9-25-16 Mason, Grammy & Cassidy, under the arch on the Centennial Trail~

As I've written before, the very hardest part was leaving the Grand-kids...  Something we never though we'd ever do.  Both the girls & their families visited & helped sort through everything as we downsized.  After so many years on an acreage -  we filled two U-Haul trucks.

10-14-16 In Sheridan, WY

Early October, we were on the road to Iowa.  The trip couldn't have gone any better, we stopped to visit family in Sheridan & arrived in Glenwood right on schedule.

10-21-16 The Home Place

With such a short time to find anything, we were very lucky.  Our search resulted in a place we felt comfortable calling home.  Two-weeks later I lost my Mother...  We locked up & drove to Boulder,  where we spent a week, before returning to Greenfield for services.

11-11-16 At the Greenfield Cemetery~

It was a sad time - but at least Mom lived long enough to know we'd arrived safely.  She loved hearing all about the house & town.  She was so happy to know we were in Iowa.

12-10-16 Our Tree~

December came, our first Christmas - at the Home Place.  As I write this, almost a year over-due, those months flew by.  So many changes, in such a short time.  It seems especially so, after many years of the seasonal routines in Washington.  No wonder it's taken me a while to assimilate.

The last few years, were mostly about saddle time.  This year riding took a backseat to everything else.  It had only taken Farah a short while to settle into her new surroundings.  It wasn't long before the two of us were back to enjoying our time on the trail & the beauty of the SW Iowa landscapes.

Past Year - 2015~

Walk in the Park~

Another day with blue skies, brisk air & sunshine!  First official day - of our first Winter in Iowa!  We hadn't been to our favorite breakfast hangout this week, (The Gathering Place) so today we headed there for hot homemade soup & my usual grilled cheese on homemade bread!  Yep, spoiled we are :-)

Glenwood Lake

On our to-do list for a while now, we took Nika & went over to the park to walk around the lake.  She's been so good as a house dog - but we feel bad that she has no where to run :-(  That will change in a few more weeks - when the new fence will finally go in!

The Omaha area is experiencing such a boom, there's a wait for any fence contractor.  Then - we've been waiting for a survey of our property corners.  Butch finally went up to the Assessors office to do what research he could.  The mother of one of the surveyors works there.  When he left - armed with legal descriptions - his next stop was the survey office.  He was greeted with;  "You've gone to see my mother!"  We're now on the list for Friday.  :-)  As they say - it's all in who you know.  Butch is gaining a reputation for getting things done.

A bit of a melt from the frigid temps of last weekend~

We wanted to walk a Lot more, so cut up the hill & found a wonderful area of hiking trails!  They were color coded, so we took each turn that looked like we'd be going farther out & up.  We climbed higher & appreciated some great views.

One of three water towers~

One thing about living in hill country - there are lots of hills with views at the top of them all!

Signage

 We'd done the trails in the reverse & found this sign as we were coming back!  There's a trail going down through a wooded area, then across a bridge & to the schools.  I'm sure the track & cross-country teams take advantage of this area.

On the Trail~

 The light was so golden.  It was warm enough - I ended up taking my coat off & tying it to my waist.  Next time I'll wear the Garmin & see how accurate the mileage is.  Once you leave the trails, you're back in the area of the museum & the beautiful barn below.

Stunning barn~

I'm looking forward to seeing the inside of this one.  Also visiting the museum & learning more of the history of the area.  We'd been out a while, so had one more stop to make before heading home.

No "Honey Buckets" here!

We had the biggest laugh!  Each day feels like we're on vacation - we'll take it!

Tis the Season~

It feels great to have the house somewhat together, in time for the holidays.  Things seemed to take on a life of their own - finding a spot where they fit again :-)  There were days when it seemed like we were moving backward more than forward with projects.  Even so - when look back on what we've accomplished - in less than two-months - we could hold our own with Fixer Upper!  :-)

Our tree

It's not that we still don't have plenty to do... baseboard, door jams, trim, main bath etc.  A long to-do list is preferable to spending winter in the camper!  Butch used the lights we'd purchased a couple year ago for the cottage.  We only needed one more box to do the front of the house.  Any work on the outside has come to a halt - probably till spring.

Cottage lights on the house~

Today, we visited a fireplace store outside Council Bluffs.  Such fun talking with the owners.  When they heard we have no family in the area - they extended an invite to Christmas Dinner!  The people here have got to be some of the best anywhere.

My gift from Mary Ann~

We were sitting in the living room this morning - when the postman knocked at the door with a package.  Inside was this beautiful handmade quilt from my friend Mary Ann.  I am so thankful for those forever friends.  We left so many behind & miss them all so very much.

This is a difficult time for me...  Missing those grand-kids & their parents terribly...  Thinking of my Mom & wishing she were still with us...  Grateful too - for the family & friends who support & love us as we do them~

No Shoes~

With these gorgeous days of Winter sunshine - comes the cold!  When I left to pick up Farah this morning, it was 10 degrees!  I had on my warmest pants, a layer of thermals & new gloves :-)  The wind was blowing out at the farm, dropping the temperature even lower.  I may have to invest in ear muffs :-)

After almost 12-weeks - yes - 12...  Today the Farrier was at a friend's farm to do all the horses.  Farah's last shoeing was the 22 of Sept. so this was by far the longest she's ever worn a set of shoes.  I had no idea what to expect.  She's been really thriving in her outdoor paddock on a steep hill.  Her coat is thicker & fluffy.  She's maintained her weight & seems to really enjoy the company of other horses at the barn.  I'm so glad she is.

Enjoying the grass~

I was prepared this time, with a rope tied to the trailer door.  She loaded right in, started to go back out & guess what?  The door was closed!  :-)  Just a short drive - I enjoyed meeting our new Farrier.  How interesting to see the different process used to trim feet here.  I was impressed at how hard the feet were!

Using the torch~

I told Ryan that Farah might just object to this - having never had it done.  He ran the torch back & forth over the sole until it's a light brown.  That softens the sole about 1/8th inch deep. We brought Farah into a stall so she could watch the other horses, before it was her turn. 

Barefoot & trimmed!

We didn't need to use the torch on Farah - at least not yet - but her feet looked amazing!   Only two small spots of the black crud I'd been trying to get rid of for months.  Otherwise, the nicest looking feet she's had forever.

Left front~

Frogs are trimmed too, maybe a little more than I'm used to.  I was told to keep shoes on - in the Winter is not a good idea.  When it snows, the snow packs inside the shoe - as it did in Washington.  Here though - it doesn't fall out.  The snowball can continue to grow - especially when the temperatures drop.  With Farah on the hill - I didn't like the sound of that at all.  With all the trails mostly dirt - there's really no need for shoes, unlike riding on gravel logging roads.

A little more grazing :-)

 I haven't had a blanket on her yet & she certainly isn't suffering at all!  We're due for some rain/snow & sub-zero temps by Saturday though - she'll get her blanket her for that! 

Ice on the Pond~

I pass this little pond & it's always so beautiful.  Different from the wetlands of Washington, but I appreciate the differences.  I haven't missed my trails from home like I thought I would.  I'm so glad I'm not there to see the houses going in - that would have been just too hard.  I love the fresh, brisk air & such different scenery.  We now think of a 30 degree day as warm!  :-)

First Visit to Lauritzen Gardens~

The day was brisk, cold, but so sunny & beautiful!  I enjoyed my first Garden Club Christmas Luncheon & Party!  Everyone was to bring a gift they'd made.  What wonderful gifts they were!   I'm excited about going to the monthly meetings this coming year & the many tours on the schedule!

Later in the afternoon, I was invited to go to Omaha with Clara, Debbie & Barb to visit Lauritzen Gardens!  I still can't get over driving without traffic.  Taking the time to enjoy the city, have dinner & return home, all minus traffic snarls.  It reminds me of the old days in Seattle...

Late afternoon sunshine & light ice on the pond~

After a short drive, we arrived just as the sun was setting.  The large greenhouses are tucked into a hillside, somewhat protected from the north winds.  Once inside, the colors of the season were on full display.

Poinsettia Tree~

This Poinsettia tree was easily four times the size of the one's I've enjoyed at Molbacks for many years.  So stunning to see the vibrant red color!  High ceilings contributed to the feeling of grandeur.

Lights & decorations~

Everywhere we looked - was a delight to the senses!  I was happy to have been included!  Around every turn, were more beautiful displays.  Many included the huge tropical plants.

A tropical paradise~

Once inside the Arboretum - the sound of running water greeted us. There seemed to be water everywhere!  Streams flowing, fountains & pools of water full of colorful carp.

Beautiful planter from the last century~

We seemed transported - to a warmer winter climate.  The volunteers & staff do such a beautiful job decorating.  Holiday lighting added cheerful brightness to the scene.

The arbor area~

Birds of Paradise were blooming!  So were the geraniums & even orchids.

The Palms~

My favorite though - was the Banana Trees!  My first time seeing them in person.  They were So large & had such presence!  Something I didn't expect - but walking through the grove made me imagine what it would be like in a jungle!  I thought of how my friend Petra, had enjoyed her tropical excursions.

huge leaves!

We all agreed that thatching a roof with these huge leaves would be a relatively easy project!

With lights!

Each display had a magical quality.  We visited the gift shop - full of items for holiday gift giving.

Bright reds!

It was amazing to me, that just on the other side of these walls, the temperature was dropping into the teens!  A tropical paradise on one side, cold mid-west Winter on the other!  I definitely want to bring Butch for a visit.  Season passes are very reasonable.

Perfect!

Simplicity sometimes rules - as this wreath perfectly demonstrates!  Finally - it was time to walk back out into the cold of the night.  We stopped for dinner before heading home & still arrived just after 7 p.m.  Butch had taken the lights we'd used on the Cottage & put them all the way across the front of the house!  A welcome holiday surprise.

More on Cows!

   The snow stopped, the rain came during the night & by morning the sun was breaking through the clouds.  What was left of the snow in town was melting fast.  Butch went out with me, to the storage where we've parked the trailer.  It's easier than keeping it at the farm where we have Farah.  Parked between two huge - very expensive motor-home's - it's almost totally protected :-)

Did someone say mud?

We'd been invited to a day of cattle penning or sorting.  Friends say we will see more cattle here than what we've been used to.  With more snow on the gravel roads than I'd expected - it was slushy, slippery & nasty.  Farah wasn't as dirty as she could have been - but it took some stiff brushing!  I'd parked up at the top of the driveway & walked her up to the trailer.   She loaded - then - before I could close the door - jumped out!  That happened three times & I was getting madder by the minute.  The fourth time, she pulled the lead out of my hands & ran back into the barn!  Teresa was there & offered to help - which I really appreciated!  No more issues & we slipped & slid our way over the short drive to Rolling Hills farm for a day of cow sorting.

Farah makes a new friend :-)  Tanner!

We sure met a couple super nice boys!  Tanner even went out & brought in a carrot for Farah - so their friendship was solid :-)   Knowing from our last adventure with cattle, how fast Farah can be, we just took it easy today.  I walked her around the large arena & we watched the cattle.

Not those pesky cows again!

Other participants offered a few tips that helped us a lot!  The first was to not actually look at the cows.  Also, to keep her head turned just slightly away from them.  Farah was great on her left side, but when we turned to approach them from the right - it was a brand new game.

Doug on Juanita's mare giving me some pointers :-)

Farah actually did really well, soon she was calm & pretty relaxed.  About the best goal I had for the day.  Iowa riders really have fun & usually combine food with riding!  :-)  We enjoyed hot & yummy chili, potato soup, chocolate/cherry cake & peanut butter bars!  It was your own fault if you went away hungry!

I left early enough I could get Farah back before sundown - the days are getting short!  Once she was brushed & turned out I called Butch.  We met at the car wash in town...  To say the Bronco & trailer were a bit dirty would have been an understatement :-)  Really worth the time though!  I met a lot of really nice people & made contact with riders who belong to the BCHIA group!

Scanlan Photography~

Glenwood is a small town, but we've found out it doesn't lack for upscale places to visit!  Today, we were invited to an open house at a beautiful facility just to the north of town.  I didn't get a photo as we went in.  Tt was snowing a cold, wet snow reminding us of Western Washington.

Bella Terre

Bella Terre is the opposite direction from where we have Farah boarded, so obviously she's in a good neighborhood :-)  Walking through the doors, was like walking into a town in Sicily!  What an amazing difference it was!  The building itself demanded your attention almost as much as the photography display.

Incredible works~

With all the warm, rich colors & we soon left our coats & began admiring the huge variety of photographs.  The very large room was filled with round tables, plenty of seating & the venue included a bar & wine bar with a nice selection of wines.

Tree & Sleigh~

Seated at our table, when I looked up - I could have easily imagined myself in a completely different country.  We enjoyed hot spiced apple cider & a selection of fresh hors d'oeuvres.  There were plenty of beautiful Christmas cookies too!

'

Town in Sicily?

Another beautifully decorated balcony!

The photos themselves demanded attention.  We spent a pleasant afternoon admiring each piece. It was really the perfect time of year for our first visit. This venue is available for private parties, weddings, etc. & I can see why it's so popular.

Color abounds!

Walking out the door into the snow was almost surreal!  We crept up the hill & onto the road back home.  A great way to spend a snowy December day!