Haley had a really nice ride today on Velvet, a sweet gray QH mare. This ride was for an evaluation for her riding skills and she rated a 6 on a scale of 1-8 for novice riders. The trainer was quite pleased with her "natural" ability and felt like she would progress quite nicely.
She began with getting the feel of the horse then did some trotting circles and changing diagonals. It had been several months since Haley had ridden, but it was like riding a bicycle. She's a natural for sure.
Velvet was a little strong at the canter, but Haley shortened her reins and sat back a little to settle her into a nicer slower canter. It was all starting to come back to her. There is a lot to think about when you're up there trying to get it all right.
Martin, the trainer asked her if she wanted to jump. I missed getting a shot of the good jump, but this trot over was cute. Haley admits that she has lots to learn, but who doesn't. Riding is a continual learning process even for the experts. She has lots of time to grow and improve.
She began with getting the feel of the horse then did some trotting circles and changing diagonals. It had been several months since Haley had ridden, but it was like riding a bicycle. She's a natural for sure.Velvet was a little strong at the canter, but Haley shortened her reins and sat back a little to settle her into a nicer slower canter. It was all starting to come back to her. There is a lot to think about when you're up there trying to get it all right.Martin, the trainer asked her if she wanted to jump. I missed getting a shot of the good jump, but this trot over was cute. Haley admits that she has lots to learn, but who doesn't. Riding is a continual learning process even for the experts. She has lots of time to grow and improve.
Longwood Equestrian Center is a jumper barn which caters to Grand prix riders, but also has programs for pleasure and beginner riders. And it's just 5 minutes from Haley's home. Seems like the perfect place for her needs right now. She had a great time riding and couldn't wait to get on the phone to her Mom to tell her all about it. She was all smiles all the way home from the barn and can't wait for her lessons to begin. She comes by her love for horses honestly. Gets it from her Mom and her Nana. It was meant to be.
Today is Haley and Kierstin's Thirteenth birthday. It's hard to believe that our sweet little girls are now teenagers. They are still our sweet girls. 
Kierstin wanted money for her present so she could go clothes shopping. I'm anxious to see what she buys. She has very good taste in clothes. We also gave the girls initial lockets with pictures inside and Brighton charm bracelets figuring that they are now young ladies and it's time they had some nice jewelry.
A family of Sandhill Cranes have been visiting us for years. They are now bringing their babies for a visit. Can you spot them? The daddy (facing me) is very protective of them, while the mother guides them to safe areas. 
Yesterday they brought their babies into our yard and were trying to reach the lake, so John opened the gate and led them into the back yard. They happily went through the gate and returned to their feeding grounds at the lake
We purchased two new Desert Rose plants since we lost two of ours to this year's freeze. I hope we can keep these safe. Even our Mums are coming back from last Fall.
I added some purple Lobelia to some of my hanging pots and throughout the gardens. It's a ground cover, but works well in pots too. They are profuse bloomers. I just love the colors.
These Amaryllis were wintered in the pot. Left overs from Christmas. Aren't they beautiful?
I love to buy new and unusual plants and have decided to try my hand a succulents. They are hardy and require less care, especially watering. This is a very nice one I found at the DeBary Farmer's Market last weekend, can't remember the name, but I just love the blooms. I need to find a stand for it since the leaves hang so long. Right now an upside-down pot will have to do.
We had a very quiet Easter at home this year. John gave me a beautiful plant (Daffodil) and took me out for a nice breakfast. Though Sherry and Keith couldn't work us into their busy schedule for Easter, we had them over for an Easter dinner the Tuesday after Easter. I prepared a nice ham with a Praline Mustard glaze, which was also on a block of creme cheese with crackers for dipping, pork gravy, potatoes Au Gratin, garlic green beans, cold corn salad and a chocolate fudge Easter Bunny cake. Afterwards we enjoyed sitting on the dock and visiting with friends while watching little Reno swim in the lake. Tom fed the geese some bread which Reno also swam after when he wasn't going for the ball. All in all it was a very nice day with the family. The twins will be thirteen on May 12th. They are growing up just too fast.
Looked out at the lake this afternoon to see a car cruising along IN THE WATER!!!! The driver was kind enough to come close enough for me to take some pictures. It was just the coolest thing. It appears to be an Amphicar 700 built in West Germany circa 1961-1969. Google amphibious car or amphicar 700 for more information. Our neighbor was in the front passenger seat. The driver/owner had just come by to try it out in the lake. No telling what you might see on our lake these days.
Finally got around to putting tile up in the kitchen. Also did the wall under the bar since it always seemed scuffed with shoe marks. Went with a neutral stone tile with a few accent tiles. Thinking about painting the office next since we have some time before the new office furniture (see below) arrives. It's always something.
