Saturday

Haven't felt too great this week.  Lost my voice about Tuesday, I think (it's back now).  Then slept wrong or something and ended up having to slowly work my way to a standing position by leaning against a door frame and pulling myself up Saturday morning.  Whew!  Mark often has terrible back pain, but I never really identified with how awful that must actually be until now.  Guess if you haven't been there you just don't really understand.  Too bad it had to be THIS weekend, though.  Yesterday was absolutely the MOST gorgeous day I've seen in years -- absolutely perfect weather.  Torri and Laura went riding back in Al's woods and had a really great ride.  Of course I probably wouldn't have gone back there with Lizzie even if I felt good since I haven't ridden her since she got over her lameness so I wouldn't want to go far from the barn for the first few rides. 

I did take a few pictures of Laura and her horse, Gracie (a grulla Welsh Pony/Quarter Horse cross) before they got tacked up and ready to ride.  Laura just brought Gracie to board at Al's place last weekend so I hadn't taken any pictures of them before and I absolutely LOVE Gracie.  Torrie's horses are all gorgeous, but way too large and unruly for me to ever deal with.  But I can imagine it would be just wonderful to ride Gracie.  Of course Laura is taking jumping lessons on her -- THAT I would not be doing.  But anyway, she is just such a sweatheart that I had to take some photos.  

Here comes Gracie after Laura called her (followed by Seeker who obviously adores her too).

Look at this face -- is she a cutie or what?

Momma is going "Smile for the camera, Gracie -- ears up."

Here's Duke trying to get her attention.  (He likes ALL the mares to be part of "his" herd.)

There is actually some remaining grass in that practice paddock.

After Laura moved Gracie over to the practice paddock, Seeker stayed there at the fence watching and looking sad that she didn't get to go too.  She's looking so much better since Gracie came and they put that big round bale out in their paddock.  Not sure if she didn't have enough to eat before, or if she was just depressed to be alone all the time . . . or both.  But she's looking pretty good now after only a week. 

Then I headed back to the house to take a nap in the recliner -- the ONLY place my back felt comfortable.