Life on the High Plains

This week we have had an incredible full moon.  Every morning I try to capture some great shots of the moon, but it's very difficult. This one I captured through the window in the wee hours of the morning.  Even though I try to hold really still, it's hard getting a good shot at night because the shutter has to stay open so long. As I was coming back from the barn after feeding the horses the next morning, the moon was again magnificent.  I thought I'd just run into the house, grab my camera and tripod and I'd be all set to get a great picture.  The only problem is that my tripod was nowhere to be found.  I'm pretty sure my hubby confiscated it as a tripod for his rifle when he's shooting.  This did not stop me though--I dragged a kitchen stool outside and then put a bucket on top of that so my camera would be at the desired height.  Not a perfect solution, but it worked.   Moon gazing at 5:00 in the morning in...

So here I am sharing personal stuff on the world wide web again.  I do this in hopes of helping someone else who might be going through the same stuff I've going through for 2 1/2 years. The weight of the world has been lifted off my shoulders today.  I just came back from seeing a vascular surgeon, Dr. C, who I have waited months to see. He knew all about my case before he even walked into the room.  Dr. C told me that I was exceptional; but it's not always a good thing to be exceptional. The diagnosis:  Nutcracker Syndrome with Left Vena Cava Variant Has anybody ever heard of that syndrome before?  I haven't.  Apparently it's quite rare and more than likely the many doctors I've seen aren't familiar with it either.  Basically, my Vena Cava is all screwed up and loops around my abdomen in places it shouldn't be.  It's normally on the right side, mine is on the left side and loops back over to the right side.  At the place it crosse...

Anyone who knows me knows how important my critters are to me.  Especially these two clowns. That's Cody on the left and Keira on the right.  They're my babies.  They want to be wherever I am.  They won't eat or drink until I come home.  They're my best friends.  They think I'm pretty awesome. Today I decided they needed some Christmas cookies of their own.  I make cookies for the people so why not for the dogs--including my two grand dogs, Diesel and Bella. I got out the ingredients for some peanut butter dog cookies.    Mixed it up. `  Rolled it out.  And cut out I don't know how many little dog bones.  They baked for 40 minutes and air dried for several hours. Now for the taste test.  I started with Mr. Finicky.  Unlike Keira he won't eat anything you put in front of his face.   "What is this?"   "I guess I'll try it."   "It's okay, but probably no...

After several months of waiting, last week I was notified that I got one of the volunteer positions at the zoo.  I had to go get a TB test and a flu shot last week and on Saturday I went for another volunteer orientation where I was to learn what area I had been assigned to. My first choice was the aquatics area--penguins, hippos, beavers, plus chickens and mountain goats (just because their enclosures are near the aquatics building).  I had already attached myself to the penguins and hippos, I couldn't wait to get to know them. My second choice was the monkey house.  I also couldn't wait to meet these silly creatures. But I also indicated that I would be willing to work anywhere I was most needed as long as it wasn't the reptile house. Did I mention that on my volunteer application I included information on my horse experience including being a national champion hippology coach? Well, where am I most needed?  With the ponies.  Ponies? I don't even...

Sometimes during this busy time of year we don't think about the people who aren't as fortunate as we are.  One of my co-workers has a wife who teaches in a district where her kids don't have a lot of things, some are even homeless.  Every year we try support a couple of the families just to make sure they have a nice Christmas. During lunch today I did some shopping for these kids.  One of the families has two little girls so I got to fulfill my tutu fix and provide them with some cute outfits. There is also a little boy who "loves" spider man. The older girl asked for a hoodie.  I hope she likes this one. There's something very satisfying about buying gifts for kids who will never know who they're from.   That's really what Christmas is all about--kindness, caring, charity. Merry Christmas Nathan, Maliyah, Hannah, and Millie.  I hope these small gifts brighten your day!

Mr. Beans has been working out with my trainer, Jesse, once a week for the past few months.  Jesse doesn't hold anything back, it's a rough workout, but apparently it's paying off.  Just look at the muscle definition on my favorite grandson. (In case you're wondering, this photo was published with Mr. Beans' permission.) I have just one thing to say...I've been working with Jesse for almost a year.  Why don't I have muscles like that?  Does it have something to do with my lack of dedication and my occasional refusal to do something Jesse asks me to do like hopping up the stairs? I might have to become a better trainee (next year after the holidays are over).

This has been one heck of a football week in our house. First, and most important, the Broncos won again putting to rest all the talk of Peyton's lackluster performance in cold weather.  It doesn't matter what conditions the game is played in, Peyton is the man! Second, the Chiefs started their winning ways again.  (I only mention this because I love my husband, although I do not support his love of the Chiefs.) Third, my fantasy team won again securing me a place in the playoffs.  I fully expect to lose in the first game of the playoffs because that's how things usually go, but I thrilled to have made it there especially with a 300+ point lead over the 2nd place team that belongs to Jillian.) Fourth, the CSU Rams accepted an invitation to the New Mexico Bowl in Albuquerque on December 21st.  Jillian and I always said that the next time the Rams made it to a bowl we'd be there.  Jillian got us great seats on the 50-yard line, I booked the hotel, an...