Jack Brainard Clinic

Last weekend I attended a 4 day clinic with an 86 year old legend in horsemanship, Jack Brainard. He still rides and trains young horses. He has had 7 world champions in 3 different fields, and bred many more. He is famous for helping people learn flying lead changes. That has been something that I've been trying to do all my riding career.... well, this past weekend, I got my first flying lead changes!! : ) YEA!!!! At the end of the 4 days, there was a little fun competition. There were 3 different sections; pleasure, reining, and obstacle course. I'm so happy to announce that after placing 5th in pleasure, 2nd in reining, and 2nd in obstacle, Buzz and I were named All Around Champions of the 12 participants!!!! That was so cool; especially since there were 2 parelli instructors and a number of very talented horsemen in the class!!! Buzz is still the wonder horse!! Now in WESTERN too!!!

Back in Murphy's!!

The other weekend, we decided to head back to the land where we tied the knot. Ironically, without even knowing, we went back to Murphy's for the biggest event of the year-- The GRAPE STOMP!!! We had wanted to avoid the crowds (There was a big wine tasting event in Plymouth involving all of the wineries in our area) but instead walked smack dab into the midst of crowds!!! But it was fun and we enjoyed the event in Murphy's...... They had teams of two stomping grapes and then they measured how much grape juice was taken out of each barrel. The teams dressed up and everyone had a great time!!! We went back and walked around Ironstone too..... memories!! (minus my pretty cinderella dress ; )

Orchid madness

Well, as many of you know, I love orchids. I've been attempting to grow them in my house with some success.... although it can sometimes be a LONG time before you see the next flower! ( It's not uncommon for orchids to bloom only once or twice a year.) Well, this year I'm cheating! ; ) I went to the orchid store with my friend Monica, and together , we went mad buying orchids! Since I didn't want Rob to feel left out, I bought him a Venus Fly Trap while I was there----- it seemed like the "manliest" plant there!! And I'm happy to report that it's cought 3 flies!! Whoohoooooo!!!