true grit

There is a movie out called "the Way Home" true story from back in 1940’s . 4 political prisoners escape from a prison in Siberia Russia and walk to India and freedom. across the desert and over the Himalayas. There could have been more to it, seemed like gaps missing to me; but a story that hangs with you afterwards. It is about courage, hardheartedness, and will power. basically, putting one foot ahead of another despite how you feel, even when you are dying to reach the goal. I do recommend it.

on another note, my nephews wife,Ginth is in middle of her 2nd attempt to climb MT Everest . the difficult side, over the frozen waterfalls, etc. she tried two years ago, but stopped just short of the top. that was the year of some political unrest on the easy side, and all the hikers were on the hard side. the group just ahead of hers had a major tragedy going for the top. 2 died. She did a reality check and decided she was not healthy enough to make it. This attempt she is much better conditioned. her heart and courage and unique personality do shine though. If she makes it she will be the first woman from Costa Rica to make the climb. the President of her native country (she is also an American citizen) handed her the nations flag to fly at top when she does make it) I thought that was an amazing gift. can’t imagine our current president doing that…for some reason.

My kitten is well and back to annoying the other cats, it was a near thing though. Yes I am not interested in using that vet again. they didn’t even do a follow up "how is he?" call.

Tuesday we trailered my middle daughters Sugar horse up to Vet by Fort Collins (about 70 miles away) he tested him all out, charged less then the cat vet, and gave some new advice and meds. Sugar is the horse that was starved down to bones when we got him. It has been 5 years, but he still has problems. the muscles in his back line are not coming back, causing major problems in back and legs, vet is trying a one time low dose of steroids to jump start the muscle tissue. we’ll check back in with him in 6 weeks. and yesterday the newest rescue horse had a consult with shoer / hoof specialist. we had have had her a year. She was majorly crippled when we got her; but we thought some stall rest and good shoeing would fix it. Nope. ex rays (could not afford them until recently) show there is a bone chip in her leg, from where a ligament pulled it away. this was caused by someone asking her to put too much pressure on her legs too early, too fast. From some of her scars, we think she might have been used for "horse tripping" in Mexican rodeo event. this is illegal in USA, but some folks still do it–just like dog fighting is illegal but people still do it. anyhow, she has come from a flat, "do what you will" attitude to a sweet "pet me now please" , (combined with the mares natural rulership over the males). It is a mistaken concept that the stallion rules the herd. It is the lead mare that rules. the stallion just makes sure everyone follows her 🙂 And lead mares book no contest with their rulership! the result of the hoof specialist is that we can’t afford corrective showing at 150 a foot each 6 weeks, but they may put her in a 6 month teaching study they run. only 2 horse each 6 months, the specialist and his friend run it and once a month their students come and learn about difficult cases. it would be good for the mare, and for those learning the trade. so we hope this happens. She is a young horse, only 8 years old. Its a shame she is lame and in pain. didn’t mean to rime

got my sprinklers turned on, only 150 dollars to repair a valve and replace the timer/control thing. Now if I can just get the lawn mower part in. I weed whacked the front again.

its been an expensive month, all in all. and I need to get new tires on the car so that I can drive to Grand Junction on the 26th. my sister is flying in to see Dad, and I will need to drive over the divide to see them both. Its still snowing in the mountains!– flooding in Denver , and tornado watch on plains (last week) . lovely weather. well.

keep dancing!