Horsin' Around

On Saturday, I had the opportunity to announce for the 4-H Area I Horse & Pony Show at the Hoosier Horse Park in Edinburgh. Thankfully, it's only a short drive from the lakehouse, which made the 7:30 am start time a little easier for me. Jennifer had such a good experience showing her horses in 4-H, that is is nice to be able to give back and stay in touch by volunteering for this event.

The morning started out rainy, but the skies cleared as the day went on. The show starts with the halter and showmanship classes, with the junior and senior exhibitors showing in two rings simultaneously. It makes for a hectic morning getting them all in the correct classes, and announcing results from the two ends of the arena. After lunch, the arena is prepared for the riding classes.

One of our former 4-Hers, Doug, served as ring steward. Here he is chatting with the judges.

My view of the arena from the announcer's stand.

Our 4-H leader, Rocky, keeping an eye on the show ring. I don't think you could find a more dedicated or supportive leader. She's the best.

Janet and Sara, two more dedicated volunteers. Can you tell they're mother and daughter?

I was able to snap a few pictures during the riding classes. This is Hunter on her mule, wearing a shirt made by Show Grace Designs. It's always fun for me to see one of our outfits in the show ring.

Erika, another Decatur County 4-Her.

Clayton. He's such a cutie.

Hannah and Sonny. Here she's all smiles...

and here she's wearing her serious horse show game face. This was before her horsemanship class, which she WON! It's always fun for me to watch the kids show. Of course, I think of most of these kids as still being about 6 years old. I don't feel any older, so how can these kids be growing up so fast?

After the show, I headed back to the lake, and was greeted by this guy at the end of our road.

I grabbed my camera as he (she?) trotted off across the road.

Bubbly

Matthew and Haleigh got to come to the lake on Friday, and we had some fun on the dock with bubbles that Nana brought. It was so humid that my lens got all steamed up, and this is the first picture I took.

After getting the lens wiped off and adjusted to the heat, I took some more fun ones of Matthew with the bubble shooter. (We don't have guns at Granny's you know!)

Bubbles over the water.

Nana and Haleigh watch.

Matthew and Haleigh pose for a quick photo.

I love this one!

And a little snuggle.

John Wooden 1910-2010

The world lost a great man last weekend, when John Wooden passed away at the age of 99. He was a man who truly "got it." He knew what was important, and he spent his life quietly sharing his wisdom with others. He was always a teacher, and will always be Coach to those who were blessed to have played for him.

At our house, we learned that a speech or essay could almost always use a John Wooden quote, and his book was referenced frequently. It's also good to have a quote or two committed to memory for those impromptu speech opportunities that might present themselves.

His lessons ranged from the proper way to put on socks for basketball, to the commitment to loving one woman his whole life. After his wife Nellie's death, he wrote her a love letter every month for 24 years. In his wisdom, he speaks of the importance of love, loyalty, and balance in life, and in keeping things in perspective.

One of my favorite sportswriters (yes, I read sports), Rick Reilly, had the opportunity to visit Coach Wooden (can I call him "Coach"?) many times. This is an interview from last October. Be sure to pause the blog music to hear the interview.



Once I was afraid of dying, terrified of ever-lying,
petrified of leaving family, home and friends.
Thoughts of absence from my dear ones, brought a melancholy tear once,
and a dreadful fear of when life ends.
But those days are long behind me, fear of leaving does not bind me,
and departure does not hold a single care.
Peace does comfort as I ponder, a reunion in the yonder,
with my dearest one who is waiting for me there.

And another clip, from an earlier year, in which Coach Wooden recites a poem reflecting his faith in God as the cornerstone for his life. May we all learn from the words, the wisdom, and the example of this humble man.
Godspeed, John Wooden.

Big Jon the Birthday Boy

Today we celebrate my little nine pound seven ounce baby boy born 23 years ago. That's how I like to remember him, I like the baby Jonathan the best. :) He's grown to a little more than nine pounds, but he's still that lovable, fun-loving boy. Fun is his specialty.

We ate dinner at Chili's after Adam and Jon had enjoyed a quick nine holes on the course.

Nana brought him a card she found in Mamaw's things. A personalized pirate card. Vintage.

A gift for Jon, wrapped in a brown bag.

Very appropriate! Hopefully he'll share with his brothers.

Some chips and salsa...

and tasty beverages.

We even saved room for a family favorite, molten chocolate cake, to celebrate the special occasion. Anyone who has joined us for dinner at Chili's knows that when the dessert comes...

it's every man (or woman) for himself. Watch for flying spoons!

Seconds later, the molten chocolate is history. A good way to finish off a birthday!

Gone Fishin'

Matthew and I are modeling our Rescue Me shirts I ordered from Fleurty Girl in New Orleans. The shirts are a collaborative effort with Fleurty Girl and Audubon Institute's Louisiana Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue Program (LMMSTRP). This is the only organization authorized to rescue oil spill marine mammals in Louisiana. Fleurty Girl will give 100% of the net proceeds from this shirt directly to LMMSTRP. My heart is broken for the people affected by the crisis in the gulf. The shirts are just a small way to help. I also plan to support New Orleans tourism by making a visit to NOLA in the fall to watch my favorite team play football. Who Dat!

While we were taking the photo, Jon was busy fishing off the dock at the lake. Once again, on his first cast, he caught a fish. I'm beginning to think he keeps catching the same one!? He showed Matthew how to take it off the hook, and how to hold it to pose for a picture.

Catch of the day!

On the boat to search for a perfect fishing spot.

Stew, Matthew, and Jon wettin' a line.

Fishin' with my Uncle Big Jon. Priceless.

Schools Out for the Summer...

Wednesday was Matthew's last day of school.

It was also the last day ever for students at this old building. It has served the community of Arlington well for 100 years. They will be dedicating the new school in July.

Matthew coming out the kindergarten door as a brand new first grader. He said goodbye to his teachers and his buddies.

We took a few minutes to swing on the playground.

And pose by the sign.

Later, he called his dad to tell him about his day.

And we celebrated at Matthew's choice, El Reparo. He got his usual plate of limes.

And we shared some dessert.

Bring on summer!

Ambush

The unsuspecting victim.

The selection of weapons.

The perpetrators.

The witnesses.

The ammo.

The strategy.

The pursuit.

The approach.

The assault.

The getaway.

The aftermath. All in good fun.