It has been a week of hope, prayer, wishing,
and waiting.
Fiddle-dee-faddle-dee-foddle...
But it has also been filled with unrest in my mind and heart.
I don't want to get into any specifics, but my main concerns revolve around my walk with God, friendship and training Roni. For any of our relationships with man, beast and especially God to be harmonious, there needs to be trust, understanding and good rapport.
In our Bible study this week, the book (Walk) said that the spiritual discipline of simplicity allows our heart, mind, and attitude to be shaped by God into His likeness. "A life of simplicity means living with less, doing fewer activities, being content with what you have, giving yourself and your stuff away to others, and trusting God to provide for your needs (not wants)." This week's "Walk" study challenged us to give up or away something we possess that takes up our time,
thoughts, energy, etc. and pushes out
God. The first thing that came to my mind was Roni... and then I started
seriously thinking about it. As hard as it would be to give away
something I love and enjoy so much... my life would be so much simpler
and stress free without him. "The inward reality of simplicity involves
a life of joyful unconcern for possessions." (Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline, p.87) So I have been praying and meditating on this. 
It was a fairly quiet and relaxing weekend here on the farm. I rode
Amiga and Roni both Saturday and Sunday, using over four hours of my
time each day. That included brushing, picking hooves and tacking both
horses, and a session each day on loading Roni in the trailer and trying
to pick his back hooves. I do not understand why he won't willing walk onto the trailer anymore. If someone stands behind him, then he follows me on... but by myself, he will not go. What does he see/is he thinking? I make head way on loading, or picking up back hooves, or Roni standing still while I mount... and I feel good... but then he reverts back to not
complying. I guess I and both horses are each a work in progress.Joe had to work at 1am both Friday and Saturday nights, so took naps and rested in front of the TV periodically during the days. We had some other little "fix it up" jobs we attended to, but didn't go gung-ho on many big jobs.
We did re-organized the log shed Saturday, which involved moving all these logs to the north side of the shed and some to the east end. Mike's four wheeler and the manure spreader are stored in here now and we can also add the riding mower, lawn mowers, and push weed whacker come the end of mowing season. Unfortunately, we can't fit the tractor and little trailer through the door.
I worked in the Nursery Sunday morning as a sub in the 2 year old room. I tell ya, they are very different than the infants. It was a fun change in pace, but not the regular spot for me. Joe was able to finish work and make it to Church, which was a pleasant surprise.
Like Saturday, it was a day of sunshine,
but was cold and blustery out, with the high both days only reaching 48
degrees. Most of the corn around us has been harvested, and farmers have started getting the beans. 
It was 31 degrees when I went out to do chores at 6:30 Monday morning. There was ice covering the tops of water buckets and tubs.
When I had ridden Roni past Brian's Sunday, we chatted a minute and he said he heard it was to be a cold, snowy winter.
I thought fiddle-dee-dee and commented, "What good are snow days when I am not teaching anymore?" Ha ha ha.
I didn't ride Monday but worked with Amiga and then Roni in the round pen and at the trailer. I need to review Parelli's 7 Games for Horse Training to have those exercises well in my mind so I can work on them. They are not the be-all or end-all of training, but any time you spend with your horse, training is going on. I want to eliminate the falderal I sometimes mistakenly create; and keep it positive, productive, and worthwhile.
Out in the back pasture, I worked on the poor willow tree that has been
battered by wind and cow. Babe pushed open the fencing last week and
pulled some branches off the willow. Some of our ties had also come
lose. So I trimmed up and sprayed the "wounds" on the tree, added new
ties and fixed the fencing, making it more cow proof. 
Because of the
frosted alfalfa, I did not let the cows on the side pasture, so they
were out back and quick to come investigate what I was up to. I love
the natural curiosity of my barn yard animals. 
After cleaning up, I ran into town for a mid-afternoon eye Dr. appointment. Joe had convinced me to get a new pair of glasses. That done, I went to Wal-Mart and then to Growth Group.
I continue to be convicted by the question of how to simplify my life and make more room for God. I keep coming back to my biggest angst, (which saps most of my time and energy) Roni. But he is also such a love and joy.
Since Marj is closing her horse training and riding lesson business,
Tuesday morning I started looking elsewhere for help with Roni. I
hope as neighbors and friends, Marj and I will still stay in touch, but
there was a feeling of loss none the less. In some respects, Roni (and
this farm) have brought me closer to God... with all the trials and
triumphs, tribulations and successes; I have been in prayer... thanking,
praising and seeking God's help. There have been many times of
despair, frustration, loss, and pain... but there have also been many
good times, joys, and blessings. 
It was quite windy out Tuesday, so other than chores, I wasn't
outside much. I was in a bit of a funk... feeling kind of depressed and
completely unmotivated. I did clean my fish tank, move and care for
house plants, read up on pasture care, and contemplate on life. What
are my dreams and aspirations? Do they align with God's plan for me?
To what extent should I simplify my life? 
Wednesday morning I did house work after chores and then took Kaysha to
Moraine View for a walk. Most of the scenic pictures in this post were
taken during this excursion. In the rear view mirror of this photo you can see Kaysha's head.
It was a pretty drive to the park. 
Kaysha really enjoys a walk in the woods and a rest by the lake.
The blue sky and lake were a nice backdrop for the colorful leaves.
I finished the day working on this Blog and planning and preparing to depart for a few days. I thought the green moss below was a pretty contrast in color with the fallen leaves.
We missed our exit from the 39/51 Toll Way because we were so busy talking, so took the next exit and wandered through the country looking for a road to get us back to Route 173. It was after dark when we got to the Super 8 in Richmond. Ike slept in the car, but Tie join us in the room.
We made it to the trial place in Wisconsin in time today to watch the sun come up over the distant hill.
We got un-packed, set up our chairs, and took a look around.
Carol walked the course with one of the workers after the handler's meeting.
This was a beautiful and very well suited place to run a sheep herding trial. It was a gorgeous day with only occasional blustery winds making it rather cold at times. People and dogs enjoyed watching their comrades run the course.
Today was the Pro-Novice "Competition"... the first run before lunch and the second after. To the left, Carol and Ike are entering the field for their first run. It and her second run can be seen by clicking on this link: Sheepdog Trial
Carol got more points in her 2nd run and was happy with the day's accomplishments. On the way home, we stopped at the Wild Bill monument and had dinner at the little park where two other war memorials stood.
As the days grow shorter, the temperatures colder and the colors change... I tell myself it is all part of God's plan, and it is good. I love the change of seasons... but struggle with the transition to cold and less daylight. I put the flannel sheets and heating blanket on our bed, have pulled out winter PJ's, clothes and coats, turned the furnace on (and sometimes up), but can't seem to stop shivering sometimes. It helps to get up and move around, rather than trying to hibernate. 
Daniel and Mike's brother Dan have decided and committed to renting a house together in Downs (moving in on Nov. 1st), so I plan to move off this cold front porch and back into the office (which doubles as Dan's bedroom/dumping ground). The packing and cleaning need to begin. We are having our Fall October-fest on the 26th, so need to have everything in order by then anyway.
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