Summer arrives and brings....more fish n chips!

It’s been a busy couple of weeks here.  Summer (finally) made an appearance, and I’m settling into my new job. 

The view from my space is spectacular – looking across to West Seattle and Alki; watching the ferries, huge cargo barges with their tugboat "minders" and other smaller boats navigate Puget Sound.  Sea gulls swoop and soar just outside the floor to ceiling windows and I can look down and see the tourists and those just out for a stroll along the waterfront.  Mondays see a Regatta cruise ship docked just below, waiting for the vacationers to board.  If it wasn't for the .66 mile each way walk to the bus stop (which is great in summer – sure to be miserable in winter), life here would be close to perfect J

So, my third fish and chips stop was just across the street at Anthony’s Fish Bar.  It has both indoor and outdoor seating and is an adjunct to Anthony’s restaurant proper.   I opted for the salmon and chips for $9.99.  3 pieces of salmon, coated in a beer batter.  The salmon was okay, but I did find myself peeling off the batter and just eating the fish – not typically a good sign. The fries were as ‘meh’ as anywhere else.  So far, this has been the least expensive option, but I can really only give it 3 stars.  There really isn't an ambiance or service level to rate – this was strictly food.

https://www.anthonys.com/restaurants/detail/anthonys-fish-bar

In other news, Keith, my sister-in-law Debbie and I are going to Seahawks training camp August 4^th.  As these opportunities sold out in a day – we are extremely lucky!   Very excited and this will mark the 5^th straight year I've made it to camp – since way back in 2009 when Matt Fisher took a very hung over (day after Mile Day!) Michelle to her first.

The fourth fish and chips stop, which will bring me up to date, was Etta’s.  This was actually one of my reps taking me to lunch, lucky me!  To date: Etta’s is ahead.  More of a panko type breading on true cod.  While the menu doesn't say exactly how many pieces, there were 3 large fillets and 3 smaller ones – a ton of fish for $14.50. The fries were of the shoestring variety with seasoning salt and better than we've had to date.   Service was, of course, very good.  The ambiance at Etta’s is unpretentious, but comfortable.  Overall I’d give Etta’s a 4.25 star rating.  Why not a 5 you ask?  Well 5 must be reserved for the fish and chips of perfection (if it exists)!

http://tomdouglas.com/index.php?page=ettas

I will not include any bus rants in this week's post; there would be too many (people who put their feet up on the seats I'm looking at you! Slobs - did your mothers not raise you right ????)

Finally, last Sunday was a Lake Washington Saddle Club Fun Show at Bridle Trails State Park.  Phoenix Farm riders had a blast and did well.  I schooled my kids in Ring 2 and they were awesome.  I was snapping selfies with them all; how come it always looks like I'm photo bombing myself?   Amateur!  Here's Reggie and I.  Have a beautiful sunny summer everyone!

Seattle - or where do you go for a bum free atmosphere?

And so begins the great fish ‘n chips review(s). We’ll go with a 5 star system, with 5 being outstanding. 

Perhaps a bit of background is in order.  I recently began a new position in Seattle, a mere block from Pier 66 and the rest of the waterfront.  After 8+ years of being spoiled by the ambiance of Downtown Bellevue, this is a big change to say the least.  

Its summer right now (Seattle’s version, which means it’s still cold to this girl), and my view of the water is pretty great when the sun is out.  So what else is there to do when you have a lunch hour, a waterfront and some sun?  Walk and eat of course!  2 blocks to my south is Pike Place Market – with their great $5 and $10 flower bouquets.  As I mentioned, 1 block to my west (?...I’m a bit directionally challenged) is the waterfront – and I confess to loving me some fish 'n chips.  So I set the bar high (…insert laughter here) and decided to try, review and blog about the great Seattle fish n' chips adventure.  I’m shooting for 1 spot per week, and so far have 2 to review.

Week One: Cutter’s http://www.cuttersbayhouse.com/
Now granted, this was a gratis lunch courtesy of my new team mates – which was a good thing as Cutter’s is NOT a cheap spot!  Try to get a table by the window – when the sun is out, the view is spectacular.  Service was very good.  Table bread, and a fairly extensive seafood menu.   The fish ‘n chips were “meh” to be honest.  The beer batter fry was overly crisped at the ends, making it very dry, and w/out fish.  (Aside: fish n’ chips aficionados know what I’m talking about. A well coated and evenly fried piece of fish does not have a great deal of excess dry fry w/no fish inside.)  The fries were just…fries.  I would have to unfortunately give Cutter’s a 2 for their fish n’ chips. They would rate a 4 for ambiance and service however.   3pc fish ‘n chips $16.95.

Week Two: The Edgewater Inn http://www.edgewaterhotel.com/seattle-six-seven-restaurant.aspx

We (my sister and I) opted to eat in the bar, as there was no wait for a table, and we could sit by the window with yet another spectacular view of the water.  Service, even in the bar at lunchtime, was excellent.  For you Beatles fans, this is apparently where the Fab Four stayed during a stop in Seattle.  I *guess* that’s a claim to fame..but it gets a *shrug* from me. 

No table bread here.  But the fish n’ chips was a step up from Cutter’s.  It was served sort of bento box style, and came w/your choice of soup. I love soup and chose the chicken noodle.  Before you decry that as an overly pedestrian choice, let me say it was some of the best of that basic I’ve had.  The noodles were more like long skinny dumplings, largish chunks of chicken, not too salty, and they didn’t try to pad it out w/vegetables to make up for skimping on noodles or chicken (which they didn’t….skimp that is).  The fish itself seemed a bit heavy on the beer batter for me, but at least it wasn't over-fried and dry at the ends like Cutter’s.  The fries, again, were just fries.  You’d have to be seriously incompetent to screw up the basic french fry – but I’m sure I’ll encounter someone who does sooner or later.   Since I’m raving more about the soup than the fish, I can really only give it a 3.  I’m trying to stay pretty tough w/my ratings – they need to truly make me say “ahhhh” to earn the coveted (!!) ponychick 5 star rating J
4 stars for ambiance and service.  3 pc fish n’ chips (comes w/soup and small green salad) $15

Finally – what blog regarding my Seattle adventures would be complete w/out a walk to/from the bus scorecard?  I’ve only been riding for 2.5 days now, so with limited data, here goes:

Bums and or panhandlers screaming at me for various reasons: 3
Bible versifier shouting at me and everyone else: 1
Man following me up the street talking/muttering at/to me: 1
Man calling me a b***h after I didn't give him money: 1
Possible contact high walking to bus: 2
Number of times ANY of the above happened to me on the Eastside: 0

This is the visual in my head when I encounter these Seattle wackos…I’d like to go all karate on their a** (and look fierce doing it). 

This is Emerald Downs (or Day 21 of my captivity)

My captors have seen fit to allow me some small freedoms.   It is now 21 days post-surgery, and while I still cannot lift, push, pull or torment small children, I can actually pull a shirt over my head, clasp a necklace and do my hair.  Small victories people, small victories. 

I am thinking about having tiny horseshoe tattoos put over the scars once they fully heal.  Constant reminder, or medal of courage (foolishness?)

Derby fever should go into overdrive next month.  Combine that with opening day at Emerald Downs, and me getting back on a horse (even if that means eluding my captors)  – and April promises to be great. 

Speaking of Emerald Downs, we are exactly 2 weeks away from the season opener.  The Inittowinit horses are ensconced at the Velasquez barn, and I can’t wait to see leading rider Juan Gutierrez back in the winner’s circle with them.   

Emerald’s head of Marketing, Sophia McKee has done, and continues to do, what I think is a great job of dragging horse racing in the NW (at least from a marketing perspective) into the 21^st century.  To that end – check out:

www.emeralddowns.com

(and while you’re there – vote for Juan for leading rider!)

Also be sure to see his very ESPN-ish commercial for opening day here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDxDw1QiPZc

Day 13 of My Captivity - Defeated by a Sports Bra

Day 13 of my Captivity – and I've been defeated by a sports bra.

It’s never a good thing when your Physical Therapist laughs at you.  OK, so maybe I deserved it, but really….come on…anyone would have done the same thing I did [maybe].

Here’s what happened.  Monday after work I was feeling pretty good, so decided a run would be just the ticket since I can’t ride and all.  Now I should add here that pre-surgery, I managed to find some zip front sports bras, knowing your average model would be tough to get on and off w/a recently fixed shoulder.  Ladies you know exactly what I’m talking about. 

And of course, at some point, all good things must be washed – so the zippy's were hanging to dry at the time of the “incident”.  No problem – I’m feeling good, I’ll just wear a regular pull on.  Went for a run, felt great, came home, and puttered around some more till bed-time…and then….BIG PROBLEMO.  Honestly – I thought I was going to have to either cut that bad boy off, or wear it to work and have my friend help me get it off.  Houdini’s chains, the Mummy’s wraps – neither of them could begin to compare to the impossible trap I’d gotten myself into.  Much howling, swearing and perhaps a few tears were shed but 15 minutes later I was free.

Fast forward to Wednesday morning, when I must confess all to my PT – who is asking why I regressed so badly.  Cue PT laughter.  Well.....lesson learned....I think.

2 Things I Think Today

1. I’m excited to see 50:1 – a great story that is too unbelievable to be fiction.
2. Cartier Trinity Ring….’nuff said.

Day 12 post shoulder surgery - I am being held captive...

Day 12 post shoulder surgery and I already hate everything and everybody. Okay, not really.  And I am certainly luckier than most.  But when my life essentially revolves around my horse it makes me a) one dimensional b) a raging lunatic when I can’t ride him. 

"So Michelle, why don’t you find something else to do, you know, like normal people?"   Well, I *do* work, so I’ve got going to work every day as something to do, and that’s always fun (said no one ever).  Um what else….[thinking, thinking]….yup that’s about it. 

So, to give in to my cranky side and really vent, here’s 5 things that drive me bat-shit crazy.

1. Please, I beg of you, if you are in line, know what you are going to order when it is your turn to do so.  You've had all this time in line to decide, if you still have not done so, perhaps step aside and let someone else go.  Where I come from that’s what’s called good manners.
2. Can we just stop with the endless meetings?  That’s all.
3. Pink NFL jerseys.  Really?   Why don’t you wear the team’s actual damn colors?   Afraid you won’t look female enough unless its pink?   I think I just gagged…
4. Trying to master the art of putting on false eyelashes.  Why why why can I not do this?  This is a basic female skill-set. Let me tell you, a glass of wine doesn't help either…I know…I tried that as a last resort.  #fail
5. Seattle drivers.  Actually, anywhere in Western Washington drivers.  If you drive here, you know exactly what I’m talking about.  If this confuses you, and you live in Western Washington, you are part of the problem.  Please consider public transportation.

And now that the meds have kicked in – to be balanced – here are 5 things to celebrate.

1. Oberon (do I really need to say more?  He’s the cause of this post).
2. My family and friends who, despite donning their Kevlar for the remainder of my out-of-saddle-time, pretty much put up with me (most of the time).
3. Emerald Downs opens for racing in a few more weeks.
4. My job – my horses are very happy I have one.
5. Winter is almost over.  Eff you winter – I hate you. And yes…that counts as a celebration.

Ode to Otto the Great

Dear Otto,

I know I didn’t get to say “goodbye”, but even if I had been there, I would not have bid you farewell.  Instead I would have sat and shared all my funny Otto stories.  Or, as you have been known at various times: Othello Forever (your registered name), Otto-Matic, Otto the Great, and of course – by those who worked it – The Thigh Master. 

                  

When you came to us we were mesmerized by the giant white horse with the roman nose and the great backstory.  European Grand Prix horse, permanent damage done on flight to the US, ended up with our friend Laura M in California, and finally to us.  You always had a presence about you; but despite endless internet searches, I’ve never found European footage of you. 

I remember the first fun show we took you too – and how you became a different horse the minute you stepped in the ring.  Competitiveness, ability and presence took over, and you showed us you could still turn on a dime (to the surprise of the rider).

You would do your flatwork, but the minute it became clear the jumping was to begin, you woke up and took a whole new interest in the proceedings. How many times did I say the words “this is child’s play for Otto the Great”?

But your Houdini escapades are what you became really famous for in later years.  There was no door you couldn’t open, if someone left the key in the lock you could undo that too, and the latch at the very bottom of the door merely presented another challenge for you.  How many times did Teri wake up to the uneven clip-clop of Otto hooves? 

I’ll never forget the weekend I had ‘watch’ of the barn while Teri and John were celebrating their anniversary with an unprecedented trip off the property.  Otto you were the only horse I was worried about – just KNOWING you were going to escape and go walkabout.  Even at horse shows – for example, the Evergreen Classic, you got out, and when we went searching for you – there was your large white rear sticking out of the feed room.

How many bags of carrots, jars of horse cookies and god knows what else did you consume on your almost nightly jaunts? 

How you loved your naps too.  Once you got to turnout, you’d meander a bit, and then find a good spot to stretch out and really snooze.  You also loved to get free longue time in the arena, where you’d run and play a bit, then walk over and tell us you were done.  I still have pictures of you “helping” MJ, Mic and I put away jumps. 

And how many people did you hold up for treats just so they could get and out of the porta-potty without you flinging your halter at them? 

One of my last great memories was when you were living up top with your buddy Condor, and I heard you coming down the drive into the main barn.  You knew we were there and wanted attention, so just let yourself out and appeared to demand your due. 

Grooming you was certainly a challenge, but I remember your favorite spots to be scratched, and the permanent scrape on your nose, and much, much more.

You were big and handsome and regal and talented and beloved by so many.  There’s quite a bit more I can say, but it’s time to let you rest.  Just know you are loved and certainly not forgotten.

~mb

Satire on a Wednesday

Sometimes I write satire just for the hell of it.

Puerto Rico out of money

Governor, lawmakers fail to reach deal to avert country closure.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (MPS Press) -- The government of Puerto Rico ran out of money Monday, forcing the U.S. commonwealth to close.
The legislature and governor failed to reach a last-minute accord that would have averted one of only a handful of country shutdowns in history.
All 1,600 public schools on the island were closed two weeks before the end of the academic year, and 43 government agencies were shut down after negotiations between lawmakers and Gov. Alejandro Garcia Padilla failed. All businesses, including hotels, resorts and restaurants also closed – leading to comparisons with the closure of Malaysia several years ago.
Looking beyond the obvious economic impact on Puerto Rico’s citizens, one of the major ramifications of country closure is going to be the loss of its traditional place on the world map.
UN Resolution 1441 states “any country remaining closed for a period of time greater than 30 days is subject to erasure or relocation on the world map”. The above mentioned Malaysia was relocated to just off the coast of Argentina and is now known as The Falklands. Pundits report general satisfaction with the move, especially since “that Tsunami thing”.
Not all broke nations are as lucky however, as Malaysia. The country formerly known as Siam, which bought the rights to the former Malaysia on the map, remain less than satisfied with their transaction.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon spoke at a press conference during his tour of Cuba (formerly Equador); “Canada has expressed a great deal of interest in moving to the spot on the map currently occupied by Puerto Rico. The UN is looking very hard at the Canadian’s more than generous offer. It would mean they would have to learn to dress better, and take up more interesting sports, but this is possible. Such a move, in all probability, means that Puerto Rico will be moving north to take the space on the world map vacated by Canada in its move south. Of course, if Puerto Rico can’t come up with any money for the move, we may have to see if another country wants, and can afford, to move there. Maybe Poland.”
Governor Padilla responded with a plea his countrymen seemed to echo “Look, we are a resort and tourism based island nation. Please, give us time to come up with some money, and re-open. Our sunny island people will never survive in the tundra that is currently Canada.”
But World Map and Atlas procedure is clear. The clock is ticking and Puerto Rico has 29 days to re-open for business.
"As of 8 a.m. this morning, I don't have in hand a single legislative proposal that resolves this crisis," Padilla told reporters.
Puerto Rico has a $740 million budget shortfall because the legislature and the governor have been unable to agree on a spending plan since 2004. Bermuda – who successfully emerged from the brink of closure in 1962, has offered to work with Puerto Rico on the budgeting process. There is as yet, no word on whether the offer has been accepted.

Copyright 2013 The Mighty PS Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

5 Things I Think on a Monday

1) Does a Prius come with an accelerator or is that an optional accessory?  It must cost a lot because I have yet to see a Prius on the road doing even the speed limit.   Prius owners might consider investing in that piece of equipment because really, why make your car suckier than it already is?
2) I think I was a fool to jump off Palace Malice in the Belmont last Saturday.  I had him in the Derby, and have liked him since his first start around 2 turns.  $29 (I didn't win) later I'm remembering to stick with your pick.
3) I miss not showing The Mighty this year, but am finding myself vastly entertained at Emerald Downs.  I know Auburn is a ways off the beaten track for many, but its a heck of a lot cheaper than a Mariner's game, its outside, and you at least have the CHANCE to try to make some money rather than just giving it away.  But hey I'm just silly like that.
4) I know I owe a Costa Rica recap; but it took me a good long while to wrap my head around it, and things seemed to really change afterwards.  Don't know if it was me, or if 2013 is just a shift overall - but so far I like it.
5) I am looking forward to 6 days in NOLA.  3 will be all work - but evenings free.  I have big plans to eat myself silly, listen to some great music, and laissez les bon temps rouler!

Randomness - remembering EC 2002

I was going through an old horse show journal and came across some funny notes I made during the Evergreen Classic back in 2002.  That was the last year it was held at Marymoor Park, and because Oberon was still so green (!!) I took Laurie Rosen-Ritt's/Phoenix Farm's horse Fable - shown as Galileo.  Good times!  First time I showed in the Jumper Ring as well as Hunter Ring.  And the infamous picture of us crashing through an oxer with my stirrups flying and me wrapped around Fable's neck.  He was so good - and totally saved my bacon - I actually stayed on and we completed the course.  I don't know that we left a single rail untouched but we had fun.

First Jumper Class - "there's a jump off?  and I have to stay in the ring and do it right away?  I don't know the course!"  Didn't matter as apparently I had 1/4 time fault - so crisis averted!

"Michelle what did the course walk in?"
"Um...I don't know"
"What do you mean?  You walked it."
"Well yeah, but really I just meandered around".

Ring hold - riding up and laughing to the gate steward "Wait no more for Michelle and Galileo!"

"Why aren't my boots coming off?  Oh yeah, I couldn't find my boot socks, so wore athletic socks instead and now they're stuck on!"

Caulking every day - putting 8 in and hopefully taking 8 out every night!

2nd in the Johnny Johnson medal class!

Teri: "Trust your eye"  "Left spear!"

Ahhhh...good times.  Re-reading the full recap and my little diagrams made it seem like yesterday!

Just some random thoughts stopping by....

I was unplugged for 7 (or was it 8?) glorious days during my recent travel.  No phone, no computer - and frankly - the desire for neither.  I realize that's a little extreme for most folks, but it was liberating.  I was tethered to nothing - which pretty much suits my personality.  I can't reccommend highly enough that you try it - even if only 24 hours. 

Do I ever meet people when I actually look pulled together?  No - its usually when I'm a filthy mess from the barn..."oh hi!"  

Anyone and everyone can list the best books they've read.  How about the worst?  Here's 2 that immediately leap out - comment back with yours:

The Horse Whisperer - jaysus h kee-riste.....derivative plot, 2 main characters that have no sympathetic or redeeming value whatsoever, and (spoiler alert) the 'horse whisperer' decides to off himself at the end because he can't have the married woman - so chucks his useless hide into a wild stallion fight.  Huh....

Fifty Shades of Gray - does this woman even know how to communicate in the English language?  She has 2, maybe 3 stock phrases.  What started out as crappy Twilight fan fic, became even more poorly plotted and written book length schlock.  I fell for the hype - and wish I had the time I wasted back.   She makes the old 50's Harlequin romances seem like Dostoevsky.

I thought about doing a vision board once (for like 30 seconds).  My friend pointed out that the only things on it would be horses and hot latin guys...so what was the point.  She's right.

Currently obsessed with Florance and The Machine song - Shake It Out. 

It's time to get your Preak on - Preakness week.  Here's to I'll Have Another taking the second leg - why not? 

London - or 6 days of History

In a somewhat last minute manner, I took a 6 day trip to London that was worth every minute of the suspenseful will she/won't she 2 weeks leading to wheels up.

As many of you know (or maybe you don't), my sister Nicole works for GE Aviation, and travels quite a bit.  We've frequently talked about me tagging along on one of her business trips, but have never actually gotten our schedules to sync, until now.  It was definitely last minute, as she had to pull and then weave together several threads leading to a meeting in London. 

So here we are.  Landed on a (very) rainy day in London - wow - like we never left home.  Except the buildings, history and city are much older and definitely more interesting.  We took the Paddington Express from Heathrow to Paddington Station, where we transferred to the tube to Oxford Circus ("Mind the Gap"), and then to the Central line ("this is a Central Line Train to Ealing Broadway") getting off at the Marble Arch stop.  Only significant in that when Nicole booked the hotel, Marble Arch Mariott London seems like it would be the Mariott we could see from the tube station exit.  No, that is actually the Park Mariott (being across from Hyde Park and all).  Marble Arch Mariott is a couple blocks down, right on Edgeware, and then another 4 or 5 blocks.  Hmmm....right through little Lebanon where the people are sitting outside under an awning smoking on the hookah day and night.  Luckily we got to the right hotel, and got checked in, cleaned up and headed back out (yes, in the rain). 

Since we were tired, we decided to tube it to Westminster, and stretch our legs with some walking.  Our timing was great, as we got to hear Big Ben (which is actually the bell, not the tower) chime the hour.  Westminster bridge over the Thames   - look to your left and you have the London Eye - a jarring bit of modern...something...amidst the beauty of the Houses of Parliament to your right.  I suppose the juxtaposition makes you appreciate the genius of the historic architects even more. 
We walked past Westminster (closed for the day) and around a bit,  before being serenaded at a fortuitous loo stop.  I could have sworn she was singing 'Sah Dah Tay' but Nicole says not.

On to Harrods for a walk through the "Halls of Luxury".  Yes, they really are called that.  Nicole fell in love with jewelry by Wendy Yue, while I coveted the beautiful Alexander McQueen bag.  Unfortunately it would take a bit more dosh than we currently have to come home with such things.  As beautiful as those items were, there was also a tremendous Lladro figure (like 2ft long) upstairs that was sort of spectacular/garish/peculiar all at the same time.  Wandering through Harrods, the majority were tourists looking and admiring, with what appeared to be the majority of the buyers transacting in the Halls of Luxury being Arabic or Indian.  Draw your own conclusions, I merely observe.  On to Leicester Square for dinner at Bella Italia - yum! 

Next day (after waaay oversleeping!) we got up and got going. A beautiful sunny! day!  First we drew plenty of stares as 2 women sitting down for coffee in the Costa across from our hotel in little Lebanon.  Why you wold want to allow in, or live next to, people who hate you, your religion and your culture is beyond me, and I'm sure someday the piper will have to be paid, but that's a whole 'nother blog.

ANYway, Big Red bus #7 to the British Museum.  What a beautiful building, and, like the Louvre in Paris, you would need several days to see, much less absorb it all.  We focused on seeing the Elgin Marbles (at one point they will be repatriated to Greece, so now's the time).  Also saw portions of 2 of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World: Mausoleum of Halikarnassos and a marble column drum from the Temple of Artemis at Ephesos. It truly leaves one speechless.  We could have spent quite a bit longer, but they literally kicked us out. 

So we walked, and got a pasty to eat while heading to Trafalgar Square.  Why you would have a monument to the fire that wiped out your entire city is a mystery to me, but so be it.  We actually had a destination, the Strand Hotel where we were to meet up with our Jack the Ripper tour.  Our tour guide was a handsome Scot named John, who was knowledgeable and witty, and did I mention handsome?  It is certainly one thing to read about Jack the Ripper, and the brutal murders that happened so long ago.  It is an entirely different thing to walk the streets of Whitechapel the prostitutes and murderer walked, see the Ten Bells pub they frequented, and stand on the sites where the bodies were found.  It's morbid in its fascination all these decades later, but despite the claims of experts, and the many theories, it's doubtful we'll ever know who he was, or his motives.

We finished up the evening at the Sherlock Holmes pub back in Trafalgar Square where we had (another) pint and some grand old fish and chips. 

Nicole had her first day of meetings Monday, so I had the entire day to myself.  It was another beautiful sunny day, and I opted for the Tower of London. If you know your English history, you will be endlessly fascinated by this place.  Begun by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, added to by successive rulers, and with so much intact, I spent almost 7 hours climbing ancient staircases, walking the inner curtain walls, imagining and pondering much.  The interactive armory exhibit in the White Tower was great, although I waaay overshot my arrow, and my cannon fire was a near miss. At least I knew my sword, mace, and axe work! 

One random thought that jumped out at me while I was there, is that I never want to hear the myth of the ugly American tourist again.  I watched over and over as others (Italians, Middle Eastern, Indian, French and Asian) blatantly disregarded the no-photography signs of some of the older more delicate items, reached past barriers to touch things, pushed and pummeled past others in crowds, and generally were altogether ill-behaved and appallingly rude. 

I left as the Tower was closing for the day, and met Nicole and her work colleagues for a pint at the Three Greyhounds, and then dinner.  One of her work mates, Jonathan and I apparently share a similar reading taste, having a great discussion of the 9th century Saxons and Danes, and the rise of Alfred the Great.  He also lives smack dab in Cheltenham - horse country and home to the Cheltenham Gold Cup!

Next day - also sunny!  This time I headed for Kensington Palace.  Today, home of Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (William and Kate), but more interestingly (at least to me) home to Queen Victoria, George (I II and III) William and Mary (only co-rulers) and Queen Anne.  The historic and public areas underwent a massive restoration project, and they've done a beautiful job.  The room in which Queen Victoria gave her first speech to her Ministers (at age 18), many of her childhood drawings, furniture, writings, photos, etc were fascinating.  Moving on to the Georgian rooms, you are invited to play a card game (apparently George I was quite fond of cards, could move up or down in his estimation with successful and witty play).  One can collect cards as you move through the various  restored rooms, and at the end the 3 cards you end up with each have a letter you use to spell a word.  The final room has drawers with 3-letter words on each, match your hand, open the drawer and find your place in the king's coterie.  Before you get there, you have an opportunity to play a card game (Commerce - reminds me a bit of poker) with 2 courtiers.   I won with a higher flush, thus receiving the difficult to obtain card that gave my final hand of 3 ANT- which, upon opening my drawer- named me Master Politician and member of the King's Privy Council.  Huzzah!

One can also walk through the William and Mary rooms, listen to the whisperings of court as you sit in a window seat, and see the sad and ultimately doomed efforts of Queen Anne to produce a living heir to perpetuate the Stuarts on the throne.

I exited to the Orangery (attributed to both Wren and Hawkesworth) and wandered the gardens.  Then out into the larger Hyde Park where I walked the rest of the late afternoon away. There is a Princess Diana Memorial Playground that is gated in the Park.  It is monitored, and only adults accompanying children under 12 are allowed in.  There is also an awesome disclaimer I should have photographed.  It was about how all play has a certain element of risk, and while you should supervise your child, taking risks at play better prepares them for the challenges of the outside world.  Every American parent should have to read that.

I ended up in Knightsbridge, and went into Harrods again to see the horse items up on the 5th floor.  It is mostly people clothing  - some of it actually FOR people who ride, but an awful lot for people who want to look like they do.  At least as interesting was the bullet proof clothing a few sections away.  Apparently there is quite a market for such! 

I met Nicole back at the hotel to head to SoHo for dinner.  At this point I should mention that a great many people we encountered (as clerks or other service folks) did not speak English as a first language (or possibly even second), which is not typically noteworthy.  However, not one of them could tell us where anything was, or how to get where we were asking for directions to - puzzling - and I must say - NOT Olympics ready.  That's what made our encounter with the gentleman who directed us to SoHo so unique.  English was not his first language, but he knew where we trying to get to, and how to direct us there.  We wandered for a bit, and had dinner at a delicious Moroccan/Spanish restaurant - where - from our second floor table by the window - we observed the absolutely ripped naked guy across the street.  (he may have only been naked from the waist up - hard to tell from our vantage point).

Next day (again with the sun!) Westminster Abbey.  It is believed that the original was begun over 1,000 years ago, (roughly 10th century) consecrated during the reign of Edward the Confessor and has been added and built onto over the centuries in a mix of Norman and Gothic styles.  Again - if you know your history, you will be captivated and spend about 7+ hours here (like me).  If you are a 'check the box' type, you will enjoy the sights, and be in and out in about 90 minutes and on to the next attraction for you to check off.  It was interesting doing a spot of people watching, as you can absolutely tell who wanted to really experience the Abbey and who was checking that box in their mental book.

The Abbey is much larger than you can possibly imagine from photos, and from looking up at the ribbon vaults and ornate ceiling painting(s) to looking down at the inscribed tables underfoot, there is a lot to see.  Beyond being a burial place for many (Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots, Margaret Beaufort, Charles II etc, it is also the place of coronation.  It pays to brush up on your lines of descent of the English monarchy, as well as your Latin.  For reasons I can't explain, I found the tomb of Margaret Douglas, Countess of Lennox (grand-daughter of Henry VII) most beautifully rendered.

This is still a 'working' church, and there is a pause for prayer each hour, which, even though I am not Christian, I found beautiful. I'm not sure a lot of people realize that many of stones they are walking on are burial tablets, and on quite a few, the inscriptions are nearly worn away.  I asked a curate about preservation, and apparently, since they receive no monetary support from the government, and rely solely on donations and proceeds from entry, they can only afford to have the important stones re-inscribed.   One could pay to be buried at Westminster up until the 1800's, and many of the wealthy did, only to be forgotten several generations later, and so their engravings fade away.  Somewhere in there is an important allegory about wasting your money on buying remembrance in perpetuity, only to be forgotten in the end.

I exited Westminster, and opted to walk through St. James Park, the "Birdcage" walk to Buckingham Palace.  It seems a fairly cold looking heap of rock, particularly when compared to some of the other palaces.  The flag was not flying, so apparently The Queen was not at home. 

I continued my walk up Constitution Hill to Green Park and then Burlington Arcade to Picadilly Circus.  I impulsively bought a ticket at The Lyric theatre in Covent Garden to "Thriller - Live, a tribute to Michael Jackson.  It was a sold out show, and I had a great seat in the dress circle, front row.  It was a terrific, high energy show that involved the crowd; including a full on Smooth Criminal number.  There was a German group behind me, and while they didn't know all the words to the songs, they knew the chorus of many.  It was pretty cool to see MJ's global influence, and it reminded me of being on the Spanish Steps in Rome, and hearing all the nationalities sing "Help" by the Beatles..."Help" being the only only word commonly known/sung in that song in that place.

Next day - grey with off and on drizzle.  London must be trying to tell me its time to go.  Nicole and I had breakfast together, and  a bit of shopping.  We encountered the greatest saleswoman, she was honest and funny and told me I deserved a "WOW" dress, that the one I tried on wasn't it (color or cut).  Loved her!  We walked through Selfridges, they have "Rooms of Wonder" - seriously.  Then Nicole was off to work and I was off to the London zoo.  What a terrific zoo!  Their enclosures are huge and naturalistic - and you can be so close to the animals.  I loved it!  I walked out through Regent's Park, and had a bite at the Honest Sausage.  Then Paddington Expressed it out to the Renaissance Heathrow to meet up with Nicole for dinner. 

I loved London, and can't wait for a return trip.  It may not sound like I saw a lot, but I curated my choices carefully, and spent long, quality hours with each.  What I didn't see that I plan to on my next trip: Hampton Palace, the Tate, National Gallery, Museum of London, Cheltenham, Stonehenge, Brighton.

Random Notes:
Oyster cards are genius.  Bought an unlimited one for 7 days (good on tube and buses) and got 5 pounds back when we turned them in.  Brilliant!
Of COURSE on day one I found the horse racing channel!
I realize that the majority of Olympic events will be held outside of London's environs.  HOWever, there will also be a HUGE influx of tourists during the games.  Sadly, I have to say, with only 3 months or so to go, London does NOT seem Olympic ready.  What started out as a joke (zip bands holding together some of the bars outside the Queen's Gate at the Houses of Parliament) became a running observation.  Olympic Ready v Not Olympic Ready.  Pictures were duly snapped of both.  Additionally (and shockingly!) it seems the only Olympics gear shop is in Paddington station.  Boy are they missing a giant revenue opportunity. 
I never did get a photo of the random green horse head pointing nose down in Hyde Park. I gotta google that
Giggling like a 4 year old whenever the Tube announcement of destination was Cockfosters or Shephards Bush
Bacon Butties - my breakfast best friend
F-bomb dropping mayoral candidate (and winner!) Boris Johnson - affectionately known as BoJo
A saying I want on a T-Shirt, bumper sticker and permanently engraved for me: Just because I understand, doesn't mean I care"

Favorite quotes:
"Wait! You're AMERican???" "Hey you're the one that asked ME buddy!" - exchange between tube passenger and Nicole in tunnel between tracks
"something or other going up, repeat twice, SHEFFIELD!" - drunk footy fans on tube
"Holy Shit!" - Nicole and Michelle in unison upon realizing what time they slept till on Sunday
"Why do you need a napkin for a beer?  Jesus Christ!" - Nicole to Michelle at a pub in Whitechapel during Jack the Ripper tour after a wee spill
"Do you need help finding somewhere?  If you want to go and mingle, go up there a couple blocks and turn left" - quite possibly the only man in the entire area of London who recognized that we needed decent directions, and what we were looking for.  It didn't hurt that he was very good looking, and, as we deemed, quite Olympic ready.
"I'm doing this as a courtesy, not because you are travelling with her" - snotty KLM airport agent to Nicole and I at Heathrow
I will definitely miss the tube announcements in that lovely plummy accent "this is a Central Line train to Ealing Broadway."  "this is Oxford Circus, change here for Jubilee and Victoria lines"

Musings on a Friday

The Good

Lots to be thankful for! 

The Mighty Puckstar is healing up nicely, and while making it to any shows this summer is a long-shot, I am immeasurably grateful for his health.

I’m happy and healthy.  Never to be underestimated or valued! 

I see Vision Boards are very popular (I think when I was in primary school we called them collages J ).  I laughingly told a friend I was going to make my own, and she asked me why I’d bother?   “You’re only going to have 2 halves, hot Latin men and Oberon, so what’ the point?”  She may be right, but it sure made me laugh.

Going to London with the sib next Friday.   Very excited, and plan on very little sleep in order to squeeze the most out of the experience!  Life for me is all about the story.  I don’t need material things as much as I need experiences to savor.  I kind of feel sorry for folks whose worth is measured in things that never last. 

I can’t remember where I read this – but thought it was funny/true.   You can fix looks; whether through diet, exercise, plastic surgery, etc.  But you sure can’t fix stupid.  So true!

It’s Kentucky Derby season!  I’ve been watching the preps, and it’s a puzzler.   I don’t think Union Rags looks as bad as his FL Derby might suggest.  I don’t think Hanson is a mile and a quarter horse.  I think Bodemeister is vulnerable.  Arggh!  But fun to watch and debate on the run up to 5/5!

The Bad

What is it about the Pacific Northwest that seems to breed this rampant passive-aggressiveness? I’ve had lunch on 2 separate occasions last week with professional colleagues native to other parts of the country.  The passive aggressiveness of people here in the NW (specifically Seattle and Portland) was a lively topic of conversation.  My theory is that they’ve drunk so much of the PC-speak kool-aid that they don’t know how to talk to anyone anymore.  One of my friends (non NW native) came up with the best description; ice-nice.

Got a letter from Mitt Romney yesterday.  Gee Mitt, of all the issues you address in your 4 page letter (all important issues to be sure) the one glaring omission is that you are a woman-hating Morman.  How about addressing that?  If he really wants to throw a monkey-wrench into the election – he needs to pick Condoleeza Rice as his VP running mate.  I’m sure that would be personal anathema to good old Mitt – but it would shake things up come November. 

I don’t know why I bother asking this anymore, but why are there so many people who can only feel good about themselves by stabbing other folks in the back?  And women are the worst.   During my career, I’ve worked for quite a few female managers and executives.   Sad to say, I’ve had one truly outstanding female manager (thank you Yvonne Allmaras for raising the bar on integrity, personal growth, and motivation), one pretty good female manager, and a whole host of truly terrible female managers and executives.  Some act like their team is their own personal sorority, complete with rush, hazing and ostracization.   I’ve been on a team where back-biting, and stealing each other’s business was encouraged.  So sad, so un-necessary and from a progressive standpoint – depressing.  Frankly – I’d MUCH rather work for a man at this point.  (Oberon argues that I already do...him!)

Today's Playlist brought to you by 8 Pounds (the cat)

Rumor Has It - Adele
Uprising - Muse
Tighten Up - Black Keys

Lots of doings!

Thursday, Aug 18
We had a Low and an Ariat National Medal Class.  The Low (unrated of course) went perfect, landed every lead, jumped awesome.  The Ariat was fun; we got a bending line AND a rollback.  Jumped fence 1 beautifully, unfortunately did NOT land the lead and skipped the change.  BUT, jumped the scary straw that gave many others fits (a couple of unintentional dismounts in fact) and bent to the oxer and jumped out fantastic.  We had one unintentional swap in the middle of a line (oh NOW you give it to me?!) and finished up well.  We ended up 7th in a big class.  I feel like if we had landed the leads and not swapped, we would have made the ride off.  Oh well - hard to NOT be happy with how he went!

Friday, August 19
We went late late late today (read...last group of the day).  So we went for a leisurely stroll this morning, had some grass, a good nap (him not me) and finally got ready to go.  We had a good low round.  He looked pretty hard at the first jump of the judges line, and I tapped him off the ground, but landed all leads and jumped well.  Then we had a hunter round, and had a bit of drama with his gawking to the right, and me trying to get his attention on the jump, and finally at the last second when he's almost underneath it he sees it and leaps it like a deer.  I get chucked forward and lose my right stirrup but stayed on and we jumped out, and carried on (I finally got my stirrup back before the next line!) and finished up again with the judge's line - in which he decided to pay me back a little for the tap off the ground last time and jumped in and out like a freight train.  Somehow - we still ended up 6th - and had to jog..with him chuckling I'm sure.  Then we had the hack, and Teri said its the best I've shown him under saddle, so we ended up 4th.   All in all a long, but very satisfying day.  We go first thing tomorrow - so wakey wakey!

Random Notes:

• Quote of the Day:  Hunter Ring 3 Gate Person Tracy "If I don't see some action soon, I'm going to start looking for some adults"
• Seeing the Tallulah mare and her Voltaire foal going parade in the Grand Prix field for the Diane Tidball Grand Prix
• So many horses, so much seeming chaos - and yet it all somehow works.  Kudos to TBird Show Park staff!
• Oberon's Playlist today:
• Money - Jessie J
• Rumor Has It - Adele
• Bad Romance - Lady GaGa

930 Horses Oh My!

We actually arrived Sunday night, and got the horses reasonably settled, and fed before heading off to the Holiday Inn Express (free breakfast and internet!) ourselves.  Monday was set up day, as well as giving the horses (Mighty, Cruiser, Rumor and Toby) a good hack and a trail ride (beware the killer blackberries....they could clearly use the services of Totes McGoats here!).  We even got Teri on a bicycle yesterday!  She is pretty convinced I am going to hurt myself on the 2-wheeled non-beastie.  No worries about the 1200 pound beastie ...go figure hahahahaha!!
Tuesday was schooling day, and Mighty got to go first...and beep bop boop (yes I made sound effects) we went around and were done.  He got a bath, and some turnout where he made new friends and got a nice roll (thereby negating the benefit of the bath). 
Our weather is beautiful, and it's *almost* as much fun to fantasy horse shop and people watch as to ride.  Please note the use of asterisks.  We have a pretty easy day tomorrow, then the Ariat Medal Thursday, as well as the Scheduled Entertainment Event of the Evening---the Hunter Derby. 
Notes: 

• to the @#&* who tried to steal our golf cart last night and broke the key off in the ignition....karma will kick you in the ass.....trust
• we've talked about bringing bikes up here for years, and finally remembered...Rock Hopper and Magna have been a hit.  Emily and I took them 4-wheelin' today, got herded by a golf cart and truly took them rock-hoppin'
• There are 930 horses here across all the divisions.  It promised to be super busy, organized, chaos. In other words, a horse show.

Oberon's Playlist Today:

• Uprising - Muse
• You Got the Love - Florence and the Machine
• Just a Lil' Bit - 50 Cent

Miscellaneous Stuff

It has certainly been a busy few weeks since we left Thunderbird.  The Mighty has a tooth issue, essentially a cavity, due to abnormal growth of an upper molar.   It will have to be extracted - looks like October.  He colic'ed yesterday - so any vendor unfortunate enough to give me a bad time basically got their head ripped off.
We're heading back to Thunderbird next week, for a 2 show stay, after which we will officially be destitute.  Stay tuned for the September garage sale at which ponychick sells everything in the house that is not nailed down!
I decided I am *not* going to my high school reunion.  None of these people were friends back in the day, it's not like we became friends AFTER high school, so why on earth would I pay $100 to go hang out with them now? 
Just for fun:  Current Fave Five
1) Johnny Depp (pretty much locked into the emeritus spot)
2) James Marsters (ditto spot #2)
3) Kyle Chandler (obsessed with Coach Tayler and his puppy eyes)
4) Taylor Kitsch (Riggs, Riggs, Riggs)
5) open...feel free to apply...supply a photo :-)

Last Day - the crowd certainly got their entertaiment value!

We're home - and the last day of the show certainly provided its share of comedy and adventure.  We had the Hunter Stake in the morning - a chance for The Mighty to earn a little $$.  We had a beautiful round going, certainly enough to place highly.  Only 2 fences to go. Then we came to the 2-stride going towards home on the far side.  About the time I could feel him thinking about saying 'no' I said 'yes' most emphatically (and I must confess...too early) and we left out the last stride jumping in...and since I was (again...confession time...getting ahead of him..tsk tsk Michelle) already leaning out, when he jumped in I got popped out of the saddle, and lost both stirrups.  So I'm sort of clinging to his neck and he's wondering what the hell I want him to do, so I tell him to go ahead and jump out of the big oxer dammit.  He did, in 3, which was okay since I didn't make it back into the saddle all the way until after that 2nd fence, and I never did get my stirrups back.  Needless to say - class blown.

But we still have the $1.5k Dexter Hunter Classic- we can redeem ourselves!  These are the fun classes, and for this particular event, they took out the fences dividing Hunter Ring 1 and Hunter Ring 2, with the course itself sending you between the 2 rings.  We also got to bust out our formal tail coat (shadbelly) and cravat.  Off we go - easy peasy.  Right up to fence 4, which was completely non-threatening (to me) but you jump that looking across this suddenly open space across to the other ring, gallop slightly downhill, then slightly uphill and jump the large(ish) oxer in the other ring.  We won't mention names but someone (rhymes with Might He?) decided to try ducking left around the jump and just miss it entirely. So again with the circle back and big cluck and squeeze over it and by now his eyes are bugging out as I ask him to gallop over to the next ring and jump this other big(ish) oxer then around to the right, up the diagonal line, down the judge's line, up over the wagon wheel then BACK to the other ring and finish over another big(ish) oxer. 

Our score was a pitiful 30 + 3 style points, so it was all over for us.  I took him on a trail ride to get both our heads screwed on right, and meandered back to the barn.  I took his tack off and was just getting ready to change clothes and pull braids when Teri came running up and yelled 'put your tack back on you're riding the 2nd round!'  I guess a bunch of riders DNC or had off-course, so we headed back to the ring and did the 2nd round, which again criss-crossed rings, and included a dreaded trot fence.  All of which we managed.  We even got 6 style points :-)  We ended up 7th (and he earned $105!) and got to participate in the victory gallop which we both dearly love - he can gallop with the best of them!  Then we really were officially done.

So - moments of brilliance, and moments of wtf.  S'okay - it's all fun - even the hairier moments make for good stories later.  We were originally scheduled to do the first week of the August series, and have now elected to add in the second week.  It will be good for him, and me (but not my bank account).  But oh well, this is what I do and it's so totally worth it to me.  I really do have a special horse- and even when he's being a dork I love him more than anything.  Sooo.......on to August!!  Donations being accepted hahaha! Items will be sold, extra odd jobs sought!

Soundtrack for Sunday:
Uprising - Muse
Stronger - Britney Spears
Basket Case- Green Day

and of course -
With apologies to Katy Perry (Last Friday Night):

There's a stranger on the course, it's not just another horse
Mighty's looking all around, I think a single rail was downed
I smell trouble in the line, he thinks all the fault was mine
Our goose was cooked in the 2, I'm gonna have a giant bruise.
Pictures of this round ended up online - we're screwed...oh well
It's a blacked out blur, but I'm pretty sure it ruled...Damn
Last week in Canada
Yeah we jumped across the tops and we took too many shots
think he refused but I forgot
Last week in Canada
Yeah I maxed my credit cards, but won a round and was a star
then he refused a trot fence, yeah it really made no sense
backed him up and made it work, he's always seein' things that lurk
Last week in Canada
Always say I'm gonna stop - come August show my wallet'll pop, and we'll do it all again
Trying to connect the dots, don't know what to tell my boss
Think I'll be gone again, horse is much more fun than men
JLord ripped her favorite pants, horse show's no place for can't
think I need a vodka shot, and a tackroom with a cot
Pictures of the show made it up online, we're screwed - oh well
It was such a blur but I'm pretty sure it ruled - damn
Last week in Canada !

The Mighty Pulls One Out of the Hat...

Today was a low, a couple of hunter classes, an eq over fences, and a flat eq.  We're all warmed up and seen it all now right?  right?  um...well.....

Warm up went great, and we were ready for our first class.  The Low is sort of your mulligan class, but it would be nice to do well, and then just have to smooth out the edges so to speak.  There was a trot fence (again) for later on, and all the lines were easy, a 5 by the judge, 6 on the diagonal and 2 on the outside.  Easy right?  Well it *started* well.  First fence - awesome.  Up the judges line in 5 - easy, down the single oxer - buried a little under it but no problem.  Right turn up the 2-stride and uh-oh.  He is backing off and giving me the 'no, uh-uh, something scary is in the bushes'.  (I should note that that particular side of the ring has really tall bushes like trees and normally they are a non-issue).  I kicked him up and clucked and got him into the 2-stride and then had a freight train that probably could have done it in 1 going out and bolting off around the turn.  Which...I have to get him back because we still have the diagonal line going home to finish.  It wasn't a pretty round ...but unbelievably we finished (together) and got 4th. 

On to the first Hunter round.  Should be able to fix it all now right?  Well sort of.  Again with the scary whatever-it-was in the bushes, but at least less freight-trainy.  However he opted out of landing all the leads, so it was a m'eh round...which..no lie...knowing how brilliant he can be....was a bit of a let down.  We got 5th...bleck. 

Next Hunter round - gotta be better right?  It was pretty good, which is better than m'eh.  We got 3rd. 

One to go - the Eq over fences.  Nothing too hard...just another trot fence hahaha.  Open with the 5-stride by the judge- great.  Down the single oxer, good, 2-stride - finally! success, continue to the right, and trot. and WHAT THE??  That would be about the time I dug the spurs in, clucked mightily (pun intended) and he leaped over that thing like it was gonna eat him.  Then the bending line which worked out well since I had his attention, roll around the little island, okay, up and then roll back (past the trot fence oh dear god!) and down to finish.  It certainly wasn't our most brilliant eq round, the judge clearly wasn't impressed by the sheer amount of riding that had to be done :-)  I honestly don't remember what we got  hahaha.

We had to do **2** jogs today.  Jog out, walk back.  Change the order, jog out, walk back.  The horses got a good giggle out of it. 

Eq on the flat to finish - which I rode well.  Should probably have been 2nd, and the placings certainly puzzled more people than me.  The person who finished directly ahead of me couldn't sit the trot or pick up the right lead canter.  So I don't know what happened there but oh well.

They announced the Champion and Reserve Champion for the Hunter Division, and I figured we were Reserve.  Imagine my surprise when they announced this same person that I spoke of in an earlier paragrah as Reserve.  Hmmmm........upon re-calculation of points - surprise!  Oberon was Reserve Champion!  Yay Mighty!

The boys again enjoyed a leisurely turnout today.  We went and watched the Ride and Rally which was the most fun.  Horses did a jumper round on the Grand Prix field, the rider bailed off and ran over to the next ring, jumped in a Kubota golf cart/ATV thingy and did a round (you had to go between the cones and not knock the tennis ball off the cones).  It was hilarious and very cool.

Tomorrow is the last day till August.  Boo!  I wish Walgreen's would give me 6 month's severence so I could just ride and show the rest of the summer :-)

Today's soundtrack:
Don't Play A Game That I Can't Win - Beastie Boys featuring Sanigold sp?)
Paparazzi - Lady Gaga

Oh Mighty Puckstar - I gotta praise you like I should.....

Today may have started less than auspiciously in our warm up - let's just say that the maple leaf leapt out of nowhere causing Mighty's patented look prop and bolt.  And when he did it at the other end of the ring - I couldn't tell you what it was...air maybe. 

ANYhoo...we went in for our Low 3' and had an okay round...just need to smooth it out a little.  Next was our Hunter round - and it went great.  I saw distances from a mile away, so could look across to the next fence, he maintained a nice rhythmic cadence all the way around, got his leads...all in all a round to be very proud of.  So we were feeling pretty good when it came time to do the Equitation class.
\
I opted for the bold opening move of walking in, immediately galloping down to a 7 stride line.  And it went exactly as planned, then the 6 stride line, then the single oxer on the diagonal - all going great.  Land the oxer soft, turn right and trot over a teensy trot fence.  Easy peasy right?  Tell that to the Mighty who did another of his patented moves; go right up to the fence lift off in front like you're going to jump it, then slam them back down and slide into the fence sending dirt flying.  I was so flabbergasted!  I just back him up 4 or so steps and put my spurs into his heart and he trotted right up and jumped over (like he was supposed to do the first time!) and then down to the stone wall, rolling back to the other stone wall and done.  Winning round ...except for that one tiny glitch...arrrrrrggghhhh! 

Easing the pain was the fact that we got called back first for the jog.  Now - for those of you who are runners this probably seems simple right - you're jogging the length of the arena - no problem right?  Well now do it in tall boots that are NOT meant for running, deep footing, a horse in your right hand that you are trying to keep in a straight line and moving well, and you have to keep up him - and DON'T look like a dork doing it.  Go on...try it....I dare you.  Well, we won the Hunter class; I'm sure the judge could hear The Mighty laughing at me running with him all the way there! 

So, it was a good day - coulda been great - but I'll take it anyway :-)  We had successful turnout with our buddy Cruiser, and got a good roll and grazing time in.  Tomorrow will be a busy day - hopefully it goes at least as well as today if not better!

Random thoughts:
Teri threatening us with a summer's worth of trot fences (nooooooooo)
Tiffany and Jessica coming to turnout armed with cameras to catch The Mighty's famous antics - only to have him wave them off with a 'not today folks'
Doing the mosquito clappy dance in Fort Langley ( I think Teri actually got it on video)
Fake tail (is that like fake boobs?  false advertising???? discuss amongst yourselves)
Playlist: Toxic, Sexy Sax Man (Careless Whisper), Praise You

"We've come a long long way together
through the hard times, and the good.
I got to celebrate you Mighty.
I gotta praise you like I should"

1-2-3-4 Come on Mighty...

Haha...just a little giggle and some old-skool Miami Sound Machine.  JLord will get it.
Well the 'r' word made an appearance today - but we've certainly ridden in worse -so it wasn't an issue.
I rode Mighty in the U/S  - and we got 4th, after pulling a few of his patented LPB's during 'work at will'.  Apparently working at will to him means look, prop and bolt.  We kept it together long enough to make it through the class, and were happy to be done with it frankly.  Teri had him for 2 jumping classes, and he finished 3rd and 4th.  So it was only a so-so day. 
This getting to sleep in and roll in to leisurely get ready has rocked - but that's all over now.  Tomorrow we have 3 jumping and 1 more of those damn flat classes.  Fingers crossed for sun!
Today's Soundtrack:
Rumor Has It
Heads Will Roll/Thriller
1-2-3

And, with apologies to Travie McCoy and my man Bruno Mars:
I wanna be a billionaire, so frickin' bad
Buy all the horses I never had
I wanna be on the cover of PH Magazine
smilin' next to Rodrigo and Beezie
Oh everytime I close my eyes
I see my name in shining lights
A different horse show every night
Oh I swear, the world better prepare
for when I'm a billionaire

The Mighty does his thing....

Day 3 - and hot, Hot, HOT! But....considering that summer didn't even arrive in the (great?) northwest until about 2 weeks ago, I'm not complaining!


Let me also say I feel quite decadent sleeping in until 7:30 at a horse show! We breakfasted here at the Holiday Inn Express, and trundled off to the show. Teri forgot her show coat, so I had to go back for it - since I had the only motor vehicle - and it was a little too far for the horses :-)

We went for a nice stroll on the trail to stretch our legs, and then it was time to get ready to show. It was trainer day today, so Teri got to take him around - and what a lovely boy he was. He had 3 classes today, and took 1st, 3rd and 4th. He seems happy and relaxed - which is all I could ask for.

Big Red Truck is now repaired! I took Teri down to pick it up - and then we headed to Otter Co-Op. If you've never had the chance to go - it's amaze-balls. They have everything you could imagine! Farm equipment - you betcha! Clothes - sure! Groceries- uh huh! You name it!

Random thoughts:

Supposed to cool down tomorrow - so fingers crossed!

The Mighty entertained folks today by taking the stick out of my pocket and waving it around while we were walking in front of the show rings. He always plays to his audience :-)

To the people in the room next to mine - your child screams non-stop morning noon and night. He was screaming in the breakfast room this morning, he screams at night. You are poster people for birth control.

So, I wanted to upload my video - but TMobile essentially sucks, so will have to wait until I am on another computer (work :-) )

JLord and Tiffany's dad (Sid) arrived tonight - so more hands and fans!