One Year Later...

One year ago,we moved Danny out to Endar to retire him to pasture. He left looking like this...

And after bites, scrapes, weight lost, weight gained, dirt, mud, sun, a winter coat, a spring shed, and lots of love; he looks like this...

He might not be perfect, but he's happy wandering his pasture with his friend and waiting to be spoiled weekly by me.

Birthday Blessings

I celebrated my 28th birthday on May 14th and it was filled with so many blessings. I started my birthday morning by riding a lovely horse at Dana's. Then, my mom and I headed out to see Danny and I had decided to ride him bareback. As I put his bridle on and tightened up the figure-8 noseband, he had the look on his face like, "You've GOT to be kidding me!" Once I got on him, it was pure joy. Danny felt wonderful...sound, quiet, and happy. After cruising around at the walk for a bit, I tried the trot and quickly decided for future child-bearing, that wasn't the smartest choice. So I stuck with cantering my rocking horse around the arena. And you know what...he still has it goin' on...


He can still stop on a dime with no reins!

After my wonderful ride on Danny, Nick surprised me by taking me to catch the Angel's at Angel's Stadium. The ultimate surprise was seeing my parents, in-laws, friends, and family sitting in the section waiting to surprise me. With hot dogs, beer, and fireworks, it was the BEST way to finish off my birthday night!

My birthday weekend continued as we headed down to San Diego Saturday morning for a hike in Poway. We took Kyla (AKA Billy Goat) and she loved bouncing up the trail, passing all the other bigger dogs. I can't think of a better way to spend a beautiful day than out on a dirt trail, sweating in the sun, and sharing the experience with my husband and my dog. Afterwards, we hit up Barefoot Bar and Grill at Paradise Point for beer and appetizers. A perfect day!

My birthday celebration continued with a BBQ at my parent's house Sunday afternoon. I loved spending the time with friends and family! I look back on the weekend and count the many blessings in my life.

Where did our role models go?

Call me a traitor, a line-crosser, a "stupid sub," or only in it for the money; but today I served as a substitute for the Capistrano Unified School District elementary school in my neighborhood. I have my reasons why I decided to go forth and apply to be an emergency sub in the event of a strike. I feel students still need a safe place to go while both parents work and can't afford a baby sitter. It is not the students' fault and therefore they should not suffer. Please understand that I DO understand and support what the teachers are doing but this is not my fight to fight. I do not have a child attending the school district. I am not employed in CUSD. Think of it this way: I'm supporting the teachers strike by subbing in their class for those students still at school. Lastly, I have to make a living. I don't live at home off mommy and daddy. We have bills, rent, and a diminishing savings account. We're all trying to make a living.

Upon arriving at school early this morning, I was mocked and made fun of as I walked into the office. "Enjoy your money!" "Oh look! That's my sub!" "Good luck subbing today!" I'm sensitive and these comments almost brought me to tears but I sucked it up and thought of the children coming to school today. I had two 4th grade classes with a few familiar faces from the students I sat in their class last year during observation hours. The kids were wonderful!!! We had fun during discussions, played Sparkle and Around the World Math, and did geography. I was "not allowed" to teach actual lessons so I made do with worksheets and anything I could pull out of thin air (very thin air).

When I tried to leave the parking lot, I had the picketers walk across the front of my car with signs reading "Say NO to subs!" Comforting! The greatest was when the teacher I observed in somewhat recognized me and couldn't look me in the eye. I escaped relatively unharmed with hurt feelings but I survived.

I went straight home and wanted to take Kyla for a walk to the nearby park. Of course, I have to pass another elementary school on my way to the park. At first, I didn't think there were that many picketers. Then, when a sub tried to pull out of the parking lot, the teachers ran to get in front of her car. While they blocked her exit, they screamed "SCAB!!!" at her and "You're just a SCAB!!!" and "Don't you dare take that money!!!" They also took pictures of her as she just sat there taking the abuse. All the while, children are walking by, watching their teachers bully this poor woman until the security guard could break up the unruly mob. These teachers are supposed to be role models for their students. Is this the message they want to send their students that it's OK to scream and yell nasty comments at innocent people. This is a real low for them to hit.

So with that, I greatly hope they can resolve their issues with the district and get back in the classroom. Until then, use some class, continue to be a role model for your students, and leave your nasty attitudes at home. You're really embarrassing yourself!

PS - If you don't agree with me or if I offended you, get your own blog!

Day 5 - Blue Bird Day of Perfection

Our last full day in Tahoe started with an early wake-up call to be at the gondola when it opened at 9:00. We awoke to blue skies and no wind. These days are known as "blue bird" days on the mountain. Apparently we weren't the only ones planning to be on the mountain early. When we walked up to the Village, the line for the gondola wrapped around the fence and people milled about.

We decided today would be the day we took pictures while we rode and we'd get some video footage. Since the skies were clear, we headed straight for the top of Heavenly (10,040 feet) and saw the amazing views of Lake Tahoe, Carson City, and the mountains of Nevada and California. We made fresh tracks in the corduroy-groomed runs for the first few runs we took. Lift lines were a bit more crowded with the extra people on the mountain but nothing to complain about.

After riding in California for most of the morning, we headed to Nevada for a few runs through the trees before taking the gondola back to our hotel for lunch. Nothing beats a half-block walk for a "free" lunch and then back up the gondola for more riding. It was at this point that I found my legs saying, "Ya, we're done!" The tightness of my boots around my legs with scarred stress fractures were screaming in agony. To add to the mix, a piece of my bindings had popped off which made riding extremely difficult. Instead of moving easily across the snow, I had to literally pick my back foot up and move it back and forth to carve the snow; all the while praying I didn't catch an edge and take a digger in the packed snow. I think it's officially time to retire my trusty bindings. My legs were just done.

Nick and I decided we'd ridden enough and headed back to the hotel. After a boot change, we headed straight for The Brewery for pilsners and appetizers. This completely hit the spot! Drink Tahoe Brew!

We headed back to the hotel to shower and change. It was while I was blow drying my hair that I blew the fuse to our hotel room and all the rooms around us. It was at that point that we quickly decided to go walk Heavenly Village instead of look guilty. We enjoyed our last walk of the Village before our departure tomorrow morning.

This winter trip has been amazing! Yet again, we've fallen even more in love with Tahoe and could move here in an instant. So until possibly summer, we say good-bye to our home away from home...Lake Tahoe.

Day 4 - A Difference in Colors

Our morning started earlier than our sore bodies were ready for. Nick and I had decided to ride Squaw Valley Resort for a change in scenery and this meant an early morning and long drive to get to Olympic Valley. After Nick dug the Trailblazer out of over 6 inches of snow and with coffees in hand, we set out to see how the storm turned Lake Tahoe into a winter wonderland.

Apparently our blue-bird day drew out the locals and tourists because the wait to turn into Olympic Valley was ridiculous. After was seemed like forever, we were up the cable car and at High Camp at 8200'. Our ultimate goal was to ride the runs down to Shirley Lake which was the beautiful area we hiked with Kyla back in July 2009. So off we went.

This is where I found my difference in color. To preface, Squaw doesn't mark their runs by green, blue, and black. They mark their chair lifts. So as we dropped down some un-named run, we quickly realized what Squaw considers "blue" runs, the rest of the normal world considers it "black." With all the powder that was dumped on the mountain, the runs were covered in almost 2 feet of powder that's been plowed, pushed, and rutted out by other skiers and snowboarders. This makes the steep runs all that much more challenging.

The best part of the day was when Nick was leading and continued straight past a sign that read, "Experts Only." I hollered to him but it was too late. We were already in the midst of deep powder and steep runs. We were both doing great until I hit a mound of snow and did a flying Superman, landing face-first in the powder, sliding down the run, eating more snow than I care to admit, and all of this was under the watchful eyes of those on the chairlift above. It was a perfect 10 landing.

We ventured over to the other end of the resort and took a chairlift up to the top ridge hoping we can ride some different runs. Halfway up the lift, a huge cloud rolled in and were were in pure white-out conditions. Now, I don't get vertigo but these were conditions that gave anyone vertigo. Everywhere we looked, it was grayish-white. More that a little scary. What was worse was when we got to the ridge at the top of the lift. One side was a sheer cliff and the other side was a double black diamond bowl. Oh, and I couldn't see anything because my goggle lenses were for sunny conditions. Somehow we made it down the ridge, riding blind part of the way.

We decided to break for lunch and see if the visibility improved. After about 45 minutes, we walked back outside to even more fog and clouds so we decided to call it a day. We were exhausted and pleased with how we handled the "blue" (AKA "black") runs.

On our way back, we planned on getting together with Stacy and my old friend Heather for drinks and appetizers in Incline Village. The three of us girls reminisced on old times, swapped funny stories, and caught up on our lives. We had a great time and shared many laughs. Nick and I headed back to our hotel, took hot showers, popped a few Tylenol, and got ready to do this all again tomorrow...but back at Heavenly.

Day 3 - Another Snowy Day in Paradise

Daily reporting from Nick: While bedding down last night, we decided to set the alarm early and get to the gondola when the mountain opened. Day 3 began in much the same way as day 2. Mixed weather reports and some uncertainty as to whether or not we were going to tackle the slopes. It doesn't help that the "greeter" at the Heavenly ticket counter was a pessimist and warned everyone that there were strong winds expected and several lifts were likely to be closed by noon. We thought twice about buying tickets (for about 30 seconds is all) and we decided "to hell with it!" We came here to ride and all be damned, we were going to ride! Up the gondola we went with a "lovely" couple from Scotland here on "holiday" (gotta say it with the Scottish accent).

The first half of our day was spent exploring the Nevada side of the mountain. We got our legs under us on a couple of runs that we did yesterday before venturing out to ride some new terrain. While we were ripping down the run, we both missed the sign directing us back to the lift. Needless to say we reached a dead end with a sign reading "impossible to ski or ride further" (in more or less words). We preceded to unstrap our boards and hike our way back up the mountain (a snowboarder's version of the "walk of shame"). After 8 or so runs, we took a break for lunch and decided we'd ride the California side for the rest of the day.

The California side of the mountain proved to be the place to be! Fresh powder and very few people made for an awesome couple hours of riding (have I mentioned yet that the snow was falling and we were getting dumped on all day!). We were laying down fresh tracks at 1 o'clock in the afternoon and at times we had runs all to ourselves. After a half dozen runs we decided to call it a day and we mapped our decent to the bottom of the mountain. Little did we know that we were in store for quite the backcountry fiasco. We more or less walked, skated, and rode our way down a snow covered, switch-backed, service road for the better part of a half hour. This "run" was mountain on one side and shear cliff on the other! We thought it was going to be a nice easy ride to the bottom and instead we both ended the day tired and sore.

A few Tylenol, a quesadilla and a few beers at a bar that doesn't know the definition of happy hour ($6 pints, are you kidding me?), and a carb packed dinner of pasta definitely put smiles on our faces (even though we had smiles plastered to them all day).

Joke of the day: Q: What did the elephant say to the naked man?

A: How do you breathe from that tiny thing!?! (courtesy of The Buried Life).

Day 2 - Exploring Eden

Nick and I woke up this morning to mixed weather reports and a somewhat wet snow coming down. After checking three weather website and the local news channel, we went with the optimistic report from Heavenly's blog that said powder was expected and winds wouldn't pick up till later this afternoon. We geared up and made our tiny trek over to the Heavenly gondola to start our day.

As soon as we exited the gondola, we knew the day would be epic. Dry snow was falling and no wind. We quickly decided to check out the Nevada side of the resort. It wasn't long before we referred to our day as "exploring Eden." Conditions were perfect with soft powder, wide runs, few people, and plenty of terrain to ride. If it snowed in Eden, it would be called Heavenly.

We learned a few lessons today on the runs:

1. Riding from California to Nevada is agony! If you want to absolutely kill your calves and hamstrings along the flats of the run, this run is perfect for you.

2. Accidentally going down "ungroomed" runs that have turned into moguls on a snowboard can be quite challenging.

3. Cutting through the trees isn't all it's cracked up to be. When you're stuck digging out of 3 feet of powder, you'd better have a snack beforehand because it's going to kick your butt!

4. We're practically in Disneyland. They charged us $4 for a simple bottle of Diet Pepsi! Can you say captive audience?

5. We ABSOLUTELY love Lake Tahoe and Heavenly.

After riding, we headed back to our quaint hotel for a hot shower, dinner, drinks, and Tylenol. Another system is supposed to move in late tonight, bringing plenty of snow for tomorrow. Looks like it'll be another powder day in Heaven!

Day 1 - Cows and Crops

Our morning started at 3 AM and we were packed and out the door at 4 AM. Unlike our past trips to Tahoe, we opted to take I-5 up California instead of Highway 395. After we passed over the Grapevine, we were in the midst of cows and crops. The lovely stench of daisy farm cows stuck in the car way too long. At least with all the rain we have experienced this winter, the fields were lush and green, stretching as far as the eye can see. And the sunrise was amazing!

With only a few gas and potty breaks, we cruised into South Lake Tahoe around 1:00 PM. There isn't as much snow on the ground as we had expected but it is spring after all. Since it was too early to check in, we headed straight to The Brewery at Lake Tahoe for a few of our favorite pilsners. All was right with the world at that point.

After walking Heavenly Village, we checked in, unloaded, and crashed on the bed for a much-needed nap. We're resting up for a week of boarding and fun in the snow. Tomorrow is questionable with weather conditions so we'll wait and see how the day pans out. But as of right now, we say that we're "finally back home."

Good Ol' Boys

It warms my heart beyond belief to post this blog. Being the OC housewife that I am, I was able to visit Danny today out at Endar in Temecula. I was on my own today with Kyla by my side as I grabbed Danny's halter and a handful of carrots and set out for his pasture. When we walked up, Danny and his pasture-mate, Guyus, were along the far fence grazing. I entered the pasture and whistled and called his name. Danny didn't quite hear me at that distance but Guyus sure did. Guyus is a 7-year-old Quarter-Thoroughbred with a wonderful personality and happy expression. Guyus followed me in the pasture as I got closer to Danny. I said to Guyus, "Hey. Go get Danny for me." Right before my eyes, Guyus trotted off towards Danny and poked him. I was left laughing out loud as Danny AND Guyus came up to me.

I pulled Danny out of the pasture and he looked great! No bite marks. No weight loss. Happy and calm. And whenever I pull him out, Guyus goes crazy, calling for his best friend to come back. It's such a happy feeling knowing that Danny is finally happy with his retired life. I talked with Guyus' owner today and she was just as happy that her horse found a friend. I laughed when I found out Guyus was only 7. It's like the young boy and the old man. But really, when you watch them together, it's like the Good Ol' Boys.

My Observations

It is through my recent observations and experiences that I have no hope for dog owners in Laguna Niguel. Do people not watch The Dog Whisperer?!? Do they think it's OK for their aggressive dog to attack me or Kyla.

By far, my worst experience was this past Monday. Nick and I took advantage of the warm weather and gave Kyla a bath in the bathtub. I decided to walk her around our apartment complex to help her dry. I was on the other side of the complex when we came face-to-face with a large blue-grey pit bull, with a collar, but no leash or owner in sight. Luckily, I scrambled fast enough to pick Kyla up in my arms as the pit bull rushed us. Now, pits are illegal in our complex and should NOT have been there. I started screaming in fear as this dog jumped on my back trying to get to Kyla. I thank God that he didn't bite me or Kyla's feet that dangled as high as I could get them. After the dog scratched my back and my panicked screams, the pit's owner came strolling around the corner in no hurry and without a care. I screamed at him to get his dog off me and he did but with little urgency. After I got out of there, I was left balling my eyes out and hyperventilating. It was by far the scariest moment of my life.

To add to my issues, each and every time I go running with Kyla, we inevitable come across a dog with their owner. On each run, I experience an aggressive dog. I'm getting better at picking them out too as we approach. The owner NEVER reels the dog's leash in but only gives them more room (and don't get me started on those stupid retractable leashes). The owner braces the ground and watches as their dog lunges, growls, and snaps at Kyla as she does her job jogging along. Of course after this happens, she gets snagged up in my feet and almost trip me. I've experienced Cockers, Rat Terriers, Chihuahuas, and any other dog.

I'm waiting for the day when dog owners need to be certified and trained before they get a dog. Come on people! Aggressive dogs are not normal!!!

Life with our little furball...

Life with the Henry's is no doubt life with Kyla. After a funny little experience with "our little girl" yesterday, I thought I'd share some of our fun antics with the Mini Aussie we consider our child.

Yesterday, while working out to the kick-butt Jillian Michaels' workout video, I heard a sound coming from the living room. I came around the corner to discover Kyla, standing on the coffee table, smelling the candles, and playing with the sea shells in our candleholder. The look on her face was the classic, "Oh! I'm so busted!" All I could do was laugh...and laugh...and laugh.

Kyla is trained to ring a bell if she needs to go outside to go potty. The funny thing is that she has US so trained that she rings the bell just to lay in front of the slider and get some fresh air...in the middle of winter!

Watching Kyla play with our ferret, Bailey, is amazing. She noses the 2-pound ferret to the point that Bailey latches onto Kyla's neck, chin, or ear with the jaws of life. Kyla then turns into a reining horse, spinning 360, until Bailey goes flying off. And then Kyla goes back for more in this endless game of dog and ferret.

Being an Aussie, she's smarter than some people. Simply from the vibrations in the road, she knows if she's driving through the neighborhood of my parents' or Nick's parents' house.

While at Nick's parents house, Kyla decided to see how well the springs on her feet work.

Without being provoked in any way, shape, or form, she jumped from a stand-still onto the pool table...and completely cleared it. It surprised us but I think it really surprised her.

We NEVER feed her table scraps but she has become the ultimate sashimi connoisseur. If you're filleting fish, she's inches from your feet.

She might be a herding dog by instinct but she's a bit of a bird dog by heart.

For whatever reason, "Hello" and "Chocolate Pretzels" get her attention from a dead sleep (and no, we've never thought of offering her chocolate pretzels).

I don't know the appeal but she thinks it's funny to take my chonies and deposit them throughout the apartment. This includes the bedroom, living room, second bedroom, AND THE PATIO. Great entertainment for the neighbors walking by!!!

Needless to say, we are never without a laugh, a lick, or a wiggling nub from "our little girl!"

Retired Show Jumper or Cow Horse?

With all this rain, no work to go to, and a slight case of cabin fever, I decided to download a few pictures taken on New Years day when Nick and I took Ron and Jori to visit Danny in his retirement home. Danny has been out at Endar for almost 7 months now and has seen his ups and downs. He has lost and gained over a hundred pounds, proudly displayed his battle scars, and become quite the furry, dirty pasture horse. But the bottom line is that he loves this life and deserves every minute of it.

I've recently started turning him out in the small arena to let him kick up his heals and role in the soft dirt. When I turned him out before, he always followed me, sometimes playing tag and sometimes wandering off to explore on his own. I thought once I moved him out to a retirement facility, he might slow down and act his age. Well, not exactly...

After he was done kicking up his heals, we played a game of tag. Is he a retired show jumper or cow horse...

I love my horse!!!

Happy 2010!

Life has been busy with the Henry's as we step foot into 2010. Nick is going strong at work mentoring employees and reaching new goals. I have been busy with 24 first graders (enough said!). The holidays were wonderful as we spent them with family and friends. Here are a few pictures to show what our life has been like the last few months...

Jori, Katie, and I getting ready for Dan and Jenelle's wedding.

Nick and I at Dan and Jenelle's wonderful wedding on October 24th.

Kyla decked out as a bumble bee for Halloween!

Nick and I on Halloween dressed as baseball coach and baseball player.

Danny enjoying retirement (and chasing me down in the turnout during a game of Tag.)

Thanksgiving Turkey Trot 2009 besting our time from the past 2 years. Kyla was our cheerleader with Patti and Jeremy.

Our first Thanksgiving turkey!

Big Bear Lake on the day after Thanksgiving with Kyla (Ron, Jori, and Zoey too).

Me, Katie, and Jenelle at the Mission Inn.

Nick, Dan, and AJ at the Mission Inn.

Christmas with the Pattersons!

Christmas with the Henrys!

Happy New Year 2010!!!

Kyla's 1st Birthday!

More to come.... =)