Monday, March 09, 2015

late winter Sunday

There's no doubt that it's been a very snowy winter. And it's funny, because once the snow starts, I often hear things like "are you getting the sleigh out". I have come to see, however, that not all winter weather is good for sleighing. Between bitter cold temps, ice, and even "too much snow".. sleighing can be a tricky thing. This winter we had all of that, and it turns out (for me anyways) that March almost seems to be the best month for sleighing. Though, it can "warm" up quickly,  you need to get it in when you can. We still have alot of snow, and it is too deep for the sleigh... so, Ed.. bless him.. got the snow blower on the tractor and headed out to the field to make me a sleigh road. Back in the horse days, the roads were packed down by big rollers, course today, the roads are black hot top hours after storms with all our plow and salt trucks... so, the field is the best place to go. And after all these efforts, I just hope that we can get some good sleigh time in.......

We got to go and watch Craig again and his sled hockey team. We went last year, and I became quite the fan of hockey.. but sled hockey in particular. While I'm still sorting out all the rules of the game, I will say I really enjoy watching it.
I think what I like the best is the action of this game. It's always moving, and there is always something going on. Course watching these athletes on these sleds is amazing, and just like the other hockey... these players are serious and aggressive. 
Here's our favorite player!!!! and he's good!!! Craig is studying to be a physical therapist for amputees and other sport related activities, so not only is his spot on this time important to him on a personal level, but on a professional level as well. He takes his games seriously and he's very fun to watch. 
Just how seriously.. well... two  penalties in one game might just give an idea.... As it turned out, his team did win... and we had a great time watching...
A couple of the players have service dogs... they sit in the box and wait while their people are playing. But right after the game, they are out on the ice. It was fun watching the dogs too.. because it's obvious that these dogs do this most every weekend, and they know what's going on. 
Sunday, we set the clocks ahead... uuggg... a whole new time zone to get used to, and I have to admit... it's feeling "hard" for me right now. I hope I'm not getting too set in my ways!!!! Any ways, Kas said that she wanted to have a little sleigh ride, and of course, I was so excited to take Reagan on his very first one. So, they came up for a visit, lunch and some time outside. It was beautiful and warm (around 28)  and we were all happy to put on the winter gear and get outside. 
It's been ages since I have had Duke out. I can only say thank goodness this old boy knows his job. We hitched, I took him for a trial run around the field (and my new road) and he went along like.. "what's the big deal". So then it was back to get Reagan and Kass.... well, I thought he would jump right in. But, he's two now.. and has to come realize that he has his own ideas....
Even with his Mom in the sleigh, he wasn't convinced this was such a fun idea. Here he suggests that "Mama .. you get out".... was a better plan. 
But, when he saw that Mama was going for a ride with or without him... he finally thought he might give it a little try......and so off we went....
We bumped along the field... Duke was nice and steady.. we talked about his bells and sang "one horse open sleigh" and I of course was just thrilled that he went along. 
However, once we were back... he had had his ride and it was time to hop out and move onto the next thing. I guess sleigh riding isn't quite his thing..... just yet....
Course, running, climbing, and playing around in the snow is much more fun......
visiting with Mocha......
And showing her that you have a beautiful blue toy tractor, is way more important... but at least for me....



I have the memory that Baby gave him his first ride in a sleigh... and maybe someday... that will come to mean something!!!!