A Quiet Christmas

 First of all I want to wish all you a Happy Holiday- whatever it is you celebrate: Channukah, Yule, Christmas or Kwanzaa. 

I was really happy with our tree this year 

This time of year can be busy - with shopping, holiday parties and just the general feeling of having to get everything done. With Covid-19 this year was very very different. I know that some people are having to be alone this year and I am so very sorry for that. Ed and I are very fortunate (and grateful) that we were able to have our children come for the holiday. Often when they come they are fitting in visiting us with connecting with friends. Of course this could not happen so we spent a lot of time together. And it was wonderful. We played games, talked, walked and generally just had a relaxing time. 

I made them decorate sugar cookies with me

I did so much baking - peanut butter balls, sugar cookies, cinnamon buns and a no bake chocolate cheesecake. #noregrets.

cinnamon buns are a tradition

I did squeeze in some horse time. I even managed a lesson in there. 

It was a good lesson

An exciting thing that happened was that I went to Karen's to meet her new horse. It's been so hard not saying anything about this (not my news) but now it's public so I can. Nobleza is a 2 year old Andalusian from BC. She travelled really well and is settling in. Young Andalusians are often awkward looking with all their parts not quite fitting together but when she moves she just floats. She is clearly built for dressage and I can't wait to see her develop. Her personality is sweet as well. 

checking out her new world

Julia came on Christmas eve for a ride. The day was windy but it was warm. Our plan was to have a fun ride, hacking out and generally toodling. the horses had different ideas. Both of them were channeling their inner Black Stallion. Carmen bolted a couple times and Irish joined in. However, no one fell off and we were able to work through it. The chickens were in one corner of the ring and they must have been armed with the way that the horses were reacting to them. I mean, it's not like they see the chickens all the time. 

Irish keeping an eye out for imminent threats

At the end of the ride I leaned forward to put a santa hat on Carmen. She was having none of it. 

Carmen: no, just no. 
Me: awwwww :(

I hopped off and put it on which she tolerated. Based on her facial expression you would think that she's a sweet, gentle steed who is much put upon. 

Carmen: *sigh* why must you act like you're 12? 
Me: you look AWESOME!

Christmas day was nice and quiet. I scored some lovely horse items- new denim breeches and a grooming cart for the barn. 

It is from Ikea and I love it

I didn't ride Christmas day like I normally do. The weather was warm (double digits) but it was super windy and raining off and on. I was perfectly happy to spend that day in yoga pants cooking and eating. I did ride on boxing day and Carmen was awesome. Even with the chickens up in the corner of the ring. She could have cared less. 

I am on vacation until Jan 4 and I plan to spend the time relaxing. Riding when I want to and puttering around the property. 

Such a pretty view

While this was a quieter than normal Christmas it was one of my favourites. One thing 2020 has taught me is to appreciate the slower pace and spending time with people you love. 

What did you do over the holiday? did you get any great horsey items?