Christmas and the Day After

Our son, Jesse, and daughter-in-law, Ryley, brought our granddogs, aka the Ugsley Pugsleys, to visit for Christmas. We were skeptical as to how all the dogs would get along — ours lead such insular lives — but they seemed to genuinely enjoy the interaction with each other and the horses. The horses were exuberant, delighting in playing chase with the Pugs. The Pugs would run on those stubby little legs, barking like mad, the Boyz would take off, tails flagged, necks arched, then circle back and the game would start again. It was fun to watch. I'm sure the Pugs were sick last night after rolling in and eating every pile of horse poop they encountered. Their cute pink hoodies were pretty nasty by the end of the day. A good time was had by all, and I'm betting those Pugs slept soundly last night.

Ryley and Jaren (our niece, who took all the photos) wanted to ride, but the horses were so wound up from playing with the dogs, I didn't think it was such a good idea. Neither has any experience with horses whatsoever.

Got food?

My Wildman Rockstar. The look in his eye is what we call "that look," which basically says, "anything can happen, and it's up to you to be on your toes and ready for whatever it is."

Jaz, checking Ryley and Jesse for treats.

What I really want is some of what's in that can under your arm.
Can I have it pleeeeze?

No food. No beer. We go.

Cindi, aka Ratweasel, doing what she does best — being cute.

Clockwise from top left: Chula, Callie, Izzy, Dylan & Cindi.

Daddy, those little flat-faced dogs took my ball!

Callie, my favorite of the Pugsleys.

We had a full-fledged fiesta, complete with Mr. Fry's Fabulous Fajitas, tamales, fried burritos (all homemade), and copious amounts of margaritas. Dessert was dark chocolate brownies with mint chocolate chip or Butterfinger ice cream. We watched "Iron Man" and "Tropic Thunder," both highly enjoyable.

The day after is a bit anti-climactic. Although in the mid-to-upper 60s, it's very gray, damp and windy. The forecast is calling for rain, thunderstorms and isolated tornadoes tonight. I wanted to groom the horses this morning, but had to cut it short because they were both so jumpy. They were doing okay until some yayhoo across the road started having target practice. It was loud and random. So they got the bare basics — brushed, faces & bums washed. I tried out my new clippers on Jaz's mane. Umm, I need practice. It looks like you might imagine it would if Poco had gotten hold of the clippers and decided to give Jaz a haircut himself. Things are never as easy as they look.

I got two horse books for Christmas that I am looking forward to perusing: "How to Think Like A Horse" by Cherry Hill and "What Your Horse Wants You To Know" by Gincy Self Bucklin. Mr. Fry is off helping a friend whose truck is dead, so the house is very quiet. Think I'll grab a Dr. Pepper and curl up with my books.