What Happened to April?

Time is just rushing by, it seems. Spring has definitely arrived and along with it, the mosquitos. I was eaten alive while riding outside a couple of weeks ago. The bugs were so bad that I couldn't concentrate on what my trainer was saying because I was so busy swatting the mosquitos off me and the horse. It was awful. The last few rides haven't been so bad because I've doused myself with repellant plus there's been a breeze that blows the little suckers away. I've also ridden inside a couple of times because the horse is on a new supplement that makes him very "up." My trainer is especially cautious with me since I don't bounce as well as the kids if I fall off. The horse is calmer when ridden in the indoor arena so I am sometimes banished there.

So, all the local landscapers already have enough work for the season and aren't taking any new jobs. I was very lucky and got one hired before the cutoff. I am having paving stones put in the upper tier of my back yard where the dogs have created a quagmire. This should significantly cut down on the muddy footprints that they track into the house. Now I just have to figure out a way to keep Winston from digging holes in the rest of the lawn. I am also having a rock garden created on a fairly steep slope next to my driveway. It was a real pain to keep mowed so my husband let it get overgrown last year. Not a pretty sight.

Exhibit A:



WalMart and I are becoming besties as I keep buying more and more decorative pots for my new paved area and the front deck (not that I can plant anything yet) I saw people purchasing hanging baskets the other day and I sure hope they know to bring them inside at night. It's so tempting to want to start planting stuff but it is still getting down to the high 20's/low 30's at night. It was about 32 degrees at 8:00 this morning but already in the 60's at 10:30.

I saw a physical therapist yesterday and will be going three times a week in addition to doing exercises at home. I sure hope it helps and that I stick with the program if it does. Exercise and I have an on again/off again relationship. I will workout faithfully for years and then quit and do nothing for another span of years.

Oh, I bought a betta fish that I have become totally OCD about. The original bowl heater I bought only brings the water temperature up to about 70 degrees. Bettas prefer 74 to 78 degrees. I bought a different heater to try but it heated the water to above 80 degrees and I was afraid of cooking the fish. So, I've ordered yet a third heater that is supposed to keep the water at a constant 78 degrees. I also ordered a betta hammock and a betta log. I'm already considering moving him to the five gallon tank I bought for the glo fish that I haven't got yet and getting them a ten gallon tank. Meanwhile, the dog's nails need cutting again...

I saw a counselor once about a month ago (he's a very busy man) and have another appointment next Monday. Our first meeting was mostly introductory so hopefully something more interesting will happen next time. You know, like a major breakthrough or something.

Horse show season starts this month so I will be tagging along to observe the competitors. Life is so much busier during the warmer months. Hopefully I'll drop some of the weight I put on this winter.