January mish mosh

I've written a post every day but one this month, but there are always things that get left out. Before this space is completely overtaken by NaMoPaiMo, I want to share a few odds and ends from the first month of 2026.

In response to the post about Olive's Sage's chicken feet, Darleen Stoddard shared this photo of her and good mare, Hope. She says, I also could not resist the chicken feet. Sadly, they turn to the side if you trot with them on.

Although James was in the spotlight, I also got to shout Hurray! Hurray! when Ryan came over to help me launch the NaMoPaiMo website.

I made him take a picture with Baby Olive, but rest assured, I will be the one painting her.

I think I mentioned that we've had a lot of boxes at work? 

Most of them were filled with the same old stuff, but there was also this very unusual Stubben girth.

It's designed to be used with a liner, which is sold separately. We didn't get the liner, just the girth.

The big storm that blanketed more than half of the country in snow and ice mostly missed us. We had a very cold weekend, but less than an inch of snow.

Between NaMoPaiMo, work and the frigid temperatures, Sage mostly had last week off. Today, I did sit on her again. Hopefully, by the time we get to February's mish mosh post, we'll be doing a little bit of independent riding.

I'm usually the photographer at the barn, but Giselle's friend, Jess, showed up with a serious camera and took this photo of Sage. I love it!

In less good barn news, Kaffi continues to have occasional, mild colic episodes. It's frustrating and stressful for everyone and really not fair to him.

In addition to dealing with all that, Karen also said goodbye to her one of her English Setters. It was very unexpected, and my heart breaks for her and her beautiful, Tallulah.

Finally, I would be remiss if I didn't mention - even briefly - the absolute horror show this month has been on the national level. 

I am grateful to everyone who has spoken out against this very unAmerican regime, and that includes Breyer, who issued this statement of values earlier today.

They also participated in the National Shutdown Day. Bravo!

January is almost over. One more day, and then it's NaMoPaiMo!