fire and wood ~ 2 of 2

If you missed the first part of this post, here is "fire and wood ~ 1 of 2".

Koda turned into a puppy dog for his second acupuncture treatment. Showing his very sweet side. It fostered a lot of smiles and awww's. He even gently lifted his injured leg on his own, and held it for the vet to insert the needle. I mention animals seem to be in-tune and know when us humans are trying to help them.

We have had turbulent windy weather lately. Check out the video below. It has been really sweet to see Brad and Koda's relationship grow. Koda trusts Brad more than anyone. I would not have walked him in the wild wind. My head would have been worried about it causing what-if's. I would have brought out what our daughter calls the spicy jalapeno.

6.12.26 (9 secs) heading out

At Koda's second acupuncture appointment, he chose Lavender again. Much sooner this time. I asked if most horses favor Lavender. The vet said the horses she treats choose about 50/50 between Lavender and Peppermint.

We discussed adding the suggested Chinese Herbs to Koda's care plan. I chose the Lameness related herbs to consider trying first. I asked about studies/data. None, of course. Perhaps due to funding. She assured me these herbs are gentle/safe. They come from Jing Tang Herbal a reputable veterinary herbal company. 

They are listed below. Have you heard of any of them? I am always leery. Note; this is an AI generated ingredient list. You have to be a vet to get info from them. She briefly looked over the list and was impressed I got such detailed info from an online search.

"Jing Tang Herbal Tendon/Ligament Formula (also known as Zhuang Jin Jian Fang) Is a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) supplement designed to nourish Liver Yin and Blood while strengthening tendons, ligaments, and connective tissues.

The formula is a blend of traditional Chinese herbs, including: ® TCVM Pet Supply


• Bai Shao Yao: Nourishes Blood and Yin, and soothes Liver Yang.
• Bu Gu Zhi: Nourishes Kidney Yang and Yin.
• Chuan Niu Xi: Strengthens the kidneys and supports the knees.
• Chuan Xiong: Moves the blood to resolve stagnation.
• Dang Gui: Nourishes the blood.
• Gou Qi Zi: Nourishes Liver Yin and blood.
• Gui Zhi: Activates the channels and limbs.
• Sang Zhi: Smoothes the limbs.
• Shan Zhu Yu: Nourishes Liver Yin.
• Shu Di Huang: Nourishes the blood and Yin.
• Wu Jia Pi: Strengthens ligaments and tendons.
• Yin Yang Huo: Nourishes Kidney Yang. 

Common Uses: It is typically used for ligament and tendon injuries (such as ACL/CCL recovery), post-surgical healing, arthritis, and sports recovery in cats, dogs, and horses."

~~~~~~

During Koda's second treatment, electrodes were connected to the needles on one side. After insertion. It gently vibrates and intensifies the needles effectiveness. 

Is acupuncture magic? No, I do not think so. However, it is something that communicates and fosters healing. IF you are open to it.

Koda really looks forward to his daily walks. Even if he is still lame. I am unsure if that will ever change. He has a long varied history of lameness. Koda's lower right leg is still straight up and down. It does not flex like the left. We hold hope his tendons are slooowly and safely being stretched. Recovery takes time. We wish we had started this healing process sooner!

6.12.26 (5 secs) heading in

For now, we are going to continue treating Koda with acupuncture and probably try the recommended herbs. Our goal is to offer him some type of return to being a healthier happier horse that can be turned out and graze. 

~~~~~~

We had a second horses treated, Cierra. She continues to have trouble with her breathing. It comes from allergic reactions, to mainly bug bites. She is on maintenance allergy shots and gets daily Ventipulmin. Dex (Dexamethasone) is reserved for when she gets really bad.

Brad was away at a horse show the last time it happened. I sent him the video below and told him Cierra was asking me for help. In her sweet horse way. You can also hear her wheezing and see nostrils flaring. Breaks my heart to see Cierra laboring to breath. Thank god the meds work!

6.3.26 (9 secs)

After ^^ Brad wondered if acupuncture might help. I did some research (my super power) and found acupuncture for allergies is effective when used in conjunction with other care. 

We all laughed! Our whole barn is going to end up being all zen. Meanwhile, Brad and I are hobbling around with aches and pains. LOL!

I will share more about Cierra's first treatment when I get her follow-up report back. It is really nice that this new vet/clinic sends reports. Eventually. I guess our horses are not her only patients ;) Dr. A is part of a small clinic and does routine vetting as well.

My best guess is Cierra will be given an Earth constitution. We have to wait to find out! 

fire and wood ~ 1 of 2

After 6 months of Koda's recommended stalling (plus bute and no hand-walking) we decided to try a different vet clinic. One that offers treatments our long-time clinic does not offer. Especially when we were given the same recommendation all over again. 

I mentioned in my last horse related post that our vet is retiring. It is a big deal in our horse circle of friends. We tried whatever vet was available when Hope had her mysterious issues last Fall. We thought the on-call vet did a good job with Hope. Although everything was run past our long time vet. However, we are less impressed with how the vet handled our Spring wellness visit. Especially Koda's lameness recheck. The follow-up took weeks and made it evident this will not be our replacement vet. 

We were in agreement that the original stall recommendation was appropriate for Koda's injury. For his sanity, we hand walked/grazed him a little. He has improved and his care should reflect it. With no end in sight, we, especially Koda, needed some hope. Something in addition to stall rest. Koda has handled his looong incarceration surprisingly well. However, Spring fostered a new level of unhappiness for him. In human emotions, Koda seemed depressed, frustrated and angry. Fecal Water showed up. He was more edgy. His ocassional bursts of sassy FU increased. He was calling out more. 

Endless months of 24/7 in a 12' x 12' stall is not good quality of life for a horse. 

When Western Medicine is lacking, it is time to try Eastern. I do not think we are being unrealistic with Koda's diagnosis. We have to advocate for our animals. 

Koda has had two Acupuncture treatments to date. Brad and I are both very happy to have a plan that ease's Koda's stall sentence. Even if the plan doesn't work. At least we are trying s.o.m.e.t.h.i.n.g. We know acupuncture won't necessarily heal his injuries, but it should at least help with pain.

I find Koda's acupuncture appointments fascinating!!! We like the vet's approach and are learning a lot. My needle shy husband cringes, but does see the positive effects first hand. There are only a couple certified acupuncture/chiro vets in our area. We feel fortunate to have a good one that services our area. 

After initial discussion, Koda is offered Lavender or Peppermint as choices. He went back and forth but seemed to favor Lavender. The vet then applied it along key meridians, where Qi (Chi) energy flows. Before inserting needles.

After essential oil is applied, thin pink tipped needles of various lengths are inserted into key locations. The needles stay in around 15 minutes. Some worked their way out, most are removed. Koda handled everything well and didn't even flinch. 

Koda being treated for lameness & digestive health.

The vet said Koda is a bit of a mystery to figure out. Yes, he is. Always. When I got the vets follow-up report, it stated Koda had a Fire and Wood constitution. There are tons of layers to Chinese Medicine. I do not pretend to know much of anything about it, but I do find it very interesting!! 

Of course I had to look it up. In part, Google said this about Fire/Wood constitutions:

Fire Constitution (The Charmer)

Energy & Traits: Fire types are charismatic, expressive, and emotionally open. They thrive on connection, warmth, and joy. When balanced, they are enthusiastic and loving; when imbalanced, they may struggle with emotional volatility, anxiety, or insomnia.

Wood Constitution (The Pioneer)

Energy & Traits: Known as the visionary or pioneer, Wood types are goal-oriented, decisive, and natural leaders. They value growth and forward movement. When balanced, they are confident and inspiring; when out of balance, they can become easily frustrated, irritable, or stubborn.

I think Koda is much more like the Fire vs Wood based on description above.

Vet recommendations are: taking daily notes of what movement seems to help/hurt. Hand walking with a goal of increasing (on his own) pace. More grooming to help move Qi. A follow-up around 3 weeks.

May 20 (9 secs)

We instantly noticed a softening in Koda's demeanor and think his mobility has improved some. His pace has increased for sure. He is reaching out more, taking less choppy steps. Yes, Koda is still lame. His digestive system (gas/manure) improved a little. Maybe. 

May 27 (19 secs)

Koda just seems happier overall.

May 29

I have dabbled in other Eastern practices for decades. Over the years, I have been on the brink of having acupuncture done on myself. I never ended up doing it. My injuries were resolved with PT. I am almost there again, as I continue seeking help for arthritis. It has been fun seeing Brad learn and be open to more new things. 

Have you experienced acupuncture yourself, or with your animals?

** Coming soon is part 2 of this topic. Covering a second appointment, recommended herbs, another horse getting treated etc.

land of wonders ~ may 2026

May was a long and busy month. Storage shed building contractors came and went. We had weekly vet, along with some human appointments. Brad attended a horse show, things went well. I stayed home to take care of our animals. Gardens and containers were planted. Watering and more watering were daily activities. Just to name a few things that kept us busy in May.

As for our land itself, our wooded paths turned into green tunnels with pesky ticks and other biters. Making me wish for Winter. Hiking was enjoyed sparingly. My mosquito net saved my face a couple times. These days it is clipped onto my pants loop, just incase.

Summer's heat arrived early. Our hay fields have grown long and dry. They are scheduled to be cut next week. We are finally getting much needed rain this week!

May Snaps:

Indigo Bunting?
5.6.26

First Four Leaf Clover of the season

Chickadee Eggs in our Bluebird nesting box

Cierra & Nemo



Apple Tree Blossoms




First of many Wild Strawberries
5.7.26

Tanks Branch of the Day
5.8.26


treasured sky views
5.11.26


Leo gets a Lift
5.13.26


Remi's Daily Drop-n-Roll
5.13.26

Wild Honeysuckles in Bloom
5.14.26

Jameson joins us on a rare doggie walk

Stunning Spring Skies viewed from our deck
5.16.26

Closer-up

Heat makes gardens bloom faster. A couple transplanted Clematis remain from our previous home:

5.20.26

Fun Allium Bulbs

5.27.26

Surprise! Walk around required.
5.28.26

Every year the weather seems to foster a different type of bug invasion. 

Red Clover Mites. Everywhere.

5.30.26

Brad sent me a photo of some blooms he spotted growing in a part of our land we don't frequent as much. I was SO surprised to see these transplanted iris thriving on their own in the sandiest part of our propertyl!!

They used to grow in the front bed of my previous home. I have a much smaller garden bed now and didn't have a spot for them to live. Our son has zero interest in gardening, so we took all the beds out. I saved and gave away whatever plants I could.

It is safe to say these Iris are very hardy!

Caeser's Brothers Iris
5.31.26

We are already almost half way through June. Enjoy the turn of official Summer!!

work and play mix

A few years ago we started a new tradition for Mothers Day. A gift of help from my younger two kids. My oldest has a busy career and is a mom herself. Each year, I choose a land project for the four of us to tackle together. I love this tradition! 

One of my favorite sayings is "many hands make quick work". 

We have done things in the past like random junk removal left by others in the woods (don't get me started) and other years pulling invasive's. This year, instead of working on land projects I asked that we work on our fire pit area. Specifically, the weathered wooden rocking chairs that need restoring. Also, removing heavy real logs used as side tables and pulling endless weeds growing through rock edging.

After tightening loose wooden pieces, it quickly became obvious that sanding each chair (X8) would take an eternity. We resorted to Power Washing. Which meant unplanned drying time, followed by the need for stain to even un-sanded wood colors out. 

Let the yard work begin. With four of us, we got so much done! Oh to be younger, they moved so fast. I am grateful for our son & daughters help, who both work a lot of hours at their job/s. They gave up their entire day and spent it with me/us. After enjoying a delicious home cooked meal, we all went to bed tired that night. Including these three:

Jameson, Asher and Tank

While the guys were getting things set up, my new grand dog Asher went on his first off-leash walk. He got zapped by the pasture fence, but otherwise did good. Especially for a rescue puppy exploring a new world.

around 9 months old

Before all the work began, was some soul fulfilling play!! I finally took time to fly my new replacement kite. Brad came out to the field and helped release (and re-release) the kite. He also took photos and video. Not posting video due to audio. Wish I could figure out an easier way to replace bad audio with music. iMovie makes my head hurt.

Anywho, I have my own flutterby that floats and glimmers in the sun!

"let's go fly a kite"

5.10.26

 

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day! If you are not a mom ~ you have one!!

4.28.26

Many of our beloved mothers are no longer here on earth, but never far from our hearts. I miss mine every.single.day. When my mind weighs heavy, I sit on my mom's inscribed memorial bench and talk to her in Spanish. Which is getting pretty spotty. No tengo nadie con quién hablar en español.

4.30.26

Winter birch lit trees flank my mom's bench seasonally. They go into storage and get swapped out for teal clay flower pots. The pots are out now, but I haven't planted them yet. I have the plants, but am waiting for temps to stop dipping into the 30'sF. Soon. Very soon.

smells so sweet

My grandkids were out last weekend. The youngest one carries on our family name, passed down for five generations.

Aurora

My mom get's a lot of visitors, of the winged kind. 

Robin visiting on Mother's Day
5.10.26

Hope everyone has a wonderful and special memorable day!

land of wonders ~ april 2026

Last month, I noticed some catkins that Google ID'd as Hickory. I see a lot of various types of catkins on our property. However, I haven't noticed hickory tree's. Interestingly enough, this month I found my first hickory nut laying right smack dab in the middle of the main trail. Just one. How ironic.

Perhaps some critter dropped it, but there are no teeth marks. I am not going to eat the nut, but I would like to draw it. It has a lot of interesting texture.

April 8

every nut needs friends


mystic ground fog covered our land
April 13    

The surprise snowdrop that appeared at a key time on my beloved cat Sydney's gravesite keeps returning. Sydney was such a unique special cat. Our family still shares many special memories of him.

April 14

In another area, naturalized Daffodils made the true blue of naturalized Scilla's stand out.

Our sky views provide ever changing entertainment.

reaching out

I was surprised to spot a pop of orange.

gooey Lobster Mushroom (ID, apparently edible)
April 14

Nature seems to arrive and disappear in waves. Mid-April, tiny periwinkle blue butterflies appeared everywhere. They flutter randomly and are highly sensitive to movement. These entertaining butterflies land a lot, then promptly close their wings. The beautiful blue wing color can only be seen on the top side. One of these days I will get a good top side photo. 

Spring Azure (?)
April 16

3 days later, Lobster Mushroom bake (yum yum?)
April 17

This year, a couple of my red trillium bloomed! Almost. The leaves never opened flat. Good things come to those who wait. 

April 19



Maybe next year they will open flat

We named our homestead Hidden Cactus Ranch. In untouched areas, you need to watch where you step! I predict a banner cactus blooming season. I will let you know if I am right. They are growing thick as thieves this year.

Cactus Cove

Shortly after taking the photo below, we no longer had as many Spring Azure's. The few I do see are smaller. Common Yellow Supher butterflies took over, in mass. 

April 21

One of my favorite signs of Spring are the sound of Whippoorwhils!!! Sound up if you want to listen. Not the best audio. I was so excited that I forgot to close the front door to block out noise. 

Pray for Rain, Pray for Rain

April 26
13 secs (black screen)

We hear Whippoorwhils at night. I know people that hate them and think they are too noisy. Not me, I love listening to them sing!

I am still waiting and watching for Hummingbirds. They are late to the Spring party this year.