day of love

A snowflakes shape evolves as it falls through the atmosphere.

Each one encounters slightly different temperature and humidity conditions.

Making it virtually impossible for two snowflakes to have the same exact structure.

Essentially, each snowflake has it's own "life story" based on it's journey through the air.

(borrowed & edited)

1.22.25
shared w/o computer wizardry
 (click for detail)

Just like each of you, a single snowflake is unique.

Enjoy your day filled with all kinds of love!

happy valentines day

"wonder"
1/17/24 (taken at 4F)

I chose a non-traditional photo for wishing you all a Happy Valentine's Day! One of my favorite holidays. One that is about ALL kinds of love!! Not even remotely just about romantic love.

Valentine's Day is possibly one of the most hated holidays. I do understand why but I choose to love, love! I have written about my love for love, and hearts and the many ways one can celebrate love. To me, Valentines Day is for appreciating any thing or any one you care about in some way shape or form.

Reaching out and sharing kindness (a form of love) ~ what is not to love?!

I have celebrated as a kid and with my kids, even as adults. Of course Brad and I celebrate. My closer friends hear from me, especially those that need a little extra love this year. 

Hope your day is/was filled with wonder, and of course ~ love!!

 

out of the woods

I wasn't quite sure what to expect. 

I was either going to wallow backwards, or do away, with the lingering 10% of the illness that was hanging around. It was not only extremely long lasting, it was an odd virus. It changed my taste where even a hint of hidden salt was unbearable, my sense of smell was hyper-sensitive, and of course my energy was completely zapped. 

Week three since I got broadsided with "it" was a pre-planned Valentine's vacation snowmobiling in the north woods with my hubby. Only time would tell, if I would have the energy to handle the riggers of riding. It only took one day to know, it was exactly what I needed. 

There is something about the woods that is healing for not only the body, but the soul.

We laughed. We rode. We enjoyed. Breathing in fresh air, and once again in complete awe of the endless beauty. 

Maybe I just needed a change? You know, something to shake it up - or in this case shake it out.

We rode familiar trails on our first day, including up to the lookout...

Townsend Lookout

It's a crazy ride up there, but the view is worth it. It's also my favorite place to take selfie's with the love of my life - who keeps me laughing...

Us

When we ride the woods, fond memories fill our thoughts. Many include our horses, they are what led us to this magical place in life... 

Love the Pines

Most trails we ride in the winter can only be accessed by snowmobile. Some are private land, other's are closed snow covered backroads that weave throughout the woods, and a few are the same trails we horseback ride. One trail in particular we frequently explore with Nemo & Koda, is one of my favorites... 

Last Fall

In turn, during the other season's horseback riding gives us access to area's where motorized vehicles cannot. We don't travel as far but it doesn't matter, it's all about the experience. Our horses may not be with us during the winter trips, but they are always on our minds. 

Our second day took us further north exploring new trails. The real beauty is seen while riding the remote areas, but pictures happen during breaks...

Intersection

...where we meet unexpected new friends...

Pinocchio
A friendly greeter on top of an intersection sign (in above photo).

This ride ended with a new chilling experience. One for the memory banks. The kind that make for great story telling. As we headed back south towards the cabin the beautiful light snowfall, turned into unpredicted ice pellets! Coating our face masks, as fast as we could scrap them off. It was a looong, slooow blinding ride home...stopping at every intersection, and then some, to scrap off ice. We had to see somehow. Best use of a credit card I can think of! We passed a couple riders with heated face masks, even those didn't ward off the ice. 

If you are going to play in nature's wonderland, you better be able to adapt to what ever get's thrown your way. It's all part of the outdoor experience. We finally made it back to the cabin where the cozy fireplace, and a hot shower, felt extra good!! 

The food up north is outstanding, homemade & plentiful. One of our favorite friendly family run establishments is a quaint remodeled church, it's our breakfast place of choice...

Four Season's

Valentine's Day was the best, most beautiful ride of this trip! We took the back route north, experiencing new area's. I am always amazed by how varied the terrain and trees are in the Nicolet National Forrest . This special ride was 125 blissful sunny miles through breathtaking beauty...surrounded by endless towering tree's, freshly painted with snow. Sigh.

Perfect Day

I am feeling 100% now, literally out of the woods and really looking forward to riding Koda!!

celebrate love

Valentines Day is my favorite holiday. All you neigh-sayers, are missing the point if you think it's a "Hallmark Holiday" it's only that, which you make of it. I chose to make Valentine's Day a holiday full of that which I love! It is not only about significant others, altho I do love mine more then anything! It's about everything, and anything, that you love. Enjoy and recognize the feeling in a meaningful way, even if in remembrance. Do something you love. It doesn't have to be celebrated on "the day".

Did you know love is recognized & celebrated all over the world (if you click, scroll down on the wiki)? I am going to celebrate with the one I love, enjoying things we love, in a place we love. What are you doing to celebrate love this year??

"You Melt my Heart" My handmade Valentines Card for you

  Wishing you all a Happy Valentines Day, full of whatever you love!

If you still wish this holiday would just go away, then enjoy this lighthearted horse poem - after all, this is an equine blog. You are gonna love it, or at least it will make you smile :)

The Horse Ride

© Annabel Sheila

 

Taking a romantic ride today,
We sat upon the wagon.
Suddenly the horse lifted his tail
And we heard a roaring dragon!

The deafening sound hurt my ears
And the smell burned the hairs in my nose.
My girlfriend sat and glared at me.
Somehow my fault I suppose.

It was my idea to take the ride,
But how was I to know?
It really wasn’t in my plans;
Didn’t know the horse would blow.

The noise and the smell were bad enough,
As the wind blew quickly by.
But I think the very worst of it,
Was the brown stuff in my eye.

My girlfriend’s face turned angry red.
So I figured I wouldn’t dare,
Advise her of the smelly pieces
Of horse stuff in her hair.

The horse finally stopped; my girl ran away,
Stubbornly lifting her chin.
I think that horse was enjoying himself,
Cause I’m sure I saw him grin.

A lesson learned for me today.
Although I must confess,
I laughed so hard I nearly cried
As I wiped away the mess.

Source: The Horse Ride, Humorous Poem http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/the-horse-ride#ixzz2KmQMMSdQ www.FamilyFriendPoems.com