Another horse show with friends
Finksburg, MD
In a repeat performance, this weekend our little group went back to Full Moon Farm for another horse show. This time the two split and competed in separate divisions. It was kind of a crazy, busy day but tons of fun. There wasn’t a moment to rest until both were completed all three phases. I had to hustle from one spot to another so I didn’t miss anything. Loved it. Too bad this will probably be the last show of the year for us (as a group). Now, next year, I might actually be competing, so I’ll have to give up my photographer position. Oh well. It will be worth it!
Baby Beginner – Novice Horse
Bo, a Thoroughbred gelding, taking on baby beginner during his second show.
Dressage
Stadium Jumping
A clear round!!! Yayee, Bo!!
Cross Country
Elementary – Novice Horse
The training project takes to the show stage yet again.
Dressage
Stadium Jumping
Made it through clear
Cross Country
Today’s Flickr set: show photos
A pipe opener with friends
Finksburg, MD
Two of my friends are in the process of training horses with the intent to sell and decided it’s about time to get the two some show experience. So, tagging along as a groom/photographer, I spent the day at today’s Full Moon piper opener. It was actually a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to next weekend when I get to repeat the feat. Both pairs did very well.
Elementary Cross Country Course
They started with individual runs through the small, enclosed elementary cross country course and both finished with no problem.
Baby Beginner Cross Country Course
They chose to tackle the next course together, but only for fun, which it was. Imagine, Luna, the pony, out running and at times leading the way over jumps for the the big grey Thoroughbred. Good times.
Today’s Flickr set: eventing photos
Part 1: A much needed break
Fulton/DeKalb Counties
My vacation has begun!! So far, so good.
Wednesday
I tolerated the air travel relatively well with all things considered. I check-in and went through security in no time. My flight was on time and we actually arrived early! My luggage was on the belt when I reached it. Things were just moving along great, which is much different than my most recent traveling experiences. Wow.
However, I went from a gorgeous day in Maryland to a snowy one in Atlanta. Unbelievable. That’s not how this is supposed to work. It’s supposed to be warmer in the South!! Oh well. We landed without a problem, but the taxi line for departing flights was long. The only real hiccup was that my friend was stuck in traffic because of the weather. Apparently, the area’s beltway was a mess and it took her a couple of hours to reach me.
The airport provided plenty of entertainment during my wait. I found an empty bench in the baggage claim area, where a seemingly irritated, possibly schizophrenic man had also parked himself. For a short period, he sat still, talking to himself, struggling to roll a cigarette of some type. Then he began badgering the women sitting next to me until she moved. After that he stood up and circled the small area, then sat beside me, or should I say practically on top of me and started mumbling to me. Another young guy on the benches laughed at me, and I decided to move to the relatively empty check-in area. No offense intended towards him, but I felt a little uncomfortable. There I watched the drama of a young woman and her father (I assume) arriving a few minutes before their (or her) flight took off. They were turned away despite her protests. Next a woman came in with her little dog and literally brought a blanket so the dog wouldn’t have to stand on the cold floor.
It’s true… it was snowing in Atlanta
Our plan is to visit one of the six Atlanta CityPASS sites each day, with one day off. That way we have something to do every day.
Thursday
We slept after our long evening, which was much appreciated, but led to a slow start to the day. It’s surprising how a good night’s sleep can make such a difference.
City Pass Activity – Inside CNN Atlanta Studio Tour
Our first choice was the CNN Center tour, but it didn’t work out. As we approached the ticket booth to turn in our pass, we noticed a warning regarding the eight flights of stairs along the way. Well, that I can’t do right now, so we had to skip it, but there was still things to see.
~News Timeline~
1999-2001 stories, including the Sept. 11th Attacks
Along one wall there’s a timeline of major stories covered by CNN from the late 1970’s. I remember quite a few of the images. The Challenger explosion, Gulf War, September 11th and on and on…
~CNN Wall of Images~
2000 USS Cole Bombing Coverage
Another wall is covered with small images from news stories over the network’s three decades, which create the CNN logo. It’s kind of neat.
Thursday’s Flickr set: CNN Center pics
The rest of the day
We made one of many trips to Borders in the late afternoon. I’m a nerd and being around books seems so natural. I absolutely love hanging out in bookstores, but I don’t have time for much ‘pleasure reading’ so I always have to leave empty handed. Bummer.
In the evening we went to an eating disorder support group for individuals and their family and friends. My friend has been a regular for a while and wanted to include me. I felt a little out of place and didn’t say much. Afterwards, we grabbed a bite to eat with a couple of friends, how appropriate after an eating disorder group. Overall, a good start to the week.
Friday
Today started with an entertaining breakfast at Einstein Bros. Bagels. One of the most enjoyable moments happened to be when my overwhelming strength cause the cap to my OJ bottle to jump a good two feet in the air. You probably had to be there, but I get a kick out of the story. Then, on a strange note, the two of us caught the attention of a few people and I don’t know why. We were just sitting there quietly eating a normal breakfast for the shop, with a bagel for each and an orange juice for me and coffee for her. One person decided to stop and randomly asked about the sweatshirt I was wearing. Well it was odd because it felt like a question that would have been followed up with a comment or further questioning, however, the guy just said “oh” and walked out. Again, hard to explain.
City Pass Activity – Atlanta Botanical Garden
The Pass for this site was an “option” ticket for either the gardens or the area’s natural history museum. We decided on the botanical garden. It seemed like a decent photo opportunity and a chance to be outside.
~Children’s Garden~
The caterpillar portion of a butterfly’s life cycle
Story Time Frogs
~Winter Garden~
Considering the area is in the middle of a drought, it’s not surprising even the winter garden is dead.
~Conservatory~
Great Lawn and Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Conservatory
Tropical Rotunda
It was so nice in the rotunda. Warm and humid. A welcome change from the bitter, cold outdoors.
~Fuqua Orchid Center~
We were told at the entrance that the orchids were a must-see while there, so we went. The ‘center’ section of the exhibit was closed for maintenance, but the part that was open was still amazing.
The whole garden was a nice surprise. I wasn’t expecting much, but we had fun. Most of the plants were dead because of the drought and/or the temperature, still that didn’t matter. I actually think I’d like to find similar places in my area when I get home. I know there’s at least the US Botanical Gardens on the National Mall, which will make a great weekend excursion.
Friday’s Flickr set: flower photos
The rest of the day
The evening was filled with an irritating run in with a disgruntled World of Smoothie employee, an unexpected nap during my friend’s therapy appointment, dinner and some shopping. Meaning, overall it was another good day.
This vacation is turning out to be just what I needed.
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