After last week’s scare with Will’s heart attack, then adjusting to life afterward, we’re back to a kind of new normal. No sugary goodies or cases of Pepsi for Will, handy at all times. He’s back on the tractor, delivering big round bales to the horses and cattle but still shouldn’t lift over 50 pounds. So now I’m buying feed in 50-pound sacks (just in case) and friend, Mike, carried them into the storage barn for me. Likewise, our hay bales we feed the goats and Ava’s pony, weigh more than 50 pounds. So, David came and hauled a pile of them down, into the goat barn so Will wouldn’t have to do the lifting. We’re back to normal now.

Will’s home and feeling fine; watching TV with his guard cat, Mittens.

Today, friends, Mike and Dara, came to help pack seeds and stamp envelopes while Will worked on the spread sheet, and I made package labels. We’ve got it down to a science! Will’s feeling well and looks a whole lot better than he did a few days ago.

Meanwhile, while Will’s heart attack was going on, granddaughter, Ava, started her riding lessons on a very big, but very gentle gelding named Gideon.

Ava gets her first riding lesson.

Some lessons are always a good idea when someone is going to get a horse or pony home. And, with a good stable only a few minutes away, this made a great fit. Eventually, when Whinny has more training and Ava is a confident rider, they will make a great pair and be safe too.

On her second lesson, Ava and Gideon started out in the ring.
After her lesson, Ava led Gideon back to the barn, one happy camper.

Yes, her dad or I could have taught her, but he doesn’t have a horse (yet) and she doesn’t get up here on a regular basis. So, this is best. We’re really happy and so is Ava. (She asked if her dad thought the instructor would let her trot at her next lesson.) — Jackie

33 COMMENTS

  1. I am a firm believer that animals are a) a good judge of character and b) know when things are right or wrong. Mittens has look of assurance on her face meaning no matter how Will looks, Mittens knows all is well – ‘nuf for me.
    Ava is confident in herself – I just love it. While she may be ready for the next step, I have faith in her instructor.
    One cannot put a price on having family/support group when you need it. It was not easy when Dad went through his health issues. But divide and conquer we did.

    • That’s so, Selena. I’m so happy and blessed to have such a wonderful family and many great friends. My oldest son, Bill, offered to come up and help but David lives closer, and his work is only 30 minutes away, so he just left for work early to come home.
      Mittens is taking very good care of Will! But she wakes him up very early in the morning to make him pet her.

  2. I was “horse crazy” as a girl but my mom said, “I have five kids that all eat like horses. We don’t need another one!”. So I dreamed and wished and all by best friends had horses that I rode. Ava is lucky indeed!
    And Will looks great! He will have more energy now that his heart is more functional for him. It’s like a new lease on life!

    • Yes, it is, and he’ll appreciate every day even more now. Mom said I was just horse crazy as a girl and that I’d outgrow it. Well, I bought my first horse when I was 17, by working at mowing lawns and babysitting and I still have horses at 75. Ha ha! Ava is very lucky.

  4. Glad things are returning to normal and Will is healing. Ava looks like she had a blast! Good friends and neighbors sure make a difference when catastrophe strikes. Having David available to help is such a huge blessing also. Continued prayers for you all.

  5. Glad to hear Will is on the mend so so scary. Please don’t you overdo it! It’s great to have friends and family close enough to help! Take care andGod bless

    • Nope, we’re both kind of taking it easy. Thank God this didn’t happen during planting, haying or harvest seasons!

    • I really value lessons for a person who wants to begin riding. Long ago, I used to teach and taught all of my kids who were interested. (Some weren’t.) When a person learns to do things right, they enjoy the horses much more and are really safer by a long shot.
      I’m pretty tickled that he’s doing so well, myself!

  7. So glad to read your good news updates Jackie. Best to you and Will! And Ava sure looks delighted!

    • She really is! That girl really loves her horses and isn’t intimidated by size. Her favorite, of our horses, is our 17 hand Friesian, Ladyhawk.

  9. Love it! Hopefully my seed order will be there soon. Sent it last Saturday. I am excited about the Turkish tomatoes! Jan Takala told me about them this fall and I hope they are big producers for me this year!

    So glad you have friends to come assist. That’s wonderful. Glad he is being good and listening to the doctors! Good luck on his checkup this week!

    And horses are fun. I’ve never had my own, but I always love petting them.

    • Yep, it’s been here and gone out. I’m really excited about the Turkish tomatoes too, after my friend sent me that box full of them from Wyoming. Yummy!!!
      Tomorrow, we’re headed for Duluth for his check-up with the cardiologist. I’m pretty sure the doctor will be pleased.

  11. What a huge scare! I hadn’t been in the know on that one. I’m Soo glad Will is recovering nicely.
    Ava looks so proud and happy! It looks like she has a patient teacher in Gideon. What a wonderful way to start.

    • It is! And the temperature was 13 degrees on both of those days. She doesn’t let the cold or the size of the horse stop her.
      We’re happy with Will’s recovery too.

  12. Plain, shelled almonds make for a healthy snack (w/o added sugar or salt). Especially good if you have the time to roast them for a few minutes in at a moderate oven temperature. Best wishes Will!!!!! Cathie

    • Yep, we’ve switched from sugary goodies to rice cakes with peanut butter, nuts and fruit. Thanks for your kindness.

  14. Little girls and horses….just makes you smile as big as hers. So glad Will is doing well. You both are in our prayers.

  15. I am so very happy that all is much better at your house! Will looks really good. When I had my heart attack they told me not to vacuum for awhile. When I got home I tried vacuuming and they were right. It was exhausting!!! So do what they say!!! Glad you have help with the hay and the seeds!!

    • Will’s being a good boy and listening to the doctor. Our friends come a couple days a week to help out with the seeds and they are VERY much valued!!

  16. I am so very glad you are getting back to your new normal..the works never stops but thank God for family and friends.. praying for you and Will that life gets back to normal when spring arrives..which I lived close to you I would gladly help you out

    • We’re just lucky it happened when the work is much less physical than in the spring, summer and fall. Now, most of the heavy work is done with a tractor. That’s a good thing (and doctor approved.).

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