Welcome 2016!!

This post will have to count for days of Christmas 9-12, since I have regretfully been out of commission while recovering from some unhealthy bacteria encountered via oysters + unseasonably warm water. Blaming it on el nino. Consider my weight loss goals jump-started. Enough said on that subject.

Thanks to my AWESOME SECRET SANTA Erin and her pony Tucker from The Story So Far Equestrian, the festive Christmas posts are now covered, and then some. I came home Wednesday from the post office very excited to open a stout package postmarked from Toronto.

On top was this precious card -

followed by a selection of lovely, thoughtful gifts wrapped in sparkly paper. I know I didn't give Erin much to go on (because - surprises), yet she chose things we both want and need.

For Val there was a Likit candy bar, some groovy new (to us) peppermint treats, and a bar of delicious smelling organic whitening soap, which I'm planning to test out on his (could be a lot brighter) tail until we hit bath season again.

For me, two pairs of plush cozy socks, a set of hand warmers, and a darling grey winged pony ornament which may take up residence hanging from my rear view mirror year round. Last but not least - I would never have bought this for myself - a gorgeous bridle charm.

Best of all is a new blogger and her horse to enjoy getting to know. Thank you so much Erin! (And P.S. Tracy from Fly On Over Secret Santa Master of Ceremonies - you rock lady!)

Wishing a happy, healthy New Year to you all!!

The Equestrian Blogger Gift Exchange or A Mysterious Xmas Miracle(!)

!Surprises!

The equestrian blogger gift exchange event that Tracy at Fly On Over organized last year was so much fun. When I saw she was kind enough to host another one this year,  I was super psyched to participate again.

It is every bit as fun to arrange the gift you send, as it is to receive yours. Looking forward to the report from my giftee. :D

Sooo, I got a call from my dad on Christmas day, saying he was on his way over for our holiday meal, and he had a package addressed to me. What???

Apparently, an ex-neighbor from my last address, (where I lived well over three years ago) called my dad when he couldn't find a number for me. A package had been delivered across the street, and was sitting forlornly on the porch of my old house, now unoccupied. Thank goodness for nosy ex-neighbors, otherwise that package would never have made into my hot little hands.

(There was actually another xmas miracle. Every single one of the eighteen fresh eggs my girls donated for the caesar salad deviled egg plate peeled perfectly. Every. single. one.)

Dad arrived and handed over a box from Dover saddlery. Pretty much always a good thing to get something from Dover so - yes - that must be mine. All mine. I tore it open, thinking that it might be from my Secret Santa.

Inside was a fresh, white, pristine dressage pad. A thing unheard of in these parts for, well, since I moved onto the farmette. No house = no washer/dryer, so I don't have many any opportunities to wash filthy horse items where I borrow my laundry access.

Underneath the pad was a beautiful horseware winter hat and scarf set - something I would never get for myself, but have admired when window shopping.

After fondling (and trying on where appropriate) my gifts, I dug around looking for a clue about which of you sent it and found -

- nothing. So sad that I can't thank you specifically. Please fess up - whoever you are, and thanks so much for the lovely, thoughtful gifts.