Idaho

Thursday Dave picked me up from work and we hopped on a plane for Spokane. With a quick layover in Phoenix we were there and headed for another 70 miles up and over to Sandpoint, ID. A friend that I ride with has a fabulous 165 acre ranch there and invited us to stay the weekend. We arrived around midnight to the ranch so we really couldn't see much and headed straight to bed.

We woke up the Friday morning and peered out the window to a gorgeous sight! The grounds were immaculate and absolutely beautiful! Allen gave us a guided tour of the ranch. We were in awe of the beauty. We even saw a deer and fawn cross right in front of us!

One of the pastures


A new born calf on the ranch


We loved all the green!!!


Then it was off to the lake for some boating. The boat was awesome. It felt like we were soaring over the water. The weather was really hot, but on the lake it was perfect.

Dave steering the boat


A couple of many scenic view from the lake

We even saw a bald eagle fly just above us!

In the afternoon we headed over to the near by ski resort and took a ski lift up the mountain to take in the views.

We had an amazing steak dinner with Allen and his brother Todd before sitting on the deck to enjoy the sunset. I even learned how to make a new dessert!

Saturday morning while Dave and I enjoyed our breakfast on the deck we heard the cattle calling. It sounded like something might have been wrong so we hopped in the Gator with Allen and his wonderful Dog, Molly, to check it out. It didn't seem like anything was wrong once we got there, but it did end up being a great picture opportunity.

We could tell that it was going to be another hot one so we headed back out to the lake. This time Todd, Molly and Todd dog, Casey, joined the group.

I just loved sitting the in the front of the boat.

After cruising along the Green Monarchs we decided to beach the boat and get out for a bit.

Molly enjoying the water's edge

Dave laughing at Molly avoiding getting wet

Yet another view from the lake

When we got back we enjoyed some time in the hammocks at the ranch before saddling up for a trail ride thru the woods.

The view as we headed into the forest

Dave & Frosty and Me & PlayGirl resting in a clearing by a pond

Then we rounded up the cattle and herded them down to the arena where we learned how to do some cutting. We both got some great action.

By the time we got back it was dark, but Todd had prepared us dinner. We had ranch raised chicken.

Sunday morning started with a bang! Allen set us up to do some skeet shooting. Neither of us had ever shot a shotgun before. I wasn't very good, but Dave was amazing. Out of nearly 25 rounds he only missed 3!

Dave shooting the 12 gage

Me shoot the 20 gage

If you enlarge the pic you can see the shell flying, the smoke, and even the clay breaking as I hit it!

Then it was off for some 4 wheeling.

Then we headed to town for some lunch and shopping.

(Susan, this pics for you!)


Saying good bye was sad. I just loved it there. I really didn't want to leave. We can't wait to go back!

Allen, thanks so much for sharing your fantabulous ranch and for your generous hospitality!!!!! It was a weekend we will not soon forget!

A view from the plane on the way home

Dave's top 3 of the trip:

1. Molly moments

2. Herding the cattle & cutting

3. The Green Monarchs

Kristin's top 3 of the trip:

1. The trail ride

2. Herding the cattle & cutting

3. Soaring in the boat

My New Saddle

My new saddle has arrived!

About 5 months ago my mom decided that I needed a new saddle. I had been making due with my old one that I won back in 1993 and said "High Point All Around Junior Rider" on the fender. Now that I am almost 30 and pretty far from a junior rider a new saddle made sense. Not to mention that my old saddle has probably seen thousands of rides. I started ridding for Rick soon after I won the saddle and for a span of about 3 years was ridding 10+ horses a day in it. And it is definitely worse for all that wear.

So at the last horse show my mom decided that she could not watch me show again in that saddle and told me that she was going to buy me a new saddle whether I liked it or not. So I started working on the design. I spent a lot of time on-line and finally pieced all the parts together. I choose the silver with the little gold sliding horses, the color compliment my horse and the color of my chaps and even the tooling patterns.

The flower pattern I choose is called "Payson". I choose this in honor of my grandfather. He and my grandmother lived in Payson (my grandma still does) and I would spend much of every summer with them growing up. I really think he was a cowboy at heart. He and my grandmother were always very supportive of my adventures with horses and I even gave him one of the 1st belt buckets that I won. When he passed away several years ago I got that buckle back. This is a away I can honor his memory and keep him a part of my continued horseback adventures.




Even the silver conchos in the gullet have the reining horses on them!

I just love my new saddle! Thank you so much, Mommy!!!!

Yep, I'm left...

You Are 65% Left Brained, 35% Right Brained

The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning.Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others.If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic.Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet. The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility.Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way.If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art.Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports.

Wicked!, again...

I saw Wicked today for the 2nd time. This time I went with Dave's sister. We met for lunch on Hollywood Blvd and then went to the 1pm show. We had great seats and we both loved the show. I was slightly disappointed the Eden Espinoza wasn't playing Elphaba since I was really looking forward to hearing her again and the stand in was not near as good. But, still really enjoyed the show and really wouldn't mind going again to see it for a 3rd time :o) Anyone want to go with me?????

7 Years of Wedded Bliss

Last Sunday marked our 7 year anniversary (on 07-01-07) so we decided to have a party to celebrate with many of our friends and family.

Here are some pics from the event:

Thanks to all the friends and family that came to help us celebrate.

And a special thanks to Mom, Wendy, Nick & Vera for making it happen!

Amazing Moon

The moon tonight is so georgous! Dave set up the telescope and we enjoyed it's beauty from our backyard.

Pic of the moon:

Pic ot the moon thru the telescope:

(be sure to click on the pic to get an upclose view)

Goofy Photos

I took these photos of Breezy after our ride this morning. He was so funny. He didn't care at all that I put the hat on him. He just kept staring at me laughing at him. The pics still make me laugh even now as I am posting them.


Enjoy.....

Restaurants

My aunt Ellen at http://happywonderer.wordpress.com/ at just tagged me for a dining out meme. I also love to eat out, but that actually means that this will be difficult for me.

Here are the rules:
1. Link to name of person that tagged you.
2. Include state and country you live in.
3. List top 5 favorite local restaurants.
4. Tag 5 other people and let them know they’ve been tagged.
(Also pictures are not required at all.)

I live in Mission Viejo (South Orange County) in California.



1. PF Chang's
This is our favorite spot for go when we are celebrating something. I love the Crispy Honey Chicken!!!


2. Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ
We have just discovered this place and absolutely love it!!! It has a southern rustic feel and has live music on the weekends. Their BBQ is absolutely amazing! The only problem is that they don't take reservations so plan on waiting for at least 30 minutes to be seated.

3. Lakeside Chinese Cuisine
This is a little restaurant near our house that we just love. The food is good and it is always quiet. We never have to wait to be seated and even if it takes a couple minutes we don't even notice since that have a gorgeous fish tank near the entrance. I always get the Egg Flower Soup & Lemon Chicken. Then they have these wonderful Caramelized Apple Bites for dessert.



4. JoJo's Pizza
Dave and I love pizza & this is our favorite place to get it! They also have a great artichoke appetizer.



5. Julienne's
This restaurant is actually an hour away, but it is simply the best place to go for breakfast. And I do mean the BEST! They have a very unique menu and just about everything on it is fantastic. And I don't know what they do to their hot chocolate, but I can't help but moan "mmmmm" while I drink it.

This challenge proved to difficult for me and simply must include at 6th.

6. The Old Spaghetti Factory
This restaurant is very special to Dave and I as we have many wonderful memories and mile stones associated with it. AND I love the food!!! My favorite dish is the Spaghetti with Browned Butter and Mizithra. We just don't seem to go there very often because it is in Newport Beach, parking is a pain and there is usually quite a long wait. But, I just can't have a list of favorite restaurants not not include this one.

I will be skipping the last part about tagging other people. But, if anyone reads this and decides to participate, please let me know with a comment.

K

I was challanged to this by my Aunt Ellen on her blog: http://happywonderer.wordpress.com/2007/06/04/first-name-first-letter-meme/

The game is SCATTERGORIES…it’s harder than it looks! Here are the rules: Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the following. They MUST be real places, names, things…NOTHING made up! If you can’t think of anything, skip it. Try to use different answers if the person before you had the same 1st initial. You CAN’T use your name for the boy/girl name question.

My Name: ~ Kristin
1. Famous Singer/Band: ~ Korn (not a fan)
2. 4 letter word: ~ Kite
3. Street: ~ Kingshill (in Mission Viejo, CA)
4. Color: ~ Khaki
5. Gifts/Presents: ~ a Kitten
6. Vehicle: ~ Kia
7. Things in a Souvenir Shop: ~ Key Chain
8. Boy Name: ~ Ken
9. Girl Name: ~ Kelly
11. Drink: ~ Kahlua
12. Occupation: ~ Key Account Executive (found it on monster.com)
13. Celebrity: ~ Kevin Costner
14. Magazine: ~ Knives Illustrated (yes, it is a real magazine)
15. U.S. City: ~ Kodiak, Alaska (pop. 6,334)
16. Pro Sports Teams: ~ Kansas City, Chiefs
17. Reason for Being Late for Work: ~ kitchen caught on fire
18. Something You Throw Away: ~ ketchup packets
19. Things You Shout: ~ Knock it off!
20. Cartoon Character: ~ Kanga from Winnie the Pooh


So "K" might be one of the toughest letters!

If you just read this, consider yourself challenged!