Saturday, October 20, 2018

Back to reality....

Not that reality is so terrible, but I could have done with two more weeks in Spain. The trip was great; I love Spain, plus we get to visit our friends Mitchell and Jerry (of Mitchell is Moving) which is always wonderful. And as Mitchell notes in a recent blog post, we all forgot to take pictures of each other. Instead we just photographed the delicious rice pudding cake three of the four of us had for dessert! :)

I met Mitchell through blogging and met him (and Jerry!) in person for the first time on our last trip to Spain two years ago. It's amazing how it can feel like you have known someone forever, when you've only met each other in person twice! I wish we were geographically closer, but we'll definitely be visiting them again the next time we are Spain.

I loved every part of our trip, but our two horseback riding trips were the highlight for me. Here are pics from my very favourite ride....



We went with an outfit called Riding Fun in the Sun, led by Jo. It was fantastic! One of my fav holiday rides ever.


Wind turbines in the distance


We rode through these herds of cows, which I found just hilarious. Because the cows are herded by men on horseback, they are  inclined to walk or run away from horses, and so don't cause problems on rides. Occasionally a young, curious cow will come up to the horses, but they are easily shooed away.



That said, near the end of the ride, one of the cows actually wanted to play with one of the horses! The cow was jumping and frolicking, until he got sent packing by Jo. it was pretty cute.

Riding makes me extremely happy. I came home vowing to make it more of a priority in my life, particularly since I was so burnt-out and exhausted at the start of the trip. My goal is not to let that happen again. I love rescuing cats and kittens, but I also need to be more careful about looking after myself, because I'm no spring chicken anymore! :) One of the things I have let slide is writing on my blog, which is something I really enjoy, so I am also going to try to make sure I make time for that!


Another two weeks in Spain would have been great, but we were both definitely more relaxed by the time we got on the plane home Thursday.

Have a great weekend!

22 comments:

  1. Glad you had a great trip!

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  2. Happy you are home and rested. I enjoyed following your trip on IG. I agree about the taking care of ourselves, it's easy to let our nurturing take care of others but forget us. You look so happy! Hugs~

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  3. Have only ridden once, but your pictures are enough to make me want to take it up!

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    1. I didn't start until I was 50, and now it's my of my most favourite things to do in life! Of course there are risks, but I wear a helmet and try to minimize them. I am never happier than when I am on my horse.

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  4. What beautiful scenery on your ride! I have loved following along via your Instagram posts. Such beauty and a great way to refresh. I admire you for all that you do for the animals and hope you can find the right balance for you.

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    1. Thanks so much Shirley. I will get it all sorted out. :)

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  5. Wow, now this is a trip we need to go on. Spain looks absolutely wonderful. The scenery is just breathtaking. Looks like you had a relaxed and fun time. Thanks for sharing all the lovely photos. Have a wonderful weekend.
    World of Animals

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    1. Been there twice now, and we intend to go back. Love Spain!!

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  6. You got to do one of your favorite activities...ride horses.

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  7. Beautiful photos, and I love the blog format because we get more of your entertaining and creative narrative. Thanks for spending the time when you’re able. Don’t feel pressured, but your fans love it!!

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  8. I just had to look at Mitchell's blog, i.e., to see whether or not a photo of that delicious/delectable --["It's delightful, it's delicious, it's de-lovely"??!! Haha!!]-- rice pudding cake was there ............ and it *W.*A.*S.*!! It looked SO good, Natalie, and I'm very happy you & Gordon had such a nice time on your vacation!!

    I read your thoughts --[i.e., about needing to be more careful about looking after yourself]-- very carefully, because that's one of the things I --always being "other-directed"-- often let slide with myself; however, to have enough stamina, as you know, to CONTINUE leading a "giving" life ............ I really do need to add more self-care and vacation-renewal to the mix, I think!!

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    1. OMG the cake was so good!!

      Self-care is something I struggle with at times... it's easier for me to put the needs of everyone else, plus all the animals, first. However, I am getting too old to continue that behaviour! :)

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  9. I'm glad you got a break! Welcome back! We missed you.
    (ツ) from Cottage Country Ontario , ON, Canada!

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  10. We miss you! What a joy to spend time together. The photos are beautiful and I’m thrilled to read you plan to bog more AND to be kind to yourself!

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  11. I'm glad you went away to Spain, no less! You deserve a beautiful and peaceful getaway. I read through the comments and you say you only began to ride aged 50. What? You can't be more than 50! I love horses and riding seems so idyllic but I just don't see myself doing it ever. I'm such a weenie! I hope you get to do more of what you love moving forward, especially into the new year.

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  12. Pilar, I have trouble believing it myself, but I am almost 55 now... seriously, i cannot believe it. :) Thank you for the lovely comments!

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Thank you for all your comments, which I love to read!