Celebrating Pete's First Year

Hi Friends,

Today we are celebrating one year with our new friend Pete. Brenda first spotted Pete on Craigslist last November, with the help of a photo showing him playing with a big rubber ball. The photo had me sold from the beginning showing him as full of fun and personality.

In the past year Brenda and I have enjoyed many wonderful rides with Pete. He loves to go riding and always is the level head but still full of fun. He has taught me much about riding and horses and I learn something new every time we journey out.

So to celebrate the first year of life with our new friend Pete ... I started taking lessons from a Parelli Instructor today. I figured it was time to take real responsibility for his future and make his life better by improving my horsemanship. It was a great 2 hour lesson and I even have homework for Pete and I to work on before the next lesson.

Brenda and I are happy to have Pete with us and looking forward to many more years of fun and family rides.

Happy Trails,

Don & Brenda (and Pete)

Amazing Late Summer Day

Hi Friends,

As this amazing Summer comes to an end, Brenda and I spent Sunday out in the Equine Park with Pete and Dually. We knew it was probably the last hot sunny day we could get out with the horses and we were right.

We decided to take the horses out a couple of hours before sunset so we could seethe Sun and it fell behind Slide Mountain. What a great ride...

Pete and I had so much fun and seemed to really be communicating from start to finish. Has it only been 10 months since we became friends? I still have so much to learn but am determined to get all the knowledge needed to become a real horseman for him.

Brenda and Dually had a really great ride as well. They are still in the bonding stage too and have come along way as evidenced by the smooth fun ride today.

We walked down by Washoe Lake and Pete and Dually walked right in. Then they just continued down the lake shore in the water like it was nothing out of the ordinary. Pete was wearing his Easyboots and made some pretty good splashes that that made us smile. Maybe not so much for Brenda and Dually as they got the brunt of the spalsh. But is was hot and it felt good and we will remember it for a long time.

I couldn't help being proud of Pete and all that we have learned this Summer. I am sure he knows all the things I am just learning and has put up with my slow learning curve, but I am still proud of him.

So I guess this wraps up the Summer of 2009. Sad to see it go and trying to get excited about riding in Winter. I guess the learning curve continues.

Peace and Love,

Don & Brenda

Almost forgot, here are a couple of videos from the ride.

Lady Gets Out for Her First Ride

Hi Friends,

We got Lady back in February so Brenda would have a good horse to ride. After we got her we found that she had very tender front feet and she has been getting regular care from our trimmer (High Desert Hoof Care)to get her back in action.

Well today was indeed a great day as we were able to take her out for Brenda to ride for the first time. She was a little spooky at first as this was the first ride into the Equestrian Park at Washoe Lake. It was great to see her relax a couple of times and enjoy her ride.

Here is a short video from my Android phone to show you how goos she was looking.

Later...

Don & Brenda (Pete & Lady Too!)

A Slideshow of Our $35.00 Fireworks Spectacular

Hi Friends,

Well it seems we spent much of our time shooting off little sparklers and not as much time taking pictures during our fireworks spectacular. But at any rate here is a short slide show with the photo's we did manage to get. We are already planning to do it again next year but maybe with a bigger budget this time...maybe $45.00. Wow, the thought just sends chills up my spine (is it up or down your spine?).

Get your ooh's and aah's ready here goes...

Much Love,

Don & Brenda

Back Home After Perfect Vacation

Hi Friends,

We are back home now after a almost perfect vacation. In the next couple days I will add some video's from vacation that I am still working on. And I will probably ramble on and on about this and that. But that is part of the fun of vacations, right?

Today I took Pete out for a ride after being away for a week and it was wonderful. He really is a one of a kind horse to me and Brenda. Here is a short video I make with the Google Phone. Short but fun to make and always fun to watch when you can't get out to ride.

More soon, have a coolio day.

Don & Brenda

Smores!

Hi Friends,

Just looking at some of the pictures we took this vacation, and founf this coolio shot of one of the smores we made our last night at the coast.

I'll tell ya' the taste of smores is one of those little pleasures that we too quickly forget.

These were awesome!

Still on the road ...

Brenda, Don and Ashley Too!

No Agenda 2009 Checking Out the Beaches

Hi Friends,

Wow, Friday and we are really enjoying every minute of this vacation. Today we checked out of our Hotel ready to travel back to Medford. But the way I look at it, going from one place to another in a straight line is boring. So this morning we turned left instead of right and checked out the Port of Gold Beach to explore the driftwood piles and look for coolio rocks and such.

Then we traveled in the other direction and checked out the amazing beaches by Pistol River. Beautiful huge rocks are standing in the Ocean and make picture taking a breeze. It is one of the most beautiful places we have ever been and could spend days there just wandering along looking at the nature and all this wonderful place has to offer.

Then it was away from the coast and the mild 60 to 70 degree days and back through the redwoods to Medford and a 102 degree afternoon. Quite a contrast.

Tomorrow we will check out the 4th of July festivities in Medford before heading home.

Took a bunch of pictures again. Posted them to our Picasa page (I am really starting to think Picasa is the greatest) huge storage space for our pictures for free. Thanks Google! Here is the link to the pictures if you want to check them out.

Have a Coolio 4th of July!!

Don, Brenda & Ashley Too!!

'No Agenda' Gold Beach Vacation Day Three

Hi Friends,

We have been lounging around Gold Beach, watching the sun set and the fog roll in and out and collecting rocks.

Today we went for a beach horseback ride and it was a blast. We rented three horses and Hawks Rest Stables and were joined by a guide to take us out on the sand dunes along the Pacific Ocean. The fog was still lingering along the coast but the air was mild with almost no wind. The downside was it was only a 90 minute ride and we really wanted to stay out longer. The upside was ... we were riding our horses along the Pacific Ocean and we were not at work!

After the ride we went to the port and had lunch with Danny and Bonnie. The food at The Port Hole Cafe was average but tasty and the views were grand. The luch was topped off with ice cream sundae's in the art lounge.

Then we piled into the car and went to the ocean to collect some driftwood and rocks and watch the seals play. With the fog and the waves it was very relaxing. We probably could have stayed there all day without getting tired of the views.

We still want to go play in the tide pools tomorrow, to check out all the little critters that live on the rocks and are visible when the tides are low.

Okay, back to the vacation. There are bunch of photo's on out Picasa page if you want to check them out.

Peace & Love,

Don & Brenda and Ashley Too!

Our 'No Agenda' Vacation 2009

Hi Friends,

We made it to Gold Beach on Tuesday afternoon and checked in to our Hotel. It was a great ride and we are comfy in our room.

It was warm and clear but just a bit windy when we got here, so walks were sorta like walking in a sand blaster. No problem we walked a bit and watched the Sunset from the balcony of our room.

The Ocean is amazing and we are looking forward to exploring some more today and tomorrow. But we have no agenda and will take what each day presents us.

You can check out our photo's on the Picasa page here if you want.

Peace & Love,

From ... Brenda & Don and Ashley Too.

Follow us to the Beach Today

Hi Friends,

We are heading to Gold Beach today, so follow along if you want.





Brenda & Don
and Ashley Too!

From the Road in Medford, OR

Hi Friends,

We are on vacation in Oregon today. Making a stop in Medford before jumping over the hill to Gold Beach tomorrow morning. Today we played around at the Family Fun Center here, playing Put Put Golf and swinging away in the batting cages. It was a blast and a great way to kick off the vacation.

We took a bunch of pictures today and you can follow our fun on our Picasa photo page here if you want.

We can't wait to get back on the road to Gold Beach in the morning and will Twitter and film the whole adventure as it unfolds.

Peace & Love,

Brenda and Don
... and Ashley Too!

Getting Away Again ...

Hi Friends,

We are on the road to Gold Beach, Oregon for a 4th of July type vacation.

Check back from time to time as we will brighten your day by telling you what a great time we are having. Okay maybe that is stretching the truth a bit, but we will be updating this site along the way. You may not be as thrilled as we think you will be .. but it gives us joy.

Peace & Love from the road!

Brenda & Don

Our First Trail Trials Event

Hi Friends,

We have been having so much fun with the horses this Spring and are really looking forward to Summer should it ever get here. Pete and Dually are out with us all the time and Lady is getting better feet every day, so it is just a matter of time until she is out with us too.

We did something we had never done before by entering the TB Friends Trail Trials at the Washoe Lake Equestrian Center. Both of us had spent some time looking at You Tube videos trying to get a idea of what we would be doing, and with so some feeling about what we would be able to do with our horses.

Brenda rode Dually and I rode Pete. We did not have to trailer the horses because the Trail Trials were so close. We got up early and fed, then rode the horses to the sign up area. After paying our entry fee, we got a map and instructions for each of the 10 different challenges.

I thought I would be able to do many of the trials because Pete is a pretty smart horse and he works well with me on the trails. Of course you have to ride the horse that shows up the day you are riding, and this day Pete was a bit un coopertive. We did a few of the trials really well, and then there were the others. Pete and I finished dead last ... but we had a great time and want to try it again. We will be playing some of the games that were in the Trail Trials so we can do better next time.

Brenda really didn't thing she and Dually were going to do well. Or maybe she was just throwing up a smoke screen in case she did poorly. In the end she was amazing, working really well with Dually and getting through even the toughest challenges with flying colors. Did I mention she got a 6th place in our class after all was said and done? Like I said she was amazing!

We have a bunch of pictures to share on our Picasa Photo page, just click here.

Can't wait to do this again, or maybe some other challenge that people and horses do together.

Happy Trails!

Don & Brenda

Sunday Horseback Riding Adventure

Hi Friends,

We took the horses out for some fun at the Washoe Lake Equestrian Park on Sunday. It was a blast, with warm sun and light breezes making it really comfortable. I took the video camera with me to see what we could capture on tape. Well one thing we found out is that it is really difficult to kep the camera steady when you are galloping along. Oh well, maybe we can get some better video next time.

Don http://www.tuckertimes.com

It's Official, "We Are Cutest Couple"

Hi Friends,

It was bound to happen as we get closer to our 27th Anniversary that we were named cutest couple by TruLove Magazine. Wow 27 years as a married couple and maybe 4 or 5 more a a couple total. This trip is a blast!

Lots of Love and Peace!

Don http://www.tuckertimes.com

Spring Adventure Travel Vlog

Hi Friends...

Wanted to try something new this trip, so I put my camera to work recording a short travel vlog. Had a great time and wanted to share it with you.



Peace to You,

Don http://www.tuckertimes.com

Enjoying Waterfalls Peaceful Adventure

Hi Friends,

While Brenda visited with family today, I took a ride along the Rouge River to check out some waterfalls and the beautiful scenery. The loop that is home to 15 waterfalls is 172 miles and starts in Medford, ending in Roseburg. I knew I was not going to be able to finish the loop (but still wanted to complete the whole run) so I started this trip and will return on future visits, when I have the time.

Getting on the road, I found plenty of chances and well marked areas that needed to be checked out for waterfalls. The first sign to catch my eye was for Butte Falls. Because it was so close to Medford, I decided to catch this one on a future adventure, maybe with Brenda so she can enjoy it too.

Up the road a piece was Prospect, Oregon a quiet little town with quiet roads and few people. There I found a place to explore called "The Avenue of the Giant Boulders" and The "Old Mill Falls.' I stopped and enjoyed all that God had created here, took some pictures and meditated on this place of beauty.

Up the road a couple of mile I came to Pearsoney Waterfalls and the 'Mill Creek" bridge. Again I contemplated the beauty while soaking up the huge sound of the falls. The rushing of the falls greets you when you park your car and gets louder as you get closer on the trail. When you finally arrive, it greets you with power and fills your senses.

Today did not allow enough time to continue up the river any further, but I have vowed to continue my adventure along the Rouge next time I have a free day and charged batteries in the cameras.

I came across this quote by Anne Frank that fit my mood and the temper of the day with the waterfalls.

"The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature."

I posted some pictures here on our Picasa page.

Until next time....

Peace to You,

Don http://www.tuckertimes.com

Checking Out History, Steam Train

Hi Friends,

Before we got away from the hustle & bustle for vacation, I had the opportunity to check out a 1944 steam train.

Union Pacific brought the steam train UP 844 to Sparks as part of the 'Western Heritage' tour 2009. Residents were allowed to check out and peek inside this historic locomotive and take pictures. I took my share of the train as it sat in the Sparks rail yard, then I found a spot on Friday morning as it took off to cross Donner Pass headed for California.

I was impressed with the size and beauty of this old workhorse and wished I could make the trip over Donner with them, to share in the Spring scenery and beauty that surrounds us in the Sierras.

My camera snapped away as the old train made it's way out of town. You can check them out on our Picasa page here.

If you want to learn more about this piece of history or want to try to catch up with it along it's Western tour you can keep up with it on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/up_steam or on their website at http://www.upsteam.com/844history.html#844history .

Take the time if you can to share this experience with your friends and family, it will leave you with memories that will last a life time.

Peace

Don http://www.tuckertimes.com

On The Road Again...

Hi Friends,

We are on the road again, so tracking is back up. We will turn on the GPS when we move.

Here is the GPS Gizmo.


GPS tracking powered by InstaMapper.com





Peace,

Don http://www.tuckertimes.com

Glorious Sunday Ride

Hi Friends,

Putting the wraps on a wonderful weekend with my amazing wife that was highlighted by a fun horseback ride.

We took off towards Washoe Lake Equestrian Park about 12:30 or 1:00 on Sunday just wanting to get out of the house and getting to know Brenda's new horse, Dually. So we saddled up and headed out the gate ... and came back 4 hours later.

Brenda wanted to take the horses down by the Lake this trip so we headed there first. Both Pete and Dually were wonderful and seemed to really enjoy the new sights and sounds. They also got a chance to interact with other horses and a bunch of kids that were enjoying Washoe Lake.

After about 2 miles Brenda decided to take off towards the Southern part of the park and see what was down there. We explored the Eastern shoreline and amazing views of the mountains as well as taking time to explore the equestrian part of the park (picnic area, water troughs, arena and such). The we headed back towards home to try to catch up on all the things we were supposed to do instead of riding.

Total time was about 4 hours and we covered about 12 to 15 miles. It was wonderful and I am pretty sure it was just what Brenda wanted on this day. We got back home to feed the horses and ourselves and I am sure all of us were equally worn out.

Looking forward already to next weekend.

Peace...

Don http://www.tuckertimes.com

Celebration of Spring, Living and Special People

Hi Friends,

Winter is trying but failing to hold on for yet another month. But, Spring is pushing it away and bringing with it a World full of new beginnings.

I love Spring and everything that comes with it. The smell of freshly mown grass, the first flower on the trees and the feeling that everything in your life is or could be new again. I get out more in the Spring and take long walks to clear my mind from all the junk the World throws at me. I really need my walks, as they allow me to get my weight down and to make my personallity half way tolerable.

Since we last chatted, we have picked up two new horses that are part of our family. Lady was the first coming to live with us a few weeks ago. Brenda is still getting her confidence up so she can be a regular trail partner. We also have Dually, that just joined us a week ago. he has an amazing personality and will be Brenda's immediate answer to Spring trail rides. So one of our new beginnings will be to ride the trails in Washoe Valley all Spring and Summer until we run out of trails. Then we will start from the beginning again.

Spring also brings with it the hope of a fun vacation, maybe some place sunny and warm and relaxing. We are working up plans now on how to spend some quality time with each other to recharge each others Spirits.

The last couple of days, I have been following the sad story on Twitter about a young man that will be loosing his young wife. It breaks my heart to read his posts as the story of their life together comes to a close. I have really been thinking about the time I have and how I spend it. I have thought about what life might be like without Brenda and I don't like that story much. So I am re-determined to make every day and every moment with Brenda a special memory. This year marks our 27th Anniversary, I can't wait to share the day with Brenda, laughing about the past and looking forward to the future. I read this quote yesterday and It really hit home. “If we spend our time with regrets over yesterday, and worries over what might happen tomorrow, we have no today in which to live.” I don't know who wrote but it really says a lot.

Share the time you have... and Love.

Don http://www.tuckertimes.com

Big Snow Week, In My Rearview Mirror

Hi Friends,

It is only fitting that a week that started with an amazing spiritual lift would bring one of the biggest snow storms of the season. Maybe the two are tied together somehow ... maybe I just imagine that they are.

I told you in my last post about how amazing my week started, and the follow up is that it ended with up to 8 feet of new snow in the mountains and a new feeling of joy in my Spirit. I opened my mind to new things this week, new shift with new expectations and got to see some of the most beautiful scenery I can remember.

On Monday a day I usually work, the weather was great and the route I usually drive over Donner Pass was open with no chain controls. On Tuesday (my new Monday) I headed out to Donner Pass only to be turned around at Truckee and decided to make the trip by driving through The Feather River highway. It is much further and very windy, but it one of the most beautiful drives I have ever made. The river was running very high and waterfalls were coming from the mountain walls like I have never seen before. Plenty of wet snow was adding to the effect of Heaven.

Swapped trailers in Sacramento as usual and tried to make it back over Donner Pass again. Same luck as before and I was going to spend the night in Auburn tonight. No snow in Auburn, but it was pouring rain causing local flooding and slippery streets. Nice room, but not as much fun without the wife and puppies around.

Wednesday morning didn't bring much change and I was headed back to Reno over highway 70 again. The snow must have really come down on Tuesday night as the trees and roadsides sported a new white outfit, heavy and beautiful. I really enjoyed the ride and look forward to each new adventure I experience. This one was fun, eye opening and thankful.

Wonder what this coming week will bring? Maybe more snow, maybe a new thing I will see or experience that folks trapped in an office miss. It is a wonderful life isn't it?

I read this neat little quote by Yoko Ono this week and it stayed with me. I wanted to share it with you.

“Spring passes and one remembers one's innocence. Summer passes and one remembers one's exuberance. Autumn passes and one remembers one's reverence. Winter passes and one remembers one's perseverance.”
Yoko Ono

Peace

Don http://www.tuckertimes.com

Yippee ... Amazing Life Energy Today

Hi Friends,

It is truly an amazing day. Woke up this morning full of positive energy and almost no negative thoughts at all. Still trying to figure out what I did different, and of course wanted to write it all down, but can't find my journal. I am scribbling thoughts to just about everything I can write on in an effort not to miss anything.

It has been hard for me to grasp this positive energy because this week marks a new work schedule for me. I really have a hard time changing my work schedule when I have been enjoying the one I had. It makes me feel out of sync and even causes a bit of panic in me from time to time. So today when I woke up and was almost buzzing with this energy, it took me by surprise.

The season is turning, feeling more like Spring every day. We are just less than 2 months away from a week vacation and the chance to discover new sunsets and adventures. Maybe these things are contributing to the peace I have. Maybe not!

So I am off today to get a new journal so I can be prepared for tomorrow when I am going to welcome in a new day filled with this feeling and energy. I also found this great bit of inspiration by Joseph Cambell that may be just what you need to get through today.

We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us.
-- Joseph Campbell

May Peace be with you and in you today, allowing you to share a kind word with someone in your life.

Peace,

Don http://www.tuckertimes.com

Take Us With You ...

Hi Friends,

Rockwell said in a song...
"I always feel like somebody's watching me
Who's playing tricks on me
I always feel like somebody's watching me
I can't enjoy my tea!"

Well it's nothing like that, but if you want to take us with you on your new shiny Google G1 or other smart phone, you can check in on us and see what we have been doing. The Tucker Times is now formatted so you can to be viewed in a mobile format. Just go to http://www.tuckertimes.mobi if you want to see for yourself.

I am sure we have missed some of the features that would make this even cooler. If you know of anything we missed, just drop us a note so we can check it out.

Until next time ...

"I always feel that somebody's watchin' me
And I have no privacy
I always feel that somebody's watchin' me
Is it just a dream?"

Don http://www.tuckertimes.com

Flying to the Bay

Hi Friends,

Had to fly down to Hayward for company training tis Saturday. It has been a beautiful day (and so far a amazing week) so it was great to look out the window and check out the sites. Sometimes you forget just how amazing the area you live in is and it takes something like flying over it to remind you.

I had the window on the Southwest flight so I got an eye full of Lake Tahoe and the Sierras. Took a few pictures to share with the camera in my phone and this afternoon checked them out. After walking around in Union City for an hour or so, I went back to the pictures and thought about how lucky I am to live next to Lake tahoe, a block from Washoe Lake and far away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. The fine folks down here are so busy running to and fro and honking their car horns with their cell phone on their ears .. it is just amazing. Anyway, can't wait to get home and kiss the wife and listen to the quiet.

Peace

Don http://www.tuckertimes.com