April begins

Mario did some yard clean up, which included trimming the avocado tree back. Let's just say we disagree on the necessity of doing this. :-P However, look at the BOUNTY!

We've been busy with work as usual, still trying to catch up financially and get back on track. Mario and Angel have been doing a good job, met or beat their targets for the last couple months. Trimming has been nuts. Sometimes I want to kill my clients, or myself, if I have to interact with another one of them again. Then in the next minute I am thinking how fortunate I am and how great things are going. I guess it's the nature of that job. You really have to be a glass is 1/2 full type, and often a creative, problem solving type. Sometimes I need more than a 1/2 glass of wine to meet those requirements! har har

Dean, Mario's brother, has announced he is marrying Cindy in May. So, looks like it's off to Florida we go! In typical Gargiulo fashion, this means diet and exercise for Sossity & Mario, stat! Should be a great time, we're both looking forward to it. Mario will see his dad for the first time in about 20 years, and I will meet him for the first time, so that might be interesting...

The horses are adjusting and settling into the routines at the new barn. I've only had a handful of rides at the most, which is kind of disappointing. However, tomorrow I am taking Jordan to a Schleese saddle clinic up north. I can't afford a new saddle, but I've been fantasizing about the idea of finding a saddle that is equally comfortable for me as it is for my horse. For the last several years I've ridden in a really nice Balance Felix dressage saddle, which fits him beautifully, but I have never feel really "supported" by it. I am afraid that means I am looking for a crutch, but at this stage I am confident enough to say I don't give a damn. I just want to feel secure and confident when I'm riding. Both in the peace of mind that the saddle fits well and is not causing any discomfort to my horse, but also in my own security aboard the horse! If I find one that we both like, I can sell off some of my other stuff and buy a used Schleese. Theoretically! The pic is of me riding Jordan in the arena at Aliso.

On Sunday morning one of my clients is trailering in to Aliso and she and her husband and Mario and I are going for a trail ride! The client is bringing a babysitter type Quarter Horse for Mario to ride. We're really looking forward to it. Hopefully I'll have a couple good pictures to post. :)