All's Quiet at Follywoods

Tucker is Doing Just Fine

It seems Tucker's bout with colic is indeed over.

I lunged both Chance and him yesterday for about 15 minutes each. Of course, that was after trying to catch the two of them for another 15 minutes. I'm afraid Toby, the uncatchable, has taught the other two Boys a trick or two.

No biggie, actually since as soon as I get some treats they come right over for a snack. But it can be exasperating if I want to think they actually adore me.

Both worked well for me. Chance insisted on cantering right off, so instead of insisting on trot I let him canter on. He was pretty well warmed up from the catching episode, so it was no big deal. And, since he was nice and forward, I was pleased.

Tucker was playing "steady Eddie" on the line, just doing his thing and, in general, listening to my commands. One days like that, he actually looks like a normal, well behaved horse. Just goes to show that appearances can be deceiving.

I have started going to a nutritionist and my chiropractic center to get some advice for improving my diet and losing some weight. I am not in horrible shape. On the plus side, my bloodwork is all excellent--as I knew from my last physical exam. On the negative side I need to lose about 8% body fat. I'd like to lose between 20-30 pounds, but the nutritionist thinks the lower side of that would be better. So far we had a nice discussion, she took down all my information, and gave me a food diary to write up for my next appointment--next week. All I am changing in my diet right now is to cut out the sweetened ice tea for plain.
No big deal on that either as during the summer I drink unsweetened iced tea all the time. I kind of slacked off during the winter, so I will go back to my Spartan ways.

Dana, the nutritionist, does not believe in fast weight loss or fad diets. I like the idea of approaching this with a good sense of health rather than simply weight loss.

She also prefers work related exercise rather than going to the gym or practicing routines. Since riding and working around the horses is my forte, that will be just fine. Of course, when summer finally gets here--if ever--I will be swimming regularly again. I didn't get swims in this week or last because of all kinds of other time consuming activities, so that's going to help a lot.

Speaking of activities, my friend Milos, who is a Masters Candidate from Rutgers, Mason Gross School of the Arts, gave his recital on Monday evening.

He has posted videos of several pieces on YouTube. If you can even listen to a little bit, you will, I am sure, be impressed by his virtuosity. He is originally from Serbia and came here to the US to study. He now has his green card, which means he can stay to work. He'd love to play in a professional symphony orchestra here, so if anyone knows of an opening, let me know. *G*

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3C8r8Y9NVN4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egtFiS6TtjU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_lmRSb2Xbc