In with the New

It seems that half of last year just slipped by without a new post. I'm not exactly sure how that happened--I wasn't living in a cave; I hadn't lost the use of my hands (and even if I had, there's dictation software out there); and it's not like I didn't have anything to say (just ask anyone who knows me). But, somehow, life got in the way of posting.

What happened? Well, I moved...again. It started in June and technically has lasted to date--I've still not unpacked all the boxes because...I'm moving again--next week. Don't ask. Then there were multiple extended trips to New York for family business.

And then my Basset Hound, Rufus, required spinal surgery in early November to remove a herniated disc. Eight hour spinal surgery that required him to have strict stall rest for thirty days and then limited rest for another thirty (and trust me, he did not like it)...which brought us right into the new year. He's back to his old self again, though he's not allowed to climb stairs anymore, at least not more than a few. (I have to thank the doctors in the neurology department at the Animal Medical Center in New York, I would trust them with my own life.)

We're halfway through January now, and I've read my share of "resolution" blogs and I'm not keen on writing my own. The truth is, I don't like new year's resolutions much. It just seems arbitrary to me that you resolve to make some change in your life on a particular day simply because it begins a new year. The fact of the matter is that unless you resolve to something every day you won't follow through on anything.

That said, I have set some new goals for myself. One of them is a long-term goal that I've been working toward for the last ten months or so. I'll discuss that when it comes to fruition--I'm a little superstitious and don't want to jinx it! I'm cultivating some new habits as well regarding my free time and my lifestyle and writing as well.

So while I won't resolve to post every day, or even every other day, let's just say that you'll be seeing new posts here a lot more often than in these past six months! One thing I'd really like is to hear from you--about anything at all. Share your own resolutions, opinions, news, or even problems. Comments are more than welcome or you can email me at ask@thewifey.co.

Cheers!

Walkin' the Dogs . . . Well, Hounds.

Foxhunting is something that I've been intrigued with for years now. While I've not had a lifestyle that permitted me to join the field, living somewhere again with an active hunt club (two, actually, here in the Lexington area) makes the opportunity to learn about the sport very accessible.

Recently, compliments of a foxhunting friend, I went on my first Iroquois Hunt hound walk. Simply put, a hound walk is a walk through hunt country with a pack of hounds of varying ages and experience to teach them the lay of the land and to learn about their individual personalities.

While the Master of Foxhounds (MFH) and huntsman will walk with the scent-hungry hounds, there will also likely be a few mounted foxhunters along to turn the hounds should they not respond to the call of the MFH, or to seek out the occasional wandering novice hound.

On this particular day we were five on foot and three mounted with eleven couple (hounds are counted in pairs, so twenty-two) of foxhounds. And tried as I might have, I couldn't resist uttering the words "Release the hounds!" when I saw the doors of the trailer open and the pack burst out.

Photo by Melaina Balbo Phipps

We walked across the field over the hilly landscape while the hound advanced and retreated to the sound of the MFH's prompts and horn blows.

    Photo by Melaina Balbo Phipps

They will survey the land . . .

Photo by Melaina Balbo Phipps

and when they come back in . . .

     Photo by Melaina Balbo Phipps

 they are amply rewarded by the MFH with treats from her bottomless leather satchel. And it's every hound for himself!

Sometimes a hound--or a couple--will stray. It's understandable for the novice hounds in the pack--so many scents to follow! 

To facilitate the tracking of wayward hounds, each one is outfitted with GPS collars, like these . . . 

Photos by Melaina Balbo Phipps

The fields were wide and very inviting to roam . . . 

   Photo by Melaina Balbo Phipps

    Photo by Melaina Balbo Phipps

and, understandably, we were not the only ones enjoying the countryside that day. 

It seems that as much curiosity as was aroused in the hounds by the scents and the sights was also aroused in the herd of cattle that decided to take a break from their grazing and stalk us around the fields . . . 

    Photo by Melaina Balbo Phipps

They were definitely interested in what we were doing out there, in what I can only surmise they considered their land.

For such a large herd they were fairly stealthy.

    Photo by Melaina Balbo Phipps

and they kept their distance . . . mostly.

    Photo by Melaina Balbo Phipps

But for as gentle as these bovines can be, there is something very imposing about turning around and seeing this . . . 

    Photo by Melaina Balbo Phipps

And I've learned that you shouldn't let their languor fool you, they can catch up pretty quickly when they want.

                     Photo by Melaina Balbo Phipps

After a couple of hours and with all hounds accounted for we made it back to the trailers and cars, a successful hound walk complete.

Hounds were happy to relax after a good morning's work . . . 

    Photo by Melaina Balbo Phipps

    Photo by Melaina Balbo Phipps

but the cattle seemed to want us to stay a bit longer . . . 

                      Photo by Melaina Balbo Phipps

I guess that means they won't mind if we come back. 

A great many thanks to my friend for taking me out, the MFH for the beginnings of my foxhunting education, and our host for the access to enjoy his beautiful piece of pasture!

Spring in Her Step

My Violin after morning training at Carriage Station Farm in Lexington, Ky.

After a very long and very cold winter in Lexington, spring is finally in the air, as well as in the step of my eight-year-old Thoroughbred mare, My Violin. Just as spring renews our gardens and our spirits, this year it also brings new beginnings for Violin.

My Violin started her re-training this month after taking the last year off from a long career at the track. I'm not sure yet just how, exactly, we will spend our time as partners, but I think I'll leave the decision up to her. Judging by her race record, she didn't care so much for the track, so I'm happy to do whatever she enjoys most.

She's in the hands of a great trainer and it's wonderful to see her in engaged and working. It certainly makes me look forward to seeing her blossom in a second, and better-suited career.

Make yourself at home