Storm Watch

There is a storm making its way down the coast of California from Canada (thanks guys!).  It is supposed to arrive Friday and bring with it the lowest temperatures on record - and lots of snow.  Today has been cold and overcast.  I think the front edge of the storm front is already nosing its way into the area.

 

There was no sunshine all morning.  I decided to roast coffee.  I have a feeling I will be sitting inside, watching the snow, and drinking a lot of coffee this coming weekend.  

I start with green beans.  I order them online and they cost about half of what you pay at the grocery store for roasted beans.  Plus, I can order varieties I like, try different beans, etc.  I like beans that are rich, smooth and almost chocolaty when roasted.  They tend to come from South America.  I'm not a big fan of bright acidic coffees.  It reminds of tea: do you like herbal or black?  Strong or weak? British or Asian?

This is my roaster.  I have to roast the beans outside because, towards the end, they smoke something fierce.

The clouds did break up a tad this afternoon with the sun peaking through for brief moments.  I figured if my blogger friends in Canada and England and Norway can ride in the snow, I can ride in 40 degree damp weather.  I told myself that all the way to the barn with my heavy jacket zipped up to my neck and my hands crammed deep in my pockets.  

Jackson was happy to come out and didn't even protest when I took off his blanket.  He wanted to go.  I took off my jacket.  Fair's fair.  If he is clipped and has to work without a blanket, I could work without my jacket.  I groomed him as fast as I could which wasn't all that fast because he's shedding like crazy.  I ended up with white Jackson hair stuck to the chapstick on my lips, stuck to my fleecy sweater and stuck to my fleece lined breeches.  We only worked for 20 minutes and we pretty much skipped the walk work.  Brrrrrrrr.  We were ready to move!  Two laps at walk, he was loose, off we went.  I was amazed at how well he picked up from where we had left off on our last ride in the arena - which was over a week ago.  I especially noticed how well he was using his back.  I think the chiropractor and massage and rest between rides - and then riding in a saddle that fits - made a big difference.  He wasn't cinchy, he wasn't sore, he was just happy.  When we finished, I leaned forward and wrapped my arms around his neck.  I scratched and hugged and praised and sent Jackson all my feelings of love and happiness and pride in his work.  

Date night tonight -- dinner and yoga after chores.