Walking in a Wicked Wind

This week I turned a corner with my foot.  For the first time in seven months, I can walk without a limp, at a normal speed, and I can go up stairs.

I can't go down too many stairs yet and I can't wear cute shoes or boots that lack support -- but, I feel like I have my body back.

Well, a chunkier version of my body.  Despite my best efforts to eat like a bird, the months of inactivity, rest and healing have resulted in the expansion of my hips and waist.  So, I've charged up my FitBit and I'm walking again.

This week has been overcast and cold.  Today, it was 28F when I pointed my car down the driveway and headed to work.  Thankfully, it is warmer at work by ten degrees or so, and the sun made an appearance.

I took a break mid-morning and walked around the building, with my head down, my hands jammed in my pockets and my hair blowing.  "This is a wicked wind," I said to myself -- and then grinned and walked a little faster.


(all photos by Steve -- the last of the flowers in my garden and around the ranch)

Love this Photo

This is one of my favorites of the pictures that Steve took.  Isn't it wonderful?  I love the play of dark and light, the golden colors and the way it makes my heart sigh.

It's also the most sun we've seen all week.  We've had no sun, dark heavy clouds, freezing nights and damp cold days.  Oh, and no internet and no phone.  The joys of country living.

Oak Creek Ranch by Steve #2

Here are some more pictures Steve took when he and Heather visited in October.

Detail from the front pedestrian gate

Cowboy

Me and Heather, walking to the barn - love that Mexican sage.

Brett getting ready to move Flash to the pasture

Walking Tex from the barn...

...to the pasture

...where he promptly rolled

Oak Creek Ranch by Steve

A few weeks ago our friends, Heather and Steve, came to visit for a weekend.  Steve is an amateur nature photographer.  We think his photos are amazing.  He took lots and lots and LOTS of pictures while they were visiting and he has sent them to me in a couple big files.  As I download them, I'm going to share with you my favorites.  (Its going to take me awhile to get them all onto my computer).

Here's my first batch:  All photos by Steve Neely --