carol machulski's Page

Hooray! That seems like a fortuitous beginning to Spring, Carol! Pumba has been a good partner, but Tiki sounds like the right horse at the right time for what you're working on. Plus, I'm partial to the name. It's a powerful, protective Polynesian symbol, and was the name of my first dog. I have a good feeling that you'll make the progress with the trot that you're hoping for.

I'm glad you have a bit of a vacation planned for May! I always loved wandering the U.S. There's so much to see and do right within our own borders. I'm looking forward to hearing about your adventures.

Take good care.

A. XOXOXOX 

Boy, once the cold and snow finally came, it hasn't let up, has it? For me it's okay because I prefer the cold and don't go anywhere anyway. But, heating is expensive and snow is a pain for anyone who drives. I wish I lived somewhere where it was around 55 degrees most of the time. Hahaha!

My mom loved puzzles, but I don't have the patience for them--at least not to do a big one alone. I certainly understand why the 1,000 piece toy shop puzzle was regifted to your masseuse. Much better choice than just dumping it.

It seems like you and your son had a pleasant New Year's Day. The lunch at Denny's sounds delicious and festive. And, no dishes to wash. Hooray!!

I hope your lesson with Pumba was productive and fun! 

A. XOXOXOX 

Thanks for the words of encouragement, Carol. I dread to think what rights and benefits may be reduced or taken away in the next 4 years. 

I'm so glad you're still able to ride! It's been enough years away from horses for me that I'm forgetting exactly how wonderful it feels to be in the saddle and work in partnership with your horse. I kind of live vicariously through you now. I hope next year's riding is better every lesson.

Your Christmas dinner sounded yummy! The whole day sounds peaceful and enjoyable. I'm happy you and your son enjoy life together.

A. XOXOX

I hope you're having a lovely Christmas so far, Carol. Is there snow on the ground? A friend of mine who lives in Oneonta says that there's a few inches on the ground there. 

My wish is that that 2025 will be a good year for you, despite the political/social environment. The next 4 years will be very tough, but hopefully we, and the country, will get through them.

A. XOXOXOXOX

Happy Thanksgiving, Carol!! 

I hope you and your son are having a good one so far. I'm looking forward to my traditional vegetarian dinner with NO Tofurkey. Hahaha! I may be vegetarian, but I'm not nuts. 

Thank you for being a friend and a fellow equestrian.

A. XOXOX

Happy Birthday!

Merry Christmas, Carol!!

I hope you and your son had a lovely, festive day. Judging by your yummy Thanksgiving dinner, I bet it was also a delicious Christmas!  My Christmas day fare was a mini loaf of cranberry bread a close friend sent me. Hahaha! I ate it throughout the day with milk. Not very healthy, but very scrumptious!

A. XOXOXOX 

I'd like to be having Thanksgiving dinner with these folks. Nice choice of artwork! 

I hope you and your son have a very happy Thanksgiving, Carol.

XOXOXOXOX A.

Hi, Carol!!

Sorry it took me a while to respond. I caught a horrific cold (not COVID, thank God) while at the hospital having tests several week ago. I'm only now beginning to recover.

What a wonderful and truly useful epiphany you had! Half-halts are definitely a path to a more balanced and collected trot, and a steadier, more controlled trot is better for both Pumba and you. Hooray!!! Definitely keep at it.

I certainly understand some proficiencies and training intentions falling by the wayside after an accident like yours. I admire you greatly for continuing to ride and, beyond that, continuing to push yourself. Many people would simply have given up. You are a true equestrienne!

I hope the rest of your life is going well and that you have something fun planned for this Spring or Summer (perhaps a wee trip). 

Warm wishes and great riding!

A. XOXOXOXOXOX