Friday, February 26, 2016

Paved with good intentions


The day dawned beautifully this morning...
...the teenager did not.  :-(  Before the forecast rain began – and before I reached a level of frustration that would have rendered me an unfit rider, I went down to school my horse. That went well in spite of the activity just past our property line; if the smoke had been blowing our way I would not have asked Lance to work.
While I rode, the girls enjoyed some lush, green grass;
then we all went back inside under duress.

Dealing with the teenager didn't get any easier, and by the time Rick got home, I was wrung out, most of my to-do list sacrificed to get my son through his subjects. Then the doorbell rang. Great. My face was red and puffy; I was in no shape to face anyone. I asked someone else to answer the door; it was probably just the neighbor boy looking for Brian anyway.

"What do you mean, it's someone looking for me? I'm in no shape for a visitor." With that I retreated to my bathroom to put a cold washcloth on my face.

*****************************************

I have a dressage show on Sunday; my dad from Spokane has never seen me compete. Rick got the bright idea to invite him to come for it and surprise me. I think by tomorrow I'll be able to forgive him. By Sunday I might even think it was sweet.

That's it for tonight from . . .

25 comments:

Theresa said...

Don't you wish you could just kind of crate those teenagers until such time you can send them off to college? :-)
Have a good time and a great show Michelle.

thecrazysheeplady said...

Aw, that was sweet and you know it ;-). Have a great weekend!

Mama Pea said...

It was a sweet idea of Rick's, but it would not have gone over so well with me. I have never liked surprises and, lucky for him, my husband knows it! :o)

As for the teenager, I think Theresa has the right idea. ;o}

Claire MW said...

So lovely to see all that green grass and those happy sheep. Sorry to see that work going on next to your property. :( Wishing you well for that upcoming show!

Roses, Lace and Brocante said...

I've been through the teenage son phase too - they can certainly stretch ones patience>
I know exactly how you felt about the door bell ringing at that moment!
Your girls are well looked after, love their waterproof coats!
Years ago I made aprons for dairy farmers and thought of making calf covers too - but when I did my market research the farmer's philosophy was if they can't survive without a coat they weren't worth keeping?><>?!
Hang in there Michelle!
You will be glad your father came - good for Rick!
Shane x

Retired Knitter said...

Some days just fall to pieces no matter what you do. I read something on Facebook just recently that might be helpful.

When life is going great enjoy every moment, because it won't last forever.
When life is going bad just keep marching through it, because it won't last forever.

Hang in there.
Elaine

Pondside said...

I love the coats on your sheep!
Visiting via Shanes Roses, Lace and Brocante. Lovely to find your blog.

Susan said...

Look at that lovely grass! At least there are some lovely aspects to your world (notwithstanding teenagers and burn piles).

C-ingspots said...

It was a thoughtful idea about your dad. He's not a visitor, but family. Doesn't matter that you had red, puffy eyes or if everything wasn't in order. He's your dad, and these visits are gems that you need to be thankful for. I would give just about anything to be able to hug, and talk with my dad again. As for Brian - let the beatings begin!! :)

Mary Ann said...

I had two, 18 months apart. It was a hard time for me, alone.
I hope the dressage test went well!

Michelle said...

Yes, I do, Theresa! But it has gotten better with Grandpa here, and we did have a good show.

Michelle said...

Yes, it was; it has been a very special time with my dad. ;-)

Michelle said...

I am definitely in the "no surprises" camp, Mama Pea, but it has all worked out for the best.

Michelle said...

Thanks, Claire! It's life – ups and downs. ;-)

Michelle said...

Knowing that other parents have survived this (and didn't find it easy, either) helps keep me going, Shane, so thanks for your comments!

Michelle said...

That reminds me of a sketch Mark Lowry does on his favorite Bible text: "And it came to pass...." It doesn't come to STAY! ha

Michelle said...

Thanks so much for your visit, Pondside! I hope you'll come again, and I'll have to visit Pondside!

Michelle said...

Oh yes, Susan, there are always blessings. ;-)

Michelle said...

It HAS been a lovely visit, Lorie, thanks.

Michelle said...

That would have done me in, Mary Ann!

Fiona said...

Good Luck in ALL things!

Lisa Smith said...

Michelle, your sunrise pics are always such a treat. I'm located on a hill (in Mtn. Park), but surrounded by trees, so I miss the sunrises. Thanks for sharing yours!

How wonderful to have your dad living so close by. I lost my dad in 2003 at age 67 & mom in 2004 at age 68. As I am now 60 myself, I realize how short their senior years really were. That husband of yours . . . bless his heart . . . what a loving thing to do for you!

I sure wish there was something I could say to add to the encouragement of others who have also passed through the teen phase. I do believe, without a doubt, that we have it easier raising a teenage son rather than a teenage daughter! I remember when my son was going through his brief, short-lived, tumultuous teen phase; it seemed like my friends with daughters had it worse! Now 36, my son shows so much empathy whenever we discuss his period of teen angst. I know those days will be here for you sooner than you think!

Warm Regards, Lisa in Lake Oswego

Lisa Smith said...

Oh goodness . . . my math . . . I meant dad in 1993 & mom in 1994 . . . sigh!

Michelle said...

Thanks, Fiona. All worked out in the end, although I don't think luck had anything to do with it! ;-)

Michelle said...

Thanks for your kind words, Lisa. Spokane is far enough away (400 miles) with everyone's busy lives that we don't see my dad but about once a year. I hope and pray that my son will come out a decent, hard-working man on the other side of this. In the meantime, years may fly but days crawl!