Top Ten Things I'd Like To Do In 2011, and a Bonus Item

We're experiencing the blizzard that's been hitting the east coast, so needless to say I didn't get to the barn. I think I'll use the time to write Some Things I'd Like To Do In 2011, just for the fun of it if nothing else. As I write this I'm thinking it isn't goal setting, it's more of a wish list to write for fun. Hmmm, a glass of red could help the creative juices,.... I'll be right back.

There, that's better. Nothing a little Wolf Blass won't fix. Here's what I think I'd like to do in an (almost) perfect world:

1. Learn how to horse camp (I'm a good back country camper with a canoe), and teach our horses the necessary skills. Go horse camping. Does anyone reading this horse camp? Got any recommendations within a day's drive of Nova Scotia for horse camping facilities? I might start with getting permission to camp in the woods close to home.
2. Acquire a stylish dressage schooling wardrobe for Rogo and I. We have good show clothes and tack, but as I've said, Doug's worn out Harley t-shirts as riding attire have to go. This of course opens up the possibility of matching saddle pads, interchangeable brow bands ... I know, I know, I'm too old. I at least promise not to buy pink anything.
3. Develop a business plan that would give me financially sustainable access to an indoor full size dressage arena for winter 2012/13 (remember, it's a wish list). Find close to it for 2011/12.
4. Get into full time training with Joan again
5. Ace Training level and make good inroads to Level One. Hey, it's a wish list not a realistic list so hell, through focus, study and training to be schooling much of Level Two
6. The wine is kicking in - morphing from wish list to dreams - cooking classes in Italy
7. Dressage lessons in Europe, while there attending an amazing dressage show (ideas for shows?)
8. Horse photography workshop in Kentucky
9. Christmas somewhere warm
10. My sweet boy stays happy and healthy. Make that boys.

For something completely different, here's a picture of my Mother riding their farm horse (a Percheron) when she was 16. It's around 1940.

She picked berries one summer and traded for the saddle. Mom lives with us in the winter and goes to her house about 1.5 miles away in the spring. Come March 21, she'll be packing up and moving home. She still drives, so I can't stop her. It's very inconsiderate of her, as who does she think is going to do our dishes when that happens??? Maybe I can convince her to stay longer this year... She takes good care of us :) 

Mom stays up on everything (politics, news), is a much nicer person than me, and she amazes me with her ability to pick up technology. She reads my blog, is on Facebook, emails, etc. She's 87 and she's my hero. My eleventh wish for 2011 is her continued health.