). I still try to pull the LK out a few times a week to keep my speed and dexterity in check but things have gotten a tad busy lately.First off I changed jobs at work. This is Jack, my new partner.......
.....he's a draft horse and is HUGE which is a good thing for him since, for those who haven't met me, I'm not exactly petite myself (slowly slimming but will never be small).
About 7 months ago I applied to be in our mounted unit and after several interviews somehow I got it. Usually these gigs go to someone connected or making a name for themselves. No connections here and I've burned just about every bridge I've crossed but my award winning personality has finally done the trick
. Our mounted unit is VERY small due to budget cuts years ago but the intent is to get it built up again and I am in at the early stages which is a good position to be in. I have very limited equestrian experience so I have my work cut out for me. I tend to resist change but I was just getting burned out and this is one of the few jobs that actually interests me so while I am frightened I am also quite excited. Coincidentally the unit was also in the process of retiring a horse and luckily I was in the right place at the right time so I have a new addition to the family. Meet Blaze......
.......he's 21 years old and is officially ours. My wife has dreamt of having horses since she was a young lass and this is her first. The more I'm around these creatures the more I understand why she is so hooked. We are honored to give our new little buddy a place in the country to retire after working most of his life in the ghetto.
Last week a crew completed work on our barn.....
......not huge but will have room for three horses when complete. Initially we will only have a horse and a pony (retired from a riding facility my wife volunteers at) while we adapt to being full-time caretakers. Now all I have to do to get ready for when we bring them home at the end of July is spread and level 80-ish tons of gravel in the barn, build the stalls, add Dutch doors, run electric, and trench/bury water line from the house about 250' away. Some fence work is getting hired out since that would eat up too much time doing it myself and we're on a tight enough schedule as it is. All this while working (hard for a change
) at the new job and side gigs for extra much needed cash. Good times, good times......
This is all nice news, Brian. Really happy for you that things have worked out so well. Don't worry, we'll hold your place here for you, but don't be a stranger. Check in whenever you can! 
