hazy

through the haze: Auburn cannot see Sacramento!

The smoke hangs in the canyon. Fire season has begun. The view off my deck is of smoke, and I cannot see across the canyon to the other side. And the fire is 20 miles away, it is much worse for anyone closer, and I worry for those evacuated or threatened. This fire (Trailhead) has gotten a bit more attention, since it threatens the trail used for Tevis. It luckily looks to be coming into containment, but not before burning more than 5000 acres of deep canyon and cancelling a local ride where I was hoping to volunteer.

And for a few days it was too smoky to ride. But that's OK, as Major is on vet-prescribed rest. Two weeks after the ride where we were pulled for lameness, I scheduled an afternoon vet appointment (in 102 degree weather, not my smartest moment!) I trotted out, and the vet couldn't see anything except Major's apathy for trotting out! Once we got Major a bit more animated, the vet still couldn't see any lameness, so xrays it is.

we were lucky to get a spot in the shade

Major really does not like standing in the dark exam room, being inside just makes him nervous. But the vet and his new associate (I like that this is a training hospital) took a few xrays while Major stood still (in between trying to drag me out the door).

I don't really like it when the vet says "weird." But that is what the xrays were. Not indicative of a splint break, but not NOT indicative. Surgery not recommended, since it isn't a clear break, but there is something there, a lump/bone remodeling on the splint bone, not impinging on ligaments or tendons. So, rest, and more rest. For six weeks. Luckily standard turnout is fine, as trying to keep Major confined would involve a lot of drugs I think!

I'll be trying to keep Major and I from going stir-crazy with some low-key walks, some new toys (for us both) and maybe a bit of groundwork, as we can always improve manners (Major can walk better on a lead line, maybe I can finally learn not to put my elbows on the table…)!

beautiful, scary rattlesnake next to the car wash towel

rattlesnake-hunting California King snake

So the outlook is a bit hazy. But things can stay exciting. Like finding a rattlesnake in the garage (of course while in flip flops). Snake was unceremoniously picked up with the shovel, put in a bucket then into the big field next door (I don't kill them if I can safely relocate). And the next day finding a California King snake (which eats rattlesnakes) next to the driveway in the almost-dark. And I just came back from a great camping trip. Oh, and crewing for an awesome mule for Tevis! Nope, I don't think I'll be bored…