A Few Thoughts

In his old age, Phoenix is starting to get a little swaybacked and bubble-butted.  I don't hold it against him.

Even after three weeks of treatment last summer, he didn't seem to fully recover from the lyme disease.  He's a little stiff most of the time now, in the pasture, particularly in his hind end.  Sometimes I watch him moving (especially if he's trying to do a tight turn), and I feel bad.  I hope he isn't in too much pain. I miss riding him, but I still enjoy visits with him in the field.  He is sound at the walk at least, so sometimes I'll hop on and we'll just hang out, walking slowly around the arena.  This doesn't seem to bother him - indeed, he seems happy and affectionate over the extra attention.  At some point, I may need to put him on a daily painkiller, but these have their damaging side effects (ulcers, etc.) so I'm holding off for now.

In June, I'll be teaching a human development class at a local college.  I'm excited to get back to teaching.  But it's going to be challenging to manage two part time jobs on top of swim lessons and summer camps and all the other things the boys are up to.  My thinking is that if I can survive the summer, then the boys will all be in elementary school next year, and I can do the part time jobs during those hours, which won't be so bad. 

Speaking of school, the twins are now done with preschool.  We had switched preschools mid-year, and it was the right decision, even though I agonized over it at the time.  We were very pleased with the new preschool, and they thrived there.  Pierce's last day of school is Wednesday.  He had a great first grade year, and loved his teacher. 

Hoping it'll be a great summer, for all of us.  Readers, do you have anything fun planned for the summer?