Did I Come Here to Ride or to Eat Out?

I dunno.  I definitely came here to ride, but there have been some terrific dining opportunities.  Bill and Lisa came down for a brief get-away (see top left) and took me out to dinner at the Sailfish Marina in Palm Beach Shores.  This place is definitely on the list to take future visitors.  We settled into a table on the board walk with a light breeze and large boats gently rocking in their moorings as the sun set.  Lisa and I fell into a deep conversation about rum-based vs. whiskey-based cocktails (see top right).  The appetizers were amazing, particularly the Mahi Mahi fingers that could have been a meal in their own right. Of course, these had to be shared with the resident cats that politely circulated among the tables.  I ordered shrimp scampi that arrived with the largest shrimp I have ever seen and an Iowa-sized portion (leftovers!)   After dinner, Bill drove south along the ocean and we stopped somewhere south of The Breakers Hotel to enjoy the beautiful view from the beach (see bottom right).  The surf was quite strong and the moon was full.  So peaceful. Lisa and I continued to discuss important issues (see bottom left). 

I have been largely eating at home, but last night I wandered over to Ray’s Hideaway Bar and Grill.  This is another sports bar like Duffy’s; both are within walking distance of the condo.  However, Ray’s has pool tables and the reviews said that it had really good cocktails.  Three sips into my Old-Fashioned and I was super glad I had walked and not driven.  I can usually handle one cocktail/glass of wine without feeling inebriated. This was NOT the case with the pour at Ray’s.  Be advised.

Galatea arrived on Tuesday in very good shape.  She walked off the High Mark Transport semi calmly and settled right in.  Mind you, she had shipped with a 4 year old reining stud – apparently not her type – and a goat, plus a couple of high-end warmbloods.  The allergy hyposensitization protocol, which I continued while back in Iowa, has definitely been worthwhile.  She has shown a bit of head-shaking in the sun and sneezing while eating her hay after receiving her most recent maintenance shot, but she has been in turnout for entire days without losing her composure and we are now able to put her out at night so she can be in during the heat of the day. Her paddock is next to two other mares and they have definitely become friends.  The gelding on the other side is rather taken with her, but he's no Galantis and she's giving him the cold shoulder. I was worried that she might freak out at some point like last year, so I wove a Tractive GPS device into her tail the first night of turnout.  The app allowed me to monitor her movements (and speed).  I checked throughout the night and it was…boring.  Big sigh of relief.  I rode her today with a Cashel riding mask and there was not one sneeze/short or head shake. Allergic reactions can sometimes trigger photosensitivity and I want to stay on top of this.  I have ordered a specific riding mask that blocks 95% of UV rays and will keep her in this for the season as a precaution. This coming week we return to work in earnest along with Barry.  Our first recognized show is December 14-15.

The swimming pool at the clubhouse beckons, but much to my chagrin I did not pack my bathing suit or coverup. I had pulled them out but somehow they did not make it into the luggage. Drat.  This means that there will be a painful shopping experience ahead.  I cannot think of anything worse than shopping for bathing suits.

Otto has gone for more walks, but once outside he clearly prefers to sit on the bench and look at the pond.  Bob is deliriously happy as long as he is on gabapentin. He is postively perky as this photo shows, although he does look like he's got a bit of a buzz going.

  The barn is having a Friendsgiving dinner the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  It will be a great opportunity to get to know Laura's other boarders and students. I will be bringing my ‘famous’ scalloped butternut squash.  The cat, horses and I hope you all have a very enjoyable Thanksgiving with family and friends.