Home Sweet Home

Burns homestead

With the ranch closed for a couple weeks in August, I headed back to New York to wrap up loose ends and get some quality family time in. My flight didn't leave ABQ until 4pm and then I had to transfer in Vegas which I didn't enjoy because I lost $5 in about 30 seconds. Luckily I transferred quickly to my flight to Buffalo but then I didn't arrive until 1am. After some rest, it was non stop for the two weeks I was home. Tuesday I went with Mom, Dad and Felix to the New York Farm Days so Felix could look at all the tractors. I hadn't been in years so it was nice to check it out (and drink some delicious raspberry apple juice).

Farmer Felix

Wednesday I went back to KJT for a farewell lunch. I was a bit nervous but when I walked in the door it was like I never left. I even got to participate in some water balloon tossing to celebrate the Olympics. It reminded me of how much I love that place and those people and how much fun I had there. It was bittersweet to walk out the door with my cardboard box of belongings but I was excited for the future. Friday I got a much needed massage to iron out all the kinks I've worked up being on horseback 6 hours a day. Sunday I got to participate in the Silver Ball Tournament. I was glad I was able to make one game. There was no quarter given by Ma though as she got me out at third. She's a hell of a shortstop.

Priscilla Porters

Monday I was so excited to drive down to Falconer, NY and visit my friend Amy and her family. She had recently moved back after living in Boston for the last several years so it was great to see her and her new house. It was gorgeous with a barn and surrounded by cornfields and with horse and buggies going by. I loved spending time with her and her husband and kids. Wednesday I finally conquered my yard. It's amazing how overgrown it was even with the lack of rain and people taking care of it. I hauled two truckloads to the dump and was very pleased with my progress. I realized how much I'd missed mowing a lawn! 

Mopar in the Fury

Thursday the entire family drove down to Perry in the Fury, Roadrunner and Camaro. It was super cruise night so it was cool to see all the old cars. Earlier that day we had taken Felix to the Charlotte carousel so I could get my horseback riding fix in :)

Riding the wooden pony

Saturday morning the girls and I headed out to get pedicures in preparation for Cyd and Kevin's wedding. It felt nice to be pampered after being a cowgirl all summer. The wedding was amazing and it was nice to be able to see everyone and share what I've been up to. Amber and I danced the night away.

The siblings

The entire time I was home it was so hot and muggy. I'd forgotten how awful humidity feels. I broke down and installed an AC unit on Thursday because my house became unbearable. My last night at home the weather finally broke and it dropped into the 70s. Leaving was just as brutal as I had to get up at 3:30 am to drive to Buffalo for my flight. It was nice to step out in ABQ to the dry heat. I stopped in T or C before going back to the ranch to get myself a real cowboy hat. In all my years of cowboying I have never had a real hat, instead sticking with the "Fester" look. However I felt it was finally time to commit and get a real one. With that it was back to the ranch where I drove past a bald eagle at the lake which I took as a good omen for what's to come!

My new hat