Life lately in Massachusetts

I have really enjoyed the spring weather in Massachusetts lately. Lots of walks with Truman, walks with Margaret and porch sitting (and reading).

I have been reading a few new authors lately including Elizabeth Berg. So far, the two books of hers I have read are real and a little bit mushy (which I love).

Don't worry, though, I haven't been all good, I enjoyed a HUGE piece of fried fish from the Oxford Creamery just down the road. 

Barn visit with SmartPak

Among the many amazing opportunities and trainings that are a part of my job at SmartPak, I got the chance to go to a nearby barn this week to talk about feed, hay and body condition scoring. This Tuesday, we went to Highland Brook Stables in Plymouth to have a little bit of hands on training.

First up, we talked about different "feeds" that ranged from ration balancer to hay stretcher to senior feeds. Our resident veterinarian talked about the different pros and cons to each of them. Then, we looked at one of the horses on the property to learn how to properly assign a body condition score. We also used three different weight tapes on the horse, with each tape coming up with a different weight.

And in true barn fashion there was an adorable kitty and a dog to keep us entertained the whole time.

Trying on the ballet slippers

So I had to give up partially leasing a horse for now, I just can't find enough time and he was a little too far away to make quick trips out to ride. It makes me sad but in the end it is probably a wise financial decision.

Typical me, though, I need something to focus my energy on that is fun and healthy. I randomly remembered how much I love learning some basic ballet during my color guard years in high school and thus ensued a search for adult ballet classes. I found a weekly class at New Bedford Ballet which isn't too far from me. There isn't a dress code and the first class is even free so I can test the waters.

I would love to take up ballroom dancing again but that is a little out of my price range at the moment. For now I think I will pretend to be a princess while doing plies at the barre in my yoga pants.

Photo found here.

Chocolate chip banana bread

I couldn't decide between chocolate chip cookies and banana bread on Sunday when I got the urge to bake something, so I just did both. I remembered Starbucks' chocolate chip banana bread and looked up a recipe. It was super easy to make and turned out to be pretty delicious!

You can find the recipe here.

Marion homes

Now that the winter is officially over and we are in a full spring swing, I have taken up lots of walking. I absolutely love strolling down the streets and looking at the houses in town. I think I had mentioned this in a previous post, but the houses are all being opened up for their summer residents to move in and the landscaping is being manicured. Things are simply beautiful! I decided now that things are beautiful it might be a good opportunity to take pictures of the homes so you all can get a feel for the neighborhood.

Expect problems

I love this little tidbit, it makes me smile and then it makes me sigh. Life can be oh so much fun and thrilling when everything's on the up and up but then it suddenly takes a downturn. And quickly the weight of problems can push you further and further down, or we could just say, when it rains it pours (and you forgot your umbrella or your monsoon gear). 

This little tidbit, however, is a quirky reminder that we can just dismiss those problems by attacking them head on and not worrying about them since they are bound to happen. 

Sounds easy, right? 

Print found here. 

What's better than a cheese plate?

One of my favorite "meals" is a cheese plate. Not sure that it constitutes an actual meal but it's good enough for me. I love some fresh fruit (usually grapes), a few different cheeses and of course some wine. My cheese plate addiction started in college and is still going strong. Yesterday, I made a cheese plate and sat on the porch in the beautiful 70 degree weather reading a book. Do you have a little guilty pleasure like a cheese plate?