Elisa's Daily ScoopLazy DaysHowdy guys, Geesh - I just returned from a long, hot and exhausting walk! I usually like to walk early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the heat, but as things worked out, I didn't get myself going until 12 noon today. Yes - that's right. That is so ATYPICAL for me. I'm a total morning person, who gets up very early even if there is no where to be. But, for some reason, me and the girls have been wiped out this week. We were talking together about it and realized that the month of July pretty much tired us all out.  This is not meant to be a vent session, just a look at the fact that we really didn't stop going this past month. The daily drive back and forth to the barn (which usually required me being a short-order cook before getting on the road - breakfast, making lunch, packing snacks, lots of water, cutting up fruit and veggies), packing up the car, the girls riding throughout the six hour day, tacking up, grooming and bathing their dear horses, the drive home, doing one or two loads of smelly horse clothes and saddle pads, dinner, dishes, cleaning up - all to start it over again the next day. Now, probably the thing that has been the most challenging is that since I do not have a house anymore out near the barn, I have either spent most of the six hours at the hot barn, filming my little equestrians or finding things to do between drop off and pick up. Anyway, as I said, the results of the work we all put in (and trust me, these girls worked their little hearts out!), has paid off enormously!! They have excelled so much with the consistency. The hitch?? Well, mom (yes, me) has agreed to let them go throughout August. Their dad and I have agreed to let them continue for the month. I can't speak for him, but I can clearly say that I am nuts (lol) to gear up for another month. The sacrifices of being a mom!  (Just a little vulgar humor folks!) All kidding aside, I'm very hopeful that with their riding skills, and love for it, this may result in some kind of related career or at minimum, college scholarships for each of them one day. Hey guys, did you catch Tanya's pics of Easters gone by and the lovely color coordination of Tanya's gang!! I love it. Boy, do they have the patience to do this year after year. My extended family would never agree lol. Here are a few things I'm hoping to get done today and tomorrow... Get to the Apple Store (finally!!!) to fix my crazy phone I'm having trouble sending and receiving texts; my internet is all messed up and even phone messages are not registering. WTF?! Next, I NEED to see Jason Bourne and hopefully, Nine Lives. Though, these kids are like lumps. The good news is we are DONE with our school year 2016-2017 preparation!! All supplies have been purchases, labeled and in the girls' new backpacks waiting patiently in the mud room. New uniforms have been purchased and tailored and in their respective closets. School shoes sill fit. The only task left is to get Kelsey a new pair of sneakers. Easy enough. We'll probably hit the mall or Tanger Outlets in Riverhead in the next week or so. A little walk down memory lane of school days...  September, 2014 - First Day of School (Gianna - 5th Grade) Kelsey (3rd grade) (c)travelincousins.com  October 2012 - First Day of "Winter Uniforms" - Gianna - 3rd grade, Kelsey 1st grade (c)travelincousins.com Where does the time go?!!! Speaking of time - remember that during the next few weeks, NYC celebrates Restaurant week... NYC Restaurant Week Summer Restaurant week began on July 25 and runs through August 19th.  This semiannual promotion celebrates fine dining at an affordable price. Participating restaurants offer three-course prix-fixe menus specially priced lunch and/or dinner (Saturdays excluded, Sundays optional. Beverages, gratuities and taxes not included). NYCGo.com offers a great directory of participating restaurants, so check it out!! Enjoy this glorious day!! -E xoxo  | Tanya's Daily Scoop |
