I turned my office key into the University yesterday.  Final grades are posted.  Final papers and exams are stored in the adjunct office in case someone needs to see them.  I’m done teaching.

For the past few days, I’ve had to remind myself that there is no grading looming over my head.  My time is mostly my own again…I find I’m not entirely sure what to do with it.  So far today, I’ve caught up on work emails, cleaned up the house, sorted through (some of) the papers on my desk, and made arrangements to haul scrap metal to the scrapyard.  Oh, and I jumped back on here.

Yesterday was also my birthday.  The big two eight (28).  I broke down and gave myself an early birthday gift.  (Picked them up on Monday)

Meet the newest additions to the Eagle Ridge family.  Reeva and Baby.

These two are now officially the youngest animals on the ranch.  At 2 and a half and one and a half respectively, these two full-sisters have long lives ahead of them with us.  Most of L’s animals who are staying with us are ten or above…some of them are A LOT above (closing in on twenty).  I guess I wanted just a few animals who weren’t simply living out their retirement with me.  These two definitely fit the bill.  Plus, along with a few of the geldings, they could be excellent show animals.  I might even breed them to our stud in a few years.  They are lovely and sweet, and I was very happy to bring them home.

Are you wondering what else I got for my birthday?  No?  Well, I’m going to tell you a few things anyway. 🙂

From my lovely husband, flowers!

Every year, I go crazy with potted plants.  I love them.  So he went crazy at the nursery and brought these home to me.  I will be planting up a storm for the next few days.  (I’ll post photos when I finish.) Can’t wait.  My sister also wants to buy me plants.  She and I will go shopping later in the week.

From my parents, a Metro Painting!  If you haven’t heard of Metro Meteor, the painting off the track racehorse, you should read up via his webpage (http://paintedbymetro.com/).  A rescued former racer, Metro now spends his spare time painting with his owner.  I have coveted those paintings for a while, and now I have one!  I can’t wait to get it framed for the new house.

And with that, I shall leave all of you lovely people.  I’m planning to post more as the gardens go in at the new place.  Also, I was contemplating a regular weekly post introducing my critters one by one.  Is that something you guys would be interested in reading?