After an amazing trip to Cuba with my sister, I am back in full swing in Arizona for the remainder of the winter.

Wesley (Yes We Can) and Flower (Michelle’s new horse) made the trip south with the boys and I. We are all enjoying hacking in the desert and looking forward to the challenges and excitement of the year to come.

Wesley is just starting back into work after a winter of rest and recovery while Flower is in full training. I am enjoying both aspects. A new friend, Toby is here from snowy Flagstaff to get a head start on spring.

Pam (Nicely Dunn) is sound and looking svelte! She is starting the road back to fitness and competition after a challenging year of pregnancy and complications. Branaghan is looking great and waiting my mother to motivate! Our baby, CC, is growing strong in Peoples Valley. I am looking forward to bringing her back to Idaho this spring.

Right now it is raining! The washes are running; the earth can not drink it fast enough. We expect to be flooding through tomorrow. I love the smell of desert rain and don’t mind being trapped indoors for a day! Soon, the computer will stop working, and I will be forced to read and catch up with family and friends. I hope to organize some goals and schedules for the year ahead as well as reflect on the past year and what we learned.

A pony club from Flagstaff is coming down (once they shovel out) for a clinic in two weeks and I run another marathon in six. There are horse shows and events every weekend from here on out. Let me know where you think we should focus and what you would like to do. In the mean time, I am going to cozy up and enjoy a day of rain! Stay dry and warm- Stephanie