Thankful Thursday:) Just Horsin’ Around

“There’s something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.” – Winston Churchill

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When I go for my evening walks, I enjoy listening to the birds, watching the sun sets, and appreciating the view. For the longest time, the horses across the way on Wilmeth have not been around. I was afraid the owner had sold them off and was going to sell his property that is now being surrounded my new housing developments. But alas, this beautiful horse was outside grazing in the pasture just waiting to make me smile.

We had a nice conversation. (I speak fluent horse, cardinal, cat, butterfly, and dog. Just sayin’)

Even last Sunday, he was out when I was walking and FaceTiming with the granddaughters. They got to see him too. Isn’t he cute! I took a little video.

Precious days like this are such a blessing. Beauty is all around us, we just need to open our eyes. Feeling blessed.

Wednesday:) What Horsing Around Looks Like

Horse sense is the thing a horse has which keeps it from betting on people.
~W. C. Fields**********

What a wonderful Wednesday. No alarm set, a cup of tea, talk to Mom, a long walk, then an even longer lunch at Snug with my friend Linda. It was a gorgeous sunny day on the Square. After lunch, I visited with Kathy and Elizabeth at Sweet Spot Bakery. 

The mounted patrol always passes by the bakery back door because Ranger and Ontario know that Miss Kathy has special treats for them.  

 
  
Just one of the many sights that makes McKinney a fun place to live or visit.

  
Good horse sense.

  
A small town with a big heart and great people.

Friday: Four-Legged Furry Friend, and Some Two-Legged Ones

You and your horse. His strength and beauty. Your knowledge and patience and determination and understanding and love. That’s what fuses the two of you onto this marvelous partnership that makes you wonder…What can heaven offer any better then what I have here on earth?By Monica Dickens

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I spent the afternoon on the square in downtown McKinney today.  This is my favorite thing to do, especially on a steamy Texas day. There is something magical about the streets, the shops, and the people. It’s a very large city with a small town feeling. The “Mayberry” of North Texas. 

Officer Shelby and Ranger were on patrol today. Both officers were exhausted and overheated from a long day, but they love their job. Yes, Ranger has a badge too. He also enjoys stopping by Sweet Spot Bakery where Miss Kathy always has a few cool crisp apples after a long day. 

   

While Ranger was taking a short break and having a snack, dozens of people passed by to take photo ops and pet the gentle furry officer. The children especially love to see the mounted patrol. It’s nice to see the respect and admiration that these officers inspire. 

  
The very sad part of all this is, the city of McKinney is considering the elimination of the three mounted patrol officers due to budget cuts. The neighbors, nearby residents and shop owners have been signing petitions, posting signs, and voicing their support to keep the patrol. 

  
I started a Facebook page called STAMP, Support The Awesome Mounted Patrol, several months ago. To date we have 1,321 likes and hundreds of supporters. If you’d like to support these officers, check out the STAMP site on Facebook or sign one of the many petitions on the square. 

  

Friday Friends: Furry Four Legged Kind and Otherwise

You must remember, family is often born of blood, but it doesn’t depend on blood. Nor is it exclusive of friendship. Family members can be your best friends, you know. And best friends, whether or not they are related to you, can be your family.-Trenton Lee Stewart, The Mysterious Benedict Society

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This morning started off with kickboxing at the Y, grocery store, bank, and then a long walk. The beautiful horses across the street in field were grazing with their little ones. So precious! 

   
   

Then, in the afternoon, I went over to visit with my artist friends at Towne Creek. I think I’ll share that adventure tomorrow. 

All my friends have become part of my family. Even the horses across the road and the ducks in the pond that I see on my walks every day. We are all one big happy family. 

  

Tuesday: Time To Take a Stand

“Do you give the horse his strength or clothe his neck with a flowing mane? Do you make him leap like a locust, striking terror with his proud snorting? He paws fiercely, rejoicing in his strength, and charges into the fray. He laughs at fear, afraid of nothing; he does not shy away from the sword. The quiver rattles against his side, along with the flashing spear and lance. In frenzied excitement he eats up the ground; he cannot stand still when the trumpet sounds.”
Job 39:19-25” 
― Anonymous, Holy Bible: New International Version

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While I was circling the Square today in search of the elusive parking spot, I noticed Miss Kathy talking to Officer Shelby and Ranger by the back door of Sweet Spot Bakery. If Ranger is trotting by, he automatically stops by the screen door to see if Miss Kathy and Miss Elizabeth will come out with a fresh crispy apple. They always do, and Ranger knows that if he gives a little whinny, an apple is on the way.

Well, I finally found a parking spot after an exhaustive search and stopped by to give Ranger a few nuzzles and talk to Officer Shelby and Kathy. I couldn’t believe my ears when I heard that the city of McKinney was thinking about eliminating the McKinney Mounted Patrol. These dedicated officers and their magestic steeds have been not only a traditional fixture on the square and neighboring historic district, but they have been an effective crime deterrent.

   

 

You should see the delight in the young children’s eyes when they see the beautiful horses and they get to pet them and take a photo. Young and old alike never fail to smile when the patrol rides by. They are here 

  to,”serve and protect,” but they are also just so darn adorable.

SAVE McKINNEY MOUNTED PATROL!!!!! Don’t let another city icon disappear in the name of progress or budget cuts.