Yesterday I wrote a dispatch in which I speculated about the past year. It was a tough self-assignment because I keep veering in the direction of the future. I was hoping today, to write about the upcoming year. This will be tough because I still had the rest of yesterday’s unfinished business.

And so, I am going to begin this dispatch by writing about the past – last night to begin with. There was the snowy/rainy trip out to Claudia and Frank Sihler’s place. We rung in the New Year by hanging out, spending some time with their new foal, eating pizza, and watching horse agility videos. Then there

was the drive home. So much snow fell in our absence that the branches on the trees were bowed. In addition, there were huge piles of fallen snow everywhere. Then, this morning, at 10 a.m., there was a knock at the door. Vickie dropped by. She was in the neighborhood because her dog was over on Buffalo Mine Road. Kona ran off because the fireworks made her nervous. She claimed her this morning – Pete rose to the occasion and made us all waffles on the Belgian waffle maker that Nancy and Terry, our May visitors, had given us. Then, this afternoon, Pete and I went for a trail ride. At first, the low lying sun illuminated the snow laden branches. But in short order it became overcast and slightly foggy – it was like in minutes we’d entered a whole different world. The edges of the landscape were suddenly soft and gray. The trail was challenging for the horses – the snowfall made it punchy. But it was not dangerous, and in fact the wet snowfall provided much needed traction when going down hills.

So what I’ve had to say brings us to where we are now, in the present and thinking about the future. I’m hard pressed to come up with any resolutions this year. Vickie said hers is to be more patient and tolerant. I too think this is something to aspire to, but I’m sure that in a week’s time that I will blow my resolution cover.

No, I don’t have any resolutions for 2015. However, I do have some goals. This for me is more realistic. First off, I want to get If Wishes were Horses: A Returning Rider’s Search for the Perfect Horse published. I finished it yesterday – Pete’s going to print it up and read it next. In the meantime, I’m going to start working on my proposal. I also want to get Lessons Twice Learned: A Returning Rider’s Recollections published. This, I think, will be more of a mass-market book. I’d also like to get excerpts from both published.

I’d also like to find a job teaching memoir/creative nonfiction classes. This would mean that I’d end up being in a commuting relationship, but I could do it. Pete would stay here and I’d go elsewhere.

I have big horsey plans, too. I want to do the CTR in Fairbanks and to do well. In other words, Raudi and I are going to kick butt. Most importantly, I want to have a good time. I also again want to take jumping, and start to take dressage lessons. I am also going to continue with the agility work. Raudi and I placed last in our category, Pony Starter – all this means is that there is plenty of room for improvement. I’d also like to do a few overnight trips.

I’d like to get another horse, an Icelandic gelding. I can picture him. He’s bay, with a black mane and tail, and very compact. This will coincide with our moving to property with pasturage – I still have high hopes of acquiring Bonnie and Dale’ place.

I can’t think of any other goals – in fact, I’m feeling stymied. This is a good thing for my mind isn’t allowing me to venture beyond the point of what’s actually realistic. 2015 – an odd numbered year in the middle of a sequence. I’ve always liked years that end in “O” or “5” the best, for they never fail to disappoint.

Next: 2. 1/2/15: The Gals go Shopping