Groundhog Day

A few little things (again) ...

Thing #1 - Izzy has started shedding in earnest. I posted a photo the other day of a brush laden with hair, but last night, my stiffest Haas brush, the Schimmel, the one with coconut fibers that I rarely use on him because it's so stiff, came away packed with brown hair. It's getting so covered with hair that I have to scrub it off on the wire fence before continuing. Brush, brush, scrub it on the fence. Brush, brush, scrub it on the fence. This wouldn't be such a problem except that it's February 2 - oh, hello, Groundhog. What's the word? Hopefully my horse is getting naked for a reason. Which brings me to thing #2.

I am still in love with my Haas brushes.

Thing #2 - It was 75 degrees when I rode yesterday. No, I am not exaggerating. What makes it so startling is that California just had a massive series of storms that dumped snow in the Sierras. I heard reports of up to 15 feet of new snow. The snow level was so low that I could see it out my back window. And remember, I live in the valley at 400 feet in elevation. The snow level in California is typically closer to 4,000 feet. I can still see the snow even though it was in the mid 70s yesterday. We all know California can be weird, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised.

High highs and low lows.

Thing #3 - I rode without a helmet on Sunday. Not intentionally of course, and it didn't last long thanks to a brilliant, eye-piercing sun. A year or so ago, I actually made it through an entire ride before realizing I had forgotten my helmet. As soon I realized my head was bare, I jumped off and walked back to the barn. On Sunday, we were still just walking, and I kept squinting from the glare. I knew something was off, but I couldn't quite figure it out. And then suddenly, it dawned on me that I could see the sky above me.

Holy hell. I've been a staunch supporter of helmets since the mid 1990s. That is only the second time that I've forgotten to wear one. Of course I jumped off and led Izzy back to the tack room, but all the while I wondered if early dementia was knocking at my door. I am 50 after all. Which brings me to thing #4.

A horrible selfie as punishment for forgetting. Izzy has his head gear on. Where's mine?

Thing #4 - The helmet that I ordered on January 14th, the burgundy Ovation, still isn't here. With COVID and all the craziness in the world, I try to be especially patient, but after two weeks of complete radio silence, I finally called the store I ordered from (not sharing their name because it might not be their fault). Customer service wasn't particularly helpful. Their answer to my query was that it hadn't arrived from Ovation, but it was probably in "today's" shipment. After putting me on hold, it was determined that nope, it wasn't. Okay, I said, should I call back in a week or so? Yes, was the answer. 

I am waiting for the burgundy one.

A day or two later, I got a shipping email. That seemed awfully coincidental. What if I hadn't called to inquire? Would my order still be hanging out in Ovation's warehouse? The shipping info indicated that February 1 was the expected delivery date. It is February 2, and it still hasn't arrived, nor has the shipping info been updated since yesterday afternoon. As annoying as it is to have to wait, I am pretty sure it will arrive today. Bloomington is just two hours away. I don't mind waiting if I get at least some kind of update. I am not sure I'll order from that company again though. 

Happy Groundhog Day!