Ross was determined to ride a horse today. He’s been wanting to ride a horse since we got horses, but not until Shortcake was there one that I felt comfortable entrusting with a first-time rider. Ross has never been on a horse before in his life. I saddled up Shortcake, gave Ross directions about how to make her go, how to make her stop, and how to guide her left or right–and let him get on. I’m not quite sure all my directions sank in.
But at least I know that with my sweet sugary Shortcake, the worst that’s going to happen is she’ll take advantage of the novice and walk herself back to the barn!
Re Ross’s tales undersea during the hurricane–his submarine, the U.S.S. Scranton, was scheduled to participate in “war games” with the U.S.S. Montpelier. Shortly before they were to leave, the Montpelier was involved in this incident in which they surfaced into a cruiser. Wow. That’s not supposed to happen. Anyway, so those exercises were cancelled. Instead, they headed to Lake Michigan, through the Erie Canal, for some torpedo exercises. This was also cancelled and they were sent back to the Atlantic. He said, by the way, that it was very cold in Lake Michigan. They know this because the sea water around them operates the cooling system on the submarine. They have no heat–heat is what’s called turning off the air conditioning. So it was either really cold or miserably hot when they were in Lake Michigan–because the water there is really cold. Once back in the Atlantic, they went down deep to ride out the hurricane. So, 18 days later, he said, they returned to port, having pretty much done nothing. I said, “It’s not just a job! It’s an adventure!”
yvonnem says:
That’s so cool! I have wondered if either of your sons had ridden yet. I’m glad Ross is safe, sounds like a very interesting adventure he had!
On November 4, 2012 at 4:31 pm
cindyinohio says:
It is so AMAZING how your Shortcake has eyes in the back of her head and can see which way Ross is pointing. Made me laugh. It is great that you got to visit with him a bit this weekend.
On November 4, 2012 at 5:00 pm
jeannieq says:
Too funny! Loved it! Glad Ross is still in one piece after his ride.
On November 4, 2012 at 5:08 pm
Miss Judy says:
Which one of those braying donkeys was laughing at Ross? For the shame of it! BTW that’s how I would handle a horse…just let them go where they want to.
On November 4, 2012 at 5:31 pm
mds9 says:
“SEE THE WORLD” ?
On November 4, 2012 at 6:34 pm
pugwaggin says:
I would have been really impressed if the voice commands had worked. Looks like you all had a lovely, sunny day to practice. It is always nice to have your children home.
On November 4, 2012 at 6:57 pm
Sue, a Florida Farm Girl says:
That video is absolutely priceless!! Now, Mama, don’t you EVEN think about using it as blackmail material against our sailor. It’s just another one of his adventures.
On November 4, 2012 at 7:02 pm
Sue, a Florida Farm Girl says:
Oh, I forgot to say that I HAVE been on a horse once or twice before and I pretty much steer the same way.
On November 4, 2012 at 7:03 pm
ibpallets (Sharon B.) says:
Living in Norfolk/VA Beach is the adventure! LOL
On November 4, 2012 at 8:35 pm
Katharina says:
That is funny. I feel like Ross when I get on a horse. If the poor thing doesn’t have a horse to follow we go no where fast.
Submarines in Lake Michigan! Cool! We live on the shores of Lake Michigan and sometimes boat or sail on the lake too. Now, I will think of submarines quietly slipping along underneath without our even knowing.
Thanks for serving, Ross! We are an Air Force/Army family, but we love the sailors too!
On November 4, 2012 at 9:05 pm
Cheryl LeMay says:
I loved the video. At least he didn’t fall off! That’s pretty much how I would ride since I’ve never ridden one (always wished I could though). It was interesting to learn that the Navy puts subs in the Great Lakes. I never knew that.
On November 4, 2012 at 9:05 pm
Peace Of Mind says:
Living in Southwestern Lower MI about 25 mi from Lake Michigan I can say I know how cold the wind can be coming off the Lake..I cannot imagine being in the water in a metal container…LOL..BRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!! As for Ross horse back riding adventure: I about spit my coffee onto the computer screen from laughing so hard…
~~HUGS~~
On November 4, 2012 at 10:51 pm
CATRAY44 says:
I think you should rename the video ‘How to take control of a human in two easy points” haha. So glad you had time with Ross! Have a good night!
On November 4, 2012 at 10:52 pm
bonita says:
Grew up a mile from Lake Michigan. . . to think we would smirk in disbelief when friends said they spent date night at the lake watching the submarine races!
On November 6, 2012 at 1:21 am