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This is my daughter and me on my husband’s sister’s horse, Molly. We look like we knew what we’re doing, but actually neither of us had a clue. We were just hoping the horse wasn’t going to take off running! That brings to mind one of my least favorite things to do in this world ... which is horseback riding. Once upon a time, I had an ugly old nag of a horse named Skunk. There was a special reason why he had been given this intriguing name. All one had to do was to ride behind him for a brief period of time and the reason would soon become quite clear. I bet you are looking at the photo of Skunk right now and saying to yourself that you know why his name is Skunk. You are thinking the reason has to do with that beautiful "skunk" looking tail. WRONG!!! Actually, it had something to do with a constant smell from behind, if you catch my drift! Or should I say ... if you catch his drift???

Poor Skunk. Poor me. Skunk threw me once, which was one time too many! For this reason, Skunk had to find a new owner! After that flying experience, the thrill of riding was gone for me. I have no plans, nor any desire to ever put my hind side back in the saddle again!

Another one of my LEAST favorite things in life happens to be my pacemaker. My heart needs a little extra zap to beat. Why does a youngster of my age need a pacemaker? I'm still asking myself that question! Once upon a time, I had a rapid heart rate which was controlled by heart medication for 15 years.  I opted to have a very routine, low risk, low complication, heart procedure called catheter ablation done to correct it.  This procedure is low risk to 98% of the patients.  Too bad I fell into the 2% who have complications.  Seems the doctor took off too much of my heart, as in the ENTIRE pacing center.  This left my heart with a slow heart rate and one that would not climb with exertion.  That's where the pacer comes in.  The pacemaker is about the size of a silver dollar and fits under the skin right below the left collar bone. The only thing you'd notice would be a 2 inch incision below that bone. I had 3 different pacemakers implanted within 3 years due to various reasons, and I had to have the atrial lead removed and reimplanted once. Today, I have a 2 lead pacemaker that reacts to motion and respirations and it should last 7 years. I am pacemaker dependent, which means my pacer works 100% of the time.