Work hard, play hard

This weekend saw Armani and I working hard and playing hard. I attended one dinner party, hosted another, had a house guest snowed in with me, and spent many hours at the barn.

I was planning to host a dinner party for coworkers and spouses on Saturday. As I was house cleaning Thursday my best friend (and fellow equestrian) called from Connecticut. "Hey, I have some free time this weekend! I'm coming up to visit!" No problem, I thought. My house will be clean anyway. And she met many of my coworkers at my wedding.

I told my barn owner my friend would be visiting. "Oh, I'm having a pot-luck dinner party Friday. You two are invited!" No problem, I thought. I'll be cooking anyway for Saturday's party. What's another dish?

At work, we were talking about Saturday's party. "I can't get a babysitter," said the mother of a 4 year old boy, "so I won't be able to come." Everyone was disappointed. We agreed none of us would mind if he came. No problem, I thought. There will be enough people there anyway.

Friday we watched the Olympic dressage highlights with other horse ladies and ate rich treats. When we got home, I finished organizing my house. Saturday morning I prepped teriyaki, for the timid, and marbella skewers, for the brave. (See photo and recipe. I made skewers rather than whole chicken.) Then my friend, my mother, and I went to the barn. When I got home I showered and changed into a hostess outfit. Then I made salad. My friend made brownies. The other guests started arriving and I cooked the skewers and heated bread and oil for dipping. Everything went wonderfully but I slept well that night.

Sunday morning a major snow storm was brewing. No problem, I thought. I invited my friend to stay longer. We went back to the barn. We rode in the ring. But as we were untacking, we were invited to go on a trail ride. My barn owner offered another horse to my friend. "Well, Armani. You can just work twice." I announced. Armani gave me a look as I put his bridle back on. "It's no problem, Armani. I hadn't even taken your saddle off yet."