It is official - and a judge with a sense of humor

Well, it is official: I am an American Citizen!

JP and I got to the Federal Courthouse in plenty of time, but when we turned into the parking lot across the street the attendant told us "If you are here for the Oath Ceremony - it's canceled!" My (normally very low) blood pressure immediately shot to the Stratosphere, and I sure didn't want to give up NOW. So, after a heated argument about parking fees (the guy insisted on $10 for a couple of minutes) JP sprinted across the street in to the court house. And guess what: It wasn't canceled!

After the Federal Marshall shepherded us through the metal detectors we had to stand in line in front of the courtroom, waiting for a clerk to verify the paperwork. All very polite and organized. Once 'the show got on the road' it was a dignified ceremony, perhaps a bit on the frugal side, but short and sweet. After swearing the Oath a clerk called the names of each individual and their native countries. We were about 50 people, from 19 different countries. The judge proceeded to hand out the "Certificates of Naturalization" to each person.

When my turn came he walked up to me with a big smile, shook my hand and said: "Congratulations on becoming an American Citizen - and by the way, the Germans won!" (The soccer game Germany - USA had finished just before the ceremony, and the score was 1:0).

A lovingly decorated office door greeted me at work - it was wonderful how everyone took so much interest in it and I am proudly wearing the T-shirt that was draped over my chair:  "USA 2014"!

Back to school - and "it was my AMERICAN horse"

Back to school for Remy this week, JP took him back to ‘Aunt Jude’s’ on Monday. He’ll have private tuition Monday through Friday, and then he comes home for the weekend. During the school week he has a set of friends to play with at Topline, and then on the weekends he can hang out with his best buds at home. It’s an excellent program, the only glitch in it is that it leaves me out.

Five more weeks… but again, I am so very fortunate in having Judy working with Remy while I’m “out of commission”. The plan is that I audit her training sessions as much as possible; and then when I have the medical all clear I’m thinking of starting with Saumur and even Chambord to get my ‘riding legs’ functioning again. Chambord might be a bit tricky, he is clearly a One-Man-Horse; he adores JP. The two of them have their program, anything else and Chambord is not afraid to flip the hoof.

Today was the big day, Interview and Test for Citizenship in downtown Detroit. I heaved myself through security, cane and all, with JP being my driver and “designated purse carrier” (I owe him for that one).  All went well, the officer in charge of my case was very nice – and he turned out to be a fellow horse lover. When asked about my leg I pointed out that my *American* horse caused it – and despite that I still wanted to become a citizen! What other proof of commitment is needed?! J

Luckily I had the answers to the civics questions down pat, and with all T’s crossed and I’s dotted I received confirmation that indeed I am ‘citizen-material’ and therefore was invited to attend the Naturalization Oath Ceremony this Thursday.

After the ceremony I will officially be an American. It’s a bit of an irony that right that very day the German and US soccer teams will square off to get to the next round in the World Cup. Whatever the outcome of the game: My team will win J!

I love "small town America" - swapping horse stories at the local diner

Like almost every Sunday we went for breakfast at 'Dimitri's', the local diner. As soon as I hobbled in on my crutches the waitress exclaimed "What happened to you, honey??" I had barely mentioned "riding accident" when she pointed out another woman having breakfast, this one with a broken collarbone, also from a riding accident. Ah, misery does love -some- company!

Our village is known for being very equestrian friendly, there are lots a horse properties and thousands of acres of parks with riding trails. Brand new is a traffic light (the first in Michigan) that can be activated from horseback. Pretty cool - and very thoughtful!

While waiting for breakfast -the best Spinach omelet there is!- our waitress told us that she and her family also have horses, and she knew exactly where my accident happened. It was fun swapping horse stories with her, and it really made me feel part of a larger community.

Aside from talking horses it was also very touching to see several elderly (if not to say ancient) couples getting together for breakfast, dressed in their Sunday best, and seeing them tended to with much care. Probably not something you'd experience in a fast paced large city.

Just yesterday afternoon we discussed living in America with Susanne and Joachim, our German friends and neighbors; and all four of us agreed that we couldn't imagine moving back to Europe. Aside from the quality of life we enjoy here, the logistics of moving would require something akin to The Ark - combined the four of us have 6 horses, 1 pony, 2 dogs, 13 cats, and let's not forget Rocky the Raccoon!

One week down - and be careful what you wish for

Today it has been a week since my "close encounter with the fence". During the first days after the accident I was so tired I slept a lot, but now I feel like I am on the upswing. Yesterday at work I had to run a meeting and my opening statement was "You should see the other guy!" :).

The irony is that I actually got part of what I wished for. No, not being thrown off Remy! Not too long along ago I lamented that I haven't had a real vacation in too many years to count, and all I wanted was to sit quietly with a book on a nice beach. The beach I didn't get, but here I am, sitting with my books. Well, seems someone got the sitting and reading part right!

Of course, I'm getting antsy, and it's only week one out of six. Jeez! It's going to be a long five weeks to come. I am worried about my fitness, too, and how to make up all the lack of exercise. At the Orthopedic Surgeon's they gave me a printout with my vitals, including my BMI, which is 19 - and I sure would like to keep it that way. The doctor said I could go swimming, but being a bit of a germaphobe I don't relish the thought of swimming in public pools. We'll see if I get desperate enough.

The funny part is that after all the griping about wearing skirts now I have to admit I like it! JP drove me shopping yesterday and I got -gasp- a really nice Ralph Lauren dress and also a skirt with matching top. Hmm, and all I had to do is fracture my leg to discover I like dresses?!

I also now should have plenty of time to study for my citizenship test and interview. Next Tuesday is the deciding day on my way to becoming an American. Too bad that I am in the midst of a gripping mystery novel, and somehow I don't think I will get questioned on the plot!

It could have been so much worse - and what, I have to wear a skirt?!

The appointment with the Orthopedic Surgeon went well; he confirmed that the x-rays show a clean fracture of the fibula shaft and it should heal without issues. Yay! I got fitted with a cast/boot, basically it looks like an oversized ski boot, that I can take off to shower. No more duct taping a garbage bag around my leg before hitting the shower (Ok, ‘hitting’ might not accurately describe it: JP moved the sturdy plastic mounting block in the shower so I could sit down like an old lady).

The US Equestrian Federation wasted no time, yesterday I was officially informed that I am on “medical suspension”. Actually, I received a nice personal note from the Competition Safety Coordinator. It makes perfectly sense, “… After a competitor sustains a possible head injury at a USEF Competition, a copy of a medical release note must be submitted to USEF before returning to compete at any further competitions (per General Rule #1316).” ; and I am impressed by the quick action.

So, with the bigger concerns out of the way I can concentrate on “I have nothing to wear!” which in this case is absolutely true. I am a trouser/pant woman, never liked skirts or dresses; and only posses a scant few. My legs, always nicely covered, are snowy white. Trousers and pants are out of the question with the huge boot that I have to wear for six weeks or so, and my 'good' foot is in a tennis shoe for balance and traction.

Let’s recap: One huge Ortho-boot covering toes to knee, one tennis shoe, a skirt (I wouldn't wear otherwise), a blinding white leg = Quite the executive fashion statement! Or... Melanie Griffith's horrible boss in "Working Girl" comes to mind. For the record: we only have the boot in common! :-)

A good start - followed by "Glueck im Unglueck"

Last week's competition at Waterloo got off to a good start, with Judy and Remy winning a very large 1st3 class on Friday, with a 67.5% despite Remy throwing in a flying change instead of a changing through the trot. My turn came on Saturday, Remy schooled very well, and I felt that I am finally figuring out how to sit in the lengthenings. Previous comments always were along the lines of "too conservative", "not enough". This time though I could really feel him rise in front and put the rear engine on - pretty cool! We placed a close second in our class and I was happy.

So, I had no qualms about the next one, even though it was scheduled right during the competitors party. Judy had a Grand Prix test at the same time, so she couldn't school us, but I had no qualms about handling it on our own. Well, Remy took a look at the catering truck and all the people right next to the warm up ring - and that was it. He bolted, did a 180 at full speed, and I got thrown into a fence. I hit hard with my head and leg, and got the wind knocked out of me. Immediately people were there, including the EMT and Kevin, the show manager. I knew my head was OK (thank you Charles Owen, for making great helmets!!) but that my leg was broken. Remy, meanwhile, had stopped right away, and JP lead him to his stall. The EMT took my boot off (thanks, this time to Zippers); and we decided that it would be OK for JP to take me to the closest hospital instead of waiting for an ambulance.

Kevin directed JP to the Chelsea Community Hospital; it was a busy evening there, but I felt well taken care of. I had to convince the nurses not to cut off my beloved Pikeur pants, and I managed to wiggle out of them despite the swollen leg. After CT Scan, X-rays, etc. the doctor confirmed what I had thought: Head OK, left leg a clean fracture, and whiplash. Of course, it was no question that I could get back into my pants, so the nurse brought me some hospital shorts (about 10 sizes too large). It was pretty funny, me hobbling out on crutches (which I had never used before) and trying not to lose the shorts at the same time.

At home my 'apparition' freaked out the dogs and cats, and Max almost peed into his (non-existing) pants! So tomorrow I'll see an orthopedic surgeon, and I do hope to get a walking cast. It's only day two and I'm already getting cabin fever!!

I am so happy for the support and the messages I got from friends, Judy and the Topline team, and of course, my own private nurse: JP! Judy rode Remy yesterday in the same arena to see how he was and to finish on a good note; which he did! Still, honestly, I am a bit depressed about the whole thing and I have to assess how to go from here.

However, I am VERY GRATEFUL for a relatively 'easy' injury. That's what I mean with "Glueck im Unglueck" ("Good Luck during Bad Luck"). It could have been much worse. As my mother pointed out matter of fact: I'm alive! (she's not one to coddle much); sadly at the same weekend a German eventer died.

I need a weekend after this weekend - and don't go into the woods without your phone

I sure got my exercise this weekend, with some adrenaline kicking in to boot. Between riding, horse work (yay), house work (nay), running errands, exercising the dogs, and a myriad of other things there was no time for boredom.

Yesterday after a lovely trailride I took the dogs out for their spin through the woods. Right at the horse trails a jogger came our way, he looked at me, stumbled over a rock, and started to scream. He thought he had broken his ankle. What now? Neither of us had a phone (stupid!) and there were no other people around. I told the guy to stay put and I would get help. I high-tailed home, called the park office and tried to explain where to go. It's not easy when you are in an area the doesn't exactly has street signs. So after some back and forth I took the phone and went back to the park. I was picked up by a police SUV (first time I rode in the back of a police vehicle, I might add!) and we found the injured guy.

I have to say: Kudos to the Kensington Park police and ambulance, they were extremely quick and efficient. It was a bit funny when one of the officers asked me for my ID (which I didn't carry) and had me repeat twice my birth date with a questioning look. Uh, I guess a sweaty T-shirt, no make up, and messy hair makes one look either quite young or quite old...  take your guess :-)

But there is a really important lesson here: Don't go out in the woods alone without a cell phone! (and preferably carry ID).

Note from Remy to Aunt Jude

Dear Aunt Jude,

It's nice to be home and hanging out with my buddies, but shockingly enough, I still have to do stuff! We went on a trailride today; I had to go up and down hills while staying straight and marching forward on the bit. Uff. Not sure if it's such a good thing that you are teaching Birgit. Definitely more work for me! She's muttering things to herself like "you have a good seat, use it!", "his hind legs belong to you", "more seat and leg, less hand" - which means she won't let me just goof off.

There are some really good occasions for some fun, for example when the deer jumps right in front of us. But no, I am staying cool and calm. I also have to listen to her and JP discussing stuff in French, which I sometimes don't get. Very annoying.  I went through tight tree lines, mud, ignored barking dogs, the aforementioned deer, and many other interesting things.At least all that good behavior is netting me lots of love and cookies (hmm, not sure what I like more?).

I hope you have a great weekend, and I'll see you on Monday.

Lots of love,
Remy

A fascinating artist and classical horseman - Jean-Louis SAUVAT

It turned out that by attending the clinic with Maryal at Linda's farm in Metamora we received an 'added bonus' - being made aware of a fascinating horseman and artist.

Linda and her husband are in the process of restoring the historical 'White Horse Inn'; and Jean-Louis will spend his vacation with them to paint a mural in the restaurant. He is a classical trained 'Ecuyer' and an absolutely marvelous artist. Take a look at this video!

A successfull weekend - wearing our respective big boy and big girl pants

Thursday started with the usual question "Why am I doing this again??" Work is so busy and challenging, then why do I VOLUNTARILY load a bunch extra stress on my plate? It must be something in my genetic makeup - thanks, Emil! (that would be my dad).

Anyway, Waterloo USDF/USEF Dressage - first show of the year. To everyone's surprise, the sun was shining. And yes, that's a surprise because traditionally, it rains cats and dogs and we usually have to dig trenches around the stables. This time, it was sunscreen and hat weather all weekend.

Remy schooled well on Thursday, and then he and Judy did great in the professional's class, scoring 67% and placing 3rd in quite competitive field. Yesterday and today I had to muster the guts to go in there myself. Out came the 'Big Girl Pants', and Remy was told to keep his 'Big Boy Pants' on. And so we went... and we did good, if I may say so.

To my great relief, the first class went well. Less so the second: I let the kid down, it was hot, we were tired, and I just stopped riding, which to Remy means... well, stop. And that's exactly what he did - he broke twice in the canter tour. Argh! Didn't take long (actually, right after I left the arena) for the ever-present coach to point out exactly where I missed it. When I say 'ever-present' I mean that with all my admiration. I don't know how Judy does it: riding her own young -and fabulous- mare Biscaya (to 76.5% no less), coaching a myriad of students from TL to Grand Prix, always being present, focused, positively coaching everyone, and finding time doing it all without showing any stress, impatience or hurry. Wow!!

That positive attitude also reflects on her clients, it's a great group of people, very supportive, no 'behind the back bitching'. I am especially grateful to Ann, who has taken it upon her to act as my sports-psychologist and gives me such awesome support. All this while having to deal with an extremely difficult horse herself. OK, not to sound like at the Oscar's, but I couldn't do it without my always positive French cheerleader and reader par excellence!

So with the village behind us, we redeemed ourselves today with two good scores, one being a qualifier for Regionals (first time we did the test), and I RODE during the second class, which netted us an even better score.

Pass the champagne (and sun-burn lotion), JP!