um, progress?

I still have not ridden in 5 weeks -- I was supposed to have a lesson tonight but there's a dumb snow storm headed our way (again) and I'd rather not risk getting stuck in a ditch on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere, in South Jersey.

However, I am making small progress, and here's a list of horse related things to prove it:

• signed up for an all day riding camp Saturday -- two mounted lesson, one unmounted and a whole day of fun with great ladies from the barn -- finishing up with a potluck dinner, wine and a horse movie.
• contacted a potential new instructor -- we talked for over an hour on Friday. she seems like she would be a good fit for me but her rates are considerably higher than my current instructor, and from what I gathered from our conversation, she only has one 100% sound horse to take lessons on (the other four are in various stages of rehab -- either physically or mentally). The horse she does have available sounds pretty great, a large russian warmblood...but, eh...I dunno. The mare that I mentioned in my previous post is there and I'd like to meet her before making any decisions.
• emailed a different girl about a free lease opportunity -- a girl in college wants someone to keep her thoroughbred gelding in shape while she is in college. it would be flat work only (he's a little older), but it's practically cost free (just feed and half farrier) plus...she boards him at a place with a heated indoor (swoon)...she just wants someone to give him lots of love and attention, keep him in steady work and spoil him rotten -- I think I would be great at that.
• emailed about a horse to lease at a REALLY nice facility -- the rates weren't listed for this mare, but she's 17 hh of dark bay gorgeousness and looks lovely on the flat and over fences. The facility is run by two eventers and they have a XC course on the property -- this might be the best options, albeit the most expensive, and they are only 30 minutes from Philadelphia. 
• finally cracked open my Rider's Fitness Program here -- if I am going to suffer this winter without consistent lessons, I am going to have to stay in (riding) shape for the sake of myself and the horses I will be riding. I stay in good shape without really trying, but we all know that riding uses a particular set of muscles that turn into jello when we're not using them regularly. This book has customized each exercise depending on your particular riding weaknesses...everything from balance over fences, sitting trot, maintaining your position going up and down banks, you name it...

There. See? I am doing something!