At a young age, I became shall we say 'obsessed' with things.  Meaning, I would find a topic of interest and soak up every possible bit of information ever published on the topic and before long, I was a verifiable expert.  Part of third grade was dinosaurs and thankfully, that phase was over quickly.  I soon moved on to dog breeds...and I can still point out and name what breed the dog is.  Even the weirdo ones that you'd swear are mutts.  Something to brag about I'm sure.  Also during the dog breed phase came the horse phase.  This one lasted years.  I started taking riding lessons and soon our house was filled to the brim with books on horse breeds, the health of the horse, horse racing (and the different types).  You name it, I'd read it.  I rode horses competitively and eventually became a horse owner myself during high school.  Eventually my obsession with all things 'horse' waned but I still love horses.  Even the ones who get a little too frisky for their own good and let off a good kick, sending me flying into a fence post.


Trying to figure out something to do to thwart the growing boredom here in Pennsylvania, I suggested we hit up the racetrack at the casino an hour away.  Now I'm sure when you think of horse racing, you think Kentucky Derby and galloping.  This was going to be harness racing; a whole different game altogether.  I know a fair bit of information about it but have never actually seen a race live.  This track wasn't particularly busy and allowed you to basically sit on the track with just a chain link fence between you...for free!  Perfect for snapping some pics of the ponies.

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I am an animal lover; always have been.  There was always at least one animal in our house growing up, much to the chagrin of my dad who wasn't too hip on pets.  Some animals were even brought into the house without the express approval of all family members: Squirt, the kitten I adopted from the humane society and smuggled into the house in a backpack but told my mom it was a gift for her just so we could keep her.  And then there were the 2 horses, Baylor and Moonglow; bought while my dad was away on business.  We then roped him into building a fence for the horses once he returned...oops.  We've had cats, dogs, rabbits, fish and at one time, an accidental hamster breeding facility.  What can I say, I love animals and especially those of the baby variety.  I almost turn into a squealing mess when I see baby animals...almost.  Or at least very quietly.

Upon arriving to Pennsylvania, I discovered a mama Canada goose with 6 fluffy goslings living on our hotel's property.  I was convinced I was going to get some great, up-close shots of the little family.  My husband was convinced he was going to witness an upcoming episode of When Animals Attack if I got too close to mama goose.  Determined to show him I was the new Goose Whisperer, I set out with my camera and a looong zoom lens, just in case.  Mama goose wasn't too concerned about my presence, although I made sure not to get too close as to upset her (and evoke goose rage).  The goslings were just beyond cute...all fluffy and teeny little wings.  Very tempted to pick 'em up and snuggle 'em.  But that definitely would've evoked goose rage.  So instead, I was content to capture these images and continue to watch the little ones get bigger each day!

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