Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations in Tuscany




The owner of Valley Ridge Roofing and Construction in Flower Mound, Texas, Randy Eastburg leads a company that grossed $4 million in sales in 2015. A traveler in his free time, Randy Eastburg has visited the Tuscany region of Italy.

Although Tuscany is a well-traveled region of Italy, it offers a number of places off the beaten path, including the following:

-Lucignano. A medieval village located between Siena and Arezzo, Lucignano overlooks the Valdichiana Valley and features both medieval buildings and Renaissance palaces. 

-Fosdinovo. Located between the mountains and the sea, Fosdinovo offers visitors views of Portovenere and the Magra River, as well as the islands of Gorgona, Capraia, Elba, and Corsica on clear days. The village’s architectural attractions include St. Remigius Church and the Oratorio dei Bianchi. 

-Bagno Vignoni. While most towns have a central square, Bagno Vignoni stands out with a 49-by-29-meter pool in the center of the village. Visitors can also bathe in hot springs at nearby Parco dei Mulini.

Monday, November 28, 2016

Qualities of the American Quarter Horse




An experienced business owner and head of Valley Ridge Roofing and Construction in Flower Mound, Texas, Randy Eastburg also enjoys attending horse races. Randy Eastburg and his wife previously bred and owned quarter horses.

A powerful breed, the American quarter horse has a muscular body, shoulders, and hindquarters. It stands 14 to 16 hands high on strong legs and may be compact and stocky or long and lean, depending on its natural body type. Both body types feature the breed's characteristic chiseled head, wide forehead, and smooth profile.

The breed gets its name from its ability to excel at the quarter mile track. It can achieve speeds of up to 55 miles per hour in short distances and has proven adept at cattle herding, as well. For this reason, it has become a popular horse for calf roping, barrel racing, and other rodeo-style sports.

Docile of temperament, the quarter horse is similarly in demand for purposes as varied as trail riding and police work. Its agile physique also makes it ideal for dressage, jumping, and other Olympic events.