I looked out the kitchen window to see the horses leaning across the fence between our A-frame guest cabin and the horse pasture. The 5' fence was less than 24" inches off the ground with the assistance of the horses' persistent leaning and the added benefit of a guest backing into and breaking one of the posts in the middle of the fence line. I do not know how they didn't get out, but after getting them placed securely in the other field, the boys and I began rebuilding the entire fence in that section. We also moved about 200 large rocks that resided along that fence line. It took us almost 8 hours, but with the help of all the boys, plus our trusty winch, we're very happy with the results. I already knew this but... I hate fencing.
I was able to take Sadie Rae for a couple of amazing trail rides this week. It was so encouraging! I've spent the last few months handling her on the ground: brushing, massaging, sitting in her stall with her, giving her treats, talking with her, taking her for long walks. She is very intelligent and has bonded incredibly well. So, I felt confident getting in the saddle. Austin rode Devany and that was incredibly helpful. Solo rides in the wilderness on a "baby" thoroughbred fresh off the track isn't the most prudent endeavor. Devany is tried and true; she's fun, sometimes naughty, spicy, but absolutely dependable and almost spook proof. Sadie Rae really isn't spooky, but if she's not confident about something, she simply stops and is immovable. When that happened we put a halter and long lead on her and Austin was able to pony her from Devany. SR is willing, bold, curious, and just kind of totally wonderful to ride. She's definitely baby green and a part of me can't believe I'm starting in that place again since Devany only matured yesterday. :-)
Lochlan is making tiny remarkable strides. A bunch of us were out hiking, and I asked Lochlan for a sip of his water. He pulled it away and said, "No." He, eventually changed his mind and gave me a sip, but as I handed it back to him, he took his shirt and wiped around the mouth of the bottle to make sure my germs weren't on it. I was absolutely shocked! It was such a normal thing to do! :-) I, then, razzed him because he was wiping off his mom's germs but will go home and lick his own feet because he can. This kid!
Kelton drove for the first time! He and I were coming back on the forest road from dropping off some water for the wild animals out by my hill. He is an excellent driver! He listened carefully to my input, braked gently, drove cautiously and couldn't wipe the smile off his adorable face. :-)
I ran into a bear while coming down my hill. I think all the wild animals have dropped down out of the mountains in search of water. I was running down my hill when Aberdeen stopped in front of me with one paw in the air, very alert. I looked 30 feet from her and there was a small black bear standing with one paw in the air as well, looking at us in horror. They looked at each other for a few seconds and then he turned around and galloped away. It was a really neat experience. Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture because it all happened too fast!
Madigan and I hiked 16 miles last weekend. We started at the AZ Snow Bowl, went up to Humphreys and then dropped down the other side of the mountain onto the Weatherford Trail and almost home. We talked most of the way and I treasure the time I had with him. We got caught in an insane storm and were soaked, had raindrops dripping from our eye lashes and filling our boots, but it was kind of delightful.
The boys and I had about a dozen chores to finish, But... the woods beckoned and I heard the call. There was a storm brewing and the skies were dark. We decided to be completely irresponsible and drive around the Peaks. The boys rolled their windows down and we turned the heat and music up. It was 56 degrees in the middle of the afternoon and the rain was coming down enthusiastically in big, satisfying drops. When the storm passed, the sun came out on a renewed earth. We stopped for a quick hike, rainbow show and romp through puddles.
No comments:
Post a Comment