We were in a different pen than usual, and it was horribly windy. That’s the excuse you might make if you were on a horse and had an uneasy feeling. We are facing four pregnant ewes, and a tornado would be no distraction. Jolene was working. Sometimes there are four boy dogs running the fence … Read more
Jolene expects that we will have an adventure every single day. Mister hopes we don’t. He likes to keep it between the lines. As for me, I want to build a life that I want to live in. That goal has never changed, but age and my cantankerous nature redefine it every few years. I … Read more
I can’t remember having leaves so early on our high desert prairie. Shade is scarce since losing our trees. There’s just enough room under the lilac bush for the dogs. The lack of lawn doesn’t change. Call it fire mitigation because I’m not watering sod meant to be living in Kentucky. It’s windy, of course, … Read more
I’m starting to look like Garrison Keillor. You know, if I dyed my hair brown. I’m not bragging, just stating the facts. Mister nods. I don’t know why we compare unknowns to famous people. It’s crazy. Once, someone compared me to Ann Lamott. Wow. We’re both pretty spiritual, but I let animals say the God … Read more
That morning, we got up at the usual time, but I didn’t go out to do chores. Instead, I took a shower and put clean clothes on. Jolene freaked out. How did she know? It was our ORT scent work trial. Just a half-day event, and only 15 miles from home. Let the wiggle-dance begin. … Read more
The farrier came this week. Every year or so, he suggests I quit my day job and hold horses for him. He knows that in some people’s eyes, it would be a demotion. Every year, I consider it. It isn’t that my horses are perfect. It’s just that I never make things worse. The art … Read more
Be Brave Enough to Suck at Something New the meme said. Well, sign me up. Who knew it would be so remarkably easy. You should try it. I had a client several years ago who complained about her horse. He was too lazy; she needed a more advanced horse. Her horse told a different story. … Read more
One year ago, my friends were expecting a litter of Swedish Vallhund puppies. After gaining titles in conformation and performance, doing all the genetic testing, and endless preparation, it was finally time. I’d cheered for my friends all the way and was excited about the little ones, who already had puppy homes waiting. One year … Read more
May I brag? I have celebrated the death of embarrassment. It was a freedom I gained by competing horses. Horses are transparent and spontaneous about how they feel. When something happens, it’s obvious to the rider. And some of us even paid the judge to notice. It’s the fast track to realizing you can’t make … Read more