Keepin' it Sweet

Good Evenin'

And, another peach! Sunny skies, mild temps and gentle breezes; just mild enough where the sun felt like a warm blessing and the breezes, a sweet caress.

More back and forth in the office; more comments comin' in, requests for the book, envelopes and signatures for the early bird orders. But, I did get my evenin' stroll, even if my head was spinnin' a little; Carolyn, Ray's wife, had just read the book and liked it. Simple, really, but much as Ray meant to me in my life, to be able give a little something back, well, it just touched me quite some.

I suppose, about a mile out, the sun down, the soft lingerin' light, the valley a gentle tapestry of green and gold, I did start to settle in to the rhythym of the walk and the calm of the evenin'. Made it out to the big pond in the middle, by the grove, but didn't find the bunch. Maybe mornin' I'll haul some water, see if I can't spot 'em.

Anyway, a good day, I suppose and I'm always glad for the chance to write a little; it's kinda like a mirror. A chance to reflect and ask myself if I did my best; if I enjoyed the most. Special now, where there are some big ideas floatin' around and they're temptin', where I got a bunch a ponies ta feed and the foster home lookin' for wings. So, just to remember I'm alive and it all began with love, me, the ponies, the kids; just maybe I can keep a balance and stay with that. 'Cause it's really somethin' I noticed over time, the tendancy ta think, "well, I might get a little off balance, but I'll come back, soon as I getter done.". I've also noticed, it ain't necessarily so; that "little" can turn into a lot, blink of the eye and "comin' back" can take some doin'.

And just like my walk in the evenin', ya hate to see a day go by, 'out feelin' like ya got ta see a little, enjoy some and feel a little thanks. If ever home were sweet, it'd have ta be for thanks and thanks are scarce if ya don't enjoy.

Have a nice night!

Best,
jeune

Love, Trust and Patience

Good Evenin'

Well, another beautiful day, and this time I didn't even get my evenin' stroll. Consolation, I did get a few minutes in the round pen with Ruben. And, really it was just a few, but sweet they were. Same old ritual, just askin' him move this way and that, askin' if he might consider a little engagement, then a visit; story time, in the still and quiet. "What you think; how you feel?".

Just plain fascinatin', watch for changes; tonight, a little sniff. Sorry, but that's kinda new; just a little different. And, it could seem ridiculous; big deal! But, ya know, if a horse is worried, he won't bother. That's a change!

And me, "how's it feel, whadya think?". I think I love you more than ever and I'll wait, if that's what it takes, until you're ready, be yourself in trust.

I was thinkin' just the other day, 'bout love and trust; how, you could say, love is like sun and trust is like water. A plant needs both to grow. Even love, all by itself, well, it's funny, it can be extreme and one sided; sometimes burn. And, too much water, well, there too, it can cause a root to rot. But, put them together in good soil, and now ya got somethin' can flourish.

Can't pretend I understand Ruben, for sure, but I'll keep watchin' and waitin, see if the water don't clear. I know it's been slow, but I'd have to say sure, even if, just a sniff.

Have a nice night!

Best,
jeune

Almost Full

Good Evenin'

And, another beautiful day! And, more packin' and signin' and tradin' specs; how folks want 'em signed, address corrections and where they can order more. Can't complain; this rate we might even buy a bale a hay. And, it is kinda fun, 'cause every time a book goes out, I know I could get a comment and that's interestin', say the least.

But, I sure look forward to gettin' outta the house; boys need attention, I do miss the bunch and there's plenty I could do, 'fore winter.

Anyway, did get a walk. After sunset, but with the moon almost full, plenty a light ta get around; even enough ta look for the bunch, though I didn't spot 'em, far as I went.

And, I suppose I'll just leaver there for this evenin'; tarred and it's late.

Have a nice one!

Best, always!

jeune

Sweet Company

Good Evenin'

And, ya, another peach! And, consistent with another month passin', we got another ten degree drop in daily temps; hung right around 70 degrees today.

And, I sure got little done; far as I know. Lots a visitin' about the book, but, ranch hand point a view, not a lot a doin'. Best of it, a walk ta find the bunch, sundown; hangin' by the drinker, over the ridge and down the valley. I been remiss, checkin' their water and they was standin' around, ponderin' the same; Tubby lickin' the bottom of the barrel, pawin' at the side.

I give everyone a rub and a scratch, kiss for the Queen Missy Mum, figured I'd head back, maybe haul a tank with the moonlight. Lo and behold, they all decided to tag along; just for me, I figure. I could tell I was a little stressed with all the "non-doin'" of the day and I sure felt better once I seen the bunch; deeply relieved, and, I suspect they knew it. So, followin' me for a while, well, it just felt good; real good and "good"'s got away a wantin' to stretch itself out and around. Weren't no water there anyhow. So, hike we did, all cozied up, strollin' and lookin'; enjoyin' the all and the close, and the sweet fall a night.

Comin' down the home stretch, I figured I'd head for the pond; end a the month, moonlight, no sense takin' 'em back to the barn, seein' the boys and puttin' ideas in the bonnet, them girls. So, they all got a drink and began to much, and I slipped away, in the growin' dim, headin', the gate at the bottom.

Back to the barn, the boys, the books and some beans.

Have a nice night!

Best,

jeune

The Road to Town

Good Evenin'

And, quite a beautiful day! Turned out ta be a kinda birthday, unbeknownst ta me. My once a month ride ta town for groceries, figured she wouldn't see me 'til after, so she gave me a jar a canned peaches, a jar a apple butter and bought me a five dollar submarine sandwich, with three, white chocolate macadamia nut cookies; thought I'd died and gone to heaven.

Anyway, way kind a her, but she's kinda catholic and she takes a lotta pride and pleasure, doin' nice things for folks; who can argue? Not me!

And, oddly enough, the whole day kinda started on a festive note like that. Bull Chapman, a real nice young fella from over Lybrook stopped by as he does on occasion and I brought him out a book and signed it for him and his family. He was pretty surprised and impressed, I'd say, old fella like me, livin' in a tent, handin' him a nice book like that; look on his face made my day. But, then, two, three winters back when I got pretty sick, Bull stopped by and give me twenty bucks, one day, no reason. So, I guess you could say, he's made my day before.

Then, knowin' I had a ride ta town, I figured it wouldn't hurt ta give a shave and jump in the tub, where it has been a little while and my ride does like "tidy". So, shave and dunk it was, clean clothes ta boot and any day starts out with a bath and clean clothes is bound ta be a holiday; special when it'd barely hit 60 degrees, wow!

Anyway, it was a day. And, I got another half dozen books mailed, which is party enough, all by itself. Not that they're like ta change the world, but I'll bet ya dimes to dollars, at least one page'll make someone smile and I'll get to hear "which one". I think that's what they call a "win-win" situation.

Have a nice night!

Best,
jeune

A Brand New Day

Good Evenin'

And, another, fine, blustery day!

Got some more books signed and finally, got around to trimmin' hooves on the burros. Don't know why I waited so long, but it all seemed to work out pretty well. I suppose part of it was waitin' on my shoulder, part of it, just busy, but there mighta been another part, where it was just for some good to which I, just wasn't privy. The timin' just seemed right, all the way around; them settlin' in to things around here, them really wantin' help and, curious enough, bad as their feet had growed out, they cleaned up quite, well, considerin' they've had chronic bad feet, ever since I knowed 'em.

And, we did have a really nice time visitin'; aside from a little discomfort, early, when they had to stand on a bad foot, 'til I got one of the others cleaned up. Fascinatin' to watch 'em changin', where things are kinda different around here. Seems like they're relaxin' and learnin' it's o.k. ta be curious, look at me, express themselves; quite fantastic in a really simple kinda way. I trimmed Gramma first, then Stump and he watched, as I trimmed her feet and she watched, as I trimmed his; hangin' over my shoulder real close, like they never seen any such thing. But, over the years I've noticed that about horses, anyway; how they really are timid creatures, and how, when they start to get comfortable with someone, they'll start lookin' round like it's a brand new world. Really, curious and funny to watch.

Anyway, late again and time for beddin'.

Have a nice night!

Best,

jeune

Kindness Everywhere

Good Evenin'

And, it's rainin'; gotta love the fall! Responsible for the most beautiful and the most wonderful miserable weather on God's green earth; both fantastical humbling.

I am writin' late, it's almost tomorrow, but I sent off a promo copy of the book to a wonderful woman, rodeo photograper and top notch cowgirl, I know, who'as likely forgot more than I'll ever know and she liked it! I've been stumblin' around in a daze; no way I can figure, but it sure made my day, week, month, well, heck, it's five years it took me get that book done. Only thing I can come up with is that old saw, "Creator takes care of kids, old dogs and fools", and as I often add, "I qualify on all three accounts". Really, only thing I can figure; He/She/Creator musta a slipped somethin' in there I didn't even see, but I can't afford to argue. One a those things they teach you in kindergarden, "just say thank you". But, jimminy, that's an awful lotta kindness; every which way.

And, I did get to see the bunch, this eve. Hauled a tank a water, checked the gate off the BLM, the partner's house on the westside and stopped, say hello, the way back. Always good to see 'em, busy as they are, grabbin' calories for winter. And, the light was pretty as a picture; sun comin' in low under the clouds, just a 'fore it set. They was grazin' down near the road, an area that catches quite some rain. There's a grass there, might be sacatone, but it has a purple stem, with a golden "cattail" like head. Anyway, way the light was comin' in all low and sweet gold and the grasses were all lit up, it was quite a stunnin' mix, a greens and golds and purples, all aglow, all around the ponies. We don't do flashy like they do back east, falltime, but we sure do rich!

I better turn in.

Have a good one!

Best
jeune

Beholders

Good Evenin'

And, yes, another nice one! Just a hair off the past number, but real pleasant. Looks like we'll have a little cloud cover, day or two.

Anyway, hardly got anything done, save a little correspondence; see if I can shake myself a little tomorrow, get after some things I likely should. We'll write this one off to a lazy Sunday, but, I did enjoy the quiet time and got a walk, 'fore dark; visit the bunch who'd come in low, down by the gate. Looked like they was happy, be back out; all covered with mud like, first thing, they'd gone for a roll in the pond.

I let 'em out last night, soon as I knew the hunters were gone; checked with the outfitter and we won't have any more 'till the end a October. Found 'em up by the drinker, fashioned a lead line from balin' twine and took 'em across the valley to the low gate and opened 'er up. Funny watch 'em head out kinda timid. Maybe it was my imagination, but it seemed the horses could feel how strangers had been on their ground, lookin' through foreign eyes and Earth herself, was kinda disturbed, used as she's become to the lovin' and only eyes, me and the horses. Really made me think; how little we understand. Made me wonder how we learn to ignore, so much, that's so good and miraculous. 'Cause we don't have time? Inconvenient? I don't know, but it is disturbin'. One thing for a lion or a bear, but for humans, with all our gifts; that's a shame, a real shame.

Anyway, seems Earth, like a true mother, just keeps on giving, forgiving, but sometimes it's hard to watch; just wish there was more I could do. Who knows? My best, I guess; just my best.

Have a nice night!

Best,


jeune

Big

Good Evenin'

And, yes, another "butte"! Fact, I been sayin' that so much, I'm startin' to get nervous; so much I should get done 'fore winter, I'm busy mailin' books and these beautiful fall days'll end soon enough. But, cross my fingers, fall's just like that out here; cool nights, days and days a sunshine.

Anyway, had a long talk with a friend today about Big sleepin' in front of the water cooler, and another friend that took issue, with his "chauvinistic" ways and a course me, who couldn't see anything wrong. Anyway, we went round and round 'till finally I unerstood, that I hadn't told the whole story. Or, I did, far as it went, but I might notta shared another piece a the puzzle which casts a very different light on the scene. And that'd be Big's very serious treatment of his "Big" role.

Big was a fairly famous ropin' horse I run into trimmin' for a rancher up north. The rancher happened to mention he was gonna get rid a him, where he'd been used so much, he'd got navicular; which is sorta like the human carpal tunnel syndrome, only it takes shape in the hoof from poundin' down arenas, chasin' cows and slammin' on the brakes. When a horse is good and the stakes are high, some fellas won't quit and they'll give a horse pain killers, keep on goin'; good for the fella, not for the horse. And, Big's got such a big, sweet heart, he'd probably kept on anyway, never doubtin' his owner.

Anyway, I asked the rancher what he had in mind, and he didn't answer direct, but indicated, worse case, he'd fetch 30 cents a pound; that would be meat money. I told him I'd be back in the mornin' with 200 dollars and a trailer, if that'd be alright, on top a the hundred he owed me for trimmin' the others.

So, big came home and that rancher got the better parta that month wages. And, it's hard to explain, but my other horses just loved Big and Big musta known, 'cause he just loved 'em back and right from "go", just took on the whole bunch like his own; real protective. He didn't take no flack, but he sure watch out for them all. Kinda touchin' too, his sore feet and all, but he'd never miss a beat. Even, he never really took a girlfriend, like the other fellas might, but he'd always watch out for the bunch. Rare occasions, when I mighta been out late, moonlight, I might find 'em all nappin', 'cept Big, standin' watch.

So, daylight, like the other, them all lettin' him drink and nap, right in front a the tank, maybe I was seein' somethin', y'all mighta not; which's them all mindin' their manners, for someone they knew and loved, like maybe we can't begin, had watched over them all night, since the day he set foot on the place. I swear sometimes, 'tween the pain in his feet and the way he takes care a the bunch, I see him wake up from a nap like that, and it's no wonder he looks kinda dopey; but, as the Navajo say, "that's just the way he is"; he don't no nothin' but love for his herd.

So, "Chauvin" mighta had his ways and ideas, but, far as I can tell, they got little to do with a horse like Big, and the bunch that love him, the way that they do.

Have a nice night!

Best

jeune

The Rumble

Good Evenin'

And, yes, another "butte"! Did get runnin' a little, try and ship a bunch a books and make the tradin' post; get back for the horses run outta water. All worked mostly, with the exception of the 100% sugar, breakfast I got late at the "post". But, by and large, I weathered the storm, help of a wee nap.

Sure was a day, though; time I got down to the drinker, the horses was there. And, yes, Big was standin', front and center over the barrel; everyone else waitin'. Fact, someone asked me 'bout that today; seemed like they thought it was wrong for him to be like that.

Well, I hauled off down to the low tank, after fillin' up "Big's Bowl", quarter mile west, make sure that was topped up and let the truck die, there on the hill, next to the bunch, way back. Big had plumb lay down and passed out, I suppose after drinkin' his fill; everybody else still waitin', now nappin'. I climbed through the fence, nice and easy, and, eased over to a harmonious little spot, just other side and down wind a the bunch; scot down, just ta "hang" and soak up the quiet. Sat there, quite some, just enjoyin' the rumble of the breeze in my ears; the ponies all dozin'. Big Blue, cinnamon dust, sage and rabbit brush, all in bloom a gold, pin~on and boulders, deckin' the long valley halls; nothin' but still and rumble of breeze in my ears. Water forgot, all a doze; it was quite a while we sat. Then Big woke up and sat up; lickin' his lips and lookin' around, sleepily, all his angels standin' by. Time ta get on with the day. Ah, but what a moment; couldn't see anything, I'd ever call wrong.

Have a nice night!

Best, Always
jeune

The Rumble

Good Evenin'

And, yes, another "butte"! Did get runnin' a little, try and ship a bunch a books and make the tradin' post; get back for the horses run outta water. All worked mostly, with the exception of the 100% sugar, breakfast I got late at the "post". But, by and large, I weathered the storm, help of a wee nap.

Sure was a day, though; time I got down to the drinker, the horses was there. And, yes, Big was standin', front and center over the barrel; everyone else waitin'. Fact, someone asked me 'bout that today; seemed like they thought it was wrong for him to be like that.

Well, I hauled off down to the low tank, after fillin' up "Big's Bowl", make sure that was topped up and let the truck die, there on the hill, next to the bunch, way back. Big had plumb lay down and passed out, I suppose after drinkin' his fill; everybody else still waitin', now nappin'. I climbed through the fence, nice and easy, and, eased over to a harmonious little spot, just other side and down wind a the bunch; scot down, just ta "hang" and soak up the quiet. Sat there, quite some, just enjoyin' the rumble of the breeze in my ears; the ponies all dozin'. Big Blue, cinnamon dust, sage and rabbit brush, all in bloom, pin~on and boulders, deckin' the long valley halls; nothin' but still and rumble of breeze in my ears. Water forgot, all a doze; it was quite a while we sat. Then Big woke up and sat up; lickin' his lips and lookin' around, sleepily, all his angels standin' by. Time ta get on with the day. Ah, but what a moment; couldn't see anything wrong.

Have a nice night!

Best, Always
jeune

No Time Like the Present!

Good Evenin'

And, yes once again, just a peach of a day!

Woke up, pretty excited, I must say; handed out my first book yesterday and mailed my first "promo" copy, "thanks" to my friend Mary Williams Hyde, who kinda leaned in on behalf a Headlight, back when.

Anyway, I say excited, but, I suppose there was a little "nervous" in there, too. I was thinkin' about how local folks might take the book, how my perspective on horses is kinda different and that some might object; heck, my whole life is kinda different. I found myself remembering this old joke, about a sign in a Russian hotel: "please visit the local cemetary, where poets and authors are buried, daily from 9-5.". Anyway, I was ponderin' the question, when it hit me; "there's no such thing as a true story".

Anything recalled is fiction; no matter how many folks get together and agree, "yup, that's the way it was", it wasn't! If you want the truth, in any real sense, there's only one place you can, even come close, and that's now! Sure made me laugh!

The past is gone! And, there is no way, ever, really recall it; it takes a whole world to tell the truth and it only tells it once.

So, I happily proceeded to start signin' books, confident, that I could now tell my friends and neighbors, "don't worry, I made it all up!"; even the author's name, ice the cake. And, near as I can tell, this just might accomplish two important things; one, just maybe, folks'll start to question all kinda stories and two, the book is kinda fun. So, if it ain't "serious", maybe they can enjoy it all the more.

Anyway, like I say, it sure made me laugh, kinda like that movie they made, "The Never Ending Story", where the kid goes into the bookstore and the old owner says, "Don't read this one!".

And, I did get ta see the bunch today; I'd got a little behind on my water haulin'. Met 'em top a the hill, headin' for the barn; my wager. I stopped let 'em see the water tank drippin' and sure enough, they "bout face" and followed me down the hill to the drinker. Buckin' and fussin', all excited. Funniest part was see Big sidle up to the bar, drink his fill, then sit there suckin' his tongue and just, savorin' the drink and the notion, that whole tank, was just for him. Crack me up, where, nobody else'll dare drink while Big's there in front; so, everybody else, just sat there and fidget, lickin' their dry lips, while Big just sat there enjoyin'. He 'bout fell asleep, just soakin' up the atmosphere; everyone else, doin' their best, mind their manners.

What a bunch; always somethin'!
Have a nice night!

Best,
jeune

Home Stretch

Good Evenin'

And, yes, it's true; another gorgeous fall day! Though, I hardly noticed, with all the excitement a the book. Fedex truck pulled in late mornin'; nine boxes, 250 books, good as we ever hoped!

Had ta let Brandon, the photographer know and Duncan, my old friend from back east, spent about 6 months, typin', editing, filing and formatting. Everybody, pretty well ex-cited!

And, now to sign and ship; see if I can't sign a bunch tomorrow, mail 'em off on Friday. Huge thanks to all a you pre-ordered and patiently waited; some folks even sendin' extra, keep me and the ponies in gas and groceries.

Five years! We sell 'em all and pay the pipers, we might even break even, sorta, kinda, not really, but mostly, we had fun and nobody lost too bad, far as I know.

Have nice evenin' and I'll keep you appraised a de-velopments!

Best
jeune

House and Home

Good Evenin'

One more beautiful fall day. Not quite so cool as it has been; didn't even make a fire this mornin'. But, then I did sleep a little late, turnin' in late as I did.

And, my new house showed up, UPS truck, late this mornin'; 75 lbs, 2X2 box, hour or so get it up, that's my kinda house! Figured I'd wait 'till the morrow, give it a go, so's to have a little day light, dust a smidge. I'm chuckling at my bachelor ways; anyone, their right mind, might be more inclined get a shovel or a bulldozer. "Dust a smidge?".

Anyway, beautiful day and I did head out, look for the bunch, check on Tubby's leg. But, it was gettin' late and I went the long way around, so's not to disturb the hunter's, and it was mostly dark, time I seen 'em off to the west end a the south pasture. I swung over that way, but just give Big Missy a rub, where she was closest, counted the others and figured I'd see them in the mornin'; haul a tub a water.

New moon, hangin' off in the western sky; the air was soft and cool. Sure felt good walkin' and listenin', watchin' the play of dirt, grass and weed, pass beneath my feet; changin' soil, clay and sand, sage. Kinda timeless feel; knowin', feelin', "yes, this is home, here with the dirt, the grass, arroyo and pony; real as any earthly home can be! The rest, what I do, so I can come back.".

Have a nice night!

Best


jeune

House Call

Good Evenin'

And, yes, another peach! But, ain't no doubt the evenings a cooled off. Takin' to startin' a fire, first thing the mornin', lay my jeans on the stove, take off the chill. But fine days!

Head out to check old Tubby's leg again this mornin', once I got the office business on the right track. Went straight up over the ridge out back, figurin' noon time they like ta shade up in under the ridge, or in the grove, down by the dirt tank. Didn't know how he'd take me comin' back today, where last night I'd put some iodine on it and I think that mighta stung some, judgin' by the way he lit off. But, I wanted to see it good, lighta day and make sure he didn't have a stick stuck in there; maybe rinse it off with the jug a water I took with me. And, sure enough they was shade up in the grove, down by the pond and he did fuss a little when he seen me with the jug again; walked about here and there through the trees, seein' if he could hide behind one a the girls. But, soon enough he figured I was serious and I knelt down and got a look; felt around and squeezed it a little get out any puss, or debris might remain.

From the look of it, he mighta come down on a sharp sage stump, or somethin', right under his left front knee; a contusion or abrasion, I think they'd call it. And, it had bled some, but didn't look like there was anythin' imbedded, there wasn't any heat around it, no bad smell and little puss.

But he did take ta prancin' again, when I rinsed it off; I shoulda figured it might reactivate the surroundin' iodine left from yesterday. But, once again he calmed down; I give up the jug and followed him around 'till he settled, and give him a good ear rub.

He's awful good and put up with all kinda insults over the years; my best, more miss than hit. But, somehow or other, I reckin' he knows I love him, and I suppose he loves me, more'n he'd like to admit. I give Queeny a kiss and Big a belly scratch; figured the others I'd catch up with later. Headed back, enjoyin' the sweet fall mix of warm sun and mild air.

And, god willin', we can visit man~ana. Have a nice night!

Best,

jeune

Special Edition

Good Mornin'

And, a peach it is; sunny and mild, with just a gentle breeze from the south.

And, reason for my "special edition" is to promote a revolution! And, so's not to excite, homeland security, let me confirm my hope, that this would be a peaceful revolution; after all, to revolve is simply to turn around.

But, I must admit, some of the thinking does, likely, go back to some marginal characters in history. The supposition, however is simple and logical; it is in the great interest of those in "power" to promote the "principle of scarcity" to justify "their" jobs as defenders of "the average" citizen. The problem, seems to me, that the very same folks, might actually create a scarcity to maintain their argument; in fact, one could suppose that the "art" of creatin' laws, for example, that look good, but ultimately contribute to an overall disfunction, has become the great "acheivement" of modern day politics.

But, without gettin' too cynical, let's just suppose it's a matter of confusion and circumstance; people, by and large, mean well, but sortin' out "ends and means" can get complicated.

So, my "revolution" would simply amount to us "average citizens" supposin' that, in fact, there was no scarcity; that, just maybe, there was an abundance. It's simple and it can require a little effort, go beyond the voice of doubt, whether within' or without; but, I believe, highly, worth the effort. Afterall, if we had a mirror, would we rather see ourselves, shrinkin', helpless and scared behind our locked door, or cheerful and confident, brave enough, to say "yes, there will be enough" and take the "abundant" opportunity, lend a hand.

And, yes, I do have a "card up my sleeve"; I'm gettin' old, stove up and I'm hopin' ta start a foster home/horse rescue, here, middle a nowhere, New Mexico. And, yes, I'm gonna need a lot of help. But, I DO believe, the moment and the math; either we get smaller and the world darker, or, we turn around and say, "no, this house, my home, is the home of the brave!" and, with courage we turn around and act, in contradiction to the voices of doom and gloom.

If, as they say, doubt is a self fulfilling prophecy, "if you believe you can't, you're right!", then, it's just possible, so is faith; "yes, we can!".

Have a great revolution!

Best,

jeune

Family A Fair

Good Evenin'

And, another peach of a day! Sunny and mild.

And, the bunch seems to have made peace with the fall arrangements, down on the south end. Come in this mornin' like I figured they would; check out doin's in the barnyard. They milled about some, checkin' out the burros and the boys, then moved off, back up the hill and into the woods, stoppin' for a snack, their favorite spot, just above the near low pasture, edge a the trees.

I hauled a tub a water over the hill, make sure they had a drink and patched a little more fence, way back. Took me back in, aways where they was grazin' and they followed me back out. I led 'em up the ridge to a pasture got some pretty good grass, just this side a the top and they all made the dash, when they figured my route, get a head a steam, make the last steep bank.

We got up the top and broke out the trees, but Big had a mission and proceeded to march up over to the big wide open. Don't know why he does things like that, but it sure is cute, watch everybody fall in. I guess that's just what "the boss" does; come up with a mission. And, I guess, that frees up the others, enjoy themselves and fuss over who's second, etc.

So, they all lined out; one, two, three, four, five and whoops. Graceful stopped in the middle of the pasture, lookin' back toward me and the woods; Rusty! I headed back into the woods, top of the steep bank and give a whistle; a plaintive knicker come from down the woods. I swear that boy got into the loco, somewhere along the line. Then here he comes head in the air and a little wild eyed, ziggin' and zaggin' through the trees and up the bank. Passed me and out into the pasture, 'bout knockin' Graceful over, " so happy ta see ya!". Graceful, swung her head give him a nip, then six and seven caught up with the bunch, who'd also stopped to wait. Then, they all disappeared, swishin' their tails, like Rusty mighta made 'em late, outta the sun and into the shade a the trees, headin' for the wide open, western slope.

Don't know why, but I never get tired, watchin' 'em do what they do; so much personality and attitude. So much stick together.

Have a nice night!

Best,
jeune

Trouble With Trouble

Good Evenin'

Well, another peach of a day! Sunny, breezy and cool, cool.

And, I suppose, most noteworthy, the book shipped! They say it should be here mid to late week, next. And, I sure hope it don't dissapoint; so many folks kind enough to order in advance, sight unseen. But, I suppose, time'll tell; least we know the pictures are good.

Otherwise, brought the bunch down to the south end and shut the gate. And, I know, it's a matter a course, owners gotta pay the bills and hunters come with dough, but it is kinda sad; the bunch loves ta wander. Don't know if he was readin' my mind and figured he'd play it, in case, but Big just sat there, once I'd closed the gate, starin' at it, like the end of the world.

He's such a card, I can't begin, but it sure made me wonder; was it really the wanderin', or, could it be he's gettin' old and knows that this marks the end of another summer; tall grass, warm days and wanderin' with the bunch. Don't know, but he sure seemed ta mean it, whatever it was and it sure touched my heart; old fella's as sweet as they come, no holds barred.

Anyway, I wandered up the hill, mendin' fence as I did, and closed the gate at the top. Last light, I seen the bunch headin west and chuckled, 'cause there's holes over there and we know the grass is greener. Queen Miss out in front and smart as she is, she likely had a plan. Oh, well, tomorrow's another day.

Trouble makers, all of 'em; and, worst of it is, I love 'em all the more.

Have a nice night!

Best,


jeune

Always Comes Back to Us!

Good Evenin'

And, the rain has passed, droppin' the temp pretty fair, but it was a beautiful day. Hadn't got out, with the rain and all, find the bunch, a couple a days now, so I did head out this aft'. Don't know where they were, but nowhere in sight. Even took the truck, when I got back, drove clear up to the north end, where the fence could use some patchin' and still, no sign. But, we'll give it another go tomorrow.

And, go I better, as, come to find out, we do have some hunters comin' in. Time to gather 'em up, close the gates and keep 'em up on the south; hopeful, outta harms way. And, back to haulin' water; I did check the ponds and hard as it rained, pond on the south end, didn't pick up at all.

Anyway, cooler temps, beautiful days and green, green with the last dose a rain. Stood out on the old dam, comes off the west slope a the ridge that runs up the east side, waitin' and watchin', see if the horses might show. Pretty as a picture, with sunshine, a breeze and clouds slidin' hither and yon. Kinda hate ta see the hunters come in; the land and the critters, so alive and aware, tryin' so hard to survive. Seldom get a sense, folks that come and go, there's any thankful feel. And, that just don't seem right.

So, maybe, there's somethin' for me; reminder to love all I can. It is, afterall, my great good fortune, be able to stay the year round, and, for that, I might could give thanks a my own.

Have a nice night!

Best,
jeune

War and Peace; the short version.

Good Evenin'

Well, more rain! And, quite some; welcome, welcome. Hopeful get our ponds back up, for we head into fall.

Otherwise, pretty simple; just a little wood huntin' 'tween showers. Checkin' my piles from last year, out yonder, under the trees, just west a camp. Hard as it come, wasn't too much dry and I resorted to some old cedar trees, had a few, kinda dry branches northeast side, lee a the storm.

The boys been hungry, hungry; likely knowin' the season's in flux and the damp air does get 'em up. Even the burros was callin' a flake and they been pretty content with their pasture.

We'll dry up here, day or two and hopeful, get back to work. Heap a cleanin' and mendin', get ready for winter, but, truthful it's all happy work. I am like ta have ta budget a little, though, where times are lean and some a my backers are runnin' dry. See if I can't come up with a little campaign raise some dough for hay. I know some'd figure feedin' horses a waist, but, way I figure, we get this foster home rollin', the horses make all the difference.

Maybe some day our politicians'll wise up; wars might look good on paper and make a few folks rich, but healin' and raisin' our kids, happy and smart, there's a future with hope.

Have a nice evenin'.

Best


jeune

Time and Pressure

Good Evenin'

And, it is rainin'. Welcome fact; we'uz dryin' out pretty bad. And, give me a good excuse take a nap, though I can, given day, turn most anything that way.

So, here's a little poem I run across today, writer's almanac and I just plain liked it;

At the County Fair, 1956
by Charles Darling

For a nickel, a machine
called An Expression of Faith
would take your dime
and squash it.
All tubes and gears and lights,
the thing would groan, squeak,
fart, smoke, and finally drop
a little silver oval in your hands,
hot as a pistol,
with Jesus's face on one side
and the Lord's Prayer on the other.
I took my medallion
home for Grandma,
but she wouldn't keep it
because it was Catholic
and had "trespasses"
instead of "debts"
and left out the part
about the kingdom
and the power and the glory.
She gave it back
and I went downtown
and set it on the railroad track.
And after the train went by
I had a piece of silver
smooth as glass and that
says something about
power and glory, by God.

***

Made a run to the tradin' post today; I'd been puttin' it off for better'n a week. I threw a couple a flakes, first thing, outta the truck. Julio was already waitin' for his but Ruben was still out, down the run, lookin' at something. I give a whistle and Ruben turned with a jump and come up the hill, ziggin' and zaggin', half humpin' ta buck, dippin' and tossin' his head, like a half hearted terror, too happy ta get serious, come up short and tall about 10 yards away, once he was back, the corral, case I forgot how handsome he was. I laughed and said "come on", pointin' his pile a hay. And, with a shake of his head, he dropped his nose and zeroed in.

All pretty simple, but it sure made me smile; when these boys come in off the forest, by way the Forest Service Pens, seems ta me they was pretty well squished. Young and scared; abnormal. I know they been here a while, but I kinda think they're past it and I like ta think that while, just give 'em the chance they needed.

How amazin' is that? Just a little time!

Have a nice night.

Jeune

jeune

Direction

Good Mornin'

Definitely, now, into the September cool; should mean some rain and we do have some cloud cover. Probably oughta peek at the weather, maybe start thinkin' of wood. Cool enough for a fire evenin' time, even just, take off the chill.

Still thinkin' about how things fit together, the book, the Bend, people I been meetin', the horses and something I been noticin'; maybe a difference tween' men and women. Occured to me how men are kinda good at fightin' the wars, even some women, now, with the curious attempt of women ta prove there "just as good", a questionable premiss, my mind, as men somehow remain "the standard", but, seems I been noticin' late, the funny emptiness that follows, "the war". Even as "the conqueror" stands on the podium, an uneasy question, haunts the air; "so, now, what?". Seems, to play out strangely, so as to avoid the question, "well, let's find another dragon ta slay", and, absent a real one, we simply create one.

Maybe why I'm so drawn to horses. When there's a threat, or question of a threat, my Big horse'll take the lead and most everyone'll cue off him, but I can't ignore, "peacetime" how the mares, really seem like the life of the herd. Thinkin' about younguns, feed and feel of the "herd". Order, like a good place to raise kids, where they'd get all the play and learnin', exposure to the old horses, for them to grow up and run a herd of their own.

So, out gettin' into a big theo-political debate, I suppose this lends itself to my consideration, this foster home comes together, kinda steer it toward the horses and the ladies. Seems to me, we seen enough of war for war sake and it might be well time, consider a life actually goin' some where, like the mares seem to know, raisin' smart, happy kids, in pastures, with good healthy grass.

Simple shift, but, oh, what a difference it might make.

Have a nice day!

Best

P.S. Sorry don't know who gets the credit on that picture, but thanks for sure!
jeune

Progress

Good Evenin'

And, yes we've had our September drop. Seems, past years, it'd happen right on the last day of the previous month; this year, about a week late. But, here it is. Still, warm days, but cooool nights. Favorite time of the year, I suppose.

Anyway, finally got out of the house; Davis, young fella from the truck depot called me up, ready to weld a gate on the Bend. Actually, the road north off the Bend, onto the BLM, or public land. Nice young fella, likes the rodeo; tellin' me all his stories from the saddle bronc, to the wild horse races. He's from Ojo Encino, which'd translate to Oak Springs, I believe, over on the "res". Turns out his Auntie, used to work at the Grocery store and I'd known her and missed her when she left; a real sweetheart. He agreed.

Anyway, he was gonna weld the gate over at the depot and bring it back, later this week; give me time to clean up the old grass and weeds, around the cattle guard, so's we don't start a fire. So, after he left, I took a hike back over, and give a start.

Great to get out; got to see the bunch on the way and Whichy, my pup got a swim. Long walk, little better'n a mile each way, but one fine way, spend a Sunday afternoon! Too tired give the bunch a kiss goodnight, off to the north of the road home; but cooler temps, book and the Bend, comin' along, hopeful gettin' out'll gettin' normal. That'd be a good thing!

Have a nice night!

Best,
jeune

By and By

Good Evenin'

Well, cooool, today! These are the days when ya wonder how ya'll ever make it through the winter. Only 70 degrees, with the front and sprinkles come through last night, storms to the south and a good breeze. Feels like your gonna freeze to death and ya wonder how ya'll ever manage Zero or ten below.

Anyway, didn't freeze. But, I did spend way too much time on the tele-co-munications, again. Same, same; all kinda inspiration and with the weekend, "free minutes". But, long run, good stuff. Looks like we gotta a blessing comin' together for the Bend. Whole bunch a wonderful women, I been meetin' late, wantin' ta come visit, see the horses and the land; figure we might as well make it a blessing, let everyone come, same time, get to know each other. Trade story.

Anyway, with the book fixin' ta ship, the blessin' on the Bend, all takin' shape, maybe I can get back to work and no one'll notice, 'cept me and the ponies. Course, now I gotta get on the horn, line up hay for winter and the dough to buy it. One a these days!

Can't complain, too much, by and large, everyone's well and fed, so far and, wise man once said, "if you let it, this life just gets better and better!". So, we'll just work on "lettin' it".

Tarred! Have a nice evenin'!

Best,


jeune

How Sweet?

Good Evenin'

Well, another nice mild day. Woke up determined ta get out and get after the fences and ponies. Never happened. Side swiped by connections; telecommunications with old friends, workin' on similar projects. What can ya do? Inspiration knocks, ya open the door.

Did finally manage a walk; almost dark. And, did find the bunch, over the hill and down in the valley. Pretty dark, so I couldn't stay long, 'out breakin' my neck, pickin' my way out a the sage. But, I did get a visit, give each one a scratch; "lick and a promise" as they say, kiss for the Queen Missy Mum.

Try to be "still" when I walk; empty myself out a the day. But, I couldn't help thinkin' all the wonderful people I been meetin'/re-meetin' and wonderin' how it all fits together.

Did occur to me, though, that prayer, St. Francis, "make me an instrument thy peace", rememberin' my heart teacher sayin' how, peace, love, happiness, Creator, really these are all, different words for one thing. So, if my math is correct, old Francisco, he was really askin' for Creator manifest him/herself; the grace/gift, get out the way, let that happen.

Another time, I recall, my heart teacher talkin' about "the song"; how anybody can hear it, but to sing it, requires a "different kind of commitment". So's you can tell, I do ponder these things; put 'em together, add and subtract, look from different angles, see if I got the "picture". And, best I can figure, old San Francisco, he was askin' for that commitment; maybe the "metal", like a flute, can truly hold a note.

I find that plumb amazin'! And, I suppose, there's another little piece a the puzzle, all addin' up, same, same; "amazin' grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me". Sound so sweet it can change a life; so sweet it can change a life? That's gotta be sweet. And, I reckin', precisely why they called Francisco a saint.

Have a nice evenin'.

Best,

jeune

Coyo Tay Ho'

Good Afternoon,

And, recoverin', I reckin'; run to Yellow Earth, see an old friend, meet a new one, get to talk to a horse. My neighbor friends, lookin' to get outta the house, see some dogs, havin' lost three this past year; one to cancer, two, we suspect, to gopher bait, placed by a careless neighbor, mom and daughter, Dianne and Danielle, missin' their help with their goats. Me knowin' Sandy, who not only runs the wild horse sanctuary, but also serves as the "de facto" lost dog shelter for most a northern New Mexico.

Didn't particular wanta go, or better, didn't particular wanta leave, all there is needs doin', hereabouts, but I had planted the seed, 'mong the parties, that Sandy did have some boarder collies and Dianne and Danielle were lookin'. And, I sure had been wantin' to meet Headlight and Melody, an artist and wild horse advocate, that moved in up there, give Sandy a hand. By the way, I have another friend believes Headlight needs a new name and came up with Coyo Tay Ho', which I kinda like, though I might stick to Headlight for the blog here, where there are so many folks, known him for so many years that way. And, he does belong to the folks up yonder, who seem to be satisfied with his old name.

Anyway, up we went; drove over to my neighbors and we all piled in their little honda, economy sake. And, it is one beautiful drive, here to there; up over the divide, down Mares Canyon to the Llaves Valley, and up through the notch, cross a curious stretch a desert, southeast corner of the Jicarilla, passed El Vado lake to a large plain, about ten miles west of Tierra Amarilla.

The girls all had a great time visitin' and sharin' stories, horse, goat, dog and fowl and soon as I could, I broke off and went ta find Headlight. I'm told he's quite a character and long as there's feed, he don't go too far, likin' to keep abreast a goin's on around the barnyard; passin' through several times a day. I found him just west a the barn, over a small rise, grazin' with his girlfriend.

And, I reckin' I knew a lot more about him than he about me, so it's no wonder he wasn't too quick to cozy up, where I also, bore some resemblance to the rodeo crowd, he likely didn't miss too much; least compared to the pasture and company he'd found down here. I walked a little, this way and that, kinda off to the side, get his attention, then pretty much set down, let him size me up and he did, maybe 20 yards off. As a younger horse, he'd run with the mares, southern Idaho, northern Nevada, Owyhee River Basin, though he'd been gelded later on, for his rodeo career and he met my fact with studly posture and curiosity; little wonder where even his later encounters with "man" had been, pretty much, conflict oriented.

Anyway, I sat a while, watchin' him graze, his "miss" peakin' out around him, once they figured I was pretty well set, took a few pictures and headed back, figurin', hopin' I'll get another chance, maybe, ta visit again; stay a little longer, maybe get a little closer.

But it did make me think, always, pretty much, anytime with a horse, but this case special, how the past can color our "now"; not exactly breakin' news. But, for me, knowin' his story, his career, his age, his "up for sale", knowin' the risk, raisin' a holler, makin' a fuss, gettin' folks interested, now seein' him here and all the feelings come with, he couldn't imagine. And, I figure it's same with us; we can get so sure of "how things are", based on "how they were", that we can not imagine anything else, when fact is, everyday we wake up, there's a universe of possibilities before us; and some of 'em could be good.

Have a nice night!

Best,

P.S. We did come home with a collie; Sierra. And, what I hear, she's so fast, the goats are sure they brought home four.
jeune

Neighbors

Good Mornin'

Well, just when I figured it wasn't gonna rain any time soon and pulled the tarp, it rained. Nothin' over whelming; a shower early, likely four o'clock. And, a pretty fair cloud cover, Chaco to Taos, least what I can see; a little thinner to the southeast.

And, truthfully, it wasn't so much the rain, or lack, that inspired me pull the tarp, it was a pack rat. I'd been hearin' the carryin' on, and seen droppings about the house, tent, and finally figured we needed to talk; the sweet rodent, having already stored up several pounds of pigweed under the tarp and eaten a nice new hole in my nice new tarp. So, I give the house a good sweep, pulled the tarp and uncovered the nest, outside, under the tarp, north side of the "foyer"; my new friend, lookin' up sweetly, when I discovered his/her camp, fully decorated with cooking utensils I'd been missin', weeds, cactus, trimmins of horse hoof, a tin cup and a tube of Ivermectin, and most of the back side a my blanket, nicely woven together into a pretty fair sleepin' bag.

I guess, I might notta looked too friendly, as he/she didn't wait for a discussion, but high tailed it East for the barn and I raked up the debris. Mixed emotions, some, as they are amazingly joyful critters; something about the way they move, judgin' by the sound, fits and starts, suggestin' random outburst of happiness, at all the wonderful junk available for furnishin' a nice house.

Anyway, hopeful, I rearrange the tarp for winter, that new hole can fit sommer's it won't matter much and, seems my rodent friend, has found a new apartment, just close enough to visit, but not so close so's to impose; good enough.

And, I'm supposed to run up to T.A. lunch time, with my neighbors, see Sandy and her friends, up at the wildhorse sanctuary, so the neighbor can look at her collection of stray dogs, see if any might work on their ranch; it's a rideshare, where I get to finally meet Headlight, the world famous buckin' horse we saved from the auction. So, I guess I'll leave'r there, get my chores done, 'fore I go.

Have a great day!

Best,

P.S. That's Headligh, up top, photo courtesy of Mary Williams Hyde, www.buckaroocountry.com
jeune

Taller Yet

Good Afternoon,

And, ya, another peach! Got up a little late; up late listenin' to my neighbors cows ballin', complainin' 'bout the patch a dirt he's had 'em penned up on, better'n a week now. Considerin' a walk with my wire cutters; figurin' how ta make it look "natural", where he might reconsider, just how long ya can starve a cow 'fore they take matters in hand, or horn, as the case may be. Anyway, it's quiet today; either he musta broke down and fed 'em, turned 'em out or, my experiments in telepathy worked, and the cows tore a hole in the fence last night.

Otherwise, just chewin' on this "taller" question; as it does sometimes occur, "that next step can seem like a wall". And, take it a "step" futher, less ya get taller, sometimes it's hard, distinguish a step from a wall; even know which way to go.

But, then there are those words of wisdom, passed down through time, like, "more faith, more grace". And, I suppose I like those special, 'cause they're so simple and easy to see. So much bein' given every day; life! And, seems to me, I can either worry or trust. Worry, I've heard compared to a rockin' chair; it'll pass time, but it'll never get ya anywhere. Trust, well, it really is like that plant; it might not look like it's doin' anything, but, sure enough, in it's very stillness, it's soakin' up that light and just lettin' it turn to "tall". Wow!

Have a nice afternoon!

Best,
jeune

Light Weedin'

Good Mornin'

And, another fine cooler one, at that; chance a showers they say. Same yesterday, though I don't recall a one. But, even a little cloud cover is welcome; keep the evaporation down, 'till we do get some.

Heard an interestin' supposition, here, last night, listen the voice of my heart teacher, as I'm inclined, come time to cook. He was talkin' about steps and how, sometimes a step can seem like a wall. Then he offered how, sometimes "gettin' taller" is the only way forward.

Well, I was pretty amazed, where, just recent, (an entry here, "Unfolded") I was talkin' about a dream, where I stood up and realized I was "taller" than a past I recalled. And, the similarity with my current situation, where I can see all kinda ways forward, but I'm not quite sure if and/or how to step up; "could I ever grow up to that?".

So, just him talkin' about "life" and how that works, really touched me; affirming that, "yes, there really is something I can do and it can make all the difference!". And, I suppose the other, very inspiring part of it, was him admitting, in his own life and work, how, he really didn't know "how" that works, coupled with his happy assertion, that it does; that he couldn't be there, then, sayin' this, if it didn't. And, knowin' him, the undeniable knowin', "he's right; me, too!".

I, neither know "how" it works, but does it, has it; well, I couldn't be here today, if it didn't. "Consider the lillies of the field...", I'm smilin', but, really, think about anything that grows; they keep their toes in the dirt, they look for the light and they take full advantage of every drop of rain.

Even here, right outside my door, or flap, as the case may be; a month ago the corral was clean. Just thirty days and a little rain and there's weeds three foot tall. Unbelievable, what can happen , when ya just stick ta businees, whatever your business may be.
Feet on the ground, look for the light and take full advantage, any, every, drop of rain!

Have a great day!

Best,

jeune

Higher Education

Good Mornin'

And, a very nice one, it is. Read a nice native story yesterday, see if I can cut and paste it.

By Sharron John, Creek

"Long ago the Creator looked out over the perfect world he had made, at the oceans, mountains, plains, deserts, lakes and rivers and he was pleased. He looked upon the plants and trees and was happy at what he saw. Still he felt there was something missing.

There was no movement, nothing to enjoy the beauty he had created. So he created the animals, birds, creepers, and fish. He made them in all sizes, forms, colors and shapes. As he watched them roam over Mother Earth, enjoying the beauty of his creations he was pleased with all that he had done. Life continued on Mother Earth in perfect balance and harmony.

Many moons passed and one day the animals, birds, creepers, and fish called out to their Creator: "We thank you for all that you have given us, for all the beauty that surrounds us; however, everything is so plentiful that we have nothing to do but wander here and there, with no purpose to our lives.

The Creator gave great thought to their request. After a while he showed himself again to his creations. He told them he would give them a weaker creature to take care of, to look after and teach. This creature would not be so perfect as his other creations. It would come upon Mother Earth weak, small, and knowing nothing.

So the Creator made man and woman and all his other creations were happy. Now they truly had a purpose in life: to care for these helpless humans; to teach them how to find food and shelter, and to show them the healing herbs.

The humans under the care of all, multiplied and grew to be many. Still the animals, birds, creepers, and fish took care of them. As the humans became stronger, they demanded more and more from their brothers. Finally there came a day when a human man demanded more food than he needed, and the animal would not grant him his request. The man in great anger, picked up a rock and killed the animal. From the dead animal the man discovered that he could use the meat to feed himself and the skin to cover his body. The bones, claws, and teeth would be his trophys to show the other humans that now he was as smart as the animals.

When he showed these things to the other humans, in their greed to have all that he had, they started killing all of their animal brothers around them.

The Creator watched them all: humans, animals, birds, creepers, and fish. Finally he called the remaining animals, birds, creepers, and fish to him. The Creator told them that he had decided to take them all to his spirit home and leave the humans to rule over Mother Earth for a period of time; until they recognized the error of their ways.

The animals knowing that the humans could not survive without them, begged the Creator to take pity on their human brothers and sisters.

Because the animals showed compassion and pity for ones weaker and less wise then theirselves, the Creator listened to their pleas. Because you are good and have followed my ways I will grant you your prayer. In order to protect you I will no longer allow you to speak with humans or guide and protect them. I will make you afraid of them so that you will no longer approach them. I will create a spirit animal to represent each of you and to this spirit animal I will grant one gift that he may use. If a human lives in a good and kind way and follows my path, they may ask me for one of my spirit animals to guide and keep them on my path. This spirit animal will only come to humans who have a good heart.

And so today we seek our spirit keepers to learn how to be as kind and wise as our animal brothers. In seeking them we wish to learn how to please the Creator, as the animals did before us.

***

Thought about it afterwards and wondered how I might could do that. Then, a course, this mornin' it hit me, how Creator is generally four ta five miles ahead of us, understatin' the question, by some ex-ponential factor, and thought about the horses, I've known since I first could walk and likely before. My great happiness, when I could go down to the barn all by myself and the horses, aware of my happiness with them, started to show me, how things work.

Then I got sent to school and I wouldn't say that went so well; by contrast, pre-historic, backwards or somethin'. But then, there was the "Christmas Play" and they made me a shepherd. I reckin' that iced the cake; beginnin' of the end of my dance with "education".

Still and all, unbelievable all we, sometimes, have to go through, years and trouble upon trouble, to understand, what we were shown, pretty much day one.

So, maybe, like they say, better late than never and today is, the first day, rest of my life.

Have a nice one!

Best,

jeune

Reckinin' Wrecks

Good Afternoon

Well, a sweet cool mornin' and we squeaked past another full moon; "blue" moon, I'm told. Mares come in low, pasture down the hill, just, off chance, they might make a baby 'fore fall and maybe I should have considered the odds, "once in a blue moon", but I guess I'd made up my mind; "less things line up early, May or June, don't wanta see, anyone, carry a foal through the heat!", which'd be the case startin' off this time a year.

Anyway, did make some headway on our fence off The Bend and none too soon I reckin'; woke up this mornin' by a hoop and a holler, some car bein' raced up the road. Six o'clock in the mornin', first day a bow season; hunters! And, sound of things, already a six pack down.

Occurred to me the "scary" part, folks get out here and "think" there's no law; that laws all about "officers" and "rangers", lawyers and judges. Fact is we don't have any a that, but nature has it's own and by contrast some tougher. And, nobody likes a wreck.

Kinda reminds me, my horse mentor Tom, someone asked him about young horses buckin' and him sayin', essential, "I just don't go there; why put a worry like that in the head of a horse.". Always kept that consideration real close, over the years, workin' with young ones and it always worked out pretty good.

Another favorite a mine, was a quote from a fella trained herd dogs; "if you're trainin' a pup and he's doin' somethin' wrong, accordin' to you, but right, to his instinct, correct 'em later. Correct 'em at the wrong time, and he'll start to figure you don't understand and can't be trusted!".

Same way with a horse, you push 'em into a situation, where they're clearly uncomfortable and then they blow, what's a horse supposed ta think? "Clearly this person doesn't understand anything and I sure, can't trust 'em!".

So, ya, I never met a critter, really liked a wreck, whether them or someone else; it just perpetuates the doubt and fear, that we can't understand and there's no point tryin'. And that's a desperate world; like the french for no hope.

So, I'll go fix fence and post a few signs; just a reminder, that even out here there are limits and boundaries and we oughten suppose there's no law; ya get too wild and fail to observe, the results are not always fun. Ask old Freeman, but ya can't, 'cause he already passed away and I reckin' the hunter, pulled the trigger, mighta wished he'd a little more thought things out.

So, good for hunters and sure, have a beer, but, again, quote old Tom, "feel, timin' and balance'll, sure get ya down the road"; could be happier, long run. Trust and a smile.

Have a nice day!

Best,

jeune