Sunday, May 8, 2005

Nice Saturday

Cliff took the chainsaw back to the cabin and cleared the overhanging limbs on a riding trail that were too big for me to handle with the nippers and bow saw.  He also felled enough trees for me to have a view of the Missouri River from the cabin; mostly scrub brush, but one really big tree.  We had three tag-along kids with us:  Tyler, one of the twins who spends so much time here; Anna, my twelve-year-old riding partner; and her brother, Quinton.  I'll bet they all ended up with ticks hitch-hiking on their bodies, not to mention a big dose of poison ivy.  We took a tractor-bucket-load of firewood to the cabin, so next time I spend the night, I can have a longer-lasting campfire.  I think I'll wait for some rain, though, before I have an open fire back there.  Things are awfully dry!  I had to edit and add this later because I forgot to mention, I now have a propane stove in the cabin, which means I can make coffee in the mornings, after I spend the night.

I had a short ride with my daughter and Buddy after dinner, then rode alone for a longer time, after the Kentucky Derby.  Blue is in great shape, and never shows signs of wearing out; I can't get enough of riding him!

That horse up the road that's for sale will probably end up here.  He's twenty-two years old and well-broke, which sounds like a perfect horse for youngsters.  The fellow who owns him said he really didn't know how much to ask for him, and I offered $200.  He seemed happy with that, and even has a saddle to go with the horse.  He said he knew the horse would have a good home with me (they see me ride by often) and thinks it would be nice for him to have company, after years of being the solitary horse there.  Even if we only get a couple of good years out of him, I think we'll get our money's worth.  I imagine within two years, the grandchildren will have lost interest in riding, anyhow.  Some horses are sound and arthritis-free into their thirties; I'll give him a chance! 

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hope it works out and what a bargin that was.   It will be nice for him to have company.

Anonymous said...

Oh goody, another horse.  What's his name? And when do we get a pic?

Bnana

Anonymous said...

God does work in mysterious ways !  It doesn't seem that long ago, you were pondering the purchase of Blue -  now, blessing upon blessing in the "horse" arena ! :)  Can a Jersey cow be far behind??  Have a wonderful Mother's Day !

Anonymous said...

Sounds as if you have the perfect hangout. A pretty view of the river along with being able to have a campfire and some good hot coffee. Bet that new mattress does make the sleeping more pleasant. You are surely good for & with all those neighbor's children. Sounds as if the new horse will be happy too. He won't be lonesome some anymore. Happy Mother's Day! Helen

Anonymous said...

Woo Hoo! Good for you! I always love when a 'retiree' finds a home with someone who has kids and needs a gentle 'teacher'... The horse continues to get love and the children get someone TO love!
http://journals.aol.com/astaryth/AdventuresofanEclecticMind

Anonymous said...

More "horseing" around, huh? Think it's great you gave the old horse a new life!! rich

Anonymous said...

woo hoo....glad you can make coffee at the cabin now.  That is a nice necessity!
Awesome that the horse was well-broke and inexpensive.  
Sonya

Anonymous said...

How exciting....a new horse!  Sounds like you both have a good deal going.  Anne

Anonymous said...

I'm so happy for your new horse! If I remember, horses are social animals...he must have been so lonely.

Anonymous said...

That sounds like a sweetheart of a deal! I wish I could find something like that for Brook! Belle is too much horse for a young person.