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19 December ~2008

Today I got up and threw my backpack of cordless drills and drillbits into the truck bed.  I loaded the dog carriers and then went to call Ben and Maggie and Mollie in, telling them we are going to horse rescue.  They acted like they already knew, as they do every time.  I haven't figured out how my getting ready noises are that much different from a normal workday, but somehow they pick up that they are going to the CHR Ranch.

Our routine is that I stop for bagels and coffee, and bring each of them one to eat as we head through Boulder and north towards Rabbit Hill (Lyons).

After a run into the white fields, the dogs stay in the large dog kennel while I work, waiting patiently for me to finish.

Today I was busy in the sheds in the mare's pasture, putting on more split flexible tubing on the metal fronts so the horses don't cut themselves.  When the morning started to warm some I took a break and played my harmonica.    This got the attention of quite a few of the mares who came over to inspect everything I was doing .

Some of the horses are friendlier than others, and will go out of their way to greet me when I am crossing the pasture.  I stop and they press their noses against my side,  their way of saying they like my company.

After I was done I put my tools away and walked the grounds with my three dog buddies.  Ben and Mollie checked out the prairie dog holes, then climbed the manure and hay piles.  Maggie follows along behind them, but before long turns back to me, never wanting to be far away.    It is starting to feel like we are in two pairs on our walks - Ben and Mollie out exploring and me and Maggie following along behind.

I was worn out by the time I got home in midafternoon.  I fed the dogs and then took a nap, to try to get some energy for the evening dances.  

I like staying home, and it doesnt take much of an excuse for me to do so.  I realize though it is good for me to be around people as well as animals, so I almost force myself to go out.  

The beauty of these weekend dances it is that you never know what is going to happen, - what songs the bands will play, who might be there for you to dance with.  I almost always have a great time - holding spirited women tight, moving together to the music.  It's a life that suits me awful good - the right amount of solitude and freedom, then the company of athletic women who like to dance.  Their embraces seem a little warmer during the holiday season.




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