Saturday Slight

 

A big orange moon.

A "hoot hoot" from an owl next door.

Cold air piercing through my layers, headed for the bones. 

All of the above greeted my first trip outside with Bridie this morning. 

It's definitely autumn out there with some aspects enhanced by forest-fire smoke.

It's also reunion weekend in Sandpoint.  My brother Mike and his wife Mary are here for their 60th class reunion. 

I heard that the Class of 1961 was also gathering somewhere yesterday.

Many others of all ages are descending upon Sandpoint this afternoon for the "All Classes Reunion," which includes SHS classes from 1950-1966. 

They'll be meeting at the fairgrounds today. 

The Class of 1982 met for the first time last night, and they'll be gathering at City Beach for today's segment. 

I'll be spending some time with them later today.

And, then, we'll go to The Cabin to hang out with family members and "outlaws" for the afternoon. 

Seems like the weather, after the morning chills, will be perfect for the Bulldog alums and for hanging out.

Hope everyone has a great time. 

Yesterday was pretty productive for me. 

I loaded CB in the trailer and took him over to my sisters' arena where they were nice enough to help me get him ready to ride and to get myself mentally ready to ride. 

After climbing aboard, I was still a bit nervous, riding him for the first time this year, but CB helped my confidence considerably by just plodding around the arena, like a good boy. 

After a few rounds, we spent the rest of our time maneuvering through a trail course, which Barbara and Laurie have set up for their trail obstacle lessons. 

I told my sisters that I've become an instant believer in the discipline of walking over bridges, walking over, between and backing through poles and turning 360 degrees in confined spaces. 

The need to think about strategies for each step erases all fear, and the need to follow the driver's instructions keeps the horse focused also. 

CB responded beautifully, and any fears I had at the beginning were replaced by supreme satisfaction. 

We were not perfect by any means, but the feeling of making it through the obstacles reasonably well and staying on my horse was indescribable. 

My sisters have opened up a slot of their time and their arena on Tuesday mornings for retirees who'd like to work with the trail obstacles.  

They also host a session on Monday nights.  It's free for members of the Emerald Empire Arabian Club and $5 a session for nonmembers. 

If anyone out there is interested, they should contact Barbara or Laurie (both are on Facebook or through the Emerald Empire Arabian Club Facebook site).

I thank my sisters for their patience and willingness to help me rebuild my confidence in riding horses. 

After coming home and having a body still willing to dive into projects, I spent the afternoon making plum jelly---17 jars. 

Later, family members got together for Friday night dinner.  

A good day, indeed. 

It was also a good day in Fort Worth for Boston, who completed her Extreme Mustang Makeover youth classes with freestyle with Uptown Girl and with the Billy Joel classic playing in the background. 

Boston finished fourth overall in the two days of competition and sold her young mare to a family from Texas. 

She did a magnificent job training Uptown Girl. 

Congratulations, Boston, and Happy Saturday to all. 

Evening view from The Blue Heron Restaurant at Samuels Store. 

CB is a keeper. 

Sister Barbara taking her young horse Vinnie through the trail obstacles.  It's called "trail in hand." 

My sisters' horses who came to greet CB when we pulled into their driveway. 

Boston, gearing up in her role for yesterday's liberty class with Uptown Girl in Fort Worth.