Slight Detour: Sunday Miscellany

It's a delicious time at the Lovestead, especially during each morning's watering session.

That hose takes me past ripe raspberries, sweet sun gold cherry tomatoes and ripe blueberries.

And, yes, what a treat this time of year to walk past, pluck any fruit from its bush and pop it in the mouth.

I won't be chomping on raw green beans but will be adding them soon to the summer list of "picking and grinning."

And, wherever Mama Deer hasn't nipped their tops, the potato plants out behind the barn are showing pretty blossoms.

It's always fun and nourishing when the fruits of labor are on display all around the yard.

It's also a challenge to keep up with them as the major crops all come on at once.

I'm not complaining, though.

Today's watering and mouth-watering sampling of garden treats will have to wait until later because Lily and I are going to the horse show this morning.

Once we get settled at the fairgrounds, Jade and several other family members/friends will show up.

We may be doing the usual "hurry up and wait," as is customary at many horse shows.

Once we have an idea that the Appaloosa heritage class is coming up, we'll dress Lily in Nez Perce accessories loaned to us by Aaron Penney, and Jade will change into her traditional Coeur d'Alene regalia.

Fortunately, we had an opportunity yesterday to do a dress rehearsal to see just how Lily would react to all those extras, including some jingling from bells and from a series of cartridge shells across her breast plate.

The experience turned out to be pretty much a yawner for Lily. She didn't seem to care.

So, we're hoping she'll display the same laid-back attitude when she and Jade and our friend Nancy enter the ring.

In short, it's a strikingly beautiful combination of horse, rider and apparel.

Plus, there's a great story "connecting the dots/spots" of Appaloosa history, along with nuggets of Coeur d'Alene and NezPerce tribal culture.

It's been a fun week coordinating this idea. I first mentioned the possibility to Jade last weekend. For a young lady who's had very little horseback riding experience, she has been an enthusiastic and willing trooper.

As we took the plan forward one step at a time, she commented, "I'm willing to try anything once."

Let's hope she'll have so much fun she'll do it twice.

So, it's a busy day ahead. If you're local and reading this, make your way over to the fairgrounds today to enjoy the heritage class and a blend of Western-oriented classes.

Happy Sunday.