Late summer

 

I drove Nova to the horse barn on Sunday morning, the same place we went on that cold evening in March, when the muddy snow and frozen manure covered the pastures. What a difference.

In exchange for doing light chores, Nova gets to ride Ginger, a fine horse. Their excellent instructor, Annie B,  gave the girls a surprise lesson in the outdoor arena. 

Watching took me back to my own attempts with Sizzle to become a better rider through dressage lessons. An old Quarterhorse and a cowgirl at heart.  Neither of us were crazy about lessons and happier just ambling down a trail in a western saddle. A "lazy" rider.

But as you can see, Nova is becoming a fine and poised rider. She's also a good student with a great attitude around horses. It's hard work.

Anyway. It was hot and the flies were really pestering the horses so Nova gave Ginger a nice cool rinse afterwards with the garden hose.

Everyone is busy here with friends and activities, as it should be. School starts tomorrow, and things will get even busier.  But this was a good visit. Maya and I also had a bit of quality time making a cake-- a German style plum kuchen. As usual, I went to the Saturday market with Amanda and the girls.

Speaking of plums, time to pick and start canning ours. John said people have been knocking on the door, wanting some free fruit. They are pretty tempting from the sidewalk, and I guess people assume they are going to waste. The fact is, we always give the extras to our friends and neighbors.

Relaxing moments in downtown Twisp. 

Things are quiet on the river and the deer seem unnaturally tame. The construction does not faze them at all. The fawns walk right by my river chair, looking clueless and bleating for their mothers. I suppose they are being weaned and ignored. They pick at leaves but don't seem happy about it.

Back to the city today.