Tyra: Who is that strange guy, the one who has a head of hair that’s the color of my coat?
Alys: That’s Pete’s brother, Pat.
T: He seems like a nice guy.
A: Yesterday he rode Raudi to Grizzly Camp.
T: Oh my goodness, you should have heard what Raudi had to say about that.
A: What did she have to say?
T: She said that the guy on her back was a pushover – you see, he would tap her very gently on the behind with the crop when he wanted her to stop grazing.
A: And she wasn’t listening.
T: No, because she didn’t have to.
A: But we managed to get to Grizzly Camp and back.
T: Raudi cooperated, somewhat because she thought that perhaps Alys would have Pat get on Hrimmi and she would ride Raudi.
A: The thought did cross my mind.
T: And it also crossed my mind.
A: Raudi also cooperated because Pete’s brother wasn’t all that heavy.
T: None of us have ever had to carry a heavyweight.
A: I will never let it happen.
T: The guy, he didn’t know what to do with the reins.

204 Alys and Tyra

A: Yeah, I didn’t say much, I figured that there would be just one outing.
T: How long is he going to be here?
A: Until Wednesday.
T: Is he going to ride again?
A: I don’t think so.
T: You mean that he doesn’t like riding?
A: No, I think that Pete is intent on showing him around.
T: So Pete isn’t keen on doing additional rides?
A: Nope.
T: Pete’s been riding me a lot lately. This must mean that I’m special.
A: He’s riding you because my saddle doesn’t fit me.
T: But it fits him?
A: Sort of.
T: Are you getting a new saddle?
A: I’m just waiting for one that fits you to appear.
T: I think you need to shop around.
A: I don’t have the time.
T: Sure you do.
A: Like when?
T: Just give up a day of riding.
A: Never.
T: I think that you should convince that guy with the orange hair to stick around. He could then help out with the chores.
A: Great idea. He’s not a northern bred. He comes from a place where it never snows.
T: So he doesn’t like the cold?
A: That’s right.
T: But who does?
A: Some of us are able to tolerate it better.
T: Plus, you have that Refrigirware suit.
A: That’s right. Pretty soon I’ll start wearing it again.
T: And you’ll again start blanketing Tinni.
A: That’s right.
T: The two of us have become buddies.
A: So you are no longer chasing him when he’s in the pen?
T: Only if he starts eating my hay.
A: You are heartless.
T: Some have also said that I’m spinless.
A: I don’t think that either term is correct. I’d say that at times, you are somewhat selfish.
T: Me? Selfish?
A: Okay. I take it back. I take everything back. Enjoy your evening meal.

Next: 205. 7/26/21: Chi Gong