Today, as I was cleaning the goat pen (I do this on Wednesdays), I thought some about how the things I do provide me with time to think. My thoughts usually go around and around, like cars in a roundabout, but sometimes they shoot out into the requisite lane. It is odd that I would rely upon this analogy because I don’t like roundabouts. I feel when I approach one, that I’m taking my life in my hands. I am never sure which lane to get into. I sometimes get it right. When I get it wrong, I hear the angry honking of horns. DGNPNY doesn’t have a horn so I never get to honk back. Instead, I grimace and then give a friendly wave. In my mind, the safest and quickest way of getting

Ryder and Shadow

from Point A to Point B on the road is via the good old four lane intersection. I most like those that lack stoplights because then you have to negotiate with the other drivers as to when it’s your turn.

My thoughts – a lot of what I do around here is mindless activity. Pete does all the thinking; for instance, measuring, figuring out cuts, and sizing are integral to building. And cooking, measuring ingredients, and paying attention to timing are mindful activities.

I spend a lot of time picking up animal poop, horse, chicken, goat, and dog to be exact. I also am the one who empties out the compost bucket. I’m okay with doing these sorts of chores. I do like, when finished, to turn around and look with satisfaction on the clean environs.

I also spend time thinking when walking the horses to the mounting block area, which is now smack dab in the middle of the new access trail that our neighbor Sebastian put in. And I spend time thinking when riding our trails.

This is what I thought today – it was the opening day of hunting season here in Game Management Unit 14A. The hunters, many of whom want a jump on things, were out buzzing around the hood on their ATVs. I later got to the trails and was dismayed to find that, yes, the access trail provided them with access, and they have been taking full advantage of it. The trails that we ride on are getting increasingly more torn up.

I did attempt to think about other things – like the challenge of dressing for rainy weather. This, I think is going to be key to continuing to ride in the rain. Today my innermost layer consisted of long underwear, tops and bottom. My middle layer consisted of a fleece jacket and riding pants. And my outermost layer consisted of a nylon wind breaker and rain pants. Add to the upper layer, a bright yellow reflective jacket that Pete bought for me a year ago.

I’m now quite the sight when I’m out on the trails. The dogs and horses now have brightly colored flagging on their collars and halters. I am wearing the above-mentioned reflective coat. And in addition, my footwear consists of lowcut Extra Tough rubber boots.

My great idea – I put the reflective coat over the saddle, to keep it dry, then at the trailhead put it on. And, lastly, I fastened the cow bell with straps around the horses’ necks. Tinni didn’t like it and prepared to bolt. But the mares were just fine with this.

Next: 235. 8/26/21: Sending Love out into the World