Now that’s a title that promises a lot of horse talk. I will do my best to live up to it. The sun was up this morning before we were – a good sign, it’s up earlier and earlier and setting later and later, as it should.

I finished my article about my Mountain Village trip and wrote up my director’s report for the upcoming Bright Lights Book Project board meeting. Pete went to check on the bees (they are spending the winter in a friend’s heated tack room) and returned home and announced that they are fine and looking strong. We are going to order a second hive, and hopefully it will remain a second hive.

Then Pete and I went to town and greeted a couple who had 800 children’s books on hand.

We didn’t linger in the former banquet room of the historic Eagle Hotel. Rather, we headed home and, because there was more than enough daylight, we got Tyra and Raudi out on our trails. The conditions were actually pretty good for a jaunt. The snow was a few inches deep, and just a little punchy. And in places, under the snow, there were icy spots. Fortunately, the ice shoes on the horses made for little slippage. There was just one questionable uphill stretch. I shifted my weight onto to Raudi’s neck and we made it up the short incline just fine. She and Tyra were chipper, and when asked to canter, both obliged.

The dogs also had a wonderful time. I watched as Shadow half jumped, half scrambled over a two foot high log.

It was a wonderful outing, in part because the horses were not distracted by the grass. After, I took Hrimfara for a walk and then cleaned the enclosure. Tyra’s poop is looking a little splatty again. It could go either way. I’m hoping that with the warmer weather that her poop will return to normal.

I got to thinking as I was riding today. I must find a balance between my book and horsey lives. I must, I must, I must. If I do less book work, perhaps others will pick up the slack. I’m going to give it a try. Tomorrow, I am getting my hairs cut at 10:30 a.m. Then I’m going swimming. Then I’m coming home, and weather permitting, taking Hrimfara out for a ride.

Tuesday the balance is going to shift in favor of the book project. I have Foraker Group Training from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Books are coming in at 1:00 p.m., but first I must take care of the animals. This will include feeding, watering, and picking up their poop. Pete is going to Juneau, so I will have to do all this plus bring in wood and keep the place warm. Oh yes, and I also have to get the dogs out for a walk. I have a BLBP Board meeting in the evening.

History is going to repeat itself on Wednesday and Thursday, because I am going to have two more meetings.

This all seems like high hoops to jump, but once I get over them, they will seem inconsequential. Crumb bum.

Next: 41 2/10/25: Productive, not Busy