I figured out today that being in balance is going to require me to make a shift in terms of my priorities. And this will involve single minded intensity of focus.

Today I decided to get the horses out. The weather wasn’t quite as nice as yesterday; it was slightly overcast. But it was looking like it would be a nice day. So I first took Hrimmi out, and took the dogs along. I did our trails. Hrimmi did stop several times, but she also had a smidgeon more get up and go.

Alys riding to the bench

I think that getting her out now, when there’s no snow to distract her, is the best thing for her. If I can get her moving now, it might become habitual. She actually does best when she goes out with the other horses, but since I am riding by myself, I can only take her out alone. I’m just going to continue to do this.

Then I took Raudhetta out after work. It was still light at 5:30 p.m. and so the window of opportunity was wide open. I again rode our trails. But looking around, I could see where I might, in the next few days, vary the route.

The bank thermometer read 46˚ F degrees. Something is amiss. It isn’t supposed to be this warm in late February. I told Pete that I foresee that it could get pretty hot, even this spring. He said he thought that we might get a lot of rain. Neither sounds very desirable.

I can’t imagine what it’s going to be like lower in the Lower-48. 100˚ F plus degree temperatures for days on end is not desirable. Humans have a limited temperature range that they can function in. But dogs, cats, and livestock, they don’t do well with this either.

So, I did well today, getting the horses out. And I am going to do the same tomorrow.

After riding, I went swimming. I first hopped in the hot tub then I swam then I hopped back in the hot tub again. I did feel better when I got out. I have been trying to convince Pete to do the same, but he remains unaware of the highly therapeutic aspects of immersing oneself in chlorinated water.

I wasn’t going to go to work, but after swimming, I changed my mind. It was a good thing that I did. There were eight volunteers today, cleaning books in the former banquet room of the historic Eagle Hotel. They are a very dedicated lot. Now these individuals have single minded intensity of focus.

In fact, they cleaned so many books that there are not a lot left to deal with. I have to have enough on hand on Friday for the third graders. This is what I call a happy problem.

It was so warm out that I considered stocking the little libraries in Buggee Park and the Amoosement Park. Then I reminded myself that the weather could still turn.

Next: 57. 2/26/25: And it's only Midweek