I’m not used to the sun setting earlier. I’m going by old habits, which is get out at 9:00 p.m., feed and clean up after the horses, and then go for a ride. Tonight it was getting dusky as I was cleaning up after Raudi. But I decided to go for a ride anyways.

We went up Jim’s Road, and down the diagonal trail, onto Siggi’s trail. By the time we got to Jawbone Junction, it was dark. We were close to the turn when Raudi alerted, meaning stopped, raised her head and pricked her ears. I knew that she was not just waiting for a treat because she stood stock still and did not twist her head in my direction.

In the past she might have done a 360 and bolted. In such instances I either came off or hung on and rode out her very fast gallop.

Instead, she quickly veered to the left, into the brush. Together, we cut the corner and re-merged on the trail. So whatever it was out there, we went around it. I simultaneously wish that I’d seen it and was glad that I did not. If I saw it, I might have dismounted and been eaten.

It could have been an alien, just landed. If it had been, and I saw it, I would have peed my pants. No telling what Raudi would have done.

Once again, I was glad to have been on a very smart and sensible horse. A few years back, I would never thought that I’d say this about Raudi.

Afterwards, I praised her lavishly and then some. I also gave her a few treats. I hope she knew that she’d done the right thing. After 23 years, yeah, she must have had some idea that this was the correct thing to do.

I always look forward to coming home and spending time with the horses. Tonight was no exception. I will, in the future, have more time to spend with them all. And maybe I’ll have a few more Icelandics. Three is a herd, but it’s a small herd. I want a large herd and a lot of land for them all to run around on.

It was, before coming home, yet another long day. I have now boxed up 95 boxes of books. In the process of doing this I organized and parted company with hundreds of books. So now there’s more room for incoming books. Plus (and very importantly) I better know where books are.

My foot appointment, which took place in Sutton, at the Native Health Clinic – this is how my on the road day began. Wonderful place, the Sutton Native Health Clinic. But I don’t yet know what my problem might be. I am still mystified. Next stop, Pete’s chiropractor will refer me to Pete’s massage therapist. Pete, dear man, has been giving me foot massages, which feel really good. He has big, gentle hands. I feel like I don’t deserve this.

Tomorrow is another one of those days when I wonder how I’ll get through it. As long as I don’t wake up tired, I will be okay.

Next: 217. 8/14/26: I did it!