This morning Pete and I went for a short trail ride. I rode Hrimmi and Pete rode Raudi. It’s a good time to be riding because there is so little grass – now the horses, particularly Hrimmi, can’t be grass obsessed.

The other day Gregory Nillson and Brit Lively dropped by the bookstore. I had not seen them in at least ten years. Brit has Alzheimers – she is not very lucid, you have to listen carefully for her more lucid moments. I could see that Gregory was under considerable duress dealing with her – he’s elected to keep her at home.

So today we went over to their place in the Butte to say hello. This was my idea. I told Pete that if we were in their situation that I’d welcome having company.

Ride briefing at Saddle Up

We pulled up into their driveway, which is close to their front door and after a bit Gregory answered. He said he was taking a nap. The house is quite large – and of course cluttered. Brit appeared and said hello. She didn’t recognize us. No matter.

Gregory made us mushroom chi tea, which was spicy, but calming. We four talked for a long time, and then Pete, Brit, and I walked over to Saddle Up arena. Gregory explained to us that he’s having chronic back problems and will have surgery on Friday. So he did not come with.

He mentioned that the person he sold the arena to, Lauren, has sold it to a fellow named Orren. It was a bittersweet visit. Gregory put a lot of time and effort into making the arena a community center. Now it’s a boarding stable. Six horses were standing around in the outdoor shelter enclosures. They used to be grassy. Now they are muddy. The horses, most of them were wearing blankets. None seemed overly happy.

We then went over to the arena and peered in the door. A woman on a large pinto asked us what we wanted. I said Orren. She thought that I said Lauren. She said that Lauren sold the place some time ago.

There was no reason to linger – we headed out – I went and petted the horses that had stall space and were hanging out in the paneled outdoor area. One was wearing a checkered blanket.

We three then returned to the house, and Gregory served us mushroom hot chocolate.

As he and Pete talked, I sat deep in thought, thinking about what had become of Saddle Up Arena. It made me sad to see so many horses there. This wasn’t what Gregory intended. I was also sad in thinking about the good times I had there, and how I enjoyed teaching riding to friends. And Pete, I recalled, did an amazing job being the ride manager for two competitive trail rides.

As I write this, I realize that most likely, the only way I’m going to again have any semblance of a horsey life is if we move. And right now, the thought of being in a warm place with trails sounds really good. I just have to work at getting others to take on the book project.

Next: 276. 10/18/26: My Word