I remember some time ago, I was obsessed with forward movement, actual movement on my horses and also analogous movement, continuing to learn new things. This obsession fell by the wayside shortly after I became obsessed with moving books. I feel sad about this, but I know it won’t be forever. We are building a program and such things take time.

But now we are into winter. Am thinking about with the little time I have, line driving the horses. There is no more grass, so they won’t be distracted. And this will get them out and about.

I have not yet begun this because walking Ryder and Shadow and a horse would be a bit much. I’d say that I no longer will be walking Ryder but she’s surprising both Pete and me. Last night she ate hot dogs. So we are going to put her on wet food, and if she doesn’t eat this (or should I say them), we’ll again feed her hot dogs. Yeech. This dog isn’t a vegetarian.

I’m amazed that she’s still alive. This reprieve is a good thing although I am feeling pained because I have so little time to spend with her.

Yes, it was another day in the former banquet room of the historic Eagle Hotel. I had planned on getting distributing done, but I left the house late because I had clean clothes to put away. Then I had to stop at the post office and pick up a box of books from the 2026 Iditarod teacher of the year. I was glad that there was just one box. I’m working hard at breaking the heavy lifting habit. I’m doing okay, but not great with it.
Today, Becky, the Alaska State Fair head gardener, stopped in with some books and to say hello, most likely in this order. It was good to see her even though the visit was short. She told me a little bit about her trip to Norway and Iceland – I was most interested in hearing about Iceland. Her description of extreme beauty made me want to go there. My fear (of course) is that I will get there and fall in love with a horse but not have enough money to bring it home. This is a very real concern.

I wish at times that I could send my three mares there but know that this would be an extravagance. The one to send there would have been Tinni who I think missed being there. He probably got to Alaska and thought that he’d been cheated. I will go to Iceland and pass judgement on this.

It was a quiet day in the former banquet room of the historic Eagle Hotel. I packed up a lot of books. Now Leslie and I are working on getting a literacy program up off the ground. It is akin to the feat of the Wright Bothers who got their plane up off the ground. We can do this, but it is going to take time.

In the meantime, the next big venture is Trick or Street.

Next: 281. 10/24/26: Dinner is being served in the main dining car