Seasons

Between the weather (dry, whether cooler or hotter) and all the visitors coming and going this month, my riding has been limited to quick forays around our hill – through the woods, down the lanes, beside the vineyards. We school along the way, of course – lateral work, canter departs, rider position. I see shows come and go and know, without too much of a twinge – that now is not our time for competition. Will that time come again? I don't know; for now I am happy for any time in the saddle, for the training along the way, for improvement in our communication and partnership. Other blessings come as well.

During a recent ride we both heard a rustle in the underbrush up a bank on our left. What I could see looked like a deer struggling, and I worried one was caught in a fence or something. I dismounted and watched, finally realizing it was a doe with not one, not two, but THREE good-sized fawns all trying to nurse at once! I captured what I could (but couldn't get all three fawns in one shot):

On my next ride the views were just outstanding. The last of the evening rays gilded the valley,

then moved to the clouds above

before blowing a final rosy kiss to the east.

What gifts are mine!