Life's Little Pleasures

 

There was a lot of work I could do.
But the day was going to be warm and unseasonably nice.

A distraction from the news would be a good thing. So I set up supper, made a red velvet cake [his favorite] for Rich and then walked out to the pasture with a lead rope. 
[And for anyone who knows me...I really dislike baking and this is the second cake in like forever. However, it wasn't so bad and maybe I'll make more this year?]

Sunshine walked up to me. My little red mule. I last rode her in June and July when I had a friend who was going to come over and ride with me. Then I got busy with the yard work and garden and it seemed my riding time always got put off.

Off we went. There won't be any photos of us on the trails in the woods or of us sliding down creek banks to cross the valley. Those moments demand attention to detail. And the trails are steep except for those on the ridge and the one that is mowed around the large corn field.

No, I don't trim the manes at this time of year. These guys live outside and in the woods with a few windbreaks for shelter. Rich feels if I roach the mane right now, their necks would get cold. He's the boss. Besides, it doesn't affect how they function so it doesn't matter to me.

We made the circuit to the back valley and down into that stream to watch for trout. I dismounted back there and let Sunshine eat while I just enjoyed the forest and the stream.

I'd seen two trail cams and had waved to both of them. There is a fellow that leases the land for hunting. I rarely ride or hike this part of the land when I think he will be out there. The guy is a real jerk though. 

I ran into him last year when he was putting up a stand in August. He asked what I was doing. I told him hiking.

He said, "I lease this land for hunting!"

And I replied, "What hunting season is it?"

Well it was not a hunting season, and I have permission to walk and ride all the acreage any time. I do politely avoid where this guy puts his stands. 

Anyway...

I noted where the stands were. November 21st is the opening day of gun season. I don't even wander about much on my own land. The first day sounds like a war is being conducted. 

I enjoyed my ride and when we got back home, I hand grazed Sunshine in the yard for a while.

Suddenly, the rest of the herd decided that they'd love to be caught too.

I wonder if Siera would like to go next! Another fine day is in store. I could take advantage.

For our evening entertainment, we looked outside just after we ate supper.

And yesterday morning....

once again proving that no matter what kind of camera a person has...

Hrrrmph.

And the day I had my pocket camera?

I think this is the one that comes down to graze near the outhouse in the evenings...

Have a good day. Enjoy Life's Little Pleasures.