A glimpse of a few quiet moments on the farm this morning. We had a great day here. Robert has been away on a mission the past few days, fetching our ’71 Ford pick-up from the Methow Valley (finally) — our final tie to that place has been severed and we are free! Our rig looks terrible, sadly. The pal we left it with did his very best to turn it into a heap of rust (not on purpose, just due to thoughtlessness). That said, the V8 still has that lovely growl I fell in love with (anyone who knows trucks is saying, “But the ’71 came with a V6…” — this one did too, but it was pulled out and replaced with a V8.). We took it for a quick joyride along the river tonight and boy howdy, the engine still purrs like a kitten. We have some work to put into this truck and that’s ok. I don’t think I want to let it go. Robert gave it to me as a gift, one fire season, when he was still based out of the Methow Valley and we were living at the little cabin in the woods and I view it as a relic of that former life of ours. We’ve grown so much since then, as individuals and as a committed couple. This truck is a sort of vestige of our former selves and reflection of the beauty of our life transitions. How could I sell it!?? That would be like severing an appendage! This truck is such a piece of us and our story. We must keep it! So we will.
We spent most of the day working with Resero doing some important groundwork and desensitizing. He’s never had a human like he has me now and I’m in the business of making him the very best horse he can be. He’s a very sensitive boy so we’re starting out slow with a flagged-carrotstick, tarps and basic bending work. After an hour of groundwork I took him on a long stamina ride to the top of the mesa while Robert and Tater ran alongside. Once home again, I lengthened the stirrups on my saddle and had Robert ride Resero around our in-yard, coaching him on his posture and generally chaperoning the two (Robert is a less confident rider than I though he is making great progress).
Now we’ve got a fire brewing in the fireplace and pizza cooking in the oven.
I guess I just wanted to say, “Hey!”
I hope your weekend was lovely.
XX
Love seeing your new home!! Winter is here on our farm, packed 35 young roosters in the freezer today and tucked all 63 of the ladies into their winter coop. There is ice in the River and we’re loading up on supplies for freeze-up. Sending snow your way soon. XO!
OH MAN!!! So much roasted chicken, broth and soups for you this winter!!! What a delight.
I pulled the last of the garden a few days ago…though my kale patch and parsley is hanging on. AND I am planting my cold frame this evening. Things are moving into winter and I’m glad for it. I’m ready for a season of rest.
XX
I totally understand your love for your truck! We have a tendency to ascribe our cars with personalities, but they can often be deeply rooted in our life stories and it’s hard/impossible to let them go. When I became ill earlier this year we decided to sell Bert, my beloved Citroen. He’s carted me and the kids around for 12 years, and clocked up some serious mileage. But in the end, I couldn’t part with him! He’s part of the family.
Love your beautiful horse. One day I will offer a forever home to one too.
Glad someone understand my truck love!
I am so excited for you and your someday horse. It changes everything…
XX
….and by all appearances, you and robert had a most excellent weekend!!
so glad you brought the ’71 home to idaho. i have this thing for old trucks, two of them sitting on blocks in our yard, awaiting restoration. someday……
xx
We did have a great weekend…though I must be honest, it’s just good to be together. He’s having such a blast doing groundwork with Resero and preparing his garlic garden. I love having him home. I am already dreading the start of the fire season next year…
Truck wuv.
XXX
Love seeing all the various critters! Around here, people are bemoaning the start of the colder weather but I come alive when it gets colder. Every action seems more deliberate.