And so it is the last couple days of May already. I know that for a lot of people, this Spring has been painfully slow, stuck in a quarantine time warp. I also realize every day just how lucky I am to live where I do and to have the luxuries that I have. We have been keeping busy, which doesn't mean crazy busy, but just enjoying life busy. I've noticed that when we go out for our adventures now, I have the binoculars in hand more than my camera. That will change as the birding season slows down and the forest fills out - too hard to see those little birds in all those leaves! On Wednesday, a quick trip to the turtle pond woods provided me a look at a Rufous-Sided Towhee, Scarlet Tanager, and American Redstart. On the reading and listening front, The Swiss Family Robinsons are a big hit on audio and we have tapped out all of my old Saddle Club chapter books. I love that my daughter loves to read the same books that I did as a horse crazy girl. This was a good week at the barn. At the age of 7 1/2, my daughter cantered by herself for the first time; I didn't start riding until I was 8 years old. On the same day, I also had a "first" - cantering bareback on the furry pony. He was very well behaved. Riding bareback was something that I did not have the chance to do as a child and I love the feeling of freedom. Unfortunately, my high withered horse is not a candidate for it, even though he has the nice smooth rocking chair canter. The pony's stride is short and choppy, but it will do. I shared this picture earlier this week on my IG account. It is of Frank, my horse.
I don't have any photos from adventures this week, but I will share one of my comfrey. I love this plant! It provides such a needed dose of color and insect food during this time when the rest of the yard is still just green. However, it lives up to its notorious reputation for spreading! I planted some in a barren corner of the raspberry bed to help break up the compacted clay and it is thriving!
The warmer temps are here, we are on the cusp of Summer, things are getting a little more "normal" or at least opening up to a new normal for some. Take care and enjoy these days - there is at least a little good in every one.
