Horses, Hay & Hot Tub Evenings

What are your thoughts on AI? I asked ChatGPT to suggest an outfit for S both formal and semi formal and hairstyle pairings for my dress. Here are the results it gave me: it’s a bit creepy how the suggestions don’t really resemble us, but the ideas are lovely.

Formal

Perfect — if the wedding is formal, then here’s how your husband can best complement your gorgeous burgundy gown:

🕴️ Husband’s Outfit for a Formal Wedding

Suit / Tuxedo:

• Black tuxedo (classic choice) OR deep midnight navy tux (modern but still formal).
• Satin lapels (peak or shawl collar) for that polished finish.

Shirt:

• Crisp white dress shirt with a pleated or plain front.

Tie / Bow Tie:

• Black silk bow tie (most classic + timeless).
• OR burgundy tie/bow tie (subtle nod to your dress without being overdone).

Accessories:

• Pocket square: white for classic, burgundy for coordinated flair.
• Cufflinks: silver or black (simple and elegant).

Shoes:

Polished black patent leather or highly shined oxford shoes.

Semi formal 

You can definitely weave in subtle burgundy accents for him so you both look coordinated but not “matchy-matchy.” Since your gown is such a rich, elegant shade, here are a few ways your husband can add touches of burgundy in a semi-formal outfit:

🔹 Easy Burgundy Accents

• Tie: A solid burgundy silk tie or one with a subtle pattern (gray or black base with burgundy details).
• Pocket Square: Burgundy or burgundy-with-gray trim, folded neatly for polish.
• Boutonniere: A small flower in burgundy or deep red (like a rose or ranunculus).
• Socks: Burgundy dress socks — adds personality when he sits or crosses his legs.

🔹 What to Avoid

• Burgundy suit or full burgundy shirt — it will clash with your gown and look too intentional.
• Too many accents at once — one or two is just right.

✨ The best combo with your dress: Gray or black suit + white shirt + burgundy tie + burgundy pocket square. That way, you stand out as the star in your gown, but he looks like he’s elegantly tied in with you.

That dress already has such a sleek, elegant, modern vibe — so your hairstyle should complement its asymmetry and clean lines. Here are some beautiful options depending on the mood you want:

✨ Polished + Formal

• Side-Swept Waves: Loose waves brushed over the bare shoulder to balance the neckline. Romantic but still structured.
• Low Sleek Bun: Parted deep on one side (same as your strap), pulled into a low bun — very sophisticated and timeless.
• Chignon with Side Part: Soft, low chignon angled to the side. Elegant and won’t distract from your dress’s lines.

✨ Soft + Romantic

• Half-Up, Half-Down: Top section pinned back with volume, letting soft curls flow — frames your face and adds softness.
• Loose Curls Over Shoulder: Big, glamorous curls gathered to drape over the bare shoulder. Works well for photos.

✨ Modern + Bold

• Straight & Sleek: Flat-ironed, glossy hair tucked behind one ear to highlight your neckline. Minimalist chic.
• Low Ponytail with Volume: Smooth, low pony with teased crown — clean but not too formal.

💡 Tip: Since your dress already draws attention to your neckline, any hairstyle that shows off shoulders and collarbones will be especially flattering.

S was up at 8:30 and out the door to pressure wash the Fireball before heading to church. While he was gone, I did some quick marketing, then packaged up the now-dry Etsy tile for shipping. 

By 10, I was off to town with apples, zucchini, ruler, and the Etsy parcel in tow. A quick stop at Stout's gave me a chance to meet Shelby’s twins — Cohen and Beckett — two adorable little fellows who were soon headed down for their nap. After coffee and a catch-up with Darren and Sharon, I was on my way to mail the parcel just as Sharon’s parents arrived.

Beckett above and Cohen below

Back at the ranch, I pulled in only four minutes before S. He made himself a coffee and settled on the deck with a pumpkin spice muffin (he grabbed one for me too — thanks!). While he zipped off in the ranger to check hay, I tidied the garage, then let the horses out to graze together and practice being a herd. Cooper came along for a short walk to the gate and back, while S worked on epoxying the brick to the gate post. There was another load of top soil dropped at the pit too after 3 yesterday.

I finally got my first strawberry of the year!!

With the heat settling in, I watered planters, tomatoes, and turned the long raised bed soaker on while S started to rake the hay. After nibbling some fresh peas and picking a few carrots, I turned on the back garden soaker, hoping the plants survive the week-long heatwave coming — especially since we might sneak away camping.

B arrived around 4 to trim Jim’s front foot he chipped, tidy paddocks, and tackle a few horse chores. With the breeze keeping bugs down, she invited me along for a ride, and off we went — looping the fields on horseback for 45 minutes. As we headed back, S wrapped up raking and switched to baling.

S's video views

check out our jumbo pears!! 7 well one is on ground LOL

still hard as rocks

B and I fed the horses, moved them to the center and far paddocks, and topped up the far trough — where she also spotted a big pine down that will need moving later. She and Cooper set off for home around 6:30, while I turned back to finishing my oak nightstand tutorial.

By 8, S had wrapped up with 37 bales for the day. While I video-chatted with Debby about her trip and wedding plans, he fried up eggs, potatoes, and veggies with toast for supper. I opted for leftover potatoes putting away the chicken wings I had taken out for a late supper.

We capped the night with a hot tub soak, then watched a couple of Waterfront episodes with popcorn — the end to a busy, sun-filled day.