I was awake at 1, then 2, then 3, listening to distant thunder rolling across the prairie and flashes of lightning lighting up the darkness. At exactly 3:40, the skies finally let go and the rain came pouring down. Thank you, Lord.
Of course, while most people might simply enjoy the sound of rain on the roof, my brain immediately jumped to worrying about the open salt tub sitting in the little pen and whether it was filling with water.
At 4:45, the automatic sprinkler S had set up kicked on again. He eventually woke to the sound and remembered he'd forgotten to move it to the new trees the day before. When he stepped outside, he reported that wonderful fresh-rain smell lingering in the air—one of the best scents summer has to offer.
My day officially started after 7 with coffee and work on Saturday's blog. We ended up receiving seven-tenths of a tenth of rain overnight, which was desperately needed. Harley and I headed out to toss hay and check water.
As for the salt tub I'd spent part of the night worrying about? The horses had already dumped it over.
Problem solved.
S was up by then too, enjoying coffee on the deck while chatting with the buyer of the last bale load. Soon enough he was inside with Big Brown and a second cup, arranging a morning delivery and coordinating a stop at the Coles afterward.
Before 11 we were on the road. The bale delivery went smoothly, and shortly after noon S had the trailer backed in and unloaded like a professional. The bales were perfectly stacked onto three plastic pallets the buyer had set out beforehand.
With that job complete, we headed just down the road to visit the Coles.
As always, it was a wonderful catch-up. We started with drinks and snacks before eventually moving out to the patio where Glen worked his magic on the grill. Chicken wings and potato wedges appeared, and they were every bit as delicious as they sounded. Thanks again, guys.
One of the things I appreciate most about visits like that is how quickly the hours disappear. Good food, easy conversation, lots of laughs, and before you know it, half a day has slipped away.
We finally said our goodbyes and headed east just after 5. Meanwhile, Shaina and Matt were making their way to the ranch from the city.
They actually arrived about twenty-five minutes before we did and were already out in the round pen visiting the horses when we pulled into the yard around 6.
Not long after arriving home, they helped me catch Hank and take him out for a grazing session. Harley had been enthusiastically "helping" too, but by then she was hot, tired, and moving a little slower than usual. S took her for water, let her visit the horses one last time, and then tucked her into her kennel inside where she could rest her tired bones.
Catching the filly.
Shaina and Matt were absolutely determined. For nearly three hours they patiently worked at earning her trust, moving slowly, offering hay, and simply spending time near her. Progress came in small steps rather than big victories.
Eventually a very late supper called, and everyone agreed it was time for a break. We came inside, enjoyed a meal together, and all a chance to recharge and watch a few videos.
After supper, three of us headed back out for one more attempt before darkness settled in.
The goal had shifted by then. It wasn't about catching her anymore. It was simply about ending on a positive note.
By the time they could stand beside her while she ate hay and offer a few pets, they considered that a success. Trust isn't built in a day, especially for horses that haven't always had reasons to trust people. Sometimes the smallest victories are the most important ones.
With darkness settling over the ranch, we finally called it a night and headed back inside.
The rest of the evening was quiet. Everyone relaxed in the living room, phones and tablets glowing softly while the day's conversations wound down. Eventually people drifted off to their rooms. I spent some time reading while S grabbed a shower before heading off to dreamland.
Looking back, the rain felt like the true gift of the day. Not just because the grass, trees, and gardens needed it so badly, but because it seemed to slow everything down a little. The ranch smelled fresher, the air felt lighter And while we may not have caught the filly, we gained a little more of her trust. Around here, that's the kind of progress worth celebrating. ❤️
Small joys fill a great heart.
ReplyDeleteyes indeed they do <3
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