Literally. Two months ago I went for my weekly lesson and told my instructor that I would be gone for a while and I would contact her when I got back. And so began our amazingly, incredibly busy summer.

We packed the car, and hit the road. The route was easy. From our house go to the highway, take the farm road to the I-10, and don’t get off until you reach California! 

Plans? Heck yeah! We had my daughters wedding, my granddaughters 21st birthday, my great granddaughters 2nd birthday, and the wedding of a close family friend. In all, a five week stay.

The wedding of course, couldn’t have been more perfect. Tracy was a stunningly beautiful bride, we gained a son in law, and months of planning culminated in a beautiful, memorable event. For me, the best part was just seeing the happiness in Tracy’s eyes, hearing it in her voice, and seeing the love between the newly married couple. 

In between all these events I got to spend lots of time with the kids and grandkids. I thought I knew every nursery rhyme there was, but I was wrong! I learned about Mother Goose TV, and Chu Chu TV. (I still sing Johny, Johny in my head…eating sugar? No papa!) I was reminded what life is like living with a toddler, a teen, a young adult, and how much we should cherish each moment with them.

Before I knew it, it was time to come back to Texas. Of course the trip back wasn’t quite as fun as the trip there. The anticipation wasn’t quite the same, and poor Jackdodd had to listen to me sing for 1400 miles – each way! (Just because I can’t sing, doesn’t mean I won’t!). Eventually we made it home. All was well, we did laundry, caught up on mail, etc. and then we were off to the Czech Republic for Jack’s sons wedding. Prague was beautiful and I had a great time sightseeing, taking pictures, and of course – shopping! The wedding was beautiful, with the exception of some Czech traditions, it was much like an American wedding. Once again, it was time to come home, and return to our regular routine, which for me includes my weekly riding lesson with my buddy, “Buddy”. 

I was a bit nervous. Would I remember everything I had learned? How to put the harness on? The saddle? The bridle? Control? Loping? You always hear people say, “it’s like riding a bike – you never forget”. Well you never hear anyone say, “it’s like riding a horse”, so while I was excited to get back to riding, I was also a bit apprehensive. 

Just putting my jeans and boots on made me feel better! I walked out to the pasture and I’m pretty sure Buddy remembered me! I slipped the harness on and guided him up to the stalls. He was so patient with me while I brushed the cobwebs from my brain and saddled him up. Now to see if I’ve still got it.

I stuck my boot in the stirrup and as soon as I pulled myself up, my apprehensions disappeared, almost as if Buddy was telling me it was going to be just fine. We walked a bit, we trotted a bit and after a few minutes both Buddy and we’re ready to pick up some speed. I gave him a little squeeze and off we went. Without skipping a beat we settled into that nice galloping rhythm. It was a great welcome home!

And our busy summer – well it’s not over yet! Family reunion and then back to California to welcome the newest grand baby at the end of the month. After that, two more turn 2 and then another new grand baby. We’ll have just enough time to catch our breath and then the holidays will be here…whew!!!