What Is It About A Girl & Her Horse?

Legs gripped tightly around Clyde’s sleek body, my heels down and my hands lightly touching his silky neck, we cantered over the vibrant green rolling hills and through meadows. The soft breeze fell across my face and my hair flowing behind as a sense of peace fell over me. I watched Clyde’s ears as they were pinned forward, he was looking at the freedom ahead, no boundaries, no fences.  His large muscular body boldly moving forward in rhythm, while listening to his hooves hit the ground … feeling my heart beat with every stride. Feeling Clyde underneath me we galloped as I patted his soft coat. As the next second I was standing, watching him. Breathtakingly beautiful, but suddenly I stood baffled on how I got off of him. I didn’t fall nor did he stop and now he was trotting off. I jolted up from my bed and thought for a moment, it was so real and so green.

The next morning walking into the barn, there wasn’t a nicker nor did I hear a whinny as I spoke to him I noticed he wasn’t moving in his stall. Sucking air, I dropped the feed bucket and ran. I don’t remember breathing; I don’t remember opening his stall door but I could hear and feel my heart break as I stared, screamed for help. Moments felt like hours, I cried, I howled as I stood seeing Clyde lay still on his stall floor. My four legged best friend, gone. In a dream so vivid, so real and colorful, my precious Clyde said goodbye.

Glancing out the kitchen window his big bold white face staring back at me, his ears forward I could tell he is happy I’ve noticed him. Dropping what I was doing, I go to the refrigerator and grab a bag of bite size carrots (salad carrots) and start my way out the door. Greeted with a soft whinny he moves his way along the fence closing the gap between the two of us. His eyes never wavered from mine, his ears forward and he is eager for my attention, carrots or not. These are memories never to be forgotten.

IBM Color of Money in the show ring but his nick name simply, Clyde. A tall beautiful bay with three white socks and a big white blaze, his size would frighten people who didn’t know horses but once they were introduced everyone fell in love with gentle Clyde. Quicker than a blink of an eye a child ran under his belly, Clyde didn’t flinch. Clyde was an all-around Quarter horse winning trophies show after show. He even placed top ten at the World’s Championship show. Coming from a different bread of horse myself, Clyde at a very young age had to teach me how to show western, western riding, jumping, quarter horse driving, halter, showmanship and we even had some fun in team penning and reigning classes. We learned quickly together and completely fell in love.

My son Brody was learning how to lope/canter Clyde and he rolled off his back. Clyde, startled, turned and looked at Brody then looked at me, simply wondering what the heck had happened. Spending months we work together, so Brody could show at the next show in the showmanship class, Clyde was perfect for Brody. After I took Clyde in my class and he made a fool of me. Signaling Clyde to square his feet he moved his foot too far forward and then too far back, and then he turned his head and looked at me with his ears forward, and I swear he said, “What? This isn’t what you want?” Oh Clyde!

It was about 3:00am at a horse show and friends of mine needed an extra horse in a Team Penning class so they drug me out of bed and talked me into it. I woke Clyde up and saddled him, took him in the arena … the first sight of the herd of cows and he spun around trying to leave the ring. I laughed so hard, I almost fell off. Convincing Clyde to get close to the cows and cut the cow we needed out of the herd was a challenge because he towered over the cows. We managed and we ended up in second place beating the team who asked us to “fill” the class. Obviously, Clyde overcame his fear of cows.

Black Beauty, the real movie star, came to stay at our barn. One late night at dinner Black Beauty’s trainer and Clyde’s trainer made a bet. I wasn’t there to witness this bet or the training but the next thing I knew was that Black Beauty’s trainer had trained Clyde to bow. That became Clyde’s signature pose after he would win a big class. After I retired Clyde from showing, because of the birth of my third son, Clyde visited schools and we hosted parties that Clyde gave “pony” rides and he always took a bow thanking the kids for his treats, carrots obviously!

Retirement years after the visits to schools and from parties, the trail rides, and the bareback rides, Clyde spent his days in the pasture and nights in his 12x24 double wide stall. Horse retirement living like royalty, Clyde receives a bag of baby carrots every day and Kentucky grown hay. If he was across the field and he heard my voice he galloped full speed to me. If I had baby carrots in my pocket he would nudge me until I dug them out. Anyone should know never feed a horse treats with your fingers, but Clyde made it an exception to the rule, because he lipped his carrots out of your fingers, so he wouldn’t bite fingers. I tested this using my own fingers, and my conclusion was correct. Clyde flapped his lips until the carrot freed from my fingers then he pulled away and chewed.

What is it about a girl and her horse? Is it love at first sight or is it the whole fall off and get back up life lessons you learn while being around them? Is it the soft nicker when they hear your voice or is it the wind in your hair and the bond you feel as they stride underneath you as you move as one unit. Could it be the unconditional love and friendship or because they are such good listeners and you can hug them all day long if needed. The beauty is when they hug back wrapping their neck and head around your back like Clyde did mine. I believe it’s the untold, the unexplained and all of the above.

Every morning entering the barn I would say, “Good morning Clyde!” and he would answer back with a nicker. I could hear him walk to the far end of his stall and pee. Every morning I would say, “Really Clyde, you couldn’t wait to go outside?” He then greeted me at the stall door, eager for attention. Years ago I had taught him to, basically put his halter on himself. If you simply hold it open in front of him, he will duck his head into it and then leave his head low for you to fasten it. Even if the nose piece was not wide enough he would bump his nose around until it was wide enough to wiggle it in. He followed me around like a horse in a showmanship class or a dog heeling, so there wasn’t much “leading” to do out to the pasture.

My dear Clyde, how I love you! Heaven gained a big beautiful angel horse and I will miss you more than anyone could imagine. One day I will ride you across those brilliant green rolling hills again but for now, you will always and forever be in my heart and in my dreams.

Bunny 'Tales'

Working late on Easter eve, I was immovable, one with my chair, at the computer with images dancing in my mind, visualizing my head on my pillow in my soft warm bed. This mental picture took over my every thought. Forcing my eye lids open, they felt heavy like boulders making it extremely difficult to focus on the computer monitor. Even my dog gave up and was snoring at my feet. Too tired to think clear, I turned the volume up on my iTunes and rocked onward. Music stimulation wasn’t enough so I decided for a cup of hot tea. Much like a sleep walk, making my way to the kitchen, I felt something under my feet. Sticky and warm I found myself rubbing my foot off against my leg then I continued a few steps into the dark kitchen, when I stepped in more. My curiosity was rising. My first thought, what did the boys drop? I reached for the light switch, the lights flickered, energy saver bulbs start up slow, my tired eyes relieved, even thankful as I focused in on the little soft pebbles. Still stuck on the bottom of my feet the warmth of what? I caught at a glimpse at bright yellow Easter egg that was settled against the baseboard with several more lined up after that, questions now scrambled within. The room eliminating more, I shook my foot, while recognizing that I had stepped in Bunny Poop! Sleep Walking! I must be in a deep deep sleep. Switching off the light, I wondered directly to my cozy bed. Dreaming of Bunnies, Easter egg hunts and ... bunny poop!

A Big Clyde Thank You!

After the snow storm of the century and battling a bad case of Bronchitis, I finally made it down to the barn to clean some extremely dirty horse stalls. Taking several breaks because of my wheezing and tightening of my lungs, I watched my horse Clyde eat his Purina Equine Senior feed. He has never liked people watching him eat. So he showed me his dissatisfaction by pinning his ears and taking a fierce bite out of the pellets to show me he’s perturbed. I giggled and continued with my chores.

Several trips were taken down the hill carrying several large buckets of manure and when I arrived back at the stripped stall Clyde met me at the door with his ears forward. He slowly looked back over his shoulder, as if pointing at his clean stall, then faced me again. He inched forward towards me and nuzzled his muzzle up to my face as if to kiss me. I gently kissed his nose and said, “You are very welcome.” Then he found his way back to his feed bucket and finished his breakfast.

A horse whisper I am not. But I am one hundred percent sure that Clyde thanked me! Body language is everything, in human or animals, if people would just take a moment and observe. The heartfelt appreciation I felt from Clyde was undeniable.

Our pets give unconditional love. Our mood or our actions could be at fault, but still forgives and love is returned. And it's immediate, with no questions asked, no stipulations, simply wholehearted love is given. Most people are not capable of unconditional love, so humans yearn for absolute devotion. I believe we adopt our beloved pets to attain these feelings.

First Love

Picture: Rancho Santa Fe California RuthAnne 5 years-old with pony Vicky

At  seven years old my best friend was a Shetland pony named Vicky. She was as tall as I was, at that time I had no idea what hands were other than the two I had. She was red, a shiny sorrel with flaxen mane and tail, and she had a little star on her forehead. Vicky and I were buddies from the moment mom and dad gave her to me. She was led off the trailer and all it took was one look. I was hooked and she seemed to like me as well.

Vicky and I had so many incredible adventures together. We lived way-out side of town and our California farm backed up to Black Mountain. This made it easy for me to just take off and ride for miles and miles without worrying about cars or people. The area was like a scene of an old Wild West movie. I rode Vicky every day. I rode her after school, after church, on my days off, just everyday!

Sometimes Vicky and I would follow my brother to the base of Black Mountain. He would always lose us before we left the farm, he was riding a motorcycle and I was just determined to catch up with him riding Vicky. He was with his friends and I was with mine. Only minutes into the ride and I was transformed into a different person, a different time and a different life. On this ride I was one of the first girl sheriffs in the early 1900’s, and I was chasing bank robbers. I tracked their steps and watched for clues, and in this case I followed the distant roar sounds of my brother’s motorcycle. I went into some wooded areas and always found things left by campers. That day I found a wallet and personal belongings, I didn’t think they were camping for the day it looked as if they had taken up residency. So I took off and cantered up the hill and across two open fields until I found the motor cross track that my brother was riding on. When he made a lap I waved him down. He stopped reluctantly. I told him about the wallet and the things left in the woods. He stopped his friends on their next lap around, and there was no disputing and off they went to the woods. Vicky was never bothered by the loud noise the motorcycles made. But this time I was bothered, because I wanted to be with them when they saw the wallet and all of my discoveries.

I turned Vicky and headed home. We walked, trotted and cantered back to the barn transforming into new characters, singing songs and playing more games. When we got back to the farm I saw my brother talking excitedly to our mother. He had told mom all about the things we saw. My dad and mom went to go check things out. It was private property and they knew things sounded strange.

Vicky and I went back to the barn and I brushed her and groomed her and put her to bed. Taking her to her corral was fun too. I would take her halter or her bridle off and we would race to her corral. I was so lucky she didn’t take off I would have had to chase her down. I never had to worry about that with Vicky she just played along with me. My parents called the police and turned in the trespassers. The wallet had been stolen. Another case solved by the young girl-sheriff. I had so many adventures with Vicky from the mountains in California to the rolling hills of Kentucky. What a treasured gift, what a treasured friend. I hope everyone has had a friend like VICKY.

This Isn't Any Ordinary Cat Story

In the heat of the summer it’s foolish not to spend hours in the pool. Jumping in, I swam underwater to the other side, came up for a breath of air, raised my head and swiped the water from my eyes. I couldn’t believe what I saw, the strangest image imaginable. My cat Twinkle was swimming with me. This was nothing like yesterday’s swim … this was weird.

The heat from the blazing sun had weakened which made a grand time for a horseback ride. As I trotted to the barn I spotted the most peculiar sight. Twinkle had saddled the pony and was riding him around the barn.  The next thing I knew, he was milking the cows. Wait! We don’t have cows. I don’t know where they came from, but he liked them and they were at our barn.

Odd things are happening around here. Twinkle can swim, ride a pony and milk cows. His appearance has also started to change. He was an orange cat with bright gold eyes, but now he has blue and white stripes. Remarkably, he can talk. Abnormal and extremely unusual for a cat, wouldn’t you say?

This is no ordinary story. Nor is it an ordinary cat story. Simply, it’s about my crazy cat, Twinkle. Twinkle is sleeping with the dogs, eating my snacks, and worst of all he has taken over my video games! Strange, I know. I will challenge him to a duel and fight for my video games. No cat of mine can beat me. I am the king of Rock Band. No way can a cat battle like that! We played till my hands cramped and my eyes glazed over. Wacky, I must say. Oh that cat … he won. Bewildered, I walked away. Puzzled, I sat alone missing the old Twinkle, hoping that my old fluffy cat returns soon.

Once upon a time, which was yesterday, a gigantic talking pancake appeared on the outskirts of town. Syrup began to fall from the sky. Crashing down on the houses and huts, the syrup oozed. Flowing like lava from a volcano it crept into every corner and covered every street and sidewalk. Making it almost impossible to run or even walk. This pancake named Cody was freaking me out. He summoned me, convincing me to climb up on top of him to escape from the sticky, icky syrup. I slowly approached Cody the pancake and he was very weird. Cody mumbled something to me but I couldn’t understand him, I couldn’t hear him. Frustrated with walking through the thick syrup, I looked up and noticed a massive glass of milk and an extremely large fork. It was unbelievable. Suddenly I teleported to a village that was made of waffles, they too were weird. The waffles wanted to eat me but I am supposed to eat them. Out of the corner of my eye I saw the gigantic fork coming right towards me. I slid and scooted away like butter. Like butter? I’m butter? I learned a great lesson that day. I shouldn’t make fun of pancakes and waffles at dinner time or they will eat me.

Exhale, inhale … repeat. Blinking, focusing, closing eyes, blinking harder … repeat. Extending arms forward, staring, opening, shutting, feeling, touching … repeat. Floating weightless, as something drifts past. Confused, I’m swimming … I need air! Spinning around, what’s up what’s down? Wait. Halt. I’m breathing? Puzzled, I move, I swim. I follow schools of blue tropical fish, meander to bright coral reefs, and shoot towards brilliant arched caves. Feeling fantastic serenity while drifting, floating, I exhale, inhale, swimming, feeling and seeing the ocean blue. Hearing mom, I swim tracking her voice. Rounding the corner of a large piece of coral, eyes popping wide, stopping swiftly, pushing myself backwards into reverse. Holy sea weed! My mother … a large octopus?

Tick tick tick … ticking, clinking sounding all around me. Stop! Relentlessly, they clink, tick, dong and ding. Tick, tick, tick ringing through my gears. I am Timmy Time and I can’t seem to tell the time, so I always run a little late. Annoyed, I asked Father Time to help. He said I was born to tell time and if I couldn’t I must be damaged. Crushed, I sat there with my hands out of place. My ticking sounds were not in rhythm and one by one I watched as people passed. Tick, tick, tick … slowly time went by. A boy appeared. He begged and pleaded for me to come home with him. I believe my luck is changing. What do I see? A tool or two heading my way, a tickle, a poke, I clank and creak. Wait! Tick, tick, tick, I am no longer late … I am on time! Buzz, Buzz, Roar, Growl, Hummmmm. What is that sound? Louder and louder it rings. Turn it off, turn it off please. Wake up it screams!

Oh, what a night! Was it all a dream? Tink, drip, clink the rain is coming down hard outside. Twinkle is all wet and asleep on my bed. As I look at the clock, I’m late! Not enough time. I hurry, rushing out the door, dropping things left and right. I need at least eight arms to get to the pancake breakfast on time.

Do You Smell Them? I do!

Hiding in the back of my cage, I sat quivering while watching the huge beast enter and then grab one, and occasionally two, of my siblings and then they vanish. The monsters slip in, and slide back out, leaving before I can whimper a goodbye to my brothers. My family was being picked apart by these monsters as the day passed. I was the lucky one, the last one remaining. Our cage was cold and the stench left was the only thing left of my brothers and sisters. I'm the last of my family, only thing left are the memories. Hiding behind the remaining parts of our flattened bed, I shook and moaned. My brother Billy had spent hours tearing and pulling the stuffing out of this bed. Now I curl up behind it so frightened my bones hurt.

Feeling weaker every passing day, I had no appetite and felt no energy to move for a drink of water. Sleeping occupied my day and night, however I couldn’t tell day from night. There wasn't a window to see the light, just a bulb dangling from the ceiling above. My cage door opened and closed often, interrupting sleep, but no one entered except for the occasional food and water being tossed in clanking to the floor.

Mourning the loss of my family, missing them with my whole heart, I slept. Dreaming of the tug-a-war that I played with my siblings, the fights we would have over food, and when we slept we piled high on this single unstuffed square pillow thing. We didn't have much, but we had each other. My brother Ted ate most the food, a meal or two was missed because of him, but I sit here now aching for Ted.

The rattling of the door opening was followed by soft voices, two strangers entering my cage and sat. Without opening my eyes I knew they were monsters, I acted as if I were sleeping, but couldn't stop my body from stiffening. My hair on my back stood straight up and I forced myself to be brave and open my eyes.

Two sets of eyes were staring at me. The humans seem to whisper to one another as they sat looking at me. My eyes slowly focused on the two, they didn't seem to be monsters at all. One girl, one boy, sat smiling at me. I stood slowly and walked slower towards them hoping for a better smell, as I wondered why they decided to come here and invade my cage.

My nostrils flared trying to sort the strange new smells. The closer I inched my way, the smells got stronger. She had something very yummy in her fingers, she called it a treat. The boy had a new ball on a rope toy, like the one I played with Ted, but this one was new and wasn't shredded and the ball wasn't bald and broken. When they lifted their hands I crawled backwards and ran to my hiding place. Never taking my eyes off of them, scared they might capture me and take me out to the monsters that lived outside. The most curious thing was, these two intruders smelled like heaven to me.

The strangers left and I curled up for my nap. The floor seemed colder and harder than usual. I closed my eyes but my mind kept running with thoughts of these strangers that entered my cage. The girls smile was warm, friendly and her smell was what I imagined mothers would be. I don't remember my mother, but when  I dreamt of a tender touch and wonderful smells I felt it was mother. The boy smelled of the earth, I bet he plays outside with friends and even chases balls. What were they doing in my cage? Were they thinking of taking me to the monsters outside?

The days and nights got longer and the cage got colder. What is my purpose, why am I here? Where did my family go, as I cried and howled to the light up above?

The cage door creaked open, making my body sit, my hair raised as I backed away slowly from the opening door. Two sets of blue eyes smiling down on me. Gentle, kind as they moved slowly to sit on my floor. It's the boy and the girl from days before. I can smell them; I can taste the treat with only the memory. The boy holds the same toy and this time offers it to me. I sniff and my whole body gives in to their kindness, to their light and warmth they bring into my dark cold life. I grab the toy with my teeth, whipping it left and right, then  chase it, I'm so dizzy, and I sit. They laugh; I halt and look at them tilting my head from side to side. Fright, then flight is what the old me would have done, but this laughter was pure and welcoming. So, with the toy in my mouth, I pranced over to them letting them rub their paws all over me. It felt good, it smelt wonderful and an instant joy rang throughout my body. We played for hours before they left, and I cried howling to the ceiling and whimpering off to my cold corner.

Suddenly the door sprang open. The same boy and the girl walked back in placed a collar around my neck and he lifted me into his arms. I wasn't scared for the first time, my hair didn't stand up on my back and I was shaking but it wasn't fear. I was shaking with excitement! My body wiggled as they giggled. We walked out into the light of the bright ball, they call the sun, and with their arms around me I could tell I found my new family.

CLYDE, THE PEPPERMINT SNATCHER

CLYDE, THE PEPPERMINT SNATCHER

By: RuthAnne Anderson

  

Quivering with cold, paralyzed with fright, I couldn’t open my eyes. If I peeked, would it be terrifying or safe? 

Mom nudged me to stand. I wobbled, stumbled, jerked. She wasn’t going to leave me alone until I stood, so I stood!  I simply locked my legs. Wow, I’m standing all by myself!

Playing hide n’seek we were taken aback, whinnying with fear. The alarmed squirrel’s eyes popped out as he trembled, screeched, and leapt into midair. Grabbing the tree, he scampered up quicker than any Super Hero. Laughing hard, we staggered and stumbled.

Water moved, bubbled and splashed. Little critters hopped and jumped, surprising me. I snorted and shivered. Beady little eyes looked my way. I took on the water, head to head. I’m not afraid.

Tag with friends but Keep-away is my favorite! Stealing a long blade of grass, ducking down, and spinning around, no one could ever get mine. I am too fast!

Missing my mom, I caught a glimpse of her today. With new daily routines and schooling, I was too tired to complain. Helen was gentle as she put my halter on. Hesitant, I learned to lead, stand, and the word "treat"! Treat means Peppermints! Standing fully saddled, I heard a candy wrapper crinkling. What a test, a tease for me. Can I have that peppermint, please?

Little visitors giggling and wiggling on my fence. Bravely I smelled one, tasted the other. Zane tasted like dirt and Zoe was like a flower. Nuzzling my nose up one leg and smelling down the other. I tossed my head, kicked, bucked, snorted, and sniffed the air. My company yelled a big “Yee Haw” as they trotted away.

Creeping, sneaking, I slipped into the tack room. Peeking, seeing rows of saddles, layers of bridles, and things never seen before. Locating a large tub of peppermints, Wow! Hundreds of wonderful smelling candies! I inched, I stretched. The tub was out of reach.

Grasping it with my lips, dragging it closer, peppermints! Twenty mints bunched in my mouth when a deep, familiar voice barked, "CLYDE!"

 Bummer, I’m caught!

English, jumping, and western were effortless jobs. Traveling by trailer, munching hay, watching the sights, trucks were loud, smelly, and scary. Tall buildings, like needles, reached the sky. The city was noisy, smelly, but never dull, especially flashing lights and loud siren sounds.

No owner for me. I tried different riders every day. One lost her balance and flip flopped as she plopped to the ground. With an unforgiving jerk, in slow motion she hit the dirt. A sudden pinch under my chin, I leapt away stopping to stare. A girl, face down gasping for air as she started to cry. A muddy river of tears slid slowly into her mouth. Understand arena dirt elements include nasty old shavings, filthy dark dirt and lots of well … poop!

Familiar voices! Zoe and Zane wondering, “What’s in the trailer?” I backed out slowly. They screeched and cheered, bouncing and dancing, and embrace my leg. My heart sang. Could this be my new home?

A sensation of eyes directed my way, two green, two gold, synchronized. Approaching, I sniffed their hair, causing quite a sneeze. Like rockets they flew straight into the air. Eyes lit and claws showing they darted away.

Struck by steam, I lowered my nose. A tasty breakfast, warm bran mash and oats I slopped, splashed, and licked to get every morsel. While covered up to my eyes with mash and mush, Zane saw me and froze. Giggles exploded into laughter, clasping his stomach while stepping on a rake. Bonk … it conked him in his head.

Smacked by Zane’s rope several hundred times, spinning, twisting the lasso loops circling from side to side. Practice makes perfect, yes he might not hit me this time!

Slipping, sliding, grabbing handfuls of mane, Zoe’s legs pressed against my sides. Bareback, she began to feel more secure and pressing me into a jog. Moving round the arena turning and twisting. Making circles, and asking me to lope. Zoe yelped, tugged my mane, and gripped with her legs. Relaxing, releasing becoming a unit, flowing as one.

Zane drank from his water bottle. Stepping into the pond, I pawed, and took a gulp, splashed and inched into the water. Working my way deeper, muck tugged at my hooves. Deeper I inched feeling zilch, stumbling forward, Zane shouted. Nothing except water under my hooves and over my head! I struggled for air! Pounding in my chest, moving, galloping in an uphill race taking huge strides, my nose surfaced … I started to swim! Zane sat back and

my head emerged. We made it to the other side. Dripping we reached the grass, shaking so hard it rattled Zane. Back for more … lunging into the water, stretching forward, with large strides we swam across the pond. Zane laughed, yee-hawed, and we headed home.

Missing! Zoe and Zane have been gone all day. Down the drive with bags on their backs, they trudged out of sight. Waiting, worrying, frightened they’ll never return. Pacing, weaving, determined to move. Galloping to take flight, over the fence I flew. Worried, watching, trotting to the end of the drive. Something appeared. Flashing lights ahead, leaping from a bus, Zoe and Zane materialize. They have not gone astray!

Rustling, crunching, and happiness fill the cool air. Leaves flew sticking in their hair. Long trail rides together add warmth to the shortening days.

We headed down the driveway out to the road, pulling a cart filled with pumpkins and pies to the fall festival. I liked hearing my shoes clip clop, clip clop on the asphalt. Wagon rides for kids brought a reward of peppermints. What an occasion on this fresh autumn day!

Out they jumped, causing a fright. “Trick OR Treat,” yelled Zoe and Zane, dumping their supplies onto the ground, giggling, and dancing around. They decorated my mane with feathers and beads and added sparkles and frilly tassels to my tail. Zane in fancy clothing held a long lunge whip and Zoe, so beautiful, a prima ballerina as she stood on my back. We rode down the street and went “Trick or Treat.”

Smoke from my muzzle filled the air, while white flakes drifted in the sky. White blankets covered the hills. Winter was here. Morning light shined bright as jolly sounds ignite. An old fashion sleigh ride, prancing and dancing I made such a clatter. The harness jingled as we sang our way to our neighbor’s cabin. Hot chocolate was served and my cheeks were filled with peppermints, when all of a sudden … a puppy appeared. Hopping and springing all over the place, Sandy stopped to lick my face.

Snow angels, snowmen, and snow ball fights packed the day. Slither, slinking biting the peppermints, wiping the smile from that snowman’s face! Licking my lips, and giving a snort reaching for his last peppermint. As the sun began to rest, we settled into our comfortable barn. Sandy curled up in my hay and the cats snuggled on top of my back. We are down for a long winter’s night.