THE DRUIDS WERE RIGHT

On a whim my daughter text messaged an invitation to go riding today. I was happy to agree and we realized we had not been to the stables in a very very very long time. Perfect morning for it with a temperature in the low 70's and a wrangler who knew all the shady areas but without an overwhelming urge to chatter. Heaven.

Each of us happy in our own thoughts and realizing this is a perfect exercise where you reap the benefits of maintaining a straight posture, and experiencing a challenging thigh-master workout each time you trot. My boy, Chad, was feeling frisky and teasing for a nip of leg which of course I did not allow. A few tentative tree scrapings were attempted and thwarted, so he settled down.

The corn was as high around us as the proverbial "elephant's eye" and it looked like the passing horses have been reaching in for quick bites as the front row of each field was neatly filed down by eager teeth. I explained to the other two ladies that it was similar to the three of us walking past a table laden with dark chocolate. Regardless of good intentions, we are going to sneak a nibble.

As the horses are commonplace in this area, and they have a stronger randier odor than the humans astride, the other animals in the area usually stick around to say "howdy" without noticing the extra, insignificant appendage atop each one. We were treated to Mama does and their spotted offspring who watched and waited until our paths crossed before sliding into the thick vegetation. I understand that often the elder deer will sacrifice the smaller, younger ones by sending them out first or leaving them out last. Which explains why they are the elder deer, duhh. An abrupt stop to enjoy wild turkeys and their offspring perfectly camouflaged by the greens and browns and shadows of the deeper woods.

Altogether a beautiful start to Sunday morning worship in a tree topped cathedral supported by a choir of noisy peacocks, and concluding with a homily of joy from the barn kittens pouncing on sunbeams.