Full Moon – November 5

The full Beaver Moon shoe brightly through the eastern woods this evening after a glorious autumn day, squandered by annoying bureaucracy. I literally spent hours on the telephone, much of that time dealing with a robotic AI intermediary, or on hold listening to bad music on repeat.

The horses enjoyed the pleasant day. When I bring them in, I lead Bart to his stall, and Stone and Oisin come in on their own. Stone is very reliable, but Oisin has lately been a bit naughty, wandering around a little for fun. Privileges may be revoked.

For the most part, horses stay with their herd. Rarely does one horse stray far. But there is always an exception to every rule with horses.

I was bringing horses in on a summer morning when horse flies were bad. We had a pony named Brownie and he bolted away from me when bitten by a fly, before I had a halter or a rope on him, but the gate was open. The other horses were already in the barn, so I expected him to join them. No such luck. He trotted south toward the studio, then picked up a canter and disappeared. I followed with a halter and grain, not too worried. But then, I heard hooves on the wooden footbridge over the creek. I ran out to the back field, and there was no sign of Brownie. I returned to the barn, and enlisted Harry to drive around searching, while I saddled a horse and looked through the woods. We called the sheriff and reported Brownie missing. Eventually, Harry found him off a road to the west, happily grazing on a lawn and being adored by a little girl. We reported him found, brought him home, and from then on, we were careful to capture Brownie before letting the gate swing open.

The dogs enjoyed this lovely day, with the back door open to the pen, while Harry and I went to Pulmonary Rehab for the first time. It was very encouraging. I think it will be a little bit like taking riding lessons twice a week, though not quite as much fun.

Most flowers are worn out now, but the lantana continues to brighten my walk to the barn.

Be safe, be well, be grateful and be kind. Slava Ukraini! Peace…