Oh What A Day !

One day was much like the other lately, so much work to do but only the same time to do it in. Johnny was still grumbling at all the work he had to do. Even hinting it was all getting too much for him and he might have to leave himself. I'll have to find someone soon to hire to help him, but it would cost money.
 Mom and dad was rather disappointed that I couldn't make it to the family get together at Thanksgiving this year...but they'll get over it. As it happened, mom invited her sister, that's my aunt, and my uncle along with their three kids, that's my cousins...and their respective families...are you still with me ? Well seeing as they had lost their houses in the wildfires when it had destroyed quite a few buildings in Jurupa Valley, that's where my aunt and uncle live, and also throughout South-Central Idaho where my cousins live...spread out...well you can see what I'm leading up to...mom had her hands busy and I guess I would of been hardly missed.

some wrote letters

I had spent the time with Kate, along with a few of the disadvantaged kids she did her voluntary work with. So we had our Thanksgiving. We played board games around the table. Afterwards some wrote letters home to their parents or just talked. Others went outside to kick a ball about.

Tyler

Tyler or Ty as he liked to be called, was a spotty seventeen year old with a lot of problems. It didn't help when his parents divorced six years ago. He got too much for his alcoholic mother to cope with. How did she get custody ? Well, she wasn't always an alcoholic. He was put into foster care, and because of always getting into trouble was moved on from one foster home to another...poor kid. I could sympathize with him...to some degree. Kate was...beginning to get through to him somehow and he had started to respond to the counselling given him from higher up as Kate was not qualified in the full sense.
 Kate told me that all Tyler really needed was a sense of 'worth'...and a sense of being 'needed'...and as I had mentioned to her that Johnny had been bugging me to get him some help around my stables...well now I had Kate begging me to give Ty a go. Just general work like cleaning the horses tack that Johnny was not all that keen on. Besides, I had bought another mare much the same size as Pepper. 'More tack to clean' he had moaned and as up to now, I hadn't employed anyone else. Well it was all a matter of $'s.
 The day when Joe had brought the gray mare over....Oh what a day that was. The day started out with brilliant sunshine, then after I had loosed the as yet unnamed mare in to the field behind my farmhouse, the sky in the distance started to darken and Johnny had said that it 'looks like we're in for it.' The sky grew darker as the storm brewed. Lightening bolts shot along the sky...then...the heavens opened and the rain fell.

The sky grew darker as the mare was loosed into the field

It wasn't cold rain, even so I tried to get to the mare to put her in the barn. More lightening shot around the sky, the rain was so sharp it stung my face. I had to leave the mare in the field for three hours solid, however as quickly as the storm started...it abated and out came the sun again making all the grass glisten. Except for the large puddles on the ground and the rainbow in the sky, you would hardly think anything had happened. All clients had rung up to cancel that day, and I don't blame 'em. Good job the 'Holiday Let' I had bought was earning. That had been fully booked for two weeks now. First by one family and then by a honeymoon couple.
 So...where was I ? Ah yes, I named the gray mare...wait for it...Storm. Pretty appropriate don't you think ?
 I gave Tyler a months work, well you can never be too careful. He would clean the horses tack and be a general 'dogs-body'...oh he could interact with Life, my bitch too, I was busy, real busy, too busy to do much with her lately she needed a bath and some stimulation. 
 Tyler was to come round after school for a few hours Monday to Friday. Then Saturday for as long as needed. Depended on what time he could shift his ass outta bed. 
 Johnny was a bit sceptic of Tyler. Time will tell. Johnny now had the hours Monday till Thursday from eight a.m. till three p.m.
 Kate helped pro bono a few hours filling in when needed on Fridays, Saturdays and most Sundays. Well that's not entirely true. Her payment was to ride Drifter whenever she wanted. Kate was grateful to me for giving Tyler a chance to prove himself. I might get him to paint Johnny's battered truck...as Johnny hadn't made any improvements that I could see. Perhaps I could get Tyler to set it on fire ! Only kidding !

 Meanwhile, I got on my laptop and bought two tickets to see a band she enthused about...The Atomic Tree Toads, not exactly my kind of music...but Kate would reward  me after i'm sure!

Thanks Giving

After leaving a list for Johnny to work his way through, I returned to the kitchen for a  coffee.Taking it through to the lounge, I sat down on the couch, messed with the remote and switched on the television. The t.v. burst Into life with a report of 'Thanks Giving'. Thanks giving was just around the corner. Oh shucks! Mom and dad would be expecting me at our usual family gathering.
 Jorja Fox, the newsreader went on to say, 'The feast popularly known as the ''First Thanksgiving Day Feast'' was held as a gesture of thanks to Almighty God. First celebrated in the year 1621. After the United States gained independence, Congress recommended one yearly day of thanksgiving for the whole nation to celebrate. Thanksgiving Day is a time of festivity, family meals and reunions in America. Carved turkeys, pumpkin pie, corns, cranberry sauce are the traditional dishes adorning the dinner tables in almost every house,'...a picture of an overflowing table of the relevant food flashed up on the screen, It certainly was a time for feasting. Jorja Fox continued,'Thanksgiving Day epitomizes the holiday mood of people. It is a time for gifting your family and friends. The day is a time to show your gratitude and respect to your elders, friends, your siblings and also your colleagues. Popular gifts include thanksgiving flowers, jewellery, baked cookie hampers, chocolate gift baskets, candy-wreaths, wine '...I turned the television down low.
 I imagined a big spread layed out around the center piece of Autumnal flowers. There sat mom, gazing at dad as he carved into the turkey. My brother Bodie, sister-in-law Kayley, and sister Dionne...she's twenty nine, four years older than I am they would be sitting around the table too.
 What!...Didn't I tell you about my sister ?

Dionne

 Well Dionne travels a lot around the globe she's employed as a 'Stock Buyer', sourcing out fabrics of linen, silk, cotton, tweeds and anything out of the ordinary to buy. They are then shipped back to Seattle and made into top end designer clothes for the company which she works for...'Kali Fashions'. Last I heard she was in Hong Kong, looking at the local silks, all made by local people in the home  environment, a chance for ordinary families to grab some of the action money wise...a policy in part, but none the less endorsed by the company director.
 But back to Thanks Giving...I already knew I wouldn't be joining the family this year. I had to come up with a feasible excuse without upsetting mom and it may be wise to put it off till as long as possible.

Smokie checks out pepper

 What was I to do with Pepper ? Should I go ahead and buy the mare ? In the end Jolene said I could have her for $350, so I put her in the field and Smokie went over to keep her company. It turned out that Pepper was not as old as first thought. The vet came out to give her the once over and told me she was barely three years old. I gave Johnny the job of training her to be an enjoyable ride.

Drifter  rearing

 Sofia was getting on well with Kate and Lady. They had arranged to go for a ride on the beach together. Kate would be riding Drifter. He was a one , that Drifter. I was still riding him in the manege, and he was still rearing and throwing me off. I don't think he liked me, or he was having a laugh, at my expense.
 Sofia drove up and parked her car. Kate was in the passenger side. She jumped out and came over to me. "Hi Kyle," she said as she gave me a hug.  
 "Is that a new lip gloss you're wearing ?" I inquired."It suits you, um, nice color."
 Kate game me a broad smile. "Maybe you can try it on...later." 

Enjoying the beach

 And with that she went off in the direction of the stables calling out for Sofia to follow her. They appeared a few minutes later with Lady and Drifter saddled up. They mounted and went off down the 
drive waving to me.  "Have a safe ride." I shouted after them. 
  I went and watched Johnny lunging Pepper for the next ten minutes or so before my cell phone rang out in my pocket. It was Joe.
 "Hi Joe, what can I do for you....Yeah....Yeah....Okay....That will be fine....Yeah...No problem." I ended the call.  Johnny had finished with Pepper and had unclasped the lunge line and loosed her off.
 "Think we could manage another horse ?" I shouted over to Johnny.
 Johnny wiped his brow with his shirt sleeve, shook his head and said, "I shall have to have another days work then mister McCormack and may be even some help. We're getting mighty busy."
 "Okay, fair enough, lets get a beer from the refrigerator and talk about it, sort an extra day out."
 "And may be some help." Johnny muttered.

Spooked

We sat down to eat my famous spaghetti bolognese pouring it onto the plate but leaving the burnt bit in the pan. A few more tries and I would get it down to perfection I reckon.
 In between slurping on the spaghetti...I have never seen anyone each spaghetti like she does before. Jolene began speaking, "So, what do you think Kyle," licking her lips,"...about the mare I mean ?"
I watched her sucking up the spaghetti and licking the sauce off her lips,...her lips....amazing !
 I jolted to my senses. "She seems okay." 
 "Only okay ?" quizzed Jolene, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand, "saddle her up, try her out. Oh, the mare's name is Pepper, but you can call her what you like."
 After we had finished our meal we went and saddled Pepper. I stood back and gave her the once over...then I did the same to the mare. Jolene was highly amused and playfully kicked my ass.
 I rode around for a bit, then dismounted.
 "How much you asking for her ?"
 "$500 to you Kyle. Like I said , you can try her for two days."
 "I'll think about it." Mustn't show how

Trying out pepper

eager I was. Pepper was really a nice size...for the larger client !

 I put Pepper into the stable. Jolene followed. She smiled that smile...a flirtatious smile. Hey! She was offering herself on a plate to me. Well I wasn't gonna disappoint her. Still standing in the barn we had a hug and a pleasant feeling rose up in me. She could tell too.
Needless to say we ended up in bed.
 Giving me a pouting expression Jolene whispered,"You didn't phone me Kyle. I thought you'd gone off me."
 I pulled her hair scrunchie out and ran my fingers through her hair, kissing and nibbling her earlobe.
 "Oh, I've been real busy...you know...", making my way down to her throat and further.
 "...Oh Kyle, more...please.", she gasped.
 "Like this ?"
 Jolene wriggled about and screamed like a banshee giving the bed springs a 'work-out' at the same time. It was different but why did she have to make so much noise. Jolene was needless to say...dynamite in bed ! Life was trying to get into my bedroom, but I had made sure she couldn't follow.
The next morning after we had had breakfast of pancakes smothered in syrup, and swilled it down with coffee, I took Jolene to see the property adjoining my place that I had bought. We did a tour of the inside with Jolene taking it all in.
 "That should rake in a few more $'s for you Kyle", turning to head out of the front of the door,"Let me  know if you want to keep the mare in a day or two. You have my number don't you ?" she winked.
 And with that we walked back along the road to the farm.
"Howdy there", came a familiar voice.
 I looked across the road and saw Bill Clinton. "Oh, hi there Bill, just showing um,"...I only knew Jolene by her first name so I guess that's all I could use "...Jolene around the property."
 Jolene raised her hand in a half wave and we carried on to where she had parked the horse box. We had a quick hug and kiss. Jolene alighted into the vehicle, started it up, blew me a kiss and left.
 The land line phone rang. I answered it "...yes...I can do that...just the two...okay." That was a booking for two teenage girls for a short ride. Their mom would be coming too but would not be riding.
 I put Melissa on Flint and Lucille, the, must use tact here...the overweight one on...Pepper.

something spooked Pepper

 Now if that was a wise thing to do or not ...i'll let you be the judge ! Melissa looked like she really didn't want to do this but her sister...well...something spooked Pepper, she half reared and galloped off towards the road...and Flint took off right after her. I hurriedly put a head collar on Lady...jumped on her bare-back...and thundered off after the girls down the drive and onto the road................Finally I caught up with them and thankfully nobody was hurt, just scared. We walked the horses back to the farm where I was accosted by an angry looking mother. "No harm done." I said, "Shall we just go in the manege and do a bit of flat work ?"
 "Oh-h-h, I don't think so. Get off those beasts, kids they're not safe!. You haven't heard the last of this! " 
 Well I watched them get into a taxi...I don't think they'll be coming back and they never parted with any money anyway. I went and checked on my laptop...see if I was covered for this sort of thing.

Holiday Let

The acreage overlooked the side of my place. It had a good sized field all fenced off and a large pool to the back of the property. Yes, I had gone and done it ! I had bought the small property that was for sale at the bottom of my drive and a little to the left. Across the road was Bill and Hillarys' place.

Inspecting the property

 The property was comprised of a open lounge with a kitchen combined, a large bedroom with room for a double bed and also space for a single bed if required. Also a small shower room with a wash basin and a 'john'. I emailed Bodie, my brother with news of my success. He insisted on coming to look at it with his wife Kayley. I think he wanted to know how things were moving with me and Kate in truth and...as I wasn't exactly a font of information on the place, guess what ? Yeah mom and dad turned up too! Great, that was all I needed my folks checking up on me. 
 "The couch is a bit shabby don't you think Kathy dear?" argued dad.
 "It will be just fine George, once it has new covers on," insisted mom, "I can clean that stove up for you too. As it is now with all that grease on, it would be listed as a fire hazard." She laughed.
 I took mom outside to show her what changes I was planning on doing.
 Suddenly, mom gave me a big hug and I hugged her back. She got tearful and asked if I was keeping out of trouble. I knew what she meant.
 "Mom I - I don't do drugs and I don't supply them no more. Honest."
 " I know, I know. Those two boys you used to hang around with...one has ended up in the penitentiary and the other seems to be in and out of jail so often for drug pushing and possession and selling of illegal firearms. You would of ended like them if it hadn't been for your father getting you a good lawyer." She put her hands up to the sides of her head and shook her head in despair.
 "Hey mom," I put my arms around her and hugged her again. "You don't need to worry about me on that score. I'm all done with that scene." Dad came then so mom went back inside. I asked dad what he thought I should do with the big pool at the back of the house. Should I fill it in ?
 Dad turned to me. "You been upsetting your mother again son ?" he inquired.
 "You know what she's like dad, she still thinks I'm her baby. Gee whizz, I'm old enough to take a wife and have kids !" I pleaded.
"I know son but to your mom...you're her little boy and always will be." He lit a cigarette and continued, "That reminds me, tell me about this Kate your brother's been telling me about."
 I shuffled uneasily. Just how much had Bodie told dad about Kate and me ? I attempted an explanation. "W-e-l-l," I started slowly drawing the word out. " there isn't really much to tell dad. She's just a friend... who I Like...very much. It's, um," I shook my head, "to early to say whether anything will come of it yet."
 "No need to get tied down too soon son. Play the field a little. I know Vanessa hurt you terribly."...
 Did I need to be reminded ? Anyway we talked a little more...father to son talk.
 We both went back inside to see that mom had a can of Comet in one hand and a green scrubbie sponge in the other, attacking the stove. It came up sparkling like new.    

It came up like new

     
 Mom, dad, Bodie and Kayley, all ambled over with me to the farmhouse. Mom said she'd rustle up a meal for us, which gave her a good excuse to check the refrigerator out. See if I was feeding myself. Was there food in there ? Thank goodness there was enough to make spanish omletes with salad. And mom magicked one of her cherry pies from out of a grocery bag she had brought with her.
 I'd better update my business web page to include the property I had just bought. Clients could bring their horses with them as I had an extra field, or I could put some of my own horses in, or even let it out for grazing. The possibilities were endless. Think I may of mentioned that phrase before, somewhere ? 
 I was just checking out my spelling when my cell phone went off. It was Jolene. She had a nice cob type mare in her horse box that she was bringing over - now! Thought I would like to keep her for a couple of days, see if she was what I wanted.
 Time passed as time does. My family got ready to leave. On the way home they were going to visit the County Historical Museum in Pleasantville. I waved them all off, saying 'come and see me again soon'. Actually I wish they wouldn't bother. Although I loved them all, I was feeling sort of crushed- all hemmed in. I needed space - to breathe, to be - me.

A nice cob type mare

Jolene drew up with the mare about half an hour later. She unloaded and I invited her to stay for a bite to eat. Kate would not be coming over today.

Wildfires

Wednesday morning seven a.m.

 Kate looked so sweet lying there. I'll let her lie in. I got up had a shower and got dressed. I went over to the stables and tended to Smokies leg. It didn't look so bad as yesterday. Got some salt water, bathed the wound and bandaged it back up.

 While waiting for Kate to stir, I switched on the news. Life came and watched the television, she was curious of how the people got in there. Well it seemed that way to me. The newscaster off CNN, Ted Tanner spoke....'Fire fighters are at this moment battling to contain a series of wildfires across south California. Strong winds and hot temperature following one of the driest winter in years, have turned swathes of wilderness into a tinderbox...'The screen cut to a scene of helicopters dropping loads of water to protect properties down on the ground...'A ten mile section of the Pacific Coast highway has been closed for a while west of Malibu, because of the Camarillo Springs blaze...' again it cut to a motorist by the name of Zeke Jaquez , " It's unbelievable..." he says,"...several homes have already been destroyed."...and then it cut back to Ted Tanner at the news desk, '...and on a lighter note...' I switched it off. Life had disappeared. I needed the bathroom. While in there doing what a guy does, a knock came on the door. On opening it Kate...sweet Kate stood before me. I planted a long kiss on her lips.

Kate blushed. "I need the shower. Your dog drooled all over me, waking me up."

 "Yeah, she...has a nasty habit of doing that," I smiled and moved out of the way to let Kate pass."You want to eat out for breakfast or what ?"

 "Whatever you want Kyle." 

 "Okay, but lets eat out first." A slow easy smile spread across my face. "Last night was special wasn't it ?"

 "Yes," she whispered, blushing again, "you seem to have only one thing on your mind Kyle."

Eventually Kate appeared and we got into the car and drove to the Stroppy Mare diner.

As I drove out of my drive, a for sale sign was being erected on the small property to the left. It got me thinking. If I bought it, I could use it for a holiday let or, if any of my family came to stay.

 We both had coffee and pancakes with syrup. Oh! and eggs over easy. I payed the check and left.

Kate relaxed into the car seat, "You're quiet?"

 " I was just thinking about the wildfires. Let's hope the winds stay down south and don't change course. Oh, and that property on the corner of my place. I wonder if I should buy it, what do you think Kate ?"  

 "It's up to you. Can't help you there Kyle."              

 Back at the farm I tacked Drifter up and mounted him. After a short while He reared up and I fell off.   Kate stood there, laughing at me while I brushed the dust of my pants. My cellphone rang and a female voice spoke, "I want to speak to a mister McCormack."

 "You're speaking to him. How can I help you ?"

 Well it turned out the female voice belonged to a Sofia Martin. Um, you may recall that Johnny Denver had scribbled down a garbled message yesterday. I told her to come over and take a look at Lady. I wasn't sure she could train her to the western style of riding, as she was eight years old. So far all of my clients wanted to ride western style. Can't blame them. I had paper work to enter into my laptop, ringing around and one thing and another, and a jumping lesson to take in an hour, so Kate volunteered to see to Sofia Martin when she came.

I was still on my laptop when Sofia Martin came. I saw Kate talking to her...well I presume that's who she was. Yes, now Kate is getting Lady for her and tacking her up. They go into the manege and Sofia is riding Lady over the cavaletti trainer jumps in there. I know Lady can do these, I've done them on her myself...and the green and white inclined triple bar jump. Sofia was about late thirties to early forties. She had thick black wavy hair done up into a French Plait  and tied with a band of some kind. I finished on my laptop so went out to watch Sofia ride. I had ten minutes or so before my client would arrive.

 "Well what do you think, um, Ms. Martin ?" I didn't know whether she was married or not. Couldn't see a wedding band as she was wearing gloves. Kate went and made us a coffee.

 "Won't take a lot to put her right. I think she was originally taught to the western way of riding before. I can do a little with her every other day for three months. May be less."

 "Okay, let's agree on how much it's gonna cost me."

 We came to an agreement.

Kate's Story

Kate's Story

Dear diary:

Me, Kate

 Well what can I tell you about myself ? I am nineteen years old and the only child to Roddy and Brittney Winsley. I Have auburn hair and deep green eyes. If they were still alive today, my parents would of been forty seven and forty five respectfully. Only one bad stormy night on the way back from dining with a number of very influential people, their car was involved in a gruesome interstate pile up. Sadly they were among those pronounced dead at the horrific scene. They had worked hard all their lives, reaching the top of the financial and social ladder...and what for ?

Goldie Horne was great friends with my mom although Goldie was six years younger. Up to my eighteenth birthday Goldie was my guardian, a pact that she and mom had made together every time they got a bit tipsy ! Little did they know how that pact or promise was to turn out. It was she who encouraged me to keep a diary and write down my thoughts to help me 'heal' so she said, that's why I'm writing this diary. I feel I have to hide it away from...prying eyes.

I was 'home tutored', as I had a hard time adjusting when my parents were killed, and kids at school can be very cruel...you know ? So now, I have this large condo with a view of the river flowing past this place where I now lived, aptly named River View. I don't need to work as I have enough money to last me the rest of my life, although some of it is in Bonds till I reach thirty. Was I lonely ? Not all the while, as I had friends at the place where I do voluntary work with disadvantaged kids.

Recently I had accompanied Goldie to a horse auction at Hidden Springs. I just love horses...especially Palominos. Goldie taught me to ride and is a qualified teacher. That's how she makes a living, and where my love of horses sprung from. It also helped in the 'healing process'.

Kyle in town

On this particular day we met Kyle McCormack. Boy, did I blush ! I was drawn to him straight away. In fact, I liked him a lot ! He had pushed his way through the crowd to talk to Goldie, but I think he had another reason too. I would of liked to of stayed to talk to him find out more about him, but I was with Goldie and we had a prior engagement elsewhere. Guess what ? He gave me his cellphone number. I remember he had black hair, nice brown eyes...and a cocky smile.

Goldie warned me to take care. She said she knew what sort of guys like Kyle were like, and what they were after. So to please her I threw the cellphone number away. I was so miserable the rest of the day that Goldie had a heart to heart with me. She said I should find someone nearer my own age. She said that he was too experienced and would only break my heart. How could she know ? She hadn't know him long and had only given him one riding lesson ! So I made it clear that I was old enough to make my own choice and mistakes. You know what I think ? I think she was sweet on him herself ! Well I'll show her !

I made my mind up to go to Kyle's opening day to launch his business adventure. I had seen it advertised on the 'net'. I arrived by taxi and...Oh no ! Goldie is over there. Well, I'll show her a thing or two. I walked straight up to Kyle and...and, alright, so I didn't kiss him, I just smiled, rather shyly I'm afraid. Still, Goldie frowned and uttered something inaudible. But just to rub it in that I was old enough to make my own choices, I offered to help Kyle out at the Happy Hooves Day the next morning.

                             * * * *

I arrived at nine twenty a.m. to find Kyle cussing his dog. I spoke loud telling him that I hope I wouldn't get that sort of treatment. I made him jump. We laughed and joked and went into the kitchen for a coffee before the kids turned up...the kids got a little wild cleaning the stables and I ended up getting horse manure in my face and hair. What was more humiliating was that Kyle was laughing at me along with the kids. He said something stupid, like how attractive I looked. With tears threatening to flow I ran into the farmhouse and made for the shower. I washed my tears away. Just as I stepped out of the shower, Kyle appeared. I grabbed a bathrobe and blushed, because Kyle had seen me naked. He...apologized...for laughing at me and looked so...sorry that I forgave him instantly. I think you would of done too. He wanted to make it up to me, so I said he could take me to the new Italian restaurant in Hidden Springs. That should take up a decent bit of the profit he had made on Happy Hooves day !

                           * * * * *

The meal was delicious. After Kyle had payed the check, he drove me back to my condo. I had told him all about my parents and Goldie and the condo, when I had changed earlier on for the restaurant...my gypsy top, just revealing enough flesh...to get him going. I laughed to myself as his eyes sparkled. And now he wanted to come in for a coffee...so he said. I made some excuse, but he kissed me. A slow, warm, kiss and...Wow...I really enjoyed that...but I resisted...and forced myself to close the door. Next on the agenda, I would make Kyle wait for me.

                            * * * * *

Three days seemed long enough to me and...what's this ? A text on my cellphone...I gasped! He's got a Palomino !  I must go and see them...both. I just adore Palominos ! 

When I got to Kyle's, I instantly clasped eyes on the Palomino. Johnny came up to me while I was talking and patting the horse.

"I'll let Kyle know that you're here." he muttered. I don't think Johnny liked me much !

Anyway, here comes Kyle now. Isn't he the most cute, gorgeous guy you've ever know ! Kyle said he had someone he wanted me to meet. Jolene. He said Jolene had delivered Drifter and that was her job...that was why she was here. So-o-o okay, I buy that. She didn't stay long. I noticed she handed Kyle his cellphone he had left in the house. How kind and thoughtful that was of her. What a nice job Jolene has. She must transport lots of horses in that big horse box.

Kyle wouldn't let me ride Drifter then and there. He said he wanted to make sure what he was like first, didn't want me to get hurt or thrown off. Well I didn't tell him that I was an skillful rider because I liked him looking out for me. Kyle's beach ride 'Dudes' turned up, city guys, you could tell that a mile off. What a bunch of queer looking guys ! Off they went while I stayed. I told Johnny that he could go if he wanted as I would stay and help Kyle with the horses when he returned. So off he went in his battered truck.

Kate on Drifter

Great. I was on my own. I put a saddle on Drifter and rode him about the grounds and in the manege. I enjoyed it very much, lovely paces. Before Kyle and his three 'Dudes' came back, I hosed Drifter down and brushed him to get rid of the sticky saddle marks off his back. That would of been a definite give away !  

Phew! Just made it in time as Kyle came back just then. He saw the guys off giving them a business card each. I was innocently  playing with Life, his dog...a bitch actually. I helped him hose and brush the other horses. Joe came for Prince and Shadow as Kyle had loaned them for that day. Smokie was in the barn, resting his leg.

He could cook !

Kyle was now using his charm on me, I let him and we began flirting. And he asked me to stay for supper. Oh, here was a new one on me - Kyle could cook ! Supper was spaghetti bolognese. He looked very domesticated in the kitchen. There was quite a few bottles of wine in the refrigerator...for entertaining...I presumed.

Kyle flirted outrageously, all the time, and I...I flirted back of course.Then it happened. I knew it would. He asked me to stay the night. Should I, or shouldn't I ? All I'm willing to write in this diary is...well you never know who might sneak

The bedroom scene

a peep if found...is that.........Oh! sorry, but I have crossed a lot out just here.....here.....and here.....with a really thick black marker pen ! It's too private. Now where was I ?...Oh yes...we were wrapped round each other real close. I was calling out, Kyle, oh Kyle and he was calling out Kate, oh Kate. So this is what it was like then. No mystery now. Well I reckoned that there is a first time for everything. We made love till we were spent. That's all I'm saying.

As I drifted off to sleep, now with Kyle's gentle breathing as opposed to the gasping, groaning and moaning sounds he had made...well I think I threw a good noises in myself...should I cross that bit out ? No ! Think I'll leave it in. I was sort of imagining of how my name would sound, you know like one does, if we married...Kate McCormak...Kate McCormack....Kate McCormack....that sounded....good !

But girls...can you tell me something ? Do all men do it with their socks on ? 'Cause I'd really like to know.

Beach Ride (16)

Beach Ride

Drifter

"Oh Kyle," Kate's eyes lit up."He's beautiful, can I ride him ?"

 "Nope, sorry Kate, he has a few problems to iron out yet," Kate's face dropped in disappointment, so I added, "But when I've sorted him out, then you can ride him. I don't want you getting hurt. Why don't you brush him for me ?"

 "I suppose that will have to do for now,"  So Kate got to work on...making Drifter look more handsome. If that was possible ?" I watched ready to jump in in case of...well just in case. He was so well behaved with her, It was hard to see what was wrong with this horse. Drifter nuzzled Kate's hair and whinnied, and she laughed back at him. Hey! I'm was getting a little jealous here !

 Johnny was working longer today to get the horses ready for the beach ride. If I'd of known Kate was coming, she could of helped me and I could of saved some money. I shrugged my shoulders. Oh well, that's the way the cookie crumbles.

Smokie had managed to get a bad cut somehow on his back offside leg. I cleaned the wound and applied an antiseptic cream, just to make sure I bandaged his leg up to stop the flies getting at it. I will clean the wound again tomorrow Joe had been willing to loan me Shadow another of his horses. Good old Joe, must make it up to him later.

 Just before six p.m. the three guys turned up in a four by four for their beach ride.

Horses Left to right:Prince - Shadow -  Flint

  "Hi guys. Okay Paul you'll have to ride Shadow as Smokie has got himself a bad cut some how, Malcolm you take Prince and Barry you have Flint again. We'll be riding part way on the road to the beach and return by a shorter route by way of a dirt track."

 I mounted Lady and the guys mounted their assigned mounts, eagerly chatting away to each other as we made our way down the drive and on to the road. "Single file here. Barry, I want you behind me, next Paul, and Malcolm, you bring up the rear." A few cars passed us wide and slow. I put up my hand to thank them for doing so. Barry was nervous. His eyes, as if on stalks, looking out for more cars. Hmm! they said they had rode horses before. Must of been the sort that go round and round on a carousel I smirked to myself. "You'll do a lot better if you sit up deep in the saddle. Sit up straight. Let the horses work for you." I encouraged them. They responded by stretching and making themselves taller. "That's better."

 Turning towards the next exit on our right, we headed down towards the beach.

 "Now I want you to steer a wide birth away from any swimmers and sunbathers." The horses grew  excited prancing and pawing the ground as we stepped onto the sand. "Just keep a cool head and the horses will pick up on it. Talk to them in a calm voice and pat them when they behave. Okay ?" This was basic logic, but these guys were none too clever. The guys did what I asked of them and after trotting and cantering along the least populated part of the beach, the guys relaxed and started to enjoy themselves.

 Time to take the saddles off the horses and strip down to our swim wear or shorts and T-shirts. I gave a boy named Tom who happened to be on the beach, 2$'s to look after the saddles, discarded clothes and our boots for fifteen minutes, while we took the horses into the river. 

 "Come on in a bit deeper Barry."shouted Malcolm. But, Barry shook his head and would go in no further than the water reaching half way up to Flint's legs, but our horses were now swimming, striking out with strong leg strokes and enjoying the cool water in the heat of the day. I headed back to Barry and exchanged horses so as Flint could take a turn in the water. The horses were snorting and blowing water from their nostrils...."Head back and we'll saddle them back up." I jerked my head towards land. As we got nearer Barry smiled and waved at us. He was happier letting Lady graze. It showed in Barry's face. We went the shorter way back missing out the road. 

 "Hope you've enjoyed yourselves and please recommend me to your friends." I handed out my business cards to them. They got into their car rental, and I watched as they drove off waving back to them.

 Kate was still here and she smiled. Oh what a beautiful smile. We hosed the horses down and Joe came for his two. I loosed the others into the field and watched them graze. They were very relaxed and so was I. I put my arm round Kate's shoulder and she leaned in to me as we headed into the kitchen for supper.

 I could just about manage to cook spaghetti bolognese by now without burning it.

 Later while watching the television,  I playfully put my face into Kate's hair,"You want to stay the night Kate ?" I whispered into her hair. It smelled of shampoo and...Kate.

 Kate blushed and a with a shy smile, whispered back, "Okay."...............Nice one !

Drifter Arrives (15)

Drifter Arrives

My cellphone rang. It was Jolene saying she had Drifter on the horse box and that her E.T.A. was about twenty minutes. Should I phone Kate to let her know ? We had talked about this horse at The Blue Lagoon restaurant and I knew she was nuts about Palomino's. I decided to send a text message instead, so I punched in a message and pressed send, knowing she'd be around when she could take a look.

 A little later, after checking on the horses and letting Johnny know what time I needed them ready for the beach ride, I heard the horse box coming steadily up the drive. Jolene cut the engine, jumped out onto the ground and lit a cigarette. She knew better than to offer me one.

Jolene and kyle

 Her blonde hair was tied back into a pony tail. She was wearing one of those short blouses with a knot tie, revealing her bare midriff, and skin tight jeans. Wow, what a body ! She smiled, one of those sexy smiles. I could almost hear me growling at her. While puffing away on her cigarette, she spoke. "Isn't this the dog day of Summer ?"

 "Sure is." I replied eyeing her up while wiping the sweat from my brow, "And please be careful where you put that stub. You may of noticed that we've had a few grass fires on your way over here, I don't want the place catching fire."

 "Yeah, it sure is bad and worse further up north, lots of wild fires. Say...I could do with a nice cool drink right now. Any iced tea going Kyle ?"

 Ah, she remembered my name. Now does she really want iced tea, or my company ? Both I hope.

Drifter

 Jolene unloaded Drifter. "Shall I put him here Kyle ?"

 "Fine"...We walked round and into the kitchen. I got the iced tea out of the refrigerator and poured us both a glass. I watched her drink, and offered her another glass, then drank mine. We went and sat near the table to cool down and talk a little, just small talk about this and that.

 "How's business doing Kyle ?"...Wow, I like the way she says my name. Almost like purring.

 "Um, yes it's getting there...early days you know. I need another horse for the...how shall I put it...larger customer." I half snorted and chuckled. She grinned back at me. This is going well I thought. "Have you got time for lunch ?. I have chicken and salad in the refrigerator ?"

 "That's mighty kind of you Kyle, I don't have nothing else on today so the rest of the time is mine."

 Did she say...nothing on ? Oh how I wish. I got out the lunch and as we ate, Jolene carried on talking. Women are good at that...multi-tasking ! I wasn't listening to her, I was watching her lips, her delicious lips...moving...moving. Mmmm, bet she tastes ...delicious !...

 "So what do you say Kyle ?"

 "Yeah please." I jerked my fingers through my hair. "Um, sorry Jolene, could you repeat that."

 "Er, you seem a little preoccupied. I said I might be able to help you."

  "I um, sometimes look on the laptop for horses, that's where I got Smokie from. Come on and have a look for me see what you think about one I was looking at this morning." So I led the way into my bedroom. "Sorry I don't have a separate office room as you can see, I do most of my work from here." I switched on the laptop. "I'm looking for a mare. I already have three geldings, but just one mare. I want to even things up a bit."

 Jolene sat on the bed and bounced up and down. "Good springs."

 "Yeah, I know. Perhaps I'll try it out later." I grinned,"But for now come over here." We looked at some web sites and there were one or two possibilities. Just then Johnny tapped on the bedroom window and mouthed the words to me that Kate had just arrived and was looking Drifter over.

Turning to Jolene I asked her to come and say hello to a friend that had just come to look at the Palomino. After all, I didn't want Kate to...get the wrong idea. Jolene went to the bathroom first so I hurried up outside to greet Kate and inform her that Jolene had brought Drifter in the horse box. It was her job....and - come and say hello. That way it looked all official like. I mean-nothing was going on between us. Jolene came to find me and I thought she looked a little put out, but she was civil to Kate. "Is she your girlfriend ?" Jolene whispered to me.

 "Um, shes a friend who - happens to be a girl." I whispered back.

 "You left your cellphone in the house so I brought it out for you, Kyle, in case you need it. I have to go now." Turning to Kate who was patting Drifter she said "It's been nice meeting you Kate." Then turning back to me " I'll keep my eye out for a mare for you, mister McCormack." and she gave me a wink.

 What was all that about ? I checked my phone and noticed that Jolene had put her number in it.

Trail Ride

 Three days later and still Kate hadn't phoned me. Playing hard to get I presume. Well two can play at that game. I'll just give her a little more time. Today, Tuesday, I had a new horse coming, a Palomino name of Drifter. It's former owner, Dale Winters couldn't do a thing with it and was glad to unload it on to me for just $300. Seems cheap I know, but I am sure I could sort the gelding out without too much trouble. You just have to be patient....and I was a patient guy....think I may have mentioned that to you. Dale and I had made the deal on the day of my opening day. He turned up to look the place over. Much better than going for dog meat he had remarked. That reminds me....where was Life ? 

 Johnny was forking out some hay to replenish the hay racks in the stables and Life was lying down plum tuckered out. "She's been playing with a stray dog." Johnny said when he saw I was a little concerned.

 "Well as long as she don't invite the critter to stay, I have enough mouths to feed." I Joked.

 "Oh don't forget to get the horses ready for me Johnny, I have three customers coming at half ten. They want an hour trail ride so i've arranged to loan one of Joe's horses for the day. I'll take them round that route we did a dummy run on and in case of problems...i'll take my cellphone with me." Besides I was thinking that Kate might phone.

 "Right you are mister McCormack, I'll see to it straight away." Johnny got the horses ready for me.

 Joe came riding one of his horses while leading the other one, a sorrel with an almost white face and white stockings. Strange looking beast. From a distance you could mistake him for a cow, hey, who was I to be too picky.  "Make sure you keep him away from snakes," grinned Joe, "His names Prince and won't give you any trouble."

Joe's horse, Prince

 Other than snakes I said under my breath, let's hope we don't come across any. Hope he was joking all the same, "Thanks Joe."

 My three clients were on time. "Hi, Paul,

Paul, Barry and Malcolm

Barry and Malcolm. "We shook hands and I explained a few simple rules for them to follow on our ride. They were here on a short break with their wives, but they refused to join in and would rather go shopping. I gave Prince to the more experienced guy to ride, while I rode Lady. We headed out down the drive and followed a dirt trail to the west, that's left of here, before we hit the road. Bill and Hillarys place could be seen just about across that road, so we didn't have to pass it. Heading into Deadwood Valley, hope we don't meet any snakes, we jumped over a few of the fallen dead trees, except for Barry who was on Flint. He just went round them. We passed by a trail on the left that led down to the river that flowed further up from my place. We turned right crossed a dirt trail and turned left and galloped up the hill, passed trees, bushes, ferns and tall dried grass. Another one hundred metres ahead was a clearing, what them with cars and vans used when out fishing or just taking the dogs a walk. But we went through a gap in the hedge to the right and galloped across a sloping piece of grassland for a few minutes. Suddenly a dog came dashing out chasing a rabbit. Barry wobbled a bit but managed to stay on. I can't repeat the words he used....something like 'Oh stupid dog'....but stronger language. On a large pond with ducks a swimming, were a bunch of guys a fishing.

We passed them. "Single file across this wooden bridge and slow as we don't want the horses to slip." I led the way. Once all across, we loped down a small valley, we could of just easily run up the middle. Instead we circled around to the right and up and round the hill heading left, then back down towards the pond and down the middle back across the bridge.

 Paul looked over to me,"Wonder if they've caught any fish ?" And nodding to his two pals added,"Will have to try it out next see if the women will come ?" 

 We retraced our route and got back safely. The cellphone didn't go off in my saddle bag.

 "Can you fit a beach ride in for us, early evening ?"

 "Sure....and if you can ride bareback, we'll take the horses for a swim as it's a hot day."Barry looked nervous, "Don't worry, you needn't go too far into the water if you don't want to."

 "Great," said Paul "so we'll come back at six p.m. then." The friends nodded and payed upfront.

  "Any messages for me Johnny ?"

 "Yup, just one." 

 My eyes lit up. I bet Kate had rung the farm's number up enquiring after me. I looked at the notation Johnny Denver had made. No....it was somebody named Sofia Martin, and something I couldn't decipher. Was she after English Riding lessons or did she want to give me one ?

 Guess i'll give Kate a little more time....just waiting for Drifter to arrive....wont be long now.

(13) Restaurant

Restaurant

Before heading to the restaurant, we drove to Kate's condo so as she could change her clothes. She lived in a place called River View, about one hour and thirty minutes from my farm. When Kate emerged she was wearing an off the shoulder orange gypsy top and black leggings. Her shoes were white edged with orange and she wore bangles round her wrist, matching of course.

 " You look amazing Kate." Wow, nice butt ! And the rest of her body was well toned. I could tell she visited the gym or maybe she liked swimming ? Perhaps both ?

 She blushed and replied, "Thanks, you scrub up well yourself."

 I was wearing my black suit with a red shirt, open at the neck. Pretty cool eh! Kate was only nineteen years old and I wondered how she could afford a place like this on her own, perhaps she had super rich parents. Mine were kinda well off, but I needed to stand on my own two feet. As if reading my mind Kate explained to me, "My parents were in a car crash and died when I nine years old.".... I didn't know where to look so I just stared out of the window at the view. "You've met my guardian, Goldie Horne. She is....was....great friends of my parents," her voice faulted, "But I have to move on. The insurance money paid for all this as when I turned eighteen Goldie got some of my insurance released for me. The rest is in bonds until I turn thirty." She gave me a wistful look.

 "Um-I'm sorry, you suffered such a loss at a young age." I pulled Kate towards me and planted a gentle kiss on her lips. I put my arms around her for a while, cradling her head on against chest and all the while thinking just how rich her parents was....sorry, must of been, well rich enough for her to have all this, but it doesn't make up for the loss of your parents.

 Kate pulled away, " I'm okay now, it, was a long time ago, hadn't we better get going ? " ******

 Here we are at The Blue Lagoon. We are shown to our seats by Giomani, our very own waiter for the duration. Hope they don't realize how young Kate is as you have to be twenty one years of age to drink out legally. He hands us both a wine list and we choose a bottle of Rose Brut Di Pinot Nero, a suttle pink dry wine its $25.50 a bottle, but who cares. Giomani brings the wine, uncorks it and pours a little in my glass for me to taste. I nod my acceptance and he continues pouring until the glass is full, then he fills Kate's wine glass up, thankfully the waiter doesn't ask her age as they are real busy in here, just as well.

 As Kate gives me free rein as to our starters, I order Soup Of The Day, which turns out to be tomato & basil soup. While we wait we nibble at the bread sticks protruding from a glass container and occasionally dip them into a small glass bowl of Pesto Sauce positioned in the centre of the table.

 With the soup finished, Kate picks from the main menu....Bavette Alla Puttanesca, linguini with tuna, olives and capers in a rich tomato and mascarpone sauce. I choose something....cheaper, Butterfly King Prawns with a side salad drizzled in extra virgin olive oil.

 For dessert we both agree on the traditional Italian Tiramisu, a delicious vanilla sponge cake soaked in Expresso coffee, layered with mascarpone cream and dusted with cocoa powder.

With the wine finished, I order us a Cappuccino each. I paid with my credit card including a generous tip.

 "Your place or mine ? "I grinned and wriggled my eyebrows suggestively.

 Without a seconds hesitation Kate replied "My place." smiling sweetly.

 On to a promise here I thought. A lazy smile spread across my face. Kate had a nice smile....did I tell you that before ? ******

 From Hidden Springs I drove north-west for twenty minutes until Kate's Condo came into sight. I drew up outside and we rode the elevator in silence to the fifth floor. Kate got her key from her purse and inserted it into the keyhole. She turned round to me, smiling, "Thanks for a wonderful evening Kyle."

 "You gonna invite me in for a coffee Kate ?"

 "I-I don't think I should, things are moving too fast for me."

 "That's o.k. I'm a patient man." I leant over to Kate and kissed her. My mouth moved seductively over hers....and she began to respond back. 

 "Wow, you sure now how to kiss Kyle," she whispered "but it's been a long day and I need my sleep." And with that Kate went inside....and closed the door....leaving me to make my way back home.

 My thoughts as I was driving back home were....She'll be calling me on her cellphone tomorrow. Some how I think she finds me irresistible. I switched on the radio as if by chance the song 'Irresistible' was playing.

Happy Hooves Day

As six kids had signed up yesterday at the opening day and payed $28 each, I thought, well no time like the present. So today at ten a.m. Toby, Rick, Adele, Vicky, Britney and Aimee would arrive. The youngest was nine and the oldest twelve, but that was okay as Kate was coming to give me a hand. I couldn't wait to see her again.

 After breakfast I said my goodbyes to my brother Bodie and my sister-in-law Kayley who had spent the night in my spare bedroom....

 "Watch out what you're getting up to and don't do anything that I wouldn't do." Winked Bodie.

 "I wouldn't know what you are talking about." I joked giving my brother a playful shove.

 I waved them off and suddenly felt lonely....but not for long as I noticed that Life had got into the garden patch where the garlic had been planted and was furiously digging then up ! "Bad girl, bad girl Life." I shouted and ran over waving my arms frantically. I can tell you I gave her a right telling off as she cringed and crawled away as I replanted several garlic cloves while muttering more threats under my breath.

Kate

 "I hope I don't get that sort of treatment."

 I jumped to my feet with a start. "Oh hi Kate, I didn't hear you come." There was Kate, her hands on her hips. Now I felt like I was being told off ! My face must of been a picture. Like I'd been caught out doing something I shouldn't be doing and then she started to laugh.

 "You should see your face you do look guilty, like you been caught eating the freshly baked cherry pie that your mother warned you not to touch !!....More Laughter.

 I started to speak slowly at first, "So, you never got caught out when you were little doing something you shouldn't," I teased back.

 "Okay, okay, point taken," giggled Kate, "any coffee going ? "

 "Yep, come into the kitchen and I'll make us a coffee....Kenco alright with you Kate ? "

 "Fine."....

 It was nine fifty three a.m. The parents began arriving, dropping the kids off. The kids were excitedly chatting away to each other with squeals thrown in.

 "Now kids we must remember to be calm and a little more quiet around the horses," I reasoned.

 So Toby, Rick, Adele, Vicky, Britney and Aimee followed Kate and myself into the barn. 

Lady being led out

The kids who were now reasonably quiet, fed the horses, led them outside and under the supervision of myself and Kate, loosed Smokie, Lady and Flint into the small field. The horses ran around loosing off steam and had a good roll.

 I turned my attention to the kids and continued, "We'll clean their hooves out and brush the horses when we fetch them back in, and we'll have to look them over for any injuries, that's important."

 "Last one back into the barn is a chicken," Kate shouted. And with that we all ran over to the barn. Inside the stables got cleaned....well sort of, as the kids were in high spirits and began throwing the horse poo at each other....and Kate got caught in the cross fire. It was all on her face and in her hair. I couldn't stop laughing but Kate was not amused, no, not one little bit !

 "Don't encourage them " screeched Kate.

 Uh oh, I thought. So I said the first thing that came into my head, "Erm, did I tell you how attractive you look ?". Think I may have put my foot in it.

 "Oh you....you....you....ergh! " and with that Kate stomped off to get cleaned up I presume....

 "Right Kids, " I said in a serious sort of voice, "lets have a bit of order here now else your parents will have to be informed. That seemed to do the trick as the kids came to order. I set them on to cleaning the saddles and bridles while I went off to look for Kate....

Kate having a shower

 She was just getting out of the shower and had a bath towel wrapped round her. "Sorry Kate," I said in my most apologizing voice I could muster up, "I shouldn't have laughed at you."

 "This is gonna cost you big time". This was said in a i'm gonna make you pay for that voice.

 Oh boy, was I in for it now. "Okay, i'll take you out tonight for a meal, where do you want to eat ?"

 Kate thought for a while then said, "There's a new Italian restaurant opened up in Hidden Springs you can take me there, now go away while I get dressed."....

 Well the time came for the kids to go home and later me and Kate went to The Blue Lagoon Restaurant, run by Gino Dicappio. I just knew it was gonna knock a big hole in any money I had made on the Happy Hooves Day !

Opening Day

And so....the BIG day had arrived at last. Johnny Denver had parked his battered truck where I had showed him so as it wouldn't be so....noticeable ! I had told him that the other parking places would be needed for visitors.

 Hillary Clinton had offered to make a simple buffet at a reasonable charge and now it was arranged out the back of the farm on the decking area. Johnny was to bring it out in stages so as it wouldn't go off. He would remove the cling film from off the food when it was time. The opening day will commence at ten thirty a.m. and culminate at four thirty p.m.....or when it fizzled out I suppose, but those were the times I had put down on our website and the posters I had distributed.

 In the barn were now three stables for the three horses I had got. Johnny had made an area right at the top of the barn to enclose Flint. Bridles and tack, brushes and forks had their own area.

 As you entered the barn, to the immediate left we had made into a 'work zone'. Here now was a sturdy old work bench with two drawers and an equally old chair. In one drawer were note pads, biros, and stationery that would come in handy. In the other drawer were a variety of tools, nails and screws etcetera, and on the wall was a information board where I would pin the list with Johnny's jobs for that day and anything else that would be applicable. A filing cabinet with four deep drawers was standing proud next to the bench, I am sure we could fill it up with work related papers.

 My brother, Bodie and his wife Kayley were on their way and would be here soon. Thank goodness mom and dad couldn't make it, but they had rung to wish me every success for today. I wondered if Goldie Horne would come as I had invited her four days ago at my last lesson. She had work on that day and would try to make it at some time. Kate Winsley, who I had met at the horse auction, hadn't phoned me. You remember don't you that I had given her my cell number and told her to phone or call round my place anytime ? Anyway, I had asked Goldie to pass a message on to Kate....about my open day. Kate more than likely had....mislaid the piece of paper with my cell number on.

 Here comes Bodie's car now. A pale blue 1970's Ford Mustang Boss 429....a classic.... drew up outside.

"Wow you look smart in that suit." We shook hands and bumped knuckles in a male bonding ritual.

"Well I made an effort for you," Bodie replied, "And....I'm not always wearing my coveralls you know !"He joked, spreading his hands out down to his pants as if to make a point.

"Well, when you boys have finished, perhaps you could show me where I can freshen up." The last remark was aimed at me. "It's been a long car journey," laughed Kayley, hugging me.
"Sure, It's great to see you....this way."

Ten thirty came and a trickle of visitors emerged. The cling film came off. "Help yourselves folks." announced Johnny.  Goldie Horne dropped by and I showed her some business cards I had run off the printer. Included were words like, Beginners, Novice, and Advanced Day and Evening Lessons available on quality safe horses matched to riders abilities. Also I had printed flyers announcing a Happy Hooves Day for kids, six kids would share three horses. They would clean the stables and tack, feed and brush the horses and have half an hour riding lesson each. Three kids would ride while three kids would complete a paper naming as many points of the horse as they could, like mane, frog, pastern etcetra, then name all the grooming brushes and color the lot in. Then afterwards the three kids will reverse roles. Lunch would be provided of hot dogs, burgers, milk shakes or soda pop.

Kate Winsley

Wait....who's that ? It's....It's Kate Winsley.

"Hi Kate, glad you could come."

"Hi Kyle, sorry I haven't phoned you, only I lost your number."....

....See, I told you as much didn't I....Wow! She had such a nice smile. "Come and help yourself to refreshments." Kate had green eyes and auburn hair....so....so, enchanting.

Sabrina brought her guitar to play western rock music. Later Johnny Denver treated us to a lasso display and I rode Lady and jumped an Inclined
Triple Bar jump....in 'full English Style', clothes and all. Bodie had a good laugh about my clothes.

Some folks rode their horses to the opening.... In all I would say the opening day went well, this was because.... Kate was there!