playing....

Well.. I have to admit, for the past couple of days... I have not been at all "responsible" and have simply been.... playing!!! The weather is so grand right now, and to be inside doing "responsible" things is beyond what I can do. I have to be outside and just enjoying!!! My friend Kathy saw that I had taken Mary out for a drive a few weeks ago, and made a comment that "some day she would like to go"... just give me an excuse to hitch Duke and go for a drive!!!! So, we made a date and today Kathy and her little dog, Tia came!!!! Duke is so gentle and kind and I wanted to show Tia that she had nothing to fear....

After I tack up -- I like to do a short, stretching walk with Duke before we hitch.... he knows exactly what we're up to when we do this.....

Cart on, and we're heading down the drive... Kathy told me that she has never had the opportunity to ride like this before..... all the more reason to make this the perfect drive!!!!

We took a couple laps around the farm and then headed out onto the road. I am lucky in that the roads around the farm are pretty quiet, and most drivers know how to safely pass a horse... so I love being out on the road... (besides... I can hear the "hoof clop-clop better!!! a sound I truly love).....

We went along for quite a ways and then turned to head for home. Duke (as usual) was amazing, and never even flinches when we are passed by cars, trucks.. and even huge truck filled with a load of logs!!! (which - honestly- sort of frightens me!!!)....

Upon our return, the others hardly even pick their heads up to say hello.......

And here we are with one of our passengers.... (Kathy was taking the picture) but Tia seemed to enjoy her ride very much... and look at Duke, he is so proud and knows when he has done a great job... (can I just say how much I love this horse!!!!)







After our ride, and getting Duke all settled back in the barn, I invited Kathy and Tia in for some hot cocoa.... well, Kathy had hot cocoa.. Tia just visited with all the cockers. They all thought she was quite cute, and I am sure they would love to have her come back again.



So, before the wintery winds begin to blow and the outside is not so welcoming... I am planning on being out as much as possible....and poor Duke, won't be having much time off!!!!!