Knee-Deep In June

I remember my mother telling me that this was a favourite saying of my grandfather's. Or was it his favourite time of year? Anyway, James Witcomb Riley wrote the poem Knee-Deep In June, and the expression is so perfect for this time of year when everything is freshly green and bursting with growth. I have the sense that it is rushing by, and that if I blink I'll miss it. Life is too short - I don't want to miss one June day, let alone a month. So today, when the sun was shining for what seemed like the first time in forever, I made a conscious decision to relish every June moment. It was great.

It started with a riding lesson with Joan at 9:30 am. There couldn't be any better start to the day. Joan gave Savanah and I lessons twice a week for well over a year before I started showing her, and we had a great show season. For one reason and another I haven't had more than the odd lesson with Joan since then, so to have a lesson with her is a highlight. We are trying to get back into regular work together, but her husband's health will dictate whether that is possible.

The weather was perfect - sunny, but just breezy enough to keep flies away. We worked on changing the tempo within walk and trot, and on my equitation. She was very happy with Rogo and for the first time ever she was happy with the way I timed my aids with his hind leg to move him forward - calf on when corresponding hind leg is on the ground; don't kick or use the heel, roll the calf on and off. She offered to give me another lesson tomorrow morning - heaven!

Joan went home, Doug went tractor shopping (more on that in a future post) and then I rode Savanah. We worked on shoulder in, leg yield, simple changes and free walk. She is so sharp and amazing. I hope Rogo reaches the point where he is as responsive as her.

Then I took the three dogs to the beach and since the tide was in, the Labs had to play fetch the stick from the water. Little Pepper just paddled along the shore. What next on a Knee-Deep In June day? Chicken Ceasar salad, garlic toast and read three days worth of newspapers on the deck off the kitchen, looking out on the bay. Hmmm, full belly, tired body - what better sunny June day activity than a nap outside? We (the dogs and I) moved to the upstairs deck off the office and we all piled onto a lounger and slept - breeze, birds singing, drifting off to sleep...

Just as we woke up, Doug arrived home with lobster - Yum! We had a drink on the deck and started cooking. A totally successful June day that I won't regret one second of. I'm always rushing but today I savoured every minute. It felt so great that I may have to do it again soon :) Sorry for the boring babbling, but I want to remember to do this when I can.