Two events occurring on the same day. First (and foremost), it’s Pete’s sixtieth birthday. Second (and also foremost), I smelled the cottonwood trees, which are now in bloom. Last year, when out on a ride with my friend Sarah and Pete, I asked what it was I was smelling. Pete said “the cottonwood trees.” This smell, fresh, sweet, plant-like, stuck with me. It did not last long, in fact faded away once the trees were in full bloom.

I awaited the return of the smell this year. And today, when I stepped out of the meeting house, smelled the trees. It is a most amazing smell.

Pete and Hrimmi

Also duly noted – Zach, our veterinarian came today, I thought just to give vaccines, but it turns out that he also came to float the horses’ teeth. He first did Tinni. I asked, after he sedated him, if Tinni would remember this. I stopped dead in my tracks when Zach said “yes.” What an awful thing to recall, this guy reaming on your teeth with a Dremel tool. And he will remember; a few times his eyes grew wide. At least I was there.

This is why Zach’s mind was a million miles away when I attempted to tell him that I’ve been running with Tinni.

Zach did affirm that Tinni’s dinky shack (sheath) is swollen – and this could be related to his heart now skipping a beat now and then. I again reiterated that I have been getting him moving, and Zach said to really get him moving. This way, the swelling should go down. Keeping the area around the sheath hair free will also help, he said.

I was also there for Hrimmi’s sedation and teeth floating. I have to say, that she, like Tinni, looked to be in excellent condition. It then occurred to me that horse specialists are most focused on their particular area of specialization. Veterinarians on health, riding instructors on riding performance, farriers in the condition of feet – few ever (it seems) take an interest in the whole horse and rider.

I had to head to town as Zach was floating Tyra’s teeth. I felt bad about this because I think that my being around my horses when exams and the like are done calms them some. I have not talked to Pete, but I suspect that Tyra and Raudi both got good bills of health.

In town, Shelia and Sierra assisted me in sorting kid and adult books. These were the books that Pete and Nan got from the recycling center on Tuesday. Once again, I was struck by the fact that these are really good books. I took a children’s book entitled “The Three Javelinas.”

After, I spent considerable time at the distribution stations, putting books on the shelves. I decided that the new bookcase at Vagabond Blues is for nonfiction and Bill’s bookcase is for fiction. I think this will make things easier for those selecting books.

Now heading back outside, to resume smelling the spring air.

Next: 133. 5/14/21: Here we go around the Mulberry Bush