Often, when I’m riding or walking horses, I think about what I am going to write about in my dispatches. My former teacher, who was one of the first writing specialists, called this rehearsal. His name was Donald Murray. He made many of us more cognizant about our writing process, a good thing – it’s like knowing why you are hammering a nail into a particular board.

Well, I think more when I walk horses than when I ride because when I’m riding, I’m thinking about riding. Walking, I’m just thinking about ways to keep the horses from stopping and grazing.

Alys riding younger Tinni across Moose Creek

This evening, it started to rain at the same time I was to get Tinni out for a walk. So rather than go up to the house and get my rain pants and raincoat, I instead headed out, with horse on lead rope, for Siggi’s trail.

I first passed by Idiot Boy’s place. I didn’t see his dog. Dog is laid up with a broken leg. Idiot Boy ran over the dog with his car. I really like that dog, and of course hope that she’s okay.

I next went up Jim’s Road, which now leads to our new neighbor’s place. I did not venture onto their property, but I did think of them, and the hard work that their new place is going to entail. About a week ago, Sebastian sent me a game camera video of two slovenly guys, walking in sandals and shorts. One had a gun over his shoulder. The other was cradling it in his arms. A heavy-set woman was walking with the pair.

My thoughts as to who they were was confirmed the other day when I met up with the two guys at the Oceanview Road/Murphy Road intersection. I was walking a horse and both dogs. It was the same two guys who were featured in the video. I asked them why they were carrying guns. One said, “it’s none of your business,” in a tone of voice that indicated that there was to be no further discussion about the matter.

Sebastian is, of course, concerned about what these guys might do. He said to me via email that he’s okay with responsible gun use. I have not yet had the chance to tell him that I’m not even for that. Guns are weapons. They allow people to kill animals and other humans, without getting any blood on their hands. I wish all who own them would suddenly decide that they no longer need them. They could all be melted down and the molten metal turned into sculptures. Imagine it, how the face of the world would change. I say, can’t happen soon enough.

My walk continued, past the damaged trail heading up to the bench, down Siggi’s Loop, with horse in tow. I listened carefully for Tinni’s gurgle, but heard it maybe two or three times, barely audible.

Finally, homeward bound, I thought about the book project and how well it’s going. More on this subject in the next few days.

Next: 195. 7/16/21: Tyra and Tinni Converse