This was the first time this has ever happened. Today was the first time ever that I have said yes, this is the first day of spring. It’s a day I won’t forget because, at least in my mind, the change of seasons occurred today, near the end of March.

I cleaned the horse pen this morning, and I noticed that for first time in months, I didn’t have to wear gloves, and my ears didn’t have to be covered. The sun was up when I got out. It appeared to be a great day, and the weather did not disappoint.

This morning I worked for quite a while on getting the word out about the upcoming orchestra fundraiser. I sent the flier and personal notes to people via email. This got me to thinking – well, yes, Pete and I have indeed done nearly all we can do with this project, and now with this fundraiser. We shall see the end results of our efforts in a few weeks, specifically on April 19.

It was at the point in which I could do no more than I did, no more. Isn’t this a great statement? I ate lunch and got Tyra and Raudi ready to go on an outing. Pete said he’d join me – he first had to go on a bicycle ride. It took him a long time, this bicycle ride, but upon his return he made the transition and we went for a horseback ride, first around the loop and then up Jim’s Road.

Raudi did tire going up the Jim’s Road trail, but she otherwise seemed energetic. I think that riding minimally this winter was a good thing for them both.

By now there was heat in the sun, and it was windless. Yes, I thought, it is the first day of spring. But it wasn’t over. I went to the hotel, did a little bit of work, came home, ate dinner and then got Hrimmi and Ryder out. Hrimmi was highly energized, which is unusual for her. She kept wanting to chase Ryder, who these days is moving slowly. She’d stop and eat some of the brown grass – I kept walking and she galloped up to meet me.

Fun, watching her walk on the ice. All three horses are very sure footed.

Such joy, brushing, riding and communing with my three fire horses. I’m going to take it one day at a time – tomorrow I’m staying home all day, so time spent commuting is going to be spent here. If the weather is good, I will go for one or two rides. I will also clean the goat pen.

This must become habit.

I pause. I am tired. I had hoped tonight to start working on the BLBP newsletter, but I don’t have the energy. I should because it’s only 10:00 p.m.

The hardest part of the day is going vertical. The easiest part of the day is going horizontal.

And there is no in between.

Next: 87. 3/30/27: The Year of the Fire Horse