At long last, it's HEALED!!

Photos:
1. The day of injury.
2. 15 days later.
3.  30 days later.
4. 5 months later.
5. The wound today.

May 1, 2008: Brimir, my little Icelandic, did the stupidest thing of his life. In a moment of irrational agitation, he vaulted over the 52-inch corral fence and got his back legs stuck on the top rail, which was thick steel rebar.

The horseshoer had just arrived and begun working close by on my Tennesee Walker. Meanwhile, our old mare Babe was screaming to Brimir to get out of there because they were all going to be killed or something. Brimir believed her. Although he was loosely tied, he bunched up and JUMPED over the corral railing in front of my horrified eyes.

Not only was this TOTALLY out of character for this calm, sensible little horse, but I hadn't a clue it was PHYSICALLY possible for him either. He's only 13.2 hands and has never, as far as I know, so much as jumped a log, let alone a high fence, and flat-footed at that.

The horrifying part was seeing him hanging on the fence, violently kicking to free his back legs while his front half was down in the dirt on his knees. He freed his right leg, but the left one was stuck. I was certain he would break both legs and have to be shot then and there.

Our horseshoer, Cary Andrews, ran to Brimir and tried to free his leg but couldn't. He tried to slide the steel rebar out of its socket on the fence post, but couldn't. He returned to Brimir's leg, lifted it and twisted it to get it off the rail. Brimir cooperated by relaxing just enough. The leg fell toward the ground, and Brimir hobbled a few steps. Nothing appeared broken, thank God. But I wasn't ready for the wound that would nag us for 15 months!

There was nothing that could be sutured. The vet suggested keeping it clean and dressing it appropriately, which I did every day for the next four months. Fortunately, Brimir was not lame once he recovered from his initial stiffness after the ordeal. But the wound changed in character every few weeks--getting worse, getting better, then seeping endlessly. We tried a multitude of treatments, including some homeopathic remedies suggested by our open-minded vet. Nothing seemed to clear it up. After a year I was resigned to Brimir always having this nasty, seeping wound on his leg. At least he wasn't lame.

In July of this year, something changed. The seeping stopped, the swelling went down, and the leg returned to a normal size and appearance. By early August, the scar started shrinking, and hair is now growing into the area. For all practical purposes, Brimir's leg can be declared "healed." Hallelujah!

They say time heals all wounds. The problem is finding the patience to wait.

Full Moon at Sex Peak

"Full Moon at Sex Peak." Sounds like a real bodice-ripper, doesn't it? The truth is, we needed our fleece jackets and warm sleeping bags to enjoy this campout, which turned into one of the highlights of the summer.

Sex Peak is an old (1920s) lookout tower in the Kootenai National Forest. And yes, Sex Peak is its real name....always has been. The lookout is no longer staffed, so the Forest Service rents it out for $35 a night during the summer. No water, no power, no nothing, except a starkly furnished cabin, 14x14, with paned windows and a catwalk all around. It's popular; I made my reservations back in February, and August was already booking up. I couldn't get Aug. 6, which would have been a full moon, but I got Aug. 5 which was pretty close to the big enchilada.

We left home around 4:30 yesterday and made the 22-mile drive to the lookout. Along the way we stopped to pick about two quarts of huckleberries. Once we reached our "vacation home" driveway, we swung the "Occupied" gate closed behind us and drove the remaining quarter-mile to our castle in the sky.

While Lizzie chased picas around in the rocks, Don and I set up our lawn chairs on the wrap-around catwalk and soaked in the 360-degree vista. The temperature had been in the 90s on the drive up, but was a comfortable 75 at the summit. As the sun dipped lower the temperature relaxed into the high 60s with a light breeze. We toasted sunset and all that's good with McClellan's single malt scotch. Don had debated which adult beverage to bring up there. We were both in agreement the McClellan's was as perfect as anything could be for that moment. Earthy, clean, simple, smokey, and rich beyond description, needing nothing to adorn it. It was in perfect harmony with the whole experience up there in the trees, rocks and sky.

The full moon poked out of a thick haze, surprising us that it had already risen above the mountains in the distance. Don shot some pictures of it through his spotting scope. We watched a few lights pop out from ranches far below us, and marveled at what a unique experience this was, up here on top of the world, with no humans within 20 miles. No ambient noise or lights. Just utter peace. It was hard to remember there was strife anywhere below us, and even harder to believe we'd been able to leave it all behind so easily and quickly.

We ate a cold dinner of great leftovers I'd brought from home, then retired for the evening. Now you want to hear the bodice-ripping part...but alas, you'll just have to use your imagination. When Don finally went to sleep, I pulled out my headlamp and read 30 pages of "Atlas Shrugged." I felt like a kid at summer camp!

Around 2 a.m. we woke to lightning in the east, followed by lightning in the north and south. Within minutes a cell of wind, thunder and rain had blown upon us, so we got to enjoy the elements for half an hour or so until the cell blew threw and all was calm again. The full moon had disappeared behind clouds, but it was worth it to experience the electrical storm in our stormproof glass tower.

This morning we explored the scree that covers the area surrounding the lookout. It's a sandstone/quartz/travertine/granite mix that is naturally broken into a variety of building blocks. The cleavage is remarkable; the pieces look almost like machine-made bricks. It was sort of like an adult version of Leggo toys; there's no end to what you could "build" by piling and piecing these intriguing rocks together.

Around 9 a.m. we reluctantly readied for check-out. After packing up and sweeping out the cabin for the next tenant, we headed back down the mountain to the World.

If you want information on the Sex Peak Lookout, go here: http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/kootenai/recreation/activitiesx/lookouts/sites/sex_peak.shtml

Sex Peak is just one of many lookouts available for nightly rentals during the summer. Next year we plan to check into another one in this area. Meanwhile, we feel a special sense of "ownership" of this one special place where we spent a magical night of solitude above the human strife below.

For more photos of our trip, try this: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2015672&id=1215276210#/album.php?aid=2015672&id=1215276210&ref=nf

A New Start for Maurice

Our good friend Maurice came for a week-long visit. He'd decided he wanted a dog in his life again, and wanted us to help him find the right one.

We first contacted the local shelter here and went to look at what they had. One of the adoptables was this female terrier mix rescued from deplorable conditions by the shelter more than two years ago. Dozens of other dogs from the same rescue operation had been placed, but this one had not. She was too shy, or so the shelter personnel thought. They kept her in a small pen with one companion dog. She was kept in a semi-feral state--untrained, unsocialized--by shelter people who didn't know how to handle this situation. They talked babytalk to her, hoping to win her confidence with affection. It didn't work. Seldom does. For two years her life was one of virtual isolation from the world.

We went to see the dog with Maurice, and she bit me on both hands the first time I tried to get a hold on her. She won that round, but I was determined to get this dog into a more balanced state of mind. I begged the shelter supervisor to let me take her home for a day or two so I could work with her. I knew I could give her a better outlook on life if given even an hour with her.

So we took her home for a trial run and a day of intensive doggy school. She responded to my desensitization method immediately, and within ten minutes was walking nicely on a slack leash, even though she'd never before worn a leash.

As Maurice watched from the porch, he was falling in love with her. By the end of the first day it was evident to all of us that this was the dog Maurice had been wanting to fill that void in his life. She was quiet; there was absolutely no more biting. She didn't bark, didn't bolt away, didn't jump on people. All she wanted was to be close to a person who made her feel safe. That person was going to be Maurice.

He signed the adoption papers on her Wednesday night, and departed for home (Vancouver, Washington), anxious to start his new life with his new companion, whom we all agreed seemed like "Nellie." I couldn't help but think of the movie, "Nell," in which Jody Foster played an Appalachian woman who'd raised herself in total isolation in society and had to learn how to function as a "normal" person once she was discovered.

The "Nellie" project, with Maurice, consumed most of my time and energy for five days, but it was one of the most worthwhile accomplishments of the year. Maurice is happier than we've ever seen him. Nellie has become his number one concern, his reason for getting up, and his drive for staying healthy at age 80. The man who once built the Omni Center in Atlanta, along with dozens of luxury hotels and shopping malls throughout the world, has streamlined his life and finally found fulfillment, all in the form of a rescued mutt voted least likely to succeed.

Look what's for breakfast!

Don caught this walleye last night around 7 p.m. in the water just down from the house. (That's Noxon Rapids Reservoir.) He was out with his friend John Webb (formerly from Yakima, now living across the river from us) in John's boat. They caught several others too, plus a couple bass and some squawfish. But this was the biggest, needless to say.

Even having been raised on walleye in northern Minnesota, I've never seen one this size.

We ate the small ones for breakfast this morning, and are sharing this big guy with our friends Art and Kathy Hassan and Mike Schell tonight. Mike's over from Yakima for a few days to work on his own place out on Cherry Creek Road.

Don says this is the biggest freshwater fish he's ever caught.

Tequila Education Night!

Tequila was the main attraction at our second Sanders County Sippers educational get-together last night.

Fourteen of us gathered in the Monti's Room to learn about and sample the three basic types of tequila: blanco or silver, reposado or rested, and anejo or aged. All our featured spirits were made from 100% blue agave.

We started out with blancos by Patron and Don Eduardo. The latter won out, BIG TIME, in popularity, with its clean, herbal presentation and taste. In my opinion, this is a refreshing and "summery" tequila I wouldn't mind sipping straight.

Next was a Milagro reposado. This was smoother than the blancos, but definitely had more body. It had a bit more refinement than the blancos, and the fragrance was heavier and not as "green." In fact, the fragrance and taste suggested vanilla and butterscotch.

The most premium was next: the Tres Generaciones anejo. Smooth and flavorful, this one reminded me more of a wintertime cognac...with its slow finish and heat, it wasn't something I'd enjoy sipping regularly, although fans of cognacs, sippin' whiskey and Scotch would appreciate it. The last thing it made me think of was a margarita!

For fun, we then passed around a sample of "Montana Silver," a budget-priced jug tequila that's only 51% blue agave. The difference was astounding! The Montana Silver tasted more like kerosene and burned, from the lips to the back of the throat! This is the stuff you mask with salt and lime!

Finally we passed around batches of margaritas made from the Patron, Milagro and Montana Silver. There was precious little difference between the three, once the lime juice and Triple Sec were mixed in. However, someone suggested a splash of Grand Marnier to the top of one (making it a "gold margarita,") and THAT was a sensation!

By the way, the "classic" margarita recipe we used:

• 2 oz. tequila
• 1 oz. triple sec
• 3/4 oz. fresh-squeezed lime juice.
• Mix in a shaker or pitcher with ice, and strain into a salt-rimmed glass.
  

Next Sippers even is Thursday, Sept. 17. To be featured: SINGLE MALT SCOTCH! Make your reservations now!!

July 13, 2009: Rain...and rest

The July 11-12 weekend has to be the most hectic and overbooked of the entire summer. Like folks all over the country, Don and I each had about six different events or activities from which to choose.

"Haying" won out for him, by necessity. Our friends, the Bergers, finally got their hay cut and baled in between threats of thunderstorms. Sunday was the big day and small window to get the bales out of the field and safely stored for winter. Thanks to a group effort of Bergers, Don, and John Webb (ironically, all three families migrated here from central Washington!) the hay is now distributed among us and stashed. Don and I have about nine tons of brome in the barn--more than plenty for our three horses, even if we didn't have pasture too.

Meanwhile, I was in Missoula competing in the 3rd Annual Missoula Marathon with about 2300 other folks. I only did the HALF-marathon (a mere 13.1 miles). We crossed the start line at 6 a.m. I finished with a time of 3 hours 24 minutes. I walked the whole way. It was long and boring, but I finished pain-free. Will I do it again next year? Nope, that sport is not for me. But at least I have a marathon t-shirt now, and a medal for finishing the Half!

So this morning we woke to rain, and a day of rest. The hay and half-marathon ordeals are behind us. Now Don will start on the firewood supply for winter...and I'm going riding and kayaking!

Still doing what comes naturally

Some things don't change...nor should they.

Don's still sharing his shooting expertise, and I'm still training dogs.

When I took the photos of Don helping our young friends Samantha, Cody and their mom Chris on our backyard range, it was like lapsing right back into my Army public affairs officer role. Get that shot...the classic experienced shooter coaching "juniors." Now get one of them looking at the target...

Don's also become an integral member of the Rocky Mountain Rangers, the local SASS bunch. This is a really great bunch of people!

Meanwhile, I've inevitably become the "dog lady" in the area. In the past year we've formed the area's first agility club, which now boasts about 25 active members. Classes are held here at Shorthorse in the summer and at a local indoor arena during the winter. www.huckleberryhoundsagility.com.

Lizzie and I have also re-entered the realm of obedience competition. She earned her "Companion Dog" obedience title in June in Missoula, as well as a "Rally Novice" title. Her scores were good enough to garner several blue ribbons. A lot of folks at the dog show were surprised by the little unknown pit bull from backwater country!

A new horse hurdle

When I watched my first Trail Course Challenge at the local arena last fall, I thought, "Hmm, I wonder if I could do that stuff with my horses." It's an obstacle course for horses and riders. You have about 17 obstacles on this large outdoor course, and you're scored on your performance of each one.

Brimir (the Icelandic/The "Shorthorse") and I went up to the stable a couple times last week and practiced on some of the obstacles that were permanently placed on the course...a hanging mailbox, some huge, steep steps, a couple logs that required jumping, a horse teeter totter, and other semi-scary stuff. We did pretty well on everything, so we entered today's competition, paid our $30, and waited our turn to play.

We did very well...so well, in fact, that we took FIRST PLACE in the novice division, and got half our entry money back! I was the only one there wearing riding tights and helmet, and riding a fat little "pony" with an Aussie saddle. (This is quarterhorse country!) But Brimir wasn't self conscious. Not even when everyone wanted to try him out after our run. Too bad I didn't have a few Icelandics to sell out of the back of the trailer. I could have made a fortune!

Farewell to the last Swissy

Top center: Kosmo Alpert Manning.
Group shot: Grasel, Atlas, Lizzie & Kosmo in Yakima.
Bottom: Paigey.

We lost our old friend Kosmo yesterday. He was nearly 13 years old and had far exceeded his life expectancy (10 years for a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog). Kosmo hadn't eaten in three days, his breath was uremic, and his system was shutting down. The vet convinced us we would not want to prolong his suffering, so we decided to have her euthanize him. He is now buried between the barn and the house, in a beautiful spot where he loved to spend time.

Kosmo is the last of five Swissies we've known and loved over the past 13 years. We started with Grasel in 1996. She was Don's special buddy. We acquired her full brother and littermate, Atlas, about a year later. He was my special boy. Soon after, we met Gatsby and Kosmo, who eventually both came to live with us. In between was Paige, who was given to us by a local breeder because she didn't turn out to be show-quality.

At one point we had all five Swissies PLUS Teddy the legendary Rottweiler, all living in our small house in Yakima. We couldn't move around the house without stepping over or bumping into big dogs. It was crazy, but great.

The worst thing about dogs, of course, is that none of them last long enough. Teddy, age nine, died in 2002 of stomach cancer. Gatsby, age eight, died later that summer of spinal cancer. We lost Paigey, age seven, to a brain tumor in 2004. Grasel, age 10, left us in 2007. Atlas, age 11, died in 2008.

It's been 13 years of dog hair and loud barking, but that was outweighed by the unconditional love, loyalty, goofiness, and joy they brought to our lives. Our Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs lived wonderful lives, whether competing in agility and obedience, or just running wild until their tongues were dragging. They were all house dogs, and the only reason we didn't have five on the bed at one time was because they just plain didn't fit. We will miss their devotion and playfulness. We will miss running our hands through their thick, soft hair that always smelled "like a plush toy that's been sitting in a sunny window," as Don put it.

Our next dog will probably be a pointing Lab, so Don can finally have his hunting dog. And who knows, there may be a Swissy in our future some day too. Four of our five Swissies just landed in our laps, and it's possible there will be another coming our way. We're ready, just in case. We're well trained.

Don the Horseman

The horse Don bought for himself back in February turned out to be a bit more attitudinal than we thought. This is NOT the easy-going little plug he appeared to be when we test-rode him. He's a lean, mean, roping machine. He wants to go fast; he wants to chase cows.

We had some "rodeos" with him after he'd been here a couple months. Even before that, Don had decided to take some lessons at the local arena...but with Jake's attitude problems, it was imperative.

A young cowgirl/horse trainer named Maggie has been working with Jake AND Don at the arena, and the transformation is utterly amazing. Don's learning how to control (and calm) a hot horse. I'll admit that Jake's got my number and he knows it...so I'm keeping my hands off him from now on. But Don has what it takes to make him behave, and Jake is accepting that.

In a way it's good that Jake is Don's first horse, because Don is having to learn MUCH more about these critters than he otherwise might if he'd gotten an old plug. And that will make him a safer rider, whether it's on Jake or another horse in his future.

Sanders County Sippers

We're organizing a small tasting group that will meet every other month at our house, in the "Monti's Room." It's unofficially called the Sanders County Sippers. We're hoping to get about 18 people together for bi-monthly evenings of education and tasting, with a different form of adult beverage featured each time.

Here's the line-up for the coming year. If you're planning a trip to see us, keep this in mind and we'll be glad to have you join us. Or, if you like single malt Scotch, plan to visit in September!

Thursday, May 21: Ales and microbrews of the Northwest.
Thursday, July 16: Tequila
Thursday, September 17: Single Malt Scotch
Thursday, November 19: Brandy and Cognac
Thursday, December 10: Irish Creams and other Liqueors
Thursday, January 21: Canadian Blends
Thursday, March 18: Irish Whiskey
Thursday, May 20, 2010: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

At each tasting, we'll sample at least four different brands or types. We'll also serve food that complements the alcohol...like Stilton cheese with the ales, and mini elk burgers with the Canadian Blends, and barbecue with the Bourbon whiskey.

Sound like fun? Join us!

Late Winter Report

March 1 marked our one-year anniversary IN THE HOUSE. It's still hard to believe it's all done and we're living here!

One of Don's winter projects: wade through Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged." Dave Miller in Yakima gave us the book as a going-away present. It's a heavy but powerful message for our day and our country.

I'm doing dog stuff two nights a week. Tuesday night is our agility club night (we've developed eight very active members over the past year) at the local riding arena. Wednesday nights I do a "doggy boot camp," a four-week class similar to my "Leadership Classes" back in Yakima. Major difference: I charge little or nothing for the classes. Much more fun that way!!

Don enjoys perusing "Craig's List" quite regularly. He found his horse that way. Now he's looking for a fishing boat. He's also scouting for a two-horse trailer and whatever other little surprises may call our names.

He enjoys working in his shop, and reloading ammo in the basement for the upcoming cowboy action shooting season.

We recently upgraded to high-speed internet, so we can listen to radio stations all over the world now. We finally get Rush again, and Mariners baseball, and I love listening to the folk music station in Antarctica (!) at night when I'm working on the computer!!

We don't have TV reception yet and don't really want it. So we watch Netflix movies a couple times a week. We started "Grey's Anatomy" a few months back on Netflix and are now into Season Four. Who'd have thought we'd be watching soaps together at night in our retirement years!!

The reservation book is open again. We're expecting Dusty Rosenthal in the next week, and John Jay just about any day. Barb Madsen will be coming over from Yakima for spring break. Let us know when you'd like to come. Don and I will be going to Branson, Missouri, for the All Guard Shooting Team reunion in mid-April, but we'll be home at all other times.

A Horse for Don

Photo: Don walks his new horse, Jake, home after taking delivery yesterday at the top of the hill.

It was supposed to be a mule....but practicality came through, and Don decided his first equine should be a horse.

He wanted a horse for recreational riding and exploring the endless mountain trails around here. His friend John Webb lives across the river, and John and his wife (who used to live in Yakima, by the way) enjoy that type of riding. So Don decided it was high time he joined John on some rides this summer.

We've spent many nights this winter perusing "Craig's List." It's a buyer's market for horses right now, and there were dozens of good-sounding horses posted every week in northwestern Montana and the Spokane area. We even went to look at one of them in Bonner's Ferry. He was supposed to be real prize, but ended up more of a booby prize. (He liked to lie down in the snow when he had a rider on his back...and he didn't just do it to Don, he did it to me too!!)

Fortunately the internet led us to a local prospect. We found a nice gelding just a few miles down the road. The price was fair, considering this horse fit our specs. He's short (14.3 hands) so he's easy to mount, he's quiet, well trained, experienced in ranchwork and trails, and doesn't have any "attitude." IOW, he's a safe horse. Jake is 10 years old. He's a very plain little sorrel with a white star on his face and snip on his nose.

Weather's still a bit unfriendly, but as soon as we can dig the trailer out of the ice, Don's going to start trailering Jake up to the local arena (5 miles away) for some lessons.

We still have "my" two geldings--the Icelandic and the Tennessee Walker, both 22 years old. We said goodbye to Babe, the 34-year-old Appaloosa (and boss mare), a few days before Christmas. Her resting place is beside the pasture.

Jake arrived yesterday. The seller unloaded him at the top of our icy hill, and Don walked him the 3/4 mile home.

It's good to have three horses in our three-horse barn once again.

A Character Lesson from the Trees

A few days ago we woke up to eight inches of heavy new snow, on top of an existing five. Some of the younger, smaller trees were bent to the ground, weighted down with white stuff.

Don noted that the most vulnerable trees were the ones in the area he had just selectively cleared last fall. Trees of the same size in an area he'd cleared last spring were standing straight and tall.

Apparently these young trees needed some time to learn to stand by themselves and toughen up without the protection of the bigger trees around them.

With age and independence comes strength.

Happy Today and 2009!

A year ago on New Year's Eve, our neighbors Jim and Kathy Hill came over to celebrate with us. Our only lights were worklights on long extension cords, and the only heat was a large furnace the builders had in the living room. At evening's end (way before midnight) they went home and Don and I returned to the 5th-wheel trailer 50 yards away.

This year Don and I celebrated alone in a completed home that was warm and lit. We ate pheasant a la creme (he shot the pheasant last fall on a trip to Wolf Point) and drank a bottle of 1999 Dom Perignon given to us by a good friend in Yakima. The meal was one for the books!

Today we took down the tree and packed the Christmas decorations into the basement. It's been snowing for several days in a row, and it's gorgeous. Don's spending lots of time reading and seems to have developed a slight addiction to Craig's List.

What day is it anyway? Our pill containers say "Th" so I guess it is.

Well, whatever it is, Happy Today and Happy New Year!

All is calm, all is bright...

Merry Christmas from Don, Jan, Kosmo and Lizzie Manning

What we do for winter fun

Here we are enjoying our winter sports. As usual, Don works harder than he has to, so I'm obligated to work less.

Temperature at picture time: 5 degrees. Love it!!

How we've changed in the past year

My oh my, how our lives have changed in the past year! Some of you would never have believed it possible! Let's see, since our official arrival here on Dec. 1, 2007, here's how we have morphed:

1. We get at least 8 hours of sleep every night. On these very dark mornings when it doesn't get light till 8am, we've been known to stay in bed (on occasion) until close to 9am. Instead of waking up to KIT news at 6am, we wake up when we hear Kosmo jingle his tags downstairs. He's becoming a late sleeper too.

2. Don lost 25 pounds by working hard and by not being around KFC and doughnuts all day. He's expecting to gain some back this winter, as the hardest physical work is over the for season. But the closest KFC is 100 miles away, so he won't gain back very much.

3. We eat dinner at 6 or 7pm (instead of 10pm), and then we read, compute or watch DVDs, just like "normal" people.

4. We're wearing out clothes--t-shirts, jeans, sweats. Actually, you fit in better going to the grocery store here if you have a few holes in your clothes.

5. We drive dirty trucks. No sense washing 'em when they get dirty the first time down the road.

6. Don reads the Missoulian cover to cover every day in the living room, with his feet up, while drinking his coffee and waiting for me to fix his breakfast.

7. We entertain almost every week. We've had more dinner guests and parties in the past nine months than we had in the entire 20+ years we lived in Yakima. We now have time for a social life.

8. I've discovered the "joy of cooking." At last I have the time, the facility, the tools, and the patience. What a difference it makes having a functional, well designed kitchen!

9. Sometimes we don't talk to anyone else for several days in a row. We only "go to town" (16 miles) when we have to. We go to Costco in Missoula about once a month. That's a major ordeal.

10. Don shaves every two or three days.

11. We let our dogs run loose on our unfenced property. (Yes, of course they stay close and/or come back when called.)

12. I can ride my horses every day if I want to (and usually do in the summer and fall).

13. We both smile more. We're relaxed, happy, and appreciative (even incredulous) of what we have and where we are.

And then, some things don't change....nor should they....

1. Don's getting a reputation, slowly but steadily, as the "go-to" guy for gunsmithing.

2. I'm back into dog training on a volunteer basis.

3. We got involved with the local "Friends of NRA" dinner last October and sold lots of tickets.

Photos:

1. Our friend Dave Oliver on the kiva hearth, telling Don a new Ole & Lena yoke.

2. Me, readying for a chilly November kayak launch.

First Thanksgiving at Shorthorse

Just picture it: good friends gathered at the mountain ranch, frost on the ground, broken clouds and sun, deer in the yard, horse-and-buggy rides, fires in the fireplaces, and a turkey in the oven. On our first Thanksgiving at Shorthorse, we were blessed to have good people here to make memories, help prepare, and share one of the best turkey dinners we've ever had.

Our good friends Will and Teresa Bron came from Granger, Wash., along with Teresa's utterly charming 23-year-old son Nick who's going to school at WSU. Already here was Maurice, who arrived on Nov. 26 and has been treating us to gastronomic delights he's cooked up for breakfast and dinner almost every night.

The Brons have Friesian horses and are big enthusiasts of driving. So while they were here, Will and Teresa hitched up our little Icelandic (the short horse of "Shorthorse") to a cart my sister in Yakima had entrusted to me. Brimir, the Icelandic, is now a certified "driving horse." He took to it in no time at all. Don and I both took turns driving him around the property and up and down the roads. At age 21, this little guy now has a new career awaiting him next spring...and maybe sooner, if we can find a sleigh for him to pull!

For dinner we pulled out all the stops. Teresa and I brined a turkey, then roasted it to perfection, thanks to an oven bag (my first time!) IT WAS PERFECT!!! That, along with all the other usual yummy once-a-year stuff, and we had a feast fit for Montanans. Joining the Brons and Mannings were our neighbors Jim and Cathy Hill, and Charlotte Beaudry/Lee Ziegler, our other Yakima refugee friends.

Now our company is almost gone. Maurice will leave tomorrow morning, and the house will be quiet and cavernous again. Time for Don and me to snuggle up with a winter's supply of books as the snow falls. And, coincidentally, the snow has just begun.

Jan's Birthday Triathlon

Many things to celebrate on Nov. 22, my 56th birthday. Here we are, living in heaven on earth, and in good health. So I wanted to commemorate it, big time.

Here's how it went:

8am: Hiked to the hilltop and did a one-mile run. Temperature 34 degrees. Did the run in UNDER 12 MINUTES (my best time in about 26 years). Note: This was the biggest accomplishment of the day. Six months ago I literally couldn't take two jogging steps, but I've worked on it all summer and fall. With four hip surgeries under my belt, I'm not really supposed to run at all, and will probably quit now. But WOW, I just had to do it one more time....just to know I could!!

10:30am: Five-mile paddle on the river Completed it in 1:45.

1:30pm: Ten miles on Bernie, my Tennessee Walking Horse. Completed it in 1:35.

END OF TRIATHLON!

Later that day....

6pm: A wine-tasting/birthday party with a menu to die for...deli fried chicken, Ruffles potato chips, and Costco birthday cake...and lots of wine, of course. On hand to share it: my good buddies Laurie Mosher and Charlie Reddick (from Yakima), Ron and Heidi Fortier (formerly of Yakima, now from LaConner, Wash. This was Heidi's birthday too!!), Dave and Deb Oliver, Charlotte Beaudry, John and Robin Webb, Art and Kathy Hassan, Jim and Kathy Hill, Maurice Alpert, and my kind and tolerant hubby Don.

There's no better place to turn 56 than here at Shorthorse with good health, junk food, and the company of best friends! Carpe diem!