Had a great ride. Lower temps mean two things--one, a pleasant ride but also more spirited horses. We left out at 8:30 about 3 of us to meet the others. I am always on the lookout on our 1/2 mile ride up the road to the fields. We usually have a school bus go by and Gracie will act up. Today was even worse. 2 Horse-eaters plus fresh horses. They were cutting the limbs on the side of the road with a big tractor and an arm that comes out with blades. Then the truck behind it grinded it with a loud gasoline grinder. I tried to get Gracie to go up to it and we had whirling and she was up on her toes. Little short hops ready to bolt. The workers  finally got far enough down that we could get off and lead them by. I was as nervous as my horse.

After the adrenaline high the rest of the ride went great but uneventful. Sometimes I think the part that make Gracie dance around is also the reason she gaits and rides so well.  We met up with the rest of our gang and headed out. They were cutting the soybeans in several fields so it makes it fun to ride in the cut fields. All the makings of a good day.

"I know, O Lord that a man's life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps." Jer. 20:23

A Spooky Tree

I thought this made an interesting black and white with all the textures and lines in it. See more black and whites at Black and white weekend

Don't you just love it when a dog feels so good that he has to run around and around chasing some imaginary animal.

Three Totally Different Rides This Week

 I didn't know whether to say, Whoa, Go, or slow down.

Fun Little Store

For more black and white photos go to Black and White Weekend

Thinking of Home

I had two cousins die this week and this morning I was thinking of Heaven. One of them was a beautiful woman who lost her husband 6 months ago and and grieved every day for him. They are together again.
It reminded me of my love ones in Heaven. As a Christian, I don't dread death or Christ's return. In fact, sometimes I find myself wishing He would return today. I will enjoy reuniting with my love ones.
But in my quiet time today, I was troubled about something about myself. Is my number one reason for longing for Heaven to be free from troubles here and see my loved ones? That shouldn't be my main reason. My #1 desire should be to see Jesus and praise and honor Him. It is like even my reasons for desiring Heaven are selfish reasons.
I pray that I can put my priorities in order and for my main desire to not be about me but about Him.

"I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ which is better by far." Phil. 1:23
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith who for the joy set before Him endured the cross scorning its shame and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Heb. 12:2

Labor Day Races

On your mark, get ready...Why is only one behind the starting line?

And right away Princess Girl cuts off Spiderman.

As the round the first corner, the crowd is cheering.

On the first lap, Spiderman is leading.

Butterfly girl may need to pull into the pit for a headcover  adjustment.

Oops, spiderman sees a butterfly.

As they near the home stretch, the crowd is going wild.

You are all winners, raise your hand in victory.

That's close enough, Spiderman.

Exciting but Sad Ride

   We had planned a short ride today. We have had several good ones lately and there was so much to do at the house. Why does laundry always call my name?
   But then we got a call from a friend of ours. It seems that a man from our community has been missing for 6 days now and his car was found at Shelby Farms. This is a large park in Memphis that we have rode in before. She said the search and rescue was begging for horseback riders to ride the area. We ended up five ladies trailering there and riding. We got there and a news camera crew was filming. As I turned to lead Gracie from the trailer there he was filming me. It is hard to saddle with a camera rolling behind you. I was afraid I would put it on backwards. We did make the five o'clock news. Luckily I wasn't shown but my friend was climbing up. Sometimes we grunt and pull getting up but she did fine.

We rode for over 2 hours trying to go in places the 
walking group couldn't get to. The helicopter was circling over head.

We had come back to trailers and one of volunteers asked if we could search a wooded area across Walnut Grove. Now this is a 4 lane divided highway. Gracie will do great with traffic sometimes then others you can see her ears twitching and she works up a good spook and turns around. We decided to go the light and cross. No problems and a new experience in the books.

We did have one incident that was scary and humorous. We see a white van coming, stop, then a man got out. We realized he was with the sheriff dept. His first words--"Who are you?" Second sentence--"Get off your horses". No one argued. We had heard there was some friction between the police and the searchers.  The searchers thought they should be doing more, the police was afraid a crime scene could be tainted by innocent helpers. The search probably wasn't approved by the law but we didn't know it when we started out. He did make a call to his superior and was very nice after the call. He explained he had been there for 24 hours and was cranky. We had all dealt with cranky men before so we weren't bothered. We even kidded around that he could have had us be spread-eagle with our hands on our horses for a search. I am glad it went smooth. I don't look good in orange jumpsuits.

"Let's get out of Dodge"

  Another highway crossing and we were back at the trailer. One item was found belonging to the man by a walking volunteer but the man is still missing. I prayed as I rode for him and his family.

Another Good Ride

Another great ride with friends. We could feel a good breeze and cooler temps, had good horses, great views, and all our problems seem smaller.