Rain was forecast but the day dawned sunny. However growing incipient thunderclouds foretold following rain.
Thus it would prove to be, but not until mid-day had passed and the early afternoon hours also. So I rode in brightness and warmth across a magical landscape beneath billowing cloud-castles.
Meadow grass shimmered through heat haze for perhaps the first time this year. Kites soared on the thermal currents that fed the growing clouds too.
By the field I fitted the new gear in order to see how it hung. There is adjustment needed yet. Eventually I set the arrow quiver lower. The lower straps of both quivers I shall attach to the girth for stability.
But these items work, and now I must seek fluency in their handling. That is the key. I ride as if that were as natural as walking down the street, and to me it is. Now I need to learn to shoot from horseback as if that were a normal part of my daily routine. That will take time.
I took my trailer to the field. It's been modified and the results are pleasing. The addition of 50lbs of steel ballast on the tow bar means that it will run at 60mph without snaking. Removal of the partition gives Doru far more room, and he is responding by loading willingly. Finally, a new breech bar (which the trailer was manufactured without) increases security and makes the trailer legal.
Danielle is away visiting family in the US. For me this is a strange poignant time, and a sign too of how my life has changed. It is a symbol of fragility yet of new security. It's curious how a partner can leave in the grey dawn, then hours later I can speak to her in a different continent.
I remember another one departing, leaving much unexplained though I sensed permanence in her actions. Relief I felt, and sadness, intermingled. This today is simpler, without negativity or confusion, for Danielle is just away visiting. Trust is the difference. In this third relationship I have discovered trust, received and given, for the first time. At last I can be myself, humane if eccentric, without having to watch my back, out-manoever machinations, and guard against deception.
The cats keep me company in the house. The youngest, three year-old Lucky, has taken to drinking from the spout with which I water the cat-grass. All three cats love fresh water. Simply I have to put fresh water in their bowl and there is competition to drink the cool liquid. Yet their water had been refreshed not long previously. Are the felines becoming spoiled? Am I surprised?
Now I have a week free from work. One day I have visitors coming, another day Doru's hooves are due a trim, next Saturday there is a folk festival to attend - what fun. But that leaves days on end to ride, weather permitting of course.
And long hours to write, for there is a story in my head that must be set down.