We are experiencing an unbelievable spell of stable, warm, sunny weather. You wouldn't think that would be anything to write about except that it means we are not getting the water we need for the rest of the year. Everyday starts with a look at the weather, the realization that again it will be in the 60s and sunny, the acceptance and embracing of that, the worry, and the pushing back of the worry.
We are now making history with this dry spell -and is that even what I should call it? When does a dry spell turn into drought? The first snow survey showed us to be at 17% of normal in the Sierra. Yes, it is only January but I just looked at the next seven-day forecast and I see no moisture coming. That puts us into mid-January and that is getting late in the season.
At the same time who can complain about the lovely, lovely afternoons I've been having?
There are two lists sitting beside me on the kitchen counter, where I've set up this impromtu stand-up desk. One is a list of to-dos for my classes, the one I'm taking, and the two I'm teaching. The other list is wedding stuff and I keep marching through it, tackling one thing at a time. Work and these lists get juggled, then I head out for a few hours to make sure the dogs and the horses get attention, exercise, and training.
Yesterday was a huge break-through for me and my mare. I saddled up the mustang and ponied the mare around for about an hour - now that my teenage helper has bailed out on riding I have to devise efficient ways of getting both these horses out and I especially need to make sure that Rhea is not just standing around. Everything went well and it was such a lovely afternoon I didn't want to stop. So without thinking about it too much I just took the saddle off the mustang, saddled up the mare, and turned the tables. I hopped on Rhea and ponied Smokin' around. And guess what? Once my head was out of the way everything was just fine. Just FINE!
I was floating on cloud nine.
Then I went home and made a little floaty crema di limoncello to celebrate. Before getting back to tackling the lists.
