July 22, 2012

I am sore.

I realize how out of shape I have become from sitting around too long in Scotland not having to do anything! Yesterday Mona took me on a little walk around part of the property, and I had Elliot in a backpack on my back…I wasn’t sure I was going to make it. My calves were screaming at me, but it was beautiful. There’s a great view from the top of a hill where you can see pretty far around, and it was fantastic. Then we walked down into the area by the river which was just magical…it was all covered with trees, so it’s kind of hidden from the outside world and there’s even a small waterfall. I’ll have to take Evan up one day. I’m sure she will see it as a wonderful little fairy land.

 view of the waterfall in the river valley 

 looking out over their property and beyond from the top of the hill

One thing that made our walk even better was the fact that I didn’t have to worry about snakes at all!  I think any of you back home reading this can appreciate the freedom of walking near a nice creek or through waste deep grass and not having to be on the lookout for any kind of snakes. Walking through grass like that back home would have had me in a constant panic. There are plenty of good things about Arkansas, but I certainly haven’t missed the water moccasins, black widows and brown recluses.

I’ve been doing lots of hoeing the past two days and though I can feel it all over, it’s really not a bad feeling. It’s nice to actually be able to tell that I’ve been working. My hands are even a bit sore from milking…I’ve been using muscles that aren’t usually used that much, I suppose.

Carter is gone for one more night. He went with Harrie and the two boys on a logging trip. I’m not sure about all the details but it seems several of the local farmers are headed to the same place to haul some timber around with their horses. I’m sure I’ll hear all about it when they return tomorrow evening.

I believe Evan is now thoroughly convinced that she needs a pony.  Evi has kindly led Evan around on Honeybun, her pony, showed her how to groom her, and is always teaching her little things about caring for ponies. I don’t think we are terribly opposed to the idea, but a pony won’t be one of the first animals we get when we finally do move onto some land. I wouldn’t mind having horses or ponies, but I do want to learn more about them first. The horses they have here are beautiful massive beasts, but do seem very gentle. I don’t think I’ve been around horses their size before…not so close up anyway.

Elliot, Evi and I with Serena and her foal, Fin.