APRIL 22, 2012

What a beautiful day in La Pine today!  72.9 degrees at 7 pm.  Just got home from working  with Hank.  Put his new cinch on the saddle, threw his bit and reins on the horn for use later, ran his lead rope through a 4' piece of PVC pipe and took him for a 2 mile walk.  The pipe prevents him from walking up on me and teaches him to stay @ 4' back.  Bitted him up, found a stump, and rode another 1 1/2 - 2 miles home.  Tried his new fly sheet on and his riding fly mask I bought him for the trek.  The mask is a bit big, but rather big than too small.  He didn't seem to mind it.  Next time I'll walk/ride him with the mask on.  This is great fun getting us used to all the new gear!  

This morning was the last meeting of the season and potluck at Lodgepole Dodgers Snowmobile Club 10 mile park and warming hut.  Judy and I and our husbands, Bob and Norm, are members.  Judy gave a great short presentation of our trek plans and we handed out invitations to our upcoming fund raiser.  We lost the Armadillos band as entertainment as two of their members forgot they were to be out of town that weekend.  The event is only 3 hours, so between the Desert Sage Band and a couple of friends performing solo, I think we have plenty of entertainment.  My son-in-law Casey is going to fill in for me as bass player freeing me up to be on the grounds during the fundraising.  

That is going to be a very busy day for us.  Norm and I will be helping with the La Pine Clean-Up Day that morning, attending L&S Gardens Annual Rhubarb Festival, then heading out to the Swendsens' to set up for our event. 


Last Friday was the La Pine Chamber Breakfast.  Judy, Sandra, and I got to present our trek information there also and hand out fundraiser invitations.  Then Norm and I and friends Alex and Larry headed 2 hrs. north to Madras for the annual antique wagon and horse auction.  I was looking for a lightweight saddle to buy.  No luck.  I did meet a lady who lives in the same town one of the craigslist saddles is in.  She was going to check it out for me. We did get in a short visit with neighbors, Carl and Cindy, from our old home in Redland who go to the auction each year also.  Carl and Cindy go on Wagon Train every year also, so will be seeing them again in June.  Couldn't talk Cindy into riding out to Walla Walla with us though.  Darn.