Returning to Life........and putting on a happy face

We were shocked and saddened at the sudden loss of our friend Jon Ormson who decided to end his life on June 25th. The horrible call came from my friend, his mom, MaryAnn, and it launched a wave of grief. He was such a great guy and was such a joy to everyone who knew him. The funeral was held at Luck and I went to spend the day; to hug those who needed the hugs (we all did) and to share the sorrow of friends and family who were dealing with circumstances we never would have dreamed of having to address. The pastor did an excellent job with the aspects of such a death and the big question of WHY. Of course, that is the big question that we will not be able to answer. We wish so much that he would have had time to make a trip to Catfish Corner. "He made this world a better place for us. Even though it was difficult for him."


Getting back into things around here, I can say the heat and humidity has been pretty heavy. The perennial flower garden has reached its colorful stage and the bees really are enjoying the Bee Balm.

Yesterday seemed like a good day to join some pony pals for a little ride. I trailered Cerra up to Ramona's in Porcupine valley and friends Wendy and Amy joined us for a trek that took us up and down some good hills, over some hilltop farm fields and a little road riding to tie it all together. The mosquitoes really feasted on us. Sorry about those welts, Amy!

We had started at about 10 am and by the time we got back it was getting hotter out and we felt like lunch so we drove to the village of Arkansaw and had a bite at "For Pete's Sake". Pete's fish sandwich consisted of two perfectly deep fried fillets on a really good bun. A generous dollop of tartar sauce and an ice cold Leinie's really hit the spot. We shared a big basket of french fries and onion rings, too!

Cowgirl lore at this point would opine that things always look better when you're on the back of a horse. Or, that the outside of a horse is good for the inside of a cowgirl. Hard work and horses have always put my mind in a good place. I hope our friends who grieve can find their peace in a fashion that suits them, too.