After a busy week end with family celebrations and a lot of fun it is quieter and the sun is out. Every time it is I feel the need to acknowledge it. I have a greater gratitude for it. The last few weeks have been packed with planning and I am looking forward to a few days of quiet. I am looking forward to the two peacock chicks we will be getting soon and the experience of watching them grow. I have only seen one baby peacock about 2 months old.

Our little mini is becoming accustomed to us but is very skittish so it will take some time before he is ready to hitch to the cart. In the meantime, Michael is working for his keep, grading and raking and driving, and just giving us great pleasure. He leaves whatever he is doing in the pasture to walk to meet me half way. Then he gently plants the velvet place on the side of his muzzle against my cheek and takes every kiss I give him. I was reflecting on my method of buying horses over the years and realizing that I have never been wrong when I trusted my instincts - not so much my senses - just a quiet voice inside that has said, "This one will make your life richer, will be honest with you, on occasion will make you laugh, and will be one you can cry your tears into when you need to." Horse people know what that means. For me: Breeze, Nightengale and Sherry. These are the ones I chose for myself. Each was with me a very long time and every minute cherished. There were many others that have come and gone from my life over 50 years, but these will forever hold special places in my heart. And, now, Michael. We will add another one we hope in the not too far future. Dale said the other day, "You know, we'll never find another on like Michael." I hope he's wrong.