Bull by Bull

• I can’t sing a lick, but when the Gary Gruner “Made in America” song comes on with their TV ad, I sing every word about as loud as I can. That ad looks, feels, and sounds so Central Oregon. Thank you, Gary Gruner.

• When Hazel called the other morning and asked if I’d like to make a Costco run, I jumped at the chance to ride along.  I gulped down my breakfast, threw on some clothes and quickly did what I could with my hair, including spraying it with Endust, which was sitting right next to the can of Suave Max Hold.

• Second only to riding, my happy place is often playing cards on a Saturday night, listening to all the oldies on my iPod, and thinking back to wherever the tune playing takes me; reminiscing.  It’s one of the things I do best.

• Such fun to see Maggie Bull’s picture in The Nugget celebrating her 96th birthday. She’s rock solid Sisters, through and through, and I’m always tickled when people ask me if she and I are related. Happy Birthday, Maggie!

• When the lady at Richard’s Produce offered to carry my watermelon out to the car for me, I knew I must be looking my age.There was no way for her to know that later that day I would stack a half dozen bales of hay and pack 150 pounds of grain into the tack room.

• Two dear people, Larry Harrelson and Jerry Baldock, died recently; men who were important in my life. Larry’s words and Jerry’s photographs spoke of truth and beauty, always.

• Every time I buy a 12-pack of Ivory Bar Soap, which I use at the kitchen sink, I think I’ll never need to buy ‘em again. I always do, though. And then one day I won’t.

• I’m sure we’re all familiar with the saying, “The best laid plans…” Long story short: I did everything I could think of to prepare for total knee replacement surgery, only to have my dog, Bingo, need major tooth (teeth) surgery, my horse need a trip to the vet, and my Bronco need a jump, all just days before surgery. 

• My good friend Lou Lou gifted me the book, “Nine Horses: Poems,” by Billy Collins. I read one poem every morning with my oats; both are so satisfying.

• “Big drops, little rain,” said Helen one evening whilst sitting on the deck, watching another storm approach. “Big flakes, little snow.” I can hardly wait.