…is, interestingly, how I think of Bucky, my friend, Patty’s horse. Bucky died on Friday, after living with Patty for 32 years—and in case you don’t know, that’s a really long life for a horse. Mostly their average lifespan is about 25 years. Bucky was a buckskin pony—almost tall enough to be considered a horse—that babysat anyone who rode him and always moved out with unflagging energy. Patty and Bucky grew up together, riding in 4-H horse shows, trail riding in the hills and hollows of southern Indiana, and later riding the GBRA (Girls Barrel Racing Association) circuit around the Midwest. I loved to watch Patty make a running leap…

This weekend is our first holiday in the new lake cottage. PJ and my brother-in-law have spent a couple days with us and yesterday, we floated and swam in the lake, drank good wine; and cooked out. The neighbors are coming by regularly to introduce themselves and Husband and I are enjoying ourselves immensely in this new place, this new life. It’s so much fun to get to know all these good folks–everyone’s been warm and welcoming and incredibly generous. “Hey if you need any tools, feel free to come up to my workshop, I’ve got anything you need…” or “Hog Roast on the Commons on Sunday, hope you’ll come…