Happy Trails

Guess who had a hot date on Saturday? Lucy! She went on her first trail ride with Morning Bray Farm's Ellsworth and had a fabulous time, despite the heat and humidity.

Ellsworth has been learning how to become a saddle donkey this summer, and yesterday's ride marked the first time he and Justina rode without their fabulous trainer, Ryan, who had the nerve to go off to college. Justina thought a ride with Lucy nearby would be just the ticket to help Ellsworth develop his confidence on the trail.

Saturday happened to be Bernard's birthday, and he demanded a little of Lucy's attention before she took off with his older brother.

Lucy: I thought you said Ellsworth was inexperienced. Look at him standing there so quietly.

Very impressive... There's something to be said for these sweet young things.

Me: Lucy, mind your mouth...this is a family blog.

Justina warmed up Ellsworth a bit before we headed out. 

Those two are just the perfect pair, don't you think?

Bernard: Excuse me! It's my birthday! Why isn't anyone paying attention to me?

We rode along the irrigation ditch bank near Justina's farm. There was an endless variety of sights and sounds along the way 

that would spook the average horse...but we were riding way-above-average donkeys. 

The barking dogs, the rushing water, the lawnmowers, the geese, etc. barely fazed Ellsworth or Lucy. 

Lucy and I took the lead most of the way (no shrinking violets in this family) so we didn't get to see much of Ellsworth and Justina 

during the ride, though there was an endless stream of chatter. 

The picture above is one of those "stretch your arm out and hope for the best" shots.  

I can't tell you how good it feels to see Justina smiling again. Riding will do that to a person.

When we got back to Morning Bray Farm, Lucy and I couldn't resist the temptation to learn something new, so we collected Justina's mail...

...while Justina and Ellsworth opened the gate. 

How's that for a donkey who has been under saddle for less than three months?

While walking down the driveway, Ellsworth tried to get a little fresh with Lucy. 

Lucy gave him the tail brush-off and pretended to play hard to get.

Ellsworth: I hope she doesn't have a problem with shorter men. I'd like to ask her out again.

Lucy: If he knows what's good for him, he'll call me...tomorrow. 

None of this wait-a-week crap. I'm too sophisticated for those dating games.