This past Thursday, cousin/trail boss Mary Ann and I headed for Northport, WA, where we both grew up, to bunk in with Mary Ann’s mom and my beloved aunt, Marian Bleecker. Auntie M is 94 years old, and Halloween makes her nervous, so we wanted to help out with the trick-or-treaters, visit, and veg for a while. We were, I’m happy to report, successful on all counts. 🙂 The visit was a total surprise; you should have seen that woman’s beaming face. Just while we were bringing in our bags and stuff from the truck, she called at least four people to tell them the big news–Mary Ann and Linda are here! Of course, everybody already knew we were coming–except for Auntie, of course. 🙂 Our time in Northport was restful indeed–we did make a quick run to Canada for a few things. Mary Ann lived in Canada for 30 years, and there are some products she can’t find in the grocery stores down here. We got to spend a couple of hours with Aunt Billie–also 94, still driving and riding horses. 🙂 I have a new picture of her on horseback, as Grand Marshal of the Labor Day parade, tall in the saddle, grinning and waving one arm.
I told her she was my inspiration for staying in Weight Watchers and getting the job done–I may not make it to the age of 94, but I want to ride horses as long as I can. I taped the photo to my refrigerator to remind me of my goal, and I plan to reward myself with a trip to a dude ranch sometime next year.
I misspoke regarding the Rapid Eye Movement Therapy; what I’m doing is EMDR–Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. I had my consultation last week, and my first real session is tomorrow. I’ll tell you more about it when I know what I’m talking about. 🙂 I’m a big believer in alternative therapies–acupuncture has been a real eye-opener.
We had snow yesterday afternoon–just a brief skiff, but it stuck to the ground overnight. Time to start putting the horses into their stalls at night again. It’s good to know my old Buckaroo is in heaven, where he won’t have to cope with a northwest winter–the cold was hard on his aged bones. He always wore his green coat in the winter–it kept out some of the chill, anyway. Like Sadie-beagle, he lives on in my mind and my heart; he was true gift from God and a very good teacher.
There’s a new contest starting today. Just comment, that’s all you have to do. Two winners will receive signed books and a set of lovely jewelry compliments of my sister, Pam, who is polymerpamela on Etsy.
I’m eager to get to my story–too much time away, or under the weather. I’m glad to report that I’m feeling great now and definitely back in the game.
It seems impossible that the holidays are almost upon us–why do they always catch me by surprise? After all, Thanksgiving is always the fourth Thursday in November, and Christmas is always December 25. 🙂 I have a few gifts stashed away, but there’s lots more to do, as usual.
I’ll be going to this year’s National Finals Rodeo after all, to attend the Justin Crisis Luncheon (this event is sponsored by Justin boots and raises money for sick or injured cowboys, cowgirls, and their families) and see some friends. I’ll check out Cowboy Christmas, as always, and I’m planning to attend the Western Art Show auction at South Pointe, Dec. 13 at one pm. Maybe I’ll see you there.
That’s it for now, partners. See you tomorrow.
About Linda
The daughter of a town marshal, Linda Lael Miller is a #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than 100 historical and contemporary novels, most of which reflect her love of the West.
Raised in Northport, Washington, Linda pursued her wanderlust, living in London and Arizona and traveling the world before returning to the state of her birth to settle down on a horse property outside Spokane.
