Pack Drive Ride

     A few weeks ago I decided to chronicle the procees I go through some days to ride my Horse Dolly, which is stabled most of the time at a friend's home, which is about three miles from my house.  My family's weekend home and her family's home are located in the Mark Twain Forest in Stelleville, Mo.
 
     I like to take the scenic route, which is the trail behind my house, down the forest service road, down the blacktop a short way, down the gravel road two miles to her gate, River Oaks Ranch.

     So here goes "The Process".    One needs plenty of hydration during a hot ride.  Sometimes we have a little dehydration before the rehydration.

     Go through the tack room and try hard to not forget anything and load it into the Kawasaki Mule.

     This Mule is a BEAST!  It will take me anywhere I need to go.

     Drive past my house.

       Pass the old barn/cabin.

     Cross the creek over the old wooden bridge.

     Onto the trail.  My trail signs are named after horses we've owned and loved.  A good friend's daughter made them for me.

     Pass the Wagon Trail.  An old wagon trail runs through my property. 

     Down the Forest Service Road.  No problem.  I can get around that log.

     Now a short trip down the blacktop road. 

     Turn at the gravel road, Lower Narrows, to River Oaks Ranch.

     Fetch Dolly.  Yes, she's looking good.  See those Amber eyes?

Finally, I'm on the horse.

     Hooked up with riding buddies and we rode back to my house, via Ozark Trail. 

      Now, it's nap time.

Linda

Lunch at My Place

     After lunching downtown last week, I made my regular stroll into one of my favorite stores downtown Edwardsville, Beyond Timbuktu.  Near the entrance were several "bed spreads" made in India.  They are made of a very thin cotton and work well as a light tablecloth.  So . . . please enjoy my latest tablescape with the star of the table the cloth.

     I like the pattern of the dinner plate with this cloth.  This is one busy table.  I like the Lenox salad dishes with this look.  Never did I imagine purple water glasses and red wine glasses would look so pretty together.  This tablecloth seems to pull them together.

     The water pitcher was given to me by a friend who knows of my love of dishes. 

     These plates have an Italian flare but are made in China.  The wood chargers are the only chargers I own and they seem to work well with every setting.

     I bought this dining set along with other pieces of furniture that existed when purchasing this home.  It's a nice heavy French set.

     Next week my work friends and I will speed to my house (only five min. from work) and throw together a nice salad for lunch.  We all chip in and help prepare, eat fast, do a quick clean up and rush back.  We have an hour lunch and are able to get it done.  It's rushed, but we enjoy it.  I love serving my friends. 

     It's been a while since I've blogged but ready to jump back in.

     I am joining Tablescape Thursday with Susan at Between Naps on the Porch. 
                                                             http://betweennapsontheporch.net//
Linda