We're alive!

Yeehaw Press

Hi friends.

I miss my blog, and I miss you.

While John looks for a job, he's been helping out in my under-staffed office. It's super fun to have him around, and otherwise, we wouldn't see each other. This way we get to have every meal together, sit together in the office hunting down scores from Europe, and take turns sneaking home to let Herbie out. Throw in some baby bird saving and basketball playing with the festival management, and we've got a pretty good day.

xoxo,

Lauren

John's Birthday-day!

Finally I can stop telling lies! John's birthday is Monday, so I obviously planned his party for Sunday. This plan has been in the works for weeks, and I was practically bursting at the seams with excitement. I became obsessed with the thought of surprising John, who prides himself on being able to figure out every secret I ever have. The need to lie and lie some more arose, and I spun a tale about driving to a trail two hours away for a picnic.

Victory! He didn't know we were going horseback riding until we literally pulled into the stable. John went riding once as a 5-year-old, and has told me countless times since I've known him how much he wants to ride again. He also mentions, not infrequently!, that he wishes he could make money being a cowboy.

I took him to Ridgeview Stables. This place is so tranquil. It was started for a child with special needs, and they do lots of therapeutic riding.

John and I rode the stubborn, spunky Prince and a grandfatherly (grumpy?) horse named Rocket. 

We had such a good time! It was so relaxing - and so fun to spend time getting to know such incredible animals. 

We did some grooming, some steering, some soccer (!), and some trotting. 

Pre and post Mimosas were in order, along with a Bitter Orange Crostada, John's birthday cake. I think John loved it, so I was happy.

The picnic wasn't a total lie. Last night I roasted a chicken,

which we did take on a picnic,

at this gorgous swimming hole hide-a-way,

a shallow brook with lots of interesting flat rock formations.

Happy birthday to John!

What a perfect day.

The Strolling of the Heifers

Brattleboro boasts an annual festival inspired by the Running of the Bulls, meant to slow down the decline of New England farming and spread the word on the need for local and sustainable food. Many family farms show up with their best stock to parade around. We saw cows, horses, pigs, and donkeys bedecked with flowers, hats, and crowns. People cheer, people dance, and people eat lots of cheese from Vermont.

I thought it would be fun to see a few baby cows led down the street and be on our way, but this is a serious festival! John and I had the best time. The Brattleboro Retreat grounds are converted into a Dairy Celebration with local artisans, local food, local Circus Arts, and most importantly, Maple Cotton Candy. This delectable spin on the familiar treat was nothing short of life-changing - and entirely worth the serious 2 p.m. sugar crash.

I laughed at a Miniature Donkey with serious mope.

I stared at homemade Whoopie Pies.

I saw a cheeky New England Longear Rescue Booth. "Save your ass."

I got up close and personal with cows.

I watched cows prance.

And I spent a day with my fiance, welcomed before the onset of summer festival life.

I hope your Saturdays were lovely, too.