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.