Windridge Farm.
It could very well be my happy place. My real happy place. Not the one I have to imagine in my dreams or look at pictures of on the internet (insert the amazing, tranquil, aqua waters with the bungalow suites actually on the ocean waters in Bora Bora here).
No, this is real. Being that Shelby's horseback lessons have had to be very early in the morning during the summer (we're talking a starting time of 6:30-7:30 a.m., depending on her trainer's schedule). It's in the country. It's quiet. The only noises you hear are the horses being taken to the pastures and they whinny with excitement to break free of their stalls. There's dew on the grass. The leaves on the trees are still dancing from the morning breeze. No smog. No car horns. No traffic. It's heavenly.
Last night was even better.
Have you ever seen the movie Doc Hollywood? I had the pleasure of being immersed right, smack-dab in the middle of that type of atmosphere last night.
It was team penning night at Windridge Farm. We got there early so Shelby and her BFF could ride, then we all offered help to get things set-up. Got horses out of their trailers, tied them in the pen and under the shade. Brought trash cans out. Turned hot dogs on the charcoal grill.
People brought their folding chairs and sat them under the huge, oak trees. Popped tops to original Coors beer. Kids had water bottles on ice and literally ran around for hours. Climbed trees. Teased the cows. Took turns on the rope swing hanging from the tree. Chased grasshoppers, then later...the little ones searched for lightening bugs. And laughed. Loudly.
As many times as the cows tried to take a nap in between penning (no kidding!), they were constantly reminded they were there to run.
The boys finally took cover from the girls in the "Man Cave" and decided they would play poker. It wasn't long before the clear and semi-cool weather beckoned them back outside. No video games. No texting. This alone makes a mom smile from the inside-out.
I can't wait for the day (being very optimistic here) I can offer my kids the outdoors again. I remember at their age, I was outside all the time. From being at the community pool to playing nighttime tag until the huge, triangular bell was rung calling "time to come it!".
That's what they want, too. It's what I want for them. Believe me...you tend to take it for granted when you are in a house. I'll admit, I never really thought about it. That was until we moved into an apartment.
I'm working on it kids. We'll get there!
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