Seven years ago I rode out with Linda to a spin-in at Mim's. We had driven forever when suddenly this vista opened up. I fell in love and my life was changed forever, because by the end of the day I knew I wanted to live out here too.
I brought Ian out and he felt the same way. We contacted the realtor that Mim suggested, who is a neighbor, and within weeks we owned our own parcel. We would drive out on weekends, sit in our two chairs and imagine the future. BTW, that's not our dog.
Larry suggested a contractor and by spring our house was under construc-tion. Larry also sold our house in town, but recommended that we not list it until we were ready to move. It sold the day it was listed, the Saturday of Black Sheep Gathering, so we had to conduct the negotiations and sale by cell phone and faxes at Kinkos in Eugene, Oregon at a buck a page -ouch. We moved into our house in August 2002. Just one year had passed.
Ian had a vision that we could gather our friends and family over the long weekend of Labor Day. I was skeptical, but oh me of little faith, they come - Ian's own "Field of Dreams." This is our second year. Between Friday and Monday, everyone of our seven children and grandchildren managed to get here. We invite family, friends, coworkers and neighbors. The little trailer is Amy's - both she and the trailer are members of Sisters on the Fly.
The high point of the weekend had to be our unantici-pated visit from 11-year-
old Audrey riding bareback on 22-year-old Mercedes. Her mother was here, so she decided to ride the couple of miles over and surprise us. At the top of the drive, she gave a huge wave that would have made the Queen Mother proud. The kids were thrilled and the adults became kids.
It was getting close to dusk, so after she had something to eat, Mom sent her packing. She had to cross a paved road to get home and we don't need Edward Abbey's "Brave Cowboy" part deux out here, which could happen. Someone asked her why she didn't use a saddle and she said she liked riding Mercedes bareback because it was like riding a sofa.
This is the picture of Audrey that I have. Check out her boots. The picture that I wish I had, and no one got because no one expected her visit, was her royal arrival. You can see why she stole the show.
6 comments:
The whole Gathering weekend was so much fun! I, for one, am ever so glad you and Ian moved to the country, allowing us town dwellers a place to escape to!
What a grand tradition. Your pictures show that everyone was having a terrific time.
What a great story! I am a big believer in places that speak to you.
Seems like all you needed was a nice little pig as a guest of honor at your gathering. heeheehee
(Just let me know when Ian wants another wee sheep...)
Loved the "history lesson," as well as the report. I don't think I was invited, though.... :-(
I know Michelle, me either! ;-)
Looks like you all had a blast!
Beautiful location! No wonder you fell in love with it. Looks like a good time!
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