This message is from: "ruth bushnell" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> At this time of sadness and solemnity I thought you might like to hear about Fjords laughing.
First let me say, I had been about to write a letter about the Libby Show-- thanking everyone who worked so hard to make it happen and thank everyone who came from far off places to participate-- which made it extra nice. But just as the "afterglow" was settling in, the tragic news of New York came and squelched everything; even here in this remote corner we are stunned.. our hearts and prayers are with the survivors. Maybe a story from the Bushwhacker Ranch will distract the blues for a minute. It's not every day you hear about Fjords laughing, and although it seems incongruous that they would laugh at all at a time like this, remember, they're only animals. (yes, really) Each day we have two "herds" of Fjords out on pasture that take turns; stallion, mares and babies out in the daytime.. geldings, yearlings, etc. out at night. The night shift has a larger area to roam in, forested, hills, and a creek which meanders down the middle. These afford some cover and Gene has to "hunt" for them in the dark (with a spotlight) each morning to drive them back to the home corral. This morning he finally spots them in the center of the wetland surrounding the creek area... it has been so dry that he's able to drive anywhere in his 4X Dodge and he finally spots them in some tall grass and makes a bee-line for them... "Yeeeee hawwwww," "git hommme!" Too late he sees the break in the grass, which is the creek, and he plunges down in, high-centered-- the Fjords were on the OTHER side of the creek... laughing!!! yes, they were! He had to call a neighbor with a boom to pull him out--(this is 6:00 a.m.) the guy says, "I'm going to tell everyone you were drunk and drove in the creek," Gene says, "maybe you'd better, it would make more sense." ha ha ha I swear I could hear those Fjord still chuckling as they filed out for tonight's episode, probably some new ploy, since he's on to the creek thing. Ruthie, NW MT
