Labor Day 2026
THE BEAT GOES ON
Greetings! Whew, what crazy weather heading into the Labor Day Weekend! My plans changed at the last minute as I am sure many others did too. I was hit hard, 4 days off the power grid, but my generator was a life saver. I am so fortunate that Tom, 25 years ago, decided to have one installed. That was after an outage that he had to “feed” a gas eater in the barn for 6 days in the dead of winter. He was done with that. I initially thought that it was an extravagant indulgence, but I was not the one running to the gas station 3x a day and filling 5-gallon gas containers. And, only the refrigerator, heat and a few lights were operable, not the well which meant buying water to flush toilets. Thanks, my bud for convincing me it was a worthwhile investment. I have replaced the original due to wear and tare and am close to doing so again.
As I listened to the hum of the generator as it ran 24/7, I thought about those who do not have the luxuries we do in this country. It is easy to complain that we don’t have power for a few days or water but consider that a huge part of our world, many here, in the States, and third world countries have sub-minimal existences with little or no water, food or shelter every day. I say a daily prayer of thanks of gratefulness, and another one for those who are not as fortunate.
I cannot believe that September is here and the Labor Day weekend has come and gone. Without the internet I was unable to work on the computer and had no cable for 5 days. I only missed it while exercising. I am reading a terrific book A Horse’s World, a Neuroscientist’s Journey into the Equine World which follows the growth and training of a 2-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, named True North, by Janet Young, PhD. She writes in depth how horses feel, think, learn, and connect with their human companions and dedicates the book “to all the horses, that we may finally see them for who they are.”
With all the years of being around horses and riding I am extremely interested to learn so many insights into horse behavior. I have started using some of the new “lessons learned” with my lovely boy, Galant, and our relationship, although always good, has blossomed in a wonderful way. I cannot wait to finish and then re-read more carefully as it gets very technical in parts.
My next fiction will be The Island by Peter Benchley. Remember him? Jaws and The Deep were his first books, and this followed. It sounds intriguing. I will let you know.
I am not a TV watcher but am hooked on show recommended by several friends, Ride or Die. It is great! There is something about a female assassin that is, well, watch it!
A friend and I went to the new JD’s Bistro in Chelesa earlier this week and, unbelievably, Jeff Daniels was there “working” the room just like Tom! It was uncanny. He is a very down-to-earth casual guy, genuinely friendly and happily allowed lots of selfies with other guests. We had left our phones in the car, so I do not have one to share. Next time…
My sister Liz and her husband Jeff brought ribs over Sunday, and we augmented with Michigan corn and baby Yukon golds she got at the Royal Oak farmer’s market, grilling them both, the corn drizzled with olive oil and wrapped in foil. We made foil pouches with sweet onions and mild garlic and the potatoes. A couple “bubbles” of delicious Buratta topped with garden tomatoes, shallot and basil was a wonderful appetizer. Liz out did herself with a peach cobbler dessert. An indulgent but easy dinner.
Riding Galant is a joy. We train with intention but with the hot, humid weather 30 minutes is more than enough. He gets a cool shower afterward and my fellow riders and I joke that we want a people shower… not going to happen. LOL.
Pups are hanging in. Maddie continues to get her monthly acupuncture treatments that have seemed to help her spinal deterioration. Dr. Goode, in Middleton, near Frankenmuth, has certainly helped her to be more comfortable. Sophie is a 14-year-old jumping bean, bouncing around like a pup. They are such wonderful company.
Mom is well. “Feeling” her 97 years but is mostly healthy.
The gardens are ready to cut back and ready for winter. I will make my Herb Salt with the abundance of the herbs. Rosemary went wild this year as did the tarragon and basil. I planted lemon grass for the first time this year and will be using it again as an ornamental next year. It grows like crazy and the deer do not care for Asian flavors.
Last of rhubarb will be harvested in the next few days and I will grill some salmon and serve it over a splash of tart rhubarb puree. Here is the recipe.
WE WISH YOU MANY MILLION DOLLAR DAYS!!!
XXOO,
MARY, MADDIE, SOPHIA and GALANT