Bridge Extra May 31, 1965

 Since this happened after the 29th and before the first June entry, I will stick it in for what it's worth This was the single true bright spot in a long hard month, a huge surprise with an incredible impact on  my life.

Memoir Bridge: May 31, 1965

What a day! I’m going to wake up! I got up at 6:15 and started on a busy day. Fed etc and then came up. First I finished scrubbing out the new pan and then I sorted clothes to wash. Charlie Mike and I rode out together with Annie and the fillies. We left at 8:30 and got back at 10:15. I led Lyno out and Charlie Mike led her back. We plan to take some good long rides during the summer. I’m real proud and happy how he is getting interested in riding etc. at last. Watered the stock,  then put Annie up and next got busy on the washing. It only took about two hours which I think was really good. I rode Annie out to change the pens at the pasture. Came in about 2:00 because Charlie Mike fed for me here. All afternoon we talked about ranches. They are now worried about me getting married and pulling out. They needn’t for awhile but I can’t explain that now! So suddenly it was 5:00 and we went to water. Someone was watching us but I did not know it or notice.  We drove out to do the pasture chores. Fed the new mules, caught and handled Rico etc. Finally came home and did the home chores. I came in and put on my muu-muu dress. I was sitting at my table. when suddenly Charlie Mike came in and scribbled on a piece of paper. “C D Watt just drove down the street.” I nearly freaked out. “Go find him and tell him to come back later.” In a few minutes I saw Moonspinner drive up Standard Oil Hill and knew it was real. I could hardly eat supper. Then we went out to watch the lightning and settle our meal. Dusty was waiting down by the loading ramp. We got in Moonspinner and drove over above the lake and parked for a few minutes. I put my hand on the back of the seat and after a moment he reached over and held my thumb. They will be at Adamana for six weeks more  and then back here! We came back still talking and drove around a little more. Then stopped down by Christensen’s. Charlie Mike got out and we talked a bit more. We were shy as always. Finally just before I got out I turned to him and he gathered me in his arms. I kissed his cheek or jaw, feeling the rough stubble of a day's beard. He buried his face in my hair and then his lips found mine. They were cool and smooth. It might have been a second or an  hour until he lifted his head and released me. He held my hands for a moment, saying “Cold hands lead to a warm heart.:” His voice was not quite steady as he told me goodbye. I turned away and got out, turning back to say I had named a colt for him. And then it was goodbye and I fled. I stumbled blindly home behind Charlie Mike who had waited for me. I settled down enough to play a record and write Tee but I know I’ll wake up. I said that several times. Once he pinched my nose “to wake me up.” So now I’ve been kissed and I can’t really remember it very well yet. Oh, Dusty! I think I composed myself fairly well. It wasn’t like kisses in books or anything but it was special. Maybe it doesn’t mean much but I’ve been kissed  and I’m happy and know waiting for it was right.

A few days later I realized it had happened three years almost to the hour from my high school graduation. That strange coincidence is still rather startling. Yes, this was a graduation of sorts, too. From today's perspective and even for those times, it was decidedly odd that a girl got her first real kiss at the age of 22, a girl who did not grow up in a convent or some odd cult. Well, in a way there was a very odd cult! And that of course was the major reason for the peculiar delay. My life style steered me away from many opportunities to reach this point in my teens.

I am very sure neither of us planned or expected this event. I had not seen Dusty since January--nor had he seen me. And when we might be together again was still unknown. Overwhelmed by the pain of this parting, I turned to him with no plan or expectation in mind other than that he might push me away. We had been very circumspect and careful as our relationship developed. It was probably inevitable and I know neither of us really regretted it as following letters made clear. For once actions said what spoken words still did not express.

Pictures! Moonspinner where it was often parked later that summer.  The muu-muu dress, new at that time. The original sleeves were the same fabric as the rest and not gathered into a band to a puff. And the B&B 6 outfit on the siding where they were always parked. Dusty's foreman car was the one just to the left of the shiny metal one which became the cook car for the outfit. Along with their other work, the crew completely rebuilt the interior and did a great job on the one time passenger coach car during the months they were at Clarkdale. (that started later in the summer.) .

Memoir Monday, May 29

 I was not reluctant to see the screen door hitting May in the derriere on its way out. The end was going to be soon and not a bit regretted. Well, not quite. The best or only 'real good' part --besides Charlie Mike's graduation-- was at the very end. (There is a bridge post for this if interested. Link provided shortly.  

May 29, 1965 Sat

 Got up and off at 6:30 but worked rather slowly on this first day of summer. It was hot. We unloaded some hay to haul. Mom drove us to the pasture  and we went to Cottonwood for grain etc. Had to chase seven cows out of the pasture which was a nasty task on foot. Got home at noon and had a brief snack. I rode Annie up for mail. Dusty, I am mad at you! Watered and fed and then took a break for lunch and talked awhile. Started  leading at 2:45. I led the two little ones first and then Leo. Then I saddled Buzz and led Lyno off her with Charlie Mike hazing for me. That worked out okay. We drove to the pasture rather late and worked on the new mules some. They seem like pretty good mules. Buddy is quite lame, a kick in the left shoulder it appears. The mares and colts are fine. I spent the evening playing records and wrote notes to Judy and Carol. It’s bedtime now so I guess I must beat it.  Busy days ahead, doubtless.

Friday the 28th had been Charlie Mike's graduation from the eighth grade. I know he was not sad to see that milestone come and pass. That day was 'all about him' as well it should be. I recall hemming a pair of slacks, ironing a shirt, likely the only dressy white one he had, and the whole family going to the ceremony. I do not think they had caps and gowns.

Although he often felt our dad treated him like the proverbial red-headed step kid, and I tended too agree, for this event it was not so much. We were surprised when Dad actually got out the "good" professional camera --I think one of the two Rolleiflex -- and took pictures. Had he done that since my graduation, three years before? Not that I remember. Several of these pix will show up below.

Although our stock did trespass at times both in Tavasci's and on the river which was mostly leased by Pete Grosetta, there were times cattle from both were in our leased area too.  This was one of those. Since we usually had hay and other feed out, we were not anxious to let someone's cows get that! So that was an added task to the pasture chores that day for Charlie Mike and me.

The two mules I mentioned were part of deal where we got a large batch of hay from a dealer in Phoenix at a good price but had to take two mules off his hands as well. We paid slaughter house prices for them. I think this was the two we named Hubert and Lyndon (Humphrey and Johnson?). They were big, just short of draft size, and not very tempting as saddle mules but they were docile and not mean. Buddy mentioned here was a jenny burro. If memory serves, she was a light gray or dirty gray-white and had been with us for awhile as she came with Lila, another jenny who was black and had two black colts (a year apart) who became Robin and Martin. (don't ask, it was not a  politically correct name!)

Again I did not get a letter from Dusty and was distressed. I still corresponded with some pen pals, but only women or girls. Judy was year older than me and mom of two so hardly a girl and Carol was the wife of my earlier crush Buster Ordiway, Carol became a pen pal when she answered  a carefully innocuous letter I wrote when I saw his picture in the newspaper and found he worked at the Buffalo Park in Flagstaff. She was real sweet and friendly. She was also mom of two, little boys a year apart.

Photos. Charlie Mike before we went to the school. Mom, Alex and me  dressed up to go. And Charlie Mike and me--he was shooting up and passed my 5'7" that summer. He was  going to be 14 in November. I wore my own graduation dress since it was still a favorite and added pink accessories for some color. 

Monday Memoir May 22, 1965

Still miserable May, more or less. No, the sickness was not quite over and Tina was still at Dr Shauffler's. Rico was with her all the time as of course he needed the milk and she never dried up for all her sickness. Such a struggle--most of that month was. 

May 22, 1965 Sat

 Got up and did my chores as usual. Lyno came down with a colic early. I made two feedbags and then brought her up. She remained tied to the pole nearly all day. Mom and I did the chores and went to see Tina. I saw Garee Wombacher there and talked to her briefly. I can probably bring Tina home on Monday. Managed to lead all my ponies and rode Buzzie out to do the midday swap. After chores and lunch I came in and took a nap. That was the only thing that kept me going. We took Chief out and bred Peppy a final time. She was nearly out but not too kicky. Rita was in again and chased me to the gate. We gave Lyno an enema and she had a real bad colicky spell for awhile so we ate dinner by turns and watched her. Finally put her up about 10:30 convinced she was recovering. It was a long day.  This sick horse bit gets unfunny after awhile. If only Patsy would have her colt and a few more things get squared away maybe we could do something. It will help to have Charlie Mike out of school. He got a 1- on “my” theme. I didn’t hear from Dusty today to my disappointment. He will probably take his time about writing now. Well, let him. He is not the only guy in the world. Bill Christensen has a new yellow Mustang--large charge and the last blast. I could not care less.

The equine issue problem basically ran the month thru. It was always apparently "my fault" in that I had somehow failed to do things I should or done what I did do in a slack and careless way per Dad's harsh comments.  That was hurtful because I loved every one of those animals so much and sweat blood and tears over them daily. If I did anything wrong,  it was out of ignorance and misunderstanding, not either deliberate or simply not paying attention or caring enough. 

Charlie Mike was in the final days of his grade school career. He had been assigned  (by McLarney?) a 'term paper' type theme The topic he chose was Appaloosa horses and of course I did the major part of it and Mom typed it.  He was not dumb in English or unable to write but that was not his talent as it was mine so I did not mind helping him. Too bad he was not there to help me with algebra a bit earlier. Mom was a math whiz and had trouble with the fact I totally was not one!

Bill Christensen was a former classmate of mine who graduated with the 1961 class and was off to college. I expect the car was a possible graduation  gift from his parents. His dad, George, ran the Standard Oil bulk gas plant at the foot of "the canyon" where a dirt road passed by leading up to a cattle guard at the highway. That site figured a bit in my own adventures later. George was into horses and had a paint (gelding?) we once rescued from being caught in the fence at his corral area which was at a curve on the old road over to Tuzigoot below the tailings pond area. He also got an Appaloosa mare about this time and bred her to Chief. I won't say he "had a crush" on me but he did often stop and talk horses with me here and there. He was nice enough and so was Bill but I was never attracted to the son nor him to me, much less the dad. Hot or cool car notwithstanding! Even a T-bird might not have been enough to pique my interest.

And as always, my complaints about Dusty were far from serious. I just needed the reassurance of a letter so badly at times and when none was forthcoming I had to whine a little. This month was one of those times when I had so little to look forward to or feel good about.  

I name a bunch of horses here, some maybe not shown, at least recently so why not? There is little else to include at this point. First is Chief, registered name Yavapai Chief.  Next is Peppy, who had one colt by him when we owned her (through this breeding) and had been in foal to another Appaloosa (Ding Bat was that colt) when we got her. Behind her is Bunny, bought at the same time, who also foaled that spring,  She was getting close at this time.  Patsy actually foaled later. Last is Rita, who I mentioned  chasing me over to the west gate.  She came from the same owner as Chief, Patsy and Susie, the paint mare. When I use the term "in" it meant the mare was in season or ready to be impregnated. They were receptive then but would normally kick when a stallion came too close. "Not tonight, Sweetie!"

Monday Memoir, May 15, 1965

May 1965--we were approaching Charlie Mike's 8th grade graduation and he had some trips and events for the final few weeks. Alex was about to turn 6 and I was "keeping on keeping on" as I had been for over two years, close to three.  The more things changed...  And yet most of the changes were superficial. The bout of sickness among the animals was passing. I think Tina and Rico were down at the Vet Clinic or possibly just home, she supposedly all well. 

May 15, 1965  Sat

 Got up pretty early so Charlie Mike could get ready on time. Did the chores and we drove out. The Mayottes came over and were deeply grieved over “Freckles” poor condition. Gee, people sure gripe me. And people here are no exception. When we got home I saddled Annie and got to work. Made a day of it, too. No mail for me so I put Dusty’s letter in the mail. I guess he’ll write when he gets good and ready. Led Lyno, ‘Bat, and Wowie and rode Buzz  out to do the midday exchange. Finally got in about 2:30 and was so tired I lay down and slept til 4:30 or so. Then I watered everyone and we drove out with me leading Chief since Charlie Mike still had not come home. Bred Susie and did the chores. We got the home chores done just before dark.  Charlie Mike got nothing. I’ll have to get used to him having the spotlight until school’s out I guess. Wish I could announce my engagement (tee hee).  I changed my bed, cleaned my room and took a bath this evening. It feels pretty good to be clean. Tomorrow I’ll wash my hair. From now on I’ll try to keep looking decent just in case.  Dusty has been ‘with’ me all day; wonder what he’s been doing? He’s okay I think ‘cause I’d know if he wasn’t somehow.  It’s nearly unbelievable how I miss him.  I still can’t get used to being in love.

I do not recall now what it was Charlie Mike went to--an arithmetic or spelling bee type contest for the county at Prescott if memory serves. It was a bit of a novelty for him to get such notice; I was not really jealous but missed his help when he was gone and was slightly inconvenienced a few times. He had mostly not been a top or favored student as his rebellion kicked in much earlier than mine did; he chafed at authority and often felt dissed or mistreated by teachers and staff at school.  I expect in some cases that feeling was justified. He was often chastised that he should be more like his big sister! Well, he was himself, not a recopy. A Scorpio instead of a Taurus, a boy and not a girl, and not the eldest. He often felt he was the shit-bird middle; he wasn't and didn't want to be but then finally said he had the name so may as well play the game. Dad was rarely even nice to him which I did and still do not understand. Charlie Mike still has lingering bitterness, anger and pain which has haunted him life-long. We both have issues, just different ones, yet have never allowed them to damage our trust and bond.

"'Bat" and "Wowie" were the last year's colts now weaned and getting initial training and exercise since they lived in pens. Off and on I would have animals separated at the pasture in the two big pens of the main corral and would require an added mid-day trek to let those in the upper pen get to the ditch for water or some in to pick up feed left or wasted by others.  I usually tried to combine that with other rides such as exercising or a mail run to Cottonwood. Freckles was boarded while she was bred to Chief. 

That 'engagement' remark was very tongue-in-cheek. I was not yet even near that point with Dusty and there was certainly no one else in the wings. However I can imagine the consternation and near-catastrophe such an announcement would have created. OMG--talk about all hell busting loose!  

There was never a day when I did not at least think of Dusty a time or two--often much more than that. I had no idea when I would actually see him again since he was working almost to the New Mexico line and could not get down to the Verde Valley often. I knew he had not been well most of the spring and I did worry but felt I would sense it if anything really drastic happened. True or not, I trusted that.

Photos, not too many here.  First is Charlie dressed for the 8th grade grad (better photos later) . Second is Powwow (Wowie) at about that time--a short yearling as she was a late summer foal. Last is Charlie Mike with "Dingbat" as we called  him. I think his registered name was "Peppy Ding-Bob"-- (Appy/AQHA)  but we always called him Dingbat. He wasn't really but a sensible calm colt. Such a contrast between Charlie's work clothes and dressed up... He really was kind of the Cinder-fella in the family. By then I tried much harder to be as neat and un-ragged as I could. He usually went to school in somewhat better pants and shoes anyway. Grandma sent things for him as she had done for me.

Monday Memoir May 8, 1965

 I mentioned this last week and by this time. stuff was going wrong and bad wrong fast. May was a hard month that year. Thankfully the wet and colder weather had ended at last. That was the one saving grace, really.

May 8, 1965  Sat

 Got up early and found Buzz sick as I rather expected that I would.  Brought her up and saddled her as soon as I fed. Lyno seemed ill too, so I led her and rode Buzz. I stayed behind while the folks went out. First we gave the fillies shots as Buzz had fever. I let them graze up the canyon for half an hour. We watched Buzz nearly all day and she was quite restless and colicky. I rode up for mail. Got letters from Dusty and Shirl. He just squeaked under the wire this time. I led Dingbat and Wowie both before the midday chores. Went to buy grain in the afternoon.  Let the fillies eat more, only Buzz seemed worse. She’s got me bugged. Took Chief out and bred Rita. Also brought Tina and Rico home from June’s. Her fever was 102.2 again but she’s hungry which is a good sign. Buzz got an enema and we gave them shots around. Now it is 11:00 and I am holding a ‘wake’ for Buzz. Have to go check on her about every half hour. I don’t know how long I’ll last but no one is telling me to get to bed for a change. Right now I am pretty wide awake on coffee. Maybe I could use a “bennie” or two… Damn this colic, virus or what-have-you anyway.

Note:: An adult horse at rest should have a body temperature of 99 - 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything above that level can indicate an active infection. .Normal temperature varies in horses, just like in people. An adult's normal temperature will range from 99 degrees to 101 degrees. Once you get over 101, for most horses, that would be a low-grade fever. For clinical studies, we often define fever as greater than 102 degrees.

Two years in a row we had severe bouts with sick animals. This was the first. To begin, Tina got sick within a few days of foaling with Rico. Our friend June Parsons who was then managing the Dead Horse Ranch after Ireys moved and before it was sold, offered to keep her and Rico a few days and try some "Indian" medicine on her. It helped for a bit but then she relapsed. Dr Shauffler at first diagnosed foaling fever but later changed that to blood worms. Through it all, she nursed Rico and he grew and thrived but I was scared to death for her for most of the month. By June she was okay and lasted almost a year longer.  I realize now we should not have bred her again so soon after her first foal; she was eight when Bravo was born and nine with Rico. I am still sad over that. I can only plead ignorance.

Next were the two red Quarter Horse fillies or young mares. Buzzie was well trained by now though just over two. Lyno was a bit harder to settle down but I rode her quite a bit too. Buzzie was very prone to colic and eventually several years later after I had sold her got a bad attack, twisted an intestine and died. I think Lyno, then with other owners, lived a normal span, was raced a time or two and had several good colts.

For awhile, I got very used to sleeping on the kitchen floor in my clothes with an alarm to wake me frequently to go check on sick horses. Many nights I walked one or more up and down the alley for hours and worked to keep them on their feet. Getting down and rolling from the pain is the worst thing they can do, so you avoid that in any way possible. This was the era when I began to be a real coffee-holic. 

Often I would want to stay up and read or something and would be ordered to go to bed. I guess my light bothered everyone and of course I did need to get up early and get on with the chores. I could manage on less sleep then but often took a nap in the heat of the afternoon. Proof of how disturbed I was over the horses, I made little of Dusty's letter--it seems I got it just before an arbitrary deadline I had made. I think B&B 6 had moved from Flagstaff to Adamana, near the New Mexico border, at this point. 

No photos of sick horses! That would not be pretty nor me while caring for them. Instead, just the ones I mention:  The first shot is Buzzie with her colt. Nancy and Don Shellman bought her and Leo from me and they produced  a filly, registered name Buzzie's Miss Leo. This was early in 1969. Next is Lyno, then owned by Kit and Richie Lewis down near Camp Verde, also in 1969. Then Buzzie and Lyno as I was working them, probably that same summer--1965. And finally, Tina, very PG with one of her colts--not sure which one.but suspect Bravo in 1964.