So excited to meet you all.
Molly
Two hours later, an email pinged in from Kitty.
Dear Molly,
OMG!!! This is going to be amazing. We’re so pumped.
Your menu sounds great. But we’re bringing the ribs and the steaks. That’s nonnegotiable. You can do the pig (amazing!).
We’re bringing all the Jack Daniels, Glenfiddich, and wine you could possible need. That’s nonnegotiable too. You can do beer and soft drinks.
You’ll have a team of cowboys to barbeque and a team of cowgirls to help in the kitchen. We’re determined that you are not doing all the work. What you’re planning is already too generous.
Vegetarians? That’s so funny!
Cheyenne’s kids are eight, ten, ten, and twelve. They all ride. The eight-year-old would ride a pony. The others can ride a horse. But, honestly, Molly, where are you going to find four more horses for Stampede weekend? If that’s a problem, no worries, please. We don’t all have to go on the trail ride. Oh, we’ll bring saddles and tack for everyone just in case.
I hope you have a big yard. We assume the pups will be around for at least part of the time.
We will arrive individually at Summer’s End by midafternoon Thursday. We’ll get checked into our places and unload at the stables.
After the long drive, Mom and I would like to exercise our horses that afternoon if that’s possible. Do you have an area near the stables where that might work?
About the trail ride, you mentioned a short one so we could get away. We’re up for four or five hours if there’s asuitable destination. We’d love to see as much of the country as we can. Maybe we do Sunday breakfast on our own and start earlier for the trail ride. Maybe we pack pig leftovers and have a picnic. If we leave Summer’s End by 4:00, we’ll be in Kalispell by 10:00.
And there’s never been a McKinnon trail ride without a horse race of some kind. That’s just how we roll. So if there’s a good place for that to happen, we’ll leave it to you to set up. If not, no worries.
Please, please, please tell us what else we can do?
Warmly,
Kitty
The next day Molly sent her last note to Kitty confirming arrangements for the big weekend.
Dear Kitty,
We’re all set for horses. My brother lives on the family ranch and runs a livestock auction. He’s helped me line up a pony and horses for the kids. I think we’re set. Yes, it would help if you’d bring saddles and tack.
We have a quarter mile track and exercise center adjacent to the stables. We board, exercise, and train horses at Summer’s End Stables, so I think you’ll find the area suitable.
A horse race. OMG! Okay, you asked for it. We’ve got the track for it. We’ll give everyone time for a good warm-up, then set the race. What a hoot!
A longer trail ride! Perfect. We’ll go up to Twin Falls for a picnic. I’d plan five hours, say 9:00 to 2:00 for that. You’ll see some beautiful country.
Yes, I have a big yard right on the lake. Plenty of room for the party.
I think we’re set. Please let me know if you have other questions.
Oh, yeah, let me know about Brett and Darcy when you know for sure.
Warm regards,
Molly
An hour later, a note pinged in from Kitty.
