Gathering

Man, was I ever happy to see Shauna! I never even thought about her getting there early and from the front I couldn't see her truck parked out back until we got closer to the cabin. I wish I had thought to check for another way in. After my 12 mile (ok, 1/2 mile but it felt like 12) hike I was ready for food and a cold beverage. She took about half the stuff I was carrying and we made our way inside, making plans to return the store the next day to sample some of their home grown veggies and to check out the TV! I wondered aloud where Kim and Doris might be . Shauna said, "You think we should call them to let them know about the back way in? Since it really is getting dark and that is quite a hike..' Just then we heard a, "HOOTY HOOT," which I knew was Kim talking to an owl. She does it all the time. She even talks differently to the different types of owls. She talks to other animals, too. I think that's why she and Shauna seem to be kindred spirits. They both believe animals have a lot more going on in their brains than the world at large gives them credit for having. To be honest, Doris and I feel the same way.
It's always such a fun time when we head out on these *camping* trips. I insist camping in a cabin is the same thing as camping in a tent, only a lot nicer. Running water and electricity are my friends! Two of the other three might disagree but it takes 4 to play euchre so they accept the cabin as part of the package. I have often thought about taking a tent with me just in case they'd like to sleep out side. In the dark. All by their lonesomes. With me locked safe inside the cabin!! But by the time I get all the stuff gathered up that I think I must have, there isn't room for a tent!
The nature hikes are a blast as we hustle along trying to keep pace with Doris while Kim talks to the various and assorted birds and wildlife and us at the same time. She is just gifted like that. Very few people can carry on a 3 way conversation without losing their place.
Well, when we heard Kim's call, we just dumped my stuff and headed back out to help her, who it turns out had gathered up Doris on her way. Doris was pretty tired, having spent the day working with Ruthie, her most recent trainee, who we all know is going to be a terrific Trotter and win lots of races! Right now though, Ruthie prefers to put most of her energy into outwitting Doris. Ruthie is so bright and learns so quickly that she gets bored and tries to turn the tables by becoming the Trainer instead of the Trainee! Maybe Doris will entertain us with a few of her, "You won't believe what Ruthie did NOW, " stories. That's why I have chickens. They come fully trained. Just ask Shauna. Her Banties were crate trained in 2 days!!