My Little Cowboy

Before Christmas, Alex decided he wanted to try horseback riding, actually pony riding. So I signed him up for a class at the stable where I ride. I was so sure he wouldn't like it. My teacher expects her horses and ponies to be cleaned spotlessly before saddling, and I was so sure that Alex would hate brushing the pony's coat and picking his hooves. I was wrong. He actually enjoys cleaning his pony, and so now we go riding weekly.

His first few classes were on a longe line, but last week he rode solo. He basically went through the same exercises I do--walking and trotting around the arena, walking and trotting through a slalom course, riding in circles, etc. He hasn't tried galloping yet and a few other exercises, such as sidestepping.

The pony he rides is black with a thick, fuzzy coat and appropriately named Fussel, which means fluff. I promise to someday post a photo of Alex with Fussel, but right now I'm too nervous that the flash will frighten the pony and he'll throw Alex off.

...the bombs bursting in air,...

This is midnight, New Year's Eve, from our terrace. Note that these are not professional fireworks, but just ordinary Bürger (citizens) unrestrained one night a year. Can't do this on any other night. We tried blowing up fireworks on 4th of July and were reprimanded by our neighbors.