Tips from Girls

Another week slipped by. Kiki fretted about upcoming "placement PPT" where the debate would continue over the number of hours and the service delivery model for Hal's social and pragmatic language needs. Da got a clean bill of health regarding his new heart valve. Kiki sent herself to the spa for several hours for a mental health day. Da took Hal to the dentist where Kiki was horrified to learn they filled cavaties without gas or Novacaine! Da said the dentist felt it was unnecessary given the smallness of the repairs. However, Kiki well recalls both Loo and Marty being fed that line (when Da had brought them) and both girls coming home in tears when unexpectedly the work went deeper than anticipated. No mouth work without pain Rx first. Firm rule!

With Hal's horse lessons moved to late morning, Kiki and Hal enjoyed a leisurely drive with some errands. The later start time seems to benefit Hal who is better focused and more engaged in his lesson. He and Zan battled each other for control with Hal coming out on top, putting Zan through his paces. The one sticking point was getting Zan into a canter on the correct lead. Hal couldn't get Zan in the right lead. There were two young girls walking a horse in the ring at the same time and they both asked Hal if they could show him the tricks they use with Zan. Hal listened and even had one girl show her trick 2x so he could be sure to understand the pressing in with the right leg, kick with the left, reins in left hand, crop Zan's flank with the right hand. On the way home from the lesson, Hal mused that those girls knew what they were talking about and would be stiff competition in the upcoming show.