Today was the course of hoof management. In Riemst-Belgium we gathered 11 persons, young and old, man and women from all parts of Belgium and the Netherlands. Many different accents. Funny to listen to. After a couple hours of introduction and theory we started with the actual practice. Everybody got a frozen hoof from the abatoir. After a while the frozen hoofs melted and this raised the interest of the 3 white shepherd dogs who accompanied us in the yard where we practiced. We had a nice lunch and all over everybody seemed satisfied and happy with the newly learnt skills.
Also here questions about castrating the stallion, the dog. I always answer: how about me? We go, the three of us, the way we are, males! And how do you this, how that…? And how did you plan it all? Well, 365 days of too much walking every day can’t be all planned. It’ll need improvisation. But did you realize this and have you thought of that etc. I say yes, but of course often it’s no. We’ll see.
Finally home at 6 PM. Checking the 65 sheep, a little working in the vineyard and at last at 10 PM Sonja, pony Luka and I started walking to little river Geul, to practice crossing rivers. Luka followed me like an easy dog. Fortunately, because for Sonja it’s no fun always walking 10 yards behind me. For the first time Luka walked into the river and walked a little up and down the current. I washed him, because it was quite warm. He seems to start liking the water. You see, improvement all over. In a beautiful evening, full moon, Sonja , I, Joep and Luka returned back home.
A few days ago I got a phone call from Judith from the office of Mama Alice. She just returned from vacation. I consider organizing a sponsoring party and also farewell party at the end of sept. 2014. Quite some people think I definitely withdraw from work and I want to make clear that after my one year trip I want to go on working part time, just like I do now. On the other side I don´t like to organize something for my self. But I must do something to raise some money and also to make my position at work clear. Even if it does not raise much money, it will still be a promotion for Mama Alice. Besides I can still raise money after returning from my trip. Will anybody come to the party anyway? This week I want do decide.
The movie. A cineast suggested making a film of my trip. He has all kinsd of plans about how to realize that, but first of all he needs money and he needs permission from his institute, to use it’s film material. The idea appeals to me, but it makes the trip a little more complicated. In winter walking all day to cover 17 miles, looking for a place to sleep for me, my dog and my pony. May sleeping in the tent, preparing diner with a dog moving around me in the tent, writing my blog in Dutch and in English, loading the I-pad, the handy, filming, planning next day with the gps, and all this with hardly any light. If this goes on I’ll need a group of carriers/sherpa’s. I figure that fortunately all this will happy during beautifull evenings, in the moon shine, with good temperatures and romantic nights sounds.
Didn’t Rocky and Spielbergs movies etc. cost many millions? I know my name isn’t Sylvester and my cineast is not Spielberg, but I am very enthusiastic about the idea. Moreover it may contribute to promoting Mama Alice after my return. Who comes with me? This is your chance to become a movie star.
