This morning, James and Oksy prepared to ride out with Mexican steer roper called Flaco - he lives near Kate's aunt around South Cottonwood Lane on the very edge of SW Tucson. We sorted out a bandana for Oksy and a sun hat for James, and equipped them with bottles of water, sunscreen, an energy bar and a banana. Flaco turned up around 8:45 amiably late, looking like stereotypical movie Mexican, with a gap toothed grin and a large cowboy hat on his head. As we are staying downtown, he came unromantically in a pick-up, instead of trotting up on horseback with a string of horses in tow. However I can vouch that he does arrive this way: when I stayed at South Cottonwood two years ago, we would see him or one of his sons trotting by on horse back most days. He knows that neither James nor Oksy are horseback riders by the way. Despite this knowledge Flaco did insist on taking both guys down the most difficult dangerous routes. The downhill path had both James and Oksy clinging on to saddle for fear of falling off. Another point of serious contention were the various cacti that ripped up cuts in every part of skin open to the elements as you rode through the otherwise bleak landscape - some were even strong enough to penetrate through denim. Even more terrifying was Flaco telling the boys as soon as an unassuming cactus was upon them to change course as these were the 'really bad cacti'; he said they could cause serious pain. Anyway they escaped with their lives. Phew!
Meanwhile Zaria and Freya are taking a day off school to keep me company. We have made a batch of cookies and we are about to start another activity. More later!
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