“You got the harness didn’t you?”
That was the question in slight jest from the driver as we approached the unloading turnoff 60 miles from the ranch
Taken back, and upset: “No” was our agitated, true response.
Actually our driver wasn’t surprised, nor upset. After being married to one nearly 42 years, such things come to be expected, apparently.
Added to reasoning behind the nonchalant response to our forgetfulness, it isn’t the first time we’ve gone off without the mare Mae’s harness, after going to all of the extensive rigmarole getting ready to drive her pulling the carriage in a parade.
Actually, the same thing happened before the only other parade this year that we’ve been required to haul the outfit. That time, we were just a couple miles from home when the question: “You got the harness didn’t you?” Then, we went back and loaded it without much ado.
This time, the parade was supposed to start in a few minutes. So, we took complete blame, and left Mae in the trailer, which didn’t seem to hurt her feelings, compared to pulling the carriage in a four-mile parade.
As before, our vouch: “We won’t ever do that again.” The driver just smirked, but it’s likely she’ll remember the harness on the next several trips, though the record proves we most likely won’t.
Of course, as with all such things, we have the perfectly legitimate excuse. “We were in a hurry getting home from work, taking our nap, washing the carriage, walking a quarter of a mile to catch Mae, washing and loading her, pushing the buggy into the trailer, tying it in, and taking the shafts off.
“Plus, getting our own clothes, tie, hat, camera, brushes, tassels, plume, the driving whip; oh, we forgot that, too. Just how in the world could we remember to get the harness?”
Consolation, if there is any, that’s not only things we’ve forgotten in recent days. Actually, what was it we were just thinking?
Reminds us of Job 9:27: “I will forget my complaint. I will put off my sad countenance, and be of good cheer.” Yet, essential is Exodus 33:13: “Don’t forget, this is your responsibility.” Because, Proverbs 3:2: You must not forget I’ve taught you my commandments to live a long life full and well.”
+++ALLELUIA+++