Four big things

One: I spent the afternoon sitting in on a murder trial. This probably sounds strange that this would interest me, since I spend virtually every day immersed in murder, etc. The difference is that I do not EVER go to trial, nor do I want to...I do appeals before the Appellate and Supreme Courts, which is very academic, cerebral work (funny, huh, if you know me). This was a local case with a victim I have known my whole life and once did something amazingly sweet for me so that I thought he was a hero back in the day. The defendant is a young girl charged by accountability for his murder---she had a prostitute/john relationship with him. It was amazingly boring, while still being mentally stimulating, to listen to the State's star witness testify. It is also fascinating to see in person the things I see all day long in a black and white transcript--it serves as a powerful reminder of how powerful nonverbal communication can be.

Another significant thing about it was that I am quite friendly with both the prosecutor and defense counsel, with whom I have worked on a death penalty case in the past. I am socially friendly with the ASA prosecuting the case, and he is running for State's Attorney now, to replace an excellent SA who has spoiled us in the Appellate Defender's office by being ethical, reasonable and judicious---something we rarely see. It was very satisfying to see that the ASA running for his spot is a very worthy candidate--I saw some excellent legal manuevering from him today. I like that as it bodes well for solid justice in this area if we can get him in office.

Two: I had an email from my Brother in law Edward, who is currently in Guatemala with Mandy visiting their daughter Gabi. Other than being food poisoned, he is having a banana day in that he got word he will shortly be receiving an offer from the job he most wants. He is finishing his MBA at U of I, so this is so exciting that he has multiple job offers including the one he really wants.

Three, LeaAnn the new barn help cleaned the whole barn! It was raining while she was there, so she did not get fences fixed, but she more than made up with it by pitching so much crap that was in the barn, the dumpster is overflowed and so are some extra trash cans! I got to know her a little bit more. She was an hour early as she was so eager to get at it, and had made a list of things to get into...I like that initiative. She did a great job! I am quietly getting excited about this arrangement.

Finally, we took the boys to Hutch's for a big practice. They must have me spoiled, as I honestly did not expect any issues from them at all. I forgot how young they are. Radar was a little intimidated by the action--as well he should have been. We had 46 riders and over 60 horses in the house, and it was pretty rowdy. The cows of course did not phase him---some of the more rambunctious behavior did. His response was to worry his bit and bounce his head a lot.

I decided that he needed some desensitization to that, so he and Hawk were tied to the railing just across the scratch line, and next to other horses pretty close up---I think it is fair to say they are over their concerns now.

Eventually, they got bored with the action, and entertained themselves by playing together. Boys will be boys, I guess, and it really was kind of cute, because they remained good citizens. They did not bother their neighbors, which I like, because it drives me crazy when a horse wallers around where he is tied and takes up too much space in a crowded situation. Even worse is when their owner does not notice. Makes me crazy it does!



An interesting evening-- an end to an era where I learned no good deed goes unpunished and that it is really hard to get over bad feelings. But I was also reminded that a few people should not be allowed to ruin the fun of everyone else, and I am going to try not to let that happen.

Happy Thanksgiving!