I relax in a lounger on the front lawn, sipping a cup of hot coffee, ready to welcome guests that stroll down the lane toward my little bit of heaven that nestles in the shade of pear trees in the front yard, and apple trees in the back. If you glance to your right and peer through the white, three-rail pasture fence, you'll be greeted by Shawnee,  a painted pony,  and his buddy, a gray Arabian mare named Sadie. They'll canter up and reach across the top rail, searching for a treat, or trot alongside the fence, keeping pace with you as you shuffle along.

Also, as  you walk, listen closely, and above the chirping  of the birds and an occasional squirrel scampering by, you'll catch sight of the  horse in my back pasture.

Katie is a rescued horse, about 12 years old, and she is a shiny rust color with copper and gold glints shimmering over her sleek body. Katie readily walks up to meet you at the fence, and with soft whinnies,  she greets you by tossing her head proudly, and then she curls her left front hoof up under her tummy.