That song was going through my head today.

Juli and I are staying at a guest ranch, Vista Verde, up in Steamboat Springs for the weekend, and wouldn’t you know it, two of the wranglers went to Purdue!

In fact, one of the riders, Reid, and I even rode the same horse on the Purdue Equestrian Team!

Along with my fellow Boilermakers, there’s also a considerable amount of staff who are originally from Indiana. It’s almost like a homecoming/reunion for me–all the way out in Colorado!

Besides chatting it up with my fellow Hoosiers and other guests, Juli and I have been on the trail today.

It’s been so nice to spend the better part of a day in the saddle. I’ve really missed not being around horses, and this trip couldn’t have come at a better time.

As it happens, today is my birthday, and I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate! I get to spend my day having gourmet meals and riding horses! It doesn’t any better than that.

My new friend Reid even led the other staff members in singing Happy Birthday to me. I have to admit, that was probably the best-looking group of birthday singers I’ve ever had (no offense to my family, of course!).

Aside from my 17th birthday (when my parents told me I could have a horse), this has been the most amazing and special birthday ever.

Tomorrow we’ll be rounding up some cattle, and I can’t wait to tell you all about it. In the 10 years I’ve been riding, I haven’t ever worked cattle, so I’m really looking forward to it. I think my trusty partner, 8-Ball–an 18-year-old Morgan, and I will do just fine!