June 1st, Summer, Year 20

Kai's here! He said that he would deal with an upset Popi whenever she showed. Since she and Rick are showing up every Sunday for lessons from Uncle T, he should be hearing from her real soon.

It almost makes me want to pop up some popcorn, make some juice and go watch her throw a fit. I mean, I love Popi and all, but really… I expect I'll be seeing more of her this summer, and Rick too. Ah, the drama's of young love.

Also, it looks like the swimming festival's going to be held tomorrow! It's gotten pretty hot in the past couple of weeks, so a chance to pile everyone into the water ought to be fun!

Uncle T's been asking if I want to plant some summer crops with the seeds my parents had. Not so subtle of a hint, but I guess it is about time I started playing the part of the actual farmer, huh? Still, mining's easier. I'll see if I can't do both…

Kai made a ton of food for today too, an all-you-can-eat deal. I ate the shaved ice so fast I got a brain freeze. Jill thought it was funny until she spilled hers all over her front. I probably shouldn't have laughed, but she did sorta deserve it. Went straight down the front of her shirt too, so I wasn't the only one laughing.

Ah, sibling rivalry. It made the day entertaining for everyone else I think. Last I saw was that Murrey was swiping a bit of food from everyone. The walking stomach nearly made a beach riot, but I guess it can't be helped. No one even knows where his home valley is, let alone how to get him back to it.

It's kinda sad, really. I mean, the few times I've actually tried to have a serious conversation with him, he mentioned a wife back in Po-Po Valley. I keep saying he should go through the city with Uncle T, but he just says he knows his way home and will get there someday.

Hmm… I've been getting compliments about Honey. I spent almost four days straight in the mines and the excavation site, but the work paid off. Even if I'm less than flush now, I don't owe Barley any more money. And she is the sweetest thing ever, following me around even when I'm not riding her.

Uncle T actually wondered why I got annoyed when Puppy followed me, but a horse following me didn't bother me in the slightest. Tying to explain that Honey was bigger, and therefore I was less likely to trip over her and hurt myself didn't work very well, but I think he got it after I demonstrated.

By accident.

What happened was, Puppy decided that Honey was just a really big dog, and wasn't really scary. So he did what he normally does when I'm working, came up behind me and yelped when I stepped on his foot.

Well, Honey decided that I was in trouble, and made a really loud snort to chase Puppy off. The poor thing cowered behind Dakota for the rest of the day, and I spent the rest of the day trying very hard to stop laughing.

Heck, I'm still giggling!

Anyways, to keep Honey on the farm while I'm doing the water means I'll probably have to put her in the fenced off area where Dad used to keep Punkin. I'm going to have to knock out some boards and fix the fence, but it shouldn't take me more than a couple of hours.

…though I do wonder what's going to happen when she finds out I'm leaving her on the farm for the day.

Oh! That reminds me! The weirdest thing happened! I was putting things in Honey's saddlebags to take back to the farm when a Sprite showed up! I got another one from the basket I bought last week too! So I've got… thirty Sprites, I think? Way less than half, which is really sad.

Still, I guess it could be worse, I could have none at all and have no real clue as to what I'm doing. At least I have the knowledge, if not the inclination, to run the farm, like the rest of the family.

Not like Mom or Dad really gave me a choice though. Ah well, they were right, I am grateful.

And tired. Too much food, I think. I'll have a hard time swimming tomorrow if I don't get some decent sleep!