Hello my friends, and welcome to another exciting edition of the Gimli Gazette, where you can glean wisdom and gain an inside perspective regarding the ministry of Mercy Spring Ranch.
With the extreme heat so far this summer, some sessions have had to be cancelled, so the number of questions that I usually receive from the children has dried up a bit. The final block of sessions of the year starts next week. Hopefully cooler weather will make the children more inquisitive and eager to write me letters.
The ranch has witnessed an influx of new animal guests, much to the delight of ranch families. The first addition came with the unexpected arrival of a dog named Mati. She made herself right at home on the ranch, and the Blacks were happy to adopt her. Mati understandably took to me right away, and we have been having fun playing on the ranch. My only complaint is that she has this uncontrollable desire to lick me on the nose. I have my own personal staff to groom me 24/7, so I do not need any canine creature adding her tongue to the mix. Hopefully she will drop this bad habit soon.
Then came the arrival of two mini-horses — Barbie and Tinkerbell. They are professional therapy horses who have served in a hospital setting. I will admit to a tinge of jealousy when they first arrived. The children swarmed them with attention and affection. Granted, they are rather cute (check out their photos on the Mercy Spring Ranch Facebook page). However, you won’t find any of the children riding around the arena on them. That pleasure is reserved for fans of yours truly.
I have already had to help these two integrate into ranch life. For example, it appears that Barbie is not a big fan of water or getting washed by the children. When Tinkerbell gets pulled away for a wash, Barbie will start to verbally protest. When this happens, you will hear me calming her down, and reassuring her that Tinkerbell will return shortly.
Just as I was getting used to these two new mini-horses, a new friend named Tater Tot arrived at the ranch. He is a gelding like myself. Tater Tot is here on medical rehab from his home. He needs to drop a few pounds and deal with other medical issues. I know of no better healing environment that being in my presence (as well as the affection of the children).
I can’t help but believe that these new additions to the ranch have come here in order to get closer to me. I get adoring letters from all over the world. Many of my fans plead for the chance to spend quality time with me in person. With my recording and modeling careers in full swing, I do not have much time for mentorship. Alas, I will make exceptions for these new arrivals. That’s just the quality horse that I am. Sometimes I amaze myself with the wonder that is Gimli Black.
Well that’s all for this posting. I hope you all stay cool as we get through the hottest part of the summer. I hope to see many of you on Saturday, August 17th for our ninth annual Heirloom Tomato Tasting from 10am to 2pm. Stop by my paddock for a free selfie!
Happy Trails,
Gimli July 22, 2024