Chilao slumber party

After spending a couple hours with Cinnamon, Corina and I drove back to La Cañada, where we shared a meal. Then it was back to my car - my camera was sitting right there on the passenger seat - and up the mountain to Corina's home in the Angeles National Forest.

Corina's dogs had been inside most of the day, so the first order of business was a dog walk.

Actually, we went on two: a short one with Winnie...

and a longer one with the two younger dogs.

This was my first time meeting Sara. Technically, she belongs to Corina's roommate, Tanner, but she's definitely part of the family.

When that was done, I told Corina, "Now I want to meet Grace and Skye."

I knew their amazing room was part of a piece of furniture, but the what and where of that was a mystery. No longer! Here's the full reveal in Corina's dining room.

Amazing!

We hung with them for a while, then drifted into the hobby room.

What a collection!

I couldn't resist snapping a photo of myself in there.

Of course, as impressed as I was with the Breyers, my heart is with the customs and resins. Those living in the dining room, so that's where we stayed most of the night.

Corina showed me some of her current projects,

her newest unpainted resin,

this year's NaMoPaiMo models...

and "the best horse she's ever painted."

For the record, I completely agree with that description. This mare is gorgeous.

I also got to ogle Corina's brand new Donna Allen saddle.

She won this in a photo show. The stirrups were just a scootch too long for Skye, so I shortened them up a hole. Now they're just right.

We stayed up half the night, talking, playing with horses and listening to Koda snore. Time well spent.

I had plans with Tara the following morning, so I couldn't linger. However, there was just enough time for a quick visit to the Chilao School.

This is where Grace and Skye's giant, indoor arena is located.

I love those sponsor signs!

There are horses there, too. Corina is rehoming this small herd for an acquaintance.

If this one could talk, imagine the stories he'd tell!

The alabaster pair comes with the kind of halters I made when I was a kid. 

Look at the nice straight legs on the mare. What a grand old girl! I hope she goes somewhere special.

We locked up the school house, and just like that, my time in Chilao was over. I was back in the car driving down the mountain.

This was a really good day in the middle of a very hard week. Thank you so much for having me, Corina. I can not wait until we can do it again.