We have been fortunate to know many interesting people, and Bob Duffy was certainly one of those. He was a treasured member of the St. Louis community, a journalist, a teacher, and a friend who lifted spirits whenever we crossed paths. Today, we went to a magnificent ceremony at Graham Chapel that filled us with resolve to honor Bobby’s memory in our lives. It was a perfect service, with a string quartet, brilliant eulogies – four of them – and eclectic songs.
The day was glorious as we arrived at Graham Chapel, and had turned dark and threatening as we departed. We were lucky to get to the car before the heavens opened, making for a stressful drive westward, but when we got home there had been no storms here. The morning rain showers had given way to a beautiful late afternoon. I managed to get some pictures this morning of some of the smaller birds.
On the way out, we saw the first turtle of the year – a red eared slider, I believe. This is a real water turtle (unlike the “box turtle”, which is actually a tortoise). This one seemed to be moving to a new pond, so I took it out of the road and set it into the grass to continue the journey.
The weeping crabapple by the kitchen is exploding into bloom. In what is left of the “orchard” (a failed enterprise) three trees are in bloom – a plum, an asian pear, and a cherry. The deer will be pleased with an abundance of fruit, judging by the blossoms.
The cats were picturesque at evening barn chores. Skittle and Marmalade showed how cats should descend the ladder. They are not quite as substantial as Tom Morris and Cora.
Bart hears Sandy, Jane’s donkey, across the woods. Eddy is pretty sure there are deer in those woods! If only he didn’t have to wear that “Freedom Collar”…
Be safe, be well, be kind. Stay strong. Slava Ukraini! God Save America. Peace…
How wonderful to have Bob Duffy as a friend! I loved his work!
Bob is the one who got us a front page article in the Sunday Everyday section of the Post about the Assumption Abbey Fruitcakes. He sent Pat Rice down, and she wrote the article as a Canterbury tail. He was a good Lifelong Episcopalian, and Ed was the clergy leader for his session at church camp in Arkansas about SEVENTY years ago,
I didn’t see any photos of Cora returning to the ground. Did she make it? I’m not sure her belly would’ve made it through some of those tight spaces! Love the photos of the others descending. Love your turtle photo. Those kind of turtles are good turtles And not like the horrible snapping turtles that will bite the leg off of a duck. Your friend Bob must’ve been a wonderful person. You and Harry have so many interesting friends and I have loved getting to know about them through your photos and comments.
I love how the cats go down that ladder!
I’m a little envious of your birds. We’re pretty empty since the juncoes have left. It could be the pair of hawks in our backyard vicinity. Anne, you must have hawks out there. Anyhoo, love the “Cat and the Ladder” story, who fits between the wall, and who doesn’t? By the way, you can tell Marmalade and Cora I love “fluffy” cats. Now, I am a wee bit worried that Eddy appears hell bent on finding those coyote creatures. Many cats at Old Friends have been killed by coyotes. Maybe Eddy watches out for the cats. Go Eddy