Work on the water feature was well underway Saturday morning. Tracy, the electrician (the very one who helped get Harry into the car when his femur was broken) arrived early to deal with a problem plug. Harry left to play golf, and Jane and I went off to see our other friend Jane McClaren, who was visiting from Lexington with her little dog, Etta. We have heard about Etta, and seen a picture, but had not yet met her.
Originally, Jane and Etta were to come here, but with all the chaos around the water feature (rock and dirt truckloads and machinery), our friend, Christine generously invited us to her house for lunch. It was a delightful Ladies’ Lunch! Christine is a gourmet cook, and this was a fortuitous change of plan, indeed!
Jane and Etta 
Jane and Christine and beautiful roses 
Our hostess, Christine 
Jane and Jane 
Jane and Etta
Jane Walters had told me about a nest at Christine’s house that has been there for several years. Last year it had hawks nesting in it, this year owls. I was very excited to see it, but the owls have fledged, so no birds were in evidence. It was still a cool nest to see, way high up in a pine tree.
Home again, I turned out the horses. They went out into the south pasture, and Bart lay down. I happened to be nearby with my camera. I thought he was itchy and was going to roll, but he was motionless on the ground. I know Bart likes to nap, but this had me worried. I went over to check on him, and he was sound asleep! Oh, Bart!
Bart on the ground 
Are you alright, Bart!? 
Snoring and groaning 
At last, awake, and a quick roll 
And time to get up
A quick cleanup, and then we were off to another social engagement – a delicious dinner with Cindy and Lou in their new home. We enjoyed ourselves immensely, post pandemic catching up, staying out too late to blog.
Marmalade was wondering this morning about all the commotion around here. He does not like all these strangers around.
“I chose this place for the peace and quiet!”
Jane and I went in to Wildwood to get some hay. Sounds like a simple little task, but, not exactly. Our friend, Brett, has sold his farm, and moved his horses out. Several weeks ago, he gave us his beautiful jumps. Now that the horses are gone, we were able to take the hay.
There was much more hay than we expected, and I suddenly remembered that I have a policy of buying hay delivered, so that I don’t have to handle hay bales. What did I get myself (and Jane) into? Also, the cool and beautiful morning soon turned hot. We took a load home on the flatbed trailer, unloaded it, ate a quick lunch, and then returned with Jane’s truck, as well as mine with the flatbed. Miraculously, we were able to get all the remaining hay loaded, and home (unloaded, too of course). Two old ladies are very tired tonight! The little project took the entire day to accomplish.
A cool and beautiful morning 
A hot afternoon, but all the hay picked up!
The water feature project, meanwhile, continued, and it is now evident why it is called a “pondless” water feature. The stream runs down to an underground (well, under gravel) pool. There is more work to be done, but that will happen next weekend. Eventually, there will be an end to this operation. It was originally promised to be done in February. I think it will be worth the wait. There will be dramatically less water use, and no more algae. There will be more grass to mow, of course, but the stream is happily babbling and frogs are still singing out there this evening.
Stay safe, stay well. Peace.
I am really impressed by your new water feature and your hay-moving accomplishment! Wow to both!
Loading hay bales equals itching!
Finally I’ve sat down to look at the photos and enjoy your wonderful blog! Oh my, we did have a good visit! I’m exhausted just reading this! What a day! Bart was certainly sound asleep, snoring and dreaming. Can’t wait to see you all again. next time, that tour of Harry’s sculptures!