The day began, after turnout, with blue jays. These birds, maligned by some, are beautiful, intelligent, and funny.
“Nice fresh water in the bird bath!” 
Shake it off! 
We were expecting a visit from a treasured friend, Linda, who is in the area for a riding clinic. Linda was for many years the hunter / jumper instructor at William Woods University. Before that, she featured heavily in our life as one of the top riders in the Midwest, when Harry and I were both competing. She now lives in Michigan with her charming husband, Ted, and is an artist and a writer. She arrived right on time, and we had a delightful day together.
Linda and Harry were fierce competitors a few years ago
As an artist, Linda went straight for the studio.
Harry was on the floor, but he did get up 
LInda 
Jane came over, too 
Jane and Linda
Linda’s passion is horses, and for the benefit of these magical creatures, horsemanship. You can see this through her website http://www.borrowedhorsemanship.com But the best way to see her connection to horses, is to watch her interact with them, and their riders.
Linda and Bart 
Linda is here! Derry comes at a gallop 
Calvin wants to meet Linda, too! 
Jane introduces Sandy, who is dieting 
Jane and Calvin 
Jane and Derry
We walked over to Jane’s house to see horses (and donkey) of course, but we were also interested in Jane’s many projects. Today, the plumbers dug up her frost free hydrant that was leaking into the well casing, fixing that ominous looking problem without any drama. The new concrete pad was most impressive.
After a wonderful day of non stop talking – about the past, the present, horses, art, philosophy and other miscellaneous matters, Linda headed west to Columbia, from whence she came. Life here settled down, and we enjoyed a warm porch in the westering sun.
The artist thinks about serious matters 
Nettie listens attentively 
Roscoe also has serious thoughts
The horses were picturesque in the field. Linda did think Bart was “portly”. Perhaps we can borrow Sandy’s muzzle! Or maybe he should just work harder…
The boys 
Pasture pals 
Bart thinks deer are just part of the herd
Old friends are such a joy!
Stay safe, stay well, laugh often. Peace.
Loved this again. Thank you!
Loved this again. Thank you!
What a pleasure to drop into your sun-drenched world for a day. Thanks for the visit, delicious lunch, and cake!
Peace
Like Harry’s “What Me Worry?” expression.
Great final pic. Old friends, like Linda, laugh often and shine like diamonds.
Old Guy would have turned 80 in a couple of weeks (11/6) were it not for fate (and cigarettes). Here, for his 70th birthday, is old Terry Allen, who ultimately sculpted Clark’s ashes into a bronze crow, now at Texas State University in San Marcos. Harry is probably hoping that story does not inspire me to make a similar request.
https://youtu.be/e3WDcpJ6EAc
https://www.austin360.com/entertainment/20200114/terry-allen-giving-sculpture-made-with-guy-clarkrsquos-ashes-to-wittliff-collection
Old friends are the best, we forgive them easily (if need be), and stand by them easily. Good to see you all together!
What a delightful day!