A Hectic Week and Slow Internet – June 18

Five days have careened past since my last blog post. Between late evenings and slow internet, I have neglected to post any updates.

Tuesday, I missed Harlan when he came to empty the dumpster, but he did his usual expert job. Luckily, I had put out a cooler of fizzy waters and fruit – it has been a VERY hot week.

*Skittle checks out the cooler of Harlan treats*

Skittle is more present around the barn since Twizzler died. At first, I think she was waiting for him to return, but now she has accepted his absence and is making new friends. She loves physical contact, which she never cared about for thirteen years. Suddenly, she wants to be stroked and petted. I think she and Twizzler were so close that she misses his physical presence – they were always together in the cat bed in the loft. She is more involved with the other cats, now, too. It’s a bit heartbreaking, but very interesting how she has adapted.

The main theme for the week was HOT. It was record breaking heat and humidity, but we all coped with it.

The horses have enjoyed the pasture at night, and their stalls with fans during the day.

Wednesday evening, we went to the Muny Opera to see Chicago with Margaret and Steve. It was a spectacular performance on an iconic hot St. Louis summer night. We arrived home after midnight, which is unheard of around here. Last September, we had plans to see the show, and it was cancelled due to Covid in the cast. Incredibly, they picked up where they left off, the cast returned, and we were lucky enough to see it this week.

The good news of the week is that Derry is sound and can go back to work (slowly).

Thursday, despite the heat, we had dinner with Carter and Heidi before they abscond to New Hampshire. We had enough laughs to last us until their return in October.

Thursday night brought storms and a lessening of the oppressive heat. I have been working in the garden and the woods, getting covered in ticks daily. I did see a turtle friend out there and a very healthy toad..

The stream ceased functioning again this week, which was unfortunate, given the brand new pump. Connie came out and replaced it with a different brand of pump, and the sound of the water is a delight in the heat.

This weekend is the 80th annual Bridlespur Charity Horse Show. I had planned to ride in it for old times’ sake, having ridden in my first Bridlespur Horse Show in 1970. But I am old, and uninspired, and it is hot. Instead, Jane and Harry and I made a trip over this morning to visit and watch some rounds.

The horses were very happy on Friday morning when the rain brought cool weather and they could stay out on the grass a bit longer.

One of my favorite birds, the flycatcher, nests in the shed.

Daylilies are beginning to bloom, but the deer are becoming quite brazen and have eaten many of the blooms, and munched on the nearby apple tree. I am leaving wheelbarrows and the Kawasaki mule out to discourage elaphine visits.

Birds (and squirrels) continue to visit and enjoy the feeders, but they are particularly grateful for the water.

Marmalade lies in the shade and complains about the heat.

And finally, a couple of pictures from 30 years ago, Harry’s 50th birthday in Bowling Green. He did a handstand, but in those days I had a film camera, so I missed the best shot, but it’s astonishing how quickly we went from 50 to 80. How lucky we have been!