Well, 2021 is off to a less auspicious start than I had hoped. We awoke to ice on everything. It was quite daunting going out to feed the horses. I came in and put on my yaktrax and they gave me superpowers on ice. Luckily, the horses did not find it slippery.
The birds fed ravenously. It was actually very pretty.
Cardinal and crystal 
A finch and a flicker
I saw a mockingbird on the weeping crabapple and caught a lucky shot.
The horses and the dogs didn’t seem to mind the weather.
Stone and Bart – A New Year’s kiss 
Stone and Bart see something 
Cedar patrols in all weather 
Oisin doesn’t mind being wet as long as there is hay 
Stone and Oisin share a New Year’s kiss
The cats were not happy, and spent most of their time in the tackroom.
Twizzler took a short walk
I took a few winter pictures.
When the horses came in, there was snowball picking to do, getting the balls of ice out of their feet, one of the many things I do not like about winter.
As dark fell, I headed for the studio. Inside, I found Harry happy in his work.
The day was not all cold and miserable work. I watched a replay my friend Sophie’s performance at The Blue Strawberry in December. Internet issues made me miss the live stream, and I have been waiting for release of the replay. Alas, the internet is still problematic. There were many glitches, but what a treat it was to hear her sing and to watch her on stage! Sixty years of friendship is an uncommon blessing in itself, and I owe this life I lead to the intersection of our lives. Sophie’s mother put me on horses and that charted my way. Sophie herself provided many youthful adventures, including a most memorable New Year about four decades ago. Her songs are part of the soundtrack of my life. Here is her latest …
Sophie at home
Stay safe, stay well, stay creative.
Enjoyed Sophie’s song and the icy photos…. thanks for sharing.
Anne your blog with its wonderful stories and pictures and now music is off to a .. wonderful start for 2021!
Oh my, the ice, and I want yaktrax’s. How could I never have heard of these living all those years in Minneapolis? Well, I guess my snow shoes were more appropriate there. The ice photos, I love them, the horse kissing and playing, I love them, Cedar on patrol, I love him, it’s all good at Bronze Fox Farm. And you and Sophie, a grand and long friendship, and her music, I find it haunting, and beautiful. Thank you, a special Blog indeed.
A good picture of Sophie. Sophie like you will always have a place in my heart.
You never cease to amaze me with the photographs, adventures, compassion for all living creatures, and now a song! Such poignant words in the song, thank you for introducing Sophie to me. I think that this is the year for inflight pileated woodpeckers! This year is looking up already, isn’t it?