The dog days returned this week. It was brutally hot and dry. Riding was put on the back burner (again) as there was a lot going on. Bart had earned some down time at the horse show, and it was just too hot and busy to put Oisin and Stone back to work.
The big news here is replacement of the deck, which began on Monday. It was a rough week to work outside, and I was in awe of the professionalism and speed with which things were accomplished. All the posts were set into deep holes dug by hand, with the clay carried (uphill) to the dumpster. The first dumpster was filled and replaced on Monday with a second dumpster. I saved and recycled what I could. Many pictures follow to tell the story…
On Tuesday, they helped me cut down the dead (alas!) blue atlas cedar by the kitchen window. Big changes for the birds.
And then began the reconstruction…
Our lives are somewhat disrupted, but we are pretty excited. And speaking of exciting – we got an unexpected hay delivery on Thursday, which is always welcome. We are in great shape for winter now. I always stress about having enough hay, but I think I can relax a bit, until after the New Year.
Eddy was very happy to have Harry home again. He is not really allowed on the bed (that’s Weedy’s domain), but he insists on exemptions, and we are not very strict.
Unlike Weedy, Eddy loves the camera, and the horse show photographer got two wonderful shots of Eddy last week.
Weedy has been helping Harry in the studio. The General is looking very handsome, as is the sculptor.
Roscoe also missed Harry. he loves to watch the news with us in the evening.
Roscoe’s sister, Rosie, wonders if it is worth climbing the ladder to see if Skittle has canned food up there…
Skittle gets her canned food in the barn aisle while Eddy keeps watch.
Keeping watch from underneath the water tank, I discovered a toad when changing the water. Amphibians are precious, and I do not mean that in the sense of “cute”.
At Jane’s house, Clover is healing. I visited to get a progress picture, and was much encouraged. Bobby is always very gregarious when I stop by.
We had a good rain last night – over an inch of much needed moisture. Life is good. Autumn is here and autumnal weather is expected tomorrow.
Be safe, be well, be grateful. Slava Ukraini! Peace.
I built decks for two years! Once carried a whole deck to the curb by myself! (In many pieces 😂) digging the post tools was always my job and Clay beats bedrock any day! Always exciting to get a fresh look!
Love the barn isle action! The general does look quite handsome!!!
Love the photos of you and Bart! In the general is looking very much like a general with his posture! And he is so very handsome too, but not more so than his creator! And yes, I bet your cats don’t wanna hear anymore about cats being eaten, but they really aren’t! How ridiculous, especially since Ducks are included too! Have a great week. I’m looking forward to my turn to get to show in St. Louis.
The General looks very much as I picture “Black Jack” Pershing, though I have never seen a picture.
Bart was a star at the Charity, I was happy to have seen your winning rounds. On to November and more rated shows.
I love the recycled railing jump !! The General is looking fantastic! I love seeing your pictures and all of the stories that go with them !
Thanks for the updates and amazing pictures. I love hearing from you, sharing your life and happiness. I especially love the pictures of all the animals and pets. Beautiful way to start my day!
Where would we be without Home Depot! Amazing to watch efficient workers remove and rebuild. I’m so glad Clover is recovering.
Anne, these photos of yours, and the HLJ photos, all exceptional in their light and definition. Are you using a different light setting? The clarity and brilliance amazes. Funny, I was just looking at the Duane Reed Gallery’s email, in there is a photographer (I thought) until I clicked on the photos, and to my amazement they are oils! The photo of you and Bart, looking so fine, has the same clarity and light infusion as this brilliant artist’s paintings! His name is Jeffery Vaughn. Eddie with your guidance has mastered the art of being one good dog! Yay! Harry you never cease to amaze, speaking of amazing in this post. Handsome, yes! Brilliant hardworking artist, yes! Bravo!!
Anne, the photos of you on Bart are superb! I could feel Bart’s coat. That first one with Tito’s looked like an ad in a slick magazine. They actually do look like paintings. Of course, the photos are superb only because the horse and rider are! Congratulations!
And interesting to see the creation of the new deck; another learning experience.