Today, Bastille Day, is my first little brother’s birthday. Mark was born in 1956 (congratulations, he made it to Medicare), so he is the person I have known longest of anyone on earth, now. When we moved to St. Louis in the summer of 1960, I can remember listening to the cacophony of frogs and crickets on our first night, speculating with Mark that it must be the sound of snakes we could hear. We had been warned to be very careful of snakes – they could be poisonous. Ever after, the field next to the house was known as “The Snake Field” because that was where the sound seemed to come from. Mark is a connoisseur of sculpture, as can be seen in this picture.
The morning was pleasant, and horses were happily grazing, not realizing that their vacation was over.
We had a fun ride, Jane on Derry, and I on Bart, though the only pictures are Susan and Oisin. The horses were not as fresh as we would have expected after four days off. They were delightful. It was a huge relief to hear from Fred, the horseshoer. He is better, but still sounds pretty sick. He will be here to reset shoes before we leave for Texas, which is great news, since the horses’ toes are getting a bit long.
Jane schooled me on Stone over some jumps, and he was very good. We jumped a little oxer (a spread jump) and he jumped so hard, he jumped me loose (not off, just loose). Too bad there is no picture, but believe me, he is a good jumper. I need to up my game.
Jane and I cut a couple of paths into the west wood to make a place for all the down trees that need to be piled away. It was very hot work today with temperatures getting back up close to ninety, and very humid. I failed to bring my camera. It wasn’t a great day for pictures, we were working too hard.
I returned to the studio. There was Weedy working on Vitamin D synthesis. He had been to Wentzville early this morning with Harry, where he was much admired by several Starbucks baristas as he enjoyed his pup cup. Harry was at work, and I did get a few pictures of him.
Contemplation 
Recognition – “oh, not the camera again!” 
Acceptance
I took a few pictures this evening, but the camera fogged up because of the heat and humidity, so the pictures look foggy. I thought they seemed rather artistic, so here they are.
One of Nancy’s funny horses – they survived the storms 
Oisin stays in the shed when there are flies around 
Bart wants grass more than he hates flies! 
Stone is so beautiful! 
Cora in the front garden 
Roscoe – gray light on gray cat
And finally, the somewhat battered but rampant phlox in front of the house…
Stay safe, stay well. Peace.
Love the soft grey photos; Roscoe blends right in. And Oisin clearly ready for the Crusades! With all that and the flies still bother him, delicate, but mighty jumper!! This “Weedy working on Vitamin D synthesis” gave me a good chuckle! So glad I got your blog in my email today! today being July 20. Bemer day for me and Lucky horses!!