Well, it has been quite a week already…
On Monday, with the horse show behind me, I called Centurylink and spent (I am not exaggerating) TWO HOURS on the phone about the new modem. It was decided that a technician needed to come to the house, and an appointment was set up for Tuesday. To my delight, just as I was about to drive to Starbucks to try to blog, the technician, Jamie, arrived a day early! He fixed the modem, and, while the internet speed is still not great, at least it does now work! In a weird small world twist, Jamie used to be a professional bull rider, and it turned out that we know many people in common – a small world indeed. Roscoe was bottle raised by Richie, who also raises bucking bulls, and knows Jamie. Tina worked for us when she was 14, thirty-seven years ago and is a friend of Jamie. Tina’s mother, Marcia, has taken many of our favorite pictures over the years, and has also taken dramatic photographs of bulls for Jamie – how about that!?
Now, before I move along, here are the final pictures from the two weeks of horse showing. These are pictures taken by Alison Hartwell, the professional horse show photographer, who is a very interesting person. She is a folk singer of some renown, in addition to her photography artistry. I always enjoy seeing her, and her pictures. Many thanks to her for the multitudes of pictures from which to choose!
Tuesday, Bart continued to enjoy a vacation after jumping hard for two weeks. Harry and I went to the surgeon for a recheck, and all is well with the hernia surgery. Another two weeks before riding, but healing is proceeding. Jane came over for a trail ride on Derry, and Oisin was delighted to have company. He behaved like a civilized horse. Oisin is not a happy loner.
Yesterday, Wednesday, was Jane’s big birthday (70!), and our 37th wedding anniversary. Mark sent me a copy of our wedding photo, and, ironically, a photo from many years ago of us with Daisy, when she was a young dog in Chicago. Now, she rests here. Thanks to Mark Barry for these pictures.
We paid a visit to our neighbor to the north to wish her a happy birthday.
Jane’s little Clover came out to play.
The weather has been glorious here this week, though dry. Hummingbirds are still here, but preparing to go. The year is winding down, days are shortening, and beauty abounds. We worry about everyone in Florida as Hurricane Ian has rampaged across the lives of many friends. And, of course, Puerto Rico, already devastated and left in the dark by Hurricane Fiona. There is no hint of those troubles here, and we feel quite unworthy of good fortune, but ever grateful.
Harry was in St. Louis today, and stopped at The Tack Trunk to pick up my new paddock boots. There, he ran into a very good friend, now from Florida, Bobby Dreyer, who is luckily out of Florida to judge the Saddlebred Hunters at the St. Louis National Charity Horse Show Saddlebred week. Perfect timing, after lunch, to get a picture with another friend, Edwina.
After a day of some drudgery, a return to Harry and happy horses is a consolation and a delight. We are very fortunate.
Be safe, be well. Slava Ukraini! Peace.
Many great pictures in this blog! First, the spectacular ones of you and Bart, then an astounding one of you in a most gorgeous dress! It then begs the question, is it your anniversary? And finally, the most happy one of Bobby, such a delight to see him after many years.
Yes, Janis – our anniversary was September 28 – 37 years of fun!
Bobby Dreyer , thanks for the memories! Everyone pictured seems shiningly happy. Such a good roundup!
What a beautiful couple!!
So many great photographs. I’m glad you have your system up at last and I hope it will speed up. One doesn’t appreciate it until one as deprived as I discovered when we moved from WA! I enjoyed seeing the old photographs especially your wedding. Congratulations on your anniversary. You both still have those great smiles. Smiling faces sre very cheering!
Happy Anniversary! I enjoyed seeing those great photos. Best wishes for many more happy and healthy years together!
You and Harry, Anne, are the exemplary couple we all, well I do for sure, want to emulate. Your love seems impeccable. Now for your hands, Anne, you have lovely hands jumping a horse. Many today, as my niece Linda might say, would claim, “Watch and learn!” Yes, you are lucky to have Bart, a star for sure! Pretty good for an “old lady” rider and horsewoman, as you might say. But, you do look awfully young on horse. And so happy, glee might be the best word to describe you over fences! Also, love the photos of the plants. Gorgeous and precious examples of perfection on earth. Bobby Dwyer, my goodness, he was the second pro to try to ride my Heartbreak (god knows I couldn’t), to no avail. So glad to see him flourishing with the ponies (still?), and now judging. I always like Bobby. Thank you for this, Anne!!!
great pics and always great to see you, Harry and Jane. too bad I didn’t remember the handy course………… Hope Harrry’s heart is back in rhythm