Back With Better Security – July 6, 2021

My website was “invaded” on June 30, so I “parked” it while I considered what to do. Finally, I opted for a more thorough (read expensive) security package and a “manual cleanse”. It’s probably a scam, but after many hours on the phone with tech support (all telling me different things), I choose to believe the green “safe” messages I have received and trust that all has been sorted out and the site is now safe for visitors. There seems to be no evidence of anything malicious getting through, but the average website gets attacked 54 times per day. Ha!

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So, where were we? Well, I left off on the Fourth of July. I posted a few blogs on my old free WordPress site while I was puzzling over what to do https://wordpress.com/posts/annebarry54.wordpress.com

On Sunday, the Fourth, Susan came to ride with us. We met her at the feed store, where she works, and discovered that she was available to housesit. She lives in Wright City, too, so she is fairly nearby. We decided that it would be good for her to see how we do things before we leave her in charge for a few days. Her main interest has been Reining, but a passion for horses has no real boundaries. Susan rode Oisin, and it was a great match. The woman can horseback ride, which pleasantly exceeded expectations. So, with no further ado, meet Susan.

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We were invited to watch the fireworks at nearby Innsbrook by friends who have a cabin there. We arrived as arranged on Sunday evening and went in search of the fireworks show, which is always a big bash. After wandering around without success, we stopped at the security gate to inquire and discovered that the fireworks show was on Saturday 7/3/21, not Sunday the Fourth. We thought it was hilarious, and we went for a fun dinner at a Mexican restaurant in Wright City instead.

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Monday brought Susan back to ride, and Rebecca to garden, and heat and humidity

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Today, Susan returned with new half chaps and paddock boots. She and Oisin are good for each other.

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It was a frustrating day, apart from the fun on the ring to start the day. I spent several hours on the phone with tech support, and I have been told it is bad to feed birds because of a disease going around. I’m pretty sad about that and the birds will be devastated tomorrow when breakfast will not be served. Here are a few pictures from the past three days.

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This morning I saw the tanager, the thrasher and the catbird all at the same time, right after I put food out on the deck. A fine sight to remember.

A tree fell on the trail west of the ring, and I cleared a path around it. Of course, we will also use it as a jump, since it fell so conveniently. While I was working and sweating, my friend, Susan called from New York. Not all technology is frustration. It’s a blessing to have a cell phone to chat with a dear friend in Manhattan while sweating in the woods of Missouri. I did come across the most interesting bug in the woods – an Eastern Eyed Click Beetle (also known as a Big Eyed Click Beetle). The “eyes” are just markings.

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Life continues as usual in the studio, with Harry hard at work, assisted by the dogs.

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The cats rule the barn, keeping it free of mice. Today, Scott from Straatmann delivered 100 bales of bedding. Unfortunately, I was in the barn and available to help unload. The cats vanished and were no help at all!

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Finally, a beautiful phlox in bloom, and happy horses in the early morning.

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Stay safe, stay well. Peace.