Catching Up – Spring

Spring is well and truly here, and I have more or less recovered from a short illness that was thankfully not Covid. Life has been crazy, as seems routine now, so although I was miserable, it was a treat to be isolated upstairs (with Eddy) for two days.

While we are on the subject of Eddy, he had another long car trip last week, visiting two more states beginning with I – Illinois and Indiana. We were all in the car, with Harry as navigator, and Weedy and Eddy as perfect passengers. Our destination was Culver, Indiana, the Culver Military Academy, an astonishing boarding school campus on the shore of Lake Maxinkuckee, the second largest lake in Indiana. There was much to see, including many black horses, happily grazing in an immense pasture, it being Spring Break.

We headed homeward after seeing the Culver campus and also Coots, a new bird for my life list. Strangely, I had found a dead bird last week on the gravel road after a storm and could not identify it. I texted a picture to Melissa, who knows all things natural, in addition to being a phenomenal rider / trainer and mentor. She responded immediately that it was a Coot. I read about the American Coot, and thought it would be interesting to see live ones, since they have a unique trait of running across water as they take flight. They are water birds with lobed feet (not web footed like ducks). To my astonishment, while at Culver, a “duck” ran across the water and took flight. I asked the Head of School what kind of birds those were on the lake, and he replied “Coots”. I do love synchronicities.

Prior to that adventure, we had a visit from my brother, Michael with two of three dogs, Bodhi and Hamilton. KatDog had flown coast to coast with Amanda, while Michael and the boys drove. They have relocated from Washington state to Massachusetts. It was a big day for visitors, as Dr. Cooper stopped by with his wife and three exceptional children. These young people gave us hope for the future.

Michael departed early in the morning to continue his journey, but pictures were taken, of course.

Meanwhile, amidst all the bustle, Spring arrived on the calendar and everywhere the world is waking up.

I saw a 6 spotted tiger beetle at the edge of the woods.

Shoeing Day was a delight, with Fred in great form. Bad Bart ran off when I went to put him into his stall after consulting with Fred. Some old people have their car keys taken away – I may have my horses taken away for senility. It’s not like I don’t know that Bart is a scoundrel when I don’t pay attention! Bart thought it was hilarious, and the grass was delicious. Harry and I had to leave before Fred was finished for a long awaited lunch with friends, but Jane, as always, came to the rescue and we were able to admire Fred’s work when we returned.

Eddy went to doggy play day while we went out to lunch. It did not go well. He was overwhelmed and depressed and did not get to play with other dogs, which is what we thought he would like. Poor Eddy! He cheered up as soon as he saw us, and had human play day instead. I think he thought he was being returned to the shelter.

The cats are all well, including our dear friends’ cat, Darrell, who lost a leg last year. We saw him recently, and I took a picture of him giving comfort to Karen, who loves him. He might give Roscoe competition in World’s Best Cat contest!

Well, that sort of brings us up to date. The days fly by like flocks of goldfinches. Look for the beauty as they go!

Be well, be grateful, be kind. Slava Ukraini! Peace.