The weather everywhere has become strange and unpredictable. Changeable weather has always been part of Missouri, being in the middle of the continent, sort of north, sort of south. Two days ago, it was 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26.6 C). This morning, it was 28 F (-2 C). Oops, I forgot to plug in the bird bath.
At least, it has finally rained. It will take a month of rain to bring rainfall totals here back to normal, and I certainly don’t want that many dreary days, but we are very grateful for some steady rain at long last. And it could be worse – out in Montana, Nancy has had almost a foot of snow – in October!
In spite of our dry conditions, the autumn has been glorious.
On Wednesday, Jane and I went over to Illinois to watch Louise and Pam ride with Paula, followed by lunch. They both ride Beau, who is a delightful character. It was a gray day, but a lot of fun, with the exception of my inattention driving home, that sent us through the city of St. Louis, sending me into a state of high anxiety. But all was well when we called Harry, who is much better than a GPS, as he can guide me through the streets of downtown and through life!
There was a Silver Fox horse show at the NEC this weekend. Silver Fox is the former Flying Fox, which was previously Irish Fox. We have been Bronze Fox all along. Anyway, it was fun to watch Louise show Beau on Saturday. As a bonus we saw Annie and Odie, her exuberant young Thoroughbred, who was at his first indoor venue.
Speaking of change, I had considered staying on night turnout for the winter , but the weather changed that plan. The horses are very happy to be in at night like real show horses, at last!
As for birds, juncos have arrived, a sure sign of winter on the doorstep. Strangely, the redwing blackbird has reappeared, which I always took as a sign of Spring – maybe he is passing through on his way to milder climes from north of here…
Weedy is back to adventuring again, but his long recovery this summer has inspired him to stay closer to home.
In the evenings, Roscoe and Weedy are a great comfort to us and each other.
Tom Morris during a break in the rain yesterday…
In the studio, Harry works on a new project, while the bear continues to take shape at Chesterfield Mall.
And that’s the news from here, where we watch reports from around the world and despair, while feeling very fortunate and grateful. We move through Fall, toward the holiday season, with the light diminishing and heavy hearts.
Be safe, be well. Slava Ukraini! Peace and courage.
Glorious fall color and plummeting temps. Apparently Michigan did that the day before we arrived home from our month on the road. Lucky horses have you attending their needs. Happy to see Weedy and Roscoe snuggling and Harry pressing onward. Stay warm amongst friends and critters.
Slava Ukraini
Peace
I can’t come up with a favorite there are so many lovely photos! OK, I’ll try, finches, Weedy and Roscoe definitely a winner, oh and the adorable Junco, on and on, all a joy to see.
We had a long drive today, after 2 days of rain. It may be near the end of Fall, but there are many leaves still clinging on and this stage is very beautiful. As we rode around my mind kept drifting to faraway places and I too had a heavy heart. It seems wrong to be happy when half the world is in such chaos. But I think the best I can do is just appreciate doubly all that I have, while keeping those others always in mind.
Love your Fall pics.
OK my favorite photo definitely was weedy and Rusko together, enjoying each other’s company and resting well. Wouldn’t it be nice if people of the world could get along like your dog and cat! All of the photos were gorgeous and I can’t believe how lucky I am to now, be getting your photos on a weekly basis. What in the world ever been missing out on for years and years!? I hope someday I can go back and catch up. Your photos are absolutely amazing and you need to make a coffee table book out of them. Thanks so much.
Oops, I was dictating and Siri misspelled Roscoe! Sorry
Thank you so much for making the trek to Illinois. It’s always fun to see you and Jane. The pictures are awesome. I’m of course partial to the one of Robert and Holly!!