It is hard to believe we are halfway through October already, but the weather has changed today. Summer is over and autumn is settling in. I wore a jacket all day.
The horses have already adapted to the new turnout schedule, but they haven’t had much work, with lots of rain this week. They don’t mind gentle rain and mist. When there are heavy downpours, they take a break from the fields and huddle in the shed.
We had sad news this morning. Our dear friends, John and Laura, woke to find their beloved Shorty had died in his sleep. We are all very sad. Shorty was a larger than life character, and basically, a perfect dog. He will be missed by many. He was old, and he was lucky to die in his sleep at home, but John and Laura are bereft. All of us, who love animals, understand that there is a price to be paid in the end. But we also know that the joy we have with these short-lived creatures that populate our lives, far outweighs the grief. Godspeed, Shorty.
Shorty
Marianne was here to help with barnwork this morning, and I snapped a picture of her, somewhat out of focus, on this dim day, but her smile lights up, anyway.
I took another trip to Columbia today (twice in one week!), this time to see JoJo and her lovely mare, Maia. I have been meaning to visit the new Just Cruising Farm, but life and the pandemic kept me from doing so, until today. It was a miserable day for driving, but JoJo has an enormous indoor arena and a beautiful barn. The entire place has a wonderful vibe. It was a perfect antidote to a difficult day.
On the way out, I passed another lovely mare, Derry 
JoJo, who is almost always smiling 
Maia
I arrived home to find that the rain I drove through had missed Bronze Fox Farm this afternoon. The horses came at a gallop when I called them, and there were some hungry cats around, too.
Tom Morris gives me an accusatory look 
Marmalade stares at me
At JoJo’s, I met her very glamorous cat, Scratchy. I only took this one picture today, though I met some nice dogs, horses, and people. As I mentioned, there was a good vibe at Just Cruising. Well worth the drive, and even worth enduring the cat recriminations here.
Scratchy
Mistletoe is now sporting a green bandage. The dogs took excellent care of Harry, as always.
Primary caregivers
It was good to be back home at the end of a gray day.
Autumnal colors
Stay safe, stay well. Cherish your creatures. Peace.
Yes, Godspeed Shorty.
Peace