These days short of daylight are always challenging. Only a week left, and the days will begin to lengthen again. Yesterday, I missed a picture of a bald eagle as it flew over the barn. All the best pictures are missed, it seems.
A bald eagle picture I did not miss
I left off last week, with many Christmas cards to send, which has occupied a lot of time. I am pleased to report that chore as completed.
Last Friday evening, a tornado warning was issued, and for only the second time since we have lived here (18 years), we went to the basement with the dogs and Roscoe to wait out the storm. When we came upstairs, lights in the barn assured us that all was well there. To our horror, though, a friend’s barn nearby collapsed on her five horses. Two of them did not survive. Three are hospitalized. The massive rescue team took five hours to extricate the horses. Our friend was out of town. Her caretaker was not injured, but is surely traumatized. These horses were the most treasured and well cared for horses I know. The irony that this could happen to them is hard to comprehend. Again, we are reminded of how very lucky we are.
Three very lucky horses in the fog
Susan had a successful horse show on Galatea (Teah), winning every Novice Jumper class and securing the Championship. I did not have a successful photography show, again missing all the best shots.
Susan and Teah earlier this year 
A spectator at the show
Saturday I went to a funeral Mass at Priory for the younger sister of a high school friend. I have not kept in touch very well, but connected with Therese in sympathy when her father died in October. Sadly, just two days later, her sister, who had been unwell, also died. I didn’t know Karen, but I think I would have liked her. The hymns chosen, and the tenor, LaVell Thompson, Jr., who sang beautifully, along with the tributes from family, made the service memorable and uplifting. It was good to see Therese and three other long lost friends from high school, even on a sad occasion. Tricia and Brooke and I are commemorated in a picture of the rare reunion.
Tricia, Brooke, and Anne not acting our age
At home, the barn is full of hay, and all creatures are well, enjoying the unseasonably mild weather. The horses are on vacation while other matters have consumed our time.
Licorice likes the big stack of hay 
The horses enjoying mild days 
Roscoe on patrol 
Twizzler complaining 
Skittle yawns 
The best friend boys, Tom Morris and Marmalade
Yesterday, there was a Celebration of Life for Stacy Wright, held in Hermann, Missouri. I had planned to go with Jane, but a friend needed a ride to the hospital for surgery, so my plans changed. Jane said the occasion was very sad, but attended by people who loved Stacy. While I was doing barn chores, Harlan arrived right on schedule.
Harlan at work 
Harry and Harlan
After dropping my friend off for surgery, I went to visit Linda, who lives nearby at the Garden Villas. We had a good time, and I was able to join her in her exercise session, which was actually inspirational and fun.
Linda working out
Harry has been working hard in the studio, of course. The dogs are ever present with their pack leader.
Harry begins a two figure maquette 
Nettie watches the figures come alive 
Mistletoe is very interested, too 
Weedy just adores Harry 
Cedar finds the studio boring – no varmints! 
Progress is evident
We attended a Christmas gathering at a neighbor’s house yesterday evening. We are not generally very sociable, but it was nice to get to know nearby people a little better. Al and Diane were delightful hosts. We do have a connection to Bill and Ann, who sent Weedy our way, when he wandered up to their door. Jane and I were a bit intimidated by the cleanliness of Al and Diane’s house (also their lack of hoarding – they don’t keep anything they don’t use). They have a dog, Holly, but there was nothing out of place, and not a hair in evidence. We cannot possibly invite them to our dog hair festooned homes full of “stuff” we cannot find time to sort out!
Rather than work on cleaning and organizing the house, I spent a little time in the woods. The light was beautiful on moss.
And, finally, there are always birds to distract me from what I should be doing.
Doves and a goldfinch 
Cardinal, goldfinches and a siskin 
Blue jays and a female cardinal 
Mr and Mrs Cardinal and some goldfinches
Fred was here today to shoe the horses. Pictures tomorrow. It is late and time to sleep.
Stay safe, stay well. Peace.
Ann you pictures of all the animals are beautiful and the one of us made me smile!!
You are a great photographer, Anne. As usual, we greatly enjoyed your narrative. Thank you! Mahalo nui!
I’m so glad to hear that you and your farm weathered the recent devastating storms!
As long as the barn is clean, all is well.
Happy BIrthday Anne❤️
Whoa!! That Eagle shot is great!! I feel heartache and sadness for your friend with the 3 injured horses and the two lost in the storm. I wish her peace. Did she return right away? What about the vet bills, does she need help? I’m guessing someone will start a Go Fund Me.
Yes, Jane, it is heartbreaking. There is a gofundme page, helping her with the expenses. She did return immediately, of course. This has been devastating.
great pictures and thanks again for the pics of me and Envy. Happy Happy Birthday; have a great day. Glad you are all safe and so sorry about your friends barn and horses.
Happy Birthday. Great to hear from you.
Happy Birthday Anne! I hope it’s the best one yet!
I’m so glad that you’re back to the blog. I look forward to reading every time you post.
Ma chère Anne, je te souhaite un bon et joyeux anniversaire❣️
Merci, chère Linda!
Happy Birthday 🎂 I enjoy your photography. Thanks for taking me to the hospital. You’re a wonderful person.
Dear Anne and Harry,
Last week’s “silence” had me worried that the tornadoes and extreme weather had affected you. So sorry to hear about your friend losing some of her precious horses.
At least, I’m happy you Harry and all your creatures are well. Thank you for all the beautiful pictures you post. It’s a delight to wake up to your daily musings and photos.
Il semble que ton anniversaire est aujourd’hui ( ou peut-être hier ?). Donc joyeux anniversaire !
All the best,
Catherine