Mistletoe has been scheduled since March for a dental cleaning and an extreme nail trim under general anesthesia. Today was the appointed day. It was very stressful for all concerned, but she is home and comfortable.
Yesterday, Rebecca came over and transformed the front garden from an unkempt mess into a presentable display of plants. She brought her world famous eggs and conversations that left me with much to think about. It was a good day, culminating in a dramatic sky.
Today was cloudy and cool, perfect for outdoor chores and riding, the forecast rain never materializing. As usual, Bart began the day with a rest, but once he was up and under saddle, he was a delight.
I got a dramatic picture of a blue jay, which is a bird I have always liked. Until today.
Later, on my way to the barn, I saw a blue jay on the ground. The barn swallows were dive bombing it, like they do with cats. As I watched, it hopped into the barn, and then flew up to the swallows’ nest, where I fear it planned to eat baby swallows! I chased it out of the barn, but since then, I cannot see any action in the nest. The natural world is fascinating, but can be cruel. Between this, and the brown headed cowbirds thwarting the bluebirds’ nesting box, not to mention the raccoons’ thieving ways, and probable murder of the catbird (whose eggs were then eaten) I am becoming somewhat disillusioned.
Blue jay outside the barn 
Swallow dive bombing the jay 
The barn swallow nest
Nature has its ways, and living here, we are privileged to witness both the joy and the darker side of it. Beauty and wonder together outweigh the tragedies.
When Harry got home with groggy Mistletoe, after a long and busy time in St. Louis, we had a cup of tea on the porch and compared notes on our days. The dogs were as happy as I at the return of Himself.
Weedy is exhausted by joy 
You can see why we call Cedar “Smiley”
Finally, the horses were very happy to get out early to a pasture without bugs this evening – no fly sheet needed!
Stay safe, stay well. Peace.
Loving these!