Yikes! Derby Day already, the first Saturday in May, and this the 150th running. I did not watch the 100th running, the year Cannonade won, as I was in England at the time. The previous year I had watched Secretariat win, as he began his legendary run to the first Triple Crown in 25 years. Nothing could top that. I was lucky enough, though, to see Cannonade’s trophy a few years ago, tagging along with the artist as he delivered a sculpture installation to Cannonade’s owner.
This year was a photo finish, and Mystik Dan was the winner “by a flared nostril” in a three way photo finish. He was not a horse we picked to win, but it is always a thrill to watch, and to hear the stories behind the 20 horses that make the race.
Eddy was a very bad boy this week, jumping out of the pen and going on a wild chase. Thanks to the GPS tracker, I found him, but he was oblivious to my commands, and I finally tackled him, leading him home with my belt. We went to Lowe’s and got some fencing, which seems to be enough to contain him… for now.
Fred came to shoe the horses on Wednesday, which is always a lot of fun. Stone has been barefoot all winter, and Fred did a beautiful job on his new shoes as he goes back into work, now that Harry is almost healed. All the horses were glad to see Fred and get their new shoes. I wanted to follow Fred over to Jane’s house to get pictures of the pony and the donkey, but I ran out of time. We are always very grateful to have Fred’s expert work, which has kept our horses happy for over fourteen years!
The war memorial in the studio continues to make progress, and Ted Wright (the sculpture client, not the horseman) came to have a look. He was pleased.
I went to watch Ali school this week, and was astonished at the jump of one of her hunters, Lincoln. It is not often you see one jump this impeccably.
I have missed a lot of good pictures lately, including a couple of skinks living in the ramp. I have been very busy and have not had the camera nearby when I needed it. The iPhone is good for some things, though, that are up close and not moving quickly.
The birds require the real camera, and it has been exciting to have noticed the return of the grosbeaks this week. The female is here, but I have not caught a picture of her.
It seems that time is scarcer than ever lately, but we are grateful for being able to work, surrounded by creatures we love, and a riot of Spring color
On we go, filled with awe and gratitude.
Pay attention… Make the most of every day…. Slava Ukraini! Peace.
Quelles photos merveilleuses… comme d’habitude. Je t’en remercie infiniment!
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That last picture of the storm cloud is wonderful. Poor Eddy in trouble again. He seems to have two settings, top speed and sound asleep. I hope the fence will contain him though he appears very determined! Great pictures of the horses and many lovely flowers.
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Awesome sky photo, love the Eddie Weedy photo, Weedy is thinking, “What’s the deal with this guy?” He’s a pain Weedy, your humans were warned, they paid little attention. I love your choice of the word: contrition (it’s so Catholic-which I capitalize referring to the religion, not universality). The Grosbeak is rather gaudy, don’t you think? Love the Finches, we have so little over here. Love your blog Anne. Oh! I shared it with the owner of Lincoln, Connie Fry. She will be thrilled to see your accolades on her youngster.
Darn that Eddie he keeps being a bad dog! I’m at the world equestrian center in Ocala, Florida at an Arabian show. This place is unbelievably beautiful. You need to see it sometime. I watched the derby on the big Jumbotron. when I was in high school I was lucky enough to get to go to the derby every year. My parents had a box under a roof, which was really nice. I got to see Secretariat win in person. when daddy died we no longer had the box. It does not transfer to the family. It goes back to Churchill Downs. So that was the good old days but actually , derby day and graduation at William Woods were at the same time most of the time so it was hard for me to go then anyway. But what an exciting race this year was.
Anne, I’m used to seeing your beautiful photos, but this issue in particular has some so special to me, I keep going back to them; Ted Wright’s face as he looked at that wonderful war memorial taking shape. I don’t know if it’s because of Harry’s experience that he was able to capture that moment in such a poignant, touching way, or if it’s just his natural sensitivity and compassion. The toad, looks ceramic; you and Harry with Stone; perfect shot of Lincoln and Ali; the brilliant colors of the orchid and the indigo; and, of course, the sky. They’re breathtaking, really. I’m so glad I have this to go back to when I need a moment to breathe!