The autumnal equinox has arrived. Equal day and night, and now we are heading into the shorter days, longer darkness. I love the weather, but I dread the loss of light, and winter coming. Especially this year.
Today, I lunged Bart, as promised, and had him trot over the skinny jump, which was nothing for him, before riding him for a good, long time. He is so fat! Too much good grass this year, and not enough hard work, but I intend to remedy the work part. Derry, who adheres to a strict diet, has a svelte figure. Thanks to Jane for the picture. Jane and Derry didn’t jump, just worked on fitness.
Fat Bart lunges over a jump
Tom Morris has been hanging out at the house, lobbying for house privileges. Alas, there is only one house cat here, and Roscoe has a lock on that position. Tom Morris will have to return to the barn and join Skittle and Cora. Speaking of fat, Cora might have Bart beat!
Gerry stopped in for a visit with Harry. There were many laughs, and it was an antidote to the toxic news and the loss of RBG, which has left me bereft of hope.
Gerry 
Harry 
Gerry 
Harry 
Gerry and Harry
Birds are also an antidote to any sort of sadness. I have not seen any pileated woodpeckers at the feeder for some time, but I have seen them flying through the woods , and I hear them out there. Hummingbirds are still around, and cardinals have raised quite a few young ones.
Autumn hummingbird 
A young cardinal begs for food
Big excitement, when I was fixing something on the dumpster ramp, I lifted a board, and there was a milk snake (a variety of king snake). They are very beautiful. They do, alas, eat lizards, so watch out, skinks! But it was a treat to see this shy creature. Apparently they do make good pets, being quite docile, but I wouldn’t do that. Still, I hope to see it again.
Milk snake 
That snake is outta here!
Next, I saw a Clouded Yellow butterfly, which is new to me. Yellow butterflies are said to symbolize hope and guidance. That is something I could use!
Clouded Yellow butterfly
The cardinal climber is looking beautiful. I have tried to get a picture of a hummingbird at one of the red flowers without success. When I stand outside waiting, there are many hummingbirds about, but none stay long enough for me to get a photo. Still, it’s a thrill to hear them thrumming through the nearby shrubs and trees, and arguing with each other in their high pitched little peepy voices. Glimpses of them continue to astound me.
Cardinal climber 
Pink dogwood
An amphibian view, too – a tiny frog in front of the barn. Soon it will be time to hide and freeze (literally, their little bodies freeze, and then thaw out) for the winter, but it’s good to see them around.
Finally, Mistletoe and Weedy resting on the bed, reminding us all that rest is a blessing.
Stay safe, stay well, stay rested.
Thanks Ann for brightening my day.