First Week of Summer – June 27

Somehow, between the social whirl and the slow internet of the past week, my blog posts have fallen by the wayside. The good news is that Jane and Derry are back in action, if only walking, and the weather has been tolerable for the most part (at least in the early mornings).

After our ride with Jane, I had a delightful solo trail ride on Oisin, who topped off his bath with a good roll.

I realized, after my last post about youngsters, that I neglected to include one of my favorite youngsters, who had a triumphant Bridlespur Horse Show last weekend. Here is Joey Kyger, as I first fell in love with him, meeting Artie in 2015, and now a champion in 2022.

Tuesday, Harlan arrived to work his magic with the dumpster, and offered Oisin one of his favorite treats, a banana skin. Oisin is our most adventurous equine gourmand.

Vlad arrived to take a bust away for molds and casting. Seeing Vlad is always uplifting. Apart from Vlad’s technical artistic expertise that is the power behind Harry’s creations, he is one of the most intelligent and well educated people we know. He is a beloved friend, intellectually stimulating, and a source of joy and laughter in our life.

The mornings have been cool, despite warm summer days, and riding early is a delight.

Bart’s turn for a solo trail ride…

Despite warm, dry days, there is much beauty about.

Another beautiful morning in the woods…

No escaping work, Bart!

Harry had to run errands without Weedy because the day was too warm.

I stayed home and took some pictures.

Harry’s heart has been misbehaving, it has lost its rhythm, so that has added some stress, with a new cardiologist and a slightly different approach. There will be no riding for Harry until things are resolved, and he is scheduled for a cardioversion on Tuesday, July 5. Frustrating timing, but we have much more to be thankful for, than to complain about. A quiet week will not be a bad thing. At least the weather is pleasant after a storm blew through over the weekend. Luckily, we had some rain, since the neighbors are going crazy with fireworks. Always a difficult time of year for the dogs, though the two girls, Cedar and Nettie, are getting deaf enough that they don’t notice the noise as much any more.

Nathaniel and Allison and their young son, Lukas, came out to repair fence and clear a dead tree on Sunday. It is an ongoing project, and we are very fortunate to have such help.

The birds are producing young and we are spending as much on bird feed as horse feed, but no complaints. They are a delight, especially seeing the young ones figuring the world out.

The cats have not bothered birds (at least I have seen no evidence), but Marmalade showed up with a fat mouse as a mid morning snack. I heave heard a theory that cats are either bird killers or rodent killers. I’m not sure I believe that, but I have never seen a live mouse in our barn.

I haven’t see Marianne much this week, with several evenings out, but I finally managed to get a picture of her. She is a huge blessing in our life here.

Other blessings abound. Many I do not capture with the camera – a deer with huge velvet antlers jumped out of the hay field as I rode past. A great blue heron rose from the creek with a heavy whisper of wings and passed by at eye level as I rode through the west woods.

And so, apologies for such a long post. No discussion of politics this week, though it’s been a difficult time indeed.

Be safe, be well, be kind. Slava Ukraini! Peace.