It’s been a rollercoaster of a day. It started with fun – Kris was coming to teach us a lesson on his way to Brownland in Nashville, where he will be showing for two weeks.
First, though, it was time to release Marmalade. Progress had been made. No hissing or growling this morning, he ate food when I gave it to him, and he had used the litter pan.
Good morning, Marmalade 
First step to freedom 
“I’m outta here!” 
Into the woods…
Just before Kris arrived, Jack pulled in looking very sporty indeed.
Unfortunately for Jack, I waved hello from the barn, and told him Harry was in the house. In he walked, and our most fearsome protector, Mistletoe, BIT him quite seriously! The bad news, is, Jack was wearing shorts and had no protection from those vicious teeth. Needless to say, we feel terrible about it. Worse, because Jack was so nice. What a dreadful little dog is that ToTo! What a good friend is Jack, to laugh about it. This is the first time she has drawn blood, but not the first time she has tried. Bad, bad Mistletoe!
Vicious dog 
Jack and Harry 
Bitten leg
Jane and I had a blast with Kris. We were very lucky that the weather was nice, and not too hot. It was dusty, but pleasant. As usual, Jane and Derry were stars. I had a fairly abysmal day, though Bart did his best, as always. Harry and Jack spectated, and Harry took some pictures. Jack, who is an actor, not a horseman, asked Harry if there were points deducted for bad language, as I made so many mistakes I was editorializing with F bombs.
Kris hard at work 
I include this because it is bucolic 
Jane and Derry 
Anne and Bart 
I’m smiling, but only because I am so lucky to have this horse
We jumped a course of eleven jumps! Twice. And I had to jump many extra jumps to try to correct my errors. Poor Bart! But, oh what fun we had, and oh, how lucky we are to have these horses! And even more lucky to have Kris in our life.
Then, this afternoon around 4 PM, our very dear friend, Pat, died. This was not a surprise, in fact we have been expecting the sad news for at least a week. She elected to discontinue treatment twelve days ago and was in hospice.
I really can’t even process Pat’s loss, she was such a constant and close friend for 34 years. I have cried and cried, and thought about what I could write. I cannot do justice to Pat. She was unlike anyone I have ever known, and I knew from first meeting that I was lucky to have crossed paths with her.
Pat came from relative privilege, but was utterly down to earth. For many years, she lived on a beautiful farm near Rolla. She worked as a waitress, she collected cats (at one time she had as many as 30!) and had cattle, horses, and llamas. She knew arcane things about everyone she met, because she was someone who could get information and she never forgot it.
Before I met her, Pat had some health issues, and they were a dreadful burden for her entire life, but she never, ever complained. She was always interested in others, and her own problems didn’t interest her. Four years ago, Pat decided to sell her farm and moved herself into Assisted Living at McKnight Place in St. Louis. In the end, that is where she left this world.
I really don’t know what I will do without Pat as a touchstone. Her memory will always be near, of course, and everywhere, there are reminders of how important she was in our lives. Godspeed, Pat. I hope we will reconnect somehow on the other side.
A visit to Pat with Jane, Nancy, and Trudy, my mother 
Pat and her flowers in happier days
Stay safe, tend friendships well, and make the most of every day.
Pat was like a little social Miss Marple. Within ten minutes she detected everything there was to know about everyone in her orbit. She made all the people she met feel interesting and cared for…a fine talent that is.
So sorry to hear you have lost your friend Pat. Her pictures show a woman who lived with grace. She will always be with you you know. Love, L
I’m so sorry, too. Your tributes honor her. I believe I sort of knew her but never saw her at Gatesworth. You guys were so lucky to keep in her orbit. Again , I am sorry.
Now that I have seen a picture of that vicious beasty that almost took my leg off, I am quite surprised that the leg is still attached, and that I made it home without bleeding out—on that lovely drive back to STL via Defiance. Well, I would not have died alone—one of the THOUSANDS of cars heading out to the wineries on 94 would have surely stopped. Great hour or two, thanks for welcoming me out.
Jack
Jack should send you a photo of his bitten leg as it looks now… few days later. Might be worthy of the Gross Book Collection!! COLORFUL!!
Laura……
I still need to give whats left of my leg a couple of days to steep, possibly ferment, correctly. Rabies won’t be the issue, those Webers are attentive, it is the Gangrene that will make the Gross Book Collection. We’ll check back on Thursday..
Jack
ps…………………………..for those that don’t know me, I live in a world of happy sarcasm. Sometimes these written messages don’t translate.
I hope Marmalade will be seen again. Thank you for helping to curtail the pet population. Those jumps look big and scary. Glad you had another class with Kris, a semblance to routine. Pat was quite the gardener, wasn’t she? Beautiful scenery and she looked like a happy soul. I hope the memories help you and her family alleviate the grief somewhat.
Anne, that was a wonderful tribute to your friend Pat. Also BTW Mistletoe cites to Good Owners, Great Dogs for the proposition that there is no such thing as a bad dog!
I’m so very sorry about the loss of your dear friend. She sounds like someone I would have loved too. Sending lots of love to you. ❤️
I’m not a big believer in death, as we Western Thinkers know it. Many sages and poets have described death as “going from one room to the other.” William Blake was one, and Whitman went so far as to to claim, in Song of Myself, “and to die is luckier.” So happy journeys to Pat, we’ll see you at the crossroads. Pat is free! Boy, but we miss our friends when they take off. As far as Mistletoe goes, that naughty little dog making my Chaps look Saintly, he might need to share some of your Xanax. Although, you have to love the little guy for feeling such responsibity as to defend Harry from your trusted friend, Jack. Jimmy Wofford has a great list of books and training tips for those riders stuck at home with no shows, or goals. Great stuff from Jimmy found in The Chronicle of the Horse issue Vol. 83 No.9 May 4&11 2020. Carry on with the good stuff, love and be kind to one another, Yes, I’m working on it! And, most of all, thank you Anne for keeping us in touch with you, your life with Harry and the animals, Jane, everyone so loved and appreciated. ‘Till tomorrow, lol.
I am so very sorry for the loss of your good friend, your tribute is lovely, you were very lucky to have her in your life.
So glad you got a lesson with Kris! so fun! & you are always so hard on yourself – you are one of the best riders and horsemen I know!