Today got off to a bad start. Marilyn called to say that Chilly was colicing. I rushed over to help her, and Harry looked after things here. Sadly, despite best efforts with drugs and fluids, Chilly did not respond well, and the humane thing was to send him on his way. He died there, at home, where he has lived happily for sixteen years. He was 25 years old, and a wonderful horse – a saddlebred, a good jumper, a fox hunter, a trail horse and a friend to people and other animals, especially Roy. Chilly had a good life, and he will be missed.
Chilly and Roy 
Chilly jumping 
Chilly and Marilyn
Later, Jane and I biked over to check on Bruno, who is now alone. He was coping well. Animals accept life and death sometimes better than we do ourselves, I think.
Bruno alone
On the way home, there were geese on the big lake. It was a beautiful day.
I spent a little time at Jane’s house, out on her porch, and got some dog pictures.
Hazel 
Gus and Hazel play 
Hazel grosses Gus out! 
Clover is still the cutest little dog in the world
At home, I took a few bird pictures. Blue jays have begun to return. Like the pileated woodpeckers, they were notable in their absence for a while.
Colorful birds
On Jane’s back porch, these two characters amused me.
I didn’t ride today, but I did climb onto my horses bareback in their stalls this evening, just like I did when I was young. They were a bit surprised, but more interested in hay than in the stepladder I used to climb aboard. That I would not have had to do in my youth, but in a concession to age and a newly fixed knee, I opted not to try a bareback leap from the ground.
Stay safe, stay well. Love them while you have them. Godspeed, Chilly Willy.
Please tell Marilyn how sad I am for her losing her wonderful friend and how glad I am for Chilly’;s good fortune to be Marilyn’s horse. I would like to ask if this colic was a blockage or a twist, but this may not be a good time for it. You decide.
Oh dear, so sorry to hear about Chilly. Condolences to Marilyn and Roy and Bruno. Your portrait of the cutest little dog in the world is enchanting. Peace
So sorry about the loss of Chilly. A beautiful day to pass, warm and sunny. Godspeed to your new home with new friends, Chilly.
I’m glad you were there to help Marilyn, two competent people to aid Chilly. I’m glad that Chilly and Bruno lived together for awhile, something like passing the torch. Clover’s eyes are beautiful, full of love. Have Clover and Mistletoe ever met? Two small cuties.
R.I.P. Chilly ❤️ A lucky horse and certainly a poster horse for the saddlebred breed.