I looked at the forecast for today and was relieved to see it was only going to be in the 80s, so expected a pleasant day. I had not counted humidity into the equation, and as soon as I walked out the door this morning, I was sweating. Tom Morris looked cool on the back porch, getting a drink from the bird bath, but it was miserable weather.
Fred arrived to shoe and set to work on Oisin, while I made a quick run to the feed store for some hay. On the way back, I saw a fawn bedded down next to the gravel road just beyond our driveway. So I grabbed the camera, and biked back. Unfortunately, it got up from the ground, but it was a treat to see it fairly close. I know deer are a nuisance, but they are beautiful, too.
Getting up – stranger coming close 
Not quite sure how much to worry
Fred worked magic on Oisin’s feet. They have never looked better. Oisin was not put together perfectly at the factory, so his right front foot gets way out of whack. Fred put him back into good shape. And Fred was not at all worried about Bart’s hind foot. Bart’s shoeing job was beautiful. We are so lucky to have such a good shoer, and the horses are lucky that they don’t have to lie on a shoeing table! Stone, Fred decided, could wait until Derry’s appointment later in the month. His feet don’t grow much.
Fred fashions a shoe 
Oisin in balance 
Oisin gets a hot fit 
Jane watches Fred work on Bart 
Fred, farrier and friend
Rebecca arrived to work in the garden, despite the oppressive heat. She is amazing, and never complains. I worry about her getting sunstroke, but she did survive today and got so much done!
Rebecca through zinnias
Harry worked in the studio, and he upped his exercise regimen to include the rowing machine after hearing that Hugh Jackman relies on the rowing machine most of all for his fitness. I am going to have to start doing some real exercise to keep up with Harry at this rate.
There were many birds today, but not much time for pictures. I think these are two youngsters.
A young goldfinch 
A young tufted titmouse
Marianne continues to do much of the barn work, and is always so much fun to be with. Oisin agrees.
This hot day ended with rain, but didn’t cool off much. If anything, it might be more humid. I was lucky to get a spot on the couch with Weedy and Roscoe.
No Montana pictures – Rainy will not be back until Gracie is bred. I expect she will have grown a lot by the next time we see her.
Stay safe, stay well, stay curious.
I think I know where the baby was lying down, when I left I saw an adult deer by the side of the road. I think that Fred was being kind to say that he remembered me and the smell of the hot shoeing brought back memories of my first barn. Glad that you rested on the couch with Weedy and Roscoe, you work harder than most people I know.
Curiosity is indeed, one of my favorite traits. When curiosity is tempered with humor and good will, you and Harry lead the way. I love how you record and report your observations, whether you have been surprised by joy as you see a tiny toad—or other remarkable bits of creation’s finest to be found in your daily life—or oddities drawn from others. I always wonder what the horses are thinking as we burn the shoes into their soles.
Peace, love, and hugs ❤️
Me too, Linda, about burning shoes on their feet. Jesse never tolerated that, worried even over the smell when another horse had that done. Such individuals these horses we love. Oh, but to your photos! Beautiful photos all around. Marianne and her pretty face and smile, I never tire of Weedy and Roscoe, Tom Morris looking sooo handsome, and Harry’s gentleman in the studio coming alive! You know your birds! More education for me! Missouri humidity drove me away from that state! Although, I seem to have returned to similar humidity here in KY. Phooey!
Gues you and Jane didn’t like my Horse Show idea, hummm, or maybe your working on it now!