As I write this, there is a tornado watch in effect. The horses went out this evening to a peaceful pasture, but there is rough weather ahead.
The morning was quite pleasant, and Susan continued to build a bond with Oisin that is really fun to see. He does love to jump.
I schooled Stone with Jane after our group ride, and he was good , but the pictures are not blog worthy. Especially after that classic form with Oisin and Susan!
Harry worked in the studio and I stopped in for a visit to report on his horse’s excellent ride. He had some difficult issues today, but that is normal in the process of creating his art. He is constantly solving problems and sculptures that already looked great to me, always look even better.
An “artistic” shot of sculpture with photo montage behind
Nathaniel came to mow, and while he rode the big mower I did the push mowing, which was a good workout.
Nathaniel after a long, hot day
At lunchtime, I met up with Harry and learned that he had cleaned up a large pile of vomit in the hall. We assumed it was Weedy, who has a weak stomach. But, after we enjoyed a steak lunch, I offered Nettie a bite of meat, and she was not interested. We realized then that Nettie was the sick dog. Furthermore, refusal of steak was like failing the hot dog test – in the old days, if a dog refused a hot dog, it was time to put it to sleep. Nettie’s color was good, her temperature was normal. But she continued to vomit up water. As usual, I assumed the worst. Of course, I also called the vet. Marilyn brought some medication home for her, and by the time it arrived, Nettie was acting more herself, and wanting some steak. Or anything to eat! We explained to her that she has to starve tonight. She is not happy, but that is much more normal for her, and we are greatly relieved.
On the way back from Marilyn’s house, I ran into Marianne, who reliably keeps the barn running smoothly while I flit about. I had my camera with me.
Marianne warned me that there was a trio of fawns around the corner, and I was lucky enough to get a picture of them, too.
I took no bird pictures today, but some flower pictures around the garden.
Southern magnolia 
Bumblebee on phlox 
Lantana 
Bee on echinacea 
A dreaded Japanese beetle on white phlox
Finally, the studio crew, less Nettie, who was sick in the house…
Mistletoe on her studio bed 
Cedar on the studio floor 
Weedy prefers to be outside the studio sometimes
Stay safe, stay well. Peace.
Oh the magnolia! Georgia O’Keefe, are you in there?
My house in Southern Pines was surrounded by large Magnolia’s and Long Leaf Pine. It was a heavenly old place built in 1895. I loved it. But, boy were those Magnolia’s trashy. Chaps didn’t mind, nor did I. Wishing Mistletoe total recovery, Weedy good behavior, and all those other four legged creatures at Bronze Fox Farm a long and sturdy life.