I hope all had a Happy Thanksgiving. It was for many years a difficult holiday for me. Bridlespur had a Thanksgiving Hunt, which was the first hunt after Deer Season. Deer Season shut down fox hunting, because the danger of being shot outweighed the fun. But Deer Season in Missouri ends on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, so that first Thursday back was a big, formal celebration for Bridlespur. Unfortunately, it was also a big holiday for my mother, who did NOT share my passion for riding horses. So there was always a conflict, until the early 1990s, when Harry and I took over hosting the feast. That was a different sort of stress, but also great fun. Nieces, nephews and friends came to our farm in Bowling Green where they took rides on the horses, hunted for treasures, and gathered around a bonfire in the evening, after Harry’s superlative turkey dinner. There are many mixed memories that swirl like bonfire smoke this time of year.
But let’s step back to Monday, so that I can mention it would have been my Aunt Celia’s 94th birthday, though she has been gone since 2011. She was my father’s little sister, and my Godmother – a poet and a unique free spirit. I do not have the talent to do her justice, but I think of her often, especially in November. She always encouraged me to write, but I don’t think she meant blogging.
This has been my second week of limited activity. I am completely recovered, but observing the precautions in order to heal, which is sort of making me crazy. Harlan was a welcome distraction on Tuesday. As always, he had interesting stories to tell, and did a superlative job.
Wednesday was shoeing day, and Fred was in fine form. Oisin, Bart, and Derry had their shoes reset, and their feet look beautiful. Stone’s feet looked beautiful without Fred’s attention. He has not grown enough foot to warrant a reset, so Fred skipped him. He has more winter coat than the other two, so I think he has put his energy into growing hair instead of hoof. If his feet get long, Fred will come by and do him later.
Tuesday afternoon, we discovered a dead deer near the barn. Maybe it had been hit by a car, maybe shot by a hunter, but it was recently dead. We moved it to the back field for the coyotes and the buzzards to enjoy a venison Thanksgiving. Living in the country sometimes requires a strong stomach.
Wednesday evening, we were hosted by our friends Stephanie and Tom, along with Paula and Robert, for Thanksgiving dinner. We seldom stay up late, but it was a fun evening with a delicious, traditional feast in good company. That left us free to have a very quiet Thursday to ourselves, while Marianne did the hard work.
Because of the dead deer (which the coyotes seem to think is suspicious, so they have not eaten it yet), we dare not turn the dogs loose. They are not pleased with being walked on leashes, but we would be very sad if they feasted on the dead deer, so compromises are made.
The pileated woodpecker has been a more frequent visitor, which is always exciting. It echoes its dinosaur ancestors.
Today was Nephew Day for us. We had lunch with nephews Bob and Scott, Janet’s sons, in St. Louis. Then we returned home to meet nephew Luke, Jamie’s son, who stopped in for a visit with his dog, Arlo. They live in Kansas City, and are on their way to northern Illinois for the holiday weekend. Luke is our godson, and it was really good to see him. We have wonderful memories of his stay with us in Bowling Green when he was quite little. He was a brave kid and a hard worker. Now he is over 30, and still brave and hard working.
Weedy enjoys his trips to town. He is always hoping for a drive-through biscuit at the bank or a pup cup from Starbucks.
And so the Thanksgiving week carries us on toward Christmas season. We were horrified by the crowds at a shopping outlet mall we passed today. We feel very fortunate indeed that we have much to be thankful for in friends and animals and nature. Already, I am looking forward to getting to the New Year and onward. In the meantime, I am grateful for each simple day.
Be safe, be well. Slava Ukraini! Peace.
Happy to see the sun shining at your house. We have been blessed by a few days of glory too this week.
Love those big woodpeckers. They haven’t visited my bird feeders since we had to take down the old Elm that was trying to fall on our cars.
Slava Ukraini
Peace
Glad u r on the mend. Lovely pics as always and glad u had a nice Thanksgiving.
It is always good to see so many smiles as well as all the animals and birds.
I would have loved to know your Aunt Cecilia. I, like Weedy, enjoy a good trip of pleasure. The piliated Woodpecker does recall older times, prehistoric, as does the Heron. I love these blogs and look forward to them. I light up when I see I have a new one. Ah, life’s little pleasures that some of us are able to appreciate. Thank you, Anne.