The travails of the internet here in the country are the bane of my blogging. In May, we arranged for a faster speed, which was promised, then delayed, and is now delayed again. Centurylink is a dreadful organization, and we are forced to deal with them. I am simply screaming into the void – what a bore!
Actually, things have been fairly quiet, while the internet has been more or less down for the past two nights. We have had rain, and a visit from a dear friend. Life has been good.
Female cardinal 
Rose breasted grosbeak 
Male cardinal 
Dramatic evening sky
On Monday, Dan, who taught with Harry fifteen years ago, came for a visit. Jane and I gave a little jumping presentation for Dan’s amusement. Harry got pictures of us.
Dan and Harry 
Jane and Derry 
Jane and Derry 
Anne and Bart
After that excitement, we had a nice visit on the porch, followed by a trip to the barn.
The swallows appear to be using their nest, so I am hoping the blue jay’s intrusions have been deterred.
The pasture was misty in the evening, after rain, and a deer watched me doing barn work.
Today, we had a nice, if somewhat damp ride.
Jane and Derry arrive
Later, I did some gardening, and to my delight I met a creature I have not seen before – a ring necked snake! Apparently, they are quite secretive and not at all aggressive. I didn’t bother it, or try to pick it up. As a rule they don’t bite, but they do expel stinky smell. We get enough of that from the dogs. There was also an amphibian – a toad. Harry saw a turtle, driving out on an errand, and took a picture, but it was a water turtle, not a box turtle.
Appropriately named ring necked snake 
Toad 
A slider on the move from one pond to another
The water feature has continued to be problematic. Connie has been out again. It is a subject that is becoming anathema to me.
Susan, Bart’s breeder, sent this wonderful picture of Bart’s younger half sister, Cecelia, as she is just learning to jump. She is much bigger than Bart, and very glamorous. I look forward to introducing her to Bart as her career develops. Melissa is training her, and loves her, which is high praise.
The clematis on the dog pen fence is thriving. Roscoe loves to help in the garden.
Clematis Etoile Rose 
Roscoe
This evening, I took my camera to the barn when it was time to turn out horses and do barn work.
Stone and Oisin 
Bart 
There are too many deer!
The sun came out, the day lilies are blooming.
Stay safe, stay well. Peace.
It is great to see the photos of Dan! We taught together for nineteen years.
Editor says the turtle is a slider,Tony. Good posture Harry.
Thank you, Tony! I wondered. Harry said it was a snapping turtle, but the coloration made me suspicious. I didn’t see it myself. I will correct the blog.
Missed you Anne.