Jana Jump Day – September 19, 2020

On the way to the barn, I saw a chickadee in the apple tree. Chickadees hide thousands of seeds every year and remember their hiding places for days when there are lean times over the winter.

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Big excitement here today, with a visit from our friend, Jana. She wanted to jump a course. We would have loved to jump with her, but Jane and I have had a hectic week, so we decided to just get inspired by Jana’s schooling around on her fabulous horse, Hemi (shown as Heavenly). I am still being cautious about my knee, and decided just to set jumps. Bart heard there was to be a jumpfest, and to be safe, he played dead.

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It was great to see Jana, and her lovely mare, who is a spectacular jumper. She also brought her perfect dog, Geddy, and to our delight, Jana got a brother (literally) named Jocko on Labor Day weekend. He is only 8 weeks old, and already very bright and learning to be well trained. Much of the training is being done by his older brother’s example. They are Schnoodles, so they are ahead of the curve on intelligence and cuteness.

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Harry is always delighted to meet a puppy (also happy to see Jana). We were all pleased that he came over from the studio to visit the barn.

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At the ring, we talked more than we rode, but once Jana started to jump, Jane and I were quite inspired. It was a blast to watch. Jumping pictures are chosen in part with shameless self promotion of Bronze Fox Farm (Diane’s beautiful jump). And speaking of names – Jana has already body clipped Hemi and she free hand clipped an anchor on her hip, as you can see in the picture from the side. It’s very cool, and is the logo for her business called On Deck Equestrian, which is an homage to her late father. Like my father, he was a Navy man. He used to wake Jana and her brother for weekend chores with “Reveille, Reveille – all hands on deck”. They didn’t appreciate it at the time, but he endowed them with a sense of integrity and a work ethic that has enriched their life. I just love the double entendre of “On Deck”. Harry, also a Navy man – and a rider – appreciates it, too.

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After the school, Hemi wore her Bemer blanket and hock wrap. Jana’s riding and turnout is excellent, but her horse care is beyond belief. That is one lucky mare!

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During the afternoon, I managed to get a hummingbird picture. They will soon be heading south. Of course, I always like pictures of birds at the birdbath, so I include the cardinal for color.

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Also, this afternoon I saw a little amphibian – a skink I scared up the wall while doing some push mowing.

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Harry spent a lot of time in the studio today, with a short break in the afternoon to help me get bedding.

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And finally, today would have been my friend Irene’s 66th birthday, though she died in 2009, too soon, at 55. Here she is in 1978, age 24, impossibly young, with life and possibility ahead. We were a trio of friends, Sophie, Irene and I. Our paths diverged, as they do, but we remained friends. Irene became an Episcopal priest, The Reverend Irene Jones. Harry and I attended her ordination, but this is how I remember her best, with horses that she loved throughout her life, even after she stopped riding. Happy Birthday, Irene.

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Stay safe, stay well, stay in touch.