March has not been a good month. Last year, we lost Misha to a heart attack at 45, and on Saturday, we were devastated again at a sudden and unexpected loss in the same way. Robin Smith, who, while he was not young, was full of life and health. Mortality, though always around us, is inevitably a shock when it takes suddenly someone that really matters. Robin was an actual gentleman, an elegant intellectual with a keen sense of humor, whose father was a New Zealand sheep farmer. Robin cherished his Kiwi connection. He was at Princeton with Harry, and has been, with his wife, Kathy, one of our most cherished friends. He loved his family, and his dog, Tam. Robin appreciated and knew horses, as well as big ideas. This is another loss that has left us reeling, throwing me off stride for writing a blog that I generally try to keep light.
For the rest of us, we muddle on. I had a PRP treatment on Wednesday, trying to keep myself patched together in order to ride as long as possible. Marianne stepped in to do my chores for a few days, while I recovered. She is always smiling, which speeds my healing.
The birds live with fragile mortality, but they continue to sing enthusiastically as Spring rushes in. Soon we will be having different visitors arriving from the south. They are all a joy.
Roscoe, the mighty hunter, caught a mouse and then imitated it. There’s mortality being taken lightly (for the cat, though not the poor little mouse). No dignity in death here.
There was a Flying Fox Horse Show at the NEC, which provided some distraction, as Jessica brought Elin with Minka to show. She was a star. This was their preparation for a trip to the World Equestrian Center in Ohio at the end of the month. It is a very big horse show, and we are excited for them, taking a big step up.
The horses keep themselves fit playing games. A pair of deer look on in amazement.
The wind is out of my sails at the moment, but I will brighten up soon, and will post again before long. Be safe, be well. Be grateful for every day, and for good friends. Slava Ukraini! Peace.
Such a fine post about Robin, with charming photos. So sad. Thank you, Anne.
Oh dear I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope you find solace in the return of spring, and comfort in your beautiful home, family and friendships.
Slava Ukraini
Peace
It is never easy to lose a friend, partner, acquaintance. We soldier on until it’s our turn, and hope our passing is marked by a kind tribute from those left behind.
He doesn’t look anything near ill, still fit, still handsome, still in love with his loving wife. No way to have predicted anything but happy continuing. ! I do hope death surprised him, too. That’s what I’m wanting.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Life is fragile. You and Harry are in my thoughts and prayers. xoxoxo
Anne, you and Harry moved from Pike co. To where you are now. Your friend also moved from where he was to a new place. He is not gone as long as you visit him in your heart and your memories. Rejoice in his new home.
I’m offering my condolences, and deep sorrow around losing Robin. I remember many posts including him, his and Kathy’s visits. Tragic losses multiply as we all age with time. I guess we better buck up and, as you and Harry do so well, carry on! Love the photo of Roscoe and his “kill.”
So sorry, Anne. It is such a shock when it is so sudden. It’s good that you have so many other loving faces around you. And trust a cat to try and put things in perspective. Best wishes.
So sorry for your loss . 😢 🙏
Mes condoléances sincères, ma chère Anne. Je suis vraiment désolée pour ta tristesse et celle de Harry, aussi. Malheureusement on est à cet âge-là où la perte des amis arrive de plus en plus souvent sans devenir plus facile à soutenir. Prenez soin de vous-mêmes, s’il vous plaît! xoxo
Anne, I add to these my condolences to you and Harry. I hope these many expressions of consolation are some comfort. I am so glad you posted those good photos of Robin. We saw him and Kathy just seven days before he passed on; he was looking fine, robust, and happy. And isn’t that exactly the way we want to remember him, and how he would want to be remembered.
One must take solace in that.
Anne and Harry — yes, a real shocker; as Patti said we saw them in good spirits just a week before he died. Shared classes at Wash. U. Lifelong Learning and our mutual keen interest in all things opera……. well almost all.
My best to both of you. Ken
I had to look up prp! I need one! Yesterday I fell on ice and now have a gigantic bruise on my haunch. CBD is mostly taking care of pain Doug says I’m too old to be sliding around on the ground