A rainy Monday morning provided enough internet speed to get pictures uploaded. Between slow internet and late evenings, I have been stymied since Friday.
Friday began in the best of all ways, on horseback.
A pair of deer watched us depart on our ride.
We did a little flatwork on the ring, then wandered around the trails.
Bart didn’t show up in any action shots, but he was exhausted, as usual, by the exertion.
We had two “celebrations of life” on Friday, for friends who have died. These ceremonies are moveable nowadays, since the pandemic curtailed gatherings. We went to Calvary Cemetery for Joe McKenna’s military sendoff. Joe and Joan McKenna were the first people to trust me to train a horse for their daughter, Joanie, who remains a friend. I was a senior in high school, and was honored to ride Kerry Gold as a youngster, teaching her to jump. We were honored to be invited to the Navy graveside ceremony for Joe, postponed since 2020.
Before the next sendoff, for our beloved Cynthia Durham, we needed to change clothes, so we stopped by Conway Road and imposed ourselves on my brother, Peter, who was very welcoming. No pictures of Peter, of course, but it was interesting to see the storm damage from a couple of weeks ago. The tree lined driveway has few trees left. As we were leaving, a skink ran under the car. I was very worried that it was hiding under the wheel, but it appeared IN the wheel, posed for a picture, and then ran safely away.
En route to the next affair, we happened by Villa Duchesne, where I went to school, so stopped to take a picture of the appalling chainsaw sculpture of Saint Philippine Duchesne. It has improved with weathering, but it’s still a travesty that they had the carver directly copy the design of Harry’s bronze sculpture, which stands in St. Charles, Missouri and Bethesda, Maryland.
Cynthia Durham was loved by many, so her celebration was quite overwhelming. Her youngest son, Crane, made a speech, and it was an emotional evening, with perfect weather for stepping outside to cry. There were many pictures of Cynthia over the years, and Snapshots, her book of poetry will carry some of her thoughts and words forward. Bill, Cynthia’s husband, and our fearless leader of river trips, was surrounded by friends, but there is no replacing Cynthia. Daughter Mary is a beautiful echo of her mother, and like Cynthia, full of love. It was a bittersweet remembrance.
As we left Cynthia’s gathering, we called my brother, Mark. He and wife Cindy and their dog, Kota, in town from Chicago, trekked out here for a quick overnight visit. It was a whirlwind ending to a full day, but very good to see them.
Birds and flowers abounded, and perfect weather continued into Saturday.
Saturday evening, we journeyed downtown to The Last Hotel (in the building of the former International Shoe Company) for the Media Hall Of Fame dinner, at which our friend, Bill Durham was honored. It was quite a swank affair, and Bill charmed everyone with his speech. It was touch and go getting him to show up, but son Crane pulled it off, and Bill rose to the occasion. We felt very lucky to be there.
Sunday morning, we connected with Marilyn for a lovely ride through the woods.
I knocked the last bloom off the amaryllis by mistake, but it has brought beauty and joy to the kitchen windowsill.
The internet has been in and out all day, so today’s pictures will appear tomorrow.
Be safe, be well. Slava Ukraini! Peace.
Anne, interesting and diverse commentary, and some wonderful photos; my favorites–Harry posing on Stone, and the sweet deer. And a lovely tribute to dear Cynthia.
So many great pictures- as usual ! – I so miss those rides through the countryside. Why are these memorial services ramping up in our lives….? So much pause for thought. Love your blog.