Today, Arthur moved on to another home with a good friend, who will treasure him. I have been dreading the separation from him, but after seeing him settle in to his new house, I am thrilled for both Arthur and our friend. Jane and I delivered him, along with a care package full of supplies, and then we went to the horse show, which was a good distraction.
Arthur is thinking, “Could I have my own person, please?”
At the horse show, we watched Melissa show a promising young stallion in the hunter division, visited with Corinne, and saw Alison Hartwell the brilliant professional horse show photographer. Alison has taken some of my favorite pictures and I snapped these with my cell phone, of Alison and her support dog, Cora.
Cora and Alison 
Cora
Here is a picture Alison took of Bart at The American Royal in 2019. I am hoping to show next month and get another one of her great shots. Alison is always fun to see and talk to. She is a folk singer, and a professional horse photographer, which is a fairly unique crossover, I think.
Meanwhile, Harry had to go to St. Louis for a meeting , which was unfortunate on such a beautiful day. Luckily, his lunch meeting was fun, because in a weird synchronicity, the gentleman he met with (former president of the St. Louis Princeton Club) had been a teacher with my father for many years at Priory. Like so many who knew my father, he had great memories and great fondness for J. Brian Barry. Seems I am still identifying as “Mr. Barry’s daughter”, which is an honour.
The weather was unbelievable for January, and Jane and I hurried home to make the most of the perfect conditions, which will not last.
Bart sees Derry arriving 
Riding home after a good school
Jane rode Oisin, and I rode Stone, after the chestnut Irish team. Stone was not sore from his puncture wound. It actually looked much better today. Unfortunately, I did not take pictures, but the second string horses were the most fun of all!
After riding, I worked the ring footing because there is snow in the forecast. By the time I was done, the day was over and the horses were waiting, somewhat impatiently, for dinner.
Rosie basked in the sunshine as I headed out to the barn.
Rosie loves sunshine
Best of all, we saw two bluebirds of happiness! Jane saw one first, and I had the camera handy. I think they might be a bit premature with nest building, but they are always a welcome sight.
We are missing Arthur, but our friend loves him and has reported that he is happy in his new, luxury accommodations. No more basement dwelling for Arthur! He has “moved on up”. Needless to say, Roscoe has not shed a tear.
Be safe, be well, celebrate the creatures that pass through our lives. Peace.
So long, Arthur! A lucky cat for sure, looked for a new home, and found one! Bluebirds, the color of Bahamian waters, I love them!
So glad it has worked out for Arthur. He does look a lovely cat. I have particular fondness for greys!
Bluebirds of happiness, the color of cornflower, symbol of hope for love!
If you were still our neighbors in Pike County, Arthur and many of your cats would have moved in here. We were the cat annex of Bronze Fox Farm. Arthur has a wonderful home & new kingdom.
Yes, the cats definitely loved Kingfish Farm!! I wish some of these cats would go to our neighbor, Jane! Perhaps dogs play into it – you had none, and Jane has four. And back in Pike County, we had ten!!