I had a pretty idyllic youth, I must admit, growing up on the grounds of a monastery amongst English Benedictine monks. As a Roman Catholic, though I have long since thrown off that identity, the rituals remain reassuring, and the calendar is as familiar as my own sense of self. So, Palm Sunday still feels a significant day, but this year the pope says Mass in an empty chapel at the Vatican. Life is truly upended.
Dear Diary, this blog is becoming a bit of a chronicle of my day by day existence! But writing is writing, and it is a privilege to send my little entries out into the ether every evening. So, here goes…
Harry was up and dressed when I came back from the barn this morning. Life is almost back to normal for us, if only the same could be said of the world outside!
I promised a picture of me, so Harry took one. I look fairly benign in this picture, but I have been a bitch today, I must admit. The stress is getting to me, not that there is any excuse…
Harry worked in the studio, which is a joy for him, while I did some housework, which is somewhat tedious. But after lunch, I met up with Jane and Derry to ride, so I had my share of joy…
Anne and Bart 
Jane and Derry 
Anne tries to get Bart to move his front leg (or maybe polo practice?)… 
Jane and Derry laugh
Harry came in from the studio and I got this candid of him and Weedy on the hospital bed, which leaves on Tuesday. The red sweatshirt is Harry’s studio uniform.
I got some pictures outside…
Amelanchier like clouds in the woods 
Asian pear tree begins to bloom 
Roscoe enjoys the orchard 
Peach blossoms 
Licorice 
Licorice 
Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) 
Lilacs soon!
Once evening chores were done, I was looking forward to a quiet evening, but Weedy went adventuring far afield. The tracker battery was low (I failed to check and charge it) so we only knew that he was south of the power line and evening was drawing down. Off I went in search of that bad, wandering dog. Harry had told me his last known location, and I walked out, calling him with no luck. Finally, I stopped near Wayne’s hay field to listen to a pair of geese passing overhead and there I saw him, nosing about. I called to him and told him I could see him – “a fair cop”, as Weedy must say to himself. He came at a gallop, and almost got past me, but I grabbed him and put him on a belt for company on the long and very pleasant walk home.
Here comes Weedy! 
Weedy walks me home
And so another day, Palm Sunday, in what can hardly be called quarantine here comes to a close. Hoping all friends are staying well, that frayed nerves are mending, and that we are all making the best of the times we are given.
Looks and sounds like you just need more Harry and Mistletoe and Bart and Jane and Weedy time, yep that’s all! What a beautiful place to be quarantined in. Thanks for sharing.
I agree with Linda, my niece, a beautiful place to quarantine! I had a “hobo” of a dog once, Nicholas, came to me one Christmas. He got his little puppy foot caught in the grocery store automatic door. Ouch! Weedy kinda reminds me of him. Hi Weedy!! Good to see you and Jane on board again! And Harry going to the studio. Just not sure how Weedy will react when his hospital bed is removed.
I want you both to know how much I enjoy these little glimpses into your lives and Harry’s recovery. I would enjoy if Harry could make a video of you being a bitch as you say you were this weekend. I have always seen you helpful and smiling or laughing. I am thrilled to see Harry back in jeans and working. When I broke my leg, knee and ankle in a pony accident a couple years ago I thought I would never return to being useful. I was terrified to come down two stairs or get in the bath. Harry has been amazing. You and Jane have been fabulous caretakers. Would it be considered schadenfreude to say how much I have enjoyed your journey? I really love the dogs.
Were it not for the quarantine, Betsey, we would implore you to give Harry some lessons on recovering from broken bones. In true Harry form, he is figuring out a lot for himself, and we are very lucky to have Kristin and Carmen for PT and OT. You and Harry are both an inspiration, and I pray your resilience will skip the coronavirus test. You and Steve stay safe, and we will see you out here when this is over…
You and Jane always look so happy when you are on a horse.