With a warm weekend forecast, the horses are still on night turnout. This morning, we got a bit of a late start, so it was already light, not dark, as it has been on most days lately. Marmalade galloped to breakfast, meeting up with dignified Tom Morris on the sidewalk. Bart was ready at the gate. The morning enthusiasm is heartwarming.
Maramalade on the run 
Two orange cats 
One orange horse
It was a pleasant, overcast morning here, and the sun shone through now and then.
A blue jay at the bird bath 
The bronze terrier is in a new location 
The bronze bunny has moved, too 
A dove 
Winterberry by the stream adds color 
Harry on his way to work
I was invited to judge some costume contestants at the nearby Morrison Equestrian Center Open House today. Harry came along for moral support. Beth and Frank Vlasaty have made many improvements since they became stable owners, and the projects continue, with a recently completed covered pavilion for spectators at the outdoor ring. It’s fun to see the progress, and many happy participants.
It was tough to choose a winner. There were two divisions – horseless and with horses. The scarecrow won by a whisker in the horseless division, and the criminal horse with police person took the “with horses” section by a nose. Medals were awarded to all runners-up, along with horse treats. Costume judging was followed by an eyeball and spoon competition (a variation on egg and spoon) and much fun was had by all.
The horseless division 
“With horses” (Of course, horses do give us wings…) 
Hula horse and hula girl 
Cowboy did both sections, with a change of hat 
Criminal horse guilty of beauty, and the police person who captured Lola – and first place 
First place scarecrow 
Trainer Liz in the spirit of the day 
Beth – stable owner and mother of the police person
Home again, Harry and the dogs reunited.
Weedy and Cedar with Harry 
Cedar by the kitchen door 
Mistletoe sporting her fresh purple bandage
I went to work in the woods, inspired by Nathaniel’s progress yesterday. I am hoping the oak mites have departed, as the horse flies have! I turned the horses out early. It was warm, but flies were not bad.
Magnificent mushrooms 
A strange purple fungus! 
Marilyn & Trigger rode through – with a helmet! 
Roy got plenty of exercise
It was nearly dark by the time I ran out of battery on the chainsaw. Harry was resting and taking in the sunset. A very beautiful end to the day, capped off by Marianne’s smile and her valuable help in the barn.
Harry facing west 
The Pearl Brothers at sunset 
Marianne smiles
Stay safe, stay well. Peace.
Pictures are indeed worth a thousand words. Thanks! Hard to describe how good it feels when one is chosen by an animal.
The sunset was magnificent. We sat out with friends and had a nice fire to end a wonderful day. Robbie seemed sound, and my weird potato dish turned out well. Grateful for the small things in life.