Springing – March 26, 2021 – Galloping Through

The rain had stopped this morning, after dumping more than half an inch, and the sun came out to reveal that Spring is well underway. The birds seem to be pairing up. There were two flickers on the back porch, though I missed a picture of them.

In the shed, this morning, Tom Morris joined Marmalade, a pair of orange cats.

I stopped at the barn to visit Marianne briefly. She was hard at work.

Then, I wandered down to check on the ring to see how wet it was. I took my camera. In the woods (I went the long way around to the ring), I saw a pair of wrens. I know they don’t look very different, but trust me, these are two different wrens. A pair, they were checking on housing in the hollow tree on the left.

Things are coming to life on this perfect Spring day.

*Dutchmen’s britches, a favorite wildflower, just emerging*

In the woods, I found a sculptor, who was looking to see where I had gone.

Behind the studio is a Spice Bush Lindera benzoin (thanks to Susan Hibbard who officially identified it last year). This plant was given to my parents by a friend of mine, Richard Camp, from Poplar Bluff, almost forty years ago. It thrived at their house, and I took some to Pike County, where it was delightful, and then, seventeen years ago brought three little starts here. Every Spring it fills the air with fragrance from its unassuming flowers. While I was taking a picture of it close to blooming, I spied Saint Philippine’s back through the window of the studio.

The horses were relieved to learn that the ring was so wet we couldn’t ride until afternoon. Stone’s tummy is much better today.

Afternoon arrived, and with it, Jane. We had a great ride together with Derry and Bart, then Oisin worked alone. They were well behaved despite time off. I think they were just happy to get out of the paddocks. It’s still too wet for pasture turnout.

Finally, Marmalade is worried about his weight gain. There is more of him to love.

Stay safe, stay well. Peace.