Possum #2 was in the trap this morning when I checked the shed. Having a chance to look more closely than I did the other day (when I was shocked and dismayed to find a pair of possums in the hay), I think they were not twins. This one had adorable pink tipped ears! It was also much feistier than its (presumed) sibling.
We loaded the relocation team (Harry, Weedy and I) with the possum in the back, well covered against the chill, and took it to Reifsnider. Luck was with us, and we were able to release it in the very same location as possum #1. I hope that by now they are reunited and sleeping in a cozy hollow log instead of a hay shed.
Harry and his pal 
Weedy loves this job 
Tucking in the passenger 
Weedy is ready to travel 
Come out, little possum! 
Freedom!
We were home again briefly. Centurylink had informed us we did not need to be there for the upgrade to our internet service (after telling us yesterday that we had to be home, then not showing up). We both went out to run some errands, in different directions, and met up back home, too late for lunch. Nathaniel was here, working on the cedar fence I destroyed earlier this summer, and he needed an extra set of hands to finish up.
Once that project was taken as close to completion as possible (we still need some cedar fence pickets, which will doubtless bankrupt us), there was time to ride with Jane. But while I was changing clothes, I saw an email from the dreaded Centurylink, informing me that they had our order on hold, because they needed more information. So, basically, I watched Jane ride, while I sat on Oisin talking to Centurylink again, losing my mind. Eventually, there was just enough time left for me to gallop around and jumps a few jumps for fun, restoring my sanity.
Derry says it’s not fair she had to do all the work 
A bad deer rub! 
Damnable deer varmints!
Harry worked in the studio, well protected by his two big guard dogs.
Fierce watchdogs! 
Outside the studio, I saw Marmalade. He tried not to see me.
Eleven years ago today, my father, Brian, “shuffled off this mortal coil”. He was 86, and had been saying since about 50 that he’d had a good run. He had no complaints, he found the life he loved as a teacher, and we children benefited from that, growing up running through the woods and fields of Priory. Family dinners were often intellectual challenges. He loved Trudy, he loved his children, and he loved Harry. We were very lucky to have him for as long as we did, and we still miss him every day. He died in his own bed, an enviable ending. He will long be remembered by many.
J. Brian Barry
Stay safe, stay well. Peace.
Centurylink was put on earth to try our patience.
Lovely remembtance of your father, my father died in his bed, they were lucky and so were we! The watch dogs are indeed a handsome pair. Internet issues abound and we indure our precious time being taken away by what most of us older types consider nonsense. I am not alone in dreaming of a life without cable, cell phones, or the internet with its cumbersome computers. Gary Snyder, the poet, might have a few good suggestions. Ah, I am wistful. Well, off to the Breeder’s Cup.
A friend in Wisconsin had to wrap the bottoms of his pine trees in a heavy duty sort of plastic fencing wrap to protect them from the deer.
Love your photos. I am Susan Fox’s sister.
Thank you, Jerry! I will definitely try wrapping the trees. A bit like closing the barn door after the horses are out, but certainly may help some future trees! Great idea.