And on we go, both burdened and somehow uplifted by memories, while creating more every day.
It’s been a hectic week, and a full weekend, especially today, so I will try to catch up.
There is, alas, another loss to report. Richard Camp, who was a Bridlespur Hunt Club member, and a friend, has gone to his reward. Richard was a doctor, and bought a horse I started long, long ago when I was a young professional rider. I called her Overtime, and Richard kept her for many years, even producing a foal from her. Here are pictures from distant years ago. In a poignant coincidence, the spice bush that came originally from Richard, burst into its fragrant bloom on the very day we learned of his death last week. Godspeed, Richard.
Every morning this Spring, I have heard the turkeys gobbling in the western woods. It’s a wonderful sound, and this week I had an unexpected view of a big flock of turkeys at the top of the pasture. I ran for my camera, while they turkey trotted for the woods. What a treat!
In other bird news, the juncos are heading north, with only a few stragglers remaining. Brown headed cowbirds, rather aggressive birds, but quite entertaining, have arrived for the season. I managed a picture of a robin in flight, and Jane snapped a shot of an owl today at the horse show in broad daylight! I was very sad that I didn’t have my camera handy. It joins the list of missed shots, along with a congregation of buzzards I saw yesterday as I was driving home. Buzzards are magnificent, and beneficial birds.
Flowers are blooming, and the grass has had its first mowing. Life accelerates.
The pace of life around here has picked up, but Roscoe remains laid back, and is a great believer in rest.
We miss Mistletoe, but life with animals moves along, not allowing much time for grief.
This weekend, Bart and I returned to the show ring at Happenstance. It was an exercise in course memorization, and fitness work. The horses worked on fitness on their own, too, before I took Bart off to Happenstance. We didn’t jump high, but Bart was fantastic, and it was great fun. Jane schooled us and reminded me to ride forward. Schooling day on Friday was extremely miserable, but the weekend was glorious.
Harry took a break from working in the studio to cheer for Bart at the show, and to visit friends. Marianne’s hard work enables us to play.
We dashed into St. Louis county to see our dear friends Mary and Bill this afternoon. It felt like early summer weather and we had a lovely visit. Weedy made many new friends, as he does wherever he goes. I failed to get pictures, but here is a picture of a storefront I saw last week when we went to hear Jerry Tovo speak at the International Museum of Photography in downtown St. Louis. Life is full of adventures and memories. And stories…
Be safe, be well. Slava Ukraini! Peace.
You body clipped!!!
Haha! Thanks, Margaret, but you were fooled. I bathed him, hence the lightweight blanket as an attempt to keep him clean (it failed, of course, as you can see in the drinking picture). He has shed a LOT since you were here, but not body clipped yet.
Indeed that was my April fooling. Well done!
Your round was so good on Sunday, smooth and efficient.
Shucks, Janis! Thanks for the compliment. I am very lucky to have a horse like Bart in the twilight of my career.