We set off at 7:30 this morning, meeting Jane at the mailboxes, and drove to Wildwood. Our friend, Brett, is clearing out his barn, and we were offered the jumps. Whenever we move jumps, I wonder why I didn’t take up an equestrian sport that requires only a horse, and no obstacles. But we loaded up the flatbed trailer, strapped the jumps down, and made it home without incident.
Harry, Jane and Brett – and jumps
After barn chores and lunch, Jane and I began the unloading. We had planned to wait for Nathaniel for help on Thursday, but we were too excited. It took many trips with the Kawasaki Mule, and much effort from old ladies, but we managed to get everything over to the ring. We can’t drive the flatbed across the creek, so there was unloading and reloading involved. An ordeal, but well worth it – the newly named Taylor Riding Arena is ready for jumpfests.
The first of many trips 
The next trip was strapped in! 
Ready for action! 
Harry was hard at work in the studio, accompanied by his trusty canine assistants and advisors. Cedar managed to get into every dog picture.
Mistletoe keeps watch on Harry (Cedar wanders by) 
Cedar and Weedy 
Cedar and Nettie
There are no bird pictures today, though I did see a redwinged blackbird, an iconic sign of Spring, on the back porch. I grabbed the camera, but he was too shy, I missed him. Instead of birds, here are a few more shots in the studio this evening.
Mater taking shape 
Finally, an unexpected call came from my friend, Barbara. She confounded my memory, which is not very good at the best of times. It was wonderful to talk to her, as it has been for more than four decades. While we were chatting, I took a picture of evening sky above the mound of weeping crabapple…
Stay safe, stay well. Peace.
Barbara? Did Barbara’s last name then begin with O?
Yes, Chris! Then, and now. You connected me to her long ago.
Wow, lovely jumps!
Harry is a wonder.
Peace