Sunday – April 24

Today was rainy, but warm, and it was a good day for birds!  The first thing I saw was a pair of grosbeaks, then a pair of orioles.  Alas, the camera battery was charging.  As luck would have it, battery charged, the male oriole returned.  And the bird I have been hoping would come back – the catbird – has arrived.  I thought I heard it outside the window a day or so ago, but today I saw it, and got a picture. Proof!

Then, the elusive red headed woodpecker paid a visit, proving that the red of a red headed woodpecker outshines the red head on a  red bellied woodpecker.  Typically, these are shy birds, but Jane has been seeing one at her back porch, so I guess he came south today to our back porch to see what was on offer!

Bart was ready and waiting when I went out to prepare for our lesson at Mechlin’s.  I cleaned him up (easy, with a clipped horse), then Jane  and I loaded him into the trailer. That’s when I noticed a text informing me of a delay.  So, out came Bart, back to his stall, and a half hour of waiting in the barn ensued.

The lesson was worth waiting for!  Ali had set a challenging course, with a liverpool.  Jane took video, which was very helpful to watch, and Bart was wonderful.  I made a few mistakes, but we feel ready to meet up with Kris in Omaha in nine days.  The excitement is building, but tinged with sadness that only Bart will make the trip.  Derry is happily grazing in her “diet pasture” and I hope both Old Ladies will be venturing west with Bart.  Here are some pictures lifted from the video.

I am extraordinarily lucky to play this game. Lucky to have Jane’s help, Harry’s understanding and support, and especially lucky to have Bart in my life.

Be safe, be well, be grateful. Vive la France! Slava Ukraini! Peace.