Sunday – August 16, 2020

Jane and I returned to the Kirkwood Show today to watch Louise’s second day of competition. Yesterday, she was 6th is both of her classes (green “Irish ribbons”), which is very respectable, since this is a big horse show. Harry did not join us today. He stayed home to work and exercise.

Also missing, young Flynn Robertson did not show today. He had enough excitement yesterday. But Louise and Annie (whose “show” name, it turns out, is Bright and Sunny) were on their game today. They had good rounds, and Louise WON the first cross rail class, and earned a primary color for third in the second class. It was such fun – and Pam was here to spectate today, too. She is another late bloomer, having taken up riding later in life, inspired by Louise. We “mature” women had such fun today, and laughed a lot. It was a perfect morning for a horse show. Cool and sunny.

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I can’t show pictures of all the friends I saw today, but here are a few shots from the showgrounds.

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The only bad news was that a very good friend, Jojo, had a freak accident this summer, which highlights the risks of dealing with horses. Jojo was hosing a horse, bent down to clear the drain in her wash rack, the horse spooked and knocked her over, and then trampled her. Now, Jojo is an extremely competent horse person. This was just terrible luck and could certainly happen to any of us. Unfortunately, she lost the top half of her thumb and damaged the tendons in her index finger on her right hand (yes, she is right handed). As in most disasters, it could have been worse. At least her head and face were not damaged. I have known and liked Jojo since she was a little girl, and now she is a wife, a mother, and a professional with a big barn in Columbia, Missouri. She is tough and resilient, and already back at work and laughing. It was a tonic, and an inspiration, to see her. Her student won the big Hunter Derby yesterday, and I expect there were more successes today.

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Home again, and Harry fixed a delicious lunch. I tried to have a productive afternoon, but did take a few pictures, as well. I miss many more great photo opportunities than I catch.

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As the light was fading, I tried to get some hummingbird pictures. The lantana was a hit, both with the hummingbird, and with a monarch butterfly earlier in the day.

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Harry making serious progress in the studio…

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Stone getting a drink, but retreating fast from horse flies to sanctuary in the shed…

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And finally, my favorite Montana mule baby picture! Rainy and her palomino best friend… Get up! Let’s play! Nancy Stevens photograph.

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Stay safe, stay well.