We could hear it pouring with rain overnight, but I broke the rain gauge a few days ago, so I don’t know exactly how wet it was. Pretty wet, judging by the ring this afternoon.
It was a very cool day, and overcast, but no more rain. A good day for chores. I was dismayed to find varmints had disrupted the pots I had just planted. I salvaged the poor, traumatized plants and will hope the varmints leave them alone from now on.
Bad varmints!
The birds were hungry in the cool weather. Bird food consumption has gone up this week, but it’s well worth it for the avian amusement provided in return.
Male goldfinch in full summer yellow 
Diving goldfinch 
Young red bellied woodpecker 
Two male grosbeaks 
One male grosbeak 
Grosbeak departs 
Another grosbeak 
Grosbeak in flight 
Cardinal and grosbeak face off 
Grosbeak chases the cardinal away 
Grosbeak 
Tanager
While Jane and I were riding, Marilyn called and said she had some time to come over and check on Stone’s tummy, which had appeared to heal, but recently developed a draining lump. It is unbelievable that a little splinter of wood in the (expensive) pine bedding could cause this much trouble. We have, of course, changed brands of bedding.
This is the tummy – pus drips from the little lump
The problem is, there isn’t enough opening for the infection to really drain. Unfortunately, the solution looks very messy and will probably seem worse for a few days. Stone had a tranquilizer and a local anesthetic for the procedure.
Harry and his horse 
Marilyn at work 
Yuck! 
Blood on the floor 
Harry feels very sorry for his friend
Marilyn’s assistant, Roy, was well behaved and added some hilarity to the afternoon. Roy is always happy, and blood never bothers him.
While Stone woke up, I had a quick ride on Oisin, who is always fun.
Another cool evening, the horses were happy to get out, and Stone looks quite content after his messy procedure.
Stay safe, stay well. Peace.
My first thought was ‘Enough with the male grosbeaks!’ (It was actually the ‘dancing dove’ that I liked most, also better than mourning many days). Ouch to the poor belly of Stone- speedy healing wished there! Peace and joy to your days & nights, rain or not!
Wouldn’t that be a ‘red-headed’ woodpecker? And the blood stain looks a bit like a squished tanager! What is going on out there?? Is it the varmints?