Plans changed today. The horse show ran late, so Kris would be unable to come for a lesson, but it was very hot, so no complaints.
The birds were in fine form this morning.
Goldfinches gathering and starting to change to winter colors 
Hummingbird at rest and almost invisible 
Nuthatch contemplating the birdbath 
Blue jay quenching his thirst
Jane and Derry arrived late morning for a wander through the trails.
Jane spotted a turtle, making it a good day. Turtles have been scarce this year. I thought it might be a turtle I have photographed before, because of the small hole in the right side of the shell. I couldn’t dismount to get a closer picture because of my compromised knee, but the pattern proves me wrong. Still, it is always great to see a box turtle.
Today’s turtle 
2018 turtle
We went to the ring to do a short flat school, but Bart and I had some trouble with lead changing, so we worked into quite a sweat. Jane took a picture.
Poor Bart! So hot!
It was Jane’s turn to work the ring, so the footing will be extra perfect tomorrow. I went down to get a picture of the ring, and found deer practicing on it!
Jane on the tractor 
Deer on the ring!
It was a dog day afternoon, so I took some dog pictures.
Mistletoe 
Weedy 
Cedar and Weedy 
Harry and Nettie
Harry is almost a dog himself, and he does love all dogs. Weedy is very special, but Mistletoe is besotted with Harry, and she is his favorite little one. She visited him in the studio and got a kiss.
Now it’s late, and time to rest up for tomorrow. Weedy and Nettie lead the way.
Stay safe, stay well and get plenty of rest.
Whew it does look like a hot one! Stay cool and safe!
Lovely, peaceful, and so much love. Soothing after news from my CA friends, the heat in the hundreds, plus the fires, then Derby Weekend with all it’s excitement. Nice to sit and relax and witness such beauty.
Mistletoe is a lovely name for such a cute little dog.