Beware the Ides of March, and novel coronavirus’ COVID-19! A day of increasing anxiety in the outside world, but relative peace around here. We only know that the outside world is still crazy because we had a visit from Corinne, who saw the full parking lots at grocery stores on her way here.
The day began with Derry still limping. I went over to Winford Farm (Jane’s, next door) and Jane and I hemmed and hawed and wondered why Derry is not getting better. A week ago we had hope at the sight of pus, but it wasn’t enough. Fred did call today, though, and he will be back to see her on Tuesday morning. It’s very frustrating, but we haven’t been able to ride with circumstances being what they are, anyway. Possibly, this abscess is heading toward the coronary band instead of out the sole…
Jane told me all about her day yesterday at The Gumbo Flats Gold Cup Field Day. She said there were some very enthusiastic young people participating with hounds, and that she had never seen children handling hounds with such joy in all her years of foxhunting. Laura Carpenter Balding has passed a passion for hounds on to another generation, which is wonderful. Eleanor Hartwell also participated with several Bridlespur foxhounds, and a fun day was had by all. Despite the pandemic, the gathering was well attended and enjoyed.
Eleanor and Laura 
Bookends present for Jane, the judge
I dashed home to make sure Harry was not trying to do too much, now that he can get in and out of bed by himself. He was behaving, but I just missed seeing Marianne, who continues to do the hard work in the barn, which enables me to stay focused on Harry. He is needing less help day by day.
Corinne arrived for a visit and brought news of the outside world, particularly the horse world. Jane came over, too.
A studio visit was in order, and Harry walk / hopped us over there, even managing to cross the threshold on the walker. He left us to tour the studio on our own, though. Enough PT getting in and out of the house…
A spy in the studio! 
So it was another dreary day, apart from the sunshine Corinne always carries with her. The horses are very unhappy with another day of confinement, and I don’t want them to see the forecast! Even the cats are hunkering down today…
I was very bad and let Bart get a couple of mouthfuls of grass on the way in to his stall. Very poor horse management. Kids, do NOT do this at home!
Harry had a restful day along with the dogs…
Tomorrow I will venture back out into the world for supplies, but for the most part, we are staying holed up here until Thursday, when we get the long awaited 6 week x ray!
This is all good news progress reporting!!
Jane was truly THE asset that was the guarantee for our success of the day, Saturday, at the Gumbo Flats Gold Cup Field Day!! It was disappointing no Beagles were able to attend… Leslie (Granger) has been recovering from a bad fall from her horse… bruised ribs and serious wrist injury, so her terrific little Beagles had to stay home to look after her. Wayne Gooch , new to our group, stayed home keeping safe from the weather which was rainy and too cold… he has Beagles we had hoped to include… It was really a fun addition to include The Bridlespur Foxhounds. Thank you, ELEANOR (Hartwell) and the Bridlespur Masters. Many of our guests had never before even seen foxhounds!!
The Brunch was, as usual, a HUGE. Success! No leftovers! There were a total of 64 people in attendance. All day we had fun, first hunting … Lei (Ruckle), along with Caroline (Twenter) jointly hunted the pack… This was Caroline’s first time to carry the horn! Great job! The hounds cooperated and there were a few rabbits… the deer were less bothersome than usual… after hunting , the brunch. Strathalbyn’s very organized manager, Jeff Roderick and very skilled Chef, Dan Joyce, out did themselves! The Calcutta was expertly led by Lei and enthusiastically sponsored by the bidding on prospects to win the races… which we ran from the PavIlion … Everyone had a good view! The hounds were fast!! The Bench classes followed the races… then the obstacle/obedience challenge. All running on schedule!!
The music was by The Ladue Mountain Boys. If you have never heard them you have missed a joyful experience!! By 7:30 the day was behind us; lots of talk about the fun moments shared by all…
everyone missed you both, Harry and Anne!! But heartened by the report you are still healing well!
Just getting caught up on your last 10 days, as I have been out of pocket. Harry has the best attitude, always peaceful and smiling despite all he is going through – which only helps with the healing process, very relieved his heart is back to normal & sending the best thoughts for the appointment on Thursday. I’m in Alabama training with Waylon Roberts – we were all supposed to be leaving for events this week – me to Georgia, his group to Carolina – but all that has been canceled so we will just get more training in – I am pretty happy to be stuck here! I hope Derry feels better soon too!
Oh, Jana! What an adventure! Stay safe and healthy while you are stuck there. No good news on Derry yet. Fred did not feel he could put a shoe on her today, so we are back to tincture of time.
Oh what wonderful pictures! Happy to see more evidence of spring at your house. Poor Derry, hope you get to the bottom of that soon. We will be home in Marion, MI tonight where we will hole up for the duration. Two days of spring color in TX was too short….back in fleece, wool, and down for another month, oh well. Healing energies still humming your way!