The Christmas season is upon us, mixed with horse showing and some very warm weather. When it is cold, the birds are more plentiful and very entertaining. We had our first flurries of snow on Tuesday, before a warm front pushed in.
Morning sun on a chickadee and a cardinal 
Afternoon flurries and flocks 
Incoming goldfinch 
I was stunned and saddened on Tuesday to learn of the death on Sunday, December 5 of Stacy Wright, a horsewoman and friend from nearby New Florence, Missouri. I hoped it wasn’t true, but Jane sent me a link to her obituary.
It is devastating news, somehow worse at this time of year. Stacy loved horses, and Australian shepherds, and life. She was enthusiastic as both a rider and a hard worker. She participated in horse shows and also hosted them at her Avalon Farm. She was thoroughly involved with horses and horse organizations. Although I hadn’t seen Stacy for a while, she was someone I always looked forward to seeing, and she will be missed by many.
Stacy at Altamonte Farm in 2017 
Stacy riding in a George Morris clinic
Horse shows continue this week for the second Meet Me In St. Louis December Holiday show. Our friends, Susan (famous as Bart’s breeder) and Melissa (famous as a brilliant rider / trainer / breeder) are here to show. They are staying with Jane. I paid a brief visit to the show on Wednesday.
Susan on Galatea (Teah) 
Jojo, from Columbia, finishes a jumper round on her Maia 
Jojo praises Maia
Around here, life has provided few noteworthy events over the past few days but the time has been filled and has flown. Tuesday 100 bales of hay arrived, so I had a workout and was too tired to blog. We had dinner last night with good friends, Bill and Diane, an annual December tradition, at Annie Gunn’s, which was a real treat. In addition to great company and good food, we saw Rebecca hard at work – with no dirt on her, as is usual around here in the garden. An added bonus was fresh eggs delivered by Rebecca, courtesy of her magnificent Marans hens.
Harry is happy to have eggs
All cats are well. It seems the orange cats and Roscoe catch the camera most frequently.
Marmalade startles easily 
Twizzler and Rosie 
Tom Morris 
Marmalade has not missed any meals 
Roscoe in the upstairs bedroom window 
Roscoe getting some much needed rest
I saw some geese on the neighbors’ lake yesterday.
The weather has been beautiful as promised by the sunsets, but we are beginning to pray for rain.
Harry has been working hard, but gets some rest with his loyal bed support dogs, Weedy and Mistletoe, whenever he can. They wish it was more often. Mistletoe cannot jump onto our bed, so she must be lifted. Sleeping on the bed is her favorite activity, if it can be called that.
When Harry is elsewhere, the bed dogs make do with a dog bed.
Mistletoe and Weedy sound asleep
Stay safe, stay well. Peace.
Best birdfeeder pics ever!! Dynamic! So sorry you lost a good friend, and so early in her life. I must wonder, why did she die? And, whoever heard of a herd animal, especially one as gregarious as the horse, being independent? I’m Picky picky. The moon with Venus above, is that right? Venus? I saw the exact same configuration, except in the dark, on our last doggie walk fo the day. Love the cat photos, and of course, Marmalade doesn’t miss a meal, she has missed so many in her previous life. Mistletoe, I love old dogs. Eating at Annie Gunn’s, did you take out a small business loan? Hahahahah Hahaha.
I was also surprised and very heartbroken to learn of Stacy’s passing – so incredibly sad.
I agree, these bird feeder pics are outstanding! You have made photos that really are worthy of publication. I don’t recall if I’ve asked you what kind of camera you use.
Thanks, Patti! I use a Nikon D3200 that I bought from Jane. Most of the time I use a Nikon 55 – 200 mm lens.