Birds on the back porch, crocuses in front, made for a good start to the day. It was cold, but warmed up quickly. The new feeder, which I thought was varmint proof, was knocked down in the night, and the lid was opened. I suspect a raccoon was about, so tonight the undamaged (phew!) new feeder is in the house.
Pileated woodpecker 
Flicker 
Sun coming up on a pair of goldfinches 
A trio of doves 
A wren 
Blooming crocuses
Marianne was here to do barn work. We caught up on various topics. It is always good to see her smile.
Oisin got a new mask to protect his eyes. It’s a bit funny looking (not very “tasteful”), but nice, because it slips on without any straps, and a bridle can go on over it.
At last, with four shoes on again, I could ride Oisin. He is such an Irishman! Loves a fight. He felt it was a very bad idea to leave his friends and go off to the ring. We had a bit of a set-to and once he admitted defeat, he marched down to the ring and was a blast to ride. I think he wore himself out trying to avoid leaving the barn area, so he was not at all wild to ride. We returned a bit sweaty (both of us), and I gave him a minor bath. About five steps into the paddock, he hit the dirt and proceeded to roll over FOUR times! He may be a bit fat and unfit, but he is still quite athletic.
“Let’s go back to the barn!” 
Drop and roll 
Stone was a delight, as always. It was dry enough to walk through the woods, which he loves. He does not really enjoy working on the ring, but he understands it’s his job.
“Oh, joy! A trail!”
The horses were settled enough that they could share both paddocks. The Pearl Brothers were happy to be reunited. Really they were, despite the look on Bart’s face. I think he was offended by the red fly mask.
After lunch, it was time to ride Bart. Jane could not ride today because she was having a very frustrating day. Her new glasses were made with the wrong prescription, so they were no good. She had to drive in to St. Louis County to the eye doctor for an exam, and then to Clarkson Eyecare, where the mistake was made. Of course, there was no apology. And no glasses for another many days. Honestly, poor Jane!!! Some days are just difficult.
Bart figured it was time for him to be ridden, so he lay down
The water feature project is going to be a longer ordeal than originally thought. Connie was back today and worked a bit, but they will need to bring in equipment and that needs to wait until after rain, which is forecast for next week. So, now we are planning on the latter half of the month. Meanwhile, Connie assures us that the fish will be fine in the big, aerated tubs indefinitely.
Once Bart was up, we went to the ring for a light hack. Harry came down to watch and took some pictures. It was a beautiful day.
Licorice, queen of the hay shed, waited for her evening feeding.
Finally, Nancy sent a picture from Montana. Rainy and pals are thriving and getting plenty of rest to grow on.
Stay safe, stay well. Peace.
I’ve had lots of trouble with raccoons knocking down feeders at Innsbrook. After years of rushing out before sundown each evening to take in the feeder, I found that hanging it from a clothes line thwarted. the bandits’ thievery.
An ingenious solution! Thanks!
A new morning ritual for Gigi and Papa — reading Anne’s Blog. Gigi thinks a horse with a mask is funny. She likes black cats and”brownish yellow ones.” She also thinks Anne is pretty.
Oisin has never liked being alone. He prefers a party.