The day was cool, and I had a mission to go to Washington (Missouri) to buy fence posts and to deliver a saddle to our friend, Florence.
Driving through the building at Washington Lumber in search of fence posts
I picked up lunch at St. Louis Bread Company, and traveled to Florence’s beautiful farm near Pacific. It was a beautiful drive through peak autumn color, despite the cloudy weather.
Florence’s driveway
I am always excited to see Florence, ever since I first met her, when I was in junior high school. Florence was the older cousin of my friend, Melissa, whose grandmother lived with them (that was more common in those days). Florence was visiting her grandmother at Melissa’s home, where there was a pet rooster who lived in the house, an enormous pig, named Pig Newton, and many horses in the back yard. Understandably, it was one of my favorite places on earth. Here was Florence, a “real” horsewoman, who fox hunted (her father was Master of Bridlespur foxhounds) and horse showed. She was so knowledgeable and entertaining, she seemed a goddess come to earth in my young eyes. She was full of stories, and still is. My awe has been tempered by affection over the years, but I am still always thrilled to cross paths with Florence.
Florence’s pack of four dogs has changed since my last visit, and her horses, too. Last time I was there, I met this fellow, Latigo, who has, fortunately, moved on to a new career…
Latigo 2018
We ate lunch on Florence’s screened porch, atop the hill, with this magnificent view…
A turkey vulture overhead
The newest dog, Rita, a heeler mix, is so sweet I wanted to dognap her.
Beamer, a mountain cur, is a bit shy, but very handsome, kind and happy…
Emily and Walton I have met before. Walton, now fifteen, has aged with grace and dignity. Emily is a classic collie type, sweet and loving.
Walton’s tail is always wagging 
Em!
Such lucky dogs, living in a perfect place with someone who truly loves them! The youngsters romped for joy almost nonstop.
Florence now has two new horses, old age and misfortune having taken all of her other horses. But these two, Jackson and Hardy, have hit the jackpot, and they seem to know it. They are happy, sociable characters, and wonderful trail horses (well, Hardy may not quite measure up to “horse” size).
Hardy and Jackson in “the ghetto” 
Handsome Hardy 
Jackson and Florence
Home again, I unloaded the twenty fence posts and came upon this handsome creature on my way to the house.
Tom Morris
Then, in the house, this handsome creature.
And our dogs thought it only right that their pictures should also be in the blog tonight.
Nettie and Cedar 
Mistletoe 
Weedy
Stone, alas, injured his left front leg, maybe a kick, but it’s cleaned, doctored, and wrapped to keep it clean. It’s been a bad month for Stone. First surgery on his tail, then a lost shoe, and now this. But that’s three things, so maybe his luck will change. In the barn, everyone is settled for the night.
Ouch! 
Goodnight, horses.
And finally, a picture from Laura of a most unusual and attractive caterpillar.
Stay safe, stay well.
O, I love your photos of me and my critturs. Aren’t we all blessed ? Dogs, horses, colored hills! Thanks for the visit. Latigo, who reared one too many times to stay with me, is home at Dusty Kraus’s with Dusty’s team roping son Jake. Latigo’s rearing, skidding stops underneath the cows’ hind ends are admired and applauded over there . And I am happy ambling the trails.
Beautiful!! So much Love!! Glad to hear about Latigo’s new home and perfect job. All the dogs and horses in this blog are lucky. And, yes!! Florence, we all are lucky to know these critters.