It’s bound to be a pretty good day, when it starts with this guy in bed (also Harry)…
Roscoe, the Maltese king of cats
It was hot, but Harry decided to venture out and play some golf!
Jane and Derry came over for a morning ride. We had a nice wander around, and did some cantering on the ring, including a few jumps, despite the dust.
Here come Jane and Derry! 
Jane sees the camera and waves!
On the way back from the ring, I was checking my phone for the upcoming weather. Jane said “Heads up!” just in time, as there was a doe and a fawn at the edge of the woods. Needless to say, Bart spooked hard. I did not fall off, for a change, but the best thing was, he smacked into a young cottonwood tree, which arrested his momentum and sobered him right up! Then, the deer accompanied us up to the barn – they were on the trail just inside the woods. I got a picture of them as they wandered across the driveway on their undisclosed itinerary. Once they were gone, and the coast was clear, Jane and Derry could return home.
Two of too many 
Derry watches the deer depart
Anne McCarthy Nelson made the long trek westward from St. Louis for another visit. We had a memorable time reminiscing and catching up. Nearly sixty years of friendship is a real treasure. Anne is not a rider, but she is a good sport, and we took pictures with each of the boys. Fifteen years ago, Anne brought her daughter, Emma, out to celebrate her sixth birthday. Crunchie participated, and even ate some cake. Emma has become a biologist. Time does go by!
Emma Nelson’s 6th birthday, 2005
No cake for horses today, but carrots were enjoyed.
Bart and Anne McCarthy Nelson 
Oisin and Anne McCarthy Nelson 
Stone and Anne McCarthy Nelson
When Harry arrived back from a very hot golf game, we had lunch, then took some more pictures. Social distance was perhaps not strictly enforced, but I hope the dog germs act as a barrier and keep us safe
Anne and Anne with Mistletoe 
Anne and Anne with Weedy 
Harry and Anne in the studio
In the garden, to my dismay, another hornworm appeared! But also a beautiful nasturtium blossom. I relocated the hornworm, unable to smash it, knowing it will soon be a butterfly. We can share the tomatoes. After all, the deer took almost all the apples and the raccoons got every single peach. I hope my ability to raise food is not called on for our survival!
Finally, here are the two orange cats.
Marmalade waits for breakfast 
Tom Morris poses for the camera on a hot afternoon.
Stay safe, stay well.
Headline: “Cottonwood delivers Cowboy Justice”
Perfect – you could have been a newspaper editor! Too bad that job has gone the way of buggy whip sales.
Reading your blog is the highlight of my day. I love the pictures, comments and keeping up with your life. Thank you for taking the time and effort to stay in communication with your friends and family. I look forward to when I can get together with you, Harry and Jane
As always,
Sue and Bill
I trace my daughter’s delight in all things of nature to Anne. If biology is defined as “the plant and animal life of a region or environment”(Merriam-Webster), then this blog is a biologist’s perspective. By spending time with Anne, Emma’s eyes were opened and her curious young mind was filled with the wonder of all the plant and animal life found at Bronze Fox Farm. There is no other biologist Emma spent time with. (I love history and my husband is a health care economist ). After seeing Anne, Emma wanted to read books and watch David Attenborough’s videos to learn more. Both she and Harry gave a wonderful gift to a young girl, their appreciation of all wonder at Bronze Fox farm. I am so grateful for giving her that passion.
Anne, I am so humbled by this post I don’t know what to say. But I will say more later! As always, not enough time…
Suffice for now to say I don’t deserve credit but I am so grateful to know Emma, who gives me some hope for this poor planet. Also grateful for the term “herping” !!
Hi Anne: It was such a delight seeing the picture of Emma’s 6th birthday party at your house — that brought back a lot of good memories! It looks like you and Anne are having fun during her visit. My best to you and Harry.
Best regards,
Lyle Nelson
Oh, Lyle, you must be missing Anne! I am so lucky to have had some time with her, and I am sorry I didn’t identify you in the birthday picture. The horse, of course, got credit. I cannot believe you have not aged at all in 15 years! Hope to see you before too many more years go by, really nice to hear from you!