The day seemed to begin well, on horseback. We set a triple bounce exercise, which was fun. Afterwards, when we had ridden back home, I dismounted and was talking to Jane. As I walked into the barn, Bart caught his right hind shoe on the door stop and sprung it badly. Of course, he stood on the clip, too, tearing up the hoof wall. I removed the shoe, then it turned out that poor Bart really needed to wee, so the aisle was soaked, since he had not had a chance to go into his stall. Off to a messy start!
“This has been a rough morning!” says Bart. “I need a nap!” 
But, Tracy did arrive as promised and by the end of the day, the new lights were installed in the studio. So the important thing went well, and Fred will be here on Friday to shoe Bart. Life is good.
Harry and I drank our tea on the porch as it rained. It was idyllic. This year has driven home to us how lucky we are. Not that we needed so many reminders.
Harry reads the news on his tablet 
Weedy does not like thunder rumbles 
The pond
Birds were in abundance. It really was a glorious morning. I think we are seeing more young birds of various sorts. Groups arrive with several smaller members. The male summer tanager tried to eat suet without landing on the feeder, making for entertaining pictures.
Juvenile red bellied woodpecker 
Cardinal and catbird 
Red winged blackbird 
Summer tanager 
Hummingbird
Jane was reprimanded by the trash man yesterday for overhanging branches on her driveway! So she had a major trimming project to attend to after the rain stopped. I went over to be nearby in case she cut her own arm off by mistake. It was a fun opportunity to watch a master trimmer at work, and to see the magnificent Alington Botanical Garden (so named to honor Jane’s parents). I cannot do justice to Jane’s gardens, or her lush hedges.
Jane and Hazel
There was fence to fix at home, so I enlisted Harry’s help for what I thought would be a quick job. It turned into a bit of an ordeal because tree trimming became necessary. And it was very hot. But it was so much fun to be working outside together again!
Before 
After 
After the chores, Harry changed into his boogaloo shirt, after picking off several ticks, and took the dogs outside.
Finally, out in Montana, it was a very big day for Rainy. She took her first trailer ride! She accompanied Gracie to a conjugal visit with a jackass. Yes, Gracie will be having another mule baby next year! Gracie and Rainy will vacation at the donkey’s home until she is in foal.
Rainy hops out of the trailer 
Rainy in her new pen
Stay safe, stay well, enjoy it all.
Love all the photos. Jane and Hazel, lovely! Bart always amusing looks on his face. The birds, doggies so happy to be walking with Harry, MT photos, who doesn’t dream of a place there? Thanks, a good start to my day!
Go Jane Go!