Today brought a stunning surprise in a phone call from someone in our past! Amy was 16, horse crazed, and came to spend the summer with us along with her lovely horse, Falcon. We met at a Midway Horse Show. Her father was in the military and stationed in Warrensburg, Missouri, a long way from California, where Amy got Falcon. She was a talented rider and extremely keen. The highlight of her summer with us was the Trader’s Point Horse Show in 1994, where she schooled with Diane Carney. As a credit to Amy, Diane was impressed with her and tried to buy Falcon. But he was not for sale.
Amy is now a professional rider and trainer in Arizona, having retired from the police force after 20 years, the last ten as a homicide detective! She was a horse professional throughout those years and can now devote full time to her horse business (and her six year old daughter).
Pictured here is Amy on Ace at our farm in Bowling Green. Ace was a talented Quarter Horse who belonged to Claudia Trebelhorn in Fulton. Sadly, Claudia has passed away. Ace was sold after that summer of ’94 as a jumper for a rider on the Venezuelan Young Riders’ Team. He was an “uncomplicated” horse with a generous soul. I hope he had a good life. He sure could jump – Amy sure could ride!
Talking to Amy brought back quite a few memories. She has great recall and could name all the horses we had that summer. What fun to hear from her!
Well, around here today, it was more of the usual.
Warmup 
Jane and Derry canter into the morning sun
I did some work in the studio while Harry sculpted. I am trying to make the walls more coherent, so am hanging pictures carefully (and probably driving Harry insane). It was fun to work together. Here is a picture from the ladder, a different vantage point.
Outside the studio, the oak leaf hydrangea has turned from white to pink, still lush and gorgeous.
Also outside the studio, Harry’s loyal companion, Weedy…
As usual, the back deck provided entertainment.
Male (obviously) squirrel gets a drink 
Pair of pileated woodpeckers – no suet! 
Female grosbeak has ruffled feathers 
Goldfinch and grosbeak happy together 
Pileated woodpecker complains to cardinal
Stay safe, stay well, stay connected.
Gosh I love to visit your world in the morning! Thanks for sharing.
Even way back then my major talent was holding dogs and watching other people work. Fun seeing this shot of Amy and Ace…(Sounds like a sixties pop duo)
Wow! Amy on your fancy quarter horse, Ace, lookin’ good! Great release. Seems that style has gone by the wayside. I view this photo longingly. Harry, we all know you did a lot more than sit and watch, but love your humility, another “style’ gone by the wayside. I sound nostalgic, not so! Happily whimsical. Your vivid wildlife show from toads to pileated woodpeckers and the domesticated side of life, lucky Weedy, “Love you Weedy!” Love it all!!
I remember visiting your farm in Bowling Green!! & I showed up dressed just like that, although I didn’t ride that well (but I had that release down pat!) What fun memories – as always thank you for sharing!
Hard to remember you dressed like that, Jana! You are such an equestrian fashion icon now.