It has been a wet Spring, which reminds me of the VERY wet year, 1993. This year is nothing like as soggy as that one, but I wandered back in time and retrieved some old photos from that auspicious damp year, when we lived in Bowling Green, Missouri, about an hour north of here.
The big event that Spring was the birth of Nelson (England Expects). We spent many nights running out in storms and bringing Maggie and her new baby into the barn. Later that year, we had the Amish build a shed.
We went to some big horse shows that year, with Tom (Thomas Equinas) and Stretch. Harry won the NAL Adult Jumper Classic in Kentucky, which was a very big deal. We trained with Diane Carney, who taught us a lot, and inspired us to do more than we were really capable of. I cried a lot, but that’s not news.
Nieces and nephews came to visit the farm. Now they are all grown up, and life has changed, but those were wonderful times, despite the rains.
Many horses came through our lives in those days. I remember all of them. Doctor Lightfoot (Doc) came to us from the racetrack and took easily to jumping. He was beautiful and kind, and was named Apparition by his new owner. A fine name for a fine horse.
But enough of the past. Soon enough, today will be past. There isn’t much to show for this particular day. Jane and I had lunch with a friend, which was fun. There was much analyzing of horses and trainers , and plenty of laughter.
Jane was given a new cat. It’s orange, so I call it Tim Morris. Judging by the picture, it could be a twin brother to Tom Morris. It’s neutered and vaccinated, which is always a bonus. I hope to meet him tomorrow and will try to get a good picture.
The attempt to get good bluebird pictures continues. I had a little bit more luck today, but these are still not at all what I am aiming for.
The horses were glad to come in out of the rain this morning.
Between showers, I did get a picture of a bee on the drift roses. I bought three drift roses at a horse show last June, abused them terribly by failing to plant them for months. Eventually, I got them into the ground, and now, to my astonishment, they are thriving and beautiful!
Harry worked in the studio rather than join the hen party at lunch. I love watching his creations take shape. I never tire of it.
After all the chores were done, I joined Harry and Weedy for the news.
The horses will take the rain, with cool temperatures, over bugs any day. Soon enough, Oisin will be in his fly sheet, but this was a perfect evening.
Be safe, be well. It’s OK to be sad – there is much to grieve, but be grateful, too. Slava Ukraini! Peace.
You brought sunshine through the rain. This was a special post. There was a lot of happiness throughout and your happy memories iced the cake. Thank you very much. Boats
Thomas Equinas. I love it. Thanks once again for lifting our spirits, Anne. Your blogs are always wonderful.
Aloha,
Jan
The deer ate all my drift roses from the horse show last year. Right down to nubs, in fact. I await their miraculous return, as they seem hardy.
Your bird pictures are always a delight!
I just LOVE the old pictures of those great Thoroughbreds! I even smiled seeing Harry in rust breeches.
Thank you Anne
I wonder, as does Weedy the Wonder Dog, what do you see, and or hear, on the news that is news? I enjoyed your memories, the horses, Harry looking so fine on Tom and you, Anne, on Stretch (I love, love your hands over a fence!). And, Will, I’d like to know more about Will. Your nieces grown up now and the lives they’ve created—awesome! I come from a cumbersome family, shall we call it? To see a family in the works, the works that work, it’s downright lovely and enchanting!! Thank you for sharing! Yet, another blog that has been a true joy.