A dire forecast of 5 to 10 inches of snow in a winter storm WARNING, had me well prepared for hunkering down, but it was a briefly beautiful morning with only two inches of wet snow that mostly melted. Much better to be surprised by less snow than by too much. We are feeling very lucky. Apparently, the Ozarks were buried under a foot of snow!
But let’s step back a week and catch up. Susan Hibbard, whose main claim to fame is that she bred Bart, brought her beautiful, gray mare, Galatea (Teah) to the DMG Shows’ Meet Me In St. Louis Show at the National Equestrian Center. Jane and I watched her school with Sarah Mechlin and Ali McCool, which inspired us for the future, when we ride again. We also videoed Susan’s rounds, so this picture is pulled off the video. I did order a good picture of Susan and Teah from the horse show photographer, but it has not yet arrived. The horse show was sparsely attended, but the Children’s and Adult Jumpers were quite competitive. Susan and Teah were spectacular, and finished as Reserve Champions, just a fraction behind Stephanie Hill and Scandalero (also schooled by Sarah and Ali).
We had a sprinkle of snow last week, early in the morning. It was soon gone, but was quite pretty.
Harry, meanwhile, has stayed well, after his unfortunate cardioversion. His loyal sidekick, Weedy, has resumed his adventures, since the traps are gone, but he knows his main job is as Harry’s comfort. Of course, he never misses a trip to town, which is a bonus. Roscoe, too, occasionally gives Harry a bit of love.
The horses are well, and enjoying yet another spell of leisure. They spend enough time romping and play fighting over the fence that they are not losing too much fitness.
I have done my second bird count for Project FeederWatch. I have 16 species of birds so far. It’s harder to count than I expected.
Two nights ago, I was sweeping up some leaves outside the kitchen door, and found a little goldfinch nestled between a glass bottle awaiting recycling and the wall. Its head was tucked under its wing. Worried that a cat might hurt it, I got my bird rescue box and picked it up. I wondered if there was something wrong with it, but it seemed fine, though rather freaked out about being handled. I took it out into the dark, and soon it calmed down. Once it was quiet, I put the box into a pine tree. When I checked in the morning, the box was empty and there was no sign of a corpse or feathers. I like to think this is maybe that little bird, returned for breakfast…
The dogs and cats are well. Really, there is not much news at the moment, as we hurtle toward February. No news is, indeed, good news here.
We are counting our blessings around here.
Be safe. Be well. Slava Ukraini! Peace.
Susan’s round on Saturday was so fun and just inspiring! It’s always a blast to watch a lifelong friend enjoy a great trip on a great horse! And the good horse had all the treats even before leaving the ingate area! Luther is aspiring to this!!
Ah, Weedy. From the streets to the sheets. Lucky dog.
Lovely, lovely, lovely and yes, counting our blessings, me too. Many really good photos, and very cool about your Project FeederWatch, 16 species! Wow! The snow pictures are gorgeous, snow is gorgeous to me, I love it! St. Louis was literally closed down yesterday, hardly any traffice anywhere in the AM, amazing to witness for this gal who lived in MN for 10 years. Even the Art Museum opened late. As to the lucky horses, they do look fit, especially Bart who tends to get a wee bit rounder than the others. I like to be delicate when referring to one’s weight.
Cartoon Weedy, your portrait of him does show off that side of him. And, Harry, the star of the show with his always ready smile. Thank you!!
wonderful portraits of mid-winter activities, showing and sheltering and cooking and waiting to eat .A magical time in your pix. although it’s a shitty cold time if you ask me , my most dreaded month. You Gave me a lift! Thanks.
So glad you were lucky with the storm. A little bit of snow makes good scenery and I like your garden ornaments. In my previous home I had a garden rabbit but it was never quite right after a tree fell on it. I had a St Francis statue as well but the raccoons did for him. Your animals all have such personality and I love to see their faces. And Harry’s smile. I think smiles are therapeutic.
A Pennsylvania girl, I marvel at the closing of schools and many other venues when snow barely covers the sole of my shoe. Only a foot or two blizzard shut down schools for a day or so.
John and I got up at 4:30 to watch the snowfall here in the patio room with the outdoor flood shining on the snow display. It was serene and what John was hoping for with his high mounted flood on the trees and the woods behind the house. A simple pleasure to two ole folks!
Your photos are wonderful and very enjoyable! Here comes February , wishing you peace and happiness.
Love all the photos!!! Hoping for more.
I have a bird “place” and you have inspired me to count the species including the hawk who likes to snag one of the little brown ones and then tear it apart on tthe fence
Very gory but I can’t look away