The Long Shadows of August

Today was a perfectly glorious day here in upstate New York, with low humidity, sunny skies and temps in the mid 70s. But there's no mistaking that summer will soon be leaving us. At noontime, I looked out the kitchen window and noticed that the tree shadows spilled across the driveway. I was shocked to see such long shadows when the sun is at its highest point of the day. But such is the cycle of the seasons. I'm just happy to squeeze as much enjoyment as I can out of the nice weather that is left.

Alexandra visits Noble Ridge Farm

My six-year-old grand-niece, Alexandra, arrived on Sunday for an overnight with us. She loves horses, so of course she had a couple of riding lessons on Noble, who was wonderful with her. We visited the new foals on my road, picked wildflowers, walked in the woods, and finished up with a shopping trip to a local western store. Aunt Linda went a bit crazy with having a horsey little girl to buy for, so Alexandra went home with a new cowgirl hat, very bling cowgirl boots and socks with pink horses on them. She went home yesterday wearing her treasures, and according to her mother, only takes them off to go to bed. She's a real delight and a joy to be around. However, I did learn why women over 50 do not have babies! I was exhausted and slept like a rock last night.

New Life!

                                   Eva at one day old

Looking at my previous blog pictures, I realize how long it's been since I posted to this blog. It's now August, the dog days of summer, and we have two new residents in the neighborhood. About three weeks ago a filly was born to my neighbor's TB mare, and last week, another mare at her place gave birth to a little colt. Both foals have the same sire, a Trakehner who stands at 17 hands, so they will both be big. The filly's name is Eva; the colt is Edouardo. They are both gorgeous and full of themselves. Interestingly, Eva is very confident, independent and very curious, while Edouardo is more timid and likely to stay close to his mom. It's fun to watch them learn more every day.

                Edouardo at 2 days old