No Legs? No Problem!

At Quintra Therapeutic Riding stables, horseback riding is not so much a sport as it is a means to an end. The owner/instructor, Barb (shown here) has an amazing way of saddling up just about anyone. Once landed on the horse, a therapy session involving stretching and flexing your upper body might be the order of the day, or if your legs are still or won't move, the warmth of the horse's body as he's walking will soothe you. This special saddle is crafted just for this purpose. No reins required! Sometimes the horse is a vehicle, sometimes the horse is the equipment. Good lady, good riding, good idea!

Because There Can Never Be Too Many Puppies!

In lieu of loading some pics of our unspeakably heated surroundings, I thought it appropriate to take pause (paws?) and focus on being cool and comfortable. What better way than to stare at seven week old Lucy, the pup. Oh, to be that safe and sated in one's own skin!

The Mighty Quinn!

This impossibly stretchy cat is available for ownership (this is if a cat can ever be truly owned). My friend, Nancy, is housing Quinn's stray self on her porch for now, much to the dismay of her two window-hissing indoor cats. I hope the three felines can work out their differences because Quinn looks very much at home. Psst -if the cat has been named, can an invite inside be far off?

Oh and Meg - I appreciate your comment very much but can't seem to post my own comment in reply. Stymied.

Bad Boaters, Good Food, and Friendly Rellies!

The Barlow/Hallam Family Reunion at Moira Lake was one splendid day! The stage show included aggressive boat racers from next door, a feast of fresh fruit and vegetables before dinner, and boxes full of family photos. Since those pastimes are pleasant to be sure, they can only get you so far so I spent a few hours noodling in the water with various cousins of Rob's. Saturday's scorching heat was soothed away!

A Boy And His Dog

The Frankford Blues Festival boasted plenty of talent, but none more noteworthy than friend, Brian and his newly acquired pup, Lucy! She's a soft, cuddly little ball of puppy breath. My wiener dog ate a plate of tarts today.

Room With A View

The other day I interviewed The Fosters, a couple who have made it their life's work to photograph and write about nature all over the world. Amazing people...and what a quietly inspiring home they've built. With a chipmunk who runs in and grabs peanuts from his own bowl in their kitchen, to the brown bear lumbering across their backyard, The Fosters are one with nature from the moment they rise.

Ships Passing in the Light

They go by in all shapes and sizes, leaving one to wonder what takes place on board. Is everything as placid as it appears? Are there rousing domestic arguments erupting, teenagers whining about not going fast enough or not going at all? Of course there are, but from where I sit all is bucolic and beautiful....the view from here is always ship shape.

Cats Snooze While Swans Swim

These are not your garden variety catbirds....and our cats are not terrbily selective about their bird slaughtering. Still, they've never once attempted to reach out and slap a swan. On our lazy river, swans rule, cats stay cool.