Rolling Stones concert at Verizon Center

I took a chance, thinking the Stones may never tour ago and just went to the Verizon Center last night. I have scalped some great tickets at football games in the past, so thought "what the heck!". Well, the scalpers were all wanting $600 for the nosebleed seats so I was thinking my chances were pretty slim as I had a mere $200 cash in pocket. They laughed at me. But.. I had a stroke of luck, a fellow quietly walked up to me and said he had an extra ticket for the "pit"- standing room only, right in front, was I interested?  Just had to pay the $85 he had been charged as a member of the fan club!!! Yes!!! I ended up right in front, hanging on to the barrier in front of the stage. Keith Richards and Mick Jagger definitely look all of 70, but nobody can prance like Jagger! He reminded me of a panther. He is whip thin and moves like a cat, all sinewy and lithe. Richards is the most charming old pirate. I was so lucky to catch them for one last time - the songs are timeless and awesome, and I danced and felt like a kid. Rock and roll forever.

Graduation from Naval War College/Visit to Rhode Island

We had a wonderful visit with Ryan, Julia and Emmett Roehling in Rhode Island this past weekend. Michael graduated with his Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College and we combined that with the visit to Julia. Emmett is the best toddler! Charming and a little gentleman. He has a great pony named Tinker and a pony-sized dog named Titan, who is not so friendly. The pony enjoyed beer in the garden with the adults, the dog did not! Mike received his diploma from Admiral Greenert, Chief of Naval Operations which was an honor and he was presented with a "coin" for graduating with Distinction. A reception followed at the CO's home which had the most beautiful view of the water in front of the Naval War College. We sampled the local lobsters with Doug, Ryan and Julia  and walked the cliff walk in front of the famous Newport mansions, notably The Breakers. Unimaginable wealth around here! Fun for me was watching Julia play polo with her team on Friday. She is very good and Ryan winces each time she knocks over the retired admirals or whatever on the Naval War College team, for whom she plays! She grins! It was a great weekend.

Father's Day weekend

It is a beautiful day, the Saturday morning of Father's Day weekend in June. Clear, dry and blue, blue skies, no clouds. Thinking of my Dad, I wanted to find an old photograph of he and I walking at the Calgary Stampede, hand in hand. I think I was about 8, proud to be there in my "squaw" dress - so politically incorrect to call it that now. I think it was a type of dress with a ruffle at the bottom and smocking at the neck that the women on the reservations near Calgary wore. So, for the Stampede week in July it was the costume for all the girls in various colors! Dad had his Stetson on, the required costume for all the guys! A friend from Maryland recently told me his son was going to be working in Calgary, in the oil industry. I should tell him where to get a Stetson for his son- he will need one! I still remember the parade and walking with Dad; he seemed so tall and handsome. All I wanted was to see the horses and the cowboys. The beginning of my lifelong love affair with all things to do with horses. Happy Father's Day Dad. I miss you and hope you are somewhere still watching me ride!

Sarah as Rosalind

Just returned from Los Angeles from my whirlwind weekend with Sarah. I was able to see her perform as Rosalind in "as You Like It" a couple of times- what a treat. She loves to perform and it shows. I thought she was terrific, funny and exuberant, she lights up the stage every time! Los Angeles was fun, same wonderful weather- much cooler than the east coast and infinitely drier!! Came back to green, green everywhere and rain, so much rain. It is fun to step out of my life "on the farm" and be in someone else's life for a bit. What I really notice is that the rhythm of another's life is so different. My schedule of feeding, mucking, walking, riding is natural to me but I love trying on another. I rose later, got into LA traffic and drove with hordes on endless freeways, walked on pavement and entered innumerable cafes. People watching replaced horse watching. You know how we unconsciously always pay attention to the movement of our horse- how they walk up to greet you or how they jog away, or gallop in the distance. One can immediately see a discord or bad step and respond. Well, people watching is similar for me. I watch the way they move and walk and greet each other. Body language tells you everything about someone- how their day is going, how they are feeling, what they think of the person they just greeted! People can not pin their ears back like a horse but if you watch they show animosity in physical ways too. Anyway, people watching in LA is fun and I had a great weekend. Mares in Kentucky are getting in foal and the summer slowly warms up. I am enjoying my short visits to the kids and looking forward to the beach when we will all be together!

visit with Will and Annie in Charlotte

I had a wonderful weekend with William and Annie in Charlotte. Will was able to take me up to his office in the Hearst building and I was so impressed. Huge office, trading floor and impressive glimpse into the financial world that is Will's life right now. Leading me thru many security checkpoints, his desk is in a room straight out of Wall Street the movie. It was very early morning, so empty but I could imagine the chaos it would have seemed to me at a regular hour. Helped to see where he has been spending all his time this past year. Then we drove to Asheville and Annie and Will showed me her apartment ( very cute) and the famous Biltmore. An American Downton Abbey, it is an incredible home. An architectural  masterpiece that is amazing to imagine a private family called this home. Simply too huge to really imagine except I have watched Downton Abbey and now understand how an estate like this is really a village of people and gives work to so many people. Very beautiful and the cool breezes really did keep the massive place comfortable without air conditioning.  It was a great visit and I was so happy to see Will. Truly I am relinquishing the "mom" role and becoming an admirer of my children! Will has accomplished so much and I am so proud of him.