Another birthday dawn means .....

A birthday dawn means I have added another year of memories and friends and adventures. It means my cup is a little fuller, probably overflowing at this point, like my water troughs when I forget to turn the water off. I hope my overflow of love and laughter and experiences trickle down across all the plains of my life and help something else grow. I will become a grandmother this year and that is the biggest gift ever. My children thrive- they may struggle but who doesn't- but they are still growing. I love my husband who puts up with me when I am grouchy and looking to take a frustrating day out on somebody other than a horse. Yes, some days are still frustrating. Fences break, yearlings kick you, the computer is smarter than me but I am HAPPY. Love that song. So, yes Happy Birthday, here's to many more adventures. The tough old bird is still riding hard!!

A late July sunrise

The summer has actually been lovely so far- not too hot. A lot of rain has left the stream flowing and the pastures green. Lots of flies but the horses manage and have been enjoying their summer months off. One foal weaned and four to go.

Sam and Stephanie's pregnancy

Stephanie is now about seven months along.

She is feeling well and looking beautiful. They are expecting a little boy on October 23rd and we are all very excited. I keep seeing really cute little outfits and baby blankets and I need to stop buying them. Laura lent me a bassinet so I hope the baby comes to visit a lot!   Stephanie slipped on the front porch last week and broke a bone in her foot so is hobbling around in a boot for the next six weeks. October will be here soon!!

Will and Annie's engagement party

On July 18th I hosted an engagement party for Will and Annie at the Hunt Club. We decorated the pavilion and I set out photographs of their trips and holidays around the world. Friends and family welcomed Annie's parents, Doug and Susan Bernacchi, and one of her brother's, Jack,  from Elkhart, Indiana. The wedding is scheduled for September of 2017 in Indiana at a lovely country club near their home.  Isabel took some very beautiful pictures of the happy couple and I was so proud of them. They have managed a long distance relationship and it seems to have strengthened their love.

June holiday to Scotland

Mike and I joined my sister Patti, her husband Dan,  and my other sister Margaret for a holiday in Scotland. We arrived in Edinburgh on June 7th and started driving counterclockwise around the Highlands. We stayed in some lovely bed and breakfasts ( always great breakfasts), a castle and a luxury Scottish 5-star resort. We golfed at St. Andrews and put our toes in the Baltic Sea, on the east coast, then went to Isle of Skye where we gazed at the Atlantic. In between were walks through many castles and the battlefields of Culloden. We saw where they filmed Harry Potter and watched an old train steam away from the Hogwarts school site. The driving was interesting, on the wrong side of the road. We returned the rental car with a few dents, missing a mirror and lots of scratches. But it was a great time. The best part was spending time with my sisters, always special.

my romantic son

Annie Bernacchi has accepted Will's marriage proposal and we are thrilled. Who knew William had such a romantic side! In Virginia's beautiful wine country, on a picture perfect day, he asked his best friend and the woman he loves to spend her life with him. Beautiful Annie, we are so happy to welcome you into our family and I wish the two of you a lifetime of love and happiness.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all my women friends. Whether your children are two-legged or four-legged, they are all a blessing. They are our best teachers and friends; our worst critics and biggest supporters. They are our mirrors.
All my foals are here safe and sound. Thank you Mother Nature. I hold my breath through every delivery and am grateful for my husband's quiet presence and sometimes that extra muscle.
My two-legged kids are all grown up now and spread out. Sam and Will are having breakfast with me today and Sarah is in LA, being here in spirit, as she helps other moms and their families enjoy a Mother's Day Brunch. Love you sweetie. Sam is starting the journey to parenthood and will have his own "mother of Baby" to spoil in the future. Thank you all for being in my life, for choosing me to be your Mom. It has been the best adventure of my life.