April 2025

The month of April came and went without my fanfare or excitement. It was a pretty low key month. Sophia came home from college mid month because she wasn't feeling well. The stomach bug got the best of her. Being put on a clear liquid diet for 48 hours was easier done at home, that and sleeping in her own bed was just what the doctor ordered. 

We went to see a barn friend perform as Ariel in The Little Mermaid. A whole bunch of the barn family had dinner and then went to the play. The barn family is so much fun and very supportive of each other. 

I did a little gardening and took advantage of the full bloom of the azalea bushes to take the yearly "May 1st" picture marking Sophia's half birthday. The azaleas popped into full color the last week of April and they were spectacular. The picture of Sophia isn't the greatest. I am not sure what happened with the lighting. 

 

Sophia and I went to the tent sale at Dover and didn't find much in the way of bargains but it was nice to spend time with her. That evening we all went to see the Maryland Orchestra perform How to Train Your Dragon. It was an amazing performance.

  

Our pets even had a low key month. This first picture shows all of them on the couch with Steve. 

March 2025

 Sophia took a class at college which taught the history of China through food. She had a couple of projects that required simple cooking. This meant she came home a couple of weekends to do her homework. Loved having her home. 

March started off the competition season for Sophia. She did a recognized jumper show for the first time. Sophia has been more focused on dressage but Wren is so versatile and seems to enjoy jumping. He does better jumper higher jumps, probably because he is so tall and is a big mover. They did two rounds at .8 (approx 2'7"). They got a 7th place (our of 18 riders) in the speed round. They also had a clear round at .9 (2'11") and one rail down in the jump off earning 8th place out of 19 riders. It was an exciting day. So glad to see Sophia trying new things with Wren. 

Sophia also went to the Pony Club Dressage Rally. The horse management part was difficult especially with her and her friend G being judged at C2 standards. They are picky!  The riding was fun. Wren was a little "extra" during the first test. He spooked at the letters in the ring, acting as if he never saw a dressage letter before. Sophia did Level 1 Test 3 and Level 2 Test 1. She also rode an amazing pas de deux with her friend G. They were incredible. Sophia got high score in her division. 

Tracey was in town for her birthday. I joined her, Gianna and Angie for dinner. It was nice to see them. 

Our pets are all doing well. 

Until next month.