Loss of a Friend

Today is a sad day. My friend and first Vizsla mentor, Carol Wynn, passed away this morning. Ten years ago Carol was diagnosed with breast cancer, but she did not let it take her down. This summer she wasn't feeling well, and found out that her platelet count was quite low. For two months she went in twice a week for a "fill-up". Last Friday she was checked into the hospital with low blood pressure and failing kidneys and liver. Today her friends and family must wish her farewell on her journey to Our Lord. She will rejoin with Samantha and Blue, her first two Vizslas, and hopefully will be watching over my Ricochet and Angel, both of whom passed on this past year.

I got my first two Vizslas, Ricochet and a couple of years later Phoebe, from Carol. She was there to help when Ricochet had her first litter. She always welcomed us into her home when we would come south for a visit or to go to the Greenville shows. It didn't matter how many dogs were in tow - everyone was welcome. There were many fun times around Carol's dining room table. What a wonderful, generous, giving person. I will remember her fondly.

First Fall Trial

Got back from the first field trial for us this fall, and have one brag... I won the Amateur Limited Gun Dog stake with Colonel. He is such a fun dog to run. Dave ran Colonel in the Open Limited Gun Dog, but about half way he disappeared and neither Dave nor I could find him. We knew that he had to be on point somewhere. When Dave pulled the Tracker out, sure enough it indicated that he was on point. It took us some time to pin-point exactly where he was. We rode by him at least twice. He was buried pretty deep in some thick cover.

Dylan and Sara ran in the Open Derby stake that had a very large entry. Both did a nice job, but neither placed.

Pasture in Place... Now the Wait

I can only imagine how waiting for grass to grow is going to test my patience. The pasture has been disked earlier this week, and lime, fertilizer and seed spread today. I wish it would be like those Chia-pets and start to grow immediately. Somehow, I think it will be spring before I see much of anything.

I asked Dave how Dixie was looking. His response was "buff". I know it's only been a couple of weeks, but she is obviously not showing signs of pregnancy yet. Usually it's five weeks or more before the plumpness set in.

The Last Burn Pile

Today I set ablaze the last burn pile of the sticks and logs that I have gathered in the future pasture. Yesterday we had some rain after several weeks of dry weather. This will make disking the ground much easier. Hopefully next week I can get the truck out to spread the lime, fertilizer and seed. Could there be a pasture in our future?

I had planned to take Buddy to a Brittany trial up at Sumerduck this weekend to ride and watch, but the trial was canceled due to lack of entries. So instead, I started yet another project at home this weekend - painting the window and door trim / sills on the exterior of the house. I won't finish the project this weekend, but I hope to get a good start on it. This is all in an attempt to stay ahead of any more rotting around the windows... already had some repair work done this summer.

I can't wait for field trial season to get here. Today's cooler weather sure did get me in the mood for it. Puppies on the way will cut my fall season short a bit, but it'll be fun having wee ones in the house again.