Full Steam Ahead (into Fall)

Last time I looked, it was still Summer. Warm temperatures and sunny days abounded. But suddenly, Fall is upon us and our schedule went from moderate to sometimes nearly impossible. We are now at TWO Scott's Orchards - our long-time favorite venue in Glastonbury (Woody's) and now in Deep River for the first season ever (Winston's, Woody's brother). We are loving it. Other long time contracts are being fulfilled and we are loving them, too, in both city settings and country, in state and out. And, of course, the weddings.

We have a new addition to the family, too. Skittles. Adopted from a state rescue, Skittles is a sweet natured appy pony, with the same reddish brown coloring as Buttercup, only with a splattering of spots. We are hoping they will make a good little pony pair! Until we can evaluate Skittles' abilities, he and Buttercup are getting to know each other, and getting along quite well!

Photos: Top: Danny & Dakota at Edgerton Park's "Sunday in the Park".

Second: Diesel and Lincoln are overshadowed by a ballerina on stilts at Edgerton Park.

Third: Chatham Square is hands down one of our most favorite venues!

Fourth: Our "new" Scott's Orchard, in Deep River: www.scottsfarms.com. Visit us at Scott's Orchard and Nursery in Glastonbury, too! www.scottsorchardandnursery.com

Bottom: Skittles (left) and Buttercup.

Hurricane Irene

It has been a couple of weeks since we had opportunity to post anything to this blog. Hurricane Irene wrecked havoc here on the eastern seaboard, from South Carolina all the way to Maine. We had heavy rains and wind, which knocked down trees onto power lines and kept us in the dark for 6 days. Wouldn't you know, with two generators on standby, neither one worked when we needed them, and we waited five days for a borrowed one. Although we had water stockpiled in holding tanks, they only lasted us so long and we were going back and forth to the neighboring stable, who had a generator hooked up to a pump in their their farm pond, for water. Showers were taken at my parents' house a half hour from here. No lights, TV or internet meant going to bed early, and reading a good book during some quiet time. By the fifth day, that generator was a god-send to this little farm with its big horses - but still, we enjoyed some of the quietude the storm allowed us.

Photos: Top: During the height of the storm, the dogs wrestled each other on the couch, undoubtably grateful for being allowed to stay indoors and out of the rain.

Bottom: A large tree came dow from across the road, downing power lines a narowly missing our neighbor's house.