A Quilter's Garden

I don't know how the rest of you tie your tomato plants, but out here in Barr they are tied with my quilt scraps. I see my husband has been in the scrap basket again. The pink and brown scrap nearest the camera came from Bella's birthday quilt. Next to it is a green and orange piece of fabric that was used in one of the Comfort Quilts we took to West Clinic.  Others include pieces of batting, Christmas material and more. Happy gardening. 

Snowman, the Horse that Inspired a Nation—a review

You all know that I'm a sucker for a good horse story. I said GOOD horse story. I like the ones where the horse makes an impact on the lives of his humans and you see the interaction between the characters.  Having stayed up all night to finish "The Eighty-Dollar Champion: Snowman, the Horse That Inspired a Nation" I wanted to pass on this read to you.

Elizabeth Letts, a seemingly credible horsewoman herself, found this true story and Snowman and Harry de Leyer.  She did extensive research and spent a great deal of time with de Leyer, now in his 80s. She wove a thread through this story that linked the long-shot horse with the mood of the country in 1958.

This story gives all of us who have had an underdog horse, hope.  This is what we think, just maybe, could happen to us.

I was a little disappointed that we did not get to know the de Leyer children. The book is also painfully repetitive at times.  Overall, it is good—taking you into the world of show jumping in Madison Square Garden in the 1950s when the crowd dressed in top hats and tails and evening wear.

You see the everyday chores of Harry as he goes about working with his students as the riding instructor at a prestigious girl's school.

I think Letts was a little hard on Snowman in her description of him, calling him a hack, a plug, a plow horse. He may have been a little rough around the edges compared to the Thoroughbreds, but he was not painfully ugly.

So, read for yourself and see what you think. There is buzz of a movie.  Check out Letts' blog at
http://www.elizabethletts.com/elizabeths-blog/

Mayfair in Senatobia

My Mother's Day gift from the girls was supposed to be a stroll through Gabbert Park in Senatobia and then lunch. One daughter was sick, so Olivia and I went by ourselves.

It is always so refreshing to see something in town that provides a shot in the arm for community spirit.

Local artists and craftsmen were there along with other vendors who were sharing information from their booths. Children played in the bouncy things and walked around the park. Food vendors made you think you were at the old Mid-South Fair.

After allowing time for the other sister to recover, we regrouped and all went to Coleman's BBQ.  What could be more Senatobia?

I still believe I live in the best small town in America.

Senatobia Potter Lane Tutor and wife Susan displayed his wares at the Tutor Pottery booth. (below, left)

Providing musical entertainment was the Northwest Steel Drum Band (bottom pic) under the direction of John Ungurait (center).