Updates

 Took some time out from creating inventory to take in some culture this week. Monday evening we attended a concert on the lawn in front of the Lithgow Library in Augusta with he Dunlap Highland Band. (https://www.dunlaphighlandband.com/) While we watched the dark rain clouds roll in from the northwest the band entertained with some classics (Amazing Grace, Scotland the Brave) and some other unfamiliar tunes. It was an unusual and enjoyable evening but we left early, in part to beat the rain which never materialized and in part to be home in time for Jeopardy.

 Thursday we trekked out to Monmouth for the Theatre at Monmouth's production of Shakespeare's As You Like It. It was a well-produced, acted and directed show although likely somewhat confusing for those unfamiliar with the story. A couple of over the top performances were the only distractions. And I've always loved that intimate theater in Cumston Hall which appeared to have had some renovations since I was last there. A true gem of a theater! 

 The rest of my week was spent either at the sewing machine or in front of the television, creating and completing more inventory. So far, since the Belfast show, 10 bread cloths, 7 wall hangings, 5 runners. I have 2 more weeks until the Brunswick show so will try to sneak in a couple of sets of placemats. Plus I still need to tag/package things and add to the inventory spreadsheet. And I have gardening to do - my beds were neglected during all of July because it was far too hot and humid to even think about being out there. Still, things have flourished, mostly because of all the rain we had.

Addendum: As I often do in the summer, I was watching racing from Saratoga and sadly witnessed the horrific breakdown of Maple Leaf Mel in the Test Stakes. Just two strides before the finish line, she appeared to stumble and then crumpled to the track, throwing jockey Joel Rosario to the dirt. FOX thankfully cut the camera away immediately then went to a commercial break while everyone gathered themselves. I lost my desire to watch any more races today but I see that the positive energy that was Mel and her connections has left for the time being as the trainer who won the Whitney later on the card is someone who should never have regained his trainer's license in New York or anywhere. His blatant disregard of rules and cavalier attitude towards the horses in his care should have banned him for life. Perhaps if HISA had been in effect back 10 years ago he would have been. His victory meant that the other positive energy of the day, Cody's Wish, was denied another win. 

My sincere condolences to all of Mel's connections, especially those who were hands on with her. I know they will feel the loss for a long time and continue to wonder "What could have been?" Also, condolences to anyone else who witnessed the end of this race, whether online, on television or in person. 

Addendum #2: In an extremely classy move, Brendan Walsh, the trainer of Pretty Mischievous, the winner of the Test, showed up at Mel Giddings shed row Sunday morning with the blanket of flowers awarded the winner. He said essentially that he knew Maple Leaf Mel won the race. Her empty stall has become a shrine and the blanket is front and center. Walsh's gesture comes on the heels of his decision to forego the traditional winner's circle celebration and presentation the day before. No one at the track felt like a celebration. 

And to those on social media who are trolling posts about this sad day, know that karma knows on bounds. In the words of Don Henley - learn to be still.