Joe and Elayne's Passover 2009!

I am one of the luckiest most blessed girls I know. This week, I attended Joe and Elayne's Passover which is just so much fun and so very meaningful. Here is a photo of Joe and his sister, getting treats ready for everyone at the conclusion of the feast. And here is a photo of a chocolate Seder Plate with strawberries! Can you believe? Anyway, every year that I have attended has been so special. The first year, Joe sang and was spectacular. Last year, the Seder meal was very special for me because I was waiting for Hailee to have Renny. And this year, I really enjoyed attending because little Ren was 11 months old and has given me so much joy. I liked feeling the connection over that year. This year's celebration was also wonderful because Joe and his sister prepared the telling of the story, and his dinner companions sang and sang and sang. Two guests also played fiddle and piano, so the evening felt like the best of times in New Orleans.

Violet is a Gazelle!

On the day Joe came to our stable, he wanted to see Violet moving around. So, we put her in the outdoor ring and I popped the whip from a distance. Well, she took that as permission to take off and she ran a few beautiful thoroughbred laps just for the beautiful fun of it. She was snorting and blowing just like the big racing girl she is!!! I was stunned. Here's a shot that Joe managed to catch of my fleet young thing!!!

Violet cavorts in pasture!

Joe captured my girl in a moment of relaxation and idle movement. Here she is stretching her neck like a gorgeaus young thing. You can see her hotblooded heritage and her little bit of Godolphin Arabian, Darley Arabian, and Byerly Turk! Such a beautiful girl!!!

My beautiful Summer Violet!

A few weekends ago, my friend, Joe Jacoby, came out to Breezy Acres to meet Violet and take some photos. He is a criminologist, but a talented amateur photographer as well. He specializes in nature photography and has taken some extraordinary wildlife photos, but had never taken photos of horses before. My Violet could not have been more red and gorgeaus that day! She looked like what she was -- a daughter of Princequillo, Nasrullah, and Pensive. She showed off her beautiful red chestnut nature! And can you believe the photo -- this is among the first photos that Joe has ever taken of a thoroughbred -- and he captured her "Violetness" to steal from Owen Wilson in You, Me and Dupree. Thank you for such a lovely morning that day, Joe!!! Violet and I are grateful for the photos!