~ Mike's Gone ~

I was saddened to hear the news that Mike Barter passed away from complications of colon cancer surgery. Mike and I met back in August 2007 when he called me to ask if I would shoot his reunion with the Huey helicopter he crewed in Vietnam. I was so moved by my experience with Mike and the crew at the Wings and Rotors Air Museum that I'm still in touch with them to this day. In fact, it was Shayne, the director of Wings and Rotors who informed me of Mike's passing. You can read about my experience shooting Mike's reunion here.

The part that affects me the most (besides the obvious sadness) when a person dies is going through the motions of deleting them out of your cell phone or email list. My Granny died four years ago and I still get a pop up message every year a week before her birthday reminding me to send a card. I know it's silly, but I just can't bring myself to hit that delete button. I guess Mike's going to have to hang out in my cell phone and email list for a while longer.

Vaya con Dios Mike. I'll see you at home someday soon.

Jody

~ Dusty ~

We lost our old mare Dusty. It was sudden, unexpected, and a great tragedy. She broke her front left leg in the morning before I went out to feed. We had her for over 13 years and I miss her so much. She was rock solid - and a gentle giant. It was so sad listening to Topper and Chester call for her all day after her body was taken away. Her memorial stone is going to say "You'll meet me at the Rainbow Bridge and I'll ride you through the gates of Heaven".

Here's our beautiful girl: