Abbott "Pete" Smith D.V.M.: June 16, 1938 - February 22, 2010 Virginia Joyann "Jody" Haley Smith: April 2, 1938 - May 9, 2021 |
Welcome to Milliron Monday where every Monday we celebrate the legacy of Milliron Farm and Clinic, Dr. Pete and Jody Smith.
"I really feel well enough to go riding - it's certainly maddening not to be able to, just hope I feel like it after the baby's born!"
― Jody Smith
Jody's letter home to Mansfield, Ohio. Backstory: In this letter, Jody sounds a bit homesick and wondering if her parents, Virginia and Bart, will be coming for the birth of her first child. Pete begins his nighttime job at the greyhound track, eating too much popcorn, which, as he tells everyone later, destroyed his teeth.
Route One, Box 61
Fort Collins, Colorado
Friday, June 24, 1960
Dear All,
Just a note to thank you for the package which arrived today. All, including night light, pitcher, cup, were unbroken and much appreciated. I had a great time dusting with the pretty duster today. The main reason it was such great fun was because I also dusted "Pooh", much to his dismay. The flyswatter is destined for much use. There are even more flies here than Pooh can handle! Pete seemed to like his shirts very much and wore the blue one, with the light blue and white striped pants, down to the dog track tonight.
Tonight was opening night at the Greyhound track, and it's certainly going to mean lots of long lonesome summer evenings for me. Sure wish I could go along or he could stay here. I just hope our young one times its entrance into the world when his or her Daddy is here to greet it.
Last night we attended a nice buffet dinner at the track to celebrate the opening of the season. I wore the two-piece turquoise dress which seemed quite appropriate for the occasion. I ate much too much - which seems to be the rule at free dinners! So I may have to diet a bit!
I paid my weekly visit to Dr. Rumley this morning and all's well. According to present indications, the baby should arrive in a couple of weeks or so - right on time. I'd just as soon it would arrive about a week early. I'm getting a bit tired of acting like a semi-invalid and just leading horses instead of riding them. I really feel well enough to go riding - it's certainly maddening not to be able to, just hope I feel like it after the baby's born! Actually, I couldn't ride Starboy now anyway since his second wire cut is still in the process of healing but he's much better and will probably be ridable before I'm in shape to be riding.
Are you keeping your plans a secret as to whether you're coming out in July or are we just to assume that you're not planning to? You're certainly welcome to come if you like, or not come if you don't want to. I've been feeling fine and shouldn't need too much rest or help as far as I can tell but it'd sure be nice to see you sometime in the near future. I guess the young one would be more presentable at a later date, judging from the comments in these books, new born babies aren't likely to win any beauty prizes!
At any rate, whichever plans you decide on, are fine with me.
Our snake collection is slowly growing. Pete caught me a very colorful orange and yellow garter snake while he was irrigating, so now "Melvin" and "J. Alfred" are the best of buddies, until one decides to eat the other!
Bye for now.
Love,
Jody
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Through captivating, powerful, and emotional anecdotes, we celebrate the life of Dr. Abbott P. Smith. His biography takes the reader from smiles to laughter to empathy and tears. Dr. Smith gave us compelling lessons learned from animals; the role animals play in the human condition, the joy of loving an animal, and the awe of their spirituality. A tender and profound look into the life of a skilled veterinarian.
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