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In my weekly blog, “Amateur Equestrian Confessions,” I share the passion and the pain of one of the most endearing pursuits in the world, horseback riding.
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Cousin Serena
The young actress that played Cousin Serena stepped into the barn. Jerry nickered with genuine joy. She opened her hand and offered him...
JoAnn Shannon
Feb 14, 2024
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Raffi's Report
Jerry was worn out by all the fresh air. He laid down and fell asleep as soon as we were led back to our stalls. Raffi opened the barn...
JoAnn Shannon
Feb 7, 2024
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Playing Games
Raffi returned with my blanket. I motioned for him to lean over and whispered in his ear. “Leave me alone with Jerry. You do some...
JoAnn Shannon
Jan 31, 2024
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Contagious
“My name is Flea.” “Why did they send a detective? Have I broken the law?” Jerry asked. I smiled. “You’ve broken your contract.” Jerry...
JoAnn Shannon
Jan 24, 2024
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Jerry
Raffi was installed in a cabin that stood next to the shed where I was staying. He was far enough away to give me solitude yet close...
JoAnn Shannon
Jan 17, 2024
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Lovestruck
Taylor Sheridan, the writer, director and executive producer of the series Yellowstone, sent his own assistant, Petrolia, to meet us upon...
JoAnn Shannon
Jan 10, 2024
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Darby, Montana
We stayed out too late in Nashville. After an early morning flight, we landed in Missoula, Montana. I emerged from the cargo hold cramped...
JoAnn Shannon
Jan 3, 2024
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A Night in Nashville
It turned out that the Bray City Rollers were rehearsing where I’d spotted the advertisement. Once Raffi and I showed the burly doorman...
JoAnn Shannon
Dec 27, 2023
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Traveling to Montana
Raffi accompanied me as far as the Delta agent would allow. “Are you sure he’ll be safe in there?” Raffi asked pointing to a 4-by-5-foot...
JoAnn Shannon
Dec 20, 2023
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Detective Flea Gets a New Assignment
We were summoned to meet the Chief. Raffi, who had a cold, carried a box of tissues. Upon seeing his red nose, the Chief backed up her...
JoAnn Shannon
Dec 13, 2023
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Detective Flea Reveals What Happened
Raffi and I bustled into the boardroom. The Chief, who was sitting at the head of the table, nodded for me to proceed. I cleared my...
JoAnn Shannon
Dec 6, 2023
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Detective Flea Plans a Meeting
I had solved the mystery of the White House break-in! Raffi sent an invitation to all parties inviting them to a meeting at the...
JoAnn Shannon
Nov 29, 2023
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Detective Flea in the Oval Office
A secretary in a brown, tweed suit ushered Raffi and me into the Oval Office. “Let the detective know we can only spare this room for...
JoAnn Shannon
Nov 22, 2023
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Detective Flea and the New Interpreter
Raffi is the name of my new interpreter. I forgot to introduce him in my previous post because his unprofessional behavior in the Rose...
JoAnn Shannon
Nov 15, 2023
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Detective Flea in the Rose Garden
A new interpreter and I met Dale in the Rose Garden under the saucer-like branches of a magnolia tree. Dale squinted hard before...
JoAnn Shannon
Nov 8, 2023
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Detective Flea and the Presidential Dog
On my second visit to the White House, I was shown into a breakfast nook where Paisly barked furiously. His bulging eyes were fixed on a...
JoAnn Shannon
Nov 1, 2023
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Detective Flea reviews the case
I bit a piece of straw from my bed, rolled it around my molars and considered the case of the White House break-in. My first interview...
JoAnn Shannon
Oct 25, 2023
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Detective Flea interviews the tabby cat
The pound has a smell you never forget. It’s pet dander, sprinkled with poor hygiene and whiffs of regret. I found our suspect, the tabby...
JoAnn Shannon
Oct 18, 2023
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Detective Flea at the White House
A well-dressed, twenty-something-year-old met me at the door of the White House and introduced himself as Webster, the Presidential House...
JoAnn Shannon
Sep 15, 2023
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Detective Flea Meets With the Chief
The Chief met with me at precisely eight o’clock Tuesday morning. The interpreter set a chair before the desk. The Chief stirred her...
JoAnn Shannon
Sep 14, 2023
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