When Shorty had had enough

It was a glorious Saturday afternoon in Buttercup Valley, the kind of day when even the horses seemed to walk with a little extra swagger. Trotting through the meadow was Amara, a strikingly beautiful young woman with radiant brown skin, cascading black hair that shimmered in the sun, and the kind of elegance that made even butterflies rethink their outfits. She sat atop Rajah, a majestic, shimmering stallion who looked like he could star in shampoo commercials for horses.

Just behind her, struggling to keep up, was Cathy, a freckle-faced whirlwind with a toothy grin, boyish haircut, and a helmet slightly too big for her head. She rode a very small, very opinionated Shetland pony named Shorty, who clearly resented being the least majestic thing in the valley that day.

Cathy waved enthusiastically. “Hey, Amara! Wait up! Shorty’s got tiny legs!”

Amara turned with a serene smile. “You’re doing great, Cathy!”

Shorty, however, had other opinions. He stopped mid-trot, puffed out his tiny chest, and emitted what could only be described as a dramatic snort of protest.

Cathy leaned down and whispered, “Don’t you dare stop now, Shorty. Not in front of her.”

Shorty, apparently fluent in sarcasm, immediately bucked Cathy into the air like a hairy cannonball. She landed in a patch of daisies with a squeal and a sound not unlike a deflating pool float.

Before Cathy could gather her dignity or her helmet, Shorty waddled over, sniffed her… and bit her squarely on the rear end.

“YEEEEOWCH!” Cathy shrieked, springing up like a jack-in-the-box. “YOU FURRY LITTLE JUDAS!”

Amara gasped, one hand over her mouth. “Oh no! Are you okay?!”

Cathy straightened up, grass in her hair and teeth clenched like a cartoon cowboy. “I’m fine. Just bonding with my animal companion… through trauma.”

Shorty stood smugly nearby, munching daisies like he’d just finished his masterpiece.

Rajah gave an elegant snort of disapproval and flicked his mane dramatically. Amara dismounted gracefully and helped Cathy up. “You’re brave,” she said kindly, brushing dirt from Cathy’s back.

“Yeah,” Cathy muttered, glaring at Shorty. “And apparently chewy.”

And from that day on, the legend of Cathy and the Butt-Biting Pony echoed through Buttercup Valley—proof that while you can pick your horse, you can’t always choose your dignity.

Happy Birthday Emily: 'Sticking to it' at 31 and going strong

Kyle: I love so many things about you, but most of all, I already love that I will get to see you as a mother of our child. Every day that I watch you go through this tough pregnancy makes me more proud of how much of a badass you are. It will all be worth it soon as we enter our next chapter of life together. I love you so much, and please make sure our kid gets your golf swing.

Lucy: I love that I’ve shared a similar life phase the past few years with my sister Emily! Being six years younger, things are not always the same for us, but in the past few years, we have both gotten married, been dog moms, worked from home, and moved to new cities! I lean on Emily for everything and call her multiple times daily for advice in every area! She is the best sounding board and storyteller, and always makes me laugh! I love you, E, and I love being able to talk to you morning, noon, and night. I can’t wait for all of the exciting things ahead for you and Kyle (even if I won’t quite be in the exact same season anymore). Happy birthday!!

Trey: I appreciate how easygoing and fun Emily is. She always looks on the bright side and brings a positive perspective to any situation. Emily is the kind of person you always want in your corner because she’s a great encourager who genuinely cares for others. It seems like she calls Lucy almost daily to check in on us, which is really kind. Happy Birthday, Emily!

Sally: I love so much about Emily. This year, I’ll focus on the fact that she is always level-headed and remains pragmatic in almost all situations. As we know, this quality doesn’t come as naturally to me, and I am (and always have been) lucky to have Em to set an example of how to be “cool”. Emily’s demeanour puts me and those around her at ease and makes her someone people are drawn to be around. She attracts friends of all ages (and species)! She is going to be the best mom to the lucky little one on the way. It makes me emotional to think about my baby sister joining me on this journey called motherhood. We have walked through most of life’s stages together in tandem - I think this one will be the best yet. I love you, Em, and am so proud to be your sister.

Taylor: I’m always grateful for Emily’s patience and kindness when we visit. She makes us feel at home and has everything ready to make it seamless. I really enjoyed spending two rounds at Pine Valley with her, away from everything and focused on a great golf experience together. She handled being the only woman there in stride, as she handles everything!

Mum: Emily is a warrior with the spirit of an angel. She is thoughtful and kind to everyone- family, friends, pups and babies. Everyone loves hanging out with her because she is just plain fun! I love how Emily checks in with me daily and how sweet her knitting passion has her making quilts for lucky babies. I’m so excited for Emily, Kyle, and the baby on the way. I think it would be a hoot to have Emily as a mom. You’re going to nail it, Em! I love you!

gPa: What an amazing daughter I have in Emily Page! Emily, you have been such a joy through all phases of life, and like others above, I admire how you go about things. You have this unique ability not to take yourself too seriously, yet you are incredibly productive and efficient. It shows in your work, in your family, and in your friendships. You will be an amazing mother, and you know we will do all we can to support you on that journey. Thanks for being brave enough to make a Pine Valley Golf Club trip with all men. I will treasure that trip and that golf for the rest of my life! Keep sticking to it, Emily!

Happy Birthday Kyle 'two z's two t's' Cazzetta

Emily: Kyle is resourceful and hardworking. His love shows in his handy yard work, early morning Costco runs leading to a weekly stocked fridge, and walking Kevin even after his long days at work. I can’t wait to see what Kyle’s 32nd year brings as we enter our next adventure of parenthood. How he loves Collins, Cameron, and Kelly already speaks volumes to how prepared he is to become a Dad. I’m so excited for a kid to love Kyle as much as Kevin and I do.

Lucy: One thing I love about Kyle is that he remembers everything and goes out of his way to accommodate each of us. For example, over Easter, Kyle gave me a crash course on frying eggs without sticking to the pan because he remembered I texted him about it months beforehand. Kyle is thoughtful and attentive, and I can’t wait to see how those qualities will serve him in the year ahead! 

Trey: One thing I’ve noticed about Kyle is that he really enjoys giving birthday affirmations and spends all year thinking about the perfect note to write for his family members. That means a lot. Word on the street is that not only does he love giving them, but he really loves receiving them too. I also admire how generous Kyle is and how he’s always willing to take care of his family, whether calling to check in or making a five-course meal. I want to be like Kyle when I grow up. Happy Birthday!

Sally: I love how Kyle makes such an effort to stay caught up with everyone in the family's “happenings.” With all of us living in different places, Kyle makes it a point to stay connected and caught up. I also LOVE what an incredible chef and entertainer Kyle is. Our Easter coursed Nobu lunch was beyond delicious; no detail was missed. Thanks, Kyle, for being a great brother-in-law and friend.

Taylor: Kyle is really encouraging, and I always enjoy our Saturday chats. I’ll share a message that I really appreciate receiving from Kyle. 

“I can tell you from my experience it was fun to get out and experience something different, but there is no feeling like a homecoming. We are very excited over here because Greenwich to Atlanta is so quick and easy from our tiny airport." 

As we prepare for a big change, I’m really glad to have his support and look forward to spending more time with him in person when we move back.

Mum: Happy Birthday to Kyle! I appreciate all that you do for the entire family. You make each of us feel loved and important with a personal phone call or a grand meal. Your chicken parm with vodka sauce is world-class. I hope I always get that for my birthday. I’m so excited for you, Emily, and your baby. I can’t wait to see the vibrant father you will be.

gPa or is it pa-pa (softly): I, like others have noted, am so happy we have Kyle to keep us all on our toes. His efforts to connect through quick phone chats always make my day. I also enjoy his love for golf course architecture, and I can't wait to play more golf through the years ahead. His chip-in for birdie on number four at Pine Valley will forever be etched in my memory, especially with his caddy trying to hand him the putter! Keep being you, Kyle!