The After Christmas Card

We did not send Christmas cards this year. I actually feel somewhat guilty as I open cards from family and friends that I rarely see and remember that I did not even send them a little hello this year. I thought maybe I'd send an "After Christmas Card." What do you think? Or maybe I should do one of those holiday letters that some people do. Hmmm...



The past year was full of ups and downs. I'm not even sure what was happening a full year ago. Let's see...



My Mother-in-law became gravely ill this past year. Getting out of town to be at her bedside was not an easy task. As it goes, we were able to meet up with my sister-in-law and brother-in-law at the airport half-way and we visited while we sped our way into the night just to arrive at the hospital in time to catch the surgeons report after emergency surgery. It was a difficult time, but she grew stronger slowly and steadily. Even after we departed, my Handy-hubby would return every couple of weeks to check on his family and see what he could do to assist around the house. We thank the Lord for his healing touch.



In the summer I was able to bring back the love of my life... my pony. This was the highlight of my year by far. Most of you know the long story about her, but those that don't... just know that when you set a loved one free and it comes back to you... it's meant to be. The Lord heard the pining of my heart from the separation from her and answered many prayers. My bestest friend went way out of her way to help me get her home and to find a place for her to stay. Now she's in a new home and loves it. I love it. I love to take care of her. I love to brush her and spoil her and I'm happy to say that I've put a few miles on her this year. :) I even took a spill... first time in at least 10 years! First time ever off of her! WOW! I'm all recovered now.



Also this summer my Handy Hubby went to another Nascar race. He was delighted to have gotten Keifer Sutherland's autograph and many others. He is now fully set with racing attire... hats, t-shirts, and the like. He LOVES racing. Oh and his other sporty love is football. He got an authentic Steelers jersey for Christmas. He didn't want to take it off! I practically had to bribe him out of it!



The car inspection was an ordeal this year. The Saturn has pretty much run its course with us. Our good old trusted mechanic gave us a run for our money this time. After calling every day for a 2 weeks asking how much money it was going to cost and getting no answers I was a little irrate to say the least. In the end I was so furious and trying so hard not to be ignorant, but the mechanic's response was stuttered "I-I-I We-We-We..." I think I made my point. They appeased me by not charging us any labor fees, only the inspection fee and actual repairs. It's a good thing. The car is inspected for another year, but we'll be hard pressed to go through that scenario again. The search is on for the next vehicle, but not for a while yet. We need pay off the Corolla and figure out what the best next vehicle is going to be. Of course we both have differing opinions... so we'll see.



Our jobs are nothing to brag about. My Handy-hubby continues to work for Starbucks Corporation. He made a move to a different store this year. He likes what he does and thrives in the social environment that it provides. I love that he loves his job. The economy is cutting some of his hours. That's not a good thing. My job is forever challenging, stressful, and overtime is expected. After losing a co-worker last year we had a temp worker for a full year before the institution pulled the plug on that. I'm supposed to get some help from another avenue, but we'll see how that pans out as the upcoming days unfold. Overall I do love what I do. It protects not just the hospital, but the community as well.



My Dad's health has declined and at least one of his doctors indicates the severity of his illnesses. All of us kids have reached out from time to time to assist him with whatever needs he may have; however it is difficult to realize the actuality of the deterioration. The Zombecks have made lifestyle changes right alongside him and assisted with meal-planning and the like. Mom is taking him swimming occasionally. It is very important for the both of them to exercise on a regular basis, especially in this phase of their lives. Trying to maintain the focus that overcomes poor health choices is a battle we all face. It's no great wonder that I struggle with it myself. We celebrated Christmas with my Mom & Dad by taking them to the Symphony. This was my first show of this sort. It was an interesting trip. I do thank the Lord for special times with my parents and ask for continued healing and increased focus and incentive for improving their health status and especially strength for my Mom who is my Dad's primary caretaker, that she will fully embrace her role as his helper and caretaker. I am grateful that she is a nurse and able to understand the needs of a diabetic husband.



We visited Kentucky again for Christmas. My Mother-in-law was again recently hospitalized with chest pain and my Handy-Hubby's grandma was hospitalized with some health problems that will become bigger issues as time goes on. She did get home for Christmas, and we did get to spend some time with her. She has an apartment in a building that used to be a school. It's an interesting place with very high ceilings and windows. My in-laws have a new dog, Toodles. He's still a puppy, a minature poodle. I'm not much of a dog fan, but he does have a cute personality. We also got to visit with our nephew, Hayden for several days. He likes unwrapping presents, but could pretty much care less about what's inside. He's so darling.



It is difficult to witness the declining health of loved ones. It's even more so difficult to be so far away and unable to do practical things to help out. If we learned nothing else this year we have learned how precious our parents are to us and to cherish each moment with them.

Welcome To The Chirstmas Edition of Getting to Know Your Friends

Wrapping paper or gift bags?

Wrapping paper is way more fun to unwrap, but bags are pretty too. I think bags are the "easy way out" for wrapping gifts, but I also have to admit that I do use them sometimes.

Real tree or Artificial?

REAL please, but it's not always practical. We have an artificial tree. It never compares to the real thing, but with two kitties and no kiddos... why bother with the real thing?

When do you put up the tree?

Sometime shortly after Thanksgiving. No specifics.

When do you take the tree down?

Sometime shortly after New Years. Also, not specific.

Do you like eggnog?

It's ok, but I'm not gung-ho about it. My handy-hubby likes it tho.

Favorite gift received as a child?

Probably jewelry from cousin Steve. He once gave me a gold necklace with a heart pendant that had 2 rubies in it. I still have it. It is the first real jewelry I can ever remember getting.

Easiest person to buy for?

My handy-hubby. He gives me a million ideas and I know what will make him smile.

Do you have a nativity scene?

No.

Mail or email Christmas cards?

Mail please. I have trouble keeping up with my emails and sometimes its difficult to download them. I love snail-mail, so that's my pick. Also, I have been known to recycle Christmas cards from past years by cutting the picture and using it as a gift-tag. Sorry friends, we aren't sending cards this year. As much as I enjoy it... it's not in the time or funding budgets. Gotta cut somewhere...

Worst Christmas gift you ever received?

Can't remember any bad ones.

Favorite Christmas Movie?

"Christmas Vacation"

When do you start shopping for Christmas?

I shop all year round.

Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?

Yes. As a matter of fact, our very first married Christmas was a very poor one. My father-in-law gave us $100 gift-card that arrived before Christmas. We used it to buy eachother presents.

Favorite thing about Christmas?

Anticipation. I love surprises. Also time off to relax and enjoy.

Lights on the tree?

Yes. I think that white lights are most elegant, although occasionally the colored ones are pretty too. I will also take the opportunity to say that Christmas lights are made for a certain kind of tree. I think that lights strung around a maple or oak type of tree is tacky... real tacky! Especially when they run out of lights half way up the tree.

Favorite Christmas song?

Away In A Manger (sweet pony hay)

Travel at Christmas or stay home?

Yes please. If we aren't traveling, then I want somebody to travel to us.

Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer’s?

Of course, but I'm not going to give it away for the next guy.

Angel on the tree top or a star?

Angels are prettier.

Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?

Usually Christmas morning, but my handy-hubby and I like to have a private one-on-one gift exchange, so that is sometimes on Christmas Eve. Besides, if he gets me something pretty I might want to wear it on Christmas?

Most annoying thing about this time of the year?

Crowds and traffic. I can't stand people in stores that aren't respectful of other peoples space. (yes I have a space issue) I don't like it when someone with a cartload of goodies is pressing me forward through a line or bumping into me.

Favorite ornament theme or color?

That's three things!

1) Ornament - the ugly ones! We have an ugly ornament contest and that is the life of the party.

2) Theme - I like to remember the religious aspect of the celebration. It's Jesus's birthday. That's pretty cool. It's a reminder that our Savior is both 100% man and 100% God.

3) Color(s) - burgundy and gold

Favorite Thing for Christmas dinner?

My mother-in-laws tea ring and cranberry nut bread. YUM!

What do you want for Christmas this year?

Top items on my list this year are...

New pitchfork - a green one please, just like I used to have

Breastcollar with running attachment for my pony

Socks for work - you know, to go with dress clothes

Fuzzy slippers - because I'm too cheap to buy them for myself

Pasta bowls - I have always wanted these

Jewelry - my handy-hubby is all over this one

Belgian Waffle maker - YUMMO!

Warm but lightweight barn boots would be a plus.

Dish towels - one can never have enough of those

Snow Christmas morning?

A white Christmas has always been lovely.

Feel free to play along... grab the questions and insert your own answers. Then post on your blog!

Just Stuff

It's C-O-L-D, but our home is warm at 70 degrees. We have to keep it at least that warm for the sake of our birds. The kitties don't mind, with their furry coats. They scout around for a ray of sun and then plop down and soak it up. Penny on the other hand... she's living in the fridgid temperatures. Once locked inside for the night with her other three pals, the temperature rises and she's roasty toasty for the night. It's warm enough that the water does not freeze in the barn, so that is good. Besides, she's got a nice thick fluffy coat of fur to keep her warm.

I got a new pair of jeans at Old Navy's $12 jean sale last week. I wasn't too keen on them at first, but my handy hubby says they are slimming. I guess I'll keep them then. As a matter of fact... I might just wear them every day!

Work has been overwhelming lately. I'm more behind now than I've ever been. I hate that feeling. I was already sore for not being effecient after losing a co-worker, but now it's even worse. My boss is trying to help me. Deadlines are looming over our heads. Important projects are being put on hold for things with greater priority. Overtime is standard right now. It would be nice if I got paid for overtime... I guess I'm banking a lot of comp-time to add to my 5+ weeks of vacation I've saved up.

Looking forward to the Holidays. One day I gathered up all of our loose change and took it to the bank. $152 later I think it was worth it. My Handy Hubby claimed it to buy me a Christmas present. He's sweet. He's never had that much money to spend on me before. I did some babysitting a month or two ago and used that money to buy him a nice gift. It's something I know he'll love. Thanks to my sister for assisting me with getting it. Various other gifts were purchased a little here and a little there. We don't have a lot of room in our budget for gifts, but we do try to be thoughtful, creative, practical, and frugal.

My side of the family does not have an adult gift-exchange. Years ago we all did, and then kids came along and lets face it... we all wanted to spoil them. So we started drawing names from a hat for the adults. That was fun for a couple of years, but it's been at least a year or two since we've done that. Seriously, for adults... I think that husbands and wives should spoil one another and aside from that it's about the kids.

I do like to do something special for my parents at Christmas time. Last year we decided that we would not be buying them anymore things that they probably don't need or don't have room for anymore. We think it is more precious to spend some quality time with them. They don't go to "town" as in "Pittsburgh" much if at all. They don't go to social events other than church, work, or family gatherings. So we like to take them for something that they would not normally attend. Last year we saw the Raleigh Ringers in concert at the Soldiers and Sailors museum. This year, tonight actually, we are going to Heinz Hall to see Handel's Messiah. This is such a festive thing to do and such a nice little tradition to do with my folks. We are really looking forward to it.

We plan to celebrate Christmas with my Handy-hubby's family this year. Christmas Eve dinner at his Aunt's house has always been a grand affair. Each year it seems I fit into his family a little more. It's a shame that we live so far away. Christmas with my family will likely occur closer to New Years day... one never knows though. If we can pull ourselves away from the hustle and bustle of life before that, then perhaps we will make a surprise visit to the little ones?

My sister is expecting again, number F-I-V-E!!! Her first 4 will be here to celebrate New Years. That should be grand. We are planning to ring in the new year with a few drinks, snacks, and games at our place with the usual New Years day dinner the following day.

That pretty much sums up the happenings of late and the happenings in planning. I best go get ready for our night out.

Happy Holidays

I had my head examined... literally.

My neck is not just sore. It is OUCHY. The only way I can describe it is to imagine your head pressing, almost crushing down upon your spine and sholders. I never dreamed that my little mishap last weekend would cause me any lingering harm. I figured I'd be sore for a couple days and then snap out of it. Yes, I was sore for a couple of days, but this neck pain is for the birds. I really didn't even hit my head. My hip and shoulder absorbed the impact, but maybe there might have been some whiplash or something.

I went to see my doctor's associate. She is a DO and I thought perhaps she might jump in and manipulate my spine, but noooooooooo... She said that the cervical spine is the LAST area she recommends manipulating and not without x-rays first taboot. She gave me a script for the x-rays and some muscle relaxers that are NOT supposed to make me too tired and suggests that I save them for when I'm really hurting, maybe evenings and nights. Good idea. Alas, the pharmacy could not fill my order today, so I shall get them tomorrow. Until then... ibuprofen is my friend.

I'm waiting to hear back about my films and what other direction she might have for me. Until then... ouchy ouchy ouchy!!!!

This Weeks Grub

I need to get back to my menu planning habit. I got a few good deals at the grocery store this weekend. Chuck/Arm Roasts were BOGO - FANTASTIC!!! I also got some cheater-mashed potatoes for 30 cents a box. Steamfresh veggies were on sale for $1/bag and I had a couple coupons, so I stocked up. I also got some good pasta for half-price.

Here is the menu for the week, in no particular order:

1. Crockpot Chicken - boneless chicken cooked all day long in a sauce of cream of chicken soup and some seasoning. We might have this with rice, or maybe stuffing. Not decided yet. AND as always... a vegetable.


2. Pot Roast - served with mashed potatoes and vegetables.


3. Beef Vegetable soup with barley (from left-overs)


4. Pasta with marinara sauce served with salad


5. Breakfast - pancakes

Want to share your menu and see what other's are serving up this week? Go to I'm An Organizing Junkie and link up... browse a while while you are there.

Blessings Monday

This morning I am counting the blessing of warmth. More than a year ago, our furnace quit on the first REALLY cold day. It wasn't long until the new furnace was installed. We've been plenty warm ever since. As I gazed out the window this morning, clutching my warm cup of tea, I noticed a dusting of snow on the ground. Brrrrrrr... Tis the season.

Thank God for the warmth of our furnace, fluffy soft blankets, flannel sheets and jammies, thick socks, and a snuggly spouse.

Have a blessing to share? Stop over to Down On The Farm and link up. Give a blessing. Get a blessing.

Sneak Peak Sunday

I truly don't even remember all of the past week's activity, but I can hit on some highlights:

Friday night I got my nephews, Paul and Daniel, for a couple hours in the evening. I gave them choices of what we could do and they scrutinized over the pros and cons of each idea before proclaiming that they would like to go shopping at Walmart. I have to say, this is not the option I would have chosen. Perhaps they thought they could talk me into buying them some new toys??? I have no idea. At one point Paul told me that Walmart has the best selection of toys. And Daniel added "for the best prices." The truth is that we always purchase some items for at least one child on the "Angel Tree" at church. The children who's names are not revealed, are children who are not expecting to receive gifts for Christmas. We have done this each year since we got married, except for one year when we were just simply too poor ourselves. But this time I let Paul and Daniel choose, within a particular price limit, what they would want for Christmas. Little did they know that I might actually pack up these items for THEM and get our Angel Tree children something else. After all, I did get them to agree that this is truly what they would pick for themselves. HA!!! At least I know they'll like their gifts. They were so particular. They fussed over prices and added the prices of smaller items together to see if they would have enough. "Does the tax count?" Daniel asked. "Is it a big deal if it's a few cents over?" Paul chimed in. "What can I get if I have a dollar left over? A pack of gum?" Daniel added. They were so funny.

After the shopping spree, we had enough time to hit Chuck E Cheese. A pizza and a pile of tokens later we were lost in the world of game playing and ticket grabbing. Paul asked me to ride the roller coaster game with him and it was fun. Daniel was more concerned with playing for tickets. We hit the jackpot on one game THREE times. They combined their tickets and had almost 400 to choose a prize. I tried to talk them into barrettes and bangle bracelets, but they would have none of that. Daniel got an eye patch and something else that was tiny, while Paul chose a gooey squishy green lizard thing that I was fearing might loose its green guts in my car. On the way home they were discussing how many eye patches they could have got for all their points. They chuckled at the idea of getting enough eye patches to give everyone at least one, if not two a piece for Christmas. HA! They are too funny. The boys thanked me for the date. They are so sweet. It was a good time.

Saturday morning my Girls Group reconvened after having a few months off. Oh how I missed my lady friends and the intimate study of the Lords word. I'm looking forward to continuing that in the months to come.

The other highlight of my weekend was another ride on my crazy, I mean sweet, pony. I should have known that a chilly windy day was not the day to ride, but I just can't help myself. I don't want to miss any opportunities to go, especially since I have so many to catch up on to make up for those years she was far far away. Well, as we crested the top of the first big hill, some birds were a flutter in the trees. The other horse spooked first, and Penny followed. I lost my balance, but thought I could regain it when she spun in a circle and off I went! Ahhhh!!!! Just for the record... I haven't fallen off a horse for a good 10 years, and this is the absolute FIRST time I've fallen off my sweet Penny. Luckily, she's not too tall so it's not that far to the ground. I landed on my hip and rolled 3 times before picking myself up and catching my frantic sidekick. Moments later I brushed myself off and got right back on. It wasn't her fault. She wasn't trying to dump me. I just didn't have a good enough grip this time. The rest of the ride was full of anticipation of the next spook. It's the wind I tell ya. It whips up between her legs or something. She was a little jumpy today. I saw spots for about an hour after the fall. Honestly, I don't think I hit my head. But later when she spooked my back cracked. Rene'e mentioned that maybe something was out of alignment from the fall and then re-adjusted when my back cracked. I'm not sure of the timing of when my sight went normal again, but it does make me wonder. I'm going to have to chat with one of my doctor friends about that.

Keith is watching football. We had a nice bowl of soup for an early dinner. I took three ibuprofen and a hot shower. Oh how I'm dreading my work this week. I'm REALLY behind in things and quickly approaching deadlines. There is just never enough time to accomplish everything these days.

And that's a sneak peak at my weekend...

Tuesdays With Jen... My Memoirs

There is an annual event at the county home in the spring. Teams of working horses and mules and tractor enthusiasts come and perform the public service of plowing the gardens. I have attended this event on a number of occasions. While I do not have any "working" horses or mules, I am exposed to a pair that belong to a friend.

Here I am (a couple years back)... Plowing. The hard way. Actually, I had the easy job of driving the team. These are draft mules, Matilda and Merlin.

Blessings Monday

Today I am counting the blessing of creation. This weekend I was afforded the opportunity to take my Penny to Moraine State Park/Bear Run which surrounds Lake Arthur in Western Pennsylvania. As the effects of the fall season are in the midst of erosion, I found it quite pertinent to enjoy this trip where I could gawk in awe of all that the Lord has created. I am most grateful for pleasant, comfortable weather and a safe ride.

After we unloaded and before we tacked up, we spotted a bald eagle soaring gracefully overhead and close enough to truly notice just how awesome and elegant they are. Before we started the brunt of the ride, Penny took her first steps into the Lake. She reluctantly approached the line where small waves were lapping onto the shore. She stepped into the chilly water and was shortly startled to find herself in such circumstances. That was a big step for her. I'm not aware of her ever being introduced to a large body of water like that before. Honestly, she was more interested in eying up the boats across the way than playing in the water. She isn't always the bravest soul, but for some reason she will go anywhere that Rambo goes and he was going into the water...

I thought that all the leaves would have fallen by now. A week or so ago they were falling so very fast. But today there was an elegance about the forest that we drank in over and over. The sunlight glistened through the leaves of gold. The fallen leaves crunched loudly under pounding hooves, almost like a padding from the hard surface underneath. The wind blew ever so softly over the vast body of water causing subtle waves. We encountered only one small stream aside from the lake, and a good many hills and valleys. I could not have asked for a nicer day to enjoy creation.

I'm pleased to report that my little trooper led the pack for the majority of the ride, YES she was in the lead! This actually amazed me. She was quite content to lead the way that she did not know. She made an occasional stop rather abruptly over uprooted trees that apparently resembled the Boogy-man and the occasional gigantic ant-hill that she thought must have been crawling towards her. Silly stuff, but nothing earth shattering.

Rambo was the only other horse she actually knew. There were a LOT of riders out there this weekend. I think there were at least five other riders that went out with us, but we passed groups of riders with more and less along the way. She behaved quite well and seemed to enjoy the jaunt. I'm glad to have been afforded this opportunity. It was truly a beautiful day.

God has so graciously provided this world for us to enjoy. I'm forever amazed at the intricate detail of its design. Today it seems only appropriate to thank the Lord for this blessing.

Marci at Down On The Farm hosts Blessing Mondays each Monday. Come and share your blessings won't you... and be blessed to read of others' blessings too.

I won I won I won

I won a prize over at Down On The Farm. Go visit Marci to see how that happened, what it is, gather up a blessing, and leave a little hello. THANKS Marci!

Sweet Success In Progress

After poking a little fun at him in my last post (with his permission), I must also toot his horn a little bit. My Handy-Hubby is having some sweet success in his desire to quit smoking. This battle has seemed never ending for much of our lives together, but this time he seems to be doing remarkably well.

For those of you considering it... If you go to Nicorette's website, you can sign up for a free sample, which he did. Inside was a $10 coupon. THIS WEEK Riteaid has the gum on sale with a $5 rebate, so he saved $15 on like 100 pieces of gum. It is expensive, but seems to be very helpful. He has not even been mean this time, for which I am quite grateful. I mentioned it to him and asked him how he's managed to do so well this time. He said "It's God." and my heart skipped a beat! YES!!!!

Funny

Handy Hubby was taking the air conditioner out of the kitchen window this morning. He opened the window and it fell right out!!! A whole story down! It landed on his Red Lady bush, bounce off, and is now looking pretty crushed in the back yard. I'm sorry...I can't help it! I laughed so hard and said "What made you think that it was going to stay in the window once you opened it?" HA!!! On the flip side, it was very old and actually broken and we didn't expect to get any further use out of it anyway.

Tuesdays With Jen... My Memoirs

<-- That's me and my bro' with our Gram'Ditties!


My sweet Granny's birthday would have been this week... Here is something from my journal in October 2003...





"Annabelle called this evening. She was with Grandma today. She said that Grandma talked about me a lot today and was obviously missing me. I called Grandma and made a dinner date for tomorrow night. I do miss her and am looking forward to seeing her.





Grandma said that Annabelle took her to Kings for lunch. They shared a meal and were quite satisfied. Then they went shopping at Giant Eagle. I suggested that she use a motorized cart, but she insists that she cannot drive. I told her that we could get her a portable wheelchair for these kinds of trips. She doesn't think that is necessary. I told her we could get some chrome on it and she replied "With Harley wings too?!" Jokingly of course. She said that on the way home they realized that they had forgotten to pay the bill at Kings!!!! Oh how funny! Annabelle took her home and then went back and paid the bill. What a day!"

Blessings Monday

I know I know... I'm a day late.

I'm counting the blessing of provision. Every now and then we find ourselves scraping the barrell so to speak. The car drained a significant amount of funds and we are slowly trying to rebuild that fund. I'm a coupon-a-holic. I love getting a good deal. I'm as cheap as cheap comes. Who knew that I'd one day be so cheap?! The truth is that I do it for the challenge and also because it is a way to thoughtfully contribute to our home. I'm trying to be wise about our spending and trim the budget where I can. For months I stockpiled things in our pantry and linen closet. I did this to a point where my Handy-Hubby informed me that I was being banned from buying any more cereal, hamburger/chicken helper, deodorant, toothpaste, or air-freshener. Truly I tell you... if it was not free, it was dirt-cheap!!! Periodically I share with the local foodbank. Our church collects items for them and I actually get the hamburger helper specifically for that purpose. (we don't really care for it so much)

I must confess, in recent weeks my cheapy cheap habits have slacked off. Not only have I missed some of the most fantastic bargains... I have not actually gone grocery shopping for say... maybe a month or so, aside from the essential milk and bread. Can you believe that we have not gone wanting? The pantry is still abundant!? There is still a few choices in the freezer?! YES!!!! The Lord has provided for us!!!! We are so blessed with this abundant provision!

I see there are some good deals in this weeks Rite Aid ad. I will probably be hitting there this week. I've got to get back into my routine.

Do you have blessings to share? Visit Marci's blog, Down On The Farm, and link-up.

Change

LAST WEEK

THIS WEEK

Mr Yuck... or Miss

Aint she cute!?!?

Desolation

I took these pictures at the farm this evening. In the spring the rain endures for a long time. In the summer the heat of the sun endures for a long time. In the winter we endure the snow for a long time. Why is the beauty of fall so short?

Blessings Monday

I milked cows Sunday night. Looking back I remember what a blessing such times have afforded me. My grandfather was a dairy farmer. My good friend Ed was a dairy farmer. Ed always talked about Grandpa. I miss them both. So when I have the opportunity to milk cows, it reminds me of them. I was blessed to have known them... and today I count the blessing of remembering them.

So in true fashion, when the milking was done and the cows were fed... I stopped for an ice cream cone, in honor of an old tradition I had with Ed, and enjoyed it as I jammed to the song about the International Harvester. (Because they would both be proud!) It just seemed so appropriate.

Marci at Down On The Farm hosts Blessings Monday. Come join in the sharing won't you! Oh and she has a little contest going on too.

This Weeks Photo Fave

Her dapples are really coming out right now.
I love the way she arched her neck.
She's probably checking him for treats!
I'm sure of it!

Sneak Peak Sunday... Fall Beauties

We were to attend a memorial service for Great Aunt Mary Jane yesterday, but alas another important duty would arise. My friend was out of town and her horse was sick with a temperature of 104 on Thursday and 103.6 on Friday. WOW! So I needed to tend to her before doing anything yesterday morning. I was in luck. The antibiotics we'd been giving her were starting to kick in and her temp was coming down. It was down to 99.5. Yippie!!! So I fed them and left there pleased that all was finally well.

But while I was out that way I figured it to be a perfect opportunity to wipe out my chores at the farm where Penny lives... and we really enjoyed it. What a perfect specimen of a day! As if the sunshine and breeze were not enough... enjoy the beauty of the season that surrounds us! Keith brushed Penny and we both pitched in to clean the stalls and prepare them for the evening.

Greetings! Did you bring treats?!

A glimpse of the Lord's artistry... I love fall!
Dee does NOT look happy. She is cranky!

The leaning tower of I don't know what!
She's such a love-bug.