Going to Grandma's

Always happy to go for a car ride but doubly so when it is a trip to Grandma's to hang out with Miss Izzy and Curly Joe. Sometimes it is nice to go and visit all the farm animals. But since it is cold out and sloppy and since I just had a bath, no such luck this time. But I did get to be with Mom all day and lay in front of the wood stove and look out the big windows that are right on my level at all the birds, chickens and have a snack with Izzy and Joe. Hopefully next time it will be warmer and our moms will feel up to at least a walk around the yards!

Bright spot...

...on my table this morning. Though there is snow falling outside, I have a touch of Spring inside. Happy Sunday to you :)

Spring...maybe?

Although the calendar may say spring, other than the mud, you wouldn't know it. More snow in the forcast, falling temperatures, brisk winds.

Despite all this Honeydew and I made our way meandering around the upper yard making mental notes of spring chores waiting to be done; downed branches, twigs to be gathered for the bonfires later in the spring and summer, a dead old tree that has fallen at the edge of the woodline to be cut up for wood for said bonfires, the support for the grape arbor needs restrung with coated wire before the grape vine puts on new growth, a hole in the top of the chicken run needs mended, Christmas lights and garland needs taken down (good grief it is almost Easter!), the flower beds and pots need a ton of attention, plants need pruned, etc...I am excited about the spring, both the work and the walks I hope and imagine Honeydew and I will be able to share. 

By the time we made it to the lower yard (no it is not a great size of property, HoneyDew just likes to sniff and take her time (savoring the fagrances I guess!) the wind was very cutting, and Honeydew had enough and headed to the house. Of course with the mud you can guess what was coming next? 

Bathtime!!! And then of course the after-bath I-can't-get-dry-enough roll rub-ears-on-the-floor, you-missed-a-spot licking, run-around-the-house-and-bark-like-crazy dance!

  

Until she is finally satisfied (or wore out!) and settles for a nice warm nap.

Come to think of it, that is not a bad idea! It is Saturday after all and the chores will still be there when it warms up (and the latest round of snow melts)...hopefully soon!

We hope where ever you are, you have a nice relaxing weekend too!

New Socks...

Red Heart Heart & Sole

ART E745

Spring Stripe

Pattern: BFF Socks by Cookie A for Soctoberfest 2006

Baby it's cold outside!

At -13 degrees this morning, I was up at dawn and outside dressed in double layers to check and feed the hens. With the wind we had last night and a chill factor of -30, it was no wonder my glasses fogged up with my hat pulled low and the scarf over my mouth and nose funneling my warm breath upwards.

All was well in the coop! I had put extra deep straw down for Miss Henny Penny as she is on her own since the last disagreement she had with the other hens...I think she quite likes her own apartment. The others were all snuggled nicely on the roost. All that was needed was to pop the giant ice cubes out of the rubber water dishes and provide more water and feed. I will repeat at three o'clock after work.

Miss Dew also wore layers out for her morning schnuffle, although with the temps this morning she made it more of a fox trot!

Here's hoping you keep warm too!

Never Forgotten...

Remembering and treasuring the moments we had together. Always in our hearts, rest in peace dear Sampson, aka, Odie, Bubba, Eeyore, and most affectionately "Bonehead" you are already missed more then words can say...

October10,2007 - January 3,2014

2014 is off with a bang...

...and not in a good way. Thank you Lord that no one was injured. Except for being stiff and sore. And the damage to the cars involved (minimal damage to the other two cars) mine had to be towed and which we will have to see what insurance says.

Then of course poor Sampson, who has had multiple seizures over the last 48 hours and is now wandering aimlessly around his quarantined area. He lays down for a few moments. He is not himself at all. I know what my head says must be done...

...but my heart hopes, and my spirit encourages him to fight and pull though while I stroke his head and offer comfort, my mind prays that God will either cure him or take him. As some of you know who have followed this blog in the past medication has an adverse effect for him and is not an option.

Through this time, I know that even though I do not understand the why, I do know the Who and that He is in control of all things and will strengthen me come what may.

Blessings sent your way on this Friday.

Should old acquaintance be forgot...

Never.

At least not unless I develope some type of medical disability (God forbid). Although my thoughts are occupied with the people currently in my life, or those of which I have daily contact with; my boys, my dear DIL, my son's girlfriend, my parents, my sisters, my brothers (even those who I do not hear from months at a time}, friends, co-workers, YMCA friends, knitting buddies, blogging buddies, I still think of friends from long ago or those who have moved on and created a new life for themselves in a different town and a different set of circumtances - and when I do I say a little prayer for them of health, happiness and blessings.

And that is my thought and prayer for all of us as we entered 2014. God Bless and keep you and let us all try to be kinder, concentrating on the good, the beautiful and the pleasant things of life, giving the rest to God to work out and lead and direct us.

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas and happy New Year!

I realize it has been some time since I have visited with you all. I have really missed visiting with everyone, catching up with friends I have made in blogland. So with the new year, a fresh start, and with the assistance of my husbands Christmas present to me of a kindle with a blue tooth key board, I am back amoung the blogging :)

So much has gone on in the past year, that it would take hours of typing to catch you all up, so let's just start from the here and now.

I am enjoying an extended wonderful Christmas with my family and friends. As work was so busy this year, I ended up saving all my vacation so I have had two weeks to be at home over this holiday. Two of my sons and my son's girlfriend Deirdre, have spent the holiday with us and my third son and daughter n law will be in tonight. My mom has been at home this year insead of traveling in her RV, as well so we were able to share Christmas morning with her. I also visited with my sister and her family on Sunday, went out to breakfast one morning with dear friends, and we are going tomorrow to have Christmas with my husbands family tomorrow (except for my one nephew who manages a store in NY City - who is not able to get away, and will be greatly missed!).

The gathering tomorrow is extra special as we will also be celebrating the 60th wedding anniversary of my dear in-laws! Can you imagine, in this day and age, especially people who lived through the 60's! I am so honored to be part of this wonderful family! Even through rough times, great times and times of not seeing eye to eye, this couple made a daily commitment to marriage and family. What an inspiration! I cannot tell you how much I love these two people. Thank you Mom and Dad Switzer and here is to another 60 years! Love you both!

Then...

and now...

Perspective

               
             One persons weeds...

 ...are another's bouquet.