bloggin'

It's late, I should be asleep, but find that I don't do that well anymore. I don't know if a "40's thing" or something because of my surgery a couple years back, or maybe I need to hook up with a good doctor and get some answers.... (my new year's resolution!!! find a good doctor!!!) but either way, I find myself playing out here in computer world instead of under my covers!!!And thinking up all sorts of weird questions that must have some answers.....

We call it "steak night" .. I wrote about this last August sometime, but, just to tell you... every Wednesday evening, a group of friends meet at the Longhorn Restaurant in Newington to have a dinner and chat. Funny how often you have such great friends and never seem to have enough time to just sit and talk.... so, steak night is one way to cover that. Anywho... this blog really isn't so much about steak night, well, it is, but I have another topic I am going with here.

It's gotten so, I don't go very far without my camera, and the people that hang around with me will tell that I am always saying... "picture time for the blog"... which I did last night at steak night (because we had a grand crew of people there!!!) but, the question was posed to me.... where did "blog" come from/ what does it mean. I have no idea, and so my fellow bloggers out there... can you answer that question????

I have only blogged for about a year, but I really do enjoy my little spot here in computer land. I think I have a number of readers, because if I don't stay somewhat up to date... I am reminded about that ... (come to think of it, some of my fellow bloggers need some up dating on their own pages... I need some new things to read!!!!) I also wonder how long blog pages stay up... and I ask that question because of my dear friend Lisa, (who passed away a year and half ago after a long battle with cancer) still has her page up. It makes me happy and sad at the same time, I still go and re-read her pages. I laugh at her stories, and feel so sad that I can't ring her on the phone anymore and talk about them. I hope "they" keep it up for a good long time, it makes a good memory for me and I feel fortunate to still have it only a click away.

But, back to steak night. As I said, we had a good big crowd there. The "kids" were there, Kassy, Nate, Sadie and Matt, Sean.... and here is "uncle Bill" I don't know how he got stuck "at the kids' table" but I think he enjoyed being there!!! Between him and Cozy, they both enjoy the "kids" being around and coming out with the "folks" to steak night. As a rule, I don't get to go much, because Wednesday nights are my classes in Wells, so it's a treat when I have a night off and can be part of the crowd!!!! And I warned everyone that they would find themselves on the blog!!!! (and so they have).

We picked up another 5ish inches of snow today. Ed got a day off from barn work, which really didn't make him too happy, he wants so much to get it weather tight. Looks like he will be back at it tomorrow, after doing some snow clean up there. We only "have" Chris until Saturday and then he is off to another job (we knew we would only have him for a few weeks) but, I think Ed has come up with someone else to help finish it... at least to the point of getting the roof on. Then I think we will let it sit until better weather. I hope I can get up there tomorrow and see it for myself... and who knows, maybe get a few more pics for the blog!!!!!

a break

Here are two very happy horses...(even though Silver is making his mean face to Tonka)... they finally got out into the sunshine today. With the heavy snow from the weekend, it took us a few days to get the stall doors dug out. Teresa was smart to wait, because we got a dose of rain on the snow, had she cleared it any sooner, the paddocks would be a skating rink... NOT so good for horses.

Tonka was in a lively mood, but he knows better than to mess with ol' Silver!! Who, by the way, is feeling fine after his ordeal on Saturday. The stitches look good, the wound is healing and getting the meds into him is the challenge of the day!!!! Both Teresa and I are wracking our brains, trying to come up with ways to "hide" the meds in his food. We have used the worming bit, but he is onto us, and it's a five minute fight to get the bit into his mouth. I am just about ready to say "heck with you, horse" but I can't do that!!!!

I don't think Mocha is impressed with all this snow, it just about reaches her belly..... and she tends to stay in the plowed area... so, being the "good owner" that I am :-) ... I walked out thru her paddock and broke some paths for her. I hope she appreciates my boots filling with snow and actually uses them!!!!

I was looking at the Farmer Almanac here, and wished I had read it a little sooner....

Here's the weather poem for December...

Mercy, it's mild but Turning wild!!! On every rooftop snow is piled like wedding cake. Sunny break to hit the malls, roast the chestnuts, deck the halls,! Cryogenic cold abates '08

Maybe "we" should have waited before starting that new barn... January doesn't sound any quieter

"Franklin"

Meet my new little friend.... Franklin!!!! Last night as I was teaching my Saco dog classes, Ed and Sadie went out to finish up their Christmas shopping, and came home with this adorable little baby for me!!!!

I had only been home for a little while and was working on a pair of mittens (for myself no less) when Sadie walked over and said...."Don't you think he looks like a Franklin!!!" and the name has sort of stuck... odd name for a guinea pig, but then, guinea pigs are a little odd themselves!!!! He is about two months old, and actually looks a little like Pete with his eye patches, but Pete had an all white body and Franklin has a cute little brown butt!!!! He is quite friendly and likes to sit under your chin. He doesn't seem to be bothered by the dogs or cats, and they just adore him... especially Camille!!! She has try to wash his face at least a million times!!!!

I am certainly happy that the day ended far better than it began!!!! Here's a story for the blog..... I have a sweet young golden staying with me over the Christmas holiday. Just a nice puppy, who is full of the golden retrieve zest for life... so, yesterday morning, just about 6:00 AM, I threw on my coat and boots (over my pj's) and went out with this pup to potty and just play for a few moments.... well, I was so busy with him , working on his manners at the door, that I stepped out and realized that the door I had just shut.... was not unlocked!!!!! Oh well, there's usually a key in my truck, except that , I had the keys in my coat pocket... my OTHER coat.. the one in the house!!! OK.. cell phone, that is usually in my truck as well... except... I took that in the house to charge!!! Now, I am starting to get a little cold, so my golden friend and I step into the barn... thank goodness that is heated. We also have a phone in the barn, but, I can't call my house on it. So, I call my Mom.... (glad they are early risers too!!!) and explain my situation and ask her to call the house (and keep calling until Ed answers the phone!!!!) It. took a few tries, because Ed knew I was up, so he wouldn't hurry to answer the phone..... but he did finally, and ran down to unlock the door!!!! I have to tell you, I thought then, "if this is way the day is going to go, maybe I should quit right now"... but, thankfully it didn't...

And... not only is Franklin here.... but so is Kassy, Nate, Charlie and Nora... they arrived safe and sound about 3:30 this morning.... Kas said the ride seemed very long this time!!!! So, for me, Christmas has begun.. looks like it will be a week long celebration... just the way I like it.

when things go bump....

For many years my parents took the girls to see the Nutcracker every Christmas season., and no matter how many times they went to see it, they always loved going. It's now a fond childhood memory that they often talk about. When they do, there is usually another comment that goes along with it..... Ed has never seen the Nutcracker and has stated that a few times. So, a couple of weeks ago, I went over to the Portsmouth Music Hall and purchased two tickets for us. I had the whole evening planned.... a nice dinner at the Muddy River Smokehouse.. then a quick walk along the cute little streets of Portsmouth to the Music Hall, and a coffee and dessert to follow the ballet... perfect......

Until...... a panic call from Teresa around 3:00 this afternoon... see this picture of Silver, well... this is the "before" and I will get an "after" the next time I go to the barn.

Silver was "horsing around" as near as we can figure, and bashed his head against something... most likely a fence post. And what Teresa found was our nice white horse with blood running down his face!!!!( If you look carefully, you can see he already has a scar... he came with this and I can only imagine what he did.... )

Needless to say, I go racing up to the barn, Teresa had him in and on the cross ties when I arrived, and was working on stopping the bleeding. Upon a careful look after some of the bleeding stopped, it was decided that we needed Dr. Mike to come and put some stitches in...... so much for the evening!!!!

Ed was on his way home from Acton and called to check in, I told him to meet me at the barn and gave him the story about Silver. He arrived about the same time that Dr. Mike did.. which was good, because we needed the extra hands!!! Silver ended up with a couple of staples and some stitches where the wound is pretty big. He will probably have a headache for a little bit, and will need some meds for the next week (great....he is awful when it comes to meds!!!!)

By the time Mike was done, and the tranquilizers were wearing off, it was too late for Ed and I to make dinner. Since this was all a surprise ... I told him we were going out, but didn't give him any details.... Ed didn't really know what he was missing out on. I quickly ordered some sandwiches from the pizza house, which we wolfed down, and we did make it over to Portsmouth just in time.

The ballet was fine, but (sadly) it wasn't the "traditional" Nutcracker. I was a little bummed, but Ed liked the dancing and the music. We did find a coffee and dessert afterwards, but the cafe was so crowded that we had to stand (Portsmouth was hopping tonite!!!) it was good, but not relaxing. And after that, we just headed home... where I am now blogging!!!!

All in all it wasn't a "bad day" for sure (well, other than our poor horse!!!.. oh and the vet bill that went with it!!!!) but, it certainly wasn't the day I had planned... which just goes to show.... things can, will and do change on a moment's notice... so, I guess you just make the best of it.....especially when you have pets!!!!!

up on the farm

It's cold and windy... another storm has it's sights on New England... Ed is on his way to the farm, to get the last of the downstair walls in place. I would like to be there today, but in my usual style, I feel like I have a million things to do on my list!!!

Today will be "dog grooming day"... I am usually very careful about this and keep it up to date, it's easy for it to get ahead of me....( with seven to do)... and better to keep it on a routine, but with the trip to NC last month and the "hussle" of the holiday season.. I am behind and the dogs are really showing it. There are two times when I wonder why in the world do I NEED seven dogs... (#1.. trips to the vet and #2 grooming day.) I actually got Cole and Moxie done yesterday.. today it's Camille, Hunter and Trevor... I will have Sadie do Tatter and then the two of us with tackle Tazzy... she can be a bit of horror to do!!!! In my new house, I have a grooming room all planned out, with a high standing tub, good lighting and easy clean up, but for now, it will be done as it always is.

Despite the weather, Ed and Chris have done excellent work with our barn!!!! This is a really big project, and having to remove snow and cover everything when you are done, takes valuable time out of their day. I only hope Ed really knows how much I appreciate all of this, and I know a day will come, when we will look at all this, and think... it's good!!!

"We" have had a few visits from the neighbors, so far everyone thinks the building is beautiful, and not that it's our main goal, but it does fit the landscape and adds to the neighborhood. We want it to have a "real Maine farm look" and I think our goal is in hand.

The house on the other hand, is proving to be a challenge. We met with the builder the other night, and after picking myself off the floor when he presented his price.... we have some major re- thinking to do, including some huge down sizing.

But like Ed says, "it's cheap on paper and that's where you need to begin". We also are going to branch out a little and take a look at some other timber frame companies. There are a number of good companies out there, and now that we have plans in hand... we can go to them and see what they can come up with for numbers. We knew that building a timber would run more and we hate to let that dream go, just yet. So, it's back on the drawing board, and do a little more work. I guess that's the thing about "dreams".... you have to be willing to work, be patient and look at them in a real light, I can do that.

wonder why

The news this am says that we are in "an unusually active weather pattern" and though it does happen, they wonder why it's happening so soon this winter. It seems like we are getting all these micro-storms every few days. Not big snows, but just enough snow/sleet/freezing rain to make things interesting. (In fact last night, based on weather reports, we decided to cancel dog classes in Saco... turns out I probably could have taught the class, but with the long drive to and from, I wasn't taking any chances)

Well, I have the answer for them... it's because Ed is trying to get this barn built!!!! I think everytime he begins some sort of outdoor winter project, we get the weather!!! However, he and Chris (and yesterday Bill joined them again) are plugging right along and we now have two walls standing... with projections of the third going up sometime today!!! Right now this building looks huge, but they somehow have a way of shrinking once you begin "to put things in them"!!! It's very exciting to see this, and I try to run up to Acton as much as I can, so I don't "miss out on anything"... course that means not much is getting done at home (ie: finish up the Christmas decorations) but that's ok!!!

Just a few miles down the road from "the farm".. there is the beautiful waterfall. As I was passing yesterday, I just had to take a couple of moments and get a few shots of it.....

Now, as much as we are in this "winter pattern" Kas and Nate report from the south, that they are in a "warming pattern".. and are spending days at the beach, and are out walking late in the evenings, because the weather is so nice.....

Well, Kas, when you head for home next week.... don't bring your shorts!!!!!!

the Walsh family tree

Perfect day for tree shopping.... warm (nearly 30) ... snow (just ankle deep) and plenty to choose from....

think this one is big enough????

The tree cutters!!! didn't they do a good job.... they got it down!!!!










Hey... don't we have a horse that can do this sort of work?? Why didn't we bring him with us???







All loaded up and ready to head home... world record this year... only took me about a half hour to find it!!!!!! No frozen toes this year... (you should have been there KAS!!!!!)

barn building

Just so the "farm" would have a bit of the Christmas look, I got a wreath to put on the front gate. I can't wait for the time, when I will "really be able to decorate" at the farm!!!! Even if the winds blow and swirl all the snow around... it's Maine afterall!!!!




The barn is coming right along.. Ed and Chris are turning out to be a good team!!! They "lost" two days last week with the snow that came thru, but by Wednesday evening, one wall was up and nearly complete!!! The guys find themselves often working right up until the end of daylight, Ed shot this picture, I like seeing the full moon in the back ground.



I was finally able to go up and see it yesterday. By then, they had another wall almost done and it should be standing by the first of next week. This wall is on the field side, and it's where the four walk out stalls will be.... all the stalls have a door and a window, so there is alot of planning and laying out with this one!!! It should be the "hardest" one of all, because the two end walls are smaller and have just the main door and windows in them. Chris is very "fussy" (which is a great thing) and carefully measures and re-measures before any of the work is done.

Keeping warm has proven to be a trick all of its own. The weather has been pretty cold, and the wind loves to run across that big field. Ed is very fond of his "silly hat"... but it does a good job at keep the ears warm!!!



I brought the dogs with me ... they LOVE to be at the farm!!! Who can blame them.. with all that room for running and racing about!!! It's going to be the perfect spot for the animals... here, Hunter offers his advise with regards to getting this wall up!!! Though I doubt a little cocker spaniel is of much use in this department.

I find myself thinking of what it's going to be like to go out to my own barn and find our horses waiting there for their dinner!!!! It seems so much like a fairy tale!!!!

telling the truth

OK.. so I have been saying that there aren't any "little ones" around here that get excited about some things... like the Christmas season, parades-----snow.... but now I must tell the truth. There is ONE very little one here... it's me!!!! (actually, I am probably just telling all of you something that you have already known!!!!) There has been talk of snow for the past few days, and I have been beside myself with excitement... several times I was up last night, looking for the snow to begin, and waiting to hear that "special" Channel 6 storm center music and the long low sound of the fire whistle being blown to announce "no school". (that sound used to be followed by shouts of happiness from some children... I didn't go that far this morning!!)

Even though the snow turned out to be somewhat disappointing (the 12 inches expected has turned out to be about 4 because the ocean has "warmed" the storm and we got mostly rain here on the coast)...but even still, it has that magic about it, and I think shows the little house off even more than before!!!! Course, it makes the decision about teaching dog class tonite a tough one, because I keep going back and forth about safety issues for my students, etc.... BUT, it is the last class and I hate to put it off for another week... so, as it stands now, there will be class and I am sure the hardly Maine folks that they are... will arrive on time!!!!

Ed and I spent the better part of yesterday (and so did many other folks... "hi Deb"!!) getting ready for this big storm, picking up our yards, tucking things under cover, stocking up on any sort of comfort food... and the like. We ran up to Acton to make sure all the lumber was under cover and the work site was cleaned up, so that when the sun appears come the middle of the week, Ed can get back to work on it.


There has been some good progress... he and Bill got one section of wall up last week, and here it is... the first of the barn itself!!! Because of the weather and tight time frame... Ed called a good friend and builder that we know. Chris actually built our barn here and Ed was hoping that he might be in a place where he could give him a hand with this project. As it turns out, Chris is in a lull and is more than happy to come and get this project done!!! So, as soon as this snow passes, he and Ed will be working in Acton. With Chris's help on a daily basis, Ed is thinking the barn can be weather tight within a few weeks!!! that would be awesome!!!!

So, as much fun as the snow is, a few weeks of clear weather would be much appreciated... but since I have no control either way... I'll take whatever comes and make the most of it.....

small town

So, what's the fun of living in a small town, unless there are "small town things to do"... and fortunately, there are!!! One being the little Christmas parade, which happens the first Saturday in December. The parade lines up on our street and proceeds thru the center of town... not a long route, but enough for those who are involved----- a few floats, brownie and cub scouts, a couple of firetrucks... you know the drill.

Thinking about that, I decided that this year's parade needed a horse!!!! Besides, what little girl doesn't wish for a pony for Christmas? And I thought Miss Mocha needed to do something to "earn her keep". So, we brought her home, and got her all decked out!!! Sadie started with her tail, putting a nice french braid in it, and we topped it off with a big red bow. She wasn't too sure about it at first, but figured out it wasn't going any where and just dealt with it.

It was VERY cold for this parade... the temps were in the teens, with a lively wind blowing. I almost gave up on the idea, but had come to far to quit. So threw on an extra layer of clothes and tried to be brave!!!! Mocha had a thick winter coat, so no worries about her!!!!

While we were wait for the parade to begin, a little group of "brownies" just had to have their picture taken with our girl!!! These little gals were just in love with her and kept telling me how lucky I was to have Mocha. I totally agreed with them.... I remember being just their age and always hoping for a pony of my own!!!!

The parade begins at sunset, that way, you can enjoy all the lights. We put set of sleigh bells and some lights on Mocha!!! a little hard to see in the picture, but they were a big hit... so was she!!! Some town folks recognized me, but Mocha was certainly the star. She walked along quite well, until we got into the center of town. I don't know if it was the crowd or the loud speakers, or simply just having "enough", but she started to act out a little bit. Fortunately, she doesn't weigh that much and I can just "bump" her a couple of times and usually get her to behave, and we made it thur without too much fuss... but I have to say, I was pretty happy that wasn't Tonka on the end of that lead rope and acting out like that!!!!

The good thing was... Ed followed us in the gator... Ed, Sadie, Matt and Kate (Sadie's college roommate) all decided to ride along. We put a "scooper" in the gator just in case, and I knew there were a few extra "horse folk" back there in case Miss Mocha decided to be really naughty!!!! Guess she thought that Santa might be watching, because except for that one little glitch.. she was quite perfect. At the end of the parade a number of people came over to see her and give her some pats and hugs.... Then we loaded her back into the trailer and home to Teresa's for supper!!! She was pretty happy back in her barn... all that celebrity stuff really isn't her thing!!!!

And that makes another chapter in the" Mocha book:... she has been to camp, to school, to church and now in the town parade... I really need to get that book written!!!!!!

It's begun...

It seems like this year, there are alot of changes... well, I know there is.. but it's strange where I notice them the most. One would be the decorating for Christmas this year. I find myself doing it in small bits, taking my time, and really enjoying it. Not having little ones around to "rush me", I am definitely slower and planning more. When the kids were little, they were always in such a hurry to get it done.. maybe they thought the sooner we decorated, the sooner Christmas would get here, but either way, it's a much slower pace.

We'll be having two trees this year, one is up already. Kay had collected over the years, 64 gold ornaments from the Danbury mint (these are real gold!!!) I remember her having them on her tree, but the last couple of years she didn't bother with them. One afternoon as we were going thru some things at her house, I came across the ornaments. I told Ed it was a shame to have them in boxes and not being used, so after checking with brother Bill, it was decided that I could have them (someday they will be divided between Kas and Sadie). Because there are so many and my tree is always so full with my ornaments, I told Ed I would like to have a tree just with these gold ones. And since I didn't want to worry about keeping two live trees, we decided to go with a "fake" one for the gold ornaments. We set it up on the new sunroom and it's just perfect. at night they catch the white lights of the tree and during the day, make all sorts of rainbows around the room with the sunlight. I will always think of this as "Kay's tree" and will enjoy it for many years I am sure. One day next week, Ed and I will go and pick a live tree, and that will go up in the living room with all the "family ornaments".... pretty special to be able to host two trees at Christmas!!!!

We had to get the outside work done next.... they're talking a possibility of "real snow" for the first of the week, AND.... I wanted to have it all done in time for the Christmas parade (read next blog). The parade lines up on our street and goes up thru the center of the town, SO... I had to have the house looking it's best for those parade folks!!!If all goes according to plan, next year this will be Kassy and Nate's project of decorating... I don't know if they will have the same taste that I do, but I am happy at the way the little house looks in it's Christmas best. NOW... if we can only have a little snow (and hope it keeps for Christmas) it will be just right!!!!

"Pete"

Yesterday didn't start off too well, the little white guinea pig in this picture is Pete..... and Pete died yesterday. I had a feeling something wasn't quite right the night before, when I put the doggies to bed with their cookies, Pete and Applejacks (the bunny) always got a piece of apple or carrot... well, Pete loved his little night snack, and would always whistle until it arrived..... there wasn't any whistling. So, I cuddled him for a little bit, and then tucked him into bed, and found him all curled up this morning..... he has gone to be with Bella.

Funny how attached you get... Pete sort of came into our lives. Sadie had bought Bella for her birthday, and as we were leaving the shop, one of the clerks said, "you wouldn't want another?".. seems Pete had been bought there and then returned when the people got tired of taking care of him. Sadie really wanted Bella, so I said I would take Pete. At first he was rather shy and a little hard to handle, he didn't like being held and would stay at the back of his cage when you approached it. But, like any animal----time, patience and love changed that all around, and Pete became quite a little actor!!!! He wasn't afraid of anything, and actually "chased" after the others, whether it was Bella and Applejacks... or the cockers and cats. I will miss him greatly.

So, little Applejacks (who we also rescued) is the last one of "Sadie's zoo"... I am thinking I might get another piggie, but I will wait.... with Christmas coming... who knows what might be available come January or February after someone else "gets tired of taking care of them".

Say hi to Bella for us Pete!!!!

found it

Well, it took me two weekends, and a lot of lugging, stacking and planning, but I finally found that piece of wood I had been looking for..... the LAST piece!!!! With Ed working on the barn, I was determined to get this project done myself not only is it great to have all this dry wood put away, but the yard looks so much neater with this big pile up and gone. My little stove is going to be happy this winter, and the couple of nights that I have had it chugging, the house has a nice cozy feeling and the cats are already claiming the bed beside it.

THIS is what I'm talking about.... wood stacked to the ceiling and no room for more. I had to put some of it outside on the deck, but that will be the first pile that I use up.

I don't believe I have told you about the "treasure" we brought home from North Carolina. As we were heading back, we passed a place that has all kinds of cement "critters". Ed was the one that noticed this horse and asked me if I wanted to go back and look at it. I said no because I know that these things can be quite expensive... at least around here they are!!! But, he turned around just the same and we pulled in. Mind you, we had a trailer on the truck because we had towed Nate's truck down, so it wasn't like we didn't have any room!!!! Well, the folks that ran this little shop couldn't have been nicer, they were quite "impressed" that we were from Maine (asked all about our ice and snow!!!!) and I couldn't believe how little they were asking for this fine beast. He is quite large, maybe three feet high, and VERY heavy (they loaded him on the trailer with a fork lift).. but he looks pretty fine under the apple tree and will look even finer up on the farm!!!!

Course what is even funnier, is what the cockers think of him. They are quite certain it is something that must be dealt with.... Moxie went racing out across the drive barking and growling, then she looked rather embarrassed when she figured out he wasn't real.... Trevor is determined to "get him" and Hunter is a bit afraid and won't go near him at all.... wonder what the horses will think of it......

"black Friday"

I never liked the term "black Friday"... I know "why" they call it that.... but, it still sounds sort of gruesome to me, why would you begin the most wonderful holiday season with the word "black"? just call it "money Friday??" Either way, it means that lots of people are out there.. spending money, and though I vowed never to get caught up in it... guess what... Ed and I spent more money yesterday than several people combined.... though, our spending took on a different look from some....
It came on the back of a truck!!!! THIS is our new barn being delivered to Acton. All I see is lots of boards and things, but Ed is like a kid and this is simply a big kit that needs to go together!!! (maybe now I understand how he feels in a material shop ...... I see quilts and he sees bolts of cloth) Naturally the weather was almost bitter cold, the wind was whistling across that field but it seems like Ed always begins big projects in the cold!!!

Now, here's a pair that spells "trouble"!!!! Thank goodness..... we have DAVE!!!! always the good sport and willing to lend a hand. He and Ed work well together, so bundled up as much as they could be and still work.... they sorted all the lumber off the truck and began the lay out of the barn. This is the "fussy" part of the work, and when I went back to check on them (try to bring them a hot lunch,) it seemed as though they hadn't got very far, but in reality... a lot of work had been done.

Look who's working and who's goofing here!!!!

So, this is the start of a dream coming to real life... the day after Thanksgiving, how blessed I am!!! Good friends/family, projects that are in the works, a future that is bright and full of promises!!!! I guess I won't fuss about "black Friday" anymore... for it now holds a special meaning for me........

Hello snow!!!

well, it really isn't that much to talk about... but it is the first of the season, and with Thanksgiving just a couple days away, it really does start "the holidays." I didn't think we would get any snow today, the weather man said that "inland" would get maybe an inch, but it would all turn to rain on the coast. So, I was pretty excited to see it coming down, though it looks a little strange with my autumn wreath and pumpkin by the door ( notice NO deployment flag!!!) and with just a rise of a degree or two, it will quickly change over to rain.

Ed and I went out to the barn to do chores and give out some lunch. The paddock looked so pretty with the white covering and the trees look just as handsome!!! "Everyone" was snug in the barn waiting for their lunch.....








Well, almost everyone!!! I told Mocha that a smart horse would know to get in from the snow, but she only gave me a look that said "oh please... only sissy horses have to stay inside when it's snows!!!" Besides she has the thickest coat in the barn, so maybe she is just showing it off!!! I don't think I will need to worry about her being cold this winter!!!



We saw the first of the "timber plans" this morning. The company that we are pretty certain we'll use, sent their rep out with the sketches of the framing. It's pretty basic as far as timber frames go, but we have a few things to ponder and of course, are a little anxious to see what this is going to price in at. It would be nice if it turns out like the barn has.... Ed ordered the lumber for that, and it came in a bit under of what we thought... nice surprise!!!! The lumber is being delivered to Acton on Friday.....pretty exciting!!!!

Cam and Hunter are doing well, both are feeling much better after their surgery/illness which makes me very happy. So, looks like all is good on the homefront.....

home again

Ed, Moxie and I had a wonderful time in the south!!! The weather was grand, the time was relaxing and of course it was great to see Nate home safe and sound, and spend time with him, his family and Kas. But I have to admit, I am a real home body and it was good to head north and sleep in my own little bed once again. However, Ed didn't stick around too long, early Friday morning he was off again, heading to Baltimore, MD with some friends to attend a "towing show".


He was a little "worried" that I might be lonely at home, but I have used the time well these past two days, and have begun to "pack". NOT that we are moving into our new house any time soon, however, we have been in this house for nearly 25 years. AND I have never really "weeded out", I figured it's going to take me a few months at least to be ready to do any sort of moving. I also have several things that would make for a good yard sale, and a few times last fall, I thought that if it had been organized I would have done a yard sale or two. So, I have decided that over the winter, I am going to get everything sorted out and come spring, have a yard sale or two and get things out of here. I have also decided to start with the "easy stuff"... for example, I did the upstairs bathroom, half of our bedroom and my closet. Here's the pile of "throw outs" that I got just from that... (plus a couple of bags of donations AND some yard sale things)... it's kind of shocking really, that we have that much "stuff!!!" I don't even dare think of what it will be like when WE (I'm not going to do that alone) tackle the basement and/or the barn!!! I have been very good and look carefully at each thing and ask myself "are you really going to cart this to Acton?".. sometimes I say yes, and sometimes I say no!!!!

Speaking of Acton, the barn floor was poured while we were away. Makes a big difference just having the floor in, and it has also inspired Ed to get back to work on it. Originally, when he heart was giving him trouble, he thought that he wouldn't even get to the barn building this fall. But, he has been feeling quite well, and Dave and brother Bill have offered their help when needed, so Ed is going to try and get a weather tight building before the "weather". He did get the lumber ordered before leaving on his trip, so when he gets back, it should be just about ready to be picked up. I guess the game plan is "as much as can be done" over the Thanksgiving weekend. If all goes well and we have decent weather, I bet he will get a good chunk of it done.

Poor Cammi...... just before we left, I noticed a lump in one of her teats... it's fairly common with female dogs that have not been spayed or bred. This one was pretty big and ugly, and since Karen (her co-owner) and I have decided that she won't be bred, it was time to get her in for spaying. I wanted to get this done before the holidays, so I took her in the moment we got home. Well, the spaying went well, but there wasn't just one tumor... there were three, so the vet took them all. Cam came home with a little row of stitches from the spay and about 20 staples from the tumor removals... boy, do I know how she feels!!! It wasn't that long ago when I was in the same spot. She's doing very well, but I keep her crated right now, and have her laying low. The staples come out in 10 days.. so it will still be a big of a recovery. AND then Hunter!!!! He wasn't feeling too well while we were gone, so I took him into the vet with Cam and something is going on that we can't quite put our fingers on. He has a slight cough, which, had he been in the kennel, would be like kennel cough, but he hasn't had any exposure to that sort of thing. So he is on meds for a virus and the vet wants to watch him closely cause it still could be a heart thing, though the x-rays looked OK. He's feeling much better and has been back to his old self today. I guess it never "just rains".... let's just say I gave the vet more money that we spent on vacation!!!!!................... yup, it's good to be home.....................

homecoming

The very first thing I have to say about homecoming... is "Praise be to our Heavenly Father, who answered our prayers and kept Nate and his unit safe!!!! I am so very grateful!!!!!" And I am well aware, as we were welcoming everyone home, there are many families have not had the same happy reunions, and I will continue to keep them --- and the ones still there, and the ones still leaving --- in my daily prayers. I encourage all of you to do the same, for it is very easy to "forget" when we are here at home and life is running on it's "normal" course.



We were told that the bus should arrive sometime around 3:00, Kassy had us at the base by noontime, because she wanted to help decorate and finish off the "welcome home" bags that the wives had been working on. The day was bright and sunny, but cold!!!! (yes you heard that word from me!!!) There was a sharp wind that blew all day long, and it whistled across that parking area and between the barracks. We spent most of the waiting time talking with other families, and sitting the in car warming up enough to go back out and talk some more. Finally, around 4:00 the bus pulled in and marines climbed out!!! What fun it is to watch and be a part of such a happy reunion!!! Everyone looked great and were more than happy to be home once again.


Charlie had to be the funniest of all. He definitely knew that something was up, and I wouldn't be surprised if he knew exactly what was up, because he was at the last homecoming. He didn't like Kassy being one step away from him, and kept a very careful eye on her whenever she was. It didn't take him anytime to "find" Nate and when he did, he didn't quite know what to do with himself--- Jump all over him, or Kassy. One thing for certain though, once the two of them were together, he wouldn't let either one away from him!!!!! and got very upset when Nate had to step away for a moment to retrieve his sea bags.


Nate loved his "new" truck, the one that Kas had bought over the summertime!!! It wasn't a surprised (she couldn't keep it quiet that long) but Nate was pretty excited when he finally got to see it in "real life". After he had the chance to say "goodbye" to his pals, we headed for home. Deb, Dave, Ed and I went onto the hotel, to check in and give Kas and Nate a little time together. Then we met later for dinner and to hear some stories from Nate. It's hard for me to picture exactly what life was like in Iraq, but I am very certain, it would not be my choice as a place to live... even without a war brewing there. I just can't imagine a place with hardly any trees or green grass.

These past few days have just been days of fun. Kas and Nate have taken us to different parts of Jacksonville, we toured up to New Bern today and went thru some historical buildings, and have just enjoyed being all together. The dogs have had great fun together, Ed and I brought Moxie down with us, and Deb and Dave brought Hallie with them. They have had runs thru the park, long walks, and "hours" of waiting the cars while we toured around.
But it's time to think about heading home, I am missing the rest of the four footeds and even think I am ready to get back onto schedule again. There has been some work going on with the new barn while we have been away, and I want to check that out. I have a pile of wood to get inside, and Thanksgiving to think about.... so, it's time......