We are continuing on, as we should... But Dad is in the hospital and the days are long and worrisome. I visit almost every day, Mom is doing her best, and tells us all to not stop with our plans, because it "won't help one way or another" So, the trees are going up, and we're doing the things that were planned... but my spirit is low and I am so grateful that we have Abi and Reagan to remind us how blessed we all are.
It's wonderful having these kiddos around, Reagan being almost two is completely taken by all the Christmas things that are happening. Abi is working on her list and is trying to be good. I am looking for the Christmas magic, because it does make the days seem better....
We went to Kass and Nate's for the home town Christmas parade. We actually we skipped out on seeing the parade because it was pouring and rain, and I didn't feel up to standing in the rain to watch. So, we waited until it was done, and then went. Kass likes to have a pot luck supper after the parade and invites everyone to come.... it was a nice evening.....
Reagan and Bruce.... they are so cute together and it won't be long before little Bruce gets moving. I am sure they will become best buddies....
Camille is so good with babies.. she has always loved them.. and feels the need to keep a very close eye on them.
Abi and Naomi... telling "Krunkle" what's on their Christmas list of wishes.... it's so fun to hear them talk... we all need that child like magic this time of year.....
This was also the weekend that the Wreaths head for Arlington, and made their stop at Cabela's. The service dogs were invited to attend again this year. I really had hopes that we would be traveling down once again to help in Arlington, but the plans never came threw. Though with Dad being so sick, I know we wouldn't have gone anyways.. so I guess it's just as well. Still though, it's an amazing trip and I really hope one day to be able to go again.
It was a very, very cold night... so we didn't spend too much time outside. Which is sad, because it's a beautiful sight to see. The wreaths were escorted in, and going under this flag made an impressive sight.. especially under a full moon to boot....
Before the wreaths arrived, Ed and I did a bit of shopping. Danny went along with us, as good as gold. He is such a sweet, steady boy.. and draws alot of attention....
There was a good crowd.. and the bagpipe core was there again. They play quite a nice concert and I so enjoy hearing them.
It certainly is a good "test" for any service dog... listening to the pipes and hearing the drums...... I saw more than a couple dogs having a hard time handling that....
but not Dan..... he laid quietly at our feet, taking it all in.
Kathleen caught up with us.. Brutus was having a bit of trouble with the band.. so she thought that maybe hanging out with Danny would help him out. It did, he was able to lay down, but as you can see by his face, and by Danny's face.... who was troubled, and who wasn't....
He did settle in after a bit....
The dogs are always a huge "hit"... Moxie, Otis and Danny... schmoozing the crowd...
The wreaths were a little late in arriving.... so, with the cold night, late arrival.. and my wanting to get home so I can get up early and see Dad tomorrow... we didn't stay for all the ceremonies this year. We watched them arrived... and then headed out ourselves....
but wishing them all safe travels... and many thanks for honoring the people who have served...
Check in day for the doggies. We always opt to do one "early" check in around the holidays... with everything ahead, it's often hard to fit our usual check in time ..in. So, today we were at NEADS , working with Danny and saying hi to everyone.
Not only can you work a "service dog", but you can do some Christmas shopping as well. All sorts of goodies, which proceeds going to all the good things that NEADS does.
Danny thought that one of these little doggies might be a nice gift for him......... but I told him, "you need to get a red vest first!!!"
As usual, everyone comes out to say hello... I feel so special when we go. Danny is growing up and no one can believe how big and handsome he is. Course I don't see it, living with him, but I know that everyone else can. And he sure likes all the attention...
We had the chance to see Matty (one of our dogs) working on some of his advance training. It's always so nice to "run into" our puppies. Erin says that Mattie is looking good, so we are in hopes of another graduate one day soon.
After chatting with Dave and give him all the details from the past month (or so) at home. It's off to the city. Danny is doing so very well, and just walks along like nothing is a big deal. We managed to "catch the train" at the station..... Dave and I always have such good talks... I really look forward to these days in the city.
Because the train was on a lay over, we had the chance to do some loading and unloading work. We walked around the cars, practicing walking between the tight rows of seats, and entering and exiting the seats as well. We always say that one day, we'll actually ride the train, but so far, we have never found the time to do so.
I have a feeling that Danny won't have too many more check ins.. Dave is liking what he sees, and I think just after the holidays, I will be getting "the call"....
He'll be ready.... just hope I will be....
On a side note here.. as we were traveling home, I got a phone call from my Mom... my Dad has gone back into the hospital... and he's not doing all that well. Since Thanksgiving, he really hasn't improved... the days ahead are going to be hard ones, I fear.
Well.. here we are... December once again. My Dad has been having some serious health issues, so truth be told, much of my time has been trying to do what I can for my Mom and Dad. I'm thinking this whole holiday season isn't going to be the "norm" and taking it one day at a time is going to be our best bet. In thinking over the past Christmas's.. I have this cool picture... that's me... I was around six years old, and the puppy is Ceaser... a St. Bernard.. who was about six months old.... he lived for 11 years, and was my buddy.. and I think I huge part of "why dogs are so important in my life".....
And... I got it done!!! Reagan's Christmas stocking!!! I've "only" been working on it for the past four months.. but I am so pleased with how it has all turned out. I have one that I am doing for Abi.. but some how think, her's won't be ready in time... though I am giving it best efforts!!!!
We still have our "Thanksgiving snow".. so perhaps we'll enjoy a white Christmas.. though being New England..
who can tell for sure....
"tso"... Trans Siberian Orchestra.. this band has been around for a long long time, and they have a knack for putting a special sound to Christmas music. Though it's not my usual traditional sound, I do have to say, I like their music.
For Kassy's birthday, Nate got them tickets to a concert. Now, I'll be honest, I am not a concert kind of gal.. but after giving it some thought and really wanting to see this band. I told Ed that I would like to go. He called right away for tickets, but the space was pretty limited.. still, he took what they had and we went. As one can see by the photos, we were literally in the very last row.. and about as high up as one can get. (believe me, just climbing that high took an act of courage)
But truthfully, by the time the arena filled, and I thought we had pretty grand seats. Sadly my camera did not get very good pictures, and would make one think that we couldn't see much of it, but that certainly was not the case...
It was a grand show, I completely enjoyed the music and the stage show. And it was nice not to have anyone blocking our view. (in fact we thought if we went again.. we might even ask for those seats)....
I would certainly (will certainly) go and see another concert of theirs... we had a grand evening out, and then went to dinner afterwards....
just seemed like a new and fun way to begin the holiday season....
My dear Kassy.... she knew that I was "sad" that they weren't able to spend Thanksgiving with us... and that no one was able to come to the farm... so, she called today and said that they were headed up. Coming to visit, play in the snow.. and enjoy some turkey sandwiches.. I, of course, was thrilled. We visited for a bit when they arrived, then bundled up and headed out to play....
Not unusual for our area, but it seems a bit early to be pulling out the sleds and playing with them.....
But Reagan is so happy with the snow.. and after just short ride on his sled, he really perfered walking threw it on his own steam.....
it's hard work... especially when it's deep snow, and you have a hundred pounds of clothes on.
Still, though, he wanted to walk up to the barn and see the "cows" (every large animal is a cow, according to Reagan).....
and following tracks makes your walk much easier.....
Ed and Nate thought it might be fun to pull the little John Deere sled out. It had to be tinkered with, but they got it running. It's a nice little machine and fun to play with around the farm.
It doesn't handle this deep wet snow very well, but it scooted along ok in the driveway. At first Reagan wasn't too thrilled with it (it's kind of loud).. but after watching Daddy drive it around...
He thought he might give it a little try... he went for a short ride, but it still really wasn't his thing....
Mona, and crawling around in the snow seems to be more his style.....
Then we all starting getting a little cold. So it was back to the house for some hot cocoa and some left over Thanksgiving turkey sandwiches...
Playing with tractors in the sunshine.... makes the day a perfect one....
One thing I have come to learn... it's wise to make plans, and even wiser to be flexible. And so it has turned out with this year's Thanksgiving. This is what we woke up to this morning. A house full of guest doggies (which I was planning on) and six or so inches of new snow... which I wasn't planning.
Poor Ed had a horrid ride home from work .. "they" had been predicting this snow for a few days.. and all of a sudden "everyone" needed their snow blowers. They were busy crazy at work.. and then he had to deliver a few of them on the ride home. Between the snow, hauling the big trailer and getting snowblowers on and off the trailer.. it was not a fun ride...
But he made it home, and we spent a quiet evening together. Plans for the family coming to the house for dinner were changed as well. Dad is home from the hospital but he's not feeling well at all. And with the snow... and everything else... we have decided to take Thanksgiving to Mom and Dads....
Livy however, and despite the snowballs.. is loving the snow....
So, before we could head out.... the drive had to be cleared....
and it looks more like Christmas, than Thanksgiving....I'm glad I got my "fall decorations" picked up before this snow arrived.....
And this is why we had been putting the littles out in the round pen. Miss Escapee.... Mocha. Found her wondering around, in search of grass when I went to the barn this morning. We're going to need to come up with better fencing, but that will now have to be a spring project.
I told the guinea hens that the coop will be a better place to be.... they didn't believe me.. but I think now, they're reconsidering their decision.....
Now, fortunately, I had planned on frying a turkey this year for Thanksgiving all along. But, since we had to move our feast... this worked out even better. And then.... we discovered that there were parts of town, including the neighborhood behind Mom's and Dad's that didn't have power!!!!! We never lost power at the farm... but there were many towns without it.... it was a heavy snow.
So, we packed up the cooker... Ed got it running, and we were able to cook a wonderful turkey, just the same.
Fortunately, (and un-fortunately) there was just a small group this year. Kass and Nate was with Nate's family.. Sadie and Jessie were with Jessie's family... Abi with her Dad, and Naomi with her Dad... so, that left Mom and Dad... Ed and I... Rachel and Rob.. and my friend Kathleen. I have to say I hate it when we aren't all together... but families change over the years, and I can either sulk or celebrate.And since Dad is home ... and we have the ones we have... I choose to celebrate.
Ed was the master chef.. and Rachel and I made sure that Mom didn't get stuck with a lot of work. It's been a long time with Dad being so sick..... and we wanted to make today, just a peaceful time to be together.
Everyone commented on how good that turkey smelled, and we wondered if the neighbors were a bit jealous being able to smell it....
I think Rob was scared to death of dropping that bird in the snow.
We had a nice meal. Not very fancy, and certainly on the quiet side... but just so thankful for the millions of blessings in our lives....
and the well earned (and traditional) naps after the meal.....
I made this wall hanging as Mom's Christmas gift. But since it is a Christmas thing.. decided that it might be more enjoyed as an early gift instead of opening it on Christmas itself.....
so, as I have said, a quiet, change of plans, enjoy it as it is Thanksgiving... but a happy one as well.....
