one year

This was our barn one year ago (yesterday)......











And here it is on it's first anniversary.........

Happy birthday....... barn!!!!!

Saturday stuff

Ed will be home tomorrow, and I am very glad about that. Though I am keeping busy just doing my "normal" stuff, I miss him not being here and really miss his help. Especially this weekend, we are in a big cold snap here in Maine, and right now have a good douse of "January weather".. not that we're not used to weather like this, just that it has come a whole lot earlier than usual. Water has been the big project of the weekend. That dandy water carrier that Ed made up last fall is frozen tight, so I am lugging water 10 gallons at a time from the house to the barn. Which is fine and is working OK.. but four horses ... two being drafts.. can suck up a lot of water in a short amount of time. Duke especially seems to be a big drinker and can drain a bucket in a matter of minutes!!! Aside from the fact that the buckets are freezing, I simply can not wait to have electricity in that barn and be able to plug these buckets in!!! I worry about Mocha the most, she seems to have a hard time breaking the ice in her bucket.. the big guys grab hold and let the buckets slam against the stall walls.. but Mocha either can't do that or doesn't know how, because I have been breaking the ice out of her bucket. She also seems to not like it that cold... "they" talk of a warm up on Tuesday, back into the 40's.. I so hope they are right, we could really use a little weather break right now. In the meantime, it's lugging water and breaking ice... I don't know what more to do.

The guys didn't get as far as they hoped with closing in the building. All last week, they fought against the wind, and a couple of times, I nearly held my breath as they were getting big panels up. The cold hasn't really helped either.. it's hard to work fast when you are chilled to the bone. I know they are anxious to close it in.. that way they can work out of the wind as well. But, they are making progress and the house is beginning to look like a house.

Being Saturday, our dump was open today... it's open on Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays this time of year. For some reason, making a dump run isn't any big deal, and that's kind of funny in it's own way. See, when we lived in York, there was curb side service on Wednesdays... so all I had to do was pull the trash buckets out to the road. But it always seemed like such a project!!! For one thing, you had to get it out early or you might miss the truck. If you missed, then you were stuck until the following week... and I can't even tell you how many times, I "forgot" it was Wednesday, and went flying out when I heard the truck at the end of the road.

When we moved here and I realized that I would have to get the trash to the dump, I was worried about that, loading the trash, driving to the dump, making sure I knew the days and hours it was open, I didn't think I could handle that... especially since I had "such a time of it" just with the curb service. But, it's turned out to be really quite ok... I usually go on Mondays... the dumb is quiet and really it isn't that far from the farm. The drive out to it is a pretty one, going past a number of farms, and small ponds. The dogs have gotten into the habit of making the dump run with me and they love it. The "dump man" always has cookies for them and they get so excited as we turn in. And the "dump man"... what a funny guy he is. He has a long white beard... and sort of looks like a troll.. but he has the best laugh and always something wonderful to say when you pull up. As I said, he loves seeing the dogs, and they no longer bark and guard the truck, but eagerly jump to the window for their treats. I also see alot of "town folk" at the dump and often run into neighbors who have questions about the progress on the house or how the horses are doing. So dump runs have kind of become a "thing that do you". I didn't take all the dogs on today's dump run (didn't have time to go last Monday) only Moxie was with me, (it was almost too cold to have her in the truck, but she insisted on going), the "dump man" was quite disappointed to only see one dog in the truck, and told a few others that were there..."she's the gal with the six dogs!!!"

The last thing I want to "blog" about this evening is my popcorn popper!!! I feel a bit guilty that I haven't spoken of it before. See, popcorn is one of my favorite treats, but I like "real" popcorn. I mean the microwave kind is fine in a pinch, but I like the kind made in oil. I had been making it on the stove top, but I either burn it a bit or don't get the portion right making either way too much or too little. So, Ed went online and found me this wonderful popcorn popper!!! You put a little oil in the bottom, a rotating arm pushes the kernels around, and when its done, you flip it over and have your popcorn in a bowl. It make the most wonderful popcorn with the best taste.... and I nearly have a popcorn feast every evening!!!

It's also a favorite of the dogs.. so I always have to make enough for them as well, we usually finish the bowl between the seven of us!!! and with that in mind, I think I will go and pop us a bowl right now....

don't know how to play...

My blog friend, nuzzling muzzles, had me on a list of "tagged folks" with regards to telling six random things about yourself... the trouble is, I don't know how to play this tag thing.. but I thought it would be fun to share those six random things. People who know me personally probably know this stuff... but maybe not... so here goes..

1. Ed and I met when we were in the second grade. All thru school he was my "big brother" if you will.. he was the guy I called when my little car broke down (even though I had a boyfriend at the time) he was the shoulder I cried on when that boyfriend turned out to be a jerk... and we never went on one date until we had graduated from high school. Even that was a fluke.. he was "free" and I had just become "free", so he invited me out, and well.. the rest is history!!!!

2. Both our daughter's were born on their due dates... Kassy was October 1st and Sadie was Feb. 29th (leap day).. I am one of those women that you all "hate".. I was in labor with Kassy for three hours and with Sadie for 45 minutes (nearly didn't make it to the hospital!!!)

3. I have always wanted to be a dog trainer (though I thought I would train seeing eye dogs), and always knew that one day I would live on a farm

4. I lived in the town that I was born in, until three months ago!!!!

5. I have been raising and showing cocker spainels since 1981... so I know the breed quite well.

6. and when I am not "playing with my animals"... I love cross stitch, quilting and knitting, and one day would like to learn how to spin. My favorite sort of days are either being in my barn, or sitting by the fire with a cup of cocoa, a good movie and a project in my lap...

so, there are my six "random" things if you will... that was a fun idea....

a real treat...

So what restaurant served this fine looking meal... the fatest of lobster rolls on the prettiest plate??? Well, dear readers, this was no restaurant... it was the wonderful home of my dear friend Aileen. We have been promising each other for months now, that we would take an afternoon, have lunch together and nice long (overdue) visit... Ed left early this morning for a "boy's weekend" in Baltimore, so I emailed Aileen to see if we could get together. Not only was she available... but looked at how she spoiled me!!!! It's a little hard to say what I enjoyed most, her wonderful meal or her grand company... either way, it was one of the nicest afternoons that I have had. Aileen and I met thru the "world of dogs".. but we have so much in common and I love hearing her stories. The afternoon absolutely flew by and sadly, the schedule of horses called me back home once again. but one thing will be certain, I am not going to let so much time pass before we get together again... when the Good Lord blesses you with special friends....you need to be wise enough to enjoy the gift.... thank you again my dear friend.... it was a wonderful afternoon!!!!!!!

bye-bye beams.....

As "promised" the house is being closed in this week. Watching this timber frame go up has been quite interesting, because nothing seems to go "together" the way I have seen other buildings done. The timbers went into place, and then the ceilings were put up. Now, the sheet rock is placed on the outside of the timbers, and then the outer insulated panels go into place. Ken likes this method, because with the sheet rock behind the timbers, there wont' be any gaps between the two.




Timber framed homes will, over time, shrink a little as the wood ages and dries out. If the sheet rock was placed between the timbers, when it does this, there would be small gaps, which not only wouldn't look nice, but would allow small spaces for air to leak thru. This house is designed to be extremely energy efficient, and with fuel prices as high as they have been, I know we will appreciate that in the years to come. Here's a shot of what will be the dining room....

These are the panels that are going on the outside, there will still be another layer on them, which will be the outside trim of the house. Ken keeps telling us what an easy house this will be to keep warm. And since we are dealing with a good cold snap right now....... today it only got into the high 20's.... warm is what I'm going to be wanting!!!!

The stair case is in as well. When you walk thru the front door, you will see the stairs. (typical colonial style design) I did manage to climb up them yesterday, course, with no walls on the second floor, I didn't "feel any safer" up there, but got to have a look around. Nice view of the field and the horses from "the bedroom" area. Getting down was another matter, fortunately Ed was there... wish I wasn't so afraid of heights!!! I am such a "woos" ....

Moe and "the digger" started making their way to the barn. This water and lights thing is coming in the nick of time..... we are already dealing with frozen buckets, and bringing the horse in early in the day, so we have some light to work by. But thinking that a year ago, we didn't even have a barn... there's been alot done in short amount of time.

activity...

Is it just us, or is this the way "building" goes... it's been weeks where nothing much has been happening, I mean, Ken and crew have done great work on the house itself... but all the rest of it is waiting to be done... electrical, water, heating system...and so on. Now, all of sudden, the "digger" is back, Chris arrived on the scene, Nate is here , and the farm is back into activity again!!!!

We have had an "interesting" time finding someone who will do the electrical with this house, and we think that two things have scared them off... going underground for one, and dealing with a timber frame for two. No less than three electricians have come at different times, took a look (took copies of our house plans) promised to be back, and never returned!!!! We don't mind the fact that they might not want the job, but it would have been nice to be told that... waiting for them to "return" certainly chewed up a lot of precious good weather time!!! Finally, we called our friend Chris, (we hadn't called him in the beginning because we thought that the travel time from York to Acton might be too much)... but Chris came last week, took a look and said, "when do we start?" Ed and I were almost in disbelief!!!! We then had to do some hustling to get the "digger" back and get the things that are needed for underground service but it has all come together, and was started.

Ed and Nate spent the day clearing the spot were the transformer needs to go, we have been cautious about taking down too many trees until we are certain what we want to take down. But, it opens it up and shows the house off. And from what Ken tells us, this will be about the last "you" will see of the house... the panels should be on by the end of the week, and with the cold weather coming in, this will be nice for the guys to be able to work "inside" now.








It might be a little hard to see, but this is the landing for the stairs. As soon as they are in, I am going up to see what the upper floor looks like..... I am just not a ladder gal!!!!

For some reason, the electric company said we needed to have a new pole (which was another thing we were waiting on)and that was finally put in last week.







OK, you guys, back to work!!!! Once Moe got the ditch dug, Ed, Nate and Chris started running the pipe that the electric lines will go in.

This is the part of construction that I "hate"... all the digging up.. piles of things like sand, gravel, rock.... I know it's a necessary "evil".. but, seems like we just get things looking good and it's all torn up again. However, this should be the last of it, and once everything gets into the ground, we can dress it up next spring and that will be that.

So, the farm is a flurry of activity again, and it suddenly seems like everything is finally coming together!!! "REAL" lights and water in the barn... that's going to be a treat!!!!

rainy day fun....

Most people.... sensible people.... who are just getting over being sick, would take a rainy day and have a warm fire in the woodstove, a good movie (or book) and a hot cup of cocoa... sit quietly and enjoy the time.... BUT, I am not "most" people.

I had it in mind that today we would take Duke to "Meaders" and see what we could find for a harness. I have been dying to work with him, but in order to do that, he needs "equipment"...so, even though it was drizzly, wet, showers.....rain!!!! up we went.

I thought that maybe we could go into the barn to do this, but Chuck was just as happy to fit him out in the parking lot. Aside from being a little "jittery", Duke for the most part was quite good. He did get tired of standing about as we fussed, did straps up, took straps off, walked him.. fussed again. But we got everything to fit just perfect.

I really do like Tonka's leather harness, but after doing a bit of research and talking with a number of other horse people I chose a "biothane" for Duke. They are hardy, easy to clean, light weight, and all the rage in the harness world. You have to look carefully to see that it isn't leather, and I was able to get it with brass fittings... which I prefer to the chrome. I will see how the two look when we get the team together, but that is still some time off, so for now, each horse has his own personal look.

By the time we loaded Duke onto the trailer again, we were all pretty wet and ready to head home. Thankfully, this horse loads like a dream, and when we opened the trailer he walked on as happy as could be. I told Ed, he might have been worried this morning when we put him on... wondering why he was leaving his new home.... needless to say, he was pretty happy to get back.

Sadly, Tonka was not the "welcome wagon" ... poor Duke, got a big reminder from him as to who is King of the pasture. So much so, that finally Ed went out and had some "words" with Tonka!!! I know that they will work it out, but when two big boys go at it.... it's a lot of muscle power going on there. They "yucked" it up for a bit, and then we decided to call it day, and brought everyone in for dinner and for the night.



Hopefully, tomorrow's weather will be brighter and I can get this boy out and do some work with him. It would be nice to get him hitched, but I will see how the ground work looks... not that he doesn't know his job... it's more like, do I know mine!!!!

enjoying life again

So, to start this blog off... may I first tell all of you that I am on the mend and feeling so much better than I did just a week ago. Thank you all so much for your notes and phone calls, checking up on me!!! I guess it's pretty safe to say that I did have some version of the flu... it started out with "cold" like symptoms but with the fever, aches and various other things, I guess it can safely be called the flu, either way, it's pretty much gone, and word to the wise.... DON"T get it!!!!

I feel like I missed out on so much... I really missed teaching my classes, it's a treat to see all "my dogs" week to week, so I will be very happy to get back and see how everyone is. The guys have all the beams up on the house!!!! so, that is it... and I can truly see the size and shape. I think it's going to be the perfect size for us, and even though there is still months of work to be done, I really (really!!!) can't wait to be in it!!! The stairs are being worked on next ..then I can go up and see what that looks like, and the panels come next... then the roof, garage, screen room, deck......and so on, and so on....

On another note, in case you weren't looking, eight weeks have come and gone... because last night, Kas and Nate brought Banjo home!!! For those of you who don't know... Banjo was one of the Chessie puppies that I helped deliver... yes.. eight weeks ago!!!

What an amazing dog he is!!!! (somewhat bigger in this picture than when I first "met" him!!!) He is going to be the perfect dog for Kas and Nate. He is incredibly sweet and mellow, but very curious and full of fun. He walked into their house like he had been there a million times before. He respects Charlie, is interested in Nora, and adores anyone who thinks he is grand!!!

If done right, raising a litter of puppies is a huge undertaking, and I so wished more puppies had the same sort of start to life that Banjo got. Mary and Ed did an outstanding job and because of that, this little guy has a strong foundation to begin his life with. His training is going to be a breeze and so much fun.. again because of the way his first weeks of life went. Truly friends, if you want your money's worth (aside from adoption) please go to good, ethical breeders who invest their time, knowledge and hearts and souls into their puppies... you will never be disappointed by doing so!!!!

Welcome to the family.... baby Banjo!!!!!

that spot

I just heard the weather report for the rest of the week... seems as though we are heading into a rainy/snowy spell for the next few days....

That will slow down the work on the house.. but for today, seems as though there were a few warm and sunny spots to enjoy..

Here the guys have a little lunch and rest.

And back at the camp.. Hunter has found his favorite spot for the winter!!!!

almost "normal"

Even though I have (yet again) cancelled this evening's dog classes, I am feeling some what better. I probably could teach tonite, but my voice is so hoarse from coughing that it's hard to talk, and I worry that I could still pass this onto others.. and NO ONE wants "this"!!! So, I am being a slug for yet one more day, and hope that I have this licked.

I had to go down to the barn and check in on things. Ed said last night that he was going to let Duke out today with Tonka and Silver. Duke was getting bored in the round pen, and Tonka and Silver have been "good" with him in the barn, so, it was time to give them all a shot.

We did have a bit of pinned ears, kicking and squealing, but with such a large pasture, there is room for everyone to "get out of each other's way" and aside from an occasional "I will chase you around"... the three of them have gotten along quite well. Silver for the most part has decided to stay out of it... Tonka has been the one pushing his weight around, and Duke just gives him space. A few times Duke has said "enough is enough", but for the most part, he just moves about as Tonka wishes and let it be done with.





There is a bit of a size difference, but catching this photo of the two of them together, I think they'll team up nice. (Tonka is the one with the dirty butt!!!)

I have been missing all the "fun" on the farm... yesterday, my dear friend Betty met Ed at the barn. Knowing that I was under the weather, she did all the chores for us!!! (thank you so much my friend... Duke owes you a ride in the cart!!!!) that was a huge help to Ed who has been "stuck" doing everything right now....

And the guys are going great guns on the house.. you can see it well from the road now !!! They are getting the ceiling done on the second floor, and the panels will go on next and all this "pretty part" will be hidden from view!!!!

Ed is off today to pick up the materials for the heating system, we will have radiant heat in the basement and on the first floor. Our pole was set on Monday, so Chris will start next week with the electrical side of things... so, as usual.. seems like everything begins to happen at once!!! There will be some big changes over the next couple of weeks.

you know I'm sick...

For the second time this week, I have decided to cancelled tonite's dog classes... I can count on one hand the number of times that I have cancelled a class (or two) and mostly that's been due to weather!!!! But, not this time.... I guess it's a cold, but none like I have ever had before. I have absolutely no energy... I have sore ribs from coughing and a headache that is "amazing"....

My wonderful hubby has been running the show!!!! I am so very grateful for him!!!! He has done all the barn chores (including helping Duke settle in!!!) taken care of dogs, done housework...laundry... made dinners, and is continually asking me if I "need something" or if he can "do something"...

I feel like such a slug!!! and "worry" one minute and then could care less another..... this can't go on much longer!!!! (actually I have a little glimmer of "hope" even now as I feel up to being on the computer for a moment)... but looks like it will be back to bed in just a second...

ugh!!!!

oh...come on....

( Sadie shot this video yesterday on her camera of Duke as we were trying him out... I haven't ever done video on the blog..so I am trying this out.....)

I wake up this morning... I have new horse in the barn, I am anxious to see how he has done thru the night... we have church this morning, then fencing to move, stalls to re-arrange and just a whole fun day planned for the farm. BUT NOT me!!! I am sick!!!!!

Ed had a "pretty good" cold all last week, a couple of days, it really put him off his feet (and that is hard to do when it comes to my Ed!!!) He really didn't complain about it too much, I knew he wasn't feeling good.... now I really know that he wasn't feeling good!!!!

I could hardly move this morning, "looking for the that truck that had hit me"... and you have to know that I didn't feel well, because when Ed said.. "I'll go down and check the barn" I was happy to have him go. I laid around the better part of the morning, by noontime, I just had to get out and at least go and see my babies.

When we got to the barn, we ended up having a "ton" of company.... first to come was Wayne, who will be installing the heating system in the house, then some of our neighbors dropped by and met us (they have been trying to catch up with us for weeks and finally got our names and looked us up in the phone book) then my dear friend Betty popped in to see Duke and so did Sadie and Matt.

Our new neighbors are really nice, they have a Belgian and do a fair amount of driving. They had a Percheron at one time, so they were pretty interested in Tonka and Duke. Their farm is just around the corner from ours and I plan on popping into seeing them one day next week. We have a lot in common!!!!

After they left, I was feeling better (being outside helped) so Ed and I decided to get some fencing changed around... Betty was there to help, Sadie and Matt as well. We got everyone moved into their "new" stalls (I think it's where I want them all to be).. and then Betty helped me clean the stalls. It was a nice afternoon, but as I sit now to blog, I am done and will probably be to bed fairly early. Fortunately I don't have to teach dog class tonite and hope that I will feel better tomorrow. Stupid cold... you know I just don't have time to be sick.......

say hello to........................

Duke !!!


Meet the newest family member of Sweetgrass Farm..... a 16 year old Percheron and almost twin to Tonka...

Last weekend we went out to dinner (as we usually do) with the family. Dave mentioned that in the "uncle Henry's" (a small magazine where you can find almost anything to buy).. was an ad that several carriage horses from Acaida National Park were for sale. I have been looking off and on for another draft with the idea that one day, Ed and I would have a team. So, Dave's comment interested me, I went and bought "an uncle Henry's". Sure enough, big ad .. I talked it over with Ed and he said, "give em a call".. but it was another few days before I did.

I called last Tuesday and talked with the owner of the horses, he actually lives down in Kentucky, but the horses were being kept at a dairy farm and the farm owners were acting as his agent. He asked me what I thought I was looking for, and of course I knew right away... another Percheron.. black, about the size of Tonka, but with more experience and I didn't mind if it were a bit older. Well... as a matter of fact, he had just the horse to fit the bill. He gave me the name of the agent and his phone number. I called... and asked about Duke. Justin (the agent) said that there had been a lot of interest in Duke, he has pulled the park carriages for the past 9 years, and has done it all. I told him I would like to come and see him on Saturday (today) and he said fine.. but he wouldn't guarantee that he would still be available. I decided I would just take my chances, if Duke was suppose to come to our farm... then he would.

Ed came up with the idea of calling Butch and see if he would be willing to come with us, and give us his opinion. I thought that was a great idea, and gave them a call. I told Becky what I knew and when she asked where he was and who was selling him... it turned out that they know Justin from the "horse pulling world". Butch said he would call and talk to Justin and see what more he could find out about Duke.

You can bet I was pretty excited when Butch called me back and said..."I think you should take it look, he sounds like something you are looking for. Justin is a good guy and he wouldn't tell me different. If we go, bring your trailer and check book". I told Butch that would be awesome, but that Justin had said he wouldn't guarantee Duke being there until Saturday. Butch said ..."I'll take care of that".

We were up bright and early this morning, did barn chores quickly, hooked up the trailer and met up with Becky and Butch in Augusta. Butch told me.."I asked a favor of Justin... to hold Duke until we had a chance to see him... he said for me, he would" (what a gift!!!!) The minute I saw Duke I knew he was the one. We had a long talk with Justin and the bottom line was... the owner did not "win" next year's bid on the carriage rides, and had to pull his fleet of horses from the park. Instead of shipping them to Kentucky, he decided just to sell out... 11 horses, basically 5 teams and a spare. Only three horses were left this morning... Duke and a team of Belgians. Butch threw a harness on Duke, did some ground driving around the yard, and then handed him over to me. We did well, together, but I have to be honest, it was a wet, drizzly day... the yard was mud.. and I was more worried about my footing than being able to drive. Still, we played for a bit and then I had a quiet minute to ask Butch what he thought. "I'd take him" was the answer.....

Well, dear readers, I am sure that you have already got it figured out.... Duke is "home" in our barn this evening. I have to say I felt bad as we pulled out of the farm, his buddy was calling and calling to him as we loaded him up, and Duke gave a loud call back as we pulled out onto the road. But, he will have an amazing life with us, and once he has settled in, I am sure he will be happy on our farm.

The next few weeks will be getting to know him, fitting him to a harness and helping him settle in with Silver, Tonka and Mocha.... but, it will all be good.... I am sure.

why???????

Why is Sadie and Ed cleaning out the "extra stall"????

Very curious..............................

missed it...

I like looking over my "blogs" of the past... each month, I print off that month's worth of blogs and put them in a note book..keeping them much like a personal log... today, I went all the way back wondering when I first began this blog... and it was October 31, 2006.... I was surprised to see that I have been "blogging" for two years!!!! So, happy anniversary "Sweetgrass blog" and hopefully the next couple of years will have some "interesting" stories to tell....

done for the day

You know, it just wouldn't be "building" without some bad weather and blue tarps!!!! The men had to call it a short day, when "showers" turned into actual rain!!!! Because of the sheet rock ceilings we have "downstairs"... they thought it best to cover the area with the "ever famous" blue tarps. I don't think Ed and I have ever done a building project without them at some point and time!!!! sort of makes me feel that we are on the right track!!!

The good thing about being able to "live at camp" thru the winter, is we aren't paying rent!!! so, when we have a few days of "set backs" with regards to the weather, we aren't panicked thinking.. "we need to be out by such and such date".... everyone asks when I think we might move in... I am hoping for May. We will be finishing the inside work ourselves (which we both enjoy doing) so, alot will depend on how quickly Ed and I can do that side of the project. I already know it will be stressful some days, but overall I am looking forward to doing the work. (you all have permission to remind me I said that when I begin to "complain" about all the painting that will have to be done!!!!)

So, the wind whistles once again across the field... makes me very glad that this house will be "tight" and "easy to heat"... because when it's cold here....

it's COLD!!!!!

puppies (again!!!)

It seems as though I am getting a "reputation" for being a "puppy mid wife".. and even though dogs have been (and still do) having puppies all on their own for "thousands of years", when it's your dog, and your litter, people always want to try and do their very best. Sadie and Matt have two friends, Emily and Ed... who's Rottie had a "close encounter" with the neighbor's Labrador. Certainly not the ideal of situations, but none the less.... little puppies needing to enter the world.

Sadie asked if I would be willing to come and lend a hand when the time was right, and of course I said yes... not just because Sadie asked, but for the well being of this new Mommy to be and her litter. Last night was THE night, and of course, I was already home from dog classes and tucked into bed when her call came in!!!! Back down to the south I went.

Emily was actually very interested in learning how to whelp out the pups, Sadie has had some experience with it too, and she wanted a more hands on opportunity... so basically, I sat on the side lines and coached them thru it. Kiesha (the mother dog) was a great dog to work with... she got right into her "work" and was awesome when we got the puppies all cleaned up and ready to nurse. Her labor was easy for a first time Mom, and made the whole experience for the kids a very good one.

It was a fairly quick night (as far as some deliveries go) and within a few hours, there were four new babies, two boys and two girls. I am happy that it wasn't a huge litter, that is tremendous amount of work for anyone, let alone a young couple with all ready too many responsibilities.. so, a small litter will just make things that much easier.

When I left for home, it was a happy sight to see all is well with this new family. Best wishes to them all... and I will be there to guide them thru any puppy questions that might arise over the next eight weeks....

heading up....

It's all about the second story with the house this week!!! The ceilings are in, which makes the base for the second floor..floors!! There's a ladder that is currently acting as the stairs, but as soon as the "real stairs" are put in, I may brave it and head up to see what it looks like. Until then, my feet will stay firmly on the ground, and I will just have to be happy with the looking up view!!!

a matter of time...

It was nice to wake this morning and see the sun beginning to light the lake, for the past few weeks, we have been starting our day in the dark (and that makes it very hard to get rolling in the morning!!!)... course, having "early daylight" meant barn chores this evening were in the dark!!! And until December 21, the days will continue to be shorter and shorter.... ah well, "tis the season".

Turning the clocks back last night made me think of two stories from my childhood. My Dad repairs clocks, it began as a hobby nearly 40 years ago, and over the years has grown into a very successful business. As a child, there were always clocks in our house... literally hundreds of them.. and it wasn't unusual to have 50 or more running at the same time. Funny how you get used to things, because we never heard them ticking and seldom noticed them striking the hour, but you can be sure our friends did!!! Once someone commented on it, I could "hear" them, but soon the sound would fade into the back ground once again.

Now, living with so many clocks, one thing we never got away with was "being late for curfew".. my parents were VERY strict about curfew and if they said, "be in by 11:00" what they really meant was "be in by 10:45"!!! We knew the rules, and knew we into trouble if we didn't adhere to them.

Well, one night (actually it was in the spring when the clocks "spring ahead") I was out on a date, and pulled into the drive about 15 minutes ahead of schedule. Knowing that I was "safe" my date and I sat out in the driveway and talked for a little longer, and then about two minutes before curfew, I said good night and rushed into the house. The first clock I saw made me gasp!!!! I thought I was coming in at midnight and this clock said it was 1:00 AM!!! It had to be wrong, so I checked another and another...all read 1:00 AM... OH NO... I crept up the hallway, and my Dad (still awake) said.... "is that you?" I answered yes... "OK then, I'll talk with you in the morning"....great, I was in big trouble. I stayed up nearly the whole night, trying to think where I had lost that hour.... did my date's clock in his truck break or something... I just couldn't figure it out. The next morning I was tired and cranky and ready to hear whatever my "punishment" would be. I sat down for breakfast and my Dad asked all sorts of questions about my evening..... then my Mom came to the table with her coffee and said... "it took your Dad about a half hour last night to put all the clocks ahead".... ahead???? "you know we're back on daylight savings time, don't you" she asked me. NO.. I had totally forgot... and lost a night of sleep worrying!!!!!

The second story was when my folks forgot to set the clocks back. We lived very close to our church and my sisters and I could walk to Sunday school. So, my Mom had us up bright and early, dressed for church, and over we went... only to find out that no one was there!!! We hung around for abit and then walked back home..."Mom is it really Sunday" we asked "there isn't anyone at church!!" and it was then she realized that the clocks had "fallen back"... but we hadn't.

But last night, Ed and I got it right and set the clocks back.. everyone said.. You get an extra hour tonite, but I didn't see any extra hour today!!!! It zipped by and as I sit for a minute on the computer I have to wonder where another day has gone.

God's artwork

This was the view we had tonite from our living room......

As a rule, I am off teaching dog classes in the evening... but tonite I was home and got to enjoy this wonderful "show"....

Well, the "holiday season" can't be too far off.... look at what is in the grocery stores once again....

"golden egg nog"!!!!!!

ceilings...

A perfect word to describe the day.... COLD!!!! Old man winter wants us to know he isn't that far away, because the wind was whistling and the snow (yes you read correctly....) was falling. OK..so it was just "flurries".. but it was snow just the same, and I so hope not the hint of what winter will be like this year.

However, the guys continued in their work and we now have ceilings!!! the odd thing about a timber frame, is it doesn't go together like a regular house does... usually ceilings wouldn't go in until the house had walls, but not the case with a timber...

We will mostly have wood ceilings, except for in the kitchen and the pantry and bathroom. I felt that those rooms would be handling moisture, "greases" from cooking things like that, so I wanted a ceiling that I would be able to paint and keep clean....so we opted with sheetrock in those rooms....

It gives the house a whole different feel seeing those ceilings in place...I like it...

This is the kitchen looking up to it from the back yard.

AND... if there is any doubt about how cold the day was..... Ed went and found his "silly" hat... this is certainly a "winter item"...

Oh.. I hope the weather will give us one or two warm spells before getting serious......

jury duty!!!!

IS ALL DONE!!!! and not that is was ALL that bad, because the five cases that were presented, I was never chosen for any of them. But I am so very glad that I won't have to remember to "call in" anymore, nor schedule my day with the thoughts that "this could all change".....and today, as I sit and think "what will I get done today"... I know that I really can.....

whew!!!!