birthday time...

Saturday was Ed's birthday (again) and I say again, because it honestly does not feel like it's been a "whole year" since his last one!!!

"sadly" I don't think the day was all that exciting for him, we both have colds, and then with the prediction of snow on the way, we really didn't do much of anything special... on top of that, the present that I had ordered did not come in on time...so I didn't even have a gift for him on "his" day...

but the girls did do some planning ahead, and at "steak night" they planned having a cake (dessert) served to him and everyone sang. He said that he thought he had "gotten away" with no one knowing, until they brought the dessert....

Here are the two culprits!!! I missed out on it, because I am back to teaching dog classes again, but I'm happy that they surprised him.

We did take him out for a birthday supper Saturday evening... and had a great time with all the fam... including his brother Bill. So, it's not like the day was totally uneventful.

Happy birthday, again, sweetie.... we love you..

"aaaawwwwww!!!!!"

let's remember...

Dear blogger friends.... a dear friend of the family-Patrick - left for his deployment on Wednesday, he will be serving his country for one year... leaving at home his beautiful wife, Mandi and little daughter Maya. They don't "talk about the war" so much on the news anymore... but that doesn't mean that our service men and women aren't still deploying and spending time away from their loved ones. It also doesn't mean that they aren't still in "harm's way"...so please, think of them. Keep them in your prayers and thoughts, and when given the chance, please say thank you to those who chose to serve for us........

today's happenings..

For such a cold winter day.. there's "lots" going on!!! Ed and I took some time and went to lunch at our favorite little dinner... the "Miss Wakefield". You can get good ol' fashion food there and not break the bank!!! This "trail groomer" was sitting out in front of the restaurant.. one thing about our area.. snowmobiling is a BIG deal, and the trails (I understand) are beautiful. All year long, volunteers maintain the trails, but when we saw this "rig".. you can tell... they are serious!!!!

Because the snow is fairly deep, and it's been so cold, I have gotten in the "habit" of letting Mocha out of her stall to roam around the barn while I muck stalls. She loves this!!! I think she appreciates being able to walk !! and she certainly takes advantage of checking out everyone else's stalls (while they are locked out).

It's kind of like having a big dog wandering about the barn...





She would like to go in the tack room and check out what's in there.... at least she isn't interested in the kitty food!!!!

As I had thought, the masons have pretty much completed the hearth!!! They still have the front rows to finish, but that requires cutting bricks, so they stopped for the evening and will "tackle" it again tomorrow. I love this hearth... one of my blogger friends made a comment that there will be plenty of room for little cockers to cuddle up on it... she's right!! and I can just picture those little spaniels piling on it next winter!!!!




The doors were delivered today!!! Most of them are steel/insulated doors... but the two front door are reproduction doors... with the top two panes of glass being "bull's eyes".... I can't wait to see them in place!!!!

And since all the walls upstairs are studded in, the guys began the downstair walls... this is the pantry wall going into place... a walk-in pantry!!! I can hardly believe I "have it"... this will be so handy!!

so.. that's about it for now... hope you all "feel caught up" with the happenings on Sweetgrass Farm!!!!!

"baby, it's cold outside"

New England, and any other state in the "northern side of the US".. is in a deep freeze right now. Not that we haven't had days like this before, but we're talking "dangerous freezing" to the point that they are even putting warnings on the TV.

Fortunately, these cold snaps don't last that long. Usually a few days, maybe a week or so, and they move on their way. Certainly we don't have them like Alaska or Canada does... but even so, when they come, we have to deal...

"for us".. this cold snap means no chimney thru the roof. The mansons are already to run it up, but they can't work with material that freezes instead of "cures", so until this get behind us.. the chimney must wait.

Fortunately, the house is at a place where work can continue inside. This past week, Ken and crew have been putting up "walls" upstairs!!! Well actually just the studding for walls, Ed and I will be doing the finishing work, but, we now have a good sense of "where things are" We will have three bedrooms and two bathrooms ... plenty of room for overnight company and (some day) grandbabies to spend the night!!!!

With the walls studded in Ed can also begin wiring and that sort of thing. He has be itching to "do something" in the house... so it won't be long now before he will have a project!!!

Yesterday, because the chimney has to wait, the masons began to work on the hearth where the wood stove will sit. I wanted a "high hearth" with a curved front. It took a bit of "figuring", but they got and I think that will be done later today.

(and yes, they are working in t'shirts!!! the guys set up a heater and before you knew it... not even completed.. the house had "warmed up" to a more than comfy point!!!)

Ed and I got the two shower stalls and one tub picked out (finally!!!)... we have to get them in before the walls close in. I know that in the months to come, there will be a "million" decisions like this to make, but if I don't see another tub or shower for awhile.... that's ok with me!!!

Annabelle....

This is "Annabelle", our barn kitty. I adopted her back in July (along with another cat we called Sammy, who sadly disappeared a few days after we got them!!) Annabelle is a feral cat, and was in foster care with her kittens when I first met her. She wasslated to be "put down" after her kittens were weaned, which seemed cruel, but she was "so wild" that she was dangerous. After talking with her foster mom, it was decided that she would make a good "barn cat" and they were willing to let me take her. For the first few weeks, this is what she looked like. If you got too close to her, she would growl, hiss and yes, try to bite you. We kept her "locked" in for a few weeks, so she would get to know the barn , then released her and hoped for the best. (after loosing Sammy, who knew what would happen with her)

All summer and fall, we would catch glimpses of Annabelle. We knew she was "around" because every night all her food would be eaten and her little bed slept in. We set up the wildlife camera on different occasions, and could "catch her nightly activities". From the pictures and what we saw of her, she looked very healthy and almost "happy" with her freedom and new found life.

It would have been nice to actually see her around the barn, I always thought of "barn cats" hanging out and greeting you as you entered the barn... but, with Annabelle, that wasn't the way it was. And if she was in the barn when you walked in, she very quickly ran out the back door and off into the woods.

One night last week, when we went to feed the horses, Ed heard a cat crying. It took us a little time, and we found her under the wagon. Because it was so unusual to even have her in the barn, Ed was afraid that something "might be wrong" I got a flashlight and checked her over (from a distance) as best I could and she looked fine. I did notice that she never growl or hissed, and just sat there looking at me looking at her. We made her bed, left her food and went about closing the barn up for the night.

The next day, as I was mucking out stalls, I turned around and saw Annabelle, sitting in the alley way watching me. I talked to her as I worked and she would answer back. At one point, I stopped close to her, and she actually approached me, almost close enough for me to touch her. I was thrilled!!! and spent a little more time with her, but didn't want to overwhelm her.

I called Ed, telling him about my news, he thought that was pretty good. That evening Ed fed the horses, as I was teaching dog class. When I got home, I asked him if he had seen Annabelle... "yup, you can see her quite well when you are holding her"..... holding her??? she let him pick her up???? sure enough, she had gone right to Ed, and he was able to hold her for just a few seconds!!!



This is Annabelle.... our barn kitty... I adopted her in July!!! She now has the courage to come and greet you. She will allow me to pet her, but I haven't been able to pick her up. She is still a little jumpy and cautious, but she is around. And I have no doubt that another six months will make her even more friendly. She is such a cutie, and when I think that she wasn't suppose to "have a chance".. I am so happy that it didn't work out like that.

My bible reading yesterday said... "God has his eye on even the sparrow"... He certainly had his eye on Annabelle!!!!

a new beginning...

Yesterday, despite the fact that we ended up with six inches of new snow!!! Ed and I loaded our little foster dog into the truck (along with Moxie) and drove him to meet (live with) his new family.

This is a great little dog, and sadly circumstances in his previous home, put him into rescue. No one's fault.. just one of those things. But I have to feel for a dog who is 8 years old, has only lived with one family, and has found himself, suddenly "alone in the world"... guess that's why I volunteer as a foster home!!! The other wonderful thing, is, he was always loved and treated as a treasure, so, aside from having the usual adjustment time, this little dog will settle in quickly as soon as he realizes that he is in another home of love.

He walked into their house like he owned the place, and when he found a fluffy dog bed and brand new toy waiting for him... that was all he needed.

He wasn't one bit "concerned" that his new Dad has a wheelchair, which is very good. Some dogs can be rattled by such a thing, but he wasn't worried at all..

So, another little dog moved along successfully, and I am sure rescue will be anxious to move someone new in here!!!

Since we got him before the end of the year, I think he is an '08 dog... and Ed and I can proudly say that last year, we fostered (and helped adopt out) a total of six dogs... five cockers and one springer...

I hope the "count" for 09 will be less... not that we don't want to help, but that it would mean there are "less doggies in the world" that need foster care...

I know...wishful thinking!!!!!

treats

One of my blogger friends, posted about giving treats to her horses, and how much they enjoy them. She talked about the way they crunched them down, and the wonderful sound of happy horses eating something they love. Well, that isn't the case when it comes to Tonka.... he never crunches anything... Tonka is a "sucker". Give him almost anything, and instead of chewing it, his will tuck it up in his cheek and suck on it for "hours". Often times, he half closes his eyes, and almost rocks in position as he happily sucks on his treat. Often times, big drips of drool hang for his mouth (I know... kind of yucky!!)... and he can make almost anything last!!! I don't know why he does this, I wonder if he was not properly weaned, or weaned too young... or maybe he just enjoys special things and has decided that when they come his way.... make the most of it.. either way... he is a very happy boy when treats are handed out, and certainly has a "reputation" in the barn of being the "sucky boy!!!"

this week's progress...

this week's progress - cont.

jobs well done...

Six years ago, when Ed and I bought our land in Acton, and began to dream of living on a farm, we knew that leaving York would be "difficult" at best. After all, both of us grew up there, all of our family is still there, and everything that we "know" is there. But we also wanted to try something new, to pursue a dream, and the fact that York is just "an hour away"... it wasn't like we were leaving the country!!! Overall, we are very happy with our decision, but we won't say that some things have been very hard to say "goodbye" to...

For example, Ed joined the fire department was he was 18 years old. He has worked hard over the years, moving himself up in the department, and for the past 10 years he has held the position as Asst. Chief.... a great honor and a true testament to his hard work and devotion to the department.

He knew when we moved last fall, that he would need to step out of this position, but has said that he will "always be there for the department" and will serve in any way that he can.

Last night, as he stepped down, the members of the station presented him with a beautiful plaque and a hardy thank you for his service. He said later, that he wished he could have made a speech and tell everyone how much he appreciated their gift, but he was too choked up to do so.

This is the plaque that was presented.

The good thing is, all of Ed's training and experience will not go to waste... as he has already joined the fire department here in Acton. "Sadly" he will be "on the bottom of the ladder", but that's ok.. I have a feeling it won't be long before the members here begin to "take advantage" of him....








Along with the fire department, Ed was also on the Board of Trustee's with the Water Department. This was another position that he had to stepped down from.

Last fall, as a gift of appreciation, the water department gave Ed a fire hydrant!!! (what better gift from the water department to a fireman!!!) It's a neat thing, and the guys had it made into a fountain!! with a plaque that states the years he served.

We plan to have a nice garden where his hydrant can be shown off!!!

I have no doubt that by next year, he will find some place to "be" in the government of Acton!!! My Ed is "not one to be sitting around", he has an excellent sense of business and likes to be a part of his community..

and in my opinion... they won't find anyone better!!!

buttoning up..

With predictions of another winter storm on its way... everyone was all about getting "things" in place today. The masons have the chimney threw the second floor and are heading into the attic space. So today, they were hauling bricks up to the attic and getting ready to go threw the roof. This was slow work, but their "pulley" idea worked out well, certainly far better than carrying them the whole way up.

I am anxiously awaiting the chimney thru the roof!!! I have "stressed" over and over (and over again) that I want a nice big chimney coming out of the roof. Everyone has assured me that it will be just what I want (this sounds so vain...doesn't it).. but for me the look of an "old" house is a nice big chimney!!!! So, I have placed my "trust" in them and hope they come thru for me!!!!

I love the look of the chimney in the living area and think that next winter it will be in full use!!!

I packed "Christmas" away today. For me, this is very late in the season to do it, usually I have the tree down even before New Year's, but this tree has lasted so well, that I didn't feel that rush to have it leave. Last year when I was putting things away, I had taken the time to organized it and weed out, etc... so picking up this year was very easy. There is something to be said about being organized... it takes a little time to do it in the beginning, but I do believe it saves time in the end.

However,there is one ornament that I have been trying to get rid of for years!!! This "Santa"... and yes, it is very beat up and even ugly and I think it needs to leave. But my dear hubby has a completely different view on this matter.... because, this "ugly Santa" has a bit of a history...


See, we were all friends as teens, my Dad called us the "fire crew" (he was the fire chief at the time).. and I spent much of my time "hanging out" with the young firemen!!! The Christmas that I was 16, I made a whole batch of these Santas for the guys to hang in their pick up trucks. It was just a "being funny" sort of thing, but for a number of years, some of the guys had the Santa's hanging in their trucks. Well, time went on, we all "got a bit older"... began to pair off... get married, etc.... including Ed and I.

The first Christmas that we were married, and decorating our first tree... what does Ed pull out.. but "his Santa" that I had made (back then...) five years ago. He insisted that we hang it on our tree... and so we did.... and did and did and did!!! As the years have gone on, and poor Santa has begun to wear out, I have said that he needs to go.. but My Ed...won't "allow" it. Sometimes, I try to hide ol Santa away, but Ed always looks for it and woe to me if he can't find it.... so, Santa had another season on our tree this year... which makes him now 32 years old!!!!! You'd think by now I would just give up and let the old thing go on the tree without any fussing... but, next year... we'll see.....

(I have been told that there are two new readers to the blog.... welcome Coz and Chris!!!! we shall add you to the list of "loyal readers"!!!!!)

heading up...

it's a bit "messy" and "hard to see", but here is the second floor of the house. The chimney has made it's way this far, and I am thinking that by the end of the week, we will see it thru the roof.

We will have three bedrooms and two baths up.. that way there will be plenty of room for over night visitors (and grandbabies at some point and time!!!) Ed may chose to have one of the bedrooms as more of a home office.. but that will all be decided as we get closer to a move in date.

These first two pictures were taken from the back corner of what will be our bedroom... looking across the house to what will be the other two rooms. It looks awfully large right now, but actually the rooms will be "a nice size" as our builder, Ken, says...

The masons kept a light on to keep the chimney warm... it makes a strange glow... this view is from the opposite side now looking back towards the space that will be our bedroom...

can't wait to see those windows going in... I know... patience... they're working as fast as they can!!! but I always want the "next thing done"...

"the" movie

What can I say about this movie??

Be brave, bring a box of tissues and go and see it...

for all the animal lovers out there, you will "so get this movie"....

it was a wonderful cry!!!!!

winter day

"poor" Hunter and Trevor... they find themselves tied to the end of a leash these days. Living at camp over the winter has been a bit of a challenge and has taken some "getting used to"...

When it first became "quiet" in the fall, I did miss the activity, but after a few weeks, I got used to it, and began to really enjoy it. All the dogs could run free, they never "went any where" and there wasn't anyone to bother, so they had complete freedom of the road. Then I noticed that on the weekends, there were still some folks that came up to check camps, and spend the day on the lake. There were also a few walkers that used the road during the weekends, so I got in the habit of "watching" the dogs during the weekends. When the snow arrived, it seemed like the camp road got busy again... snow mobiles, snow shoers, and now ice fishermen!!!!Sometimes, when Hunter and Trev went out, it would be a little while before they showed up at the door.... the others... Moxie, Cole, Cam and Tazzy would always be around the yard, but "the boys" were disappearing. One day last week, Hunter was gone for nearly a half hour, and when he finally did come to my calling... he came from way down the road. There are a few (other folks living on the road, and my guess is, he found someone's bird feeders or something of the like).... so... Hunter is now being hitched. Then it was Trev's turn, and after two times of "not returning"... he has found himself hitched as well. I am keeping an eye on Tazzy.... today, she followed two walkers a good distance down the road!!!!

In the summertime when we are at the lake, I have an invisible fence that keeps them in... but that is over in the small camp... here at the big camp, we don't have it. (they will be in for a rude awakening next summer when it's back on the fence!!!) I had thought of bringing my "kennel pens" from the old house up last fall, but didn't make it that far...so, I guess we will stick to the "hitching idea" for the rest of the winter. Too bad, they enjoyed the freedom, but I can't run the risk of losing them or getting into trouble with a neighbor!!!!

Fishing season opened on New Year's Day. It seems like folks couldn't wait to get out on the lake. Personally, I don't get "ice fishing"... sitting out on a lake, with the winds whistling across it... but seems like everyone who does it has a good time. When I go out with the dogs, or to get wood for the stoves, you can often hearing happy voices and people laughing. I do enjoy watching them from my cozy living room with the woodstove chugging out a wonderful heat, and a nice cup of coffee at my side. The dogs find them entertaining too, and can't figure out how "people are out in front of the camp".

We have had some pretty cold weather. On New Year's Day when I went to feed lunch to the horses, I found Mocha shivering!!! NOT good!!! fortunately, last fall, I found this foal size blanket at a local tack shop on sale. I thought it might be good to have a blanket on hand for her ... just in case.. never thought I would really need it. I gave her warm(er) water to drink, closed her inside with some hay and put her blanket on... she seemed to appreciate it very much. During the night, I blanketed Silver as well, being older, I do worry some about him... the drafties seem to enjoy the cold, so I don't worry too much about them.

It's always a dilemma to me, blanket or not.. but in this case, it was pretty obvious that is was the right thing to do. Besides, she looks like a big toy in her little blanket.

when the temps mild out some, I will take it off... but for now, we'll keep her cozy!!!!