After several days of temps in the 40's they're talking snow again. But I was very happy to see that it waited.. because this evening, some of Kassy's friends had planned a little baby shower for Calvin. Since Kass has most everything she needs this is more of a celebration and a night to be together. Held at her favorite restuarant, and kept a surprise......
family and friends came to eat and enjoy....
And when Kass arrived... there were smiles all about......
Reagan was excited to learn about the party.. though he wasn't too sure what kind of party. To him, it's all "birthdays" (and with Papa's birthday just a day away)... it could be I guess....
He was so happy to learn that he could help open the presents.....
and didn't seem too disappointed that nothing there was really that exciting for him.....
Sadie did better than I, she finished her project... mine is still in the works.....
Friends, babies and babies to be.... this is a great time in life and baby Calvin will be joining us in a few "short" weeks!!!!!
Snow arrived...... but it's been a much warmer winter than last year.... and of course not only is it pretty....
But allows me to do "inside" projects!!!! Top is nearly complete!!!!
It was my wish to keep the blog a bit more up to date than I seem to have done these past few months. I don't know why I don't seem to find the time like I used to, but I enjoy keeping it... so, I guess no sense in stressing .. just do it when I can. I am happy to report that the doggie beds are working out well with the cocker crew.. and kitty crew as well.. and I love seeing my wonderful old boys enjoying them. Though not so sure Hunter appreciates having to share....
The weather has been so crazy since the New Year. First we have snow, then it warms up.. the snow is all gone, and is back again. I feel like we have mud season over and over again.... think we best use this little sleigh while the using is good....
Snow tonight and tomorrow again... which is good with me, because if the weather is nice I feel guilty staying inside....
and these are the days that I don't mind being tucked in and getting to the quilting projects... of which there are a few to be done!!!
I love the bird feeders... we are getting a beautiful array of birds at the feeders and I like to see who we can draw in......
ah.. the hand projects!!! Here is one that was waiting to be finished!!! I found the nicest material with bees on it last summer!! Wasn't sure what to do with it, but wasn't going to pass it by. Then I thought a couple of pillows for the guest bed might be nice.. so, bought the pillows and there everything sat until now. Got these finished during the last snow storm!!!!
But... this quilt!!! I actually began working on this little treasure about 10 years ago!!! I found a pattern book that had all these doggies in it... I knew I would like this one for me, so I never rushed it and let other projects take the first place. But each winter I would make a few blocks, tuck them away and then pull them out again. This year, when I pulled it out and discovered that if I just made two more blocks, I would have enough to finish the top. So, this got moved up int he "get it done list"...the blocks are all done, and I can begin to put the top together...
Going threw my material stash I found I had just the right material to assemble the top and it's really getting done. I will hand quilt this one as well.. so who knows exactly when it's finished (a good cold weather snap will help!!!) but, I am very pleased with it. Course I can think of at least four other quilts that have the same story...
Henry is entertained by the bird feeders too... he has turned out to be such a great cat......
Tonka enjoying a roll in the snow......
And then... another joy. I got a note from Debbie's owner on the 5th.... their one year anniversary. Sami is so in love with her Debbie dog.. (who couldn't be .. I certainly was)... and she told me of the travels they have had over the past year. Debbie has brought so much to her life and when I hear the stories I am just beyond thrilled for both of them.
Debbie loves her girl too.. and I just know that taking care of her is what she loves to do. Sami said she will stay in touch so i look forward to hearing about many more adventures......
I put Lucy in the empty stall last fall... I thought she might appreciate a house that had tons of room ... she's doing great in there.. and whenever i popped down to the barn she hops over to see what's going on...
She's somewhere in that hay pile!!!
so the winter continues on at a fast pace, spring will be here before I know.. and I best get some of those quilting projects done!!!
The advent calendar is all filled up... Christmas has come and gone in the twinkle of the eye and we now look onto the new year. 2016..... "sweet 16" which already has it promises of an exciting year!!! We have some big events on the horizon and of course smaller ones as well.. and the ones we don't know of yet. But i look forward to the happy year and all the things it has to show us.
It has become somewhat of a tradition to have an open house here, and with the snow from a few days ago, and the winter winds on the quiet side... not only will there wonderful treats to offer my guests, but I do believe the sleigh will be pulled out and rides for everyone.... the table is ready....
and the house begins to fill with family and friends. I've said many times and it is still true... I love my house the best when it's filled with the people I love.....
conversation, good food and friends that know each other and perhaps only get to visit here....
And a few left over gifts for the little ones, just makes the day even better.......
Abi and Beepa catch up on their news....
and Bruce has discovered that "Baby" has a big bin of toys just for little people.
It didn't take people long to throw on their coats and boots and head to the barn when i offered to pull the sleigh out. Duke seems happy to oblige and once he's harnessed, he know his business....
And off we go.... we haven't always been able to do sleighing on New Years... much depends on the weather, but this year it works out perfectly!!!
We made several loops around the field and different people got to ride and drive!!!!
This beautiful boy will always hold a special spot in my heart....
I loved taking everyone around, but I have to admit, that my favorite ride was with the grands!!!! And I think from those smiles, they loved riding with Baby almost as much!!!
When the rides were done, and the horses taken care of... it was back inside for more food... and then Bob surprised us all and pulled out his fiddle!!!
From there the dancing began!!!! The house was filled with carols and reels and Papa and the the grands had a grand...grand time!!!
It was a real ol fashion celebration....and I kept thinking that "Sweet 16" was already living well up to it's name....
As with all celebrations, the day went by much too quick... but a day that will be remembered well... and as the evening set it... and our guests made their way home... I wish all a very blessed and Happiest of new years!!!!
It's a known secret in my family.. that I absolutely do not like New Year's Eve... ever since I was little.. it always was the mark of the end of the holiday season. And even to this day... it still feels that way to me. So, to balance all of that.. we have been hosting an Open house on New Years day.. sort of one last little hooray before it all goes. Since we lucked up with a bit of snow for the New year.. it would seem that we will be able to offer some sleigh rides tomorrow when people come.
The little sleigh needed some slight repairs after sitting all summer... so Ed got those done. Abi has come to spend the night with us, and she was a big help to Papa with the sleigh. I though it would be best to make sure it was pulling well.. and to break a little path so Duke won't have to work so hard... and this was the answer Papa and Abi came up with.
I don't know.. do you call this a one "deere" open sleigh???? Either way they thought it was a pretty good idea, and Abi got to say that she had the first sleigh ride of the season!!!!
Tomorrow the weather is suppose to be fine.. not too cold... and we're expecting a number of family and friends....
so, it saying goodbye to 15..... thanking the Lord for the blessings He has given to us over the past year.. and looking forward to the year ahead..
I am thinking of family, friends, parties and sleigh rides....
