A Blessed Christmas...

Celebrating the season in our small town church. It is nice to know that I'm not the only one who likes unadorned trees.  The Latin is John 14:6.

The family news: 

We have a new member in our extended family via my niece, Rachel.  Welcome to the clan, Emet James.

My Sean and his adorable Amy having a good time on the slopes. (You would not believe how much he looks like his dad.)  When did my son get old enough to have grey hairs instead of giving them...

The Gingerbread house wars are on at Marymine's. Though I must admit I didn't quite get the aliens coming home to the pyramids at first. Yes, we have an outside the box thinker!

Marymine and crew are coming here for Christmas! Dad doesn't know, so keep it under your hat.

Dad said he didn't want a Christmas tree, not even the small one, stored in a box in the garage.  I don't always listen to what he says, as much as what he doesn't say..

So, instead of getting a new rug shampooer, that I had been saving for, I went and got an 8' lighted Christmas tree. Didn't tell Dad, til I got it setup in the living room window. Plugged it in, and watched Dad's face light up as bright as the tree.

"It's Beautiful, Sis!"

Made my Christmas.

Wishing you and yours a Blessed Christmas.

Rounding Up...

We have had much needed rain and not needed high winds.  Thankfully most of the oak trees have not fully leafed out yet.

Between storms, a couple friends and I have been chain saw massacring trees that were dying and/or overtaking the garden. Couldn't believe what the tree guys wanted to charge to do this. Friends settled for a steak dinner, and a few stiff drinks to sooth our sore muscles.

The knees are healed up, with just another set of scars to show for my lack of forethought.

Dad is healing up nicely from his radiation, and his voice is getting better every day. He now has a headset for his long phone convos with WWW. One of my BIL's has been taking him fishing, so he's a happy camper.

I've managed to upset the status quo at book club. The last book was not interesting or well written in my humble opinion. When it came my turn to give my synopsis of the book, I told them what I thought.  OMG, the stunned faces. So I told them, don't ask me what I think if you don't want to hear my honest answer.  I'm still in the group, but for how long...?

My shooting mentor is leaving for a month of hunting in Africa. Seems like he and his wife just got back from a summer spent in Alaska, hunting, fishing, and flying. I love their stories and pictures.

Range buddies had another hanger built, and the latest goodies are out of the paint shop. They are wonderful, honest, super hardworking people that make a difference in a lot of lives...

T showing her brother the new paint jobs.

My granddaughter Lauren is working with this years show calves. Won't be long til fair time.

 And LOL, I contacted Flash (remember when I had a BF last fall) about a balm recipe. He is doing well, and since he was so in love with me and totally devastated (his words) by my decision to have us go our separate ways. He's gotten engaged!  Guess I wasn't all that devastating after all...