Decking...

The decking of the "halls" has commenced.  Today I gussied up a plain wreath I bought a few days ago.  I found these awesome hand-made felt birds at a local store for under $4. each.  I snapped up one of each variety and carefully wired them on.  Added a little sheer gold ribbon and voila!  A smile worthy door decoration. I hung a sweet little illuminated angel in the high garage window, and my favorite Christmas flag is snapping in the wind by the door.  

We also finished decorating the tree... going with a very simplistic theme this year. Normally we haul out every single ornament collected over our entire marriage, all the little hand made things from our daughters childhood, a mish mash collection of colors and shapes and sizes. This year we decided to go for a rather simplistic approach; white lights, white crocheted snow flakes, little sparkly icicle ornaments and a bunch of antique crystals from an old chandelier that I found at a junk shop.  It is very pretty!

There was much hauling of fire wood today.  I don't mind the job, but my knees do.  They ache after I have pushed a loaded wheelbarrow over the uneven ground from one side of the yard to the other over and over.  A basement stacked full of good hard wood, though?  That is decorating I can really warm up to!

Frosty mornings...

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 This morning when the dogs and I streamed outside the world was coated in frost. We skidded over the deck and down the slick steps. 

Then we went for a stroll around the meadow.  The dogs were feeling feisty; leaping and dancing on the cold ground. Even Lilly, the ancient, arthritic Boxer, bounced and spun in the crisp air with her friend Dazzle poodle.  Canine ballet.

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The chickens and ducks were less than amused about the cold ground and frozen water bowls.  I reminded them that this time of year is rarely as warm as it has been .  They flipped me off.  A few fistful's of sunflower seeds and some buckets of warm water, steaming in the morning air,  placated them. 

The bunny wisely hung out in the coop... on top of the deep bed of clean shavings.  Her bowl of rabbit pellets was nearby... along with  a carrot and some celery.  And a nibble of bread.  She LOVES bread. 

Some of us love frosty mornings. 

Let the season begin...

When I flipped the calender to December, I let the season officially begin.  I rebel against seeing Christmas glitz in stores in October, and do my best to let no carols touch my ears before the beginning of the month.  But today all bets were off.  My daughter and I donned matching red and green earrings shaped like the bulbs on a strand of lights, that FLASHED.  Yes, yes we did.  The dogs got dressed up in appropriate costumes, (much to their "delight") and we loaded the CD player at work up with seasonal music.  And the magic began a little bit... that feeling.  That feeling of happiness and anticipation and JOY.  The excitement of planning gifts for people I care about.  The plotting of baking goodies to share.  The delight of seeing people blossom a bit this time of year, become a little warmer, a little sweeter and more thoughtful.  It was a good day. 

Glory...

Driving through the Maine countryside on a recent errand I passed this place and snapped a shot.  The old barn is huge, and snugged tight by the side of the road.  I like to think of someone out there, on a ladder, carefully painting stars and stripes onto the ancient, thirsty wood.  What made them think of this, and how did they execute their vision so perfectly?  I am constantly fascinated by what motivates and inspires people to do the things they do. 

Giving Thanks and more...

 The day before Thanksgiving we got snow.  Lots of it... 9 inches or more.  I spent the day indoors, cooking, cleaning, decorating and preparing for the feast.  It was lovely watching the snow come down, listening to the wind howl around the house as the wood stove snapped. Peaceful.
Thanksgiving day dawned clear and the temperature soared.  My sweet brother in law, John, helped out by clearing up the drive and walk ways.  He soon got so warm he peeled his shirt off.  I had to laugh when I saw him, surrounded by snow yet shirtless!

 We cooked a total of FOUR birds.  Here are the two we smoked; a home raised Muscovy duck on the left, and a locally grown heritage breed turkey on the right.  Chris did the smoking and the birds were excellent!  I also roasted two small turkeys, one a locally raised Broad Breasted White, (the type we all buy in stores) and the other a Heritage breed. The Heritage birds (more like wild types) have less breast meat, more dark meat, and a denser texture. I found the flavor to be superior.

 Niece Aimee came with boyfriend Tim and baby Lucy, Flirt's puppy.  There was a joyous reunion of mother and daughter, and they spent the entire visit playing and cuddling.  It was fun to watch!

 As always, Chris set up a giant trough full of ice, wine, soft drinks beer and more on the porch.  My niece, Emily, brought AMAZING eggnog made at a farm near where she lives.  The best EVER.  Chris also set up a full bar, with a billion bottles of booze and mixers, sliced limes and lemons and a variety of glassware. He likes to think that people can walk in and have any drink they desire.  They way he sets it up always elicits a cacophony of  "oohs" and "ahhs" from our guests.

We fed 20 people and the house was filled with laughter and chatter.  There was no angst. Just pleasantness and helpfulness and good conversation.

The next day we gathered and assembled Ginger Bread houses.  My sister Deb started this tradition a few years ago.  Guests come back and nosh on left overs and we put the houses together.  It is very relaxed and happy, with just a bit of competitiveness.  Niece Emily and her husband Jeff always come up with the most elaborate, fabulous house.  They work together, heads close, plotting their strategy as they decorate with gum drops and frosting.  It is delightful to see. 

And then... everyone goes home and this old house is quiet again. All of the build up and planning and preparation is over. The cold porch is laden with leftovers, and we find ourselves ducking out there to snitch a bit of turkey, a taste of cake, a glass of wine, a slice of good pie.  As for me, I usually take a nap or two in the days following.  I bask in the memory of the joy of being together, remember the echoing sounds of good conversation and savor the flavor of the left over goodies.  The thankfulness?  It lingers.

Mice beware..!

Our home is in the country.  We are surrounded by wildlife of all kinds.  Eagles, fox, coyotes, turkeys and deer are all regularly seen on or near our property.  All of that makes me very happy.  But sometimes the wild things get, uh, a little to close for comfort.  This time of year I sometimes find evidence that mice have been tap dancing on my counter tops.  It is then that I wish we had a cat. 

Recently one of my grooming customers told me that they wanted to find a home for their Maine Coon cat- a huge guy with a sweet disposition.  I thought of the mice and looked at the massive cat.  I think the mice have met their match. 

We dubbed the new guy "Catfish Hunter."  He is settling in, getting to know the lay of the place and meeting his new staff.  He has the dogs trembling in fear as he stalks about.  One impressive feline; I have a feeling he is going to earn his keep.  

Interwoven...

This morning, as dawn slips pinkly through the wavy glass windows of this old house, I am thinking of relationships. I have worked every day for years with a woman who will now no longer be there.  We have swapped recipes, shared laughter, teased, gotten on each others nerves and spent countless hours talking.  Today for the first time I won't know what she is planning to cook for supper or what her kids are up to.  And it is going to be strange.

There are all these intricate connections in our lives.  Some we take for granted until the link breaks.  And then because life is the way it is, we move on, stronger for the experience, saddened by the loss.  It's a lot to think about.