Can we say stay warm?

Katie's most favorite spot in the whole world  on a cold day. Right as close as she can get to the woodstove. Got to hand it to her, its my favorite spot too when I can't get warm and its not unusual for me to throw a few cushions on the floor and take a nap in front of the stove with Russ smack up against me and a few curled up behind my legs. Ah, my TV set, the best investment I have ever made was buying this wood stove. Its made out of cast iron and soap stone and it really holds the heat. I have had MORE enjoyment out of this stove then any TV set could supply. (not to mention that I have not had an actual TV set turned on in this house in over 2 years) Nothing more relaxing in both summer and winter then having a nice fire going sitting with a cup of coffee and watching it 'til you fall asleep in the chair.....zzz

As Rick calls it, my "pretty" stove.....but it does the job!

I'm becoming a Big Sister

Well early this winter I decided to do something that I have wanted to do since I was 21. Become a Big Sister. The time was never right to be able to dedicate 1 or 2 years (or more) to being a Big Sister. There was always something tying up my time. So now that my life is now "mine" to do with what I please, and what I want to do now that I no longer have personal obligations I decided now was the time. So I lifted my chin high and I ventured into the office and put in my application. After a long enrollment process I have to this point been accepted and I now wait for my home visit and then we decide on who might be the best  Little Sister match for me. I am getting so unbelievably excited. I was never able to have kids (as much as we tried) and have always enjoyed showing "kids" how to do things so now is my opportunity to give back something of myself that I value that I know will be appreciated and carried down to further generations. I will now have a "Little" to do things with, someone who has not had the privilege to be able to experience some of the things that I can offer. (what young girl would give their right arm to be able to spend time with little horse, and shelties and chickens and hang out on a hobby farm and go to the occasional dog show or go for a walk on the beach in the summer, or maybe go camping, or fishing....so many things I would love to do with a Little Sister) So if you see me out and about with a "Little Person" showing them the ropes then you know I have achieved a life long goal!! To be a BIG SISTER!!!

Big Brothers and Big Sisters

Katie

Katie at 11 1/2 yrs of age enjoying the last rays of sun coming in the window on this cold day. My how time flies. I can see age starting to creep in. Graying eyebrows and muzzle....

Squeek....

Snapped a few quick pics of Squeek while she was helping me bring in a couple of loads of wood. Too cold to take more then a couple and my fingers froze off while I took them.  She promptly decided that minus 16 on indoor feet was much too cold.

Memories....Pictures from Summer 2009

A young female ruby throat hummer coming into the feeder. I get hummers all summer right through until October when they head south. They are brave little souls and will come in to feed when I am standing right next to the feeder.

I LOVE roses and this is one of my favorite rose bushes. It has the sweetest "damask rose" perfume and such lovely rose buds. I could have roses all through my garden and I can see me each year planting a few more rose bushes.

My front garden..still a very young garden and just starting to be developed......Ah spring.......I can't wait.

Baby birds still in the nest

 

Baby barn swallows just leaving the nest, still with their baby fluff attached in spots

This hummer was coming into the feeder and the sun was right behind it. These pictures were taken from my office window through a screen. I just loved the way the sun was outlining the bird and feeder like a halo.

Happy Birthday my Russ... today my boy turns 13 years of age!!

Happy 13th Birthday to my Russ...

The light of my life!!

My camera isn't working right at the moment but that won't stop me from posting! Here are some winter photos I took a few years ago that I would like to share.

Athena, one of my first miniature foals. She came up with her mother when I imported them from the USA. She and her mother have since been sold but she was a beautiful baby and I love this picture of her peering through the snow.

What does one do to relax on a cold winters day? Sleep.... (Percy and Katie enjoying a bed together)