HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL! BY CHECKING OFF ALL OF THE ITEMS ON ALL OF THE LISTS OF GIFT AND FOOD PREPARATION, THE REASON FOR THE SEASON WAS CERTAINLY NOT OVERLOOKED. IT WAS A WONDERFUL AND ALWAYS THANKFUL CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESUS!

THE SUNSETS HAVE DEFINITELY BEEN SPECTACULAR AND THE WINTER TEMPS HAVE BEEN SOMEWHAT COMFORTABLE - 20's in the morning and 40's during the day. No snow this year, so I've been able to get in some wonderful riding time with Sweet Ed (although bundled up tightly).

View from the top of the River Road north of the farm.

Enjoying the River Road, spotting numerous deer, a badger, and something in the tall grasses that we never caught sight of, but was definitely rootin' around... it took some cajoling to get Ed to pass by that particular spot!

The cattle, once again, make their annual escape to the young green wheat sprouts...
The longhorns wanted no part of the "round up", so they sauntered off to the far north corner of the pasture.

Ed patiently waited for me, while I mended the fence where the cows escaped...being so dry, there's not much of a "pop" when the cows touch the hotwire, so they have become accustomed to just plowing through the fence in places...
A round bale every now and then, seems to pacify their desire to break out...but there's PLENTY of pasture grasses to go 'round.

Ed loves to stick his head in the hay crib while I get his feed.

Zack has been busy hunting cranes with Dyke.

Of course duck & deer hunting are also scheduled into his calendar...along with the harvesting of an occasional coyote...this one will be used to make an arrow quiver for his homemade arrows.

Four more Santas were made and sold prior to Christmas, as well as the 3 that were sent to Santa Fe in November!

Woo-Hoo! I am thrilled about that and hope for the blessings of more business up that way!

I pray that everyone had a very special and heartwarming Christmas holiday and wish the greatest of blessings for this upcoming New Year! God Bless!!

BLUE NORTHER...ON ITS WAY...

We've definitely had some cold days so far...25 degrees is the lowest so far...Tomorrow, we're supossed to get an arctic blast, so in addition to the pasture grasses and "syrup lix" for the cows, we tried some cotton burrs (from our gin) for the first time...2 loads @ 2 tons each. Even though the cattle weren't sure what to do with them at first, they soon realized that they were pretty dang tasty. A lot of ranchers feed cotton burrs for the high protein content...I was happy to try anything that would keep them at bay from tearing down the fences to get to the green winter wheat that is only about 5 inches tall at this time...That wheat sure must taste good though, the cattle have been out for 4 days straight! It's no fun to come home (in the dark) after 7 hours of 7 year olds, basketball practice, a speedy Walmart run, post office for mail and finally out to the farm to find that they're all out in the wheat...CALGON, TAKE ME AWAY! The thoughts of sliding into my PJ's, making supper and relaxing by the fire were soon destroyed into a billion pieces never to be recovered again! Without the 4-wheeler, the "darked-out" search and rescue would not be possible!

"What do we do with this stuff?"

"Do you expect me to choke this stuff down?" Where's my alfalfa and sweet feed?"

Biscuit and Ed have certainly become pasture pals - winter coats are in the process of growing and they definitely look forward to their breakfast and supper!





Even the cat has started making her "warm spot" in the hay barn - for the cold winter ahead.

With 12 more hens added to the flock, and a clean henhouse, hay in the laying bins and full feeders, the chicks are ready for the winter too!

"PPPLEEEEAAASSEEE can I come in the chicken pen with you? I promise I won't bother a single fowl...I just want to sniff around -I love the smells in there!"

GIVE THANKS, ALWAYS!

It just doesn't seem possible that the Thanksgiving dishes are washed and put away, our first hard frost has come and gone and the cows are ready to come up to the barn to seek refuge from the steady north wind.

Winter on the Plains can be barren, sterile and severe.

The Red River Valley Museum hosted a reception for their "Only Vernon", exhibit. It was a wonderful reception and a chance for the public to share in and enjoy work by some local Vernon artists.

Gourds n' leather...by Susie

Handmade saddle by Larry

Handmade Boots by Dew- local bootmaker and former Waggoner Ranch cowboy

Bits, Belts and Spurs by Greg-Vernon's County Judge

Western Pillows/Wire Wrapped Bracelets by Luanne

Western Buckles by Dee

Framed Artwork by Beth - Veterinarian

Bits, Jewelry and Belts by Tony - Postmaster

Intarsia (the art of inlaid wood) by Phil
Native America by his wife, Mary Ann

Turquoise, Fur & Western Decor by Su

We were all invited out to one of the artist's beautiful adobe hacienda-style home for a post reception. It was a glorious day to celebrate all that we are thankful for - good friends, good food, laughter, sunshine and God's blessings each day.

Wyman had another booksigning at the gorgeous Truscott Lodge in Truscott, Texas. It was a magnificent venue!

It was a pitch-black night. On the way home, you couldn't help but notice the moon. It was GLORIOUS! (even though this photo is horrendous, it reminds me of the beauty that the night holds.)

On a different note, our school invited some local Cherokee to display Native American items and exhibit their dance skills. The kids loved it!

Our cotton stripping began yesterday - a month earlier than normal. Hopefully it will be a good crop, as cotton prices are up.

Although our lives are dotted with challenges and trials, the very things that He uses to draw us closer to God and our faith in Him, always remember to keep your heart and focus on His love, goodness, grace and mercy. Give thanks in all situations and know that God loves you and cares about what you're going through.