Happy New Year 2014-My brood - Strong Roots at home!

Dec 29th 2013 - Almost the new year.  Reflecting back on this year's adventures in fodder farming and raising piggers, steers and horses.  Still working on building the fence in the middle pasture, will need irrigation pipes.  Having concerns about water shortage as our weather has not produced much rain so far, we're hoping for a good drenching next week.
Exciting things are happening as Cliff may have a chance at a ship adventure and I may be doing some marketing and PR work for a few organizations.  Our Hawaii kids were able to buy a small house close by for when they "retire".  And Chelsea and Mack will be visiting in February.  I can't wait, we'll have a house full of cousins playing and having fun.  The good news is that Mom's new knee is working well, the therapy has really paid off and she's getting around really well.
It's been a great year and here's wishing 2014 will be another great one.

Christmas Baking at the Double b

I love this time of year, football, family, music, lights, singing the season and snow!  The kind of snow that stays for days and glistens in the sunlight, reminding you of the spirit of thanks and a season that moves you to be kinder!  Oh sure we still have the chores but we feel a little more thankful to be blessed with a life that allows us the choice to have them and greatful that we have the health to perform them.  

Then there is my all time favorite element - the pumpkin bread, the fresh cranberry jam, Cliff's Christmas fudge and the guiltless, pure pleasure of indulging.  A little shopping for special items, a bit of crafty creativity and the surprise of giving something that has been on the list for all year.  

We are waiting for the snow to melt for the first dormant spraying of the orchard, waiting for the temperature to climb in order to fix the stalls that the horses tried to chew, and waiting for our wild ducks to return to the pond.  Planning to plant six more fruit trees but need to extend the orchard fence which will block the deer from accessing the backyard grass, sorry.  And still trying to obtain the motivation to drive some fence metal stakes to make the borders of a front pasture fence for the horses or cows.  Or we could just sing our way into the New Year!

Merry Christmas to all!