The End Is Coming…

While Hubby went skiing yesterday, I grabbed my camera and went out to document yet another snow storm. It was quite beautiful, really, but heck at this point I think even those of us that love the snow are getting sick of it. In fact, we are due again tomorrow night for more snow. It just keeps on coming!

However, yesterday was a delight, just to stand there and see the beauty around me.

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This was taken as the sun was rising.

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Looking out across the lake.

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The Enterprise apple tree in our front yard.

The snow did not last on the trees. Soon it was warm enough that the snow fell, and everything turned to slush! Yuck.

Hubby arrived home and he worked on de-icing the drive. The pups played and a pot of turkey soup simmered. Yes, it was the typical after Christmas sort of day.

We worked more on removing ice. The driveway is iced, the back yard, a mess really. Hubby worked in the drive nearly all day until we decided to go out to the store and buy more salt and some food for the New Year’s Eve celebration we will have. It’ll be just Hubby and me, but a few special hors d’oeuvres, will be served as we toast in the New Year.

Have any of you started thinking about New Years Resolutions? I have been. I have decided to make two. Just two. I’ll write about those tomorrow.

Another Year is about to end! I can’t believe it!

Another Snow Day

Today was “After Christmas Shopping Day” for Hubby and me. We drove south to the “big city” and went to shops like “Macy’s”, and LL Bean and the “Mall”. We bought all sorts of things, but I think Hubby got the best buys, with a dress coat and a lighter weight winter coat. I was thrilled with 6 new cotton tops, and a beautiful pair of leather gloves.

We lunched at one of our favorite buffet restaurants, and during this time, it started to rain. The rain then turned to snow, and soon the roads were a mess. On our way home we saw 4 accidents. I never worry about Hubby’s driving, as he is really good in the snow, but I do worry about other terrible drivers sliding into us. We did, however, get safely home.

It is still snowing.

On the TV weather news, they were speaking tonight about the fact that we are already close to breaking records for snow this winter. I can believe that!

Emily “puppy sat” for us while we were gone today. She took the puppies out and went sledding in the back yard with them. Tonight they are both pretty tired.

As is Hubby, who is now asleep in his recliner!

Me? I’m tired too. I think I will get my pajamas on and just relax in front of the TV. My sister gave me the cutest flannel pajamas.

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I think I will wear these tonight. Just perfect for the Dackel Princess, yes?

Thursday Thirteen #59

This weeks Thursday Thirteen revolves around my daughter Mandy. She came up today to visit and celebrate both her birthday and Christmas, and it was so good to see her. Here is a little list about my daughter.

1. I think she is one of the nicest people I know.
2. I also think she is very beautiful. But then, I am her Mum so perhaps I am somewhat biased! LOL

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3. Mandy works very hard at her job as a project manager in Oncology research.
4. She drives a cute little convertible sports car. I really love it!
5. She is also a great driver. I never feel uncomfortable driving with her.
6. She loves all animals and is very sweet and gentle with them.
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7. She has a great sense of humor too. She makes me laugh!
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8. All my dogs go crazy when she arrives. They just LOVE her.
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9. She got me the most wonderful Christmas presents. My favorites are two wire-haired dachshund Christmas ornaments! Those I may keep out all year long.
10. Mandy takes really good care of her grandmother, even though it is not an easy job.
11. She lives about an hour and a half from here and I wish she lived closer.
12. She has three big, beautiful, cats! Maestro, Cleo and my favorite, Ortez. He was named for David Ortez of the Red Sox.
13. At the end of the day, I am and will always be, proud to be her Mum!
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Christmas Eve Report

Christmas Eve we had our friends, Jim and Laura over along with their two daughters, Katie and Emily. Yes, their daughter is our Emily! We also had our next door neighbor, Aglaia over to enjoy a few appetizers, and a nice meal. We had so much fun!

First we ate shrimp cocktail, along with crackers and spreads, and Hubby provided drinks for all. We then exchanged gifts. That was even more fun! Here is a picture of Hubby getting a bottle of his favorite Scotch!

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Then it was time to sit down and have dinner. We served a Greek salad, ham, turkey, stuffing, green beans, butternut squash, mashed potatoes, gravy, relish, pearl onions and rolls! We ate until I thought we all might pop!

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The conversation was lively, but by the time we got done we were all feeling pretty exhausted. I blame the turkey, which is known for making people sleepy! Emily disappeared after the dinner portion and we looked into the family room and found her sound asleep on the sofa!

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Emily came back to life long enough to have some of the three pies that we served. Apple, blueberry and pumpkin!

We all seemed to eat a lot more slowly than we did during the main portion of the meal. So much food!

Once the dishes were cleared our guests departed for their homes to prepare for Christmas the next day. Hubby and I sat up watching A Christmas Story for the millionth time. Somehow, Ralphie and his pals make us laugh every time we watch this movie!

Then off to bed we went where visions of “Doggie Claus” danced in our heads!

Reflections

A year ago I was consumed with the puppies, and so was Greta. You can go back here to reminisce about those little puppy days.

Now Arnie and Anneliese are fully grown and quite wonderful. Hubby and I sit here in the evenings and marvel at their different personalities and how loving they both are.

Having 4 dogs is not for the faint of heart. There are days I feel like I never get to sit down because I am bringing one or the other outside, and Lord knows my family room has more dog toys covering the carpet than many homes with human children. However, these furry creatures give to us love, loyalty and a warmth to our soul.

I had never considered keeping Arnie, and yet I cannot imagine life without his sweet face and easy going personality.

Anneliese and Arnie

Anneliese is all that I had hoped for during those long months after Shubi passed away. She is quieter, sweeter and seems attuned to the people around her.

Yes, we are blessed with 4, wonderful dogs!

Saturday Scavenger Photo

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LIGHT

Hubby took this picture 8 years ago. It is me with my Shubi sitting at the end of a long day on a bench overlooking our lake. I loved it then, and I love it now.

SHMSUN

This is Hubby and me having breakfast on our Alaska cruise two years ago.

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Today in my driveway.

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Hubby took this while we were at sea on our Panama trip.

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Snow, Snow & More Snow

I woke up at 1 o’clock on Thursday morning and it was snowing hard. I had a glass of water, and went back to bed thinking that we would get the 3-6 inches of the white stuff after all. Since there was nothing I could do, I climbed under the covers and slept soundly.

Upon rising at 7:00 I found a “Winter Wonderland” outside. I put on my boots, hat, coat and gloves and walked the puppies in the deep snow. Heck, we already had 6 inches of new snow! I checked the TV and found out that the schools were closed, so I called Emily and asked if she wanted to come over for blueberry pancakes! In less than 15 minutes she was here, covered in snow, but happy not to have school!

After breakfast, Hubby went out to use the snow blower on our driveway, (500 feet long) and Emily and I sat singing Christmas carols and wrapping Christmas gifts. It was so much fun!

By midday, we had even more snow and Hubby and Em and I all had Hot-Wings for lunch.

We had an appointment for Anneliese at the Veterinarian and Hubby was kind enough to drive us. We used our big 4 wheel drive pick-up truck to get there. We were safe, but unfortunately there were many accidents in our area, including one that shut down the major highway near us.

We drove downtown to get the mail, and I jumped out of the truck and into a snow bank that came up to my knees! After that it was just one step after another into deeper and deeper piles of snow!

We came home and played outside with the puppies. Emily is always a great sport and will take a run in the deepest snow to encourage the puppies to follow her.

Emily and the puppies in the snow.

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It is the evening now, and it’s still snowing. I think we are closing in on about 12 inches of snow, while Hubby says it’s about 10 inches. All I know is that there is a lot of deep snow outside and more expected tonight before it all ends.

For me this means staying in my boots until I fall into bed tonight. For Hubby it means more snow blowing duty, as we have an oil delivery tomorrow!

Snow, Snow & More Snow!!!