We approach the first day of the fresh, New Year with such GRATITUDE! We are thankful that our parents are healthy and that we can enjoy being in their loving company, sharing special and even not-so-special times with them. We are thankful for our three beautiful grandbabes - such a joy to be with! So healthy, sweet and smart! And for their terrific parents - OUR kids! We are thankful for our special grand nephews and their wonderful parents. And for the special love & friendship we enjoy with my brother and sister-in-law. (It is such a joy to be friends with family!!) We are thankful for wonderful, loving friends who bring such fullness and enjoyment to our lives. At a time when so many are suffering, we don't understand why we get to live such a full, happy, beautiful life. We think of those who suffer and we hope that some of what we are able to do for them eases their suffering, at least a little bit. We are grateful beyond measure. A very Happy New Year to you and yours from Captain, Fred and me at Little Bird Farm!

A blessed & happy Christmas to all....

....and to all, a good night. This Christmas, we have enjoyed the precious company of our loved ones nearby, and have missed the precious company of our loved ones afar. Know that we are thinking of you all with our whole hearts, with love & tenderness. Merry Christmas!

When we moved into our new kitchen exactly one year ago, one big item, that had fallen out of our budget was a new, big range. We ended up dragging our old range back in, one of which we were not very fond (but were very happy to have in the end!). Well, yesterday we moved the old one back out, for good! Our new one arrived, and VOILA'! Here it is!! We sure appreciate Gran & Papa making this happen for us!! Meet our new range! By the cluttery mess on the counters, you can see that we went swiftly about beginning some cooking & baking projects!

Santa Fred!

Our Dog is an Honor Student.......

.....at Acoma Training Center! (That's what the new bumper sticker says; no, we didn't put it on our car). And, he is a "Novice - Beginner" graduate! He accepted his Diploma with grace and aplomb as he stood sandwiched between the Rottweiler and the Saint Bernard. Eight weeks of intense puppy training has left Fred a much better dog. We have a few new skills too, which we sure needed. On his leash he is a perfect gentleman (mostly). Off his leash he is still crazy FRED! "Novice-Advanced" is next for Fred. Then Agility School, where his huge energy will be harnessed into the Doggy Agility track. Go, Fred!!

(Remember when he looked like this??)

My poor neglected blog!

Real life pulls in so many directions lately, that blogging about it has fallen by the wayside! I will try to remedy that just a bit before this busy day is done. All is very, very well here at Little Bird Farm. Just so much to do, what with painting the exterior (a job we must finish or otherwise, wrap up - before the snow flies!), cleaning up the gardens, raking and grinding up leaves and yard debris, Fred's puppy classes, and wonderful visits form the kids and grands! Of course, most everything halts when the kids are here because we so cherish every moment we can have with the little ones. It was hard preparing for the Thanksgiving Day feast because I wanted to have playtime with Abby and Ben....but I also needed to prepare much of the meal! We compromised, and spent most every moment with them on Friday and Saturday; digging dirt with Abby, finding treasures (earthworms, mostly), swinging, and playing Honeybee Tree together. And holding little Ben, as opportunities arose. What a sweet little guy! And Abby is so interested in...everything! It was superb. Captain and I also took time to bottle our very first hard cider, which had been enjoying a 2nd fermentation. When Ichiban was here in October, he helped us set up the initial fermentation with a lovely champagne yeast. (Thanks, Ichi!) We didn't use our own pressed apples this time, but next year - we will!