Thursday, December 17, 2009

A quick update

I keep hoping for things to slow down a bit. Life has been very busy lately for one reason or another. I had thought that once summer was over and we wound outside projects down to a minimum, everything would just move at a quieter pace. But, that hasn't been the case...yet. Yes, we did get our woodstove installed and we have been loving it. The timing couldn't have been better because for nearly two weeks we had beautiful, but cold, sunshine. We were blessed with no damages to pipes or hoses due to freezing temperatures, and the horses enjoyed the weather as much as we did. We found that by keeping our pellet stove going round the clock, and having a fire in the woodstove in the evenings, our little home kept us toasty and warm. I am so thankful for not having to use our furnace anymore.

We adopted a black lab puppy from the local shelter on December 4th. We've named her Nellie, and she's a joy (most of the time). Annie is still adjusting to not being the only housepet, and slowly she's warming towards the pup. My hope is that Nellie will help keep Annie young-at-heart, and that Annie will pass along her quiet demeanor and general good dog sense to Nellie. So far, so good. We are still looking at adopting a Golden Retriever from the rescue as well. After Christmas, we have a meeting to meet a dog named Jasper. He sounds amazing too. So, if all goes as planned, we will be back to having our standard of 3 dogs again. Are we crazy or what?

Last weekend was the annual Christmas cookie bake-off and exchange at my house. I had a total of 7 friends there baking and it was a lot of fun. Tiring for my back, but fun nonetheless. That evening I had severe back spasms and thought I was going to have to make a trip to the emergency room, but my hubby found some old vicadin tablets. I took one of those and a very warm bath and the spasms eased enough for me to get to sleep. I did go to the doctor the following day and got some muscle relaxers, anti-inflammatory meds and more pain pills. I don't want to get caught when something like that happens with nothing to help. Now I just need to be careful for a while and let my back heal from whatever I've managed to do to it this time. Sheesh! It's always something.

We got our Christmas tree up and all decorated, and I've made an evergreen wreath for the front door. We've put a few decorations inside the house, but are keeping things very simple this year. We had planned on taking the train to Idaho to spend Christmas with our son Justiin and his wife Jenney and our grandkids. I definitely didn't want to drive there in winter conditions, but taking the train sounded so very romantic and part of the overall adventure! But the nearest train depot to the small town where they live is Spokane, and that would mean they would have to drive over 170 miles one way just to pick us up. We don't want them having to do that, so I guess we'll just stay home and have a very quiet Christmas, just my hubby and me. Maybe that's exactly what the doctor ordered. A peaceful and quiet day at home with the dogs. I might even stay in my pj's all day...doesn't that sound nice? I'll fix a nice dinner, play some Christmas music and have a fire going in the woodstove. Who knows? Maybe we can even squeeze in a Christmas day nap...that sounds heavenly!

I realize it's been about 3 weeks since I've posted anything here on my blog. Since Thanksgiving, we've had a couple of weeks of very cold (as low as 9 F), dry and sunshiney weather which I loved. But the last few days the temperatures are back up into the upper 40's and low 50's with rain. Tons of rain. The skies are grey and gloomy and everything's looking rather dismal again. Oh well, winter begins in just 4 more days so I guess we should expect this kind of weather. One good thing about the winter solstice is that's the shortest day of the year, and after that the days will begin slowly lengthening again. That's good. The seasons sure seem to come and go a lot quicker than they ever used to. A sure sign of aging, I guess.
I hope everybody is enjoying this Christmas season; spending time with friends and family and remembering just why we celebrate this time of year. Merry Christmas everyone!!


That's it for now from cingspots




Blessings!

12 comments:

Lea and her Mustangs said...

I think back problems must go with the season or the weather. The train comes and goes out of Spokane at weird hours. Like 2 in the morning to take it to Everett. No way Jose. We will drive to Marysville Christmas morning after having Christmas Eve with the rest of the family. I am not thrilled with this water. The ditch is about to overflow into our arena.

Grey Horse Matters said...

Glad to hear you're all snuggled in and toasty for the holidays.
You've got to put up a picture of the new pup. What could be cuter than a puppy at Christmastime in front of the tree!
Merry Christmas!

Sherry Sikstrom said...

Glad to hear about the pup. hoping to see pictures soon. Sorry about your back. Maybe a nice quiet Christmas is just the right idea

Leah Fry said...

Nice to hear from you; it has been awhile. Glad to hear all is well.

Our norm is now 3 dogs and 2 cats in the house. Someone offered me a Corgi recently, but Mr. Fry wouldn't hear of it.

Spending any time with the horses or is it too cold?

Michelle said...

Yes, photos of Nellie, please! I bet she's a doll. Glad things are going well, have a great holiday.

Gail said...

Busy is an understatement!

Thank you for adopting a shelter dog.

Lori Skoog said...

I too want to see photos of all the dogs! Please....

There is nothing like a stove in the winter...so cozy.

LuLo Designs/Blue Eyed Tango said...

Sounds good to me...toasty warm with hubby by the fire! I know the grey skies are here to stay for a few months then back to sun! Have fun with your dogs.....I'm sure they have a wonderful place to call home. I don't have grand kids yet but looking forward to the days! Merry Christmas to you!

Carolynn Anctil said...

Good to hear from you again. It sounds like you've been very busy collecting new animal companions and staying warm. Both excellent pursuits. Looking forward to seeing a few pictures of the new additions to your family.

Take care of your back! Ouch. I've had back problems on & off over the years. It's no small matter when you're in the grips of that!

allhorsestuff said...

Hiya sweets!! Yea...time does fly sure enough!
We had a bit of the cold but now it is our normal sloogery stuff...and yesterday..a smattering of white...made a refreshed day for me!
Your new Pooch sounds adorable...pics yes!

I love hearing that you'll be taking the train for Christmas!! How very romantic dear! You have yourself a fantastic time...be thinking of you! Merry Christmas sweet friend!

PS glad you converted to the stove for your warmth...very good idea!
Yours truly,
KacyK-kissing the mare for you, and likewise...to your horsefaces

Grey Horse Matters said...

Merry Christmas to you too!

Saddleries.net said...

Best wishes for 2010 !