Blessings into the New Year...

A carriage, a sleigh made for a beautiful day and drive with a view as far as the eye could see. The prairie covered in a blanket of snow dotted with farms, beautiful tree belts, cattle and horses. Horses, as you know, are one of my favorites right up there with dogs, both were my first loves in life and remain. Blessed are we.

Friend

Yesterday another drive, to see family. Lily was the first to greet as Eli and I drove into the yard.  "Hello Lily, you're such a pretty girl. I've got something for you." She sat. She remembered and was given a treat.

Lily

Gracie has 2 new lambs,  Halo born at Halloween and the other,  born last week named Holly. Opal, Holly's mother, was more curious than protective as she let me stoop down and say hello to her babe and rub Opal's forehead. Lily, the corgi/blue heeler, waited patiently outside the door. Seeing the animals was the last of the trip. Lily walked me to Eli, we visited. She sat in the soft snow, cocked her head listening intently. Rubbing her ears, okay, one more. As I handed off the treat, she licked the tip of my nose and trotted off. She's a hard worker, keeping coyotes at bay from the sheep.

We've been keeping treats in Eli for those dogs that wonder near, keep close and looking for home. Was happy to have some treats for Lily. The blonde lab that has been seen before and this time thin, remembered me. Shaking, she sat, I reached into my coat pocket and gave. With the help of  friends and many phone calls, her name is Tess. Just so happens we can see her home from ours. Yes, we do look over and bless at night. Always helping where we can, lost and abandoned, animal or human.

We are most blessed by friends and family that share their animals. Blessed. Truly. Thank you.

Stay warm friends, enjoy your week, love your animals and help where you can for those animals that need help in these cold temps. Savor the warmth of the sun.

High centered...

It's amazing what 4" of snow and two white dogs can create. Friday morning we were greeted to snow, Carlee romped, jumped, ran and rolled while Buster was a close second getting high centered more than once. Fortunately the wet snow slid across the deck when pushed fitting neatly under the railing.

Buster. Safe and warm.

It wasn't until our return back to work did I call Buster more than once. No sound, just falling snow and no sign of my little white boy. Calling, calling and looking in his hiding places. My heart began to pound, he couldn't possibly get out of the fence until I saw a glimpse of his red collar. I ran to the walk out, he was high centered and covered with snow. It was a few short minutes, he must have thought wasn't someone coming to find him. My heart sunk, I scooped him up, no sound he looked into my eyes." I'm here buddy" and got him in the house. He was shivering, grabbed our cleanup towel and wrapped him up in a blanket holding him slightly tighter than usual. Quick prayer indeed. Slow down, we're moving to fast, we have to make good things last. So I tweeked that a bit, today, we catch up on play time, nap time, outside and hug time. I look at my family, both rest nearby as always. Priceless.

Keep an eye on your kids, your neighbors kids and any kid that needs your help. Volunteer, get involved, help where you can, make a phone call if that is all it takes.

Take care friends, stay safe and warm.

Stocking stuffers...

were a hit, as always, people are busy shopping for everyone on their list, including the family member with the most legs. Gingersnap's Mom was our first customer Saturday, still time to set up, we grabbed treats and went to see Ginger. She jumped out of the car, saw us and promptly sat down in the parking lot. The scent of treats filtered through our cash box which holds our treat samples.

Gingersnap, Lover of Bab's treats!

She was tickled, sat closer with each treat and then looked deeply into my eyes. I scratched her ears and said, "You're welcome, so glad to see you this morning."

More new customers, vendors to visit with in down time and caught up on reading the few magazines received at home. Ripping open a, what I thought was recent magazine, happened to be a July 2012 issue which caught my attention with Summer smoothie recipes. Mmm, maybe next year.

With shorter days, we sleep longer, fewer things get done. On nice days like today, we continue to bake to fill orders, our morning walk was interrupted by a restless night and instead the dogs napped soundly in the afternoon sun outside while indoor work has piled up for another week.

We are thankful however, we are blessed daily, our health is good and love is over abundant at home.
We wish you a wonderful week friends and pray that love is over abundant to help those that come for help, comfort and sustenance.