Out with 2012 - In with 2013

Hello everyone - Happy New Year!

Robert & 8pt Buck

We were blessed with a pre-Christmas visit from Robert & Micha (Dec.20-23).  Robert was able to go hunting and get 2 bucks. 1-8pt + 1-6pt.  Nice weekend for all.  We lite the barrel (outdoor fireplace) and let it burn for 4 days; enjoyed Mimosa, Food and Family!

Before with Cracks & Holes

After - Refinished

The weekend of Dec. 29, we finished trimming out construction on the new carport. There was a transition where the house rock wall met up with new carport extension.  Cleaned it up by putting a cleat shelf over the holes and imperfection, and patched the header above the back door.

 

In Progress - Before

Kicked in the 2013 New Year (Jan 1st) with a well needed cleansing task.  Dismantled the OLD smoke house and burned it to the ground.  This was a home to many stray cats, and I'm sure rodents and other varmints - too close to the houses.  We are so glad to get rid of some of the "junk" around here.  






I was on Holiday/Vacation from Dec. 31 thru Jan. 7th.  It was a wonderful break and allowed me to 'reset' to face this new year. 

Home Grown Tomatoes for Christmas

Ben was able to take off work Friday & Monday; and my birthday present was to not have to do any farm chores for 4 day (unless I wanted to)!  It was very nice to sleep late and not have to truge out into the cold to pick eggs or tend to the animals. 

We are STILL harvesting tomatoes into January.  I'm sharing with family & friends; then canning and making sauces to freeze for salsa or spaghetti with any leftovers.  


Ben built a hay trough for the goats to keep them and the chickens from spreading the hay everywhere.  So far it is working out perfectly.  We made an adjustment and moved it into the barn so it wouldn't fill up with rain.  We probably need to put more drain holes and get if off the ground a little bit if we put it back outside the barn.  Design on the fly - work in progress. 


I ended my vacation on my 53rd birthday!  I don't feel 53 at all - thank goodness.   Started the day with coffee & breakfast in bed, compliments of Ben; 9am visit from Mom bearing gifts and joining me for Mimosas; then we headed out the door for shopping (Bed Bath & Beyond + the New Whole Foods in San Antonio) and lunch (Sushi Zushi - the fried soft shell crab + Toronodo roll).  By the time we got home it was 2pm - actually took a couple of catnaps while watching TV in bed.  Paula & the kids surprised me with birthday wishes and kisses and several wonderful personal made gifts.  We ended the day with grilled lobster tails and shrimp!   A Wonderful Day!  Back to work and routine tomorrow morning.  :)  Yeah!!!