The eating, drinking and being festive has begun.
Parties and planning future gatherings is well underway.
Cleaning, decorating, shopping, and baking have been activated.
As far as I am concerned, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s can be wrapped into one big holiday celebration, with some birthdays and other milestones thrown in for good measure. 
There's no need to tell you which kind of Christmas person I am. It is definitely my favorite time of year. Since holiday/party mode begins with Thanksgiving, I am in a celebratory mood and ready to start merry-making. Once the partying, food and drink, fun with family and friends, and everything else associated with the holiday starts, let it continue throughout the season and into the beginning of next year.
Friday 11/22 - Joe and I were in route to Nashville by 3:30 and got up-dates from Britney on the early Thanksgiving celebration they were having in Carmel, Indiana. She had been in the area on business all week. Pictured are Travis, Carol, Chris and Britney.
Britney sent several photos. This one of their meal - Turkey chili with butternut squash, cranberry/squash salad, and pumpkin bread.
They later played a board game and had brownies to celebrate Chris' 42nd birthday which is on 12/2.
We arrived at the City Winery just after Courtney and Kent did. Seeing them in the parking lot, we then went inside for a drink, before being seated for the dinner/concert.
We were celebrating Courtney's 38th birthday, which was yesterday and we also enjoyed an early 'Thanksgiving' with her and Kent. The meal was European style serving, with dishes meant to be shared, and the food came out as each dish was ready. We had ordered Caesar Salad, Grilled Shrimp, Lamb Meatballs, Chicken Corsica, Wagyu Hanger Steak and potatoes, and Patatas Bravas. It was all very delicious.
The concert was to be Vance Gilbert, but the Winery ended up putting his venue with Vienna Teng and her opening act, Peter Mulvey... because they didn't have a very large crowd for either. Peter and Vance opened together, alternating songs and singing back-up for each other occasionally. They joked with each other and the crowd. They were witty, funny and a real joy to listen to. Vienna was not our 'cup of tea' so we left about 9pm, before she finished, and drove home.
Saturday 11/23 - I didn't get up until 5:30, which gave me six hours of sleep. We'd had an overnighter, traveling with two mules, whom Patty helped get settled into the corral and ranch house.
Patty shared some photos of these cute equine. She had also fed the cats and dog last night. We always so appreciate her help.
I got this blog started and enjoyed the view from my office/cattery/sun room while I sat here. I usually do the Jacquie Lawson Paris Advent Calendar in the evening, but will sometimes play a few of my favorite games in the morning if I have some time to kill. 
I sent out an e-mail finalizing our plans for a white elephant gift exchange we will do after Christmas when we all gather in Kentucky.
The card you see behind Monita was one Dan gave me for Mother's Day many years ago. I has always loved it. 
The card is actually quite fitting for Monita. She was grossly underweight and full of fleas, ear mites, and worms when I took her in as a two month old from a lady's barn. As aggravating as she can often be, I am glad I kept her alive. Just about every morning I go through this (video) and many other antics with her.
I got ready to go to Brooke's baby shower, but had some time to kill, so decided to pull all my Christmas stuff out.
I picked up Patty and we went into town to attend Brooke's baby shower. Brooke met us at the door because she had stepped outside to cool off. She has an extra internal furnace.
Us Mountain View Saddle Sisters (Patty, me, Joanne, Betty, Bonnie, and Susan) sat together and had an enjoyable time. 
A lunch with lots of good snacks and sweets was served buffet style. Some games were played and then Brooke opened a bunch of gifts. 
After the party, I had to hustle to get to the gym and then have time to get out to the ranch for feeding chores. My workout was just legs and I did add 15 more minutes to the elliptical, as I continue to (slowly) build back up to where I was before my surgery the end of July.
It was already dark as I drove home from the ranch. It seems all my good intentions (like to begin some decorating) fall to the wayside once it gets dark. Maybe I need bright flood lights in the house to get my mo-jo going. I couldn't even get motivated to start Christmas cards.
Sunday 11/24 - Shirley was sick this morning, so we didn't make it to church. I ended up spending some of my extra time with flea control. I had noticed Monita licking and scratching excessively the night before, and gotten two fleas off her with the flea comb. Well I did more combing and got three off her and one off Babe. Mama Styx has been 'clean' every time I've checked her the past few months.
Patty, Karen, Betty and I met at the ranch before noon and saddled up our horses and hit the trail. This time, Karen rode Rico.
It was another beautiful fall day and we all had a great ride enjoying our really nice, well behaved horses (videos). We were back at the barn an hour later, after going three miles.
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Karen unsaddled Rico and I moved my saddle from Amiga to Rico. Then Betty and I headed out and rode another six miles. We did a lot of gaiting and a fair amount of cantering.
It was almost 3:30 by the time Betty and I were back and un-tacked. Betty was doing the feeding chores when I headed for home about 4pm. She later took this photo of our two boys.
I did a little cooking for dinner but didn't have the drive, motivation or energy (not sure what was lacking) to start in on any Christmas decorating.
I was falling asleep here at my computer, trying to do Advent Calendar games, so went to bed extra early.
Monday 11/25 - I arrived at the ranch at 7:30 for morning cores and was just finishing mucking the lower paddock when the farrier arrived early at 8:45. All three pasos were trimmed with new shoes put on Rico. 
Joe arrived just as Chris was finishing with the horses and then we got busy doing some group chores like cleaning the chicken coop and winterizing the 'bus stop' shed in the corral. 
Joe fired up the heavy duty, high-powered leaf blower and got it up on my back so I could blow leaves. I was having way too much fun because it is so much easier than raking. After
getting all the leaves out of the lower paddock and past the fence
line, then I went behind our property and blew leaves off of our little
bridal trail. I mucked the corral (mess left from mules) and did a
little more work up in the coop. As I was leaving, I noticed Dorado
laying down, hopefully just resting.
I was concerned after a few minutes, but then he lifted his head and not long after that, had a big roll and then got up.
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After a late lunch, flea combing cats and other chores, I got my flu, pneumonia, and RSV vaccines and then hit the gym for 2½ hours. I had a good workout, but by the end was feeling a little punky. I wondered, was it lack of sleep or the three shots?
Joe and I watched a thriller movie 'The Ghost and the Darkness' based on a true story.
Tuesday 11/26 - I got an early start on the day (3am) as has been happening lately. It's probably a combination of holiday excitement and mulling over a long to-do list while also planning things in my head. I was glad to see we had gotten a half inch of rain overnight.
I got yesterdays blog entry done, although spent too long trying to get the last photo moved up, before giving up. I was finishing up my shopping list when Patty called to report a problem at the ranch. She had scared off this first dog that was in the yard, but was 'holded up' in the chicken coop, safe from this big pitbull that had growled at her when she tried to scare it off.
I could tell by Patty's voice that she was shaken up. I sent Joe to her rescue.
Sadly, the big pitbull had already gotten into our chicken yard by breaking down our kind of flimsy fence and had killed one hen (Big Red) that was laying dead by the coop door. Patty tried to take a head count and found four hens in the coop, some had been in hiding. But the sixth hen (Gloria) was missing and the others were fairly shook up. Because the dog had acted aggressive, Patty waited in the coop until the dog jumped the fence and left.
Once Patty emerged from the coop, she searched for Gloria. Lo and behold, Gloria was hiding in this hole behind the cinder block with her head stuck in the fence. She had been so desperate to escape but this hiding place saved her life. Gloria is missing some wing feathers and her tail end is a bit damaged. But she’s alive.
Joe took care of the dead chicken burial and had also called Animal Control. Animal control has no room at its intake facility, and basically said it is legal to shoot a dog on your property if it’s causing harm to your livestock or endangering you. So it begins.
Will this dog be back for more chicken? Will we have to resort to desperate measures? I hoped not.
I finally got off to town to shop. I hit four stores and was prepared for Thanksgiving and got a good start on Christmas things.
I had lots of items to stow away and then went to the ranch to do chores and check on the chickens.
I have given up trying to move photos up into these blank spaces. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to when it will, and when it won't let me move them.
I was concerned after a few minutes, but then he lifted his head and not long after that, had a big roll and then got up.
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After a late lunch, flea combing cats and other chores, I got my flu, pneumonia, and RSV vaccines and then hit the gym for 2½ hours. I had a good workout, but by the end was feeling a little punky. I wondered, was it lack of sleep or the three shots?
Joe and I watched a thriller movie 'The Ghost and the Darkness' based on a true story.
Tuesday 11/26 - I got an early start on the day (3am) as has been happening lately. It's probably a combination of holiday excitement and mulling over a long to-do list while also planning things in my head. I was glad to see we had gotten a half inch of rain overnight.
I got yesterdays blog entry done, although spent too long trying to get the last photo moved up, before giving up. I was finishing up my shopping list when Patty called to report a problem at the ranch. She had scared off this first dog that was in the yard, but was 'holded up' in the chicken coop, safe from this big pitbull that had growled at her when she tried to scare it off.
I could tell by Patty's voice that she was shaken up. I sent Joe to her rescue. Sadly, the big pitbull had already gotten into our chicken yard by breaking down our kind of flimsy fence and had killed one hen (Big Red) that was laying dead by the coop door. Patty tried to take a head count and found four hens in the coop, some had been in hiding. But the sixth hen (Gloria) was missing and the others were fairly shook up. Because the dog had acted aggressive, Patty waited in the coop until the dog jumped the fence and left.
Once Patty emerged from the coop, she searched for Gloria. Lo and behold, Gloria was hiding in this hole behind the cinder block with her head stuck in the fence. She had been so desperate to escape but this hiding place saved her life. Gloria is missing some wing feathers and her tail end is a bit damaged. But she’s alive.
Joe took care of the dead chicken burial and had also called Animal Control. Animal control has no room at its intake facility, and basically said it is legal to shoot a dog on your property if it’s causing harm to your livestock or endangering you. So it begins.
Will this dog be back for more chicken? Will we have to resort to desperate measures? I hoped not.
I finally got off to town to shop. I hit four stores and was prepared for Thanksgiving and got a good start on Christmas things.
I had lots of items to stow away and then went to the ranch to do chores and check on the chickens.
I have given up trying to move photos up into these blank spaces. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to when it will, and when it won't let me move them.
The utility guys (Direct TV) were working out front. I chatted with them because it was my understanding that they were going to take the line to the pole in the chicken yard. I wanted to be sure they kept our yard gate closed to keep the chicken killing dog out!
I checked on all the chickens, and they looked fine. Even Gloria had preened her feathers back into place and didn't look too bad.
It was dark when I left the ranch. The security light makes the front of the barn look brighter than it was.
Poker Joe was gone and I wrapped a few gifts and prepared things for our Thanksgiving visit.
A fox was screaming out beyond our backyard (video). It was a bit un-nerving after the Lion movie and dog attack on our chickens.
Wednesday 11/27 - Another early wake-up time had me done blogging by 7am and then I started on decorating. Mama Styx was quick to take rest on one pile I had pulled out of one of the Christmas bins. Cats sure do love exploring and taking possession of stuff.
I started with decorating in my office/cattery with first a lot of cleaning. Because I was still getting a flea or two off all three cats, I washed all their blankets and bedding. Also, because I had the ladder out and could get way up to the climbing shelves, I gave them a good cleaning since there were some messes Stevie had made up on them.
Everything was washed or wiped down, even the windows and dusty plants. From there, I proceeded to the kitchen and got these lights and garland hung. It amazes me that the red bell lights, about as old as I am, are still working. They sure don't make stuff like they used to.
After lunch, I went to the ranch to ride Rico. Nobody was available to join me, so I went by myself.
Walking Rico to the barn, I noticed this mess at the pole by our yard. Where the hole and red marker are, is where I had finally gotten an azalea to grow, after two others had died. Now it was piled next to the other two which were half covered with dirt. Ughhh!
I had forgotten to shut the gate to the yard where I'd parked, so rode Rico up the drive to shut it. I also rode him around the side and back pastures after he got a big drink from the stock tank.
We went out the front of our property onto Eli Ford, to Marmaduke. Here we are at Lake Kirkstone. I had noticed this new house build across the lake and wanted to see how it was accessed.
Going through the back roads, around the lake, we got to this spot, Oldham Lane. Once home I looked up this address. Joe and I had considered this property when we were shopping for land four years ago. It was listed as "Waterfront on Lake Kirkstone, 5.4 acres, over 700' of shoreline; lot lays well and has a gentle slope to the lake" for 200K. It sold for $190000 on Jul 27, 2021. We had purchased our ranch on Feb 23, 2021.
We took the newly upgraded (from dirt to gravel) road towards the lake and saw the house well under construction.
Turning for home, I took another photo of the house while at the Lake Kirkstone spill-way.
This had been a good training ride for Rico. It was fairly windy, and being out on our own, he was spookier than usual. Also he was very hesitant to proceed forward at several spots. He had two big spooks that nearly spun me from the saddle, but thankfully I stayed on. Hopefully he’s learning to trust me, feel safe with me, and be less spooky.
Rico had picked up the pace heading home and seemed a little more sure of himself.
I let Rico gait much of the time and even bumped him up to a canter on two nice stretches of dirt road. I was also glad that he did not trip at all, on this ride.
In this photo, we are looking down Marmaduke from where Malvern connects to it. This hill is steeper than it looks.
Bonnie arrived at the barn just after Rico and I did. After caring for him and taking him up to his paddock, I mucked both paddocks. Rico got anxious when Bonnie brought our four off the front pasture to feed them. He kept looking and hollering for a horse friend.
Poker Joe was gone and Maggie glad to have me home. The house is so much 'warmer' and more inviting with even just a few Christmas decorations up. A long ride, along with ranch chores can easily take up five to six hours of time. I don't know how I thought I'd have time for the gym. Once I had cared for the pets and myself, I was too tired to pack or accomplish anything else.
The action in the kitchen was well underway with Vale, Yaneth, and Alexsys working hard.
Nick shared some of his two fine bourbons with Daniel and Joe.
And so it began... Cheers!
Fluffy Kitty looking a little guilty table surfing, but also being so darn cute.
Ava and I went for several walks. During this one, we actually ran (I jogged) much of the time. Stopping to rest, I took a selfie of us.
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And we spent time playing in the leaves, throwing them up in the air and at each other.
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Dan picked Ricardo up at the airport and once they got back (about 4pm) we ate.
Oh my gosh, what a spread, not all pictured (ham, turkey, spaghetti, corn casserole, sweet potato casserole, rice, mac&cheese, potato salad, lettuce salad, deviled eggs, and two breads).
Yaneth took photos of each of us before we dug in.
Our wonderful host and hostess, Dan and Vale.
Our sweet granddaughter Ava. Her hair is much darker than what it looks to be in this photo.
Joe and I... and then me with Patty.
Here is Yaneth and Ricardo.
This is one of Alexis and Nick I took earlier.
After a prayer of thanksgiving, we grandparents got a very unexpected and wonderful surprise.
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Oh My Gosh!
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At first the papaw's couldn't figure out the significance of the peanut.
But once the little onesie came out of the gift box, it all became obvious.
We are going to have another grandbaby, due very early June.
And of course, this new child on the way, became the subject of most our conversation as we fellowshiped and pigged out around the table. What hints and signs had been missed, (Vale being tired and nauseous and Ava talking about Mama's big belly), boy or girl possibilities, names that could fit on their family wall decor, the chance of a May birth (to add to Joe, Dan, and Ava's), etc.
I don't have a good intentional photo of their family names, but this gives you and idea. We were looking to add a name with an 'E' or an 'R' to the end of VILLHAUER.
Football was watched (What a futile finish by the Bears) and short naps were taken.
Kitties were loved on and Tango was walked.
And then it was time for dessert(s).
There was pumpkin, apple, and pecan pies; ice cream, marshmallow fruit fluff, and most importantly - Vale's birthday cake.
We all had a very wonderful Thanksgiving with so much to celebrate and truly be thankful for.
Ava and I got into the Christmas spirit, going for a walk to the cul-de-sac at the other end of Dan's cul-de-sac. It was decorated to the hilt. Ava counted the candy cane lights (video) and you can see more of the festive displays.
Joe, Patty and I stayed at La Quinta Inn in Lebanon.
Our wonderful host and hostess, Dan and Vale.
Our sweet granddaughter Ava. Her hair is much darker than what it looks to be in this photo.
Joe and I... and then me with Patty.
Here is Yaneth and Ricardo.
This is one of Alexis and Nick I took earlier.
After a prayer of thanksgiving, we grandparents got a very unexpected and wonderful surprise.
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Oh My Gosh!
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At first the papaw's couldn't figure out the significance of the peanut.
But once the little onesie came out of the gift box, it all became obvious.
We are going to have another grandbaby, due very early June.
And of course, this new child on the way, became the subject of most our conversation as we fellowshiped and pigged out around the table. What hints and signs had been missed, (Vale being tired and nauseous and Ava talking about Mama's big belly), boy or girl possibilities, names that could fit on their family wall decor, the chance of a May birth (to add to Joe, Dan, and Ava's), etc.
I don't have a good intentional photo of their family names, but this gives you and idea. We were looking to add a name with an 'E' or an 'R' to the end of VILLHAUER.
Football was watched (What a futile finish by the Bears) and short naps were taken.
Kitties were loved on and Tango was walked.
And then it was time for dessert(s).
There was pumpkin, apple, and pecan pies; ice cream, marshmallow fruit fluff, and most importantly - Vale's birthday cake.
We all had a very wonderful Thanksgiving with so much to celebrate and truly be thankful for.
Ava and I got into the Christmas spirit, going for a walk to the cul-de-sac at the other end of Dan's cul-de-sac. It was decorated to the hilt. Ava counted the candy cane lights (video) and you can see more of the festive displays.
Joe, Patty and I stayed at La Quinta Inn in Lebanon.
Friday 11/29 - I computerized in the lobby of the hotel (getting quite frustrated with my very slow travel laptop) until Joe and Patty were up and we'd all eaten breakfast.
Back at Dan's, Ava and I took another walk. I'll tell ya, some decorations should just go unused. I wondered if this was purchased at the Buc-ee's in Crossville.
We all had round two of Thanksgiving dinner at lunch time.
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We had to leave in time for me to get chores done at the ranch. Just under a two hour drive home, I was able to make it to the ranch by 3:00. I had to go way out in the back pasture to get Amiga, Cowboy and Banner to come in (video) while Zorro, who came when I called, stood at the gate and waited.
My little Miss Amiga is showing her age, not only with the arthritis, but white hairs.
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Back at Dan's, Ava and I took another walk. I'll tell ya, some decorations should just go unused. I wondered if this was purchased at the Buc-ee's in Crossville.
We all had round two of Thanksgiving dinner at lunch time.
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We had to leave in time for me to get chores done at the ranch. Just under a two hour drive home, I was able to make it to the ranch by 3:00. I had to go way out in the back pasture to get Amiga, Cowboy and Banner to come in (video) while Zorro, who came when I called, stood at the gate and waited.
My little Miss Amiga is showing her age, not only with the arthritis, but white hairs.
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I love her intelligent, kind, soft, eyes.
It was predicted to get into the teens, so I did a little additional 'winterizing' and threw both groups of horses some extra hay.
All three cats were itching/scratching so I combed each of them and got fleas off of all three. Shoot! So it begins - another battle with the fleas. Ugh! Hopefully I am ahead of the game this time, even though it is still too early to put Revolution on them again.
I don't understand how eating a lot, sitting around chatting, and riding in the car can make me so tired... but it does. Once home, with household chores done, I was going to try to get most of this blog completed. But I ended up going to bed much earlier than usual.
All three cats were itching/scratching so I combed each of them and got fleas off of all three. Shoot! So it begins - another battle with the fleas. Ugh! Hopefully I am ahead of the game this time, even though it is still too early to put Revolution on them again.
I don't understand how eating a lot, sitting around chatting, and riding in the car can make me so tired... but it does. Once home, with household chores done, I was going to try to get most of this blog completed. But I ended up going to bed much earlier than usual.
