This and That

This winter has been pretty mild for the most part and we have enjoyed eating out on the patio at most restaurants. Only recently have we started dining inside again. If infection rates go up we'll head back outside. I've gotten pretty accustomed to the fresh air and sunlight that patio eating has provided.

Jessica's kids came over during the Holiday break. The boys have become pros at Minecraft over the past few years. They all gather online together (Wesley, Alex, Matt and Teddy) and play. It was nice that during the state lock downs the kids were still able to connect and stay social.

They have been playing the "Raise Your Hand" game since they were tiny, still doing it. Last one with their hand in the air wins. Did I think they would still be doing this in high school? No. But it brings back fond memories.

We've sure been enjoying the Nissan Leaf. We've had it for nearly a year now and drive it constantly. It's the go-to car in the garage. It's pure electric and at 100% charged gets about 90 mile range. That seems to be about 85% of our driving needs. It's prefect for driving the kids to school and back and our short little trips into town. It came with a set of Blizzack winter tires and wheels, so Sean put them on. I like the black wheels!

A couple of years ago we picked up a new rooster after our big white one got killed by the neighbors dog. The new one was a Ayam Cemani. They are these impressive all black roosters. They have black legs, black combs. They even have black organs. A gal down the road had two roosters and offered me one. He did ok with us for a short time before turning into turd and chasing us. He'd find pleasure in trying to hurt us. We'd kick him away and the kids took large sticks with them whenever they went into the back yard just in case he decided to come after them. We aren't the type to kill roosters even if they are demon spawn so we just dealt with him. He earned the name Satan. I tried to rehome him since he was a desirable breed (chicks go for upwards of $50 each). No takers (shocker!). A week ago he wasn't in the hen house at bed time which was unheard of. The next morning I did a check of the back yard and sure enough found the pile of black feathers that was Satan. Looks like a hawk or owl got him. I'm ok with this...it's been so peaceful in the backyard. 

 

 Kevin and Cooper are all grown up and settling in nicely. They play really hard together and then sleep for hours and do it all over again. Here are the two goobers passed out. They like to sleep in the strangest positions.

Honor Choir

 Wesley has been having so much fun singing this year. He tried out for the honor choir and submitted his audition online (they are usually in person auditions but with Covid they are all recorded and submitted). He and two others were accepted into the mixed choir. Not many freshmen get in so it was quite the honor. 

He got to practice all day and then we got to see them all sing together. It was great, we are very proud of him.

Christmas 2021

 Another Christmas has come and gone. It's a great time of the year and we have our regular traditions that we try to accomplish. The annual sugar cookie decorating went well and I can say between that, the vegan fudge and decorating the gingerbread houses I probably gained 6 pounds. It was worth it even if it means dieting in January (and February....who am I kidding). 

Christmas 2021 was small with just my folks coming over. We had good food and a fun time opening presents. I hope everyone had a great Christmas!

Annual Night Before Christmas reading.

Finally a bike that he won't outgrow in a year.

Rudi is always by their side.

Jealous of the sherpa pullover.

Favorite picture. The dogs were praying for something to drop.

Cooper loves a warm lap (or whole body) to sleep on.

So excited to get a cell phone.

Beanie loves all the attention.

 

Desi

 I knew this day would come but I was hoping it wouldn't be this year. We had to put our sweet miniature horse Desi to sleep. He'd been battling laminitis for years, hobbling around on sore front feet. He had foundered in his previous home before we got him in 2006 and was never 100% but he got around ok in his earlier years. It was selfish to ask him to go through another rough winter. He was 24 years old. 

 

Our little Desi didn't get to eat lush green grass very often since he foundered, the sugars in the grass make the condition worse. But he got to free graze for 20 minutes before the vet got here, I'd like to think he had a pretty good last day.

We'd never had to bury a critter of his size, he was around 250 pounds (down from 330 a few years ago). I was prepared to go out with a shovel and just start digging but Sean talked me into renting a mini excavator instead. It was $110 for a 4 hour rental and we got the hole dug in about an hour. 

 

We have two miniature horses and I've got to say I was worried about going down to only one mini since they are herd animals and have been together nearly their whole lives. Rocky is doing ok though. He was pretty concerned while the vet was here but I walked him over and let him see Desi once the vet left. That seemed to calm him down. It makes me sad that he's out there without another horse but he aren't getting anymore horses. This property is not good for horses. Rocky is doing pretty good with his goat buddies and whines when they go out in the grove to graze. 

 

Addams Family

 Wesley has taken an interest in singing in his school choir. This lead to an interest in trying out for the high school play. This year they did the Addams Family broadway version play. He's a freshman so we weren't thinking he would get a main role but he did end up getting one. He played Mal which was the dad to Lucas (Wednesday Addams love interest). He put so much work into that role, not missing a single practice. 

He had many lines and even a solo. I was one nervous mom but he did fabulous! Not sure where he got the acting gene from as both his parents are rather introverted. Anyways, super proud of him for trying something new. He's excited for next years play. 

Alex was also in the play as an Ancestor.

Jessica had the privilege to orchestrate the decorating of the entryway. She also did this fabulous painting.