Downed Trees and Good Guys

The last day of school before winter break, the storms moved through our part of the country bringing freezing rain and strong winds. At our house, that meant several large oaks battled the wind and lost the war. We nearly collided with the trees when we left the house before dawn. The trees that came down were lying in wait around a blind corner. Fortunately, we were in a spot that allowed us to turn around and head back up to the house.

My husband cranked up the toy chainsaw we had at the house and all of us traipsed down to the trees and worked over the course of several hours in bright sunshine, freezing rain, and fluffy snowflakes to remove the first tree. Then the chainsaw broke.

Can you blame it? It was like using a spoon to drain a pond.

But there we were on the wrong side of the trees, missing the last day of school and work and needing to get the kids to their mom's house so they could celebrate their holiday together.

However, country community is strong and the local tractor supply guys are also our neighbors. With one phone call, they brought us a brand new chainsaw (a man-sized chainsaw) and even cleared the tree for us on the way up to the house! They didn't even want to hassle with taking payment when they brought it up. "Just stop by the shop whenever you're in town, I can't remember how much it was..."

Not a bad ending for a cold, wet day.

Sunrise over Blackberry Hill

Lighting the Fire

It only took two years, but eventually we got around to enjoying the fireplace. Yes, yes, what were we thinking? Dunno, but, as any caveman will tell you, life is better with fire.

Jazz Band Fundraising

The bands are incredible, the student interaction is great to watch and the camaradarie is all part of the fun.

Sunset at the Beach

The sunset was fantastic on our 8th Anniversary.

Penny - Canine Junkie

Penny a.k.a. Pen-Pen is the lickiest dog ever. Afflicted by epilepsy and hyperthyroidism, she takes pills twice a day. Thankfully she thinks they're treats and can barely wait to get her meds each morning and evening. Sometimes I think she knows something we don't and prefers the medication to food.

Coronet-er

Our youngest daughter is the Bell brass section, although she's now beginning to incorporate strings!