Winter Wonderland

Yep, you got that right. We had almost 8 inches on snow last night. And it's still snowing...

Scene from Farmer Bob's property line

Looking south from our barn

Family Birthday Bash

To celebrate Deke's brother's birthday, 8 of us met in a downtown restaurant to celebrate the big day. We ate an absolutely superb meal and enjoyed being together as a family.
From L-R. Deke, me, Mama Jo, Grandma Jones, Max, Dianne, Ken and Marian.

The Ol' Switcharoo

Deke and I decided to purchase a 52" TV for our Christmas. We waited until the prices were rock bottom and then Deke negotiated so he got a good deal (always the money man). Anyway, in order to put the TV in the basement, we had to switch the bookcases. So the bookcases that Deke made years ago that were upstairs in the livingroom, now found their new home in the basement. AND the really good bookcases that housed the TV that were downstairs, were moved upstairs to the livingroom. I really like the livingroom arrangement now but the basement arrangement definitely needs a lot of tweeking (didn't have room for all 4 bookcases). Deke just squeeked out a suggestion that he might build a wall unit to house the TV and all the DVD's, old tapes, books, DVR, etc. I can see that project coming to fruition about next year at this time, but it's a good thing to look forward to anyway.

I've also included a picture ofMom's chest of drawers that we put in the kitchen. I have to move the clock up a few inches yet but you get the idea. The chest blends in with the cabinets perfectly and goes super well with the 2-year-old fabric I bought for the kitchen valance. When it's all done I think it will look great! What a wonderful feeling to get rid of so much stuff that accumulates over the years.

So, next time you come to visit, you'll find some rearranging around here.

Warm and Cozy

I know it looks stark now, but it's gonna look good in a few weeks. But more importantly, it's warm and cozy in this little nook.

Love these honeycomb blinds!

We're warming up, folks! Right now it's a blazing 27 degrees on the temp gauge.

A few weeks ago I saw where Penney's was having a 70% off of all their custom ordered blinds. I researched and found that these blinds with the double honeycomb were the best for insulating windows. We had often felt cold sitting in the eating area in the most extreme cold of Indiana winters. So in addition to the function I also splurged and ordered the blinds without the cords. With 4 grandchildren already here and 2 more on the way, I didn't want to deal with those dangerous cords hanging around.

They arrived in just 2 weeks and Deke installed them that night. Only took about 50 minutes to hang all 8 (one is not visible in the picture). We really appreciate the warm and cozy dining but sure miss the view when they're down. On sunny days I raise them so the sun can cascade in.

When I get my get my gitty-up in gear, I'll start on the valance. I've only had the material for 2 years; you'd think I could have done something before now. Well, I'll do another post when I get it done and up.

So when the hawk is out and it's colder than a witch's mammary gland, this little family will be warm and cozy eating cornbread and beans and playing euchre. Can it get any better than that!

The Hawk is Out!

Yes, folks, you are seeing correctly! The temp at 8:00AM is -18.9 degrees!
Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Colder than a Witch's Mammary Gland

Our inside/outside temp guage this morning.

A view from our front porch just as the sun was coming up.

Yes folks, it's COLD in the old Midwest. Of course that won't make news until it reaches the Northeast but just had to show you that it's here now and it's frigid to the max! Local schools are all canceled and it doesn't look as if it will warm up before tomorrow around noon.

After Christmas Happenings

Lunch with the Moms at Flora's Family Restaurant 2 days before New Year's. Notice the breaded tenderloins!

Took off for Illinois to visit with Mark and Lori when they were unable to come see us over Christmas. Here we are helping Mark and Lori clean up drywall on their basement finish. That's Lori's dad in the foreground.

Mama Jo with her trusty broom keeps things in order. Lori is barely "showing"as she begins her second trimester. We returned home on the 3rd.