Last Sunday...

Last Sunday, we went to our elder son's home and found our younger son's family was also there. They all gathered to celebrate Handsome's Birthday, and for the last of our family Christmas gift exchange. Illness kept all of us from getting together for the actual holiday, but this was a perfect rain check.

As we drove into their driveway, we were greeted by the neighborhood wild turkeys. Our son and his family live right across from a marsh and wildlife area, so they have lots of visitors. We've been there in the past when a dozen turkeys just march through their yard. Quite a sight to behold when you consider they're within mere feet of the house. 

 

This trip, not only were we greeted by turkeys, but we were treated to a trio of deer that grazed their way through the backyard, too. In fact, they're quite tame for city deer. Our son's Golden retriever sat on their back deck as the deer sauntered past. We were told that the dog and deer are quite chummy. These deer weren't more than fifteen feet from the deck.

So, I have a little bit of news to share today, too. We have friends whose daughters we've known since they were teenagers. They're now grown with families of their own, and we are quite proud of the women they've become. The younger of the two ladies manages a gas station/restaurant/convenience store just three miles from our farmhouse. 

Handsome and I stopped for lunch one day about a month ago, and she was telling me how hard it is to find people who want to work, which started a whole discussion. At the end of our chat, I allowed as how I'd be happy to come up and help out for 10-20 hours a week, but that I didn't want weekend or late night hours. She handed me an application and we were off to the races.

I worked a week ago Friday answering the phones and taking orders for their delicious Friday night fish (fish fries are a big deal in Wisconsin, in case you haven't heard...second only to our supper club brandy old-fashioneds.) It was a fast-paced three hours of work, and I had fun.

Yesterday was my first day of actual training to use the register, as I took more food orders on the phone, and generally learned the ropes. I worked six hours on my feet, and because we had another snowfall the night before, I wore my boots. Next time I'll carry my Rockport™ shoes - meant for comfort - and change into them once I get there.

I sure don't intend to be there full-time - and I am still preparing for the show in February - but when Handsome goes to Florida for four months at a time, I can go weeks without leaving the farmhouse. The fact that he's staying home this year means that I don't have to fret about having the dogs crated the whole time I'm gone. They stay out with him, and I have a reason to get out at least once a week.

Anyway, it was fun to see new faces, earn a little mad money, and most of all, help a friend for a few hours a week. Plus, on the days I work, I place a food order before I leave and arrive home with a hot meal in hand. I don't have to put thought into what I'm going to make once I'm home. Bonus!

Today, we're running out so I can purchase a heated pad for the barn girls. If we're going to have a deep freeze, I'm going to do something extra for them to make sure they're toasty warm in the barn. They have an electric wax warmer (sans wax) in their insulated dresser up to now, along with a body heat-reflecting pad, but I'll lose sleep worrying if that would be sufficient in -13ºF weather. They'll be better off with the electric warming bed, so that's what I'm going to get for them. I'll have it all installed and ready for them later this morning. 

We're going early because we have another winter snowstorm warning (up to 6") today, and I've been told I probably won't have to go into work for three hours tonight either because of it. We'll be back home before it starts to really accumulate, and then hunker down until it passes. My cats have developed nice thick coats, so I'm sure this purchase is more for my peace of mind than their necessity, but I'm not taking any chances. Then I'll be sewing by this afternoon, as long as my girls are okay outside. 

I've read all your wonderful comments on yesterday's pantry update, but Blogger glitches on me from time to time, and I can't reply. I promise I'll leave comments during the day to answer all of them. Thanks so much for all your kind words. I'm glad you like what we're doing as much as we do. You're the best!!

I have to run now before the weather gets too crummy to be on the road. See you again tomorrow, and thanks again!