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While downloading photos from my big camera the other day, I came across these that were taken at the end of autumn.
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Evening grosbeaks are a bird we rarely have visit our backyard.
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But that day a large batch of them dropped by.
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They’re pretty little things…
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And made short work of the sunflower seed buffet.
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Now is it me….
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Or do they look like the original angry bird?
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Since the husband and I usually travel for Christmas, I haven’t done decorations for years. Wreaths in the windows, a few snowflake lights on the barn and a Charlie Brown tree on the table was as much enthusiasm as I could muster this season.
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And when you’ve been married as long as we have (37 years in a few weeks) presents aren’t a big deal either. We’re lucky enough to buy what we want, when we want (and he still doesn’t know my taste in jewelry) so we took a pass on that as well.
There is however one gift that keeps on giving.
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Yes, after a prolonged absence in which I continually prayed for her earthly demise…
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She was back on Christmas Eve. Looking for a way into the house.
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And taunting me…
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The little bitch.
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So if she comes down the chimney wearing a Santa hat today? I won’t be held responsible.
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No. It most definitely is not…
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Wherever you are and however you choose to celebrate, I hope it brings you joy. There’s been a decided lack of that this year… and I doubt I’m alone when I say I’m ready to kiss 2020 goodbye.
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Our holiday will be small and quiet, and in true 2020 fashion the only thing Santa saw fit to bring me this year was a torrential rain storm with 65 mph winds that will melt the snow, cause a power outage, and make our ceiling spout water like the Bellagio’s fountain. Good times!
But my husband and I have our health… and each other. I can’t ask for more.
So instead of boring you with some sappy Christmas post, I’ll leave you with two pictures.
1. Is it any wonder this was one of the Christmas cards I sent out this year?
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I think not.
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2. A little blast from the past…. yours truly on Santa’s lap.
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It’s the only such photo I have, as my mother told me I ditched St. Nick at a very early age and refused visits after this one. To those who know me well, this shouldn’t come as any surprise.
Ho! Ho! Hmm….
Pass the eggnog.
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Was for the Barn Mahal bar to be finished. Seeing that we came home and discovered its beginning framework in place in mid November….
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I didn’t think that would be too much to ask. But alas, our builder didn’t agree.
Oh, he’s sent updates via text messages.
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Like the layout of the rough unfinished boards on his shop floor.
I thought the 3 graduating colors would be interesting…
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Until he sent the next update of those boards being sanded and glued. Bye bye color.
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He assures me work is progressing steadily and that he hasn’t forgotten us, but it seems the only way I’ll be bellying up for a toddy will be like this:
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Cheers!
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For those friends who like to play in the dirt?
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Pencils. They’re not just for chewing anymore…
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I thought this next one was cute.
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But realized I might be attacked by that hungry red squirrel bitch and had to pass.
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Yoga dice?
How am I supposed to play craps if a winning roll is downward facing dog.
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I see the appeal here.
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We’re building a barn bar and the husband has been known to tick me off.
Hmmm..
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Because an internal kind message will take the sting out of an F Bomb gift.
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And finally there’s jewelry.
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Because no woman can resist a man who gives her turd themed bling.
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One of these things is not like the others.
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Which makes me wonder what that poor bird did to be ostracized.
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And speaking of wild turkeys, did you know they make excellent snow shovelers?
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We cleared the path but they’re enlarging the dining room.
And speaking of paths…
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Now that the man cave is being readied, more shoveling is required after every storm.
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Welcome… one and all.
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Aside from the wreaths on our home’s windows, this was the extent of my lackluster Christmas decorating this year.
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Snowflakes lights in the Barn Mahal. Battery powered and on a timer.
Ho! Ho! Hum…
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And while Christmas will feel a lot different this year, there are some things to look forward to.
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I don’t know if this is true…
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But I’m really hoping it is.
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Baby Yoda cocktails? Fabulous. Telling me about them and not posting a recipe? Cruel.
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And since we’ve all had enough of the last election horror show?
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Wilbur is pretty stinking cute. And when’s the last time you said that about a presidential candidate?
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Poop cookies.
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Admit it, you know someone who deserves a dozen or so of those.
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I knew it would probably happen, but it doesn’t make it any easier to take.
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Our little blue eyed Bambi is all alone now.
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We haven’t seen his mother, the old always pregnant doe, for weeks. She was nearly skeletal the last time she visited and I think her poor old body just had enough.
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I’m glad she taught the little guy this was a safe place for his daily nosh. I just hope he can hook up with the rest of the herd before the full brunt of winter sets in. There’s safety in numbers when you’re a little fella.
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I’m going to continue to share photos from this marvelous book until you get tired of them and ask me to stop.
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Oncilla.
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Okay, maybe not even then. But I do promise to consider it.
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Hibernating arctic ground squirrels.
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Wish I could send our red squirrel from Hell to the arctic circle for a long winter’s nap.
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Gee’s Golden Langur.
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Tell me you don’t see the humanity in that portrait. I dare you.
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Giant Anteater and pup.
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Love the giant anteater! I could totally see one of those curled up on the couch beside me.
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Himalayan Griffon.
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You have to love a bird who can rock a feather boa. It’s not an easy look to pull off.
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Choctawhatchee Beach Mouse.
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Hang in there little mouse. We’ve all been there.
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Common Spider Crab.
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Mother Nature is marvelous.
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Coquerel’s Sifaka.
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No doubt about it.
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Because thankfully I can still laugh.
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Dogs are thrilled their owners are staying home. Cats? Not so much.
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*Shudders at the thought*
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It’s been a rough year for everyone.
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Thank God we have a refrigerator in the barn filled with tests.
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No comment necessary.
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Feed me Seymour!!!
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River's world..... 