Last Day of 2008 Was A Beauty!

Lyndee and I (and all three dogs) went to the Cochise Stronghold this afternoon. It was sunny, warm, lovely! Not sure which is prettier, looking up at the rock formations or down at the expansive valley below.

Snow on the Stronghold

A fresh dusting of snow with a clear blue sky backdrop greeted us this morning!

Family!

We had such a nice Christmas Day in Mesa at Deb and Mark's house. We didn't do much "posing" for photos, but Mom wanted one of her and "her girls" and the other is Lyndee and Jacy, hanging loose on the living room floor.

LG!

Christmas Eve Morn @ 85625

The Cochise Stronghold was clear and the morning peaceful :)
"Kangaroo Paws" are blooming in the living room window.

A Christmas Poem

Ring, ye bells, 'tis Christmas time,

Banish fear and sadness;

Christ is born in Bethlehem,

Fill the world with gladness.

~*~

Loud and clear send forth the word

Unto every nation,

Christ is born in Bethlehem,

Kneel in adoration.

~*~

Softly chime this holy night,

Angel choirs shall join you.

This their song to all mankind.

"Christ is born to save you."

-Edward Auten, Jr.

Tree, Lights, Love

This wrought iron Christmas tree is a gift from Mom; we had planned on leaving it outside in the front courtyard, but I brought it in and it looks splendid in our living room! I had lights and very old glass bulbs (that the lady who used to own this house gave me) ~ and a few odd-ball fish ornaments ~ It didn't photograph too well, but it is very cool in person.

Thanks Mom!

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Fillin' Up Her Love Tank

Lyndee got to meet and love on Madilyn and Delaney. I am happy she is here and family ties are being nurtured. Jess sure has her hands full with these two pretty little girls. After our many years isolated in Oregon, I really appreciate the tightness of our family right now. I think Lyndee and Jess do too.

Beach

Good morning from Oceanside... !

Ridge Ranch Wreath

I went for a hunt on the Ridge Ranch and found these items and constructed a wreath with them. It is now at Jess and Evan's house. Then, on Monday, I returned to Hilltop and made two more, one for Mom and Paul that is now in Tucson and one for Mama's back door. ... ho ho ho!

Wreath Making Brings Joy

I have made four wreaths in the last two days using the plants from the Smith's Hilltop Ranch ~ Chuck's stuff :} I love, love, love the whole process! The smell, the touch, the weight, the texture, ahh so magnificent! Joy in the making and I hope joy in the receiving!

Pauma Valley Golf ... a Treat...

Brad is a member at Pauma Valley Country Club and invited us and our old buddy, Scott, to play golf today. It was so much fun. Brad lives in an adobe home on the 8th fairway that was built by Jack Weir in the 60's. We went there after golf and I absolutely fell in love with it!
This was taken from our "guest cottage" this morning! That is Valley Center below the fog! Such an awesome sight.

Dog Smiles

My Zan-man