where to begin: november

I am feeling a bit uncertain as to where and how to start things up here again. Such a long hiatus, I wouldn't doubt that there is no longer a public following to this little online journal. But that is okay, it was always intended as a small-scale and fairly personal venture. Still, for those of you who do still check in from time to time, hoping for a picture of a grandchild (Hi, dear Mother-in-law!) or a little family tale (hello, Sister-in-law, niece-in-law), I apologize for such a lengthy and unexpected break. The days, now, are so full and lively and exhausting. It is good. But, I really do miss sharing little tidbits in this space, so I am renewing my committment.


The trouble is: where to begin? Back in November? Just skip that, and jump in with the present? Oh dear, the present is just less pleasant, really than the past months; for now, I am trying to get my Christmas cards out (why, then, am I blogging??), get my home in order, start fresh with the fresh year. But the past two months have been quite rich and I am going to opt for a little virtual scrapbook before moving on to the present.


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Before I proceed, I must say that I am having trouble getting my photos loaded into my editing program, so these are quite raw. Hoping to rectify the situation later this month, you know, after the Christmas cards are mailed and all.
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November brought a gathering of friends for a campout at a nearby state park. A great time was enjoyed by all, but I am sure all of us will also carry away the memory of the cold, windy weather. By cold, I mean overnight temps dropping near the freezing mark and a weekend of ongoing 35-40mph winds. A friend told me that pioneer women in the prairie were known to go insane from the constant sound of the wind; I can sympathize.

Upon our return, we welcomed these little Silver Laced Wyandottes and Golden Laced Wyandottes into our lives. Such darlings they were. Sadly, they all died of Cocci. We'll try again soon, but we loved them while we had them. Since then, our beloved Juliette and Emma have started laying again and my friend Becki is pasturing out three hens (whom we call The Pennies) to boost our egg production.

Thanks be to God our Prosperity Garden has been a more viable success than our undertaking with chicks. Autumn gardens are usually generous in Central Texas and have the kind advantage of requiring much less daily attention than the summer garden. The Prof also took advantage of the more temperate weather to till me a couple of long awaited flower beds...photos to come, many photos, I am certain.

Sunshine worked on embroidery the season and even made a couple of gifts for a dear friend's birthday: the needle book above and the monogrammed pincushion below.

Then in a moment of inspiration, she sat down and mad this little stitchette. I am very proud of ambition and perseverance in this endeavor.

Upon seeing her sister's handiwork, Little Queen just had to occupy her little hands with a needle and yarn and soon friends and neighbors were being gifted with these little burlap shape portraits.

Alright, that is a beginning at long last. I'll return soon with a quick review of December.

Oh, December, how could you have betrayed me so with your quickness? You seemed so full of promise and length when I first beheld you. Alas, deceived again was I.