Here's one very proud young man, our grandson, Bryce. And almost as proud, but not in the picture---his Dad. Saturday, late afternoon, Bryce shot this 12 point buck with a muzzle-loader. Corn fed off his Dad's fields! Will make for some good eating! I think know his Grandpa was also pretty proud!
I can remember as a kid going hunting with my Dad. One time only as I sat in the back seat of the car and cried when he shot a rabbit.
I have shot a HUGE ground hog who threatened to eat or kidnap my kids. Did I mention he was HUGE!! It actually waited for me to drive two miles to find Wayne, so I could be refreshed on how to shoot the gun, drive home, and then shoot him. Made me wonder if he was sick (or already dead). We had another one of the critters around here a couple of summers ago, but he wouldn't wait for me to go find Wayne (needed another lesson on how to shot the gun)--- so he got away.
Jolyn
After Janeen and Marque and Vivvi left Friday evening, Morgan claimed the davenport by the fire and stayed with us. She kept me busy and we had lots of fun. We each needed to make some cards.
We made three batches of Christmas goodies. (Never mind that I had to make 2 trips to town within an hour to get supplies.)
Morgan made Shawn's favorite, the caramel covered marshmallows rolled in rice krispies! We did our share of sampling--gotta be sure they're fit for human consumption. (and one is never enough!) Morgan is "hiding" them in the garage refrigerator. Don't tell the guys!!
Here's our card factory..notice our neat table!! You can't be creative and be neat!!
Morgan's cards...
My cards...
On our first trip to town, we stopped to check out the Blue Earth choir. Gov. Ventura used to make his appearance, but didn't see him this year. Maybe he can't sing??? But then, neither can I!!!
Jolyn
The disciples missed something in the children that Jesus saw...how precious they are! Instead of sending them away..He reached out and touched them.
First our 5 children...then our 11 grandchildren...and now our little great-granddaughter...Princess Vivvi. What precious gifts!
Friday she came to visit with her Grandpa Marque, Grandma Janeen (you don't know how hard it is to think that our daughter is a "Grandma"), and Auntie Morgan. For some reason...she becomes the center of attention
There is such joy over each little thing she does to entertain us. Her toys were ok, but the Christmas decorations and table bowls were just as much fun.
The most fun was pushing Great-Grandma's step stool around the kitchen.
No visit to the farm is complete without meeting the animals. Her first reaction was of wonder.
Her second reaction was a trembling bottom lip.
And even tho the little piggy made not a sound, Princess Vivvi needed the security of Grandma's arms to vent her fears, guess she needs to be a little older before we introduce her to the horse! (And he won't be wrapped in a blanket and brought in the house!)
Jolyn
I laid my camera out yesterday intending to get lots of pictures. As everyone left...there it laid. So, these are from Wednesday - preparation day.
I had precooked my squash and measured off what I needed for a delicious casserole and then took the rest and used my vacuum sealer to package and freeze.
What I like about it is that it takes the air out so you don't get so much freezer burn. Like to freeze leftover ham this way too.
Here's the traditional pumpkin pie (there were 3) and Wayne's favorite...pecan pie. (Wish there weren't any leftovers.)
Our guests for the Thanksgiving meal were Shawn and Suzanne and 3 boys, and Wayne's 2 brothers and sister and their spouses. Was fun to get together. Seems as our own families get bigger, it's harder for us to get together. The weather on Wednesday made me wonder if we would be "forced" to eat all the pies ourselves, but Thursday was cold, but nice. We have so much to be thankful for!
And this is what didn't turn out --rye buns. I can not make decent buns. I even went to my trusty Betty Crocker cookbook for directions on baking them. Most of these were burnt on the bottoms and not quite done in the centers. Guess I need to practice. (or stick to what I know best - bread baking)
Jolyn
I am a great starter! I love to start new projects! But when the final step is hand quilting or framing... here they sit. Guess I need to find a "finisher". These are just some of the things left to complete...so close...but just not quite done! The top one is so old that I don't know if I have any of the fabrics left for binding.
This was in this condition last Christmas! "There's always more time right after the holidays and I'll finish it then." Famous last words!
I even have the frame for this one --course it needs to be painted first.
Love doing these wool projects . But I need to learn to buy the frame first so that I cut the background big enough. Think I'll have to add some fabric to make it fit - if I can find a frame the right size!
Jolyn
(this doesn't lean this bad in person)
Last week I was in both Albert Lea and Blue Earth. Albert Lea had very little snow but these top two pictures are the way it looked in Blue Earth (more like White Earth now). A few miles can make a lot of difference on snow and rain fall. (and believe me --farmers keep tabs on that).
Looking east from our front door. Not as much snow, but still covering the fields. We also had 3 semis sitting in our yard. They were part of the manure hauling crew, waiting for just the right field conditions so that they could get back at it. Shawn and one of the semis hauled until 2 am Sunday morning. Hopefully another day or so and it will be all wrapped up!
(me?? I stay in where it's warm and quilt!)
Jolyn
Ready or not our church is sponsoring a Country Christmas Tour of Homes and ours is one of them. The date is set for the first Saturday in December from 9am-12 noon. At each home we'll give a little homemade gift and a cookie. These pictures show the last gift! I'm done with that phase!!
This is probably the best hot cocoa mix I've tasted and I just have to pass the recipe on to you.
Hot Cocoa Mix
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 cups powdered milk
1 cup powdered creamer
1 small pkg instant chocolate pudding
Use 1/4 cup mix to 1 cup hot water
This picture escaped when I was uploading (or downloading) yesterday. This is Linda (and that is the correct name) showing her beautiful little wool applique flowers. I have the kit....not done....
Corrections from yesterday -- that is Barb (I knew her name started with "S") and baby Max (like my youngest grandson). I guess I should stick to no names, as I'll probably even get my grandkid's names mixed up. You know how Grandmas are.
Jolyn
