ABOUT TIME!

Winter doldrums maybe, laziness perhaps. Whatever it was, it's over, it's time to blog. What better way to start it off, than with a preview of the latest work of art by my extremely talented partner in life. Her latest quilt is a potpourri of shapes and colors, a visual experience of immeasurable pleasure. Priceless artistry masterfully expressed in cloth. It's not finished, but I could not resist to tease you with a post...

Our African violets have been blooming most of the winter, adding much needed color to the season's blah's  

 It was crisp winter day, cloudless blue sky, light southeast breeze. We bundled up once the temperature hit 20 and went out for our daily dog walk. It made it to 32 later in the afternoon, which is when I went back out with the pups for a few minutes of running and stretching before the sun set and temperatures dropped.

This is Gidgie's full attention stance just before the ball is thrown

Yep, that's the ball in her mouth. It is practically embedded in there most of the time. JIR

CHRISTMAS 2011/New Year 2012

Yes indeed, we celebrated Christmas in our beautiful abode in Montana. Waiting for me to arrive, Linda decorated our tree with ornaments that tell many stories and bring back memories of our wonderful life together. We've had time to think about all we have accomplished, the 2 outstanding children we raised, and the other exceptional 2 who became part of our family by marriage. We have a lot to be thankful for. The Holiday season gives us the energy and vision to continue to try to live our lives the way Christ showed us, with kindness, love and compassion. We are thankful for our friends and family. Even though we have drifted away from the habit, or sometimes chore, of sending Christmas cards, we love and appreciate you. We look forward to a happy and healthy 2012, including all its challenges and opportunities. JIR and LAR

THANKSGIVING 2011

We were so busy relaxing and enjoying good food and drink that we have more dog than people pictures, but they are so cute anyway...

...and so obedient...

...and so intellectual-looking

The Master Chef checks the bird

Love those fiery Montana winter sunrises. JIR

FIRST BIG DUMP: 10 TO 12 INCHES

We knew it was coming. But even the Weather Service couldn't tell how much of the white stuff we were going to get. Judging by the depth of the snow shoveled this morning from the concrete pad of our driveway it was 10-12 inches. Some are fearful of it, some down south don't even know what it feels like. We see as Nature working its wonders.

Gidget is a snow dog, no doubt about it. She kept anxiously staring out the sliding doors all day. And when we went out to play, she did not want to come back in. Her favorite pastime in the Winter: laying in the snow.  

On the other hand, Jake is a short hair dog and you would think he gets cold easily and does not like snow. But those long legs are perfect for doing fast zoomies through deep snow at high speed. This physical exertion seems to negate the chilling effects of today's 12 degree air temperature

GREEN TOMATOES (NOT FRIED) AND A FEW OTHER THEMES

It seems our tomato plants became abundantly productive as Fall set in. Unfortunately, in this part of the country that means frosty mornings, which tomatoes do not tolerate at all. Wish we would have been down south where we could have peddled fried green tomatoes to our neighbors.

The home-made bread factory went on full production as the weather cooled down. It is now comfortable to crank the oven up to 450 without having to turn the A/C on in order to stay cool.

A few of our maple leaves contrast the blue sky a few days before floating off the branches, blown by the cool breeze

Gidget, Chicky's dog, has been spending some serious quality time with the grandparents and cousin Jake. These 2 have really bonded as they have enjoyed running, horsing around, and cuddling next to each other. They also had dog grooming day together, which is where the bandannas (and babushka head covers) came from. JIR