wildlife

If you look close there are two deer in the neighbors yard. To the left of the picture there are six more. These are the deer that meander throughout our neighborhood. Of course this was a hay field before they put in the development, so they have squatters rights. At least I haven't seen any mountain lions near here. Yes they are around Belle Fourche. They had a hunting season. About eight were shot. When they reached five females, the season closed. I will have to try to get a better picture of these guys.

Thanksgiving

I managed to make it through Thanksgiving without taking one picture. Forgot I had a new camera. So here is a pictue of the 'traditional yellow mums' that sit on our Thanksgiving tables. My niece has the original vase that has been passed down through generations, so last year I purchased this vase for this branch of the family. After dinner, I dragged out two very old games that my sister and I played when we were young: Flinch and Touring. I don't think they even make them any more. Too bad. We had fun playing them. After the football game was over, we all drove to James's house to watch'War of the Worlds' on the big screen TV. Great movie! I am so thankful for all my family and the daily blessings we recieve.

fence, or lack thereof

Sassy, the aging pit bull, and I head out the door
I don't want any 'presents' on the floor.
So trusting am I, no leash or collar
Hope she comes when I holler.
She sneaks farther away from the house each time.
I wish there was more fence than just posts standing in a line.

evening musings

I walked out on the back porch last night to check the weather. I could see snowflakes glistening in the pool of light under the street lamp. I stood there awhile, in the cold, enjoying the glittering snow when I heard a flock of geese. Well of course I tipped my head back to locate them. Duh. It was overcast, the moon was fuzzy looking, so all I could do was track thier sounds.
So, the question is: were they gathering to go south or are they a local group? Whatever the answer, it was enjoyable listening to them.

Weekday Mornings

The alarm clock blares
I stumble out of bed as the cat stares.
I slap the alarm and enjoy a millisecond of peace and quiet,
News is turned on and then begins the 'riot'.
Sassie, the pit bull, wants outside,
Bootsie, the black and white cat, proceeds to hide.
Coffee is measured and water added to the pot
Shower is turned on, not to hot.
Sassie storms back in and I notice the hour,
Time to inhale coffee and jump in the shower.
Clothes are thrown on in a flash,
Bootsie is looking through the trash.
A quick brush of my teeth and hair,
Makeup applied with more care.
Sip more coffee, grab my coat and keys,
Run out the door, hope the truck starts with ease.
I slide through mud and snow,
reach the hiway and off I go.
Buzz down the road, park in my spot,
Check the mail, my there is a lot.
I've accomplished so much I'm ready for a nap,
But the day has just begun, so I lurch forward with a snap.

CVH

Boxes

Boxes, boxes, and more boxes.I still wonder how I collected so much 'stuff'. Then comes the problem of what to do with all the boxes after they are unpacked. My trash can only holds so much. Some I fold for [not another move, heaven forbid] future use. Some I fill with items for garage sale to come.

Discovering Treasures

My sister and I purchased a new home and starting moving in on the 18th of October. She stayed for 5 days and then returned to her home and work. I have been slowly upacking. By the time I come home from working full time I have to talk myself into upacking 2 or 3 boxes. [Being of the mature generation, I don't move as fast as I used to.] The thing that keeps me going is the thought of long lost treasures somewhere in those boxes. [They have been packed for a year and a half] I also wonder why I kept so much 'stuff'. As I unpack I sort some of the items into a garage sale pile. Right! Already my sister wants me to take out two old star shaped candle holders that are like ones we used as children. Decisions, decisions. Which 'treasures' do I keep and which do I sell?

Reflection

The weather is getting colder and I reflect on the summer outings. When my boys were little, we could walk down the path, into the water, and under the falls. What a great thing to do as a family. We spent most of the summer outdoors, hiking, camping, picnicing, and just enjoying God's gifts. The powers that be have now closed the path. They don't want nature to be 'spoiled'. So we view the falls from afar... and reflect on days past.