Deep Breaths

After the flurry of activity the day before, yesterday was a day off.  Thanks to my Kids, all I really needed to do was put away the dishes, pots and pans, etc., that they had so kindly washed.  Cam stopped by to pick up the turkey carcass for the stock she makes for winter soups.  She had all the dogs with her and they got out of the truck to say hello to Bessie.  We got to laughing as all the dogs went through the ritual pee parade that dogs seem to enjoy so much.  Buddy stayed in the truck, but Honey, Sammi, and Bess followed one another around the front yard, each stopping to leave a scent mark in the same spot.  One wonders how they never run out and how they have such control.

The girls had not eaten all their alfalfa and deer had come in the night to enjoy the leftovers.  I can always tell when we've had visitors.  Goats are straightforward munchers, but deer eat in a swirling pattern and there were circular divots in the feed pile.

The turkeys also enjoyed the leftovers from Thanksgiving prep; trimmings from celery, apples, some soft cranberries, and bits of dinner rolls.  It would not be kind to put out turkey scraps.

It was a day to take deep breaths and make the most of the lovely weather, especially since we're due for several days of rain this weekend.  The realization that Christmas is the next holiday hit hard.  Good grief, it took me long enough to put out a few Halloween decorations (which, by the way, are still up).  Somehow, the subject had come up on Thursday and Deb suggested that everyone could help put up the Christmas tree.  Since that is a time-consuming task and Thanksgiving is devoted to poker and dinner, I nixed that offer.  Lorraine had given me a beautiful, fresh Christmas wreath for the front door, so I've already got a head start.  The tree will either get put up, or it won't.