The Duck House

While home for Christmas break, K2 cut out the pieces of lumber to build a shelter for the ducks during ice storms. He ran out of time, so K8 and I put it together a few days after he left. It was night time and starting to rain, but we got it done.

We didn't have a drawing of his plan, so we had to adjust the size and location of a few braces.

K7 discovered the camera's "flash" capability, and you can see the rain drops.

K8 used an old power drill that he got from K2, who got it from his Grandfather. Here, he gets advise from Lizzy.

K8 added rope handles to the design, so we could carry it a little easier.

He made sure it had plenty of screws to hold it together in any storm.

It's pretty solid.

We placed it near the high water mark on the pond's bank, and stuffed it with fresh straw. Not sure they have used it at all since it has been a mild winter.

Big Baby Boy.

Meet Trevor, our newest Grandson. He was born to our oldest, K1 and her husband Michael.

Still alive on the Wanch, here's proof:

If K7 is my companion on a trip into the Big city, chances are good we'll stop at his favorite eatery - Panera Bread. This particular day we visited the cinema and watched "The Hobbit". In spite of some literary license by the director in adding new characters and scenes, we loved it.

Daily milk supply.

Annual maintenance spreading rock at the high traffic areas that get muddy, like around water bubblers and gates. Price of truck = $16,000. Truckload of rock = $21.50. Shovels = $8.75 each. Watching our bull, Red, supervise the boy's work = Priceless!

S and I try to visit our parents once a month, far away in a much Bigger city. Here, Mother and Daughter chatting and doing nails.

Our Scout Troop attended the Annual Klondike last weekend. Here is a photo of them relaxing after totally dominating the day's competition, winning 7 out of 9 events. Obviously we have to get better in two areas before returning next year to defend our title.

We recently moved into our newly constructed Church building. The boys and I spent three days in a row helping to empty and clean our old Church building.

Bitter sweet to leave the old place. We have many fond memories of attending Church, dinners, Scouts, party's and events in this one-time furniture store.

After two years, finally had gutters installed along the front of the house. 

K7 waiting for us to load the final piece of furniture from the old Church into the moving truck. It is being shipped to some congregations in Texas.

K2's last day of Christmas vacation. Was delayed in heading back to school due to a flat tire.

The boy's firewood business has kept them busy, but they are not complaining about being paid money at the end of the day. 

This load had lots of big, heavy white oak. They earn their money the old fashioned way - hard work.

Three sweet girls, with a miniature donkey hiding behind them. 

Another sale of firewood!

I need to update the sign with an "s". We have plural Dogs - six at the moment.

K7 getting in some practice driving.

Pretty ducks dealing with a thin sheet of ice on the pond.

Interesting bird sightings

The boys and I spotted this owl along a country road, so we turned around and went back to take a bunch of photos.

It flew off a few times, but landed twice in trees along the road. 

He finally got tired of us and flew off.

K7 and I spotted this eagle near our farm, so we raced home and got K3's nice Nikon camera with telephoto lens.

It had been down in a pasture, I suppose it was nibbling on some dead morsel.

It flew up into the tree as we slowed down to watch.

He was still there when we returned with the camera, but eventually got tired of us hanging about.

It flew off and we were just happy for the experience.

Santa came late!

Santa had to use a UPS truck to deliver this one.

K8 was excited to get it - better late than never.

What was it? An air soft shotgun. It shoots plastic BB's.

Day after Christmas 2012

Vacations over, time to get back to work! K7 had his Eagle Board of Review along with another Eagle candidate. Held it in our new Church building, but there was no heat on this freezing night.

He passed!

Ducks had to ice skate for a few days.

Christmas Morning highlights 2012

Christmas Eve 2012

K8 did some last minute gift wrapping for me before bed time.

Should I try waiting up for Santa?

It's time for all boys and dogs to go to bed!