HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010!

I can't believe today starts a new decade...I'm into my 6th one and though that doesn't sound bad, it really hits you when you do the multiplication!!  It's been several weeks since I've posted and I have been instructed to do better!!  Of course, we're all through with the Christmas season...decorating, cooking, company, wrapping, taping, eating, shopping, visiting, taking down decorations, cleaning up the wrapping and taping, tired of the cooking, regretting the eating, paying for the shopping and left with wonderful memories of the company and visiting!  We were blessed with a healthy, safe Christmas, so we enjoyed the busy times!  I hope each one of you were blessed, also!
During the days leading up to Christmas, I was in a frenzy painting ornaments!  Each one was different, but most depicted a woodland critter...lots of raccoons, skunks, squirrels, deer, a fox and a 'possum or two.  Of course I auctioned them on Ebay and I've met some wonderful, new customers/friends, through their sales!  I've posted pictures of a couple of my favorites...

All of our animal crew here at AWESOME ASS ACRES, are fat and sassy!  The mules and horses have their winter coats on and all are healthy and wooly!  ChaCha, the baby of the bunch, had her 3rd hoof trimming this last week and of course, again was the perfect little lady!  My farrier is amazed at her patience and sweet nature...let's all hope for that to continue into the spring, when she's introduced to other things, like the saddle, bridle, lounging...I'm really looking forward to working with her!
The cat population remains at 8...all healthy and doing their own thing...some are mousers, some are by-standers and some are trouble makers...but all are loved!!  The dogs keep us on our toes, alerting us to anything that might be going on, that we need to know about!  We have occasional night hunters during deer season and that's NOT something you want at any time, but especially when you have livestock, so even though it's hard to drag out of a warm bed, when it might be raining or in the single digits outside, it's worth it to check out why the dogs are barking!!  Our chickens and peafowl are all great...I'm sure they're looking forward to spring, when the weather warms, birds sing and everything's in bloom!  Our guinea flock is still on patrol around the property, so between them and the dogs, we're set for security!!  Well, I think I've caught up with any news, gossip and chit-chat, so I'll close for now!  I've got to go put on our collard greens, black eyed peas and cornbread for dinner!  I hope everyone is blessed with not just a wonderful year in 2010, but many more ahead!

CATCHING UP!

Wonderful rain here in East Tennessee!  After the last 2 years of drought conditions, we've finally had plenty of rain this year...it's been great for our garden, flowers, hay production and of course, look what else it leaves behind!!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

I've been wanting to post some pics, (not been able to catch any of that white fawn, but still trying) so, I've "captured" Jerry, our little male kitten from several posts back. 

He was soooo small then, but he's really turning into a BIG cat!!  He hasn't made his appointment for the "male procedure", but that's next! 

Well, time's counting down for our big trip!  We're sooo excited!  We'll be camping every night and we LOVE to camp, so that's going to be fun, in itself!  We're both wide eyed and adventurous, so to go, see and do things, we've never done is going to be a memorable time...not to mention, we're down home, stay home, deep South Johnny Rebs and we don't know what to expect past the Kentucky line!!  I'm just hoping that folks can understand what we say and visa-versa! 

We had our farrier out yesterday and I've got to brag on our little yearling filly mule, ChaCha!  This was her second trimming and she was perfect both times!!  Jeremy, (farrier) couldn't believe her manners.  She's laid back and gentle and very smart.  Of course, her mom, Minnie (Haflinger) is the same way.  Nothing bothers her and she's there to please you!  When we return from our trip, my round pen's going to be in use...I hope to have ChaCha ground driving by spring!   I can't help but think about her 1/2 brother (Tango) that we lost last year (3 days old) due to a vet's misdiagnosis...he matched her EXACTLY and would've been just as sweet, I'm sure. 

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to leave a word or two, to let me know you were here!!