Family road trip

Today we took a trip over to Manchester, Vermont. We had been wanting to go to the Northshire Bookstore and today was the day. We were met in the parking lot by this fantastic sculpture. Great independant bookstore and very much worth the trip.

Dogs

Our dogs are not allowed on the couch. But I guess it's all right if Robin is trying to take a quick snooze. I'm sure they are just trying to do their part in keeping her comfortable. Kinda hard to breathe with that big Lab on you though.

Time to start

Metal star wall pocket with pip berries and flickering candle.

Robin is in the process of putting together her ideas on products she will choose to take to a new shop in Fort Edward. It will be our first time in a consignment store. The owners are cleaning house in January and plan on having new artisans and new products in by February. There are about 50 artisans now and I would imagine the list will keep growing. This idea seems to be catching on in other small towns. After the turnout for the Christmas in the Country show and the comments that we heard from the people, it looks like people want that personal touch. They appreciate the work and thought that goes into these items. And doesn't it make it special to know the person who made it. Every time you use or look at that item, you think of the artisan, because there is a little of them in every one.

Potatoes

Eve, with a facefull of snow. Dad, can you throw the ball again? Please?

Tonight's dinner finished off our "home grown" potatoes. This was our first try with potatoes and Robin and I both said we need more next year. I think, anything you put some work into, you enjoy more. But I'll tell you those taters were goooood! Anyway, it's winter, and the garden is not far from our minds. Anybody have a seed catalog handy? :)

Winter Time

Spent some time outside last night with Eve. She loves the snow, and of course, chasing whatever ball she happens to find. You can see a football to the left of the shovel, she is waiting paitiently for me to throw. While she was bringing it back I had a nice memory of our old Golden, Cassie. She would be out long enough to form little snow (ice) balls on her feet. They would be stuck to her hair and she still wouldn't want to quit. So now it is Eve's turn to make those great memories for us. She is a great dog.

Missed another one

Well it looks like we've missed another storm, so far. I haven't checked the radar, but looking out the window, we have a fine snow coming down. I can't see the mountains and it's a grey day. A good day for a family game by the pellet stove. It's hard in today's life to get everyone in the same room, with so many options for all of us, but the stove's warmth seems to draw us together. Didn't think of that when we bought it but it has been an unconscious choice on everyone's part. Dogs included of course! Robin is rounding up players for a game of Parcheesi.

Enjoy your Sunday.

New Year

Happy New Year everyone. I've heard 2009 was a bad year, but I think that was mostly on the national level. Sure we all worry about finances and expenses, but when you peel it back to your corner of the world, I hope you find it wasn't that bad. Hope you all have what you need in 2010 and don't worry about things that are out of our control. Do things that make you happy and live everyday. Cheers.

This is Ivy the snowman. He will be standing guard by the barn for a while.