Goodbye 2013

As I am about to go out and ring in the New Year, I thought I'd indulge myself and put up some pictures of the friends we've lost over the last few months.
First, falcon running wild with Snowy one day - someone left the gate open!!

 

 

And here coming back from a ride, with George petting Jake, and Mattie and Bo looking on

Then here's Mattie doing what she did best:

And finally Mattie and Jake together

A Christmas Story

Well, the presents are all wrapped and under the tree, the stockings are hanging by the fireplace, the turkey is ready to spend a night in the oven, and my purse is staying closed for the next few days at least!  We have just spent the evening being entertained by the East Garston String Ensemble in the Best room - carols and Christmas songs with Chilli and drinks in between - enchanting!
Anyway, here's a bittersweet Christmas story.......

Last Wednesday, poor old Mr Bojangles who has already lost his sight and hearing, finally lost the use of his back legs.  I know it's cruel to keep a dog with you when he can no longer get around, and knew it was time to make an appointment with the vet.  I wanted to make the appointment for Friday, but Falcon, our lovely pony who has been so good to Victoria and George, was going on that day, and it was too much to lose two of our pets the same day.  The only thing was to put it off until Monday, so I made the appointment for 11.30 yesterday.

We were all very sad about it, and George in particular said it was really horrible.

Bo continued to drag himself around by his front legs, and although he was eating enthusiastically, we had to carry him outside all the time.

Sunday evening we were in the kitchen, and heard the padding of feet behind us.  We looked around and there was Bo, on all fours, looking for his supper!

We know it's only a reprieve, but you can imagine how happy we are to have him for another Christmas - our little Christmas miracle!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Had a very busy wreath-making Saturday with Linda - who helps everyone make really beautiful wreaths!  By the end of the day 14 wreaths had been made - seven in the morning and another seven in the afternoon, and the workers were fuelled by hot chocolate and mince pies.  One of the reasons I love the wreath day is the lovely smell of evergreens that fills the workshop:

There were lots of mince pies in with those oranges - so where did they go?

When the morning group had finished, I said I'd take a picture and turned to get my camera - when I turned back, I couldn't believe how they'd all lined up to have their picture!

 

I have some pictures of the afternoon group too - but have to wait till George comes home to post them because he's got them on his phone.

Any excuse

Back in the Spring we ran our first weekend-long workshop and Helene showed us how to make a very pretty wall-hanging or table centre.  In the months since I have shown a few pictures of the completed block, some of which were made into lovely garden cushions.
Well, Maureen went one (or four) better, and made four more blocks to make a quilt. It's going to Italy where I am sure it will be very much loved.

 

This was before it was quilted but we can still see how beautiful it is.

And I'm sure everyone is desperate for some puppy pictures so heeeeere's Reuben:

With Foxy - his very favourite toy

 

And playing Frisbee with George