Wednesday, December 28, 2011

THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

In the blink of an eye Christmas has come and gone. It was a beautiful day, one shared with loved ones and thoughts of those who are no longer with us and dearly missed. The Christmas dinner, roast beast and twice baked potatoes were cooked to perfection. My dear husband's popovers, popped and then some. The chocolate cream pie and Christmas cake were delectable too. Both of which I did not make, dare I admit both were store bought. This Christmas I did not tie on my apron strings, no peanut butter balls, thumb print cookies, no fudge nor whoopie pies, no peanut brittle or pumpkin pie. I admit the one cookie I did miss was the sugar cookie, but my waistline did not.
The Christmas spirit still burns bright here at Dog Trot Farm. The snow may have vanished with today's temperature (which by the way neared fifty), but the gift of giving still remains. In today's world their are so many in need, we hear such heart warming stories of those who are not only generous with their money and time but opt to remain anonymous. We here at Dog Trot choose to help our local animal shelters, every bag and or can of food, toy, bed, is greatly appreciated, it does a heart good to help those in need.Speaking of giving, I received such wonderful, thoughtful Christmas presents. Tomorrow more on those, but let me just say, one gift reduced me to tears, another has caused complete intimidation, while another will keep me on the straight and narrow... A world of advice, if you own a little banty hen, who desperately desires to become a mother, no matter her commitment, no matter her plea, take those eggs away. Winter is no time for a hen to hatch chicks...Oh, I do love the sound of peeping chicks in the house and Winslow Homer has certainly enjoyed bunk mates, but lord have mercy the chicken dust, well it's like a dust bowl around here and I am no fan of dusting. Now and again Miss Josephine enjoys an outing to the coop to stretch her legs, scratch around a bit, ruffle her feathers, (even mother hens require a break from their little ones) Loretta (The Don's second main squeeze) becomes quite jealous as she soon realizes Don Juan has not forgotten his "Josephine"(Don Juan is under the impression that Josephine has come for a conjugal visit) When her presence is noticed The Don is off to do his business, Loretta pouts in the corner, while Josephine is ready to return to her babes...Have ya noticed the days are getting longer?

Good night....

15 comments:

acorn hollow said...

Such pretty pictures. Your little hen is so cute. Glad your christmas was a good one.
happy new year
Cathy

Cathy G. said...

You have my curiosity bubbling to see what those gifts are!! Sounds like you had a nice Christmas despite the chicken dust! It seems so dusty around the house here too..... I'm thinking the lack of snow outside may be the cause.... that sounds a little whacky I know!
Happy New Year to you and all those feathered and furry friends!!
Hugs!
Cathy G

Rugs and Pugs said...

Julie ~
Your blog is such a joy!!!
Love the chicken talk. Made me laugh.
Happy New Year to you!
Hugs :)
Lauren

Holly Hills Primitives said...

Glad you had a great Christmas, we did too! Keep watching, we will be putting a lot smaller items on our new selling blog - coming soon. Love the little chick, but it sounds like a lot of work. Enjoy, Dawn

annie said...

Your pictures are amazing. esp the one of the house! Chickens, who could ever understand them? Hope you're having a lovely week!

Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

Sounds like you had a great day. From one N.E. girl to another, I scaled back on the baking too, we had a delicious bakery cake! I love the baby chick!

Happy New Year!
Mary

Primitives By The Light of The Moon said...

Such peaceful and beautiful pictures. How nice to give to the animal shelter!
Wishing you a bright and happy New Year!

A New England Life said...

There's a lot going on at Dog Trot Farm! Glad you had a nice Christmas. We received much in the way of goodies from friends and family, but my husband and I threw most everything away. We just don't need it, nor does my daughter.
I have to say, I haven't noticed the days getting longer yet. Weird that it's still so warm but I'm NOT complaining! Cold is on the way!
How I wish I could donate more to shelters but with 4 animals and two teenagers, it's just not possible at this time. You're a good person, Julie.

Happy New Year!

Marguerite (Tina) Smith Hart said...

It sounds like you had a wonderful Christmas and I have to say that reading about the chickens made me laugh this morning! Sounds like a poultry soap opera...."As The Coop Turns" or "The Bold and The Ruffled"?
Have a fun day and keep warm!
Tina xo

Sassafras and Winterberry said...

That chick is so sweet. It sounds like a soap opera of love in the chicken coop! Sounds like you had a wonderful holiday. Beautiful pictures!
Hugs,
Courtney

Larkrise garden girl said...

Your Christmas sounded lovely, I love chicken stories and I am looking forward to getting some chicks in the spring,YOur pictures were so pretty! Hugs Cheri

Janice said...

What magical photos! It sounds like your holiday was very merry. I enjoy the continuing saga of Don Juan, Josephine, and Loretta. And you've got me wondering about those gifts you received. Looking forward to the next installment.

Farm Girl said...

I wondered about that and your little hen. My last batch of chicks I got in Jan. They lived in my garage bathroom for 5 months!!! I had 15 of them and I never thought I was ever going to get them outside. At least this year my Silkies won't get here until May so it might not be as hard as chicks in winter. They are sure cute though.
I am so thankful for you and your lovely friendship, I am glad we live in an age where I can read about your life in Maine.
Many blessings to you,

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

What an adorable chick. In one of my chicken keeping books it talks about the dust in the house from the chicks. Happy New Year!!!

Terry and Linda said...

Love your Christmas card!!!! And how glad I am the days are growing longer...of course that also means they are growing colder!

Happy New Year!


Linda
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