Catching Up!

I'm sorry I have been missing in action.  There has been a lot going on here.  Michael was off for a long stretch and we were busy getting things done.  I hope to get back on here regularly.  Our camera is all but dead.  It comes on about 25% of the time or less and then sometimes it won't take a picture.  I love to take pictures and they often give me blog ideas.  :)  

I have shown our turkeys in the field.  Here is one on the Thanksgiving table.  We provide the turkeys for the big family meal, but they are cooked by others. Michael's parents use cheesecloth on the bird and baste it faithfully.  Here is the bird they cooked.  YUM!!!

Michael's Dad made the comment he has been carving turkeys for 50 years.  He was passing the knife on this year and Michael stepped up to the plate. 

There is always plenty of food.  Some in the family have a gluten sensitivity and so there are some dishes that we have a gluten free version as well.  The red cranberry jello salad is my Mom's recipe.  It is not very healthy, but everyone loves it and it brings back special memories to me. 

The food was wonderful and the family time was very good. 

Star is still with us, but is slowing down each day.  She is eating less and less.  She still has a heart to play and to go out and do chores with us, but her body does not allow her to go far.  I have to admit that I spent a good deal of the day yesterday in tears.  She has been such a faithful companion and friend.  It is hard to see her go down hill and know that soon she won't be with us.  I took these pictures yesterday.  

Life has slowed down on the farm for the winter.  There are fewer outside chores for which I am thankful.  We had the three cows pregnancy checked.  Only Honey is pregnant.  Clover has a date with the butcher.  She is only 4 years old and has given us one calf.  She is cantankerous and we tried AI (artificial insemination) and had her with a bull and she is still open.  The vet gets a kick out of our "geriatric animals".  He just can't get over Buttercup and what good shape she is in at 16 years old.  He checked Star for us as well.  She has tumors that are spreading.  He told us things to watch for that would show she was in pain and that it was time to do something.  Even though she is slowing down he commented on how good her coat and teeth were for her age.    

My Dad and his wife made it back to Florida safe and sound.  He had a bad croup like cough and they did not leave as scheduled.  He seems to be doing better.  Josh & Brittany are moving to Florida.  We will miss them, but encourage them to go where God leads. 

We are currently looking for a truck.  We have our eye on a couple on eBay, but would love to find something local.  Josh was always very gracious and let us use his truck when we needed it.  That will no longer be an option for us.  We are not overly picky, but need a long bed, at least 3/4 ton and four wheel drive.  We would like a diesel, but are not saying that part is a need.  

I am sorry I missed Count Your Blessings Monday this week.  I have plenty of blessings, I just never got to that.