HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Rachael came up for Christmas Day; because of her work, she could only stay a few hours. First, we took the dogs for a walk around the place. Many of you have asked about Soldier and I think this picture speaks louder than words. He is doing very well and, Sharon, if you read this and still have him on your Send Puppy Love list, you can now take him off and let us all send our love to some other sick dog. Thank you though for placing him there and thank you all for good thoughts, love, and prayers that you sent out for him.
Angel at 13 years, 2 months or so, looking pretty good and ready to walk some more.
Rachael with Samson, as you can see, he still needs a good brushing....oh, my short-haired Dobermans, where art thou?
Then we shared our gifts. When you don't have a lot of money to spend, gift baskets are just wonderful, I think. And we both gave each other that. Here I am with the wild rice that I just love. A friend of Rachael's gave us a huge bag of home-grown oranges. There's nothing better than that! Rachael also gave us black-eyed peas that we ate on New Years. I learned last year from my Southern blogger friends that this is a custom in the South that will bring good luck in the new year. Finally, we got a demo recording of Rachael singing with the band she has joined. I knew Rachael loved music, but I really never heard her sing before. It is a lovely recording; she has a very unique voice and sound.
Here is Rachael with her basket, full of some fun and several practical items. Our time together was too short, but filled with love and fun.
I just sent this post off to be published when I realized that I didn't mention the meal we shared, lovingly prepared by my hubby. This year he found some money for gumbo, so we had that for starters, followed by turkey with all the trimmings and pumpkin pie for dessert.
Samson Says: You're lucky mommy that auntie Rachael didn't report you to the fur police!!!
Mommy: Ouch, sorry Samson, soon, real soon, I promise.
So happy to hear that Soldier is doing well. Glad you had a good Christmas and Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteso nice to see you! and to see soldier and angel doing well. samson is always full of no good mischief! :)
ReplyDeleteYou look beautiful in the photos. Have you lost weight? I'm so very glad that Soldier's doing so much better, & that you, your husband, your dogs & Rachel had a wonderful Christmas!!
ReplyDeletered beans and rice or black eye peas for new years.
ReplyDeleteI currently have a diet plan that does not allow either, but I would if I could
Especially if a ham hock is involved.
Love to see the bright sunny weather
Happy 2012
Everything looks good and you are looking well and refreshed. Happy New Year to you and the whole gang there.
ReplyDeleteHehehe beautiful - Best wishes for the New Year to You and Hubby and your Furry Family Inger
ReplyDeleteUpupaepops: Yes! Hamhocks were definitely involved yesterday with more to come today, I'm sure. I am so blessed with this cooking man I have here.
ReplyDeletefishducky: No, no, I have indeed gained some weight thanks to living with my husband who cooks such good meals for us. I needed to gain this weight back in order to feel better and stronger. Thanks though! Tack sa mycket.
Happy New Year, texwisgirl, Sandy, Nan, and OSC, yes, that's short for you from now on, my friend from Africa. He, he, he....love it!
And, isn't it great that just these few comments came all the way from Africa to Alaska, via such diverse places as Los Angeles and Texas? You gotta love blogging!
What a practical and fun gift swap idea. Oooops! We forgot the peas yesterday. We planned to eat some, then forgot them... oh, dear, we may be in for a year of bad luck.
ReplyDeleteLove your pictures with your dogs - everyone is looking great!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful New Year!
Happy New Year, Inger!
ReplyDeleteSoldier looks very good, as well as Angel! Samson is as beautiful as ever!
What a lovely visit with Rachael, and such nice gift basket stuff!
Sounds like you had a wonderful celebration! And I love that California sunshine. Happy New Year, Inger!
ReplyDeleteHAPPY NEW YEAR, INGER...and all your 4 leggers!!!
ReplyDeleteYou're all looking just beautiful!! The new year is really agreeing with you...
ReplyDeleteGracie says: I feel your pain... same here.. I can't remember when I was brushed last.
I love the creativity of baskets and all the hidden treasures within. I"m so glad that all is well with you, and your Soldier is starting off the year doing well too! THANK YOU for your kind comments and your friendship Inger, I so enjoy hearing from you, and reading your blog!
ReplyDelete¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•` ¤ HAPPY NEW YEAR!!*´¨)
Nice to see you Inger! Happy new year to you!
ReplyDeleteWell, look at that! In a sweater no less! In January! I think we live in the wrong place! lol
ReplyDeleteYou look great Inger as do the Soldier, Angel and Samson. And of course your friend Rachel.
All the best.
We were up your way a few days ago, traveling from Sonoma back to Palm Desert. We stopped at the train loop and there, right in front of us, a bobcat ran out in front of the road! And, he was FAT! I always enjoy going back through your mountains...they are so beautiful.
ReplyDelete~~Cheryl Ann~~
Sounds like a wonderful time!!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd happy New year to you and all your family Inger:)))
desertsandbeyond: I forgot to mention that when Rachael I walked the dogs a young bobcat came up from the dry creek bed and crossed the road in front of us. I love it that you were here and got to see one.
ReplyDeleteBarbee and Kim: I learned about the peas from you guys last year and this year I had them. So good. Sorry you forgot about yours.
Jim: Hubby goes out in his T-shirt. It is just too warm 65 during the day, 25 at night. No rain or snow.
Gracie: I don't believe you don't get brushed like all the time, cute as you are.
And the rest of you, my friends, it is so nice to hear from you. All the best for the new year.
Inger, you are looking really good! So is Soldier, Angel, and that rascal Samson.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos Inger. Your idea about Christmas is great...love the gifts and how much they mean.
ReplyDeleteThe pups all look terrific!
This sounds like such a wonderful time. Happy New Year to you and Soldier
ReplyDeleteSounds like a delightful day and the news about Soldier is wonderful. He looks marvelous. So glad you didn't give up.
ReplyDeleteHi Inger,
ReplyDeleteI agree, the thoughtfully prepared gift baskets are far more personal than anything you can buy at a mall!
I thought about you and your kindness towards animals when the little fur ball showed up on our doorstep.
I hope you' all have a superior New Year.
Happy New Year Inger! Greetings from Stockholm and me!
ReplyDelete// Lisbeth
Hi Inger .. loved the idea of your gift baskets - they do make so much sense .. looks as though you had a glorious time albeit short.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year and may you be blessed this year as you bless others .. cheers Hilary
Va kul och se dig igen!!! Undrade om det hänt något...ja ibland hinner man ju inte med detta. Så fina bilder på dig och vovvarna. Hoppas du haft det fint över alla helgerna? Nu har vi trettonhelg och lite ledigt igen. Det blir ju ut i skogen alla dagarna 3 :-)
ReplyDeleteHey Inger - Very nice blog entry:) It was so much fun to see you and your family and hang out on Christmas Day! And, the meal was AMAZING, as always:) Seeing the bobcat was an extra treat, for sure!
ReplyDeleteSoldier looks just like Max, who died in 2002. go to
ReplyDeletehttp://fourpawsetc.blogspot.com/2011/02/in-memory-of-max.html