Puppy Love

A darling boy puppy became available from a breeder that I've been communicating with for a while this weekend.

We decided it was time for me to have my own little Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Ken drove in nearly white out conditions and the temps were 40 below windchill.



We commented to each other on the way that we may have lost our minds, but it isn't the first time!




I first saw this breed of dog when I was on a business trip in Arizona. I took a little R&R to shopping one evening and a shop owner had the dog in the shop with him. I fell in love. I researched the breed for 4 years, researched a good breeder and selected Barbie Bedwell's Saintly Cavaliers. Barbie lives with her dogs, her husband and three boys out in the country by St Charles, IA (What a coincident!) It is very important to buy a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel from an excellent breeder because they can have health issues.

Here is the momma and pop.













Here is Wrigley! This is in the car on the way home.










Dear husband thinks Wrigley is pretty darn cute, even though he isn't a big tough lab which is his favorite breed! (also my top 2 fav)











Of course having a puppy is kind of like having an infant again. he likes to sleep.

He loves to play.......

Kodi and Wrigley have become very good pals. Kodi plays very nice with him, even when Wrigley is a pain in the behind.

Oh and of course........... he potties........... I found this very cute sweater to send him outside. The cold was really hard for him. I think this Lettermans sweater with the "W" is perfect for Wrigley.

Prairie High's new concert hall

Sweet Daughter was in a winter concert last night with her high school, Prairie High School, it was held in the new concert hall.

Sweet Daughter is in the 3rd row, she is wearing a robe and is the 3rd one to the right of the girl in white. They sounded beautiful!

The concert hall is a show place. It was paid for by a bond that we "yes" for, it was exciting to see our tax dollars at work
The craftsmanship was beautiful, two tone color wood, a spacious lobby, comfortable seats, great sounds system and plenty of room. The committee that worked on this concert hall is to be commended.

The balcony will most likely be the preferred seats for all kids. Sorry the picture is kind of dark.

The hall holds 1000 people.

Wow, what a stage and the acoustics were awesome!

The band did a "Grinch melody" while a video played of "when the Grinch Stole Christmas". It was one of the highlights of the evening, along with the grand piano w/ choir and band / choir peformance.

The choir and the band played together and it was wonderful, they had the band kids on the stage and in the isle on each side of the concert hall.

Additional funds were raised for a Grand Piano, it was magnificent to listen to while the kids sang.

One more thing to point out, the band and choir actually sang a few Christmas Songs for the Holiday Concert! It was so neat to hear songs of praise to the Lord Jesus and to be part of a community that values fine arts in schools!

50 years is a long time.........

My in-laws celebrated their 50th Wedding anniversary today. We had a small gathering at their house.










I made this sherbet punch. It just just lime sherbet, pinnapple juice and 7-up. It turned out pretty good, I think I will try one with orange sherbet, orange juice and champagne next time.











Here is sweet daughter with cutie-pie nephew.














here are my in-laws. 50 years is pretty amazing!

Heavy heart at Christmas

My dear old Dad had a stroke last week and is not doing well. I visited him Friday and Saturday. Please pray for him to be in comfort.





Sweet Daughter and I decorated the house today with a heavy heart. Christmas is one of Dad's favorite holidays and he always throws a big party for all of his kids, grandkids and great grandkids.

I scaled back on the decorating this year. The kids need a Christmas but I want to keep everything simple.

I think it came together nice. The boys will be back from deer hunting tonight and we will decorate the tree as a family.

finally finished socks

What's off my needles!

I finally finished this pair of socks. I've been working on them since last June. I love the self striping yarn. I bought this yarn at Home Ec in Iowa City.

Freckles was very curious when I took the pictures.