Like most of us, I am glad this year has ended. It got off to a bad start and went downhill from there. We could never have imagined on New Year’s Eve last year what a horrendous shambles 2020 would become. But, if you’re reading this, you did it – you made it through. And surely, 2021 will be better.
Here, we had a celebratory lunch with Jane, who is in our bubble. Our friend, Brett, brought us collard greens and black eyed peas yesterday, made with his mother’s special recipe. She said that eating collard greens and peas on New Year’s Eve will bring luck for the year ahead. We are all for that! And it was delicious! Everyone had second helpings, which will surely provide extra luck. What a nice present! And deep dish apple pie for dessert didn’t hurt.
New Year’s Eve at Bronze Fox Farm
Jane has been wanting her hair cut, so we decided to do it after lunch. Harry got a minor trim, too. Hair grows back, luckily!
Jane is a brave woman!
Yesterday there was a brief snow flurry and Bart and Stone were getting their daily exercise. No need to lunge them – they canter around and around the paddock, stop for a bit of sparring, and repeat.
This morning, Tom Morris interrupted the birds on the back porch to get a drink. He does have water in the barn, but this is much more scenic.
Corinne gave the birds a seed penguin for Christmas. It hangs on a tree on the other side of the house. At first, the birds were suspicious, but they soon figured out it was edible and quite yummy!
Merry Christmas, birds! 
They pecked out his eyes! 
Now, the penguin is unrecognizable (but still yummy)
Once Tom Morris moved on, the birds returned.
Pine siskin on the move 
On the final day of 2020, I got this pileated woodpecker picture…
Marianne will start the New Year with a day off from barn work here. Her smile and her help has been one blessing in this miserable year.
Rebecca, too, has brightened the year. And countless friends, in spite of the virus and its prescribed protocols. We have been so lucky in many ways. Harry’s broken femur happened before the pandemic got going, so I was able to be with him at the hospital. Every day, we count many blessings and, really, we have had good luck this year compared to many. Still, we will be happy to move on to better days!
We bid goodbye to Pat, but will carry her memory forward into the New Year and beyond.
This year has worn Weedy out, greeting friends, and loving Harry.
Finally, a picture from Nancy in Montana…
Stay safe, stay well, Happy New Year!
Reading your blog…… what a wonderful way to begin 2021. Happy New Year!
We who find the good in the bad are the lucky ones. Well done! Love the photos of your good friends, some of course are our’s too. And those birds! Do I see a Purple Finch in there? Great shots. Sooooo many! The Pileated in flight is awesome! Horses playing, disturbing at times, while we hold our breath, but what fun they are having! Welcome to you our New Year, our 2021, our Age of Aquarius, Welcome! May I add, today is my love package Etta James’ birthday today. She is four. We will celebrate, as we do everyday.
I’ve read all your blogs over the years and looking forward to another year of them.
Wow, Tink’s last hair cut! That was a very good day.
Peace, joy, and love to everyone for a better 2021.