Our Christmas Day was made merry by the unexpected availability of our friends, Laura and John. They had planned to fly to Boulder a couple of days ago to see family, but that plan was scrapped, so they came here with a huge pot of delicious Tuscan chicken and bean soup for lunch.
Yesterday , we had record breaking warm weather, and Marilyn asked me to trail ride with her, so I saddled up the best horse on the place and joined her for a fun time on horseback. Stone is the perfect horse to ride with Trigger, because he has such a big walk that he can keep up with a foxtrotter. It was extremely generous of Harry to let me ride his horse!
Marilyn and Trigger on a warm Christmas Eve trail ride
Harry worked in the studio, and Connie came to fix the stream by replacing the pump. It was wonderful to have the sound of running water for Christmas.
Harry in the studio 
Connie picked a perfect day for this job 
The stream is flowing
Although the afternoon was warm, it was very windy, which is my least favorite weather condition for riding. We let the horses enjoy the sunshine and I did some chainsawing of a trail obstruction I discovered riding in the morning.
Bart does a little yoga stretch 
Handsome Stone 
Windy grazing
This morning, Christmas morning, was business as usual for Cedar, watching for varmints. Mistletoe watches for treats.
Cedar 
Mistletoe
The birds entertain us every morning, Christmas is no different.
Blue jays
The Marlows’ arrival was greeted with barking and joy. Jane joined us, and we had a real Christmas celebration together.
Jane, Harry & John 
John & Anne 
Laura & Harry 
John & Weedy 
Harry & Mistletoe (and Weedy) 
Nettie thinks she may have heard a treat being opened
Once the excitement died down and the guests departed, we brought Arthur upstairs for a visit. Roscoe was out in the barn singing carols with the barn cats.
Arthur looks at the fire 
Arthur looks at a dog 
Arthur says “Thanks for the visit” 
Arthur looks for the basement… 
And back to safety 
Rosie stretches after a rousing rendition of Jingle Bells
The horses had lots of Christmas treats today, as did we all.
Stone 
Oisin 
Bart
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! Stay safe, stay well. Peace.
Merry Christmas Anne and Harry!
I think that Arthur is going to be a big cat, I don’t think he’s finished growing. I hope that he and Roscoe get along eventually. You may say you’re not a cat person but I think the cats disagree. Merry Christmas and happy new year!
Glad you had a merry Christmas. Love the photos Hope the New Year brings u heath and happiness