No more ice sculptures this morning – it was a beautiful day! The birds were still hungry, though. The feeder filled with goldfinches (and one interloping siskin) as soon as food was put out.
A pileated wood pecker stopped by, announcing its arrival with the characteristic loud, rattling cackle.
Then, we had another Christmas surprise when Janis and Bill said they wanted to drop off something. As we had hoped, it was Janis’ famous banana bread! As a bonus, they brought Tipper with them. I almost forgot to get a photo, but, luckily, Janis dropped her phone under the seat of the car, and they stopped on the driveway to rescue it. I trotted out with the camera.
Janis says it’s a production line operation (thanks to Janis for this picture) 
We have been lucky to have visits from two adorable Jack Russells this week!
Tipper 
Dreidl
Jane and I planned to ride, but Derry, alas, pulled a hind shoe. Even worse news, Fred is leaving for Chicago in the morning and won’t be back until Christmas, so no hope of riding Derry this week. Oisin volunteered to fill in. Bart was very sad. He had planned to win the coveted Gilliam grooming award, but there was no beating Oisin today! It was a close competition, but Oisin was filthier. By the way, we do actually groom under the tack, Corinne!
Bart realizes he will not win after all 
Oisin is happy to go for a ride after a good roll in the mud
We didn’t do much, but it was good to be on horseback. The light was lovely.
Jane and Oisin in afternoon light
On the way back to the barn, my naughty Irish horse took off, while I was trying to take a picture. We old ladies were run off with like kids, but only for a short distance. We laughed a lot, and I DID get a picture of The Pearl Brothers after we regained control. Oisin was such a grump about getting close to Bart that it was the most dangerous thing we did all day!
Look at that hateful pinto face! 
Brothers
After riding, a visit to the studio, where progress continues…
The sculptor 
The sculptor’s assistant
The Christmas card project has been completed. Now we can relax and enjoy the season.
Stay safe, stay well.
Wow, fabulous final foto! Good to see Jane and Janis looking lovely as always. The horses look well fed and the sculptor and his assistant are in their element, yahooo!
Peace, joy, love
“The horses look well fed”, a kind way of suggesting that perhaps they are getting a bit rotund! Haha! Yesterday I had to use my teeth to get the girth onto Oisin on the first hole both sides! I learned to use teeth for girth tightening long ago but now I’m old, I was worried my teeth would come out before I got the girth on!
Slow feed hay nets started this week. So far, they haven’t made any difference!
Joy and peace to our most beloved Michigan friends.
I may have one of those girth tightener dohickeys for poor old you. (I’m older!). But at Irish Fox there are plenty of young and strong people to girth up fatty Robbie.
Thanks, Janis! But my teeth stayed in, and I think it’s time to invest in a larger girth! Truly, it has to do with the billets on the extra saddle. The girth works on my saddle, but it has longer billets. Glad to know I am not the only one with an equine weight problem. Jane keeps Derry looking svelte with British discipline. I have no discipline these days!
It’s nice to see Oisin’s happy tail!
I debated about that picture, Mary! I took it off a short bit of video and there were some more “correct” tail positions, but, I, too, love his “happy tail”! As a photo, and as an illustration of Oisin’s spirit.
🏆for Oisin. I’ll forward those pics to George 😁
🤣🤣 Perfect!