It was a seasonally cold day. The birds were wondering what was taking so long, hanging the feeder. We can’t leave it out because of the varmints.
The stream made ice sculptures during the night 
Solitary goldfinch 
Female cardinal 
Elegant dove 
Male cardinal 
A mockingbird on the barn cupola
Here is Cedar on her way to the barn for a cat food scatter. Then, she always beats me back to the house, where she scans for varmints while waiting for me.
The horses enjoyed their hay on this chilly morning.
Stone 
Bart 
Oisin
There were more Christmas cards to send, and thanks to Marianne doing barn work, we applied ourselves and got many done. Many more still to do, though. We are rich in friends, for which we are grateful, even if they do contribute to writer’s cramp.
Vlad arrived with a Christmas present, speaking of friends. I neglected to get a picture of him. He stayed at a distance, outside, with a mask on, and regaled us with tales of sculpture installation travels this year to places where the virus was dismissed as a hoax. Vlad’s wife, Tamara, is a nurse. They know it is not a hoax. Anyway, it was good to see Vlad and laugh with him. His perspective on life is always revelatory. And his present is beautiful and delicious!
A huge box of delicious treats! 
Roscoe enjoying cellophane, boxes, and sunshine
The dogs discovered our stash of chewed up toys, which they love to bring to us in trade for a treat. It makes us laugh, and it makes the dogs fat. Of course, regardless of who makes the trade (only Nettie and Weedy do so), all dogs get a treat for every trade. We are hiding the toys to slow things down.
“We’d like to propose a trade!” 
“This toy for that treat!!”
I went to town for a few errands. It was a hectic afternoon, topped off with chores running late. The horses were peaceful in the pasture when I left, but very ready to come in when I returned. I saw an unfortunate deer as I was driving in. I don’t know what could be wrong with it, but it certainly wouldn’t allow an exam or treatment. I will keep watch for it, and hope it recovers.
Finally, I did night check in the barn and loved seeing the Crouchers settled in for the night together in the tack room. You know it’s cold when Tom Morris, too, elects to stay in for the night.
Twizzler and Skittle
Stay safe, stay well, stay warm.
The deer photo was too sad.
Love the exchange of chew toys for a treat, too cute! Birds lined up like all the cars in line at Chic-A-Fil. Good to see some Chrsitmas cheer happening, gifts, friends stopping by, and cards being written and sent, now there’s the Christmas spirit!