All's well that ends well...

A few highlights of the last month of 2013, where things finally began to look up. Nonetheless, I couldn't be happier for the debut of 2014 - Year of the Horse, as of January 31. Has a nice ring to it right?!

Val has spent much of his semi-retirement learning new skills, and catching up on beauty sleep. Hoping the doc clears me for normal activity next week. It's been a long 10 weeks out of the saddle, for both of us.

 Had the jolly ball for four years - this is the first action it's seen...

Val develops a strategy for getting the tasty hay crumbs out...

Just resting my eyes...

Until recently, the weather's been delightful. Sunny, in the 60's. Sorry - not bragging folks from up north - we're getting our comeuppance next week so I hear...

Lots of visits from critters... a great horned owl has been hanging out nearby - you can hear him whoo-whoo-whooting after dark. On warmer evenings I've been treated to multiple bats performing their aerial displays at dusk, and the other morning I discovered this fine fellow staring at me from a remarkably close distance. Apparently he knows hunting season is over too. 

 We've been treated to some dramatic skies as well. The other night there was a double rainbow arching right over the Shimmy Shack at sunset, which I couldn't help but take to be a positive sign.

 

Christmas was lovely. Gorgeous weather, and family gathered together for the first time in many years. Several afternoons my pop and I sat on the porch in shorts and flip flops, cracking delicious, icy cold, salty oysters. Heaven.

And today - !!!!! - I received a most wonderful package.

Jen from Wyvern Oaks, my secret santa, sent me a beautiful gift with a sweet note. She picked it up in Austria, and wrote she hoped I could find a spot for it in the Shimmy Shack. I absolutely can, but I'm also dreaming of the day I can give it a place of honor in the future farmhouse. Thank you so very much for the thoughtful gift Jen - I LOVE IT!!!