In the Christmas Spirit

Recently, we drove down to Carmela's Magical Santa Land in Longview, Texas. It was a great way to celebrate our 48th anniversary.  Oh, how bright the lights were!  

The drive is about a mile long, with a pullover along the way to grab a cup of hot chocolate, take a photo with Santa, and a short walking trail of lights if you please. 

It was just what my dragging spirit needed and I am thankful that there are folks out there who go to these extremes to liven up the holiday for kids of all ages.  She doesn't charge a fee, but does take donations at the end of the ride.  

Can you believe there are over 4 million lights in this drive through park?  WOW!  

I hope you all are having a good week and enjoying the holiday season. 

sharing with Michelle for Thankful Thursday

Don't Fence Me In!

 

We drove to the lake the other afternoon and had to stop when we saw these buffalo up at the gate.  Once upon a time this was a big game hunting park, but I don't think so anymore  These buffalo look like they've been playing in the mud. 

Thankful....

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I have so much to be thankful for.  I'm getting back in the boat and I  still want to fish, and that surprises me!  My grandson was accepted into college- he's excited and so are we.  My kids seem to be doing well and are happy and healthy, and so are my grands.  The littles- Hadleigh, Olivia and Bo are just as cute as can be and are such a delight to their grandfolks! 

Grateful, 

Yesterday, the dr gave me the all clear on my leg.  It's still sore and definitely not healed all the way, but I am motoring along! :)  If nothing else, this has shown me that I am not as resilient as I thought I was, but I still have a strong desire to be well and healthy.  It was sure a shock to my system to not even be able to walk!

Leaving you with my three greats...

Happy Thanksgiving! 

sharing with Michelle for Thankful Thursday, Eileen for Saturday's Critters and Betty  for My Corner of the World,

Foto Friday 12 ~ Photo Dump, Since I've Been Gone

Rare peaceful moment (no fighting) 

April 2024 Solar Eclipse

Little Man

We lost Dakota earlier this summer.  Man is finding his way as the last horse on the land.  I thought he would be lonely, but so far he seems quite content.  We've lost three since I have been blogging- Dakota, Grady and Jack.  

First crop in the new greenhouse my husband built.

The extreme heat we had this summer was a real menace, but most of the vegetables he planted did great! 

Finally got to see the Northern Lights, but only with the camera, not with the naked eye. 

Don't really understand that, but wow, they were pretty. 

Six weeks ago, I fractured my leg trying to get out of the boat.  Ruined a camping trip and it is  definitely one of the most painful injuries I have ever had.

I can finally walk without crutches, but the pain has not gone away.  I'm guessing after Christmas, maybe...I hope. 

A surprise visit this morning from an eagle.  Could possibly be the same one who has come around before, but it's like a yearly visit, so probably not.  Oh, gosh, I wish I had a better zoom lens!  

and finally...

I didn't realize I had been gone so long.  I've missed all of your blog posts and hopefully I can check back in.  

Have a great Thanksgiving week! 

Thankful for my family, and especially my husband who has gone above

 and beyond, taking care of me these last six weeks.  

sharing with Michelle for Thankful Thursday, and James for Weekend Reflections,

 Yogi for Skywatch Friday,  Eileen for Saturday's Critters,  Betty  for My Corner of the World, Mersad for Through my Lens

Foto Friday 11 ~ Oh Deer Me

 

My son Michael sent some critter photos that he has taken recently around his place. 

Outsmarted by a raccoon!

Sometimes in the chaos of life, we overlook the simple things, the store door held open, the thank you, and have a good day from the checkers, the person who lets us cut in line if we only have one item.  A grandbaby's hug, a text from an old friend...there is always something to be thankful for. 

I wish you all a happy holiday and/or a Merry Christmas. 

Just for the week, may we all be able to leave the stresses of our world outside our doors. 

sharing with Michelle for Thankful Thursday, Yogi for Skywatch Friday, Eileen for Saturday's Critters