January 2010 Update

Let's play catch-up a bit....we had a fantastic Thanksgiving again this year, hosting Will and Teresa Bron, plus Teresa's son and girlfriend, plus our good friend Chris Berger.  There's nothing like a houseful of activity and friendly voices to make the holidays come alive, and we enjoyed it to the hilt.  For Thanksgiving dinner we also added neighbors Jim and Kathy Hill, plus friends Bob and Maureen James.  We did two turkeys--a fancy, all-natural Hutterite and a Butterball (brought by Teresa).  I must say, I preferred the Butterball, although both were outstanding.

The menu:  turkey, sausage/apple dressing, Martha Stewart's mashed potatoes, pear and bleu cheese salad, braised brussel sprouts with bacon & lemon sauce, chipotle smashed sweet potatoes, an exquisite gravy made by Bob James, and sourdough mini-muffins.

We spent the hours leading up to dinner (and several hours the next day) alternately riding and driving Brimir (the "shorthorse") around the neighborhood, and riding Bernie, my big Tennessee Walker.  We hiked in the rain, shopped for antiques in Trout Creek, shot rifles and pistols on our home range, and, of course, cooked, ate and drank!

With the departure of our Thanksgiving friends came plans for Christmas.  On Dec. 10 we hosted another "Sanders County Sippers" meeting, featuring all the fabulous cream liqueors that had been calling to me from the shelves of the local liquor store.  Starbucks Cream Liqueor, Godiva White Chocolate, Bailey's Irish Cream, Amarula, HOT SEX, McCormick's Irish Cream...and then the non-creams like Lemoncillo, Kahlua, Frangelico, Grand Marnier,Yukon Jack loganberry and raspberry liqueors.  All are low in alcohol and high in calories...the perfect way to start out the season of overindulgence!

On Wednesday night, Dec. 16, we attended the annual "Christmas on Main Street" parade in downtown Thompson Falls.  The temps--in the low teens--kep the crowd down this year, but didn't dampen the enthusiasm of those who bundled up to enjoy the occasion.

Sunday, December 20, was our annual "really big shew," with 30+ people attending our "Christmas at Shorthorse" open house.  It seems we've started a tradition, since most of our guests were "looking forward to next year's party" as they bid their adieus.  Maybe it was the spread of food and bourbon punch, and maybe it was the pickin' and grinnin' offered by Dave Oliver and me on guitar and fiddle.  But I'm proud to say it was the type of holiday party I would have wanted to attend.  So yes, we'll do it again next year, and every year to come, as long as we're able.

Once the party was behind us, Don and I coasted calmly into the actual celebration of Christmas.  I attended candlelight service at my little country church, which was spectacular and heartwarming.  I have developed quite a family of friends there this year.

We enjoyed a prime rib Christmas dinner at Jim and Kathy Hill's home.  We couldn't ask for better neighbors.

Snow has been elusive, and I haven't had my skis on yet this year.  We're up to our eyeballs in ice on cold days and slush on warm days.  Don keeps promising me that "the snow is coming."  Maybe it'll get here about the time we're leaving for Hawaii--Feb. 4.

New Year's Eve was quiet too--we didn't even hear any gunshots at midnight!  I guess people are saving their ammo for something more important...

Life is good.  We're both healthy.  We love where we live and enjoy our days.  We're truly blessed.  Now, on to the great year of 2010!