Shopping.....shopping.....and more shopping

Recently it was brought to my attention that my 1980's clothes seemed to be bothering certain so called "friends" and family members. Is it really a problem that I like comfortable clothes, even if they have been around longer than my now teenage children? Here's the proof that I actually took hundreds of pounds of clothing to our local Goodwill drop off. Last week Kate tortured me at Stinemart, then this week Aunt Karen, in town from Ole Miss, spent countless hours trying to train me to shop in a more "fashion forward" manner. My eyes are still getting adjusted to some of the new styles out there, that's for sure! I feel like I've met my shopping requirement for this decade.....and yes, I did find several new items to fill the void in my closet.

Miracles never cease...

What may look like an ordinary bathroom to you is really an amazing event. That's right-Grandpa R finished his project, and it only took, well- put it this way, my 13 year old doesn't remember it ever using it. Looks great! You can cross that one off your list.

Settling in....

Enjoying the sunshine and each other's company, Duncan & Simon seem to settling in just fine. With 32 degrees first thing this AM, the current 48 degrees seems like a heat wave! Duncan's no dummy...much less effort eating this way!

Introducing Duncan!

After a loonng summer with an empty field and having a pang in our hearts every time we passed our empty barn, we have found a new When Pigs Fly resident.....Duncan. He is a 9 year old, 17 hand, bay,warmblood gelding. He came to us via Michigan and Sarah had a chance to play with him a few weeks. We tried all sorts of tests, and he kept passing them with flying colors, so we decided to bring him home. He loves attention, treats, and company. Right now we have his friend, Simon, staying with us too while we figure out a permanent pal. So say your prayers....to St. Francis of Asissi if you're one of our catholic friends...that our place will soon be back to normal-dogs, cats, and horses all healthy and happy!

It's another world!

Twenty years of marraige to this guy earned me the opportunity to travel all the way to China! We had a great time exploring another world Thanks to all those individuals involved in keeping the household running efficiently while we were away!! Hopefully you're none the worse for wear! A few random observations on the country: The airports, roads, and buildings are engineering marvels. It's a world where the old and the new are literally side by side...vast skyscapers along a six lane parkway with sculpted plants in the median are the backdrop for the Chinese farmer in his straw hat pedalling his tricycle loaded with hundreds of pounds of lettuce he his taking to market....bamboo scaffolding is used when building the newest builings...bikes and baskets are parked in the Wal-Mart parking lot, not cars. The term "Foot Massage" has a whole new meaning for me, if only I could franchise it! The arts and crafts passed down for generations like brick carving & silk needlepointing are becoming extinct as the new generation heads off for University rather apprenticing the masters. A meal is not a meal unless it has a minimum of TEN courses all served in the original baking dishes placed on a huge lazy susan and you're served by the person on your right! Speaking of food-let's just say that no part of the creature goes to waste! A few more photos.... Dongguan's ""Lovely Park", Hong Kong's incredible architecture, and last but not least, the North Pole! If you ever have a chance to take a trip outside your "comfort zone", we recommend it!!