New this Year

 I collect NUTCRACKERS.....

Wikipedia ~ definition...

Original nutcracker dolls from Nussknacker Museum in Neuhausen, Saxony

Nutcracker dolls originate from late-17th century Germany, particularly the Ore Mountains (German: Erzgebirge) region.^[1] One origin story attributes the creation of the first nutcracker doll to a craftsman from Seiffen.^[2] They were often given as gifts, and at some point they became associated with Christmas season. They grew in popularity around the 19th century and spread to nearby European countries.^[1] As the demand grew, nutcracker doll production also began on a mass scale in factories.^[1] Friedrich Wilhelm Füchtner [de] (1844–1923), commonly known in Germany as "father of the nutcracker", began the first mass production of the design (using a lathe) at his workshop in Seiffen in Saxony during 1872.^[5][6][7][8]

Decorative nutcracker dolls began being popularized outside of Europe after the Second World War, when numerous American soldiers stationed in Germany came home to the United States with German nutcrackers as souvenirs.^[1][2] Further popularization came from Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker, a ballet adaptation of E. T. A. Hoffmann's story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, which featured a toy soldier nutcracker.^[1] The ballet, introduced to America during the mid-20th century, became a favorite holiday tradition across the United States^[1] and helped make nutcracker dolls a Christmas decoration and a seasonal icon across Western culture.^[2][1]

Legend says....

   According to German folklore, nutcrackers were given as keepsakes to bring good luck to your family and protect your home. The legend says that a nutcracker represents power and strength and serves like a trusty watch dog guarding your family from evil spirits and danger. A fierce protector, the nutcracker bares its teeth to the evil spirits and serves as the traditional messenger of good luck and goodwill.

    “Don’t be afraid, my beard is long, my head is large, my look is grim but that matters not. I won’t bite you. In spite of my big mouth and grim appearance, I look with my heart for your happiness.”

•Nutcrackers embody the ‘Cycle of Life', As the seed of a nut falls to the ground, it grows into a strong tree, living over hundreds of years nourishing the woodcutters and woodcrafters. The legends tell of a feast celebrated just before harvesting the logs of the Elder trees, where nuts and fruits were eaten as if to pass on the magic and mystery of this eternal cycle . . . and so on to the collectors of these exquisite wooden nutcrackers.

•Nutcrackers reflect ancestral dining customs where amusing or unusual nutcrackers were part of the social setting adding a whimsical conversation piece as guests lingered over the desert course which included sweetmeats such as pecans and hazelnuts.

For our house

This years addition ~

Happy Holiday Decorating!! 

#holiday cheer,#Christmas,#christmastraditions, #nutcracker,#memories,

Blessed by God

Life's good @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for stopping by

Until next time, Stay safe and Happy Trails.

My favorite Poem for Christmas

T'was the night before Christmas 

 Clement Clarke Moore '

Twas the night before Christmas, when all thro’ the house, 

 Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; 

 The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; 

 The children were nestled all snug in their beds, 

 While visions of sugar plums danc’d in their heads, 

 And Mama in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap, 

 Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap — 

 When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, 

 I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. 

 Away to the window I flew like a flash, 

 Tore open the shutters, and threw up the sash. 

 The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow, 

 Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below; 

 When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, 

 But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny rein-deer, 

 With a little old driver, so lively and quick, 

 I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick. 

 More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, 

 And he whistled, and shouted, and call’d them by name: 

 “Now! Dasher, now! Dancer, now! Prancer, and Vixen, 

 “On! Comet, on! Cupid, on! Dunder and Blixem; 

 “To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! 

 “Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!” 

 As dry leaves before the wild hurricane fly, 

 When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;  

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew, 

 With the sleigh full of Toys — and St. Nicholas too: 

 And then in a twinkling, I heard on the roof 

 The prancing and pawing of each little hoof. 

 As I drew in my head, and was turning around, 

 Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound: 

 He was dress’d all in fur, from his head to his foot, 

 And his clothes were all tarnish’d with ashes and soot; 

 A bundle of toys was flung on his back, 

 And he look’d like a peddler just opening his pack: 

 His eyes — how they twinkled! his dimples how merry, 

 His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry; 

 His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow. 

 And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow; 

 The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, 

 And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath. 

 He had a broad face, and a little round belly 

 That shook when he laugh’d, like a bowl full of jelly: 

 He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, 

 And I laugh’d when I saw him in spite of myself; 

 A wink of his eye and a twist of his head 

 Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread. 

 He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, 

 And fill’d all the stockings; then turn’d with a jerk, 

 And laying his finger aside of his nose 

 And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose. 

 He sprung to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, 

 And away they all flew, like the down of a thistle: 

 But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight — 

 'Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.'

#memories,#christmastraditions,#family,#lovemyfamily,#holidays,#holiday cheer,

Blessed by God

Life's good @ the Bright side of the barn

Thanks for stopping by

Until next time, Stay safe and Happy Trails.

Thanksgiving 2020

 If your alive today, you have a good start on reasons to be thankful.

We may not be the America we know and love much longer, so today be thankful we are still here. 

Thanksgiving was supposed to reflect a time of cultures joining together to share in a feast of celebration for an accomplished harvest....

Today few know and many question the truth.

What really happened we may never know.

Today, look forward. 

Be thankful for where you are.

Be grateful for who you have around you.

Be kind to those you haven't met.

Enjoy your families, drive safe and share the love.

#lovemyfamily,#memories, #traditions, #history

Blessed by God

Life's good @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for stopping by

Until next time, Stay safe and Happy Trails.

The elves have been busy!

 Christmas,

Just getting started! This was before the garland tinsel and reindeer, we were still straightening lights and fussing over loops... Had to take a picture so we could see what was crooked,.... it's pretty bright when your standing in front of it all. 

New for Barbie,

There will be yellow, pink, lavendar, a pretty green and a variegated blue.. and then

The brides dress...

Bouquets and bows to come.... 

Just waiting for the paper roses and ribbon order to arrive.....

Still looking for the 'Mr. Right' Ken..

#Christmas,#lovemyfamily,#lovinglife,#memories, #barbie, 

Blessed by God

Life's good @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for stopping by

Until next time, Stay safe and Happy trails.

Bringing on Christmas cheer

 

I've been busy! 

Comfort quilt pillows... They are awaiting a stuffing order to arrive. Snuggy blankets are popular, but as I was watching the kids trying to lay around watching a movie, I noticed, pillows would make it more comfortable. So with all the apron scraps and other materials I started cutting strips. My grandson helped me design a couple of them. And there are a few more to sew. My grandkids have been claiming the ones they want and I'm not even done with the variety. It's going to make a huge impact under Grama's tree this year. They are about 15 to 18 inch squares. 

Additionally, there are Barbie clothes to crochet, and embroidery projects to finish....

Decorating has begun officially this weekend.

 We're up to about 250 feet of lights outside, 33 nutcrackers, and at least 100 feet of lights inside. The snowmen and Charlie Brown tree are out with the penguins. And I have an order at Lowes to pick up this week.

It's starting to feel a bit like Christmas.....

And the horses.

Loving their life in huge pastures with trees, and friends and peoples that are constantly making sure they have hay and water. 

I have 2 of the most amazing fantastic farriers in Western Washington.!

Star Bright's feet have never looked better. 

3 out of 4 frogs have renewed and look beautiful. Here's a couple photos of what a complete frog looks like when it comes off.  She's healed up and rides like a champ again. We've managed to get in one brief ride between rain storms. 

It was really sweet today, when I walked out in the field with her she wouldn't stop and kept walking all the way to the place that I mounted the other day. She was acting like she wanted to ride again, even though it was pouring down rain. She truly does love to ride. 

Lil Star sees me and comes to the gate for breakfast every morning, she's gotten so good, she allows me to lift her 2 front feet and clean them. She let one of the new farriers clip the front, And we are starting to lift her back feet. Which need clipped really bad! Hopefully next time around.

Polaris lifts his feet but doesn't balance very well. I'm not sure how he's going to do with the farrier, but he's got to have them done ASAP. So hopefully he'll get this figured out this week. I've been trying to get a video of him self loading in the trailer. It is pretty special and I admit I'm quite proud of both of us. Him for accomplishing it and me for being the one to 'train' him.... especially after so many folks were telling me I was doing it wrong..

Our country has had a rough year, and it's not over yet. A little Christmas hope a little early, just might be what the doctors ordered..... 

God bless everyone, stay healthy stay safe and keep the faith!

#lovemyhorses,#holiday cheer,#lovemyfamily,#mynewlife,#mynewhome, #horsetraining,

Blessed by God

Life's good @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for stopping by

Until next time, Stay safe and Happy Trails. 

Wild Cat Alert!!!

 I went to feed my babies yesterday morning,

of course, StarBright was waiting at the gate

She loves having a big field to run in and a lot of friends to play with!

While I was bringing her out the gate for breakfast, I noticed Lil Sugar had something red on her back. After tying up StarBright I walked back into the field and around the other side of Sugar to find...

This.

The vet said 3-4 inch canine teeth holes. 

Cougar attack most likely!!!

I really hope the horses defended her well enough that the cat won't come back. That opening is the size of a dinner plate.

Imagine the size of the cat. ... 4 inch teeth!....

She's going to be okay. 

This was the only injury and the only horse that appears to be attacked. 

We're so lucky! It could have been so much worse.

#cougarattack, #lovemyhorses, #lifeinthecountry

Blessed by God

Life's good @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for stopping by

Until next time, Stay safe and Happy Trails.

Just a thought or two ...

 I'm stumped and I'm not the only one. 

The election, .... The blue won? You voted for that crap really?

Washington state, Oregon and California were of the last polls to open and almost of the first to announce the winners? 

Are we that much better at math that we can count accurately at nominal rates? And have results pretty much at the time the polls closed if not before? 

Something isn't right....

We will see how this all turns out...... there is a bit of controversy stirring.

 

So many thoughts spinning through our heads these days.

Elections

Virus

Christmas .... oh and Christmas shopping?

yep it's that time of year again.... Get out the list!  We are having another new addition to our family list this year. Exciting news! 

I absolutely, just Had to start putting up the Christmas lights last weekend. It's been such a heavy year, Much loss and sorrow for many. 

We need to have the upbeat happy bright lights and festive spirits early ... Especially for the kids, and the little bit of kids in all of us. 

Social distancing has come between family and friends, 

for many of us borders closed and we are closed off from loved ones. So many travel plans greatly altered and many cancelled. 

It's going to be a different kind of Christmas this year.... 

while getting ready, I've been cleaning, yep, 

I've been cleaning and organizing.... still, however this time we worked our way into the closet. You know the one.... The closet where you throw everything in, as your moving into the house and talk about getting back to it to sort out later.

Later has arrived. And a few more things have got to go! 

For Sale

Small electric blower $15.00

Medium folding kennel/cages.

I have 2 - $40 each or both for $75

can you tell I don't like having yard sales?

#😎 #thoughts to ponder, #election2020,#government, #lifeordeath,#forsale,#forthekidssake,

Blessed by God

Life's good @ the Bright side of the Barn,

Thanks for stopping by

Until next time, Stay safe and Happy Trails.

Skippin Thanksgiving

 Have you noticed it's not much of a holiday anymore. Just a family/food  Don't have to work ~ day. 

Stores don't even give it a space between Halloween and Christmas. It's out with the costumes and in with the nutcrackers!!

Fred Meyer, Safeway, they all got the cinnamon pine cones and nutcrackers lining the shelves. 

Yep, Thanksgiving is just a day to eat and enjoy family and friends......

So, why wait to put up the lights? 

We might as well start getting in the mood for Christmas. 

Time flies so fast these days, a month isn't enough! 

There's one farm house that goes all out every year. He starts the first of November putting up the lights. 

I was Driving by the other day, I noticed, he's started! 

His house is so awesome, It's so worth putting on the 

Christmas light drive route map.

#christmastraditions, #holiday cheer, #mynewlife, 

Blessed by God

Life's good @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for Stopping by

Until next time, Stay safe and Happy Trails.

Now we wait.

 

I really don't see how the blue is in the lead? 

** Let's talk mail in ballots. Just for a minute.

Personally I think they should have to be mailed early enough that they are delivered to the ballot location prior to election day. 

Opened at 12:01 am and counted election day with the in person ballots and the results at midnight election night. 

Period.

If your going to get the opportunity to mail in your ballot be responsible and mail it in early, better yet drop it in a ballot box!! 

I know I'm disappointed in my state on many issues. 

It's really no wonder we have so much drug addiction, homelessness and devastation in our state.

The same people have been running the show for years, and it shows. 

How much worse it'll look after another 4 years?

The city of Auburn ~

~ is more interested in putting pretty pictures on the electric boxes and bettering the sidewalk corners

 {I guess so the shopping carts have an easier time crossing the streets?} 

~ than they are in dealing with their homelessness, drug problems, and the revolving doors of the justice system. 

Seattle ~

 is a dump. Straight up.

~ Washington has gone down hill so much.

So sad

Thank you Inslee, and here's another 4 years to screw it up more. 

Blessed by God

It's Life @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for stopping by

Until next time, Stay safe and Happy Trails.

VOTE ! ~ VOTE ! ~ VOTE ! ~

 For those mailing in ballots, take em to a drop box instead and do it early, make sure your voice is heard in the election this year. 

They say you can mail in a ballot right up to election day. But really, do you think those votes get counted in the end? 

For the first time in my lifetime, the country has been running like a business that's owned by it's employees. 

And it was good until the virus. 

Even now, somehow in the midst of a virus, we have gotten to here where we are starting to rebuild ourselves in a new path, taking our country into a new way of living.

Leave it to AMERICAN'S  to turn "wearing masks" into FASHION!!

Face Mask Scrunchie Pet Bandana Set

So let your voice be heard in style, VOTE! 2020.

#voting, #elections, #2020

Blessed by God

Life's good @ the Bright side of the Barn

Thanks for stopping by

Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.