Since Christmas, we’ve had snow and our share of cold here. The other morning, at about 4:30, it was minus 22 degrees. The horses have been enjoying the warmth and protection of the barn, and the cattle seem to appreciate the straw bedding in the corral next to the barn. Venturing out requires coveralls, balaclava and glove liners in my work gloves- even so, my fingers suffer. Vigorous living! 

The goodies are gone now and the New Year is upon us. Normally, I’ve already compiled a list of resolutions, but not this year. I watched the ball drop in Colorado time, arose early on New Year’s Day for no apparent reason other than habit, and after chores were done, we settled in to watch the Rose Bowl Parade, which I love. When you watch it on RFD, you get to hear what natural materials the floats are made from and it is incredible. The horses in this parade are beautiful and plentiful. It was relaxing, especially combined with good company and plenty of hot coffee. Later we enjoyed pheasant and stuffing, Grandma’s noodles and spinach followed by some cherry pie and homemade ice-cream. A good way to bring in the New Year.
While the photos included for this day’s blog are not necessarily related, they are full of beauty and of wonderful memories of family. As I sit here, thinking, I realize that my resolutions need to include some of the following: staying in closer contact with friends and family and that includes putting myself out more to drive in order to spend time with those I love and cherish, do something healthy for my well-being every day (I’ll have to flesh this one out or it won’t happen),

The best little outhouse ever!

less worrying and more celebrating the tiny little things that bring joy each and every day, realize a dream by working on a path to it, play more poker and maybe even catch one of those professional poker shows on TV so I can figure out how to get a “poker cool” on, and each day love to the best of my ability. If I could just keep this mantra in front of all those things that get in my way, I’ll be ahead of the game in 2015- God is good all the time and all the time, God is good.