Never say it can't get more challenging

during early morning chores before work

heading home after work

Hi, blogpals. Isn't 2025 shaping up to be . . . something else? There's no point in talking about the raging bull in the White House elephant in the room; our country as we know it will either survive or it won't. All human institutions will fail before "the great (for those who love Him) and terrible (for those who don't) day of the Lord."  Is this part of that failing? I don't know; I'm no prophet, just another sinner needing the armor of God for protection. Ephesians 6:11:13

Without my faith, I would surely quail/fail at all that life is throwing at us this year so far. I've already mentioned that Rick's office manager cut her hours to halftime at the beginning of the year (and didn't work at all last week because her husband had surgery) and that the clinic has to be out of the space we've rented for almost 30 years by end of February. And no, there is still no plan in place for dealing with either of those major developments; have I mentioned how much my DH hates change? I am hoping to get both knee replacements done in the next six months, but obviously can't be laid up recovering while working five days a week or before we move the vet practice – or before my mom moves. (Great news – she finally got word that a two-bedroom apartment in the 55+ complex she's had her eye on is opening up at the end of February or early March! Alarming news – that's not long for her to deal with all her stuff and property and move from Texas to Nebraska with help from me, her ablest-bodied daughter!) Still, I am hoping to schedule surgery at my orthopedic appointment next week so I am on the docket. Crossing fingers that he'll be willing to do both at once; the other two surgeons I've consulted won't.

In the meantime Rick (with a little help from DS, who is still unemployed) is still working hard to get the shop finished as we will surely need it for storing some of the clinic stuff, if not using it for the clinic itself. He has been prepping for the concrete floor to be poured, which will hopefully happen soon.

compacting gravel at night

On top of chores and what housework I can manage, I am still squeezing in a little spinning and knitting, a weekly agility class with Poppy followed by a shortened visit with my cousin/cherished friend, and an occasional ride on Stella, who is getting fat from lack of exercise. And I'm still searching for pretty/positive/peaceful things to post to IG/FB; heaven knows there are enough of the opposite to find on social media! First, the IG/FB posts:

"Went with DH to x-ray a pretty horse on a preetty place on a pretty day." (three photos)

"Moody sky on my way home tonight."

"Dramatic sky on my way home from church today."

"Gaze with me upon our morning view."

"Mt. Adams in the morning."

"Yesterday was the first clear, sunny day all week–and my first time at hoe in daylight since the Sunday before. Got reacquainted with a few of my sheep and let the horses out for a much-needed romp." (three photos)

"I can't imagine a life without a dog or two."

"Good morning! Inside, a matching red glow in the wood-burner is keeping us warm."

"Not my usual 'dawn from our deck' photos today. These are 'dawn during chores and on my way to work' photos." (four photos)

Second, spinning and knitting updates:

first turtle spun in 2025

still working on my Playful scarf using my Advent snacks

That's it for now from . . .