Jan 4th, New wood burning stove

Winter is more enjoyable now that we have our new wood burning stove installed. It's in the northwest corner of the kitchen. I think the stonework on the hearth turned out very well. We might extend it to cover more wall in the future. The statue on the mantle ledge is one we brought from Colorado by a local artist. It's a cowboy leaning on a bar, having a good cold beer, and is titled "Cuttin' the Dust'. We can relate.

We haven't found just the right seating for relaxing by the fire, but temporarily we brought in the love seat from the back porch. It serves quite well, just fits on the area rug, and we can sit close enough to rest our feet on the hearth.



Here is Denis in a typical pose by the fire, except there is usually a cat or two on the seat on or the person. Great place for morning coffee or a nightcap.

Before we installed the stove, the cats, Heidi and Zeke, stayed snug on their electric blanket, looking rather melted.

Jan 3rd, First snow

Our first snow of the year fell on January 3rd. Nigel, our Newfoundland and Annie, our Anatolian Shepherd love the snow and cold weather. Of course they also love being in the house with us so we have to do lots of foot drying. It's easy though, because they are trained to sit and lift their paws for the towel when they come in.

The dogs go with us in our ATV, a six wheel drive Ranger, when we go to feed the horses. They wait in the bed until we tell them they can get out. Annie waits eagerly; Nigel waits patiently.



A big source of entertainment here in Blue John is bird watching. We don't go out looking for them. They come to the feeder. In the summertime we have families of hummingbirds. In the winter there are many other types, most of which we don't know the name of, but this one is a red headed woodpecker.



Crows flock in to get the crumbs left by the little birds.

New Year's Eve Party at Baker's Acres

Jeanie, Alex, and Emma Baker hosted a great party for the Blue John Neighbors on New Year's Eve, 2009. That's why Norma and Denis are smiling so big -- happy to be part of such a wonderful group of people.





Below are Emma's new pink pony and her beloved "Teddy" which Jeanie and Alex sincerely hope she will not lose. He is essential to her emotional well being. These two were definitely the quietest ones at the party.



Here's mama Jeanie and darling little Emma, the star of the show.

The Blue John gang, laughing at Wayne's antics.

Alex, leader of the Blue John Redneck Band. Emma, Jeanie, and Marsha enjoying the feast.

Alex giving Emma a good tickle. Denis loves to watch Emma laugh. Note the Baker's beautiful new front door.

The rest of the Blue John Redneck Bank: Chris Smith (cousin of Alex and visiting member of the band), and Wayne Miles, primary entertainer. Denis is wishing he had continued his guitar lessons so he could keep up with these guys.

Charlie Miles, proud of her guitar pickin' man.

Larry and Judith Bearden, in the kitchen with Jerry, Keith and Marsha.

Marsha Sullivan -- such pretty shiny hair. We don't often see it down like that. Nice!

Keith Sullivan chowing down on Jeanie's great food.


"Gramma Norma" and Emma, her substitute grandchild when the others aren't available.

Emma shows Norma and Denis how smart she is with her alphabet toy.

Chris and Karen Smith, part time Blue John residents, but hopefully full time some day. The Blue John Red Neck Band is more diverse now and benefits from Chris being a really fine singer as well as a good picker.

Jerry and Joyce Jones, who have the distinction of having lived in Blue John the longest, except for Rosemary Jones, who wasn't at this particular party.





Joyce, Jerry, and Joann watching either Wayne or Emma, or maybe both.

Grammy Joann and her Emma.




And last, but certainly not least, Wayne, the primo picker, master joke teller, and river guide extraordinaire. If it's got strings, he'll play it.




Happy New Year everybody!