Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from BarnBugStudio!!!

Nigel

Holly

"And as, when all the summer trees are seen So bright and green, The Holly leaves a sober hue display Less bright than they, But when the bare and wintry woods we see, What then so cheerful as the Holly-Tree?"
Robert Southey

Treat Ride

Had some good Christmas-y (but very chilly) fun with the ladies today. We delivered homemade treats, on horseback, to all the neighbors who so kindly allow us to ride across their property. Mr. C. came along on foot to take pics and assist with the logistics (we hadn't really thought about how we were going to knock on doors without dismounting). Sandy, from down the road, loaned us her parade bells, so we jingled merrily as we went...
Made some tags for my bags of Date Balls...

Dressed Zoey up a bit.  Mr. C. thought she looked like a slightly demented superhero in her red Sleazy.

Waited for the ladies to arrive, added Christmas bows, posed for a photo and off we went...

My Barn

Hope you found time to have a little bit of Christmas-y fun today!

Date Balls and Decorating

Still a little miffed with my Christmas tree for flinging itself onto the hardwood three days ago (see 12-12 post), smashing so many of my favorite ornaments. So I turned my attention outdoors and finished this garland for the front door. Started with a fake garland and added fresh greens until I was satisfied with its fullness. I think it looks pretty good!

Ran  Christmas-y errands. Then a quick ride where Zoey tried to dump me, yet again!  She's determined to buck me off me and I'm equally committed to not hitting the ground. Hitting the ground is a young girl's game, 50-somethings don't bounce. We just lie there. 
Now here's a treat for you, Date Balls. I remember my mother-in-law making these when my husband and I were dating, then we sort of forgot about them for awhile. Other treats took their place. We started making them again a few years back and they're a favorite with my kids. Very easy! So tasty!

Date Balls
8 oz. chopped dates
1 stick margarine
1 cup sugar
1 cup chopped nuts (I use pecans)
Pinch salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 cups crisped rice cereal
Cook first five ingredients over low heat for 8 minutes, stirring constantly. Add cereal and vanilla. Shape and roll in 10X sugar.
I usually make them about the size of a truffle.


Now I've no choice but to finish that wretched tree. 
Hope you're taking a little time to be merry amidst all your Holiday racing around.

Sunday Things

This time of year, it is so difficult to keep a balance between the must-do's and the should-do's, and the want-to-do's. We are working on it, Mr.C and I, so today, after a morning of barn chores, and bringing the tree in to rest and let down its' branches, and bringing down all the Christmas decorations from the attic, we drove to St. Michaels for lunch and a bit of shopping. We are blessed in this area, with endless opportunities for both.

If abundant berries mean a harsh winter, we may be in for a bit of trouble!

This little cutie was scavenging corn from leftover fall decorations.

Stopped on the way home to grab some pics of this outstanding Christmas display. Apparently, a jet plane has collided with Santa's sleigh. My natural wreaths and twinkle lights begin to seem inadequate, in the face of such a display! Who has access to a jet plane to decorate their front pasture? Fantastic!

Hope your weekend was nicely balanced!

Decking the Halls and Stuff

Some outdoor chores, some decking the halls, and then off to town for a tasty lunch at Oxford Greens...Tuscan tomato soup and a really excellent Greek salad with roast chicken for me, and butternut squash soup and pear salad for Mr.C.  If you're in Easton, check out their Christmas shop on Goldsboro Street.

Finished my wreaths...

little front door

big front door

and barn!

Happy Holidays

Okay, this may be just the teensiest bit autobiographical...

Just sayin'...