I set out wine glasses and a selection of local Sierra Foothills wine.
And then I put up my feet and prayed we would get guests.
At 1pm, they started arriving. We had a full house, laughter, shared stories and supportive conversation for Marv, who will be starting chemotherapy soon. The rain poured down while we laughed and talked. The last guests left at 8pm. We sent them home with cartons of eggs and warm hugs.
During the night, the rain moved out and the skies cleared. It was 29F when we went outside to do chores. All the gate latches were frozen shut and the porch was slick with ice. I started a fire, put on my scarf, beanie, gloves and jacket before heading out to the chicken pen to open the hen house pop hole. While trying to unfreeze the latch, I heard the smoke alarm going off in the house. I ran, slipping and sliding, on the crispy grass back to the house. I had forgotten to open the damper in the wood stove before starting the fire this morning and the house was filling with smoke. I opened the damper, turned on the whole house fan, and waited for the smoke to abate. Brett says I need at least one cup of coffee before starting the fire in the morning. No doubt, he is right.
We wish you all a very Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas Brett and Annette. Looks like all that rain has brought you some green grass. Yesterday it was near 60 here and right now the sun is trying to brighten up the day, which is at 43 degrees. No snow for the next few days. You sure have made a lot of friends since you moved. What a nice party.
ReplyDeleteAnd a very merry Christmas to all of you!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you. I find it interesting (and kinda weird) that your weather is colder than mine. Here's it's about 60....
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a lovely gathering. :D
ReplyDeleteWishing everyone at Oak Creek Ranch a very Merry Christmas, and a happy, healthy New Year!
What a lovely idea for a holiday! And the Peace candles are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteYikes! I've done that... it will about give you a heart attack when it happens! I'm glad there wasn't a fire. Merry Christmas!!!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas Annette. HUGS B
ReplyDeleteI had to smile about the cuppa coffee...my hubby says that to me, and I usually agree. :) Sounds like a lovely get together with your friends, and what a beautiful spread! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful kind of Christmas. You two are awesome hosts and you probably didn't need to be too concerned with anyone drinking and driving - or at least not driving far.
ReplyDeleteGlad it was just smoke.
It's too late to say Merry Christmas so now I will say happy new year.
ReplyDeleteWe had the same thing with the damper over our fireplace after our dog sitter had left - she had shut it to stop the draught from the chimney, whereas we never close it. Lit the fire the day after we arrived home and COUGH COUGH COUGH smoke everywhere.... I know your pain!