Christmas Eve at Oak Creek Ranch

As I set out plates of Christmas cookies, warmed dinner rolls, muscled the ham onto its serving plate, and started the cider simmering...

I looked at Kersey, and thought...Twas the day before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even...

Of course, she woke right up when the house began to fill with our friends and neighbors.  As far as she is concerned, people only come to Oak Creek Ranch for one reason -- to rub her belly and scratch her ears.

After the feasting was over; after the ham was carved,

And the cider drunk (even better with a splash of bourbon);

and the plates of other goodies enjoyed...

Everyone left.

We bundled up (the promise of a white Christmas didn't materialize, but it was definitely frosty cold outside) and did the evening chores.  While Brett was busy turning of the water in the barn and getting everything ready for tonight's deep freeze, I cleaned up the kitchen.  Kersey... well, she was back to her usual.