Down on the ranch, no one had informed the livestock that it was Christmas and life continued as normal...or almost normal. It isn't customary for us to be wearing a red velvet hat with a white faux fur trim and pom pom or felt Rudolph antlers but Christmas Eve saw us, accompanied by a suitably seasonally adorned Tomoko completing our evening barn chores. Lady the big Shire mare was NOT impressed ! Clearly the growth of antlers from the head of her ranch people was a little more than lumpy Lady could understand and, usually waiting anxiously at the pasture gate to return to her stall for the night, Lady was ready to run in whichever direction she couldn't see red hats or antlers.
Tomoko accompanied Greg and I on a Christmas visit to a senior couple here on the Peninsula. The Peninsula Children's home Society had donated a very generous Christmas basket to a wonderful couple who have been struggling with serious health issues. It was a pleasure to spend some time and share memories of Christmas's long gone by with our elderly neighbors and a good reminder that Christmas is not an easy time for those citizens who have challenges beyond their control. Thank you Judd Morris for making it all possible.
Tomoko also came with me on a long overdue visit to Mum J, my feisty Texan "mum". Mum J has also had health issues over the past few years but, with Tamoko sitting at her feet and her little Yorkshire Terrier on her lap Mum held court with us for a very happy and lively couple of hours. Thank you Mum for choosing to "adopt" me. We love you.
While Tomo and I were visiting, Greg set off to deliver Christmas cards to friends living in the neighborhood. Riding Lady who is clearly unimpressed by all the seasonal frivolity was not a safe option and Greg improvised with a redneck "horse" equipped with plastic bull horns, western saddle, four wheels and noisy motor. I have a very nasty feeling that the saddle may be a permanent feature !
Skype managed to bring together England, Japan and America yesterday as Christmas was celebrated around the world. We talked with Tomoko's delightful mom and dad and my boys in the United Kingdom, we saw our lovely grandchildren and had a great extended family Christmas as cell phones house phone and the lap tops all competed for our attention. We have wonderful family and friends and would like to thank all for enriching our lives.
Time to go, Take care, keep safe M