Nice Day

to be out in the yard again. 

I had to start early and make the pumpkin maple pie to take to Gina's tomarrow, then of course while the oven was still hot I could make up four sheets of lemon cookies to snack on throughout the day today while we were working.

Tom and Jess went back outside and worked at more leaves and debris around the yard while I was in the kitchen.   It was almost lunch before I could get out.  I decided to take it a little easier today and took the vac out to the car.  Much better!  While I was working on that, Ken came to visit. 

He brought his guns for fun.   Not letting a good time  to shoot pass, Tom and Jess grabbed their guns and went out back too.  Becky had leftover balloons that they took and used as targets.  Even in the wind they gave it a try.  Gee, I wish I would have know Jess was going to hit the balloon.   Right after I took the picture, pink pieces flew everywhere!  Bullseye!  

Tom thought it was time for a little more work before dinner.  He cut down the dead tree right outside the mudroom.   The kids had carved in it years ago, so I made him clean cut it first so I could keep it a little longer.   He brought the tractor up though and chained the tree and pulled it clean out after some tugging.   I'm glad Ken was here to help out.  They knocked dirt and sod  out and cut up the roots and hauled them off to the burning pile.  It isn't raked real clean yet, but it does look a lot better.  As long as we don't get a downpour real soon and it makes mud pie for the dogs it will be good.

I came in to heat up dinner.   I was glad I cooked the deer leg yesterday.  I whipped up some 'tater salad and pulled the meat from the bone and cooked it in a saucepan with beef broth for 45 minutes.  It was so tender!   We had frozen chocolate cake for dessert.

After dinner, Tom cut the finished wood for the back window.   I have to stain it soon.  Just not tonight.  I am tired!

Off to pick up the animal bowls.  All were accounted for except Loopy.   I am sad.  Poor Loopy.  It has been three days.  The last time I saw her was when I was working on the front yard and the walkway.  Baby was stalking her and she was up under the kitchen window.  I threw a big ball of manure at him and he ran off.  Loopy didn't,  but I don't know where or when she went.  She didn't come in for dinner that night and haven't seen her since.

This was her as a baby.  She is a sweet calico!