NO TRAVEL

We are cocooning today. School goes on when you are homeschooled, but not much else is happening. No travel is advised through our segment of North Dakota - the mall has even closed! Keeping warm....

Gas Prices

The sky is falling?! No, it's just the gas prices plummeting. Isn't it sad when I say that our prices are ONLY $2.07/gallon? My favorite husband said that we will have a celebratory dinner out when the prices drop to $2.00/gallon. The $ we will save in the tank (compared to the $3.00/gallon) will more than pay for a lovely evening.

Chickens

The chickens are being transferred to their winter quarters today (my parent's barn). Making this happen meant that Hank's dog cage and the cat carrier were hauled to the barn, all exits were blocked after nightfall and the fun began. The kids went out and captured the fowl, stuffing them into the cages. The cat carrier was reserved for a mother hen and her three chicks. Our youngest came in with a tale of catching the largest gray rooster by the tail. He still has his feathers, but didn't escape her clutches.

Maybe Dad will have better luck with eggs. Our girls have been hiding them everywhere but in the nest boxes. I have asked the kids to build a chicken tractor for next year (go ahead and google it).

Boycott

Am I the only one irritated by the Christmas music and merchandise that was in the stores before Halloween? I was doing a really fast grocery run last night in a national chain store and was quite irritated to pass aisles of Christmas items while ignoring the Christmas carols playing on the overhead speakers. I'm not planning to do anything with Christmas until after Thanksgiving. Bah humbug!

Happy Birthday

Today my youngest brother turns 34. He is celebrating an "adult birthday" today - he is at work. I wonder if he brought treats for the other staff? Best wishes.

What's up at our house?

I am still in school - 4 papers due in 4 weeks and not a complete thought to be found in my head (hence the updated blogging - procrastination at its finest). My "a" in intro to psychology is still holding, we'll see how comp I is looking after I meet with the teacher today.

The kids are great. They haven't been riding the horses quite as much because of deer hunting season. I know, most hunters are incredibly responsible and wouldn't shoot at a horse and rider, but it's the odd weirdo (with a gun and ammo) that worries me - you know the stereotypical guy - he's been drinking, dressed in brilliant orange, has a gun and a deer tag, and the season ends in just a few days.

My favorite husband has been attending classes this week for work. It's odd to see him heading out the door in "civilian" clothes vs. the lovely maroon scrubs.

I've been doing the odd bit of cleaning - my mother-in-law is coming for a visit next week. She is quite wonderful and doesn't expect any special treatment, but hey - doesn't everyone clean when their mother-in-law comes to stay??

Weather, weather, weather

TODAY is predicted to be the last day of beautiful (depends upon your definition) weather until April. Temperatures in the 60's are unheard of in ND in November, but yesterday was amazing and today is expected to be the same. All outside work or play that happens best without gloves should be completed today. Snow is predicted for this weekend. Brrr.

Flunked!

No, not me, Hank. Hank is attending obedience school on Monday evenings. This week the instructor took me aside and said that I may wish to enroll him in the next series starting in January - not the advanced series, but a repeat. She tried to soften the blow by saying he is a puppy, has a hard head and needs to realize he isn't in charge. So, starting in January, Matthew and Hank are continuing to attend obedience school - after they finish the current series in December!