This picture is for our friends that don't know what a snow roof rake is or used for. Today the 16th of January was a pretty day of about 40 degrees. Chuck got the rake out and took the snow of the edge of the roofs, garage, shed and house. This way when it melts and then freezes it won't wick back underneath and into the building. There was so much snow on the ground that he got the snow blower out to get it off the sidewalks. As I have said before we are anxiously awaiting for summer!

In our new addition we had 3 large windows put in the 'parlor' facing our backyard. We purchased two overstuffed chairs that swivel and rock, that way we can enjoy our birds. Our big feeder will hold 25 lbs of bird seed. We have a heated water/bath for them. We have our bird book handy to try and identify new birds. Some stop over for a day and some stay 2-3 days. Yesterday a bird, the size of a robin, stopped. It was iridescent greens, with gray wing tips. Haven't identified him yet. The quail, ring necked doves are the ground eaters. The little birds flip lots of seeds on the ground. If Chuck doesn't think it is enough, he'll add a cup full. The quail are so fat they look like balloons with feet! You can see we entertain easily!

On January 8th we were getting ready for our monthly Pack Meeting. Chuck was busy with his scroll saw making little cars to be given away at our Early Bird Drawing. The Cubs love anything he makes. He wanted to put all in the drawing, but I thought only six would do. We only have 13 Cubs right now and the drawing is for those that are on time. The cars are really cute and he has made some of his own design. While he was doing this I was making cupcakes for the refreshment. We are having another Arrow of Light and the cupcakes are special for that event....When we got to the Church there was a sign saying we couldn't go in as they ware cleaning the carpets!!! We didn't have any other place to go, so different leaders got their cell phones out to call their boys. We and the leaders go 1/2 hour early to set up, so we had some time. We will hold it next thursday, hopefully. We'v never had this happen before. I froze the cupcakes for next time. Oh, well, the best made plans of mice and men...

On January 6, 2009 we put away our 'Mickey' tree. When we were first married we tried decorating the tree with different themes, but finally settled on my Mickey and Minne ornaments. I have had some for twenty years. Each year we put on the ones we have gotten from the Pelgers in Holland and the ones Dani, from Germany, sends. That way we can remember friends. Some of the ornaments are collectables. I wish you could see the tree better, but the large windows don't allow that. We hope you all had a Merry Christmas and looking forward to a great New Year!