THANKSGIVING  2014

It is mid afternoon, Sage and I are taking our 'after school' walk as the sun is getting low in the November sky. It is beginning to feel like winter, a little snow still crunches under our feet, left from the first snow of the season. We seem to be having less rain and more cold this November, and that is fine with both of us. Both Sage and I seem to perk up when the temperature drops. We love sloshing through the thick bed of leaves on our trails, sniffing (whatever it is that dogs sniff) and studying the progression of the seasons as we mosey along, and mosey it is now, Sage's arthritis doesn't allow for much speed, but after all- she is almost 16, I am thankful for the fairly steep hills along our daily walk, and lately I discovered that I can get more exercise if I walk up the hill backwards, hmmm-- didn't know “those” muscles were there. As another Thanksgiving day is nearly here we reflect on all the blessings of the past year.

2014 Started off with a bang when Sam and Jaxon requested that I forget about retirement and homeschool them for the second semester of 6^th grade. Beside fractions, spelling and Bible study they turned out to have great aptitude for bread making. And for the last two weeks of the 2013-2014 school year their main concern was planning for the whole 7^th grade at “ullaschool”. The '14-'15 schoolyear is now well under way and we are having a good time.

Splitting wood doesn't wipe the smiles from their faces, and--

Here's how they make good use of the equipment when I ask them to pick up some leaves from the neighbor's yard.  Sorry the pict are reversed, but my blogging skills are still VERY limited.

The sad news of granddaughter Miriam's death while doing missionary service in Nigeria was a shock to all of us. While sharing in the grief we also rejoice in the knowledge that Miriam was right with Jesus and is now resting in the anticipation of His return and a grand reunion while journeying to the home He has prepared for His family.'

From that sorrow sprang beauty most unusual.

Dear friends sent me a lovely pot of Hydrangeas,

After they finished cheering my heart,

I planted them in the garden

hoping that they would survive for next year.

But they did better than that,

All through late September, October and into November the same plant displayed this beautiful purple (Miriam's favorite color) blossom.

“Grandma's Swimming hole” reached its full potential with all 6 grandchildren and “ullaschoolers” making maximum use of it during the warm weeks of summer. What joy to have wet towels, suits, and shorts strewn all over the place and squeels and splashing echoing through the woods. Picnics with veggie dogs roasting over the campfire and fireworks across the lake on Independence day. A summer not soon to be forgotten.

And then there was a total surprise Birthday party for Maria, orchestrated by Daughter Eve, How heartwarming to see Maria's eyes sparkle with surprise and pleasure in the company of friends and family.

And so, from the Little house on the hillside in the Maine Woods we wish for you each and every one a profound sense of the presence of someone who is:        

Stronger than your weakness,                               INDIGO

Wiser than your questions                                            GABBY

Fullness of joy for the vacuum in your heart.                       SAGE

May your 2015 be Filled with HIM                                       ULLA

While I have been working on this, it started to snow.   So   I can be "dreaming of a white Thanksgiving".    

Winter update 2011

Skiing has been wonderful again this year and Faith is getting better and better at it, Grammie is getting better too, but oh so much more slowly. We do have a great time.

Luvon and Kadie visiting with the horses in the barn after a nice ride in January 2011, Notice the 'cookie jar' behind Luvon, the horses know it is somewhere and they are hoping she'll share soooon.

A few minutes before coming back to the barn from a nice winter ride

A few months before that, Faith riding Gabby in the riding ring a work in progress, the horses loved the soft feel of the carpets and amazingly they didn't trip on edges. Now there is a layer of stone dust (finely ground gravel) on top of the carpets making great footing for training and exercising.

Luvon exercising Dozer in the snow. Dozer loves to run and a foot of snow is just perfect to keep her to a comfortable pace.

Thanksgiving 2010

2010 Update from beautiful Poland Spring Maine.
Hi Everyone

January’s 2 feet of fluffy snow and a sunny day made for a fun ride. Dozer loved plowing through the deep snow. We don’t often get good winter footing but that day was glorious.

On our favorite Mountain the snow was more permanent and we enjoyed several good days skiing, Faith has long since passed Grammie’s skiing skills, but she is patient and we have great runs down the slopes.

The BIG surprise on the Mountain was when Maria and family appeared with skis for everyone. After that we met there several times and what a sweet joy to watch little Jael (4) learn to make a snowplow of those tiny skis and go down the hill in her harness , which just a couple of years ago was made for Faith.
The invigorating air on the Mountain made everyone ready for a hearty picnic on the deck of the lodge.

I have officially retired, but it seems like maybe I just “ reorganized”. Children and young people regularly come knocking for some kind of lesson ranging from spelling, handwriting, knitting, painting, and horsemanship, and natural science. And it is easy to teach when they are asking.
One day we went to explore a Porkypine den, Another day it is Kadie coming to practice her riding skills on Gabby and all the cousins and siblings decided to come as well, -hoping for pony rides. We are glad to accommodate..

We have made several trips to visit Maria and her family in Corinth, ME and every time we have been treated to a delicious lunch - most often served on their huge picnic table. The children have a list of exciting things to show us when we arrive so we keep busy examining gardens, trying swings, and they even connived to get Grammie on the Four wheeler once. We are looking forward to more skiing this coming season.

Before the busy summer season took off at a full gallop we managed to get the wood shed full, -should keep the nest cozy for the winter.

Faith has bonded well with Grammie’s new horse, Gabby. One day in early spring Auntie Luvon came to have “Auntie Day” with Faith in the form of a ‘first ride solo’ in the woods. It went well and every time Faith comes we have to do something with Gabby.

Summer was hot , making the lake inviting. One day we went for a breakfast on the water.
There were many other outings in the kayak enjoying the turtles, ducks, eagles, herons , fish and loons., with water lilies and pickerel for color.
Ebony always enjoying being the “skipper” but this was the year when her big wonderful heart had to ‘retire’ In January she showed signs of DCM (Dialated Cardio Myopathy) which is the problem that usually kills Great Danes. After nine months of supplements, medication and gradual decline I had to part with by faithful companion on September 11. I miss her greatly but look back on nearly 10 wonderful years together..

I lost count of how many time we rode “the loop” this summer, it is always beautiful, quiet, not muddy, and restful. The hoses know it so well that we can drop the reins and stirrups, relax and they will take us around the loop with a short stop to enjoy the view of the bog (we used to call it hidden lake). There are other routes and places we like to ride, but for short relaxing ride, the loop is perfect.

The season at Acadia was lovely. Each time I went somebody was glad to come along. Martha, Sue, Becky, Heidi, Luvon, Ingrid and Faith, came along at different times. The accommodations were simple, - horse trailer converted to camper with a broom and water, it kept the rain and bugs out.
Deer, fox, beaver, coyote, owl, plus many musical birds, mosses , lichens, and vista’s to make you heart skip a beat.

Snack time on the carriage road.

This was Faith’s first year to ride solo in the park, she and Daisy made a great team and neither rider nor horse were the least bit ruffled by draft horses pulling noisy carriages, or speed demon bikers whizzing by.

Big horse, little horse, any horse, Faith loves them all.

Our last trip to the park was also a time of beginnings. Leon, Ingrid and Faith also experienced the sad loss of both their aged dogs this summer, and a few weeks ago they adopted a beagle pup, whom they named Nicolas. Sage, an 11 yr. Old yellow lab who has visited me regularly over the past 8 years moved into my house to stay. Both dogs enjoyed their first visit to the Park, and shared their own ‘apartment’ at night. Camping appears to agree with both.

And so , as we look toward the horizon of the future, the unknown we praise God that “We have nothing to fear for the future, EXCEPT if we forget the way God has led us in the past.”
May HE be you closest companion throughout the coming year.

ulla

Thanksgiving 2009

Thanksgiving greetings to Friends and Loved ones around the world

This picture represents the day when after 11 years of involutary separation I was re-united with Maria (my youngest daughter) and her 5 children, who met their Grandma for the first time. God is still in the Miracle business.

There were many other blessings throughout the year. Once the snow came in January we made several Friday trips to Mt Abram. where Faith (now 7) has graduated to the Double Black diamond slopes while Grammie (me) is quite delighted that I can now ski the Blue slopes without heartfailure. Luvon is the very patient ski instructor who 'takes care' of everyone. Lots of enjoyment is registered by all

Faith is posing under the magnificent

Waterfall Bridge on one of our hikes

Several trips to Acadia during the summer with Ingrid, Luvon, Faith, and various friends left me with many memories and pictures. Ebony was along each time and discovered how much fun it was to ride on the LLBean bus, where she was treated just like a human passenger

A few weeks ago Dozer's niece, Kennebec Nighingale (Gabby) joined our family. Dozer is now 25 years old and with Faith becoming quite the little 'horse woman' we added Gabby to the family, she is adjusting well. Both horses get their time on the trails in our beautiful Maine.

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During the warm summer nights the Brugmansia on my patio perfumed the yard; and right now the several colors of Christmas cactus are flooding my studio with their lovely veils of exquisite blooms. Flanked by vitamin rich parsley and a baby pineapple

In the world confusions and discord reigns, but when God is the center of the home 'there is beauty all around'

May each of you know the peace that passes understanding. And may you greet each morning with gratitude.

ulla, ebony, dozer, gabby, daisy

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