Merry Christmas to everyone

With a foot of snow on the ground but warmer temperatures, we’re getting ready for Christmas. We started out this morning by having the big tire truck roll in, bearing Will’s “Christmas gift,” a new tire for his new-to-him big Kubota. A few weeks ago, he’d punched a hole in the old rear tire by accidentally running over a plow he was carrying home in the bucket. Oops! (It couldn’t have been a cheaper front tire?) Happily, the temperatures have warmed up from subzero, into the teens above, so it was a good day for the tire to arrive. The guy drove a boom truck so they could lift the 1,600-pound tire (filled with Rim Guard for added weight) off of the truck and close to where it had to be bolted to the wheel. They finally got two lugs into the wheel and the guy drove off to his next stop with many thanks from Will.

After he warmed up, Will managed to get all the lugs on the wheel. The tractor is now ready to take big round bales down to the cows. It’s the only four-wheel drive tractor we have big enough to haul those 1,500-pound bales. The Oliver, with 2-wheel drive, is pretty easy to stick in the ruts and deep snow in the cow yards.

Will’s two grandsons were going to come for Christmas. But Kyler missed his flight. Only Drew will be here tonight. I hope he drives safely from Minneapolis!

Our other family members will be here for another Christmas celebration on Saturday. I’ve been baking up a storm, so we’ll have enough pies, cookies, and candy for everyone. Of course, everyone always gets stuffed and takes goodies home.

I hope everyone will have a very happy Holiday Season and Merry Christmas! Love from our homestead to you! — Jackie