Wednesday, December 11, 2019

The Last Day of Our Last Visit to the Country for 2019.....

Today was our last full day to be here at the ranch this year!
It will be 2020 when we come back and that's a sobering thought.
Louis Dean had some of his projects to finish.....


one of which was unloading the washing machine.
This is our old one which still works - we think - and will be handy to have down here.
He single handedly loaded and unloaded this and - by day's end - is now in the super clean bathroom. He cleaned it so well that it smells like a hospital!
We are leaving the camper/cabin clean and ready for when we return after my knee replacement next month. As soon as I recover enough to travel, I intend to come back down here to recuperate.


I worked all day on my Santa at the Manger painting. I would paint for a half hour and then go do something else and come back to it. Back and forth. This one is for the Fort Worth Chinese Christmas Tree which is now less than two weeks away! I had forgotten that it was only based in and needed a lot of work.


We both worked steady today and accomplished a lot.
Louis Dean did a great job cleaning the big bathroom and it is bigger than I realized once he had taken all his tools and 'debris' out. The Dearborn heater he and his son installed does a good job of keeping the front room warm - or at least the chill knocked off. 
See the tiny tree? I bought it at HEB on Monday and will take it home with me.
I remember when I was a little girl, Mother always bought Douglas Firs for our Christmas trees.
Back then they were the least expensive.
I would wake up early and go in to see the tree and breathe that lovely Christmas Tree smell!
I think they smell better when it's cold....and it was cold last night and the night before ....so I thought sure I would open the camper door and breathe in that remembered fragrance.
I might have caught a tiny whiff..... what happened to the tree smells? It's so not the same as I remember.


My goals this visit was to paint and to finish my Christmas cards and I am happy to say I did both.
I must have ordered more cards this year than I did last year because I have a good many left.
We will drop all the rest of the addressed cards at the post office on our way home tomorrow.
If I do not have YOUR address - I would love to send you one.
My email address is on the side bar of the blog......please drop me a line and I will get one in the mail to you. International friends, I bought stamps! I just need your address!


It rained 3-4 inches Monday night and Tuesday morning but Louis Dean managed to get a campfire going tonight. Tomorrow we will clean the camper/cabin, pack up our stuff and head home.
It will be six weeks before we can come back.
Tonight my heart is filled with gratitude to Dean and Sherry for their gracious hospitality in sharing this beautiful country place with us. They are wonderful to us.
And I am profoundly grateful to God for giving me the desires of my heart.
Only God knew of my long time dream of having a place in the country where I could turn in at the gate - drive through and be welcomed. It was a dream I held privately in my heart since I was 18 years old. Dreams really do come true......

19 comments:

Ginny Hartzler said...

So wonderful that you are finally living your dream! Louis Dean did such a great job of moving the washer. i just saw a tip on the news for people who buy real trees. If it has been out of water for more than 10 minutes, they said to cut a slice off the bottom, so it will be able to soak up water more and will not be so dry.

Deb J. in Utah said...

Hello Linda. I am a new blogging friend and will email you my address so I can be added to your card list. I love sending Christmas cards so will add you to my card list as well. I love your Santa at the manger painting. Hope you have a great day!

BeachGypsy said...

Oh I love that picture of the crackling fire lighting up the country night....and the moon up there shining down! The santa painting is looking great and I'm sure glad all your pre surgery things went well. Are you nervous at all? My Dad had it and Mr. Front Porch's Dad had it, both knees both I think....and they both did great. You will too. I forget if you are having one knee or both? Once you get your new knee, you'll be able to do so much more and with no pain!!! Enjoy your time in the country my friend, it truly is special.

Small Kucing said...

Good day Linda. WOw... Louis Dean certainly was good and handy :)

Vee said...

You’re going to make me cry! My sign that you wondered about? D R E A M

Changes in the wind said...

You both really do accomplish a lot and make for a good team. I think Dean and Sherry enjoy you coming as much as you enjoy going. Safe travels home.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

It really is a blessing to have a country home to go to and relax! Well....I know you work hard there too but you get reenergized! You are so sweet to send so many cards! I'm glad I'm on your list....tell L.D. I've been very good this year just in case I need his OK for a card! heehee! Holiday hugs!

Arlene G said...

Going back to the ranch will be a motivator as you carry out your rehab Linda. I always enjoy seeing pictures from the ranch and as usual I am in awe of your sweet hubby who will take on any task!! He is a keeper for sure.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

the Ranch will be the perfect place to spend recovery time in. I'll be praying for a successful surgery for you and a speedy and quick recovery too. Take care and a safe journey home again.

Beth said...

God is good, and His ways are perfect.
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever." Eph 3:20-21

photowannabe said...

Somehow, that last paragraph just brought tears to my eyes.
God is so good and loves us with an Everlasting love.
Your country "Cozy" is a true answer to your hearts prayer.
Love it and love you and this journal.
Sue

Deanna Rabe said...

I love how God answers our prayers! I’m glad you’ll get to recover in this place of peace and beauty.

Susie said...

Linda, I hope your surgery goes well and you recover fully. It will be nice to relax away from hustle and bustle . To paint, read and write. LD is one amazing man. He is good at finding easy ways to get things done. Kudos to him. Blessings, love you guys, xoxo, Susie

Mitzi said...

If you have a lot of cards left, you can always send them to the Vets hospitals,Walter Reed Hospital.Just address them to A Special
. Serviceman or Woman

Bluebird49 said...

God is so good!
I'm surprised the fir tree didn't have a stronger scent, too.
It all looks so cozy in there, and I can just imagine the scent of turpentine and paint, and maybe a crockpot of beans simmering away and cornbread baking. I can almost hear the murmurs of you and Louis Dean stirring around, making your breakfast coffee and doing your daily devotions. It's a wonderful scene in my head to think of your magical life, and I am so glad your dreams came true, Linda! I truly think you are very deserving! <3

Rain said...

Linda I'm so glad your dream came true! :) It's a wonderful place for you and Louis Dean. It sounds like the perfect place for you to recover in the new year! Beautiful photos!

Carole said...

Here's to more of your dreams coming true. Cheers

Cozy Thyme Cottage said...

Hi Linda, I didn't send many Christmas cards out but it is always a pleasure to receive them. If you want to send me one, my address is 2810 Rustic Crooked Circle, Valparaiso, IN 46385. Tell me more about your cabin camper. Will you retire there? I grew up on a farm. Thanks for leaving a comment on my blog. Nancy

Carol said...

I got my card and it is beautiful! My husband even knew who it was from, although he could not remember your name. He remembered the card from last year. He says we need to frame them.
I am glad you are already looking forward to your next visit to the ranch and I think it will be the perfect place to recuperate.