Hello, 2018

Wow, it is here and with it the time to go back to school already.  I did accomplish a few things. The playroom is clean and I made room in the closet for Christmas stuff.  Next up is the upstairs.  This is my last day home, but either allergies or sinus or something has plagued me this break. In spite of sending eviction notices via extra C, elderberry, hot tea, rest and nose spray, whatever it is has decided it is quite comfy squatting between my eyes.  Anywhoo, that is a good excuse not to stir up more dust and possible allergens, ahem.
It is cold.  2 degrees when I got up this morning.  I don't think we had any weather like this last winter.
So I ordered a fine coat for our shorthaired SamWise.

Yeah, he won't wear it.  He doesn't mind his sweater- what I mean is he comes in with the sweater still on, but the coat lasts about two minutes.  Ahhh, more than one way to skin a cat.  Today I put the sweater over the coat.  The fact that it is only 17 degrees and he's been out longer than five minutes, must mean I've found the solution.  He loves to be outside, chasing squirrels and making nice with the neighbor's dog, but this is just too much. We've upped his food, as he's burning it up.  We keep a close eye on the time he's out chasing things.  I don't worry much as long as he has on a coat and is moving. 
He didn't even ask to go out this morning until 11:30. Likely depressed that his buddy is missing after babysitting him on the couch for past week and a half.
Well, New Year's Eve was definitely too cold for an outside fire.  Since Giddy-Up was too sick for the movie date, he joined Bean and Bugg for New Year's Eve.  Pap and Bean watched Jumanji, while Bugg and I watched Ferdinand again with Giddy-up.  That Bugg and Giddy-Up are just the most holiday fun.  I waited to open a game and a couple of gifts from Pap, so they could be a part.  They love everything.  I'm afraid I've lost Bean to his phone.  He surfaces to eat

Can I say this is the most junk stuff I've ever purchased at one time.  I don't get it. I don't like any of it, bleah.

and smile at the camera,
 and he does enjoy poppers
and things like setting up my jelly fish tank.
I like him being here, so that will have do.

 Miss Bugg still finds the sparkling grape juice too sparkly. Giddy-Up on the other hand, loved it and said, "Is this kefir?"  Hmm, sort of, not exactly.

 First thing in the New Year, we went out to see if our bubbles would freeze.

 They did, but it took a minute.

Next up, Blessing Gems.

Bean slept through all the morning festivities.

Making some cheesy, garlicky beer bread for lunch.

 Cabbage and black eyed peas to ensure a wonderful 2018.

Hope that is true for us all.  God Bless!