Thursday This, That; TBT

 

My SHS classmate Dora Ragland Hale painted the scene on this Christmas ornament. 

You may recognize the mountain, which is near her home and one of her frequent subjects.  

Dora is an accomplished artist, and one year when she posted pictures of her newest ornaments, I had to have a few.  

I love the inspirations and stories that go along with the ornaments in any family's ever-growing collection. 

Sometimes, they're simply plain ornaments with pretty colors to enhance the tree. 

Sometimes, they exhibit specific themes.  

Sometimes, they are crafted with unique creativity. 

Sometimes they've been in a family for generations. 

Our Love family ornaments date back to 1985 because the collection we had prior to that burned in a house fire on Dec. 20 1984. 

So, our new collection of assorted beauties started the following year.  

Also, after our fire, Willie and Annie needed some new Christmas stockings. 

Their mom has NEVER been a seamstress, always white ribbons with my 4-H sewing projects. 

But, by golly, I actually crafted these stockings, which have remained in mint condition for nearly 40 years.

So, I'll put a few goodies in them for this year's Christmas.  

This pretty Clydesdale mare took a trip to Roxane's stable yesterday where a chiropractor was working with horses' sore muscles, etc.

The mare resides at the Selle Parnell Ranch a few miles away.  

Her handler Todd, a former driver for the Budweiser Clydesdale Western hitch, has been managing the ranch. 

Twas nice to see Todd.  He's a very nice man, and the mare was a sweetie.  

My friend and former colleague Rick Gehring turned 80 today.

I've taught with him, supplied him with horse manure, competed on Christmas drives with him, visited the Naval Academy with him and spent time in New Orleans with him.  

I've also heckled the heck out of him for about half of his 80 years and have enjoyed every minute. 

Rick, I hope you have a wonderful day and that your eyes don't get too tired reading those 80 social media notes which Ann rounded up for you. 

Have a great day, Rick. 

Thursday Throwbacks . . . . 

Good luck to Willie aka Coach Love and his Bulldogs tonight as they hope to rebound from a tough loss against Lake City. 

The Bulldogs, now 5-1, play at Timberlake at 7 p.m.

GO, BULLDOGS! 

🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀

For your enjoyment, while scrolling, another lovely blend of Christmas music, which goes on for about 80 minutes.  Enjoy.