Here We Come A-Caroling

Don't ever trust the accuracy of those written voice messages on your phone. 

A Leanne Miller called me yesterday morning.  

I talked with her twice during the day. 

Twas about halfway through the conversation that I realized the person I was talking to was not the person I thought she was. 

Turns out it was "Nan," not Leanne.  

It's quite a sensation when you realize how your perspective changes when you realize "this is not who I thought it was."

All that aside, when the person who was really Nan called, she asked if we'd like to have carolers come to our house. 

I read the message and thought about last year when the same group had come and sung on our deck and how much we had loved it.

Well, the deck would not work this year because of huge bank of snow blocking its entrance.

Hmmm, I thought, we can't even figure out how we're going to get the Christmas tree on the deck, let alone a group of singers. 

So, when I called Leanne aka Nan back, I told her that our snow situation was pretty prohibitive this year but to plan to come and we'd work out the setting.

Later, while finishing up my barn chores, I thought, why not this place.  After all, a stable is much more appropriate for celebrating Christmas than a deck.

When I told Bill my idea, he was so excited that he lamented not having time to build a manger. 

In my second call to Leanne soon to be Nan, I told her our plans, and she was excited but regretting that she would not be coming.  

Seems that the group of carolers had split into two groups and she would not be in the one coming to our home. 

So, when they arrived, the families had no idea they would be singing in a barn. I think they liked it.

It was a perfect night for caroling with a new layer of snow and flakes still coming from the night sky.

I learned that this was the first barn venue ever during their local caroling experiences which date back more than 10 years.  One singer told me "We have done this all our lives." 

Anyway, bottom line, the entire experience was neat.

  I actually think CB enjoyed his first caroling experience more than anyone. 

He nuzzled one singer, surely hinting that he'd like to participate.  So, on the next carol, CB had full view of the words to the song. 

I didn't get close enough to see if he could carry a tune. 

Soon, after finishing their carols and munching on cookies, the group was on their way, bound for the next place. 

Like last year, the caroling group provided one of the simple and poignant gifts of the Christmas season. 

And, I'll talk to the horses this morning and see if they'd like them to come and sing in their barn next year. 

I have a feeling CB will. 

Happy Monday, and stay warm.