I fear that one of America's oldest forms of social recreation may be fading into the mist of history. I hope I'm wrong. In winter, fresh air is just as important to the body & mind as it is at any other time of the year. And, in this farmgirl's opinion, we need to get out and breathe it in deeply ... skates or no skates.

"If I ever made any valuable discoveries, it has been owing more to paying attention, than to any other talent."   ~ Isaac Newton

Some words are little and don't have much personality. Other words may be of medium character and they too need the assist of words with more dimension if they hope to amount to anything. Then, there are words that need a lot of room. They are the giants. Words that can change the landscape, change lives, change borders, medicine, books, culture, the way we look at things and even at ourselves. "Discover" is such a word.

I hope that my next statement is as true for you as it has been for our family: Blessings in 2011 far outnumbered the trials. We also have two new family members. In fact, when I was looking around at our growing clan while at my sister's home on Christmas day, I marveled at that fact. We were all there, no one missing and with two new additions (and rumor has it, another on the horizon). My sister told me that Dad got a little misty over it; that and the fact that all of his loved ones are happy. Years in the past haven't always read that way and I know the future won't either ... but ... as for Christmas 2011, it was one of the very best. 2011 was indeed a good one in many ways. I can't help but look back over my shoulder before moving on toward 2012. Care to join me for a farmgirl year in review? At the end, please offer up the highlights of your year in the comments section.

Put on your mittens & cloak because we're going to go for a lengthy farmgirl sleighride ... of sorts. There's a party to go to and many stops to make along the way. Eventually, we'll wind it up with an old-time Christmas story. Hop in, snuggle up together under the sleigh blanket and 'kiss' Dolly into a nice road-trot...Jing Jing Jing. "Can you see the road before us and sing a chorus or two?"              

'Clan Plaids & Plaid Cans'. Try saying that fast three times. I can barely get it out once. However, a pattern (literally) has been more prominent in and around my life of late. Plaids. Firstly, my 'new' 1958 farmgirl Glamping trailer has become my playhouse. She has a name now: EmmyLou (after my fave country songbird). Anyway, EmmyLou loves vintage plaid goodies and I've managed to collect some 50s plaid accessories for her. And, now that  Christmas is nigh, plaids are back on the scene - wrap, ribbons, table clothes etc. Ever wonder why tartan plaids play a signifigant role in holiday decor? Me neither, but my curiosity woke up.

 Well, I guess it had to happen. It Is COLD in Wyoming. The warm looking sunlight of late afternoon is NOT warm unless you're inside. But, there is plenty to be grateful for as I get ready for Thanksgiving. I have a dandy little space heater. C'mon in and take a look at what I'm going to use it for.

Images can help tell a story. Pictures can add meaning and impart a deeper understanding. What we see with our eyes and read with our eyes join together and, in my opinion, turn an otherwise good read into a great read. Imagery stirs emotions, pricks our memory and takes us back to places we've been or transports us to places we will never see for ourselves. Words are busy, pictures are quiet. Together, they're a great team.

Fall color on the grassy 'high plains' is more subtle, but just as lovely as the tree'd up hill country nearby. On the ranch, we've been doing a lot of 'fall-work'. Socially, my farmgirl pals and I have been having a rollicking good time and savoring every autumn moment. Come on in and see for yourself ... 

Nancy Sinatra's 60's mega-hit made it clear that her boots were made for walking. Those groovy Go-Go boots had an agenda in the song. Her boyfriend was doing her wrong ... so goes the story. If you don't know the rest of the story ... take a fresh listen to "These Boots" via the YouTube link below ... and then read on about the life & times of my favorite footwear.                       

September is when summer isn't quite over and autumn hasn't yet taken hold. We're betwixt the two.