A Whole Lotta Nothin...

It's an incredibly dreary day here in NW Indiana. I thought I'd just give you a few glimpses of Christmas around here.

I have a confession.

I'm still not in the Christmas Spirit.

I don't know why.

Usually I'm obnoxiously so.

The tin in the picture above is one of my favorite things. A dear friend gave it to me years ago, and I treasure it. It brings back so many wonderful, fun memories.

Here's another glimpse of the bedroom. You can see the silver tree that I found in the trash. It's decorated with all silver and pink antique ornaments.

I tuck in Christmas anywhere I can. I like to hang ornaments in with the dishes.

I like to decorate with cookbooks.

This little snowman tucked in my soap basket makes me happy.

This is my new kitchen ornament. Every year I find a coffee or baking themed ornament for my kitchen tree. I love this ornament so much it makes my stomach hurt. Seriously.

It was an incredibly busy weekend here at the Coop Keepers, or the 'Poop Keeper' as Glenco is calling me now.

There is so much poop.

All the time.

Glenco's brother Jim stopped by to help put up the cupola he's been working on. Made it out of curbside garbage. Old saloon doors worked nicely!

Still need a weathervane.

Other random news....

I received so many lovely comments and emails about sweet Helen.

Her eye is looking better, and I don't think it will fully open since the raccoon attack in June, but there is no sign of infection. I held her close up to my ear, and her breathing seems fine.

I cleaned out the coop good and put down all new bedding today.

I also got two heat lamps!

Thank you so much for your concern! I told her about all of your notes, and she was a bit overcome by the outpouring of love and attention.

Further random ramblings...

I went to Chicago to visit my sister last week, and of course had to stop by my old house.

This is where I grew up.

The green house in the middle.

I really hope I don't step on anyone's toes here...but....seriously people...can we stop with the inflatables? I'm going to start a petition for the immediate deflation of all animated air filled Christmas decor.

Stop the insanity.

And now for the finale of randomness....

Back in my kitchen post a few weeks ago, I neglected to tell you that we still have the original wood floor in the kitchen. It was covered with newspaper, linoleum, and glued on carpet.

This is a burn spot right in front of my stove.

About 15 years ago, an old woman stopped by the house and told me that she lived here as a little girl, and would love to see inside again.

I obliged.

She told me she remembered when her mother dropped a hot coal out of the wood stove and it made that mark.

Sigh.

I love old houses.

I hung this number 9 on my kitchen wall Saturday. I almost threw it away..it's a long story, in which I'll spare you the details.

Inspired by the love of numbers and letters that Shannan has, I decided to save it and hang it up.

It bothered me that it had no meaning to me though.

I googled 'the meaning of #9' and found this:

The #9 is associated with tolerance, generosity, forgiveness, creative energy, success, and a deep love of life.

Amen.