S gets his sausage maker

S started the day by making coffee at 8 and used binoculars to survey the hunting grounds around us. He spotted some deer and began preparing to leave. After enjoying some porridge and browsing the internet, he left just before 10 as it was lightly snowing. Meanwhile, I took a shower, worked on marketing, and posted yesterday's blog following pet care. Harley actually ate today but it was bison heart.

breakfast girl

we have snow!

Before 11, S sent a photo showing his successful hunt. Then, about 15 minutes later, I noticed a truck stopping by the south fence line near the ranger. After calling S several times with no response, I saw two men with guns cross the fence, enter the ranger, and drive away. I assumed it was our neighbor Mark, who had offered to deliver the ranger to S. My assumption was confirmed when S finally returned my call.

S returned at 11:30 with his treasure, then had to hang and skin it before going back for the liver he had forgotten. He came in at 1 to wash up and change; I had prepared hot tea, hard-boiled eggs, a banana, and a protein bar for him to eat on his way to hockey. I spent my time working on Spanish and enjoyed a healthy yogurt bowl for lunch. I began working on the black hutch tutorial, which is quite detailed and requires numerous links.

The grey dresser was picked up at 2. I assisted the fellow (Jack Ryan) with loading it, and he set off for his 2:30 appointment in Airdrie, although I'm not certain he'll make it on time. :)

As I worked on my tutorial I looked out to see Mark and his FIL parked out at the corner of the fields. A few m infuse later 2 Der ran across our field south from the winery, jumped the fence and kept going as they stood watching!! Crazy right? And as it turns out Mark got the big fellow S saw a few days ago not long after.

Harley was hungry earlier, which was fortunate following her recent fast, so I fed her after 3 PM. I noticed the iPhone 16's cost had decreased by $13/month, so I began updating B's online. However, this resulted in my credits vanishing, prompting me to call Bell directly. After nearly an hour and a half, there was no resolution, but escalated customer service advised calling back for the credit after changes. Eventually, I managed to order a new iPhone 16 for B as Sheldon returned home at 5 PM following hockey and an afternoon coffee.

Shaina took Kaylin to the Nordic spa today for her birthday gift. They shared this photo with the giant Christmas tree there.

quite the pose ;)

He opened a celebratory beer. After cooking pizzas for dinner, it was time for S to process the deer meat. I assisted in setting up a work table and played the Flames game on his phone while he worked. Meanwhile, I returned to the hutch tutorial. Nathan's surgery is scheduled for tomorrow morning; he needs to be there by 5 AM, so I'm sending all my prayers and positive thoughts his way. <3

baby bath time

B was out for the usual night feeding and then wrangled Stella back to the garage before heading home. I completed the hutch tutorial around 9:30, then began sharing and sending updates to sponsors. I'll post to more places in the morning. Afterward, it was time to catch up on the blog. Amanda attempted to use one of my Amazon tutorial links before placing her order, and it worked—I earned a commission from her purchase. So remember, if you're about to place an Amazon order, use a link like this one first.

I went out to garage again to check on the butcher, then bagged the flash-frozen liver and esophagus treats, and provided him with a stool to support his back. Afterwards, it was Netflix on the big screen, but I started dozing off when S finished up at midnight. That marked five hours of sausage preparation so far. One might not wish to tally the total time spent hunting, butchering, grinding, and making sausage. However, he mentioned feeling energized during the initial phase. ;)

Renn has a fever again

S had planned to go hunting this morning but was uncertain if the fog would clear. Despite the fog and -11°C, visibility extended to our treelines, so he proceeded with coffee and porridge, and by 9 a.m., he was out the door. Meanwhile, I managed my marketing tasks as Harley contemplated her uneaten breakfast. I was delighted to discover I had earned $18.56 in commissions from Amazon.

He returned before 10 a.m. for a break after an unsuccessful attempt near the winery. After changing into a dry shirt and enjoying more coffee, he rested briefly before venturing out again. Shaina grabbed a coffee before returning to work. I enjoyed my health bowl while practicing Spanish, but had to wrap up by 11 a.m. to take Harley to her vet appointment.

Getting her into the car proved challenging due to its elevated height. Attempting to retrieve the ramp from the truck bed was futile as it was buried in snow. Ultimately, I lifted her front end and then her hindquarters into the car. We set off, only to encounter an icy, rutted highway with a maximum safe speed of 60 KPH. After swiftly disposing of a bag of trash at the dump en route, we arrived at the vet clinic just under five minutes late. A small victory for me.

Dr. Jodi performed cheek swabs, and the in-house test showed no bacteria, but the $170 lab test will take up to a week for results. Meanwhile, she advised discontinuing antibiotics in case of an allergy and recommended cleaning the cheek with betadine and applying ointment twice daily. The cause of her scratching and licking her hind end was blocked anal glands, which have been expressed, hopefully resolving that issue.

the road to Paetz's is pure ice

I loaded her back into the car, and our next stop was at Paetz's. Craig had picked up some Calgary-made pretzels from his Costco trip. I enjoyed a half-hour visit with them while H waited in the car. Craig gave her a couple of lamb treats for her patience. Then, we set off to collect Sheldon's repaired laptop, some beer, and a few groceries, with H waiting patiently in the car.

Before heading home, I picked up teas and a smile cookie for the three of us. My monthly paint parcel was also waiting at the gate. Britt was out and visiting Shaina in the house before going out to feed. I warmed up the leftover pasta bake. Shaina had already eaten a roast beef dinner. S returned from his hunting trip unsuccessful again. He enjoyed the pasta, his tea and cookie, and a gravy bread dessert.

B stocked the house paddock shelter with straw for the horses before she and Coop went home. S set up his laptop, now wiped clean, and then took a nap. Shaina finished her work, and I practiced some Spanish. Kaylin texted that poor Renn had a 38.8 fever again and had to be picked up from school. The poor little girl fell asleep on Kaylin once they got home. Get better soon little one <3 Shaina packed her things and left for the city around 4 pm. She planned to check on Renn and the Boysis family, then stay a couple of nights at Shannon's.

S continued with setting up his laptop and di some reading, while I focused on accounting and computer tasks. For supper, we had leftovers, after which S showered and dressed up for his rodeo meeting tonight. They planned to take a group photo, and the new vice president expressed a wish for a felt cowboy hat for the occasion.

Shaina sent this video from her stop to visit little miss, yikes to markers!

I spent some time on tutorials but then chose to unwind by watching season 4 of Outer Banks on the bedroom TV. S returned home before 10, so we enjoyed a few episodes of Alex Cross before ending our night.

 Sheldon took these photos yesterday and just sent me

Another card playing evening

Winter persists, yet today the sun emerged and the snowfall ceased. I began my marketing work early, motivated by an inspiring Instagram post to explore additional avenues for passive income. Harley consumed her breakfast, which consisted of bison heart. When S awoke, he brewed coffee and spent time in bed browsing on his phone. His laptop is currently being repaired in town. He also spent some time talking with his dad, surprised that they didn't receive any snow.

I've updated several tutorials with my new Amazon affiliate links, hoping to generate some sales. Shaina believes that one needs thousands of followers for success, but only time will tell. Today, I checked and noticed I have $4.47. I'm pleased to see it's really working.

We finished the chili for lunch. Shaina left for town before 1 PM to hit the gym. Shortly after her departure, a thick fog enveloped the area. I assisted S with trimming his neck and back after he cut his hair, then I repaired the leg of a small table. I'll let it dry thoroughly and check the stability tomorrow.

Inside, S was reading in the big brown chair but quickly fell asleep. I completed my Spanish lessons and then returned to working on today's blog. Shaina returned around 3:30 PM and started working at the dining table. S went out to replace the rear light bulbs on her Jeep, plowed the driveway, and shoveled off the deck.

Apples were todays school topic

In the garage, laundry was in progress while Harley had her dinner. I prepared a roast for the instant pot for our supper. S settled back into the big brown chair, browsing on his phone. I prepared a pot of potatoes and one of cabbage to cook. Shaina went through the surplus Sephora swag, assembling a box for the Siksika cosmetology class, which was a nice gesture. A customer was scheduled to drop off a trunk for custom painting after 5 PM, but due to the dark and foggy conditions, there were some navigational issues. However, she and her crew managed to arrive before 6 PM. After unloading, we discussed color options for the trunk, and once decided, she departed.

S had mashed the potatoes, so it was time to carve the roast, butter the cabbage, and enjoy a delicious meal. S and S went out in the -6 degrees for a hot tub session, while I stayed in to wash the pots and pans as a face mask worked its wonders.

Britt, Dave, and Cooper were out before 8, which brought the tubers in from their winter dip. Britt fed her horses, then a game of hearts ensued. Tonight's card game didn't last as long as the previous night's, with me emerging as the winner. Call partner smear was up next with Sheldon and Dave winning. B was prepared to head home after waking up at 5 am, but Dave was keen to continue playing, so she dozed off on the couch while we engaged in a game of partner smear. This certainly alters the bidding, doesn't it, Shaina? In the end, Sheldon and I emerged victorious. I roused B by drawing the short straw :) and then the townies departed. Shaina went to bed to get some work done, while Sheldon and I continued watching The Lincoln Lawyer, turning off the TV just after 1 am.

4 hour card game

I spoke too soon about middle of the night requests; Harley wanted out at 5, where we discovered a couple of inches of snow on the ground. It was a brief trip. Cooper needed to go out at 8, which meant he had to leap and bound over the snow to reach the belly high snow covered grass and back. I made coffee as I scheduled appointments in the city for the 10th, including eyebrow lamination and a lash refresh with Kaylin. The dogs were fed, but Harley only ate a little once again.

Just look at the amount of snow at 8 am, what a difference a day makes with yesterday balmy +11

The snow came down lightly all day.

Good morning from sparkle dress little miss <3

Shaina rose after 9 and thoughtfully made scrambled eggs for everyone. S ventured out to clean the satellite which was snow covered and then the front steps. The cats were contentedly guided into the garage.

At the dining table, Shaina began her work, while S plowed the lane, and I engaged in marketing tasks, including posting the school desk tutorial. Afterward, it was necessary to send it to sponsors and share it online. I returned to my blog posts. S took a coffee break around 10.

The dogs enjoyed multiple outings to sniff all the scents from snow pushing

Nathan sent this photo of Renn enjoying her lunch, she stayed home from school today to spend the day with him and his parents while Kaylin worked.

It was an ideal day for laundry. S went out again to shovel the sidewalks and clear snow off the vehicles. I prepared lunch for us all. S continued to clear snow, making way to the house paddock where he rolled a bale for the horses, anticipating a week of snow. Post 1, he and Shaina drove separately to town, S for his regular hockey game and Shaina to work at Starbucks for a while.

I spent the afternoon working on a very long and detailed custom antique dresser tutorial (coming soon) while watching my iPad. Shaina returned before 3:30, bringing me a fancy salted caramel brûlée latte, THANK YOU! She then continued her work here at home.

Dave and Britt were out around 4:30 for her to feed in the daylight and join us for dinner. I prepared a delicious pasta bake. S returned from his hockey coffee day in time to join us and started the first fire of the winter season on this wintry day. A rousing game of smear filled our evening, lasting over 4 hours with 37 hands. Shaina and Brittany, who at one point in the game had a score of -17, ended up as the winners.

such serious faces

The winners were very excited

The townies bundled up and headed home, Shaina retired to her room, and S went to the trailer to check if we had left his favorite cinnamon whiskey there. Indeed, there were a few bottles, but being alcohol, they were fine. The dropping temperatures convinced us to bring the potatoes in from the mezzanine. S brought them to the garage, and I stored them under the step. We then finished season 2 of Lincoln Lawyer and started season 3 before turning in for the night.

Warm chinook day

I still wake up at 6:55 every morning like clockwork. Fortunately, Harley has paused her nocturnal bathroom trips. Administering her pills this morning involved me sitting on her, pinning her to the ground, and keeping her head up until she swallowed. I wish she would just swallow the meatball as she did at the start of her medication routine. We enjoyed our coffees while browsing through Instagram and X this morning.

S loaded a large floor mirror belonging to Britt to drop off after church and then left. I composed a Hometalk post for Joanne's dresser and prepared tutorials for this week's upcoming publications. Unfortunately, Harley, having not eaten, now has an upset stomach and vomited all the pills. I'm considering halting this treatment plan. Subsequently, I was involved in several sales discussions: one for Kaylin's eye services with a friend, the sale of the gray dresser with pickup scheduled later in the week, and an ongoing conversation about a jewelry box for little Breelyn.

Britt was out at noon to feed, then headed to Edmonton for the Zach Bryan concert with Dave, leaving Cooper here overnight. I did my Spanish lessons while having a yogurt bowl for lunch. Sheldon delivered her mirror after church and a pancake breakfast, returning here with teas as I worked on tutorials. Another customer messaged me about refurbishing her old trunk, and one is planning to drop off a coffee table this week. It's certainly been a productive day for customer connections.

Sun Dog

The chinook brought a warm +10 degrees, albeit with gusty winds. Around 2, we walked the dogs to the gate. I veered south to tip the water trough and check the shelters for salt/minerals, then inspected the waterer—everything checked out. Harley enjoyed an outdoor brushing and a bath in the garage. S tested the new mouse spray foam from Dap on the gate controller before returning to the house. He refreshed her bedding, and I laundered the rest.

S polished off the last of the chicken and vacuumed while I delved into tutorials. His persistence paid off in fixing a string of Christmas lights, pinpointing the single burnt-out bulb. Such lights can be quite troublesome. Meanwhile, the Grey Cup captivated S.

Shaina arrived at 4 to stay for a few days while Nathan's parents are visiting. She worked a little and socialized while I whipped up a pot of chili for dinner. We enjoyed a hot tub session under a clear, colorful sky, thanks to S's lighting setup. After showers, S returned to watch the Grey Cup on the big screen, Shaina retreated to her room, and I watched Outer Banks on the bedroom TV while practicing Spanish. Later, I delivered them cheesecake snacks. After the game, S joined me, and we finished watching The Underdoggs movie. Next, we watched Queen Pins, a movie based on a true story about a coupon scam. S went to sleep, and I continued watching Outer Banks then listened to a podcast.

Foggy day 2 at the ranch

Upon waking, the fog was dense once more, prompting the hunter to stay in; so, coffee was brewed and savored in bed. I attempted to give Harley her medication, but as she had once more refused to eat, I pilled her and followed it with a lung treat to aid its consumption. A couple more photos of the dresser were taken to ad to the ads.

The fog started to lift around 11 while I was conversing with Mom. S got ready and departed to visit a friend in the south, but a thick fog wall forced his return to the brighter skies of home. I finished my Spanish lessons while sipping on a protein smoothie and took Harley for a walk when S came back shortly after midday. He accompanied us on a circuit around our fence line.

I love hoar frost!

This was his highway view above and I sent my view below, big difference indeed.

S consumed a late lunch or early dinner of chicken, then opted to make another attempt to travel to Milo. I applied another coat of paint to the dresser top. Now, it's time to list it on the sales sites.

B came out before 3 pm, taking the dogs for a walk after gathering some items to take home. Afterwards, she fed the horses and headed home. Meanwhile, I continued working on my blog while watching "Outer Banks" on my iPad, but later moved to bed to watch the Eminem story during the golden hour and continued my Spanish lessons.

Kaylin had to cover for one of her workers today so these 2 cool girls hung out together

For supper, I had a piece of leftover chicken with veggies and then had to persuade Harley to take her pills. It was a struggle; even after hiding them in her raw meat within a frozen esophagus, she managed to spit them out, so I had to administer the pills directly. She dislikes it, but it's necessary. Afterwards, I resumed watching "Outer Banks" on the large screen.

S returned from another fruitless hunting trip, but he had a pleasant time visiting his friend Steve. He had another serving of the leftover chicken dinner and then joined me to watch "The Underdoggs." However, he fell asleep halfway through, so I went back to watching "Outer Banks," starting with season 3. The chinook winds intensified and roared throughout the night.

Harley turns 5

Waking up to fog, it began to clear around 9. I'm not keen on the new McCafe coffee we bought, but S enjoys it, likely because he has it thrice weekly during hockey chats. I tackled the morning marketing and hopped into the shower while S was on a Zoom call at 9 for an hour. Today marks Harley's 5th birthday.

Post carrying in the dresser for staging and preparing a yogurt health bowl for breakfast, I gathered and loaded the garbage into my car, heading to town after 11. I dropped off the trash en route, then stopped by the vet clinic for more antibiotics for Harley and Metacam for J. Next was grocery shopping. Mom texted that she and her travel companions had arrived in town and were eating at Smiley's. I headed there, helped load the furniture, and took out the turkey purchased from Uncle Don. After their meal, they set off for appointments in the city.

I returned home before 12:30, picking up parcels at the gate as I passed by. S was inside the house having lunch. It was a challenge to administer Harley's medication since she's become wise to my tricks over the past week. Ultimately, I resorted to pilling her, which she dislikes, but it led her to finally eat, especially after I added dried beef liver to her food. After storing the groceries, I took some additional photos of the dresser.

S bundled up and set out to hunt deer before 2 pm. In the meantime, I concentrated on tutorials and blog updates. I prepared a pot of potatoes and engaged in some Spanish lessons. Shaina has us on a family trial for unlimited earning for a week.

Kaylin, Renn, and Shaina arrived shortly before 5 pm. The little one is sprouting up rapidly, adorably so. She skipped school today to spend with her peeps. I prepared and baked a tray of chicken thighs and legs, as we all prefer dark meat. Then, I demonstrated how to make apple crisp, preparing an extra one for the girls to take home. After roasting a tray of vegetables, it was time to play with the pets.

Renn has a remarkable affinity for animals, and they seem naturally attracted to her. Sheldon returned from his hunting trip just after 6 o'clock. On this occasion, he fired a shot but unfortunately missed. We all enjoyed a meal together, and one of us even indulged in dessert. Renn, along with her assistants, showcased her favorite walking song.

Little Miss was getting tired, so they packed up and left for home around 7:15. The fog had rolled back in thick. Britt and Cooper arrived at 7:30, just missing them. After feeding horses, she had a plate of supper and then went home taking dessert with her. 

The Flames game attracted S to the TV room, while I worked on today's blog with my iPad and watched Outer Banks. Later, I moved to bed to continue watching, but feeling drowsy, I switched to the Mike Tyson fight, which featured two women battling fiercely. This jolted me awake just as S came upstairs, thrilled from the Flames' victory, to catch the end of the women's match and watch the main event. It was disappointing and somewhat sad to see a 27-year-old face off against 58-year-old Mike, but it was presumably worth the $20 million for 16 minutes of fighting.