Goodbye Barbaro

Today, Barbaro lost his heroic battle against a broken leg after an abcess developed in his hoof. After 8 months of surgeries and rehab, the owners decided to humanely euthanize him. He was a brave and strong horse that will be missed.

Chester and Annie

I don't take many commission portraits a year, but I enjoy doing them. These are two dogs owned by one of the contractors we hired to fix our siding after hail and tornado damage. I have two more commissions to complete (not portraits), then off to paint for the San Dimas show.

Snow!

You gotta love it! Check out the family photo page to see how the rest of the family reacted!

Finally...!

It has finally happened!!! This December is the warmest in Minnesota history. In fact, I rode my horse yesterday in a sweatshirt...no long underwear, no turtlenecks, not even gloves! So for all of you California friends who love to poke fun at me, I can honestly say that we were warmer than you one day this week. So THERE!

Not more than half and hour ago, it started to snow. You can't really see it in this picture, but the snow coming down is what has Dakota so mesmerized.
This is the latest snow since 1908 when we did not have a snow until December 16th. I really do want a white Christmas, but things are not looking good. Even though they predict 2-4 inches, it won't hang around because the ground is too warm.
It is predicted that we will have 35 degrees on Christmas day...maybe I will go out and get a sun tan.

Merry Christmas from our home to yours!!!

Christmas is my favorite time of year! I have been caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, but all is done now. Gifts are bought and sent, cards are signed and sent...all to do now is to enjoy the rest of the season!

My thanks to all of you who have sent your wonderful emails and cards. I love seeing pictures of your families and your adventures!

I will be diving into the paintings again very soon, so keep coming back, I will be better at keeping things updated.

Merry merry merry Christmas!!!!!!!