Chilly Out...

We got about an inch of snow yesterday - it's already gone from the roads and most of the grassy areas, even though it's only 25 degrees out this morning.  Our back yard is another story, and the snow still covers about 90% of the ground.  The forecasters say we'll have another snow like yesterday's on Wednesday.  My kits have been running in and out, and are now curled up on the afghan for a nap.  ...  Suki has been buried in the Snow family garden, next to Banichi, Paddle and Lily.  She will be missed.  The only times I ever saw her in a "bad mood" were when Boo, her daughter, was either dragging her around by her collar, or when Boo would not let go of her tail.  She was a very happy dog, and willing to try anything new - food or exercise.  She loved the water, and she loved to pull either a sled or a person on skis.

Black Caviar, the undefeated Australian mare, won her 17th race in a row.  It's reported that she might be running in Canada next month.  ....  What caused me to raise my eyebrows was that Rachel Alexandra and her new colt, born January 22, were taken to the Rood and Riddle Equine Clinic "as a precautionary measure" because RA still seems to be suffering from the pains of her delivery.  I've been around multiple horses before, during, and after delivery, and the only one I know that experienced any trouble ended up having to be put down with an incurable illness.  So my question is, what is really happening with Rachel A?  In the one photo released of her and her colt, she doesn't look like a happy mother....

Today is my Mother's birthday.  She would have been 91, if she was still with us.  I will celebrate her birth; she raised two separate families - her own younger brother and sister, and Kathy and me.  She grew up working hard, hunting and fishing, gardening, clamming, crabbing and oystering.  Her Mom taught her how to can fruits and vegetables, and her Dad taught her to make and bottle beer and root beer.  She loved a good laugh, loved to tease, loved to read, loved a good party (it had to include music, dancing and drinking) and loved a good cigar.  Rest in peace, Mom.