On the 4th day of Christmas

On the 4th day of Christmas...well Roger sleeps no matter where or when, on his Christmas pillow, from the 1st day of Christmas way into next year.  Of this I am sure.  He doesn't miss any meals or any chance to snooze.  I've been very busy quilting away on some gifts for some friends.  I even considered quilting some coats for my two little furkids, but as furry as they both are, I don't think they need them.  They don't much like the cold.  Both are rescue dogs from Missouri and after even a couple of years here, they prefer warm weather but will play in the snow some.  Can't say I blame them, but really--Christmas without snow?  Having grown up on the edge of the front range of the Rockies in northern Colorado, we always had snow at Christmas that I can remember.  So our Christmas here in Wyoming have that western influence, especially in Cheyenne, and we have snow on the ground today although it has been here for at least a week.  In the shops here you will see a definite "cowboy influence" in the decor, the gifts and the spirit of the residents.  If you have ever read a bit of history, old letters perhaps written in journal form by some of the pioneers who influenced this part of the country, you may understand.  These old cowboys and cowgirls were strong people who weathered the long winters, often isolated for months miles from their neighbors.  With only a team of horses and a wagon or buggy, they ventured to town for supplies only when necessary, through bitter wind and snow.  But usually a tree was cut down on the ranch and brought in to be decorated with hand-made ornaments, popcorn strings and bits of whatever could be salvaged from years before.  The Mr. and I are both descendants of this strong pioneer stock and I cannot imagine the hardships that I know were endured in order to survive.  At this time of the year, one needs to take stock of what is important and we are thankful to be living where we can celebrate this Holiday..Christmas because of our tough western pioneer descendants.  The rope basket would probably not be a very practical use of a good lariat back then, but it makes a wonderful receptacle  for ornaments!