Holiday fun with metal detectors!

Christmas 2021 is passed, but the holiday season is still in full swing around the Ford household.  The last leftovers have been consumed, another round for New Years is just around the corner, and the unknowns of 2022 lie before us.

But in amongst the activities of the week, we did something new: metal detecting on the property.

The farm has been in the family for over 80 years now, but the history goes back farther. Over the years we have found old car remnants and a mill stone in the old creek named for a Texas Ranger who owned the property and died in the 1850s.  It is unknown where his homestead was and unknown where he is laid to rest.  So, that said, who knows what might be found.

We didn't stay long but found and old ax head, rusty wire and what appeared to be a hinge or fastener of some point.  Such fun! 

We will have to venture down to the Hughes Branch again soon!

Holiday Traditions - Bethlehem Revisited

About 45 minutes down the road is a hidden holiday treasure.  Tucked into a residential neighborhood in Waxahachie, Texas, is a living nativity village with live actors and animals.  Camels, goats, and sheep played their parts in Bethlehem.  Actors occupied stalls "selling" their wares and playing their parts in full immersion.

And through the night on a rotating schedule the events of the nativity and the arrival of the three wise men were played out.

The event has been held for years and is hosted by the Central Presbyterian Church.  It is free and operates on donations.  They always host it the first two weekends of December each year.  We go when we can.  Highly recommended!

Texas Winter Sunset

Odd day today in that we were all home and it isn't a holiday.  It is not unusual for me to be at home on a Friday, as my job allows extreme flexibility on the last day of the week.  Stephanie and Sadie, on the other hand, we're home due to extreme absences predicted due to the funeral of a student at the school.  A sad situation all around but it did give us a chance to slow down and enjoy a Texas Winter sunset.

The weather today was in the low 70s and the chickens enjoyed the day out of the run.  It was a nice slow day before the bustle of the holiday season gets into full swing.

Just before sundown a rainbow appeared to remind us of God's promise.  A beautiful December day!