Chasing deer can get you in trouble

Yesterday afternoon Faith managed to sustain a large gash to her chest. Brad took her to the animal emergency room, where he was told that a piece of wood had penetrated 4 inches into her chest --- fortunately she has rather a barrel chest. It was said to have barely missed a lung. The vet said at this time of year country dogs love to chase deer, and they forget to notice obstacles in the foreground. Faith must have run right over a tree limb with a piece that stuck up in the air --- her wound was filled with wood splinter debris. She is on restrictions for the next two weeks!! She came home with a pink ace bandage! We think she will be okay in the long run, but the unexpected charges sure cut into our Christmas funds! She's not supposed to go up and down stairs, or run, or jump on furniture, etc.

Today I bought the beef tenderloin for Christmas dinner. Brad and I worked on potato casserole for the meal (he helped with grating the potatoes and the cheese) and put that in the freezer. I've been wrapping gifts, and so far I don't feel real stressed. Hope that trend continues! We ordered the wood-burning stove for the kitchen and it is due to be delivered next week.