Are we going to go over the cliff tonight?  No one knows for sure but I think it might be better if we just did it.  We are broke, we can't afford what we are already doing and the President and many others just want to keep spending money we don't have.  JUST STOP THE FOOLISHNESS!

My mother could have handled things better.  You have X dollars in the check book and X dollars is all you have to spend. Simple.  Why can't government do it?  Easy answer: they are more concerned about power and their own cushy lifestyle than they are about the country.  We, the Little People, pay for all of it.

Meanwhile, back on the farm, the animals are quiet but they will be feisty when the country folk start the fireworks.  I will take Goliath out with me at midnight to listen and to watch the flares over the trees.  He can bay at the moon if he wants to.  That's our version of dropping the ball on Times Square.

Wherever you are tonight, be safe and please, please don't drive if you've been drinking.  You don't want to possibly hurt someone else, or yourself, and you sure don't want to spend the night in the local "drunk tank". Take care.

Well, I guess we're going over the fiscal cliff at midnight tomorrow.  If not, both parties will have agreed to do nothing while making it look like they did something.  Sorry for being so cynical, but when I see our debt, think about my grandchildren and what they're facing, and then have to watch blathering Congressmen and Senators in their three piece suits hogging microphones I just want to throw up.  And they get a pay raise for all of their hard work, oh PLEASE!!!

Maybe we will do better just to go over the darn cliff.  After all, the sun will still come up, and when Americans see the result then maybe, just maybe, they'll finally understand that you don't get anything from nothing. 

I guess that's why I like it out here on my rural property.  I can take a walk and forget about all of this negativity, clear my head with fresh air, and marvel at the wonders of God through nature. Keep smiling, folks.

We were doused with another welcome round of thundershowers in the wee hours, should be clearing and turning colder again.  Should only last a couple of days.

As the New Year approaches I think of the plight of our country.  I think the hard times are just beginning. The President seems determined to turn us into a European economy and we all know how that will turn out.  Businesses are afraid to hire because of low demand by consumers and the unknowns about regulations and taxes.  Liberals just don't understand that taxes don't bring home more revenue if no one is working to pay them.

Here on the local agricultural front, many horse farms are going broke. The cost of feed is skyrocketing, largely due to the use of so much grain for green projects.  They don't work but no one seems to care.  DC is hell bent to force their way on us, just like 1984.

Yet despite all of this, the majesty of God is still seen in the beauty of the animals and woodlands surrounding me.  It reminds me that God is always there, and he is just waiting for us to wake up and look to Him for guidance.  Hopefully enough of us will wake up before it is too late.

Stay strong, Christians, and know that he is "The Way, The Truth and the Light."
And get those New Year's resolutions ready; you'll need them in two days. Also, don't forget the black eyed peas and cabbage. 

Chilly again this a.m., the temp dropped to 32. Now it's going to warm up for a day or two before cooling again.  Typical winter weather in Florida.  It even confuses the animals.

Speaking of confusion, I hear that Hillary is going to be asked again to testify. Supposedly some Rep Senators won't confirm her replacement until she talks. I doubt that they will do that; at least five squishy Reps can be found to allow Harry Reid to move forward.  Nothing ever changes in DC.

That's why I like it out here on the farm.  Animals have a lot more common sense than we do sometimes and they are consistent in the way they act, unlike politicians.

Oh well, that's just the way it is. By the way, don't forget your New Year's resolutions.  Might I suggest that you start with a prayer and focus on the things left undone last year.  Family safety, emergency plans, and financial self-sufficiency should be at the top of your lists. Also, pay attention to what the politicians do, not what they say.  Remember, their power comes from our complacency. 

 I think we have some tough economic times ahead.

Pray for Americans to come to their senses.

...on this chilly Florida morning.  The horses are frisky but were glad to have their blankets on last night.  A couple of cooler days and chilly nights and then back to normal.

Today I think about the mess that America is in with the fiscal cliff, lack of budgets, and the lack of leadership from anyone on top, but especially our President.  I don't think I can ever remember a President who talked so much and did so little, except for things to destroy the economy.  Oh well, I guess that's why I enjoy living out in the country.

Out here I can avoid the turmoil when I need to for my sanity and enjoy the beauty and glory of God's gifts in nature.  How can anyone doubt Him when you watch his divine plan for nature unfold around you?  And always remember, He has a divine plan for us, we just have to seek it and believe.

Have a wonderful day and whether an adult or a child enjoy playing with your Christmas toys.

...and there's a line of pretty severe thunderstorms approaching from the west.  It doesn't look nearly as bad as what they had west and north of here and it should only last for a couple of hours.  The farm animals are, however, a little bit restless as they always sense bad weather.  Even my trusted Goliath seems edgy.

Once the rainstorm passes it should clear up and get colder.  That's the one thing about North Florida, whenever the rains come in the winter you can usually count on colder weather to follow.  But it doesn't last long.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas.  Now it's time to make those New Year's resolutions.  A suggestion: look at the things that you wanted to do last year and didn't complete and use them as a starting point.  Maybe you want to lose a little weight, or get more exercise, or show more love in your heart---whatever it is write it down and, above all, don't procrastinate.

Christmas Day on the farm has dawned dreary and chilly, but I am not dreary in my heart.  Quite the contrary, this day represents the best of everything and I hope all rejoice in the miracle of the Christ Child and what he has done for us.

I will enjoy a quiet day of rest and meditation (except for a few farm chores, of course.  And I will pray that the foul weather that is expected immediately to our north doesn't find it's way further south to North Central Florida.  And I will pray for those further north who are supposed to be immediately impacted by storms.

So be of good cheer and know that the only perfect Man ever to walk the face of the earth was born this day. Celebrate, reflect and enjoy.  It only comes once a year but we need to keep it in our heart always. 

Children of all ages are excited everywhere.  Even my dogs, cats and horses sense that something is in the air.  Although my wife has to work the evening shift, I will be waiting for her return with a cup of good cheer and some Christmas music.

Whatever you do, don't forget the reason for the season.  We must keep Christ foremost in our lives and try our best to live as he would have us.  It isn't always easy, but you will feel better for it and will set an example for others.  Despite what seems to be the case sometime, good always eventually triumphs over evil.  If you keep Christ in your heart, you can't go wrong.

I call it Florida "snow" since its the closest thing we get.  Coldest night of the year so far, 28.  Good thing I put all my potted plants under cover.  It will start warming up today and much warmer tonight. It'll be time to reopen the water lines in about an hour, once the sun starts warming things.  Horses will be able to shed their blankets later in the day--they like that.

Looking at the heavy frost under the blue sky makes me fully aware of the presence of God.  He is always there, but sometimes we have to look for him.  Talk to him and he will respond.

Afternoon will be busy.  Blanket plants, shut down pond pumps and drain, cover birds, extra hay for the horses, turn off water to the fields.  Then stay inside and avoid the cold.  A good night for a little writing, a little surfing and blogging, and some reading.  A little brandy won't be bad either.