STORIES FROM THE BARN - CHANGES

Written by Leona Nielsen
Published on February 2013

Jack Frost was having a hard time painting a beautiful picture on the window pane with the temperature warmer than usual. Joseph was more than happy to see some warm weather, especially in December.
Baby had been awake for hours. The wind blew as it if it was angry. He is not afraid of the wind but would much rather it didn’t blow.
“Everybody, did you see what has happened to our barn? It is so pretty. Pretty just like me.†yelled Annie.
“It looks like Christmas is upon us once again.†said TC.
“Girls I will never understand!â€
“Me neither Joseph.â€
“Oh, I remember it is when all kinds of people come to the barn to look at us and leave.†Joseph said with some hesitation.
“Why are you saying it like that Joseph? It is the time of the year when the children go with us from house to house to deliver cards to our neighbours and saying Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year plus thanking them for their kindness. The children are so excited.â€
“Yep, that is it in a nutshell Baby!â€
“I’m excited too Joseph†added Annie.
“We all are but Joseph, out of curiosity< I would like to know why you seem like you aren’t excited.†Baby looked at Joseph waiting for the answer.
“Well it is like this. It is not the time of the year I don’t like. I have to get dressed up in the funny hat with Santa sitting on my back. Plus the bells that hang off my cart. I wish I could go out looking like me.â€
“Oh Joseph you look handsome and everyone wants a picture with you.â€
“I know, but I still wish I could ditch that hat!â€
“That might be easier to do.†Annie whispered as her eyes lit up.
“HELLO!!!! Have you ever seen the number of hats our owners have?â€
“Oh yea Baby, I sort of forgot. If one went missing another one would appear to take its place.†added Joseph.
“That’s alright, the hat and Santa match in colour, Joseph.â€
“Leave it to you Annie to think of that.â€
“Joseph, just think, maybe if you kind of lean towards your female side ………â€
“Where di that come from?†Joseph asked as he looked at Annie trying to get a handle on what he just heard.
“I heard Mrs Owner say to Mr Owner that he should use his female side more often. Not really sure what it means but it sounded good.â€
“I was told there would be days like this but I never thought today would be one!†Joseph thought to himself.
“Little Ones, you certainly are entertaining at times with the way you view something.†said TC.
“I have a question TC.â€
“Let’s hear what the question is Annie.â€
“How come Joseph is the only one that gets to go house to house and deliver the cards? Baby has told me stories of when everyone used to go.â€
“That is true, Annie. Years ago we could because the children were living at home to help. Now the kids have grown up and moved away to start their own lives. One of our owners looks after the barn while the other organizes the food in the house. That is why it is only Joseph taking the cards.â€
“Will there be people coming this year TC?â€
“I am not sure what day it will be Annie. The decorations are up so it shouldn’t be too long now.â€
“Before I go out I have to have another look at our tree with the star on top. Anyone want to come with me?â€
“Let’s all go with Annie.†said Baby.
As each day passed TC would find Annie standing by the front door patiently waiting.
“Maybe we should tell Annie.â€
“Yes Havier, I think it is time.†replied TC.
Shortly after, TC gathered everyone together.
“There is someone that has been waiting each day for the visitors to come.â€
“Yes, TC, that is me but no one has come yet. You did say it would be a couple of days.†said Annie.
“I know I did Annie but unfortunately, this year, the Christmas ride as it is called, is not going to take place.â€
Annie immediately dropped her head.
“Sometimes things don’t always work out the way they should.â€
“But why, TC?â€
“There is no one this year to help the owners with everything that has to be done.â€
“What are we going to do? Our barn is all pretty and no one is going to see it but us.â€
“I know how much of a disappointment it is for all of us, especially Annie. Changes happen and when they do, sometimes there is nothing we can do.â€
“I guess one way of looking at it is that Joseph won’t have to wear that hat.â€
“Never thought of that! In this case I think I would rather be wearing the hat.†Joseph added.
“I guess I will have to accept what has happened.†Annie whispered in a low voice.
“We have our tree and decorations. There is nothing to say we can’t enjoy them.â€
“Baby, you are so right. If we know any Christmas songs we could sing them.†Joseph added.
“We could also tell stories of Christmas rides gone by.†Annie replied since she was interested in how it used to be.
“It looks like we are going to be alright with the change.â€
Before TC could answer the barn door opened and …………………….
　
Hi everyone. As you can see our story is not finished. You will have to wait until next time to see what happens. Maybe you are ready now and maybe you're not. Until then, take extra caution during these winter months with the ice and snow.

Page 15 February

Something else we would like to offer to our readers in 2013. If there is someone that you know who is having a birthday or hasn’t been feeling well or alone and you think they would like to receive a card from us to cheer them up, we certainly would love to send one out to them. Just drop a note with the person’s name, mailing address and the occasion for wanting it sent to
Storiesfromthebarn2@gmail.com
We will do the rest.
Until next time stay safe
Baby, Joseph, Little Annie, TC, Havier and
Murphy the Cat