Dinner, Downton Style

I arrived at the barn extra early yesterday...

because I had a very important appointment with a special little lady later in the morning.

I was especially happy to be there before sunrise,

as the rising sun put on quite a show for me!

I quickly finished my barn chores (in the usual 2 hours)

and headed to town...

spending the rest of the morning and most of the afternoon babysitting this cutie...

By the time I arrived home and headed back out to the barn

the sun was starting to set behind our woods.

Arriving at the barn I felt like I had just walked onto a set of Downton Abbey.

Moonbeam, as Lord Grantham was lamenting the fact that his dinner was late.

He went on talking of how difficult it is to find "good help" these days.

Donnie Branco, as Branson, was listening, but not agreeing,

since he, himself had not grown up in the aristocracy.

He, being more sympathetic to the plight of the "help" was far more patient in these matters.

MaryAnn, as Lady Mary, was beside herself...

almost fainting from hunger and wondering when her trifle would be served.

Lady Edith (Ginger) patiently waited by her bowl...

eyebrows raised at the antics of her sister.

Scarlet, as the Dowager Lady Grantham, was schooling Lady Mary

in the finer points of etiquette, reminding her that talk of starvation was unbecoming to a lady.

By the time the sun had set, everyone had their dinner and happily munched away.

All of the disgruntled ones quickly forgot their complaints,

and peace and contentment returned to the manor once again.

And I headed home to feed dogs and humans.

(Who, as it turns out, are much more patient than spoiled rotten farm animals!)

PS....
Here is a great gift idea for new parents...
(especially for "foodies" or health-conscious parents)

Ashley steams vegetables in this (which then purées them)
and then she freezes perfect portion sizes in ice cube trays,
then pops them out into a freezer bag.