enjoying the days...

 

The countdown is on, friends...and I hope you've been enjoying each day of December doing what brings you joy, laughter, and peace at this special time of year. When the kids were little, they would say, "Do what makes your heart happy." and you know what, it stuck...we still say that.

So I pass that childlike wisdom along...do what makes your heart happy!

For me, it's been pulling out favorite ornaments, some handed down, some made by little hands, and decorating the tree with only those.

I wanted to keep things really simple...these little elves were made with the very bottoms of table or chair legs - I'm not sure how old they are, but each year they make me smile.

On the old Boone cupboard, I keep the tambour door raised and each season change what can be seen...again, it's simple. A rusty snowflake lantern, an old recipe book with a gingerbread man, vintage jingle bells, and door hooks I found in the barn. Nothing special really, but just a little holiday spirit and glow.

I've always wanted one of these (I have no idea why, is it just me or do you sometimes simply find things that catch your eye?) 

It's an old Campfire Marshmallows tin from the 1920's...yep, rusty and worn, but now it's holding s'more goodies by the fire. (yes, yes, a little gift to me, from me...I just may be on the naughty list now!)

My son's home from college and as my daughter always says, "The balance has been restored!"  We're enjoying favorite movies, eating cookies, sleeping in, and I'm hearing whispers of secret surprises. We're also laughing about the kittens first Christmas...they are quite a handful!

I was recently asked what we named them...Poppy, Salem, Charlie, and Lola. Poppy is just a sweet name I like, Salem is all black so it seemed to be a good choice to choose the name, Salem Saberhagen -  a black cat on a TV show, Charlie and Lola was an animated British show the kids loved watching when they were young!

I've been trying to avoid the frenetic pace that often comes with this time of year. Taking it slow, trying to plan ahead...be in the moment...not miss it.

Are the Christmas cards mailed? Nope...and that's okay. They're on tomorrow's to-do list, maybe I'll just make them Happy New Years cards, why not?!

Thank you for stopping by here and at MaryJanesFarm...I appreciate you visiting to see what's happening in my little corner of the world. I know your days are busy...it's been wonderful finding so many kindred spirits.

I hope all is well where you are...enjoy every day as each one counts down toward Christmas!

Thanksgiving wishes…

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So thankful for your friendship across the miles and down the road.

May you have a Thanksgiving day filled with sweet memories and traditions. 

Thanksgiving!

How can it only be a few days before Thanksgiving – wasn’t it just Halloween?!

The countdown is on, and this year I’m determined to keep it simple and have an old-fashioned Thanksgiving (at least that’s the plan!)

My November MaryJane’s Farm post is now online if you want to see what I’m up to, as the old saying goes, “in my neck of the woods!”

Just click here…

Thanks!

 

Camera roll catch-up…

It’s a rainy Wednesday in my part of the world-windy, 40°, gray skies – a typical Midwest November. But truly, I can’t complain, we’ve had a lovely Fall – most days have been warm, sunny, and beautiful. 

Even after several frosts, the Swiss Chard is still happily growing in the garden.

And don’t let anyone tell you that potatoes from the grocery store that have sprouted in your kitchen can’t be planted in your garden – because they absolutely can!

I just thought this photo was pretty, as well as a bit mysterious-looking, it's what’s left after the leaves drop from a clematis bloom. 

         

And this is the moon coming up – honestly NO filters were used. I have no clue as to why it photographed looking so eerie! 

                                             

I truly think these are little fairies dancing in the autumn sun…

                                              

The field corn for this year is:

Going,

    

going, 

gone!

              

And this is the daily scene as harvest winds up - a lesson in patience as equipment slowly moves from field to field. No room for passing this fella!

                                  

Bailey ready for her first walk in 4 months after her heartworm treatment…

and Bailey after her walk!

                               

This pumpkin is from last year! The variety is called Hot Chocolate and I’m amazed it’s in such fantastic condition - you’d never know it’s not from this season. Last year I simply set it on a shelf in the basement where it happily lived until a few weeks ago. I’m going to try my luck again with a couple more I bought this year. It's heavy, so it's not dried out inside...no seeds to be heard when I shake it, but I do hope it dries and stays just like this.

              

               

And last but not least, my daughter and I went on a girls weekend to Taylor Swift’s final Eras Tour concert! Tickets were bought over 15 months ago - August of 2023 so, as the song says, "It’s been a long time coming!" 

We had the best time...it was a beautiful drive through farmland, perfect weather, and as always, my daughter is the best navigator, music coordinator, and snack distributor! 

Car decked out -

Friendship Bracelets made (93 to be exact!) -

Photo op outside the Marriott Hotel - ✔

                

And then to our seats!

                 

We had such a fun time - friendly crowds and a concert that lasted 3-1/2 hours with no breaks. So thrilled that she invited me to go with her - a night to always be remembered! 

Well, that's the latest from my corner of the world...hope all is well wherever you may be!

Veterans Day…

 

“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. 

They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifice.”

-President Harry S. Truman

happy Halloween!

Here’s what the steps of the old farmhouse look like today…carving will be later tonight, along with roasting pumpkin seeds!

In case you’re still looking for a little inspiration, we had a chance to visit a local town with oodles of carved pumpkins – so intricate, and absolutely incredible and yes, very real!

…

How are you spending your Halloween? I need to whip up some snacks, pull out movies – yes Scooby-Doo will be included - no scary stuff here. Even though we don’t get trick-or-treaters in the country, I still like to have a little silly fun!

And that’s what it’s all about – enjoying this beautiful season and not missing it. 

I’m still trying to learn that – which is what my latest MaryJane’s Farm post is all about. If you click here, it’ll take you right to it.

Hope all is well! 

Happy fall! Plus snapshots from Hale Farm

Good morning…my favorite month has arrived - and it’s been almost picture-perfect!

Friday night we were thrilled to be able to see the comet where we are! I was especially glad my son was here…it always makes me sad when he says he can’t see the stars from the university campus-too many tall buildings, too many bright lights.

I hope you could get a glimpse of it, too. It won’t be back around for another 80,000 years or so I understand.  

I’m behind lin sharing my photos from Hale Farm and Village - a terrific living history site my daughter and I visited. Some of you had asked to see what it was like, and so if you’re a fan of old-fashioned ways and period decorating, you’ll find lots of inspiration!

I hope you enjoyed these - I wish it was close enough to volunteer - I’d love that - cooking with my tin kitchen/reflector oven over the hearth would be my idea of heaven. Sigh…I definitely found ideas I want to add to “this old house”. 

Well it’s another lovely day - I’m off to put the garden to bed and plant garlic. I hope all is well and you’re enjoying these beautiful October days!