a catch-up…

I’ve been spending this afternoon reading how everyone has been enjoying these early days of spring…and while I don’t have blossoms to show (there are, however, oodles of dandelions!) I thought I’d share a little catch up on what’s been happening here. 

I’m a firm believer that we’re never too old for an Easter basket.

We had all of the traditional foods, and have been enjoying leftovers throughout the week - yay!

This candle always comes out for Valentine’s Day and Easter - would you believe it’s from my daughter’s first birthday celebration? She’s 25 now! It’s an amazing candle that burns very slowly, but I also don’t let it burn endlessly, I want to keep it special. 

We’ve taken springtime drives to enjoy farms along the back roads (a little side eye from this fella)

and met a new friend along the way. 

While I have definitely put the tatting project off to the side, I thought I’d share some more squares from the large cross-stitch piece that I purchased years ago: May, June, July, and August:

I wish I could say I did these myself; however, I absolutely don’t have the patience. My lot in life is to admire and appreciate the patience and artistry that others have for stitching/hooking/sewing.

The stained embroidery pieces that I found in the barn are now soaking…hopefully some of the stains will lighten (thanks for your suggestions!) If not, I will simply fold them creatively so I can still appreciate their beauty.

As the saying goes, that’s all from my neck of the woods. I’m curled up with Bailey and my favorite gardening books looking for inspiration and wondering what I will put in place of my now flat-as-a-pancake door arbor :(

Enjoy your week friends!

time flies..

How can it be almost April? It never ceases to amaze me that before I know it, it’s already the weekend.

This past week was a week of simple pleasures - doing my best to enjoy (as Gandalf/Tolkien would say) “…the time that is given us”

A birthday for me,

and remembering just how fun it is skipping rocks with my daughter at the lake - she was the champion!

Cold and breezy, we were wearing our winter coats, but it was such a fun morning…accidentally captured our shadows while taking pictures! 

Then, when the temperatures swing from 19 to 77 in March, it’s never a good sign. One day, it was a blinding snowstorm, the next, windows were open to let in the warm breezes. And sure enough, that drastic temperature change means:

And so off to the basement we went - pillows, blankets, important papers, and of course Bailey, who was not budging and quite literally had to be carried downstairs. We were only tucked in about an hour, and while all is well, we laughed sitting there, looking around wondering just how safe a 162 year-old basement actually is in a house supported by tree trunks! 

Yesterday there was time for a little Easter decorating,

lighting a lilac candle - my favorite fragrance, 

and thinking of Spring.

Then, after a little evening drive, we saw this:

 Amazing.

So that’s a peek at our week - and here we go again, a fresh new start is at our doorsteps just waiting for us - time to make “every day” days special, and special days nothing short of extraordinary! 

Friday folly …

Four completely random questions that crossed my mind this morning…

1 - Do hockey fans know that Script Ohio can be achieved on ice? (Yes, yes proud mom here).

It can (cleats are a must) and it’s amazing! Today the OSU band is off to perform at The NCAA Frozen Four…good luck!

(Photo: OSU Athletic Band Facebook Page)

2 - Is there any reason this must be categorized as “GRAY hair?”  I just renewed my drivers license.

Grrrrr -  I know, it’s silly, but why is “salt & pepper” not an option?! (as well as silver or white.)

3- Why is this fabulous old house abandoned??? 

Oh my goodness I could live there and be oh-so happy! Amazing porch, perfect color, but sadly, on a busy street surrounded by businesses.

And lastly…

4 - Am I the only one who thinks having this store open to the public is a bad idea?

My daughter and I popped into a large home improvement store, only to discover the power was out. We were told, “No problem, take a look around; just avoid the chandelier area.”

We didn’t stay long - the doors were propped open for light and there was a storm blowing in. I don’t know about you, but to me this looks like it has the makings of a horror movie.

And there they are, four absolutely unimportant questions for your Friday.

Have a wonderful weekend friends!

oh that weather!

The last week has been a weather whirlwind. So many of you are buried under snow, watching ice melt and then flood your homes, or cleaning up debris from gale-force winds.

As March came in like a lamb (at least here,) I do believe the old saying is true - she will go out like a lion. The temperatures here have ranged from a balmy 70 - so nice the windows were open, to a frosty 15 last night with a fire going throughout the day.

In our part of the Midwest we’ve had winds so strong that what was once this:

is now this: 

And while some barn roofing flew into neighboring fields and tarps surrounding the chicken run were found rolling across the yard, all-in-all, we’ve been lucky. The power stayed on and the old maple trees held fast…always a concern for me. 

Sending thoughts across the miles to all of you who are shoveling out, mopping up, and digging in to clean rubble and waste. I hope you find many helping hands to make the work lighter. 

maybe not…

So many of you cross stitch, rug hook, sew, and embroider – you inspired me to pull out a small kit that has been tucked away for years. I thought in these remaining days of hibernating in an old farmhouse, I would dust this off and give it a try. 

Until I took a closer look at the instructions, or lack there of…

Hmmm, maybe another day, or better yet, year. I just don’t think I have the patience for learning this intricate skill right now. 

And since I can’t revel in a completed tatting project, I’ll share some snapshots of a 4’x5’ cross-stitch piece that I found 25 years ago in a pretty little shop that was going out of business. I love the seasonal squares, and oh my, the hours that must’ve gone into creating it. I’ll just show four at a time as the year goes on…this is January through April.

I keep it tucked in a basket and just change the square that shows as each month passes… this was in an earlier post:

And so hats off to all of you who sew, cross-stitch, rug hook, quilt, crochet, knit, embroider, and wield a needle of any type (yes, tatting shuttles included!) 

Thanks for keeping those creative arts alive and for sharing your talents! 

March MaryJane’s Farm post is up!

 

And it’s all about this gal…

Here’s the quick link:

Rural Farmgirl

quiet Sunday..

 

I try to keep Sundays quiet - a day of rest to prepare for the week ahead. Today a candle perfectly named Sunday Drive flickers in an old Boone cupboard, and with a cold start to the day, there’s a fire chasing the chill.

I usually keep some soft music in the background, but lately I’m not in the mood for formal, classical music. 

I’ve recently discovered a YouTube station titled The Quiet Village Music - for me, it’s just right for days like these. Peaceful, gentle folk music with the sweetest illustrations-littles would love watching them!

And to celebrate my Welsh heritage, I wish you:

Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus!

(Happy Saint David’s Day)

Saint David was known for saying:

“Do the little things.” 

I’d say those are wise words for a quiet Sunday - or any day. Today I’m going to catch up on some reading, watch a British mystery, and definitely take a nap.

Wishing you a day of peace, rest, and “little things” that bring you joy.

Script Ohio!

 

For 90 years Ohio State University’s marching band has been performing Script Ohio - I think it’s absolutely fascinating to watch!  Unbelievable precision and accuracy, I am always amazed.

I cried all the way through this performance-possibly one of the last opportunities my son may have to participate in this incredible band event, as he’s graduating in the spring. 

If you’re able to watch this, maybe take a few minutes to appreciate these hard-working students. (the link is still a public view to a point)

Look closely - their instruments quickly come down as they cross one another, and then snap back into place as they turn a corner - I never tire of it!  

 

 https://www.facebook.com/OhioStateAthleticBand/

(credit: OSU Athletic Band Facebook)

“joyful simplicities ~ 1935 and today”

 

“Year by year, the complexities of the spinning world grow more bewildering and so each year we need all the more to seek peace and comfort in the joyful simplicities.”

Woman’s Home Companion , 

December 1935

Snow ice cream!

A “posse” of wild turkeys

Snowfall

MJF February post is up…

Slip on your snow boots, snow shoes, or skis 

and come on by!  

Rural Farmgirl 

  

3 little snapshots…

 One.. 

 cold days

Two…

cozy evenings 

Three…

snuggly Bailey 

“I seek quiet joys.” 

~John Clare

3 questions…

One never knows what will be discovered in an old barn (where is my bag of gold, please?!)

Alas, while not gold; however, they are treasures of a different kind. 

This was in an old box - perhaps a pillowcase once upon a time? The edges are frayed, but otherwise in pretty good shape…anyone with embroidery knowledge; chrysanthemums?

This looks like it would have been a lovely violet embroidered tablecloth - but the black discolorations are so sad to find. Any suggestions to remove them? Mold/mildew stains maybe. (What’s the secret to cleaning with snow I’ve heard about?!)

Lastly, these prints in the snow - hmmm. A bit bigger than the size of my fist, straight line (which I read indicates a cat of some sort) and measured in at 4’10” apart - YIKES. What animal has a stride nearly 5 feet?

Any ideas…coyote, wolf, Abominable Snowman, maybe?!

Happy Thursday to all - keep warm and safe wherever you are!