MJF October post is up…

Just a note to let you know the latest post for MaryJane’s Farm is ready to read…here’s the quick link:

Rural Farmgirl Blog

And yes, here we go…

‘tis the Spooky season!

Credit: unknown

a Sunday visit...

I know, two posts in a week…hard to believe, but it's a quiet Sunday and I thought I would try and be more diligent in posting.

I realized I haven’t shared the remaining four months of a cross-stitch piece I’ve had for ages. No, the work isn’t mine. It was hanging on the wall of a sweet, general store-type of shop that was going out of business. Sigh; I felt that needed a home. It doesn’t hang on a wall, but is gently rolled up to display each month and then tucked into a basket.

A couple of Saturdays ago, my daughter and I paid a visit to Malabar Farm, the home of author and conservationist Louis Bromfield - also the spot for the wedding of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall (if you’re old enough to recall those names!) The farm is now a state park, but also continues as a working farm whose beautiful scenery is spread out over 1000 acres. During a tour of the house, it was pointed out that there are two original Grandma Moses paintings, which were given to Mr. Bromfield as gifts by the painter, and are considered priceless - as a fan of her artwork, they were incredible to see up close.

Hmmm, let me ask your opinion. My hope is next spring I'll be working on an unfitted kitchen...out with the cupboards and paneling that are vintage, but not in a good way. I'm on a mission for freestanding cupboards that will fit the space.

Here is the kitchen I've been in love with for years. The sink is waiting for me...it was rescued from a house that was hit by a truck...yes, seriously. I could see it in the back room through the gaping hole in the front. I found the owners, and then lugged that heavy gem home. 

And so I've had my eye on this cupboard...the lightest shade of blue, it looks genuinely old. In a retro kitchen with robin's egg blue, aqua, and cherry red it would be lovely. But not for me. I hate the thought of painting over antiques...that old paint is part of their charm.  A reminder of their history that's worth preserving.  

Grrr...but is it original paint? Who can know...I need to take a close look at the back, hinges, inside of the doors, and underside as well as the nails. 

And I hate to admit it, but I resorted to AI to see what it would look like if it was red. Hmmm, I love white beadboard, but this fits more with my plan...thoughts? I refuse to paint my Boone cupboard or my old pie safe...they will stay their original dark stains. I'm still unsure...it's been at this antique shop for a couple of years. Maybe there's a kitchen it was meant to be in other than mine.

And so it goes...random musings for a Sunday afternoon. 

With these perfect autumn days, Bailey and I have been taking walks,

and hanging out in the backyard reading, listening to podcasts, and enjoying the sounds of Fall. 

As I once read:

These are the days we will remember forever .

I LOVE October!

Hi to all...I'm running behind in posting, as usual lately. I've been in a fall frenzy to clean and sort and plan before winter comes. But know I've been visiting your posts, and I've loved seeing all that you're doing on these beautiful October days.

As for me, well, here's what I've been up to:

I've been adding fall touches here and there...I think I've mentioned it before, but the variety Hot Chocolate is the most wonderful pumpkin for holding onto. This one is from last fall! I just put them in the basement on a table after Thanksgiving, and they stay spot on perfect until the next fall. I usually get at least two seasons before they begin to get soft. 

Not Hot Chocolate, but just a bit of fall that makes an easy centerpiece. 

Outside, a simple mask transforms a pumpkin for Halloween. I'll slip it off in November and the porch will already prepped for Thanksgiving.

While I love getting inspiration from all the fun Halloween decorations out there, it's just me...I always come back to prim or old-fashioned looks. This was at a local antique shop; just a scrubbed clean, vintage metal gas can that has been given a pumpkin face with a torch. I tucked a string of battery-operated lights inside, and now he's hanging out in the kitchen. 

My son made a surprise visit home over the weekend...happy dance! We carved pumpkins, binged movies, took him to dinner, and of course the "Mom thing" - grocery shopping. After college graduation in May, he now has his first "real" job, car, and apartment with a college buddy. I know, I know, it's how it's supposed to be...still, I cried watching him pull out of the driveway. 

The dahlias are really putting on a show this year...lovely colors, and so many blooms.

My daughter is now off the crutches, out of the boot and brace after breaking her ankle in April. She's still in PT, but making great progress! While she's not cleared for ballet yet, she's leading rehearsals for The Nutcracker which have been in full swing since August. Last week we had a picnic and took a walk along a nearby reservoir...it was lovely.

Hoping for a great antique show, I headed north a few weeks ago...the farm was oh-so pretty; the antiques? Not so much. Lots of crafty items, and not what I thought it would be.

However; this spoke to me. 

blue - my favorite color

a pagoda-style top - yes!

16 ribs inside - sturdy

and a horn handle

I'm guessing 1940's?? 

Ladies, what do you think - vintage?

Yes, it came home with me!

                                          

Then, it was time for the last county fair of the season. I always share a bloomin' onion with my daughter!

\

NO FILTER...the sky at sunset was unbelievable.

Hmmm, new-to-me foods that we didn't try.

And so, as the saying goes, that's what's been happening in my neck of the woods. I promised myself that during my favorite month, I would do all that I could to enjoy these picture-perfect days.

Truly, thanks again for all of your posts...they keep me inspired and make me smile; like visiting with friends.

 

this, that, and the other thing!

Morning,

Noon,

And night.

A quick hello and catch-up on what’s been happening here in the Midwest. 

Peppers are ready for jam! This one is called Armageddon - described as fruity, citrusy, floral, and with “extreme throat burning spice!” Wow that will be some amazing pepper jam!

Sadly, one of my favorite shops is closing. Filled with wonderful furniture and inspiration, I loved wandering through to get new ideas, and the nicest gal was always there to chat with. 

There’s nothing like pulling up to the door and seeing a sign that says they’re permanently closed and that there will be an auction in early spring or summer. Yikes, it was past that! But there was a number to contact someone and I could make an appointment to see what was left. Luckily, for me, they haven’t even had the auction yet, but much of the beautiful furniture was already gone. 

Except this… I have had my eye on this blue cupboard for years. But, I didn’t really want to spend the money, and I felt like the blue needed to be toned down a bit, but every time I was there, I’d be drawn to it. 

It has the look of a really old cupboard - I’m no antique expert; however, the back just felt authentic. 

It has three shelves inside, all with the same unfinished wood - I just have a feeling someone added the blue paint recently. (Janice, you’re the antique expert!) 

Anyway, she told me she was surprised it was still there and then offered me 75% off. Wow, it was coming home with me! It’s tucked in a room now, waiting for the day I put it in my kitchen. Here’s the plan – rip out all of the old dated/ugly kitchen cupboards and go with an unfitted kitchen. Just some standalone cupboards like this, my Hoosier, and my pie safe. Fingers crossed! 

There’s still the auction to look forward to, and while I have my eye on that cupboard with the basket on top, it is way out of my price range and I really don’t even have room for it. (I can’t recall who the designer is, evidently she’s famous for making new furniture look antique.) but at an auction, anything is possible - I’ll keep you posted! 

Well friends, that’s it from my corner of the world. I hope you’re well and enjoying this transition into gorgeous fall.

Here’s a little something I think might make you smile. I caught a glimpse of the mail carrier making his rounds in town the other day. Made me laugh! We all agreed he looks like the man with the yellow hat from Curious George!!

Courtesy of Google

and here is September’s link…

 

Still playing catch-up, but here is the latest MaryJane’s Farm post:

September!

(Also, is anyone else having trouble uploading pictures to Blogger? None of my settings have changed, but the only way to upload pictures is from my phone. I’m still old-school, I prefer a PC, a mouse, and a large keyboard!)

MJF post for August is up...yes, I'm falling behind!

 

As I sit here putting the final touches on my September MaryJane's Farm post, I realize I didn't share a link to the August post...not enough hours in the day, my friends.  

Anyway, here's the link, and soon you'll have the link to September's post!

August

hello friends!

It’s been a while since I’ve posted...it seems each day is so full that I simply can't keep up. Where do the hours go? I will try to remedy that.

However; I’ve been visiting your blogs and reading up on all the latest! 

A heartfelt thanks for all of your comments on my last post...I so appreciate you sharing your own experiences, as well as your insight and words of wisdom regarding my rant on the lack of manners in today's world. 

I left each of you a reply...again, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. 

Oh my, what wonderful neighbors YOU would be...so grateful to know you from across the many miles.

happy, sad, and mad

Happy…

As this little lady celebrated her 8th birthday! 

Bailey was treated to yummy snacks and now has

her own Lamb Chop to snuggle!

(If you missed the story of how Bailey came to the farm, you can read it here: Bailey. Oh my, how I absolutely love her sweet and gentle personality.

Sad…

We lost TinkerBell…she arrived at the farm nearly 18 years ago when she simply strolled out of the cornfield and decided to stay. 

The absolute Mom of the crew, she was in charge of all the barn cats. And with a tender heart, when our goat Glowbug became ill, she was right beside him, being “Mom.”  

She stayed smallish, like a kitten, and was oh-so patient during some silly summertime fun!
We will truly miss her.

Mad…

Ok, this may be where you’d like to stop reading. It involves mild ranting, considerable irritation, and absolute disbelief.  

However; if you’re still here, I would greatly appreciate some input from you...women who are wiser than me. 

The million dollar questions:

What has happened to good, old-fashioned common courtesy? 

Where is the time-honored sense of community? 

I’m sure there was a time when looking after one another was a way of life. 

Here are some examples of the things I am absolutely confused by.

-How many times must I have the door in front of me, that someone has just passed through, closed in my face? How hard is it to hold the door open for the person behind you? 

-Right after my daughter was born, my father-in-law had open-heart surgery, and my mother-in-law broke her ankle stepping off a sidewalk. They came here to rest and recuperate. I believe my daughter was two weeks old…how wonderful it would’ve been to have someone/anyone bring meals. One less thing I would have had to worry about while surviving on very little sleep.

-Several years ago a lady moved here from across the country, I brought her a pie to welcome her to our hometown. She looked at me as if I had two heads. Surprise? Gratitude? Nah, neither one describes the look that was on her face. Golly, it's okay if you don’t like pie, toss it in the trash, but at least say thank you.

-Not long ago someone mentioned I was losing weight, and then asked: 

"Are you taking pills?" Wow, um, no...I'm just spending more time at the Y.

So, goodness gracious, maybe it’s me. 

I am neither outgoing, nor a social butterfly. I'm rather quiet and reserved…often those characteristics are seen as aloof. Hmmm, do I have an RBF?  Not intentionally...that face is just me. Listening to whatever is being said, taking it in, thinking about it.

As Mark Twain said:

“It is better to keep your mouth closed

and let people think you are a fool, 

then to open your mouth 

and remove all doubt.”

Maybe, it’s how I was raised – in the country, by my grandmother…a different place and time. 

Maybe, it's modern technology and fast-paced lifestyles. No time to smell the roses, as they say. 

Maybe, it's because today everyone's in a hurry, moving past the moment they're in, making plans and thinking about what's next. 

Or just maybe, I was born in the wrong era.