barn sales - gotta love 'em!

I was lucky enough to visit a terrific barn sale a few weeks ago - it was overflowing with the most clever, creative, amazing things! From vintage to primitive to shabby chic...

since I couldn't take you along, I just had to share a few snapshots!

Ooo-la-la lights in the barn!

 

I WILL be making one of these lights...how clever!



 

That last photo...words to LIVE by!

 

 

So...what October joys are to be found where you are?

 

 

I'm just sayin'...

We saw flakes of snow today....better enjoy those summertime tomatoes!

"the worst winter ever"?

Yep...that's what the old-timers are saying...the worst winter ever is coming.
Last winter, we saw the temperature plummet to -29. 

MINUS. Twenty. Nine.

Could it really get worse?

This is the Mid-west...it should be cold in winter. When the snow falls, I conjure up old-fashioned visions of sleigh rides, frosty snowmen with carrot noses, days off from school spent enjoying movie marathons, buttery popcorn, and mugs of chocolaty cocoa by a crackling fire. Ahhh...

However, the signs are there...

Azreal, our cat, is putting on a heavy coat...and a few extra pounds.
The bees have sealed the hives so tightly, it's been hard to open them to look inside.
Twice this month we've found the temperature to be 36 degrees as we stepped outside.  Brrr.

And so, keeping in mind that the old-timers really do know best, weekends have found The
Big Guy and Little Man insulating the chicken coop to be sure the girls will be cozy. Next on our to-do list we'll be adding to the barn to keep the goats even warmer...today I ordered more hay. Over the weekend I took off the last of the honey from our hives, and soon we'll be tucking them in for a long winter's nap.

However, with all that said, let's enjoy the season we are in! It's officially Fall..my favorite time of year, and so, join us as we take a walk around the farm.

 

 

Wherever you are, happy Fall friends!

losing a friend...

When we arrived at our first home, as young twenty-somethings, we found our church's Boy Scout Troop ready to help us unload the moving truck. They were a welcome sight indeed! We were now in a new town, and as time passed, we found ourselves becoming familiar with our way around, and slowly beginning to make new friends.

Soon, the parents of two of those helpful Scouts become good friends. We found we had much in common, laughed at the same things, and attended the same church. Their friendship was dear...a hand-stitched quilt was made for the arrival of our Sweet Girl, and then later, a beautiful hand-sewn baptism dress, complete with ruffles and lace, was made for baptism day. When our Little Man came along, they gave him his first pair of jeans...just what every little farm-boy needs!

As time passed, we watched their children grow to become wonderful examples of righteous young men and women, who serve with all their hearts. It's been heart-warming to see them grow, marry, and begin families of their own.

When a change of jobs meant a move for our good friends, our hearts were heavy...to know that distance makes keeping close difficult. But we did keep in touch...we traveled to weddings, and they returned for baptisms and visits to catch up.

It was with great sadness when Margaret shared with us she was diagnosed with cancer. And while enduring the side-effects that came with treatments, she was remarkably consistent in the cycles that led her through the months and seasons. Pictures showed her celebrating the births of grandchildren, holidays spent with loved ones, and vacations to visit family far away. Her love for those dear to her and making every moment count never waned.

The sad news come in an email from her husband...there is an emptiness.

Margaret was the chorister in our church, and before they moved, she led the congregation in singing God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again as the closing hymn...

click here for a beautiful rendition by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Until we meet again...

farmgirl photos...

Time flies, as they say...
whether you're having fun, or not.

So we've made it our mission to have as much fun as possible this summer.

Movie marathons, hometown fireworks (wearing sweatshirts and cozied up under blankets too, I might add!), splashing in the pool, Cub Scout camp, sleeping in, chasing fireflies, goat races, and mowing, mowing, mowing...although I'm pretty sure hubby doesn't count that as "fun"!

The weather has been crazy, from evenings cold enough to have a bonfire & toast s'mores, to endless rain, then blazing heat.

So many things make up summertime on the farm...here are few of my favorite snapshots of what's happening in our little corner of the world, Midwest, USA.

poppies in bloom...

a bee enjoying some lunch...

look at those eyes...

summer also brought bee swarms...2 in 10 days!

sweet baby llamas...

To quote Jack Lemmon from, The Great Race,
"We're under water!"
No, there is not normally a pond in the middle of the cornfield!

the annual balloon festival...great fun!

well-worn cowgirl boots!

And so it goes...
hope summer is happy in your corner of the world!

Happy 4th of July!

My Country 'tis of Thee,

Sweet Land of Liberty...

Thanks to the good folks at Capper's Farmer!

A heart-felt "thank you!" to the staff at Capper's Farmer magazine...

for printing my article in their Summer issue...

 

I'm thrilled to again be a part of their magazine! Every issue is filled to the brim with terrific articles, recipes, and how-to advice for homesteaders, farmers, or wannabe farmers
(that includes us farm-girls too).  


Thanks Capper’s!


 

the wonderful world of cast iron!

Cast-iron cookware ... even cooking, hard-working, and when properly taken care of, it will last a lifetime. What more can we ask?

In our kitchen we have several sizes of skillets, a traditional Dutch oven, and two Dutch ovens with legs for outdoor cooking. They're always in use for soups, chili, roasts, and even baking bread. And come July, when we celebrate Pioneer Day, there's sure to be a tripod over the campfire ... and in the air, the heavenly aroma of savory pot roast. Off to the side, nestled in the glowing coals, will be a couple more ovens, one baking bread, another filled with a
sweet dessert. 

Those outdoor meals taste so wonderful, I almost forget I'm cooking over a campfire in the heat and humidity that is July in the Midwest! And if I'm getting into the spirit wearing full pioneer clothing, (long dress, apron & bonnet) forgetting the summertime temperature is a blessing!

Cast iron is so easy to take care of, that a few simple steps will keep the surfaces rust-free and non-stick.

If you're fortunate to have seasoned cookware that's been handed down and is in terrific shape, all you need to do is hand wash, immediately dry, and then rub on a light coat of vegetable oil. Add enough oil so that the cookware has a sheen, but isn't sticky or overly oily. Use a paper towel to remove any excess oil before you store the cookware.

If your cast iron hasn't been used recently, and has a bit of rust, that's easily taken care of. Wash the cookware in hot soapy water, then use a stiff brush to remove any rust. Rinse well and dry thoroughly. Rub the inside and outside with a thin coating of melted shortening, or vegetable oil. Place a sheet of aluminum foil on the bottom rack of your oven, then heat the oven to 400 F. When the oven is hot, place the cookware upside-down on the top rack ... the foil will catch any drips of shortening or oil.

Set the timer for one hour. Then, after an hour, turn the oven off, leaving the cookware inside to cool as the oven cools down. Once the cast iron has been removed from the oven, simply wipe off any excess oil before storing it.

Oh-so easy ... you'll wonder why you waited so long!

 

And if you're really lucky, you'll find a gem like this cast-iron stove which belongs to our neighbors, Tom and Susie. This stove has an amazing story, and has come full circle.

What's so amazing? Well, the stove came up for auction, and our neighbors were lucky enough to give it a new home. And while that's not so unusual, what is wonderful is it's the very stove that was in the home Tom grew up in.

He has delightful stories remembered from childhood ... what a treasure!

happy May Day!

"The merriest month of the year arrives bringing with it sunshine,
birds singing, apple blossoms, budding lilacs, and longer days to enjoy life
as spring's promise is finally fulfilled.

...the delights of a pretty garden, the relaxing comforts of lemonade and cookies on the front porch after school. We seem to laugh more..."

-Sarah Ban Breathnach

spring...celebrate the bounty

 

 April in the country...the old lilac bush at the edge of the yard is beginning to bud, the grass is greening, the bees can be heard buzzing, and the sky is a heavenly sapphire blue.  And while, far off in the distance, we may see the hint of a spring shower to come, right now, it is time to open our hearts to the promise of another season.

The winter has been long and harsh...and Saturday we attempted to put away most of the memories of that season. Bales of straw that had been blocking Old Man Winter's fierce storms were moved away from the chicken coop and beehive, heated waterers were stored, and fallen limbs gathered. We wrangled goats for a spring hoof-trimming (that's a story in itself!) and it was good to feel spring racing at full tilt.

We admired, and were grateful for, daffodils in bloom, the sight of bees returning to the hive heavy with pollen, and the sounds and fragrances of spring as chores were done.  To ward off a slight evening chill, we lit a bonfire and enjoyed s'mores. And as the day ended, we felt April in the country had rewarded us...the signs of a changing season are here.

Should I mention we woke up to snow two days later? 

Ah yes...life continues in all its richness.

Happy Easter to all!

Charlie Brownies...yum!

At last...

the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the bees are buzzing! 
Even though there's still a strong breeze from the north (quite chilly at times) it's beginning to look a lot like spring!

I see little patches of green grass, daffodils are beginning to push their way up through the earth, and the girls are laying eggs. I will not recall that only 12 days ago we had another snowstorm.

All-in-all it's pretty delightful...

except for the spring cleaning part. All that sunshine certainly brings to light the cobwebs and dust-bunnies. And just how I'll ever get through the teetering stacks of papers and clothes/boots/shoes that seem to collect over winter is beyond me.

However, I'm determined!

Little Man was heard to say..."You say that every year."

Ouch...and so, (she firmly says, still determined!) it is always a good idea to call before dropping by. 

At least let me take off my apron, tuck the broom and dust-mop away, and "hide" a few things in the closet.  (I am I the only one who feels this?!)

You will NOT find this... 

source: here

And while more realistic, this too, is a stretch...

source: here

And so, even on a day filled with whirlwind cleaning, a treat is necessary.
Here's one of our kids' most-est, favorit-est goodies ever...hope you enjoy it, too!

Charlie Brownies

2/3 c. butter
1 lb. brown sugar
2-1/2 c. all-purpose flour
2-1/2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
3 eggs, beaten
1 T. water
1 t. vanilla extract
12-oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips


Melt butter; stir in sugar. Blend well, then let cool 10 minutes. Sift together next 3 ingredients; set aside. Beat eggs into brown sugar mixture; add water and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture, add chocolate chips.

Spread in a well-oiled 15x9 baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Remove from oven, cut into squares while still warm. Makes approx. 4 doz.

is it winter break or spring break?

Mother Nature is at it again...
she insists on playing tricks, as if she has no idea it's officially spring. 

And while this was the lovely sunset we enjoyed at day's end...

this was how it looked throughout the day. The snow began falling softly at first...it was oh-so pretty. You know the kind of snow...it drifts down gently bringing sweet dreams of a day spent in front of a crackling fire with a good book. Then, I watched it begin falling harder, bringing a chilly wind along to keep it company.

 

And yet, windy as it was, nothing kept our faithful guard dog from seeing what was going on. Truly, I think even she was stunned by this sudden snowfall.

The chickens were nowhere to be seen. I felt sorry for them as the snow continued to blow straight up the ramp and into the coop. Glad I hadn't packed away my Carhartt coat just yet,
I slipped it on, tossed the girls a little scratch, and tucked them in early...I think they were grateful.

And so it goes...

Soon, I'll be grumbling about the heat & humidity and will wish for these days. (Secretly, I'll take a few more like this...I know, I know, let the tomato-throwing begin! But my best-laid plans for spring cleaning are falling more than a bit behind, and I could desperately use more time! )

So what's my thought for the day?

 
   

again...good things come in 3's

Back in October, I posted here about good things coming in 3's.

And so this week, it's been fun to rediscover that good things continue to come in 3's.

1 ~ two new hens have joined our little flock. A friend decided that chicken-keeping wasn't for her right now, and so she shared with us Cookie, a pretty Barred Rock; and Nilla, a sweet Golden Buff Orpington. We're still undecided about whether or not to keep their names...and I laughed out loud, and heartily agreed, when our son suggested Lucy and Ethel!

2 ~ after months of snow, ice, sleet, freezing rain, and below zero temperatures, it was a delight to see the sun shining and a find it was a balmy 68-degrees today!

Do I even want to do the math? That's 94 degrees warmer than our coldest day 5 weeks ago. Yes, that's a good thing!

3 ~ and last, but not least, a package arrived from Courtney, at Eggcellent Life... she creates the prettiest egg carton labels! I was fortunate to be chosen in a giveaway at Tilly's Nest, and these terrific labels were tucked inside our mailbox. 

I can't wait to dress-up our egg cartons with these...thanks so much, Courtney!

Ahhh...it's been a good week.

thought for the day...

I came across this lovely print a few weeks ago...

 

it can be found here...

while the complete scripture is...1 Thessalonians 4:11

And so, I think I will focus more on living this direction.

I'm sure the pace of life will continue to be full,

but there's no need for it to be frenetic.

...yes, a quiet life seems just right on this snowy Sunday afternoon.

farmgirl photo...

Lately, naptime has found Tinker Bell curled up in the hay racks, and she's most content to spend the day there.

That is, until the goats decide it's time for a snack.

Too bad there aren't sprinting contests for cats ... she's one fast feline!

no business like snow business!

Another snow day from school...the kids are getting used to this, and have found a happy routine they stick to.

First ~ enjoy sleeping late under flannel sheets and cozy quilts as long as possible,
until the aroma of this makes its way upstairs...

Home-baked cinnamon rolls...this yummy recipe is from Kim at Life in a Little Red Farmhouse  (her bread is terrific too!) 

Second ~ After enjoying the warm rolls and glasses of ice-cold milk, it's time to build this...

a crackling fire in the kitchen fireplace...as the saying goes, the kitchen really is the heart of the home.

Third ~ Little Man decides it's time to check goats...who are keeping snug & warm in their goat coats. (Is it just me, or is Glowbug smiling?)

Fourth ~ that visit to the barn finds us rosy-cheeked (it's not a long walk at all, but it's the goat races that wear us out!)  Back inside, it's time for hot chocolate. 

Finally...it's time to settle in for a good, old-fashioned movie-fest.
What do we choose?


                                            

Yep...
a day to remember!

contemplating February...



Fluttering prints of wings captured in the snow.

February...a strong wind is whistling around this old house, and although the sun is shining brightly (fooling us into thinking it's possibly warmer than the thermometer reads), it does little to chase away the cold.

As the wind rattles the roof and slips in through every nook and cranny it can find, it almost sounds as if the entire house will set sail...of course it never does. It stands strong...fighting against the howling wind and staying firmly anchored as it's done for 150 years. On days like this, it's blissful to be inside.

However; I find myself bundled up (Carhartt chic!) and ready to head into the chill. The weatherman calls for 6 to 10 inches of snow tomorrow evening, so it's a good idea to carry wood from the barn and refill the wood rack. The past few weeks of extreme cold have significantly lowered the logs kept close at hand. It's also a good time to completely fill hay racks, tote buckets of water, and rake straw bedding for the goats and chickens. Anything that can be done now, will save time later when the drifts make walking to the barns and opening doors difficult.

And while it may seem bleak, February offers the richness of any other month. Still, cold days when the air is clear and sharp; dazzling icy trails that lead from the house, to the coop, to the barns; the sound of snow crunching underfoot. And yet when we stop, we find the quiet after a heavy snowfall that's unlike any other.

Yes...it's cold.
Yes...it can be uncomfortable.

But bracing ourselves against such weather, will make the comforts of home and hearth all the more endearing.