random signs...

I'm always drawn to signs...some old with chippy paint, some new and colorful. When I see one that particularly catches my eye, either because of the words it shares or the beautiful hand lettering, sometimes they make their way home with me...

like this one hanging in a wonderful store stuffed with antique/vintage/primitive/retro goodies (I'd been looking at it for weeks!) And so it became a little birthday treat from me, to me.
Hand-lettered, what talent! 

And this sign that hangs by the back door everyone comes through. While it was found in the Christmas section of a country store, to me, it says much more. Why yes, this house does believe in Santa (!), but also in old-fashioned values, traditions, going to church together, family prayers, and simple pleasures.

Hand-lettered on slate and sitting in a corner of our mudroom, I'm reminded to visit the year 'round indoor farmers' market off the town square, the summertime farmers' market, the produce auction, and the individual veggie stands that pop up along the country roads.

A sign pointing me toward the Farmers' Market each Saturday morning...get their early for the best choices and take time to enjoy visiting with neighbors, too!

Last, but not least, one you've seen recently...

Just sharing a few of my favorites...and linking up here, at Friday Five.

and by the way!

source

Irish festival...

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, I'm sharing a few snapshots from our visit to the Dublin Irish Festival last summer...what fun!  We'll definitely be going back again this coming summer...wonderful food, colorful clothing, toe-tapping music...fabulous!

Click here for a little music to get you in the  spirit...here's to St. Patrick!

Colorful Gaelic kilts on littles and bigger folks!

  

Sweet furry faces!

Oh-so pretty clothing (I think I "need" one of these!)

Amazing dancing!

And this was so lovely...

take a minute to read some of the heartfelt wishes placed upon the tree...

Truly a fun family day...a taste of Ireland only an hour away. We can't wait to go back!

thankful...March sunsets

As they say, good things come in threes...

no filters, no color adjustments, simply what was captured by my camera.

Thankful indeed.

Also thankful for the chance to link up at: it's a small town life and skywatch Friday.

happy Pi(e) day!

"Pi represents the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter.
It’s an important part of the foundation of mathematics, most importantly geometry, where pi is key to equations calculating the area of a circle, A = πr2, and the volume of a cylinder, V = πr2h."  (source here)

A reason to celebrate? No and yes. Stay with me here...

No, the above explanation of Pi, at least to me, does not sounds like an enjoyable thing to celebrate; although contemplating infinity (as in the upcoming Marvel movie, Infinity War) does!

And yes, if we were inclined to celebrate Pi, technically March 14 is perfect (pi is 3.14...).

With all that said, I am completely unable to pass up the fun of Pi(e) Day...and I hope you're having some silly fun with it, too!

What's on our menu?  

Pizza Pie

Kentucky Pie

Toll House Pie

Moon Pies

Short and sweet...

the thought for the day?

A thought for the day...

don't be too quick to discard items that seem a bit worn or faded,

they carry with them the memories of times past...

and of a way of doing things that has almost faded in today's fast-paced world.

“Some old-fashioned things,
like fresh air and sunshine, are hard to beat.”

Laura Ingalls Wilder

(Linking up for Tuesdays Treasures here...for things old and lovely)

Monday murals...

A quick post this morning...our family has been under the weather lately, and so with everyone off to work and school today, it's time to tidy up the farmhouse.

You know how it is when no one feels their best...there's lots of resting, reading in bed, movie watching in jammies, and early nights. Needless to say, the kitchen sink is greeting me with oodles of dishes and so that's where I'm headed...turning up my favorite music and diving in.

And because I've been having fun linking up with Mural Monday, I wanted to share another pretty mural from a neighboring town...this colorful railcar mural is next-door to a terrific science museum. Again, what talent...one day maybe I'll catch these paintings in-progress!

Happy Monday all!

Linking up with Monday Murals here!

dream a little dream...

Okay, this book is what started it all. A couple years ago our teenage daughter had to have it and my, oh my, now I'm hooked and the chase is on!

What? You haven't read this yet? Then stop right now and click here.

Go...

Shoo...

Look at it!

And so, two years later, the search continues. Our daughter would love to find a vintage camper for sleepovers with her friends...what wonderful memories would be made during her senior year of high school. Me? I would be happy on family adventures while the kids are still home...sigh, I feel time is short. Where to find a lovely little camper without mortgaging the farm?

Recently I started a Pinterest page of favorites to keep us motivated...ahhh, 
Eye. Candy. here.

For ages I've passed an adorable yellow Shasta...finally, I stopped and asked where she found such a beauty.

Do you know what she told me? 

Are you sitting down?

About 3 hours south of us, she discovered it in a field...being used for storage!

The owner sold it to her for $100!  EVERTHING WORKED PERFECTLY.

Gulp...

Do you see my face? 

Do you see me shaking my head in disbelief? 

Do you see my mouth open in sheer amazement?

Before I stumbled to the car in a fog, I made sure she had my number, just in case she wanted to part with it someday. (But truly, would you? I think not.)

Sigh...

So, maybe as a sign, I found these a couple weeks ago...about the cutest birdhouses I have ever seen!

And for only $8 at our local dollar store...

And this Christmas ornament found it's way home with us from a local craft store...

So on this sun-shiny, blue-skied Wednesday, I'm dreaming a little dream, crossing my fingers, and scouring the newspapers for a sweet little camper I'd name Maizy.

Just for fun, a couple follow-up photos from last Monday's post. These murals are on the back of large old buildings in a nearby town...wouldn't it be amazing to see how the artists begin the process of these huge paintings?

Love this bike...it would be ideal for family outings!

And this photo shows a small-town canal.  Across the street from the mural is the best farmers' market! It's set in a brick, open-air building with overhead lights for gray market days, and ceiling fans to keep vendors and customers cool on hot summer days...brilliant!

What gifted artists!  There are two more murals near these, I'll share those next week. 

Happy Monday to all!

(Linking up with Monday Murals, here...)

rain, rain, go away!

They say that every inch of rain equals a foot of snow...truly, I would rather have 3 feet of snow than the 3 inches of rain we've seen since yesterday!

Muddy trails to the barns and chicken coop, muddy boots, muddy puddles everywhere, and little muddy cat prints on the trucks!  (Do you see the common theme here...mud?)

And so it goes...but with all that, it's still Friday; yay! I'm planning to bake some 7-grain bread (I'll share the recipe, we think it's really good!), serve up steaming bowls of homemade soup, and start a crackling fire. 

Yes...even with all the mud and rain, life is good, we just have to know where to look. 

Happy weekend, friends!

happy hearts day!

Happy hearts day to all!  

Linking up today at Wordless Wednesday here...

Monday murals...

During the week, my daughter has ballet classes in a nearby town...it's a 45 minute drive, but we pass by pretty farms and barns, beautiful old homes, and tempting antique shops...all that makes it a quick and pleasant drive.

Once in town, and across from their farmers' market, are several old brick buildings which have just been given vintage-looking murals..I thought I'd share a couple this morning, and then more again next week...what talent!

Happy Monday, friends!

(Today I'm linking up with Monday Murals here)

snow day!

You know the drill by now...it's -4 degrees and it's a snow day!

kids still snoozing - check
fire in the fireplace - check

stack of movies waiting - check

Biggest decision to make today? Chocolate waffles or chocolate chip pancakes!

Later we'll make snow ice cream...these are the days to hold onto!

irises, cherry delight, & cola cake...

This year's Christmas was more somber in its celebration...while we kept up with our family traditions, there was something, or better yet someone, very absent from our day.

Someone who welcomed me into her family with open arms, someone who loved her grandchildren with a passion, was always genuinely interested in whatever we were doing, and someone more than happy to have us in her home as often and for as long as we wanted to be there. And before we left, always asked, "When can you come back?"

 

The news of a loved one's passing is never easy to hear... especially someone so kind and sweet. We recently received a card that said, "I pray that you cherish and hold tight to all the memories."

We will do just that...memories of beautiful irises lining the walkway by the old farmhouse and of delicious food from her kitchen...homemade potato salad, baked beans, cherry delight, and chocolaty cola cake. Memories of a roll top desk we admired that somehow found it's way to our door, and help buying our first "real" furniture. Just a few of the many ways she shared all that she had.

Now, these sweet memories help take the chill out of the winter winds, and yet, each December will most certainly awaken a mix of emotions. Yes, life is a series of memories...and now is the time to recall all the happy ones we've shared.

two little words...

Overnight temperatures plummeted and sleet fell...pair both of those with an icy blast of wind and this morning we found ourselves bundled up top-to-bottom as we stepped outside. And while definitely not stylish, we were warm...that's the rule for today!

A blanket of fresh snow created deep drifts in front of the barns, but, as always, they are unable to slow our happy, tail wagging Wishbone from trotting briskly around the yard to see what's happened overnight. But soon enough, even she decides it's best to get tucked into a cozy blanket and settle down for a nap.

I feel glad to be home...another log is tossed on the fire and I'm settling in with a cup of herbal tea to read a book given to me by the daughter of a dear friend...The Little House Book of Wisdom. This young lady, a high school freshman, has such a love of all things old; old ways, old books, old homes. Few young people are fortunate enough to have this sense of history...a respect for the past and a sure knowledge that the small and simple things make the sweetest memories. And did I mention she plays the fiddle too? (Oh, some may call it a violin, but not us!)

The gusty wind whistles, but inside, all is well. And those two little words?

Simply Blessed.

pure silliness!

Here on the farm it's always something...as it is for everyone!

For a week the hot water line in the kitchen has been frozen, with temperatures -12 a couple of mornings it was no surprise. I truly don't think there's any insulation in this 154-year old kitchen (hint, hint, total renovation is on my mind!) We always keep faucets dripping and a space heater blowing warm air on the lines to try and stave off the inevitable as long as possible. A couple of years ago we had a low of -28...yep, I found my vanilla extract in the cupboard partially frozen!  (About that renovation...hop on over to my Pinterest board for some of the ideas on my wish list!)

Source: Here

Source: Here

Okay...back to reality!

And so for a week I've been boiling water to wash dishes. Now, as much as I love the idea of a Little House on the Prairie lifestyle, this was getting a bit old, and Monday, much to my delight, the hot water lines thawed, yay!

However; it was a short-lived victory. Last night I could hear, then see, water coming out from under the dishwasher. It's happened before...when the lines finally do thaw, we know that the dishwasher lines have taken all the stress they can and finally they burst.

Well, hubby can reroute water away from the dishwasher leak...I think we'll just wait until spring for the repair. Our forecast for the weekend is several inches of snow and temps below zero again...and so it goes!

Anyway, in all the ups & downs I wanted to share this snowglobe link...it was popular a few years ago and I thought it had vanished off the internet (I should know better).  It made me laugh then, and still does...just what I needed!  Hope you enjoy it too...remember to left click and hold on your mouse, then shake the mouse to see what happens.  

Happy Wednesday, friends!

first snow day from school!

We wait for it...
we hope for it...
we cross fingers and toes for it...

then suddenly, we get the text alert...school is CLOSED today!  It's followed by the family happy dance then the texting of friends (we don't want anyone to miss the good news!)

I love snow days...I will say the temps are a bit chilly, even for me...we saw -16 a couple of mornings (actual temperature, not wind chill!), but a good old-fashioned, getting-snowed-in for a few days would be fine with me any time.

So how does our day look? It starts with a big mug of hot chocolate, and if you haven't tried Double Dark Hot Chocolate from Williams Sonoma, you need to change that straight away!  It is sooo good, I think "heavenly" was the word I used when I told hubby how wonderful it was.
Not cocoa powder, but a mixture of semi-sweet and bittersweet chocolate shavings that melt in hot milk...yes, heavenly! 

There will be a crackling fire all day to chase away the chill...and I'm sure the kids will make s'mores before the day is over. I keep a vintage metal basket by the fireplace filled with all the supplies...just in case we need a sweet treat!

Always a movie marathon on snow days...some times it's the Harry Potter series, other times it's the Lord of the Rings, Merlin, Doctor Who, or Sherlock.

On the menu for today is my daughter's latest favorite, a BLATT...bacon, lettuce, avocado, turkey, and tomato sandwich, and there's a request to bake Toll House Pie.  

And so it goes, a happy Friday on the farm...wishing you a happy weekend as well, stay cozy, warm, and plan a movie marathon this weekend!

happy new year!

It was -16 when we welcomed in 2018...brrr! On a morning like this, all our animals get an extra portion of breakfast to keep them warm, along with special treats...apple slices for the goats, warm mash for the chickens, and a meaty rib roast bone for our faithful guard dog, Wishbone.

For all their charm, 154-year old farmhouses can be a bit chilly, so I wasted no time building a fire in the kitchen fireplace and I've slipped on a pair of thick, fuzzy socks to keep my "always cold" toes warm. The house is quiet...kids are still snoozing and that's just fine with me...these frosty days are meant for sleeping in, curling up in warm quilts, board games, and movie marathons.

And so that's our plan for the day...traditional pork roast dinner (although I'm the only one who will enjoy the sauerkraut!) along with a day to enjoy being together.

Thank you for stopping by to see what's happening in our little corner of the Midwest...I wish for you all the blessings of a brand new year: a clean slate, days to dream, and 365 calendar spaces to fill with the sweetest memories! 

merry Christmas to all!

Christmas Eve on the farm, not a creature is stirring...

the hustle & bustle are past, 

and in the background Bing, Frank, and Dean are singing us Christmas wishes while we enjoy the warmth of a crackling fire.

But don't think we're snoozing just yet,

there's excitement in the air and shared whispers of secret surprises!

And so tonight, we're wishing you all the best on this Christmas Eve; may you be blessed with the warmth of family & friends and know the true joys of the Christmas season.

happy December!

photo credit

Secret surprises, home-baked cookies, fragrant evergreens, holly berries,
cold winds whistling around the old farmhouse,
snowflakes & snowbirds...

Yes, welcome December...a sweet time when the finest gifts
and greatest joys come from the heart.

oh yes, ballet IS a sport!

Happy Monday...Today I'm tiding up from the holiday weekend and can now allow myself to enjoy Christmas carols without guilt. Tony Bennett is crooning in the background...ahhh, toss in some Bing Crosby then Andy Williams and I'm in heaven!

Today's thought is this...

YES, ballet IS a sport! Oh I know, that's certainly up for debate with many; they, in my humble opinion, are wrong. After the past several weeks it is crystal clear to me there is no debate needed...and while not competitive (unless the internal struggle counts) ballet is absolutely as grueling for the dancers as football is for anyone who's donned football pads.

For the past several weeks, I've had the opportunity to join my daughter in rehearsals for The Nutcracker ballet. While she's been working to perfect ballet positions I would never attempt, I've been portraying adult Clara and practicing narration while the dancers rehearse. 

Thanksgiving week it all came to life as they had dress rehearsals and moved into the 89 year-old historic theater. The exquisite costumes, beautiful backgrounds, and amazing dancing were accompanied by extremely long days. These dancers, ages 8 to 18, who have been rehearsing since September, run through the complete production twice on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving for a total of 11 hours. Friday, the first day of the show, they put in a 10-hour day, then after the last show (where they've been in the theater already since noon, they'll then spend 2 to 3 additional hours packing props, costumes, and cleaning the theater, only to reverse the process back at the ballet studio. Another day of around 8 hours.

I've watched with amazement while these dancers go through the process from learning the choreography, executing the steps to coincide with music, then slipping into and changing costumes all the while giving us a breathtaking performance. (Did I mention many are doing homework in any free time they can find?) 

Sitting on stage as the narrator I could see behind the scenes...the 14 second Sugar Plum quick change my daughter was entrusted to make happen, the last-minute choreography changes, and the adjustments in narration as I was walking toward the stage. Stress-free: No. And yet these young dancers gave their hearts each time they waited for the curtain to rise.

Their heart-felt thanks to an audience that praised the dancers with standing ovations and lifted their tired spirits...we never saw the aching muscles, worn pointe shoes, and the feeling of stress through their beaming smiles.

And so yes, ballet is a sport, I've seen it for myself. And if we need any other vindication, Webster's Dictionary tells us so:

"An activity involving physical exertion and skill...for entertainment."

And what entertainment it was...I was thrilled to be so close to the process!

simple country pleasures...

Sparkling cold weather, sunrises tinted with rose and peach, orange-red bittersweet, and flocks of birds at the feeder...the days are exquisite and such a gift.  We enjoy every one, a blessed relief after the heat and humidity of a long summer. Even on a gray day with drizzly rain, November is the deepening of the year, and a quiet day spent reading and warming my toes by a crackling fire is a reason to give thanks.

This year, like so many of you, I've tried to slow down...to simplify...to make home a haven from the worries of the world. Not easy in an energy-charged life with teens...and yet, advice to
"...enjoy the season you are in." continues to ring in my mind.

Last year, on Christmas Eve day, I ran to the local convenience store...I don't remember why...tape, milk, bread, something I'd forgotten. And as I left, I noticed they had stocked the shelves with Valentine's Day candy. Sigh...

"Nature has its rhythms and its harmonies.
We would do well to fit ourselves as best we can with those cycles
rather than frantically throwing ourselves against them.
Be calm, be patient, be happy with the season you are in."

-Jeffrey R. Holland

And so, as we begin this holiday season, let's make every effort to truly ENJOY this time of year. When you find a minute, read this post by farmgirl Rebekah Teal...she absolutely made me stop in my tracks and take stock. 

Here's a little snippet of her wisdom, just to get you thinking...

News flash!

Christmas is not a competition...

Of how decorated your house is.

Of how perfectly perfect your gifts are.

Of how busy your days and nights are.

Of how much baking you do.

Of how many homemade gifts you can crank out.

Of how beautiful your family is (or appears to be).

Let's all. Just. STOP.

Wise words...make time to appreciate each day and the joy waiting to be discovered, be thankful for sweet memories, and look forward to a lovely future.

And NO Christmas music until next Friday!