Pages of the past - Wildflower Cabin

Pages of the past...

2009-01-02T15:00:00.000-08:00

Hi my friends,

I have enjoyed working on my new blog: http://www.wildflowercabin.blogspot.com/. I am thankful some of you have stopped by to visit. I'm also thankful to have met some new friends!

I have thought about it and have decided not to delete this blog. It has too many memories. I will keep it as a past chapter of my life, something to look back on when and if needed.

I'm going to look at my new blog as a room added on to this old one...and extension, if you will.

Even though this one holds a lot of sadness, it also holds joy and growth. I can't delete it. It's part of me.

I just wanted to share these thoughts and feelings with you. See you in the living room!

Blessings,
Janice

Moving my blog

2008-12-27T08:33:00.000-08:00

Dear friends,

I am going to start a new blog. It will have the same name "Wildflower Cabin", with a matching link: http://www.wildflowercabin.blogspot.com/. I feel I need to turn the page in my book of life and start a new chapter (never ever forgetting past chapters!). While I know we all are there for each other through thick and thin, this blog holds some real heart ache for me, which I find myself feeling every time I come here. I hope you will take note of my new address link and save it. I will leave this one up for a time so all of you can make the change. Meanwhile, I will get busy on my new cabin and make it feel as welcoming as possible for anyone who might stop by! Blessings for a wonderful new year ahead....

Janice

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-26T08:31:00.000-08:00

I hope you each had a God-blessed Christmas and will have an amazingly wonderful New Year!

My progress

2008-11-22T14:58:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone,

I want to thank you for your continued prayers. I can feel the love and prayer support from so many people...some we know...many we don't. It's amazing how the network of God's caring people works in such mighty ways.

Our hearts are slowly mending....and it's good to feel that. We will never get over missing our little angel, Poppy Jo....but God and His people are helping us get through this rough time.

Just knowing my little Doodlebug is waiting for us in heaven, is such a joyous thing to think about!

I wish I could express our thanks and appreciation to all of you who have prayed and continue to pray. I am here to tell you....prayers work. God is real. His people are real. Love never ends......

God bless you all....

Janice

November Blessings

2008-11-22T14:23:00.000-08:00

Yellow Cottonwood leaves reach for the sky
Sunset

Getting ready for winter

God's work of art

Close up

...of mushrooms

All our ducks in a row

Red-tailed Hawk

2008-11-12T08:54:00.000-08:00

Sunday, my dh and I took a drive down along the river. This is one beauty we saw. A red-tailed hawk was perched on an old snag very close to the road. We couldn't believe how long he sat and posed for us while we took a few pictures. The red on the inside of his tail really showed up when he flew off.

Thank you, Mary!

2008-11-09T08:34:00.001-08:00

Thank you Mary, from Isabella's Closet blog, for creating the blog header for me!

I sent her a photo of a flower I took in my yard the other day, and she surprised me by adding my robin in. How sweet.

Keep up the good work, Mary! You are very gifted.

Blessings,
Janice

Two more paintings

2008-11-08T16:06:00.000-08:00

Today I painted two more pictures. One is of a Japanese Maple leaf I picked and the other is from a photo of a robin that I took last winter. It's been so relaxing. I'm not sure what I'll do next, but it will be fun seeing what turns up.

Sweetgum leaves and a first painting

2008-11-08T07:54:00.001-08:00

The first three photos are all from the same sweetgum tree in our back field. I love the variety of colors and shapes that can come from one tree.

The last picture is of my very first watercolor painting. I've been wanting to try it for a long time and finally got brave enough yesterday. I found a maple leaf and attempted to paint it. I really had fun and feel I'm going to be trying more in the days ahead.

It's a beautiful sunny morning, bringing even more glory to the colored leaves left hanging on the trees.

Blessings to all....

Hope

2008-10-30T07:08:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

A continued thanks to you for your prayers and emails. I've considered not posting and even thought about closing down my blog, because to me, blogging should be fun and light-hearted, but then I reminded myself that what we are going through is part of life. There are mountain tops and valleys in each of our lives.

I do want you to know there are parts of each day which feel lighter and more hopeful for continuing on in some sort of normalcy (as much as possible considering...). There are times when we fall apart and the pain feels too much to hold in our hearts. I know this is a part of the grieving process, and it will take a long time. I know our lives will never be the same...a part of each of us died when Poppy died. A piece of us went with her. That's just the way it is. Someone told me our lives will never be the same, but we can live again. I know this is true.

Poppy's mommy (our middle daughter) and her two other precious girls (our granddaughters, ages 13 and 11) all live with us now. We are tightly woven together, helping one another survive this ordeal in our lives.

So while we continue this journey of loss and healing, please know I'm going to survive it....it's going to take a very long time. Thank you for being here with me during this time. It means a lot. I could not make it without the hope Jesus gives us for eternal life with Him. We have a little angel waiting there for us....

Thank you

2008-10-27T10:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your messages full of love, prayers, sympathy and hope. This has been the most painful time our family has ever gone through, and we will be going through it for a very long time yet.

It still seems like an impossible bad dream we wish to wake up from. How can our little angel of 1 year old no longer be here? How can we see her little hand prints on the glass, find her toy under the couch and find water still in her sippy cup....but she is no longer here? How can we still be here trying to go on without her and she is resting in the cemetery heavily laden with flowers and tokens of love, only a mile away? How could this even happen, and why?

Our hearts are broken, our laps are empty, and we did not know our bodies could continue producing steady streams of tears for over 40 days.

Once in a while on a sunny afternoon, we feel maybe we will be able to go on...forge ahead in our lives and feel like living again...then it hits us all over again.

I know God is with us. I know He loves us. I know He feels our pain and offers His comfort. I could not manage without Him...none of us could. We still hurt....we still deeply miss our Poppy Jo....we still feel overwhelmed with confusion on how this could happen. There is no explanation. No answers.

Somehow we must go on, even if we don't feel like it. We really have no choice.

One thing I know....heaven seems so much more wonderful now, and as for this grandma, I cannot wait until my time comes to go be with the Lord, live with Him and see our little angel again. Until then.......I wait.

In Memory of Poppy Josephine Hart

2008-09-15T16:51:00.000-07:00

It is with the heaviest of hearts, I bring the news to you that our most precious baby granddaughter, Poppy Josphine Hart, has gone to be with the Lord, at only 13 months old, after a fatal accident on Saturday September 13. I beg for your prayers...around the world...whoever reads this. My daughter, Poppy's mother, is suffering like nothing I've ever seen, and she and Poppy's dad and family need so much prayer. I ask that if you have ever lost a child, PLEASE email some encouraging words of hope that I can print off and give to my daughter. She feels she cannot ever live again.

I know there are others that have suffered in this way too, and in time have been able to move on in some sort of way. Thank you for sharing our burden.

God bless you,

Janice

Patio Sign I

2008-09-09T21:12:00.000-07:00

This summer we had fun purchasing some signs for our patio. Here is the first one I'm sharing, which is sure to bring a smile (or complaint) to those who read it! :o)

Today's harvest

2008-08-21T15:44:00.000-07:00

My dh has been gathering fruit along the back roads lately. You know how you often see old fruit trees, limbs heavy with fruit and the goods all over the ground just going to waste and no homes around? Well, he's been picking a few up here and there to feed the deer on the property. Today he brought home some juicy red apples and some plums of some kind that are a bit firm yet. Yes, the ones on top of the pile are fused together (lol). I may just all keep all of these for us. :o) The green ones (he has brought home other days) can go for the deer. Speaking of....tomorrow I will share a photo from our trail cam and you can see who's been enjoying those sour apples!

These are some tomatoes I picked from our garden this afternoon. Of course the yellow ones are pear tomatoes, but the red ones are a new kind of cherry tomato we tried this year, called Juliet. They are long and almost remind me of a roma in size, but they are kind of like an apple on the bottom with little points you can stand them up on. :o) Haven't tried one yet....we'll eat them with our dinner tonight.

Update on the blue glass wasp trap. After all this time, I'm finally catching some. I changed the sugar water (again) in it the other day, and I bet after two hours, I had at least 10 wasps in there. I guess they just weren't ready to be curious until now. I do wonder if the cooler weather has something to do with it. That's the only thing different.

Yes....ahhhhh....yes....cooler weather. I can't tell you how good it feels. We even had a little bit of rain yesterday. There is no fragrance in all the world like a good rain after a long long dry spell.

I have a part time job, which I am really enjoying. I'm an office assistant for our church. When the secretary takes leave, I cover for her also. It's nice to have a job I love and be able to help our family out with bringing in a little money too.

Painted sky

2008-08-18T06:07:00.000-07:00

The sunsets of late have been more than amazing...painted with every shade of coral, orange, pink, and purple on The Painter's palette. This photo is taken from our back field behind the house night before last. I find myself looking forward to sunset time each evening to see what treat God has in store for our eyes and minds.

Twisted Kitty

2008-08-07T22:55:00.000-07:00

If you have a cat, I'm sure yours has been caught in some interesting positions at times, too. This is our cat, Circle, relaxing on the garden bench during a recent hot day. She slept like this for a long time. If we humans were to ever get twisted up this way, well, I think it would mean something had snapped!

Sweet Surprise

2008-08-06T21:33:00.000-07:00

Recently a delivery van pulled up in the driveway and brought this beautiful bouquet of flowers to our door. I was so surprised when reading the card, to find out it was from one of my online friends who lives in England! She had located a nursery in our area and ordered the flowers for me...to say she appreciated our friendship. Ahhhh, isn't that sweet?! I just had to share this surprise with you.

Today's Simple Pleasures

2008-07-22T11:37:00.000-07:00

~Simple Pleasures~

*Birds chirping outside my window
*A little cool mist brought in by coastal marine air

*A craft studio/office to call my own
*Small strides made in getting organized
*A cold glass of iced tea

Waiting

2008-07-20T15:42:00.000-07:00

Last summer I bought one of the yellow plastic yellowjacket traps, baited it and watched it fill up with victims (sorry...giggle). This year I rebaited, hung it out and even bought another one similar to hang nearby the first one. The second one was supposed to also trap wasps, which we have more of this year. No customers in either, yet I see the critters flying all around. So I decided with those not working, I finally had my excuse to buy one of the beautiful glass ones I've always wanted. They are so much more pretty hanging on the porch. I put sugar water in it (afterall, they love the sugar water in the hummingbird feeders), but STILL no customers! I think I am being outsmarted this year, by these flying, stinging critters! Hmmmmmmm......

Summer Sip & Supper

2008-07-14T18:27:00.000-07:00

I bought some bing cherries today at the grocery store.
After making a jar of lemonade (in an antique milk bottle), I dropped a few cherries in to make cherry lemonade. I made a little slice or two on each cherry to help the juices come out.

In the fridge to chill and blend.

Into a glass with a slight pink tint and cherry flavor. Yum!

On the grill: chicken breasts, sliced zucchini and yellow summer squash (smothered in garlic butter), and corn on the cob wrapped in foil.

Ready to eat! Complimenting food off the grill is garlic bread and baked beans. Yum again!

Little Bits of July

2008-07-14T08:44:00.000-07:00

A pair of Goldfinch in the driveway.
A female Rufous hummingbird at the feeder.

"Moose", our huge bullfrog in the pond. The photo simply does not justify his size. It would take about three hands to hold him!

My ducks. Wild mallards, raised by a local lady who runs a rescue for various fowl.
My dh named them 'Huey, Louie, Dewey and Donald'. I feed them at the pond every evening, but this day they got a bit anxious and came up to the yard!

Blue dragonfly at the pond.

A view of our little vegetable garden. We put things close together due to space. It's fun watering, weeding and checking on things each day. Tomatoes are green and growing and I've already picked one green bean! :o)

Singing in the shower!

2008-07-11T19:47:00.001-07:00

This evening I gave my palm plant a nice cool shower. It's so hot and dry lately and it looked like it needed a 'pick-me-up'. I set it in the bathtub, trimmed off dead leaves, watered it until it overflowed out of the pot tray, then gave it a fine mist shower for a couple of minutes. I'm just sure I could hear it singing. :o) Don't forget to give your houseplants some extra TLC during the summer months.

Red in my garden

2008-06-21T22:06:00.000-07:00

Red

Bold, Beautiful
Confident, Unchanging
Warm, Deep, Full
Respectful

The top photo is a red rhododendron growing in our rock garden (we purchased in 1998 from our youngest daughter when she was in high school and selling them through her vo-ag class), the middle photo is my red blaze rambling rose (a start from my mother's bush that is finally taking off and rather showy this year!), and the last photo is a day lily that was given to me by my 90 year old friend a year ago (whom I used to be a caregiver for). Beautiful red, beautiful thoughts of beautiful people.

Homemade Laundry Soap

2008-06-01T18:23:00.000-07:00

One of the things I got accomplished today was making homemade laundry soap. My friend Jeannie, from Pine Cottage blog, recently posted a recipe for making it. The only problem I had, is that I am now unable to find washing soda in the stores like I used to. After doing a little research on the internet, I found it the opinion of more than one author, that baking soda is actually more healthy and gentle than washing soda in use for laundry. That's good for me, since I can't find it. Here is the small batch recipe and below it are the adjustments I made to work for our water:

1 cup grated bar soap (I used Ivory)

1/2 cup borax

1/2 cup washing soda (I used baking soda)

Mix well and store. Use 2 TBSP per load (or as needed for dirtier laundry)

Adjustments I made:

I found with using cold water for some of my washing, the grated soap did not completely dissolve. I experimented today, putting the powdered detergent I had made, in a pan on the stove with just enough water to cook it down and melt down the grated soap. It made a nice thick product about the consistency of mashed potatoes. After it cooled, I stirred it well and put into jars, labeled and stored. It has such a fresh clean smell! Note: Cook it on low, as high heat produces massive suds which overflow quickly! (lol).

Thank you for getting me going on this, Jeannie! You are a real inspiration!

Vintage Potholders - Clothing Style

2008-05-30T09:24:00.000-07:00

Here are a some vintage crocheted potholders I have.

The top one belonged to my great aunt. I love all the detail on it..the white ruffles around the edges, green sash and flower. What a work of art!

The next one is a two-piece set, top and pants. I found this one at a thrift store a couple of years ago. Such tiny little stitches!

Last is showing both sides of a dress. One side is green, turn it over and pink is on the other side. Look at all those panels outlined in black! This belonged to my great aunt, also.

I really enjoy looking at these, but I sure can't imagine using them. Do you think the women who made these actually used them or just enjoyed the creativity of making and displaying them, or possibly giving them as gifts?

Do you have vinatage potholders to share?

Pyrex Bowls

2008-05-29T08:10:00.000-07:00

I love using my old pyrex bowls. The white and pink ones were my mother's, and I came across the green one at a second hand store a few years ago. They make a nice set and I used them daily. I'm just sure things taste better after being mixed in these old treasures! Do you have any favorite kitchen oldies you like using?

Happy May Day!

2008-05-01T22:43:00.000-07:00

Happy May Day! Here is a basket of flowers to you from me, with wishes for a merry month of May! Blessings of buds and blossoms, sunshine, and lots of love to each of you!

School Days

2008-04-29T09:24:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share a picture of my old metal school lunch pail used when I was in 5th grade. Even then I loved wild flowers! Right now I use it to keep clippings of recipes in (those I want to try out some day). Do you have an old lunch box sitting around that used to be yours or that you bought second hand? I would love to see it, if you do! Just leave a comment to let me know, and I'll visit your blog for a peek. :o)

My days

2008-04-25T07:05:00.000-07:00

Hello, friends! What busy days I've had of late! It seems I have not had computer time in quite a while.

Starting with the bottom photo, I recently had a late birthday celebration with a friend, and came home with four beautiful coffee cups covered in roses, and four white linen napkins. The little shoe in front is my birthday card.

Up to the next photo...my same friend had her birthday, and last week I invited her over for tea and goodies to celebrate. This is the table before she arrived. I used the cups and napkins she had given me.

The photo above that is a bouquet of wild Quince that my dh picked for me out in the woods one day. He also dug up two smal Quince bushes and gave to me, so I have my own growing now! Hopefully they will like their new home.

The top photo is of a visitor we had yeseterday. A male Bullock's Oriole was very interested in the hummingbird feeders. We have never had one up to the house so close. His sweetie was near by, but she stayed in the background and didn't want her picture taken. I've done some research and found out they love nectar (out of their own kind of feeder), fruit, and especially grape jelly! I hope to get something set out for them today. Many years ago, we had a pair of these striking birds nest in an old oak tree. Long after they left for the winter and the leaves had fallen off the tree, we saw their cup nest hanging in the tree. It had fishing line woven all through it and a fish hook was dangling from the outside of the nest!

In every spare moment we've had, my dh and I have been landscaping our front yard. We hope to be finished within a week. At that time, I will post photos. We are having so much fun!

I hope to get caught up on some blog reading today! I've missed knowing what's going on in everyone's lives!

Antique Treasures

2008-04-09T08:49:00.001-07:00

On the way home from our recent trip to the coast, my dh and I browsed some antique shops. One antique mall ended up being our favorite. I was thrilled to find this large framed print of a child holding a bouquet of flowers with a bluebird fluttering near by. The price was $15, but that particular vendor was having 50% off on several items, and this was one. It ended up costing me $7.50! I haven't found the perfect place to hang it yet, but would like to re-decorate the children's guest room, so am thinking that might be a fun place for it. At another antique shop, I found a vintage book, published in 1890, called 'Out of Doors with Tennyson'. It's in amazing shape and is full of poems by Tennyson, along with beautiful art work. That cost me $18, but books are worth extra to me!

Coast Trip

2008-04-02T09:12:00.001-07:00

What is a coast trip without a photo of a seagull? They always seem to be posing!
Little purple flowers growing in the sand.

A scenic photo taken through the trees.

The Adobe motel we stayed in. The round part on ground level is the restraunt.

A view of Yachats, Oregon (pronounced Yah-hots), as we neared the city to get checked in to our motel.

Beautiful crashing waves.

Last weekend, my dh and I celebrated our 33rd wedding anniversary. We went on our actual anniversary weekend and it was one of the stormiest and cold weekends we could have chosen. Every 10 minutes it seemed the weather changed. It varied from snow (yes!) to hail, to sunshine, to rain and heavy winds, to sleet and then repeat it all....the entire weekend long. The ocean was rough and beautiful. The second afternoon there, we finally got to step out onto the beach and enjoy a bit of good weather for a bit. We had a relaxing and enjoyable time!

Yesterday, dh came home with a new computer moniter for me...yay!! I'm so excited to be back online again. It seems it was a long time being away. Hopefully it will all last a while now...computer is fixed from last time, and now a new moniter...lol. Fingers crossed.

Thank you to those who left such sweet birthday wishes at my last post. That was so kind of you!

Well, I have lots to do, but wanted to say 'hi', let you know I'm back, and share a little about our trip. Hope you are all well!

Happy GREEN day!

2008-03-17T18:51:00.000-07:00

Top o' the evenin' to you, my friends!

Oh, guess what? My computer is down again! My moniter just simply quit the other day. I'm not happy about that, but I can't do anything about it for now. It will be a while before we can save up for a new one. Meanwhile, it's back to the same as last time I had computer problems. I will not be here often for a while, as I only have my dh's work laptop and shouldn't use it too often. (sigh).

St. Patrick's Day is one of my favorite days of the year. Yes, it is my birthday, and that's always fun, but I just love the color green so much, it makes it extra festive for me to see so much green around in decorations and attire!

We celebrated my birthday yesterday with a family BBQ and some lovely cream pies for dessert. Yummy! I received some nice gardening things and four wonderful fruit trees! We will get them planted this week. I now have a bing cherry tree, a raineer cherry tree, a fugi apple tree and a golden delicious apple tree. I'm so excited! We'll probably plant them in the secret garden so the deer can't get to them.

Last week I added four new laying hens to my little flock. I was down to one lonely hen and found a lady who rescues fowl of all kind and gives them away to good homes. So I'm now up to five in the litte hen family and they are doing well. It's nice getting four to five eggs a day again.

Speaking of my girls, it's time to go put them away for the evening, so I will close for now.

I'm sorry my blogging time will be a bit sparse again until I get a new moniter, but don't worry, I'll be thinking about each one of you and looking forward to coming back full time again!

Blessings one and all!

Fruit

2008-03-11T13:02:00.000-07:00

"Balance, peace, and joy are the fruit of a successful life. It starts with recognizing your talents and finding ways to serve others by using them."

~Thomas Kinkade~

Molasses Crinkles

2008-03-10T09:58:00.000-07:00

This weekend I made a batch of Molasses Crinkles from a recipe I've had for a long time. I just ate the last one a while ago...yummy! Here is the recipe:

Blend together:

3/4 cup shortening
1 cup brown sugar

1 egg

1/4 cup molasses

Add in and mix well:

2 1/4 cups flour

2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp each:
cloves

cinnamon

ginger

Roll into balls & put tops in sugar. Bake at 350 F degrees on ungreased cookie sheet for 8-9 minutes.

Enjoy!

Fire Starters

2008-03-07T14:09:00.000-08:00

Hi friends,
Today in the kitchen I made fire starters. They really work well for getting a fire going if you do not have kindling. The 'recipe' is very simple:

Fill paper egg carton cups (NOT the styrofoam kind) about 3/4 full of dryer lint; pack it in tightly. Pour melted parafin wax (be safe and use a double boiler you use for non-food items) over the lint, filling the cups up the rest of the way. Leave to set, letting them firm up (you can put them in the freezer to hurry the process along). Once cooled and set, cut apart the individual egg cups and store until needed.

Great for home, camping, hiking or an evening at the fire pit.

Pottery Bowl

2008-03-06T07:04:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! It was very fun for me to have you guess what the photo on the previous post was! I loved every single guess! Here is what that photo belongs to. It is a small pottery bowl, measuring about 5 inches across the top and just over 2 inches tall. I bought it second hand a few months ago and just love it. The colors are so striking and it's a nice little size. I have always loved pottery and will be sharing from time to time other pieces I have. Any other lovers of pottery out there? Thanks for taking the time to guess the photo!

What is it?

2008-03-04T21:18:00.000-08:00

Any guesses? :o) Be specific!

Birding Journal

2008-03-04T09:43:00.000-08:00

I have been having fun working on my birding journal. I spent quite a bit of time Saturday working on it. It is very simple. I have a three-ring binder, which I put in pages of card stock with holes punched in to fit through the rings. I am putting photos of each different bird I see, with a little bit of information about where I saw it, and sometimes it's habits. It will help me keep track of the different birds I see and be something fun to look at once in a while.

Rufous Returned

2008-03-03T15:52:00.001-08:00

After being graced with the Annas hummingbirds for the last few weeks, the little Rufous was easy to spot this afternoon. They have arrived! Had this little male turned facing me a bit more, his vibrant red throat would have shown up for the photo. I've heard that the Rufous arrive with the buzzards, often riding on their wings. I have no idea of the truth of that, but it's fun to think about. I shall do some research and let you know. Either way, spring officially starts for me, when this variety of hummers arrive!

Happy Mothering Sunday!

2008-03-02T06:50:00.000-08:00

Happy Mothering Sunday to all ladies in the UK celebrating today! I hope you have a most lovely day, full of love and appreciation. If you live alone, or have no one around you to celebrate with, please do something wonderful for yourself! You deserve some royal treatment! Bless you! xo

Touches of Spring

2008-03-01T16:24:00.000-08:00

Today, between times of pouring rain, I got out to take a few photos. The top photos is of buds on an ornamental flowering plum tree, the next is a pair of Wood Ducks on the pond, third is a Mr. & Mrs. House Sparrow on our roof, and last is a Starling (winter appearance) in the plum tree. It rained so hard today, but every once in a while, like a typical spring day, the sun popped out in all it's glory!

In Like a Lion

2008-03-01T07:29:00.001-08:00

March has arrived like a lion in our part of the country. The sky is dark, the wind is moving the black clouds at a fast pace, and it's pouring down rain. How did the new month arrive where you live?

Happy March 1st!

Leap Year

2008-02-29T15:57:00.000-08:00

This afternoon I took a load of freshly washed laundry out of the washing machine, and noticed something down in the bottom of the tub. I reached in and picked it up and saw it was a June bug, still alive and moving! I was quite suprised for two reasons: I haven't seen a June bug around here for a very long time, and it survived going through the wash, rinse and spin cycle. I can only imagine the wild ride that was...lol. I took it outside and put it down for my grandson and his little friend to see.

Another thing we noticed this evening was, the buzzards have arrived. Hundreds of them roost in the surrounding hillside forests near our home in the warmer months. They've been gone all winter. This evening there were about four of them scouting out the area. The Rufous hummingbirds usually arrive with the buzzards, so tomorrow I will be watching my feeder closely.

Let's see, there surely must be some kind of old wive's tale about this. Maybe:

'Find a June bug on February 29, leap year, and the buzzards will arrive bringing an early spring'.

(Giggle).

Buttermilk Sky

2008-02-28T09:04:00.000-08:00

What a cloud cover this morning! It looks like I should be able to reach out and touch it. I took these photos facing three different directions. My mother used to call this kind of cloud cover, a buttermilk sky. It's beautiful!

Tote and sheet fabrics

2008-02-27T13:26:00.000-08:00

Here are the sheet fabric pieces I have so far which will go into the comforter I plan to make. I would like to get at least two or three more prints, as well as some solid colors. Also included in the photo is the tote bag which I had made a few months ago out of the same fabric as the curtains. Katie had asked to see it. It is lined with lavender sheet fabric.

Curtain Ties

2008-02-27T06:50:00.000-08:00

Thank you all, for your sweet comments on my sheet curtains. :o)

Yesterday I realized I needed to see a bit more daylight through the windows, so I made some little ties for the curtains. I'll tie them up during the day and remove the ties for full window coverage at night and on really hot days.

I purchased some more sheets in contrasting and coordinating prints and colors. They are all washed and ready to use. I am planning to cut out large blocks and sew them together for a simple bed covering. I'll post pictures as the project goes along.

Curtains

2008-02-25T11:46:00.000-08:00

This morning I decided to make some new curtains for our bedroom. We've had printed sheers on the window for years and they were starting to get quite faded. One of my weaknesses is buying pretty sheets at second hand stores. I've had this one for a long time and even had made a tote bag out of it a few months ago. I had enough left to make some simple curtains. Here is the finished project.

She smiled

2008-02-24T16:00:00.000-08:00

Today I smiled at 'early spring'. She smiled back at me with new green life coming out of the ground, buds and the color of violets!

Happy Late February!

Feathering your nest and beyond

2008-02-23T15:43:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

Along with simplifying my life through removing excess clutter and items not needed or wanted, I am in the beginning stages of trying to be prepared in case of any kind of emergency. When I take a look at life around me, I see people taken off guard by tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, power outages due to severe winter weather, flu and sickness and more.

I would like to be as prepared as possible for something that will hopefully never happen. I'd rather be safe than sorry! One thing that really got me thinking, was recently when some of our family was sick. I did not have near enough in the house to provide for our needs. Thankfully our oldest daughter stayed healthy and took care of us and ran errands to pick up meds, food etc... Had I lived alone, I would have been in trouble. I needed to be prepared.

As I have been doing some research on the subject, I observed a few important areas to tend to. They are:

Extra stock of food and water for home
Extra emergency items such as flashlights, radio, candles etc.... for home

Extra medical items for home

Food, water, medical and emergency items for the car

It is my goal to eventually be prepared enough to provide the needs for each family member (and kids and grandkids) to live in our home, if needed, for 30 days without outside help. I have a long way to go!

At this time we are living on a shoe-string budget. We make decent money, but have allowed ourselves to get in debt more than we should have and are living beyond our means (I think that's called 'living the American dream'). It's time to take action, which is sometimes painful! We have several large items for sale at this time: boats, an old truck, motorcycle and an exercise machine. The problem is, the economy is bad and we are in a more rural area. We have received about three calls from interested people, but no buyers. We are thankful for 'Craig's List' as it's free advertising. It would be difficult to list things paying the normal stiff prices for listing things in the classified ads. So we wait, and have faith that things will sell when the right person comes along for each item. As soon as we get some debt paid off, I'd love to live by Pa Ingall's motto:

Cash on the barrel!

I would love to share my journey of being prepared and if you'd like to join me and even share what you are doing to help your family and home out 'just in case', I'd really like to hear about it!

Blessings!

Simplifying

2008-02-20T13:48:00.000-08:00

Well, I am finally getting very very serious about simplifying. Infact, I've never been so serious about it and never before had results like I'm seeing. It just about making a decision and sticking with it.

I have hauled bags and bags to donate to my two favorite thrift stores, going at least once a week, sometimes twice. I've been more tough than ever and have probably filled equal amount of bags full of stuff to throw away. AMAZING!!

I'm starting to feel more light-hearted by parting with so much excess material items! Mind you, I will always love my treasures, pretty things and continue to be sentimental about special items in my life....but the things I'm talking about are not needed.

I don't know about you, but I've been one of those people with the 'someday syndrome'. You hear them talk about it on T.V. shows where professionals come in to help people organize their homes. Some people, like myself, pack away boxes and boxes for 'some day'. Well, I may never get around to going back through those boxes of things and I know for a fact, if my kids are the next ones going through my things, none of it will mean a thing to them...haha. So, I'm taking care of it now. It will probably take me all spring to finish up, but I'm off to a good start!

My main project this week has been my craft room/office. I have decided to narrow it down to keeping the things I enjoy most, rather that ten or twelve different crafts. That may be part of the reason I feel overwhelmed, is I have too much and so don't do any of it.

My favorite thing to do is take wildlife photos, so I have my papers, box of photos, camera, ink cartridges, scissors and paper cutters on one table, with the printer near by.

I will keep my sewing machine and a few needed items for it, simply because there is always mending to do. I don't enjoy sewing as a hobby though, so have donated a lot of my fabric.

I am keeping my knitting supplies and yarns because I do enjoy simple projects and hope some day to learn how to do some more challenging things (like socks etc...).

That's it for my hobbies and crafts! Everything else left town...lol.

I still have a long way to go in the craft room....lots of drawers yet too dig through, but I know when I'm finished, I'll feel like a new person!

Have any of you been bitten by the 'SIMPLIFYING' bug?

Catching Up

2008-02-14T08:18:00.000-08:00

Good Morning, friends. It feels good to get back on my blog. I'm so very out of touch with each of you.

We have had quite the month, to say the least. First, the good news is, we had so much more snow in January. Within two days we had 7 inches of snow and it was beautiful. More missed school for the kids, lots of playing outside and beautiful photos taken. It has been a very unusual winter for us and we've enjoyed it. Now suddenly it's over and early spring has arrived. We've had cold nights and sunny days and the birds are busy everywhere. The frogs are croaking after a quiet few weeks. This is always a sign of spring to us.

The not so good news is, a very close family member has had a terrible time getting out of a four year abusive relationship and this time it was nearly more than I could handle. Things are better now and I hope and pray they do stay this way! Anyone ever involved in sitting on the sidelines of something like this does know what I'm talking about.

The other things is I've been in a depression, which again, is not 'me'. I always look at life on the bright side, but I think too many things happened to bring me down and I could not snap out of it. I wanted to go to bed every day in the early evening and just hide from my world.

Most of our family has been quite sick for about a week. Finally Tuesday night I knew this bug had whipped me, so yesterday my oldest daughter who lives with us took the day off work and drove my son and I to urgent care. We both have bronchitis, I also have an ear infection and had a temp of 101 degrees when I was at the doctor. We are on antibiotics now and I feel perkier today than I have in a very long time.

Two of my blog reader friends have recently asked if everything was ok. I just want you to know how much I appreciate that! It means so much to be cared for even miles and worlds away. Thank you so much.

Hopefully I'm back to being on track again. I'm sure ready for it! Thanks for listening!

Hugs and Friendship,
Janice

Happy Love Day

2008-02-14T08:04:00.000-08:00

Wishing you each a happy LOVE day! As you reach out to others with love, may it all be returned back to you. Remember to do something nice for yourself also, because you must be happy with the person you are and love yourself in order to love others.

This morning we were surprised by doors bursting open and the noise level increasing about 200% as our grandchildren and the two mommies belonging to them brought us this pink calilily for Valentine's Day. It was so sweet. I took this photo with the morning sunshine pouring through the window. I love receiving plants that can be planted outside and enjoyed for years!

This is the first year I have not given them anything for this special day, as I've been really sick and unable to get to the store or do any baking. Hopefully in a day or two I can get something done for them.

Blessings to you all!

My friends are back!!

2008-01-15T17:53:00.000-08:00

I was soooo excited this morning to look out the window at just the right time and see a male Annas hummingbird at the old feeder! All the Rufous and Annas had left in late September. I had hoped the Annas would winter over here as they did for the last two years, but they seemed to have left with the rest in the fall. So, was I ever surprised to see one of those colorful hummers trying to find something to eat this morning! I quickly made up a new batch of feed, cooled it and hung the feeder back up. It wasn't long before he returned for a few drinks. A little later, his leading lady showed up, so I quickly grabbed the camera and took this picture of her sitting in the Japanese Maple tree. Hopefully they will stay. Usually by early March the Rufous arrive and then things get really lively!

White

2008-01-07T07:47:00.000-08:00

With all of the snow we've had, I thought I would share some other favorite white things with you. A few weeks ago, I bought a paperwhite narcissus kit at the store and was delighted with how quickly they sprouted, grew and bloomed. The house was full of early spring fragrance during Christmas! Though I had seen these boxed kits (pot, soil and bulbs) many times before, I had never purchased any. Since this photo, taken mid December, these plants are finished blooming, trimmed and waiting to be planted outside after the last frost. Now, I'm on my second pot, and they are just starting to sprout! Fun!

The snowy owls, I purchased from Victoria Trading Co. in early December. They sit upon my kitchen window sill and are a delight every time I look at them. They are made with real feathers and are so soft. I've named them 'Wish' and 'Star'.

More Snow!

2008-01-06T17:09:00.000-08:00

We were delighted with another day of snow today! I took this side view of our home this morning after the snow just started coming down. We had never seen such huge flakes as today! The little white triangle you see in the photo, is the roof of my bird feeder...lol.

Catch Up

2008-01-02T06:59:00.001-08:00

I thought I would share one of my favorite photos from last winter, to catch up on some news. Two of my chickens had walked down to our patio from their hen house to see if there was any remaining cat food in the dishes, and these were the tracks they left in the snow going back to their home.

First of all, my husband is finally showing some noticeable signs of improvement. He has had a rough time recovering, and I know it's because it was a much more extensive surgery than the last time he had back surgery, plus a few years have gone by and he's a bit older now, though only a young 54! Now at times his back pain is just about the same as what it was before surgery (which he can handle on a regular regiment of pain meds), but it's the nerve pain in his legs that is very hard to cope with. It's been three weeks since his surgery, and he drove yesterday for a little bit (me the passenger biting nails), but he did well and was comfortable enough with it. His job relies on a lot of driving and he wants to get back to it, slowly, as soon as possible.

If I have learned anything from this, it's that I simply must live one day at a time, perhaps one beautiful moment at a time. The doctors cleared up some questions for me....Jack has degenerative disc disease. After two neck fusions, and now two back fusions, he will have more to come. Already the two discs above the recently repaired one, are 90% gone. Not a bright future in that way. So....as I said....one moment at a time and try not to get overwhelmed thinking about the rough times ahead for him. They will come soon enough. Thank you again so much for your prayers!

We had a nice Christmas celebration. First of all on Christmas eve morning, my in-laws came over to see us and exchange gifts. All of our children and grand kids came as well, so they could see them. We had a nice shared brunch together, consisting of a ham, potato, green pepper and cheese quiche, a variety of bagels and cream cheese, melons and pineapple, coffee cake and more. It was a nice day.

On Christmas, our daughter that lives with us, our teenage son, Jack and I, and of course our two dogs, had a gift exchange in the morning. Later on, our other two daughters, their children and boyfriends came over. We exchanged gifts with them, and then....the shame of it all....we popped in frozen pizzas for dinner. I had been steadily feeling a lack of energy with caring for Jack and trying to get ready for Christmas, and I simply ran out of steam for making a nice dinner. Well, we survived, but I will never do that again...lol. It just wasn't that great! (grin).

The kids and grand kids all chipped in and bought us a nice metal detector. The property we live on is full of old town history. The old original school, blacksmith shop and livery stable were on our property at one time. They thought we would have fun scanning the property for lost treasures (and they are so right!). Who knows, we might finding something wonderful! So far some nails have been found by the grand kids and part of the back field looks like a mole with an attitude has gone digging. Grandpa Jack discovered the holes and next time the little ones come for a visit, guess what they get to do? Fill up all the holes...lol.

Before Jack went in for surgery, we bought a trail cam as one of our gifts to each other. It's been a blast hooking it up to a tree on a deer trail, checking it in a few days and looking at the photos it's captured. We have quite a few deer photos, some possum photos and of course one of our cats got in the spotlight...lol. A gift we will enjoy for years.

We also let one another pick out something we wanted. He ordered a lead sled (to make it easier for his shooting practice) and I ordered the beautiful small outdoor table from Victorian Trading Co. The table is here and the two chairs are on back order. I can't wait to sit at it up in my secret garden once the weather turns nice.

As for the new year, as I said earlier, I plan to take one moment at a time, treasure those around me more than ever, and take time to smell the roses!

All for now....

Good Old Things

2008-01-01T14:13:00.000-08:00

Old wood to burn

Old wine to drink

Old friends to love

Old times to remember

As we look back on another year gone by, let us remember the good things it brought us, while looking forward to the good things 2008 will bring our way!

Happy New Year!

2007-12-31T15:18:00.000-08:00

We didn't have a white Christmas, but we had a white day-after-Christmas! It snowed just enough for our grandchildren to have fun playing in the back field all day, and for me to take a few pictures! It was so pretty and peaceful.

Wishing you all a lovely new year!

Happy Holidays

2007-12-22T21:10:00.000-08:00

I want to wish each of you a very meaningful & joyful Christmas and a healthy & safe 2008!

Thank you so much for all the kind and thoughtful words upon our arrival back home from my husband's surgery. He is doing ok, but recovery is very slow and discouraging to him and he's in a lot of pain. I keep hoping the next few days will be a breakthrough for him feeling a little better.

I obviously have not had any time to read blogs in some time, infact this is the first time I have popped in on mine in a long time! I can only imagine the festive pages and photos as the holidays near. I will look forward to visiting with you sometime early in the new year!

May God bless each one of you, and remember....make every day a holiday!

We are home!

2007-12-13T11:02:00.000-08:00

We are home, and my husband's back surgery went well and as planned. Of course he's not feeling to sharp, but the first several days can be really rough. Hopefully by next week, he'll be feeling some improvement.

The evening after his surgery, he was transported to a care home where rooms are always available for patients from the spinal surgery center to come and recover. This was recommended by the doctor, as we were in another city, away from home and they preferred him not to travel home that night.

I cannot even adequately describe it to you. It made me think even more about hospitality (as it's been on my mind so much anyway with the Emilie Barnes book I recently read).

Of course with it all being decorated for Christmas, it made the place seem even more enchanting. Upon entry, is the lobby, or living room as they call it. Tall ceilings, dark thick wood mantel over the fireplace (which had a fire burning in it), tall-backed Victorian style chairs and a beautiful couch covered with a multitude of gorgeous pillows. A huge Christmas tree decked out with old fashioned vintage looking ornaments, what looked like a baby grand piano in the corner, many ornately framed oil paintings all over the wall, and a huge, beautiful Asian style rug on the floor. It looked like something preserved out of the past.

We were taken to a back room, where my husband's name was hanging on the wall by the door. Upon entry of the room we were to stay in, I could not take it all in. It was a small room, but also decorated like something out of the past. Yes, there was a hospital style bed for him to sleep in, but it had green sheets and pillows on it and a comforter that was beautiful! The walls were decorated with art work, there were tall artificial plants in the corners, a huge soft black leather recliner (which was my bed for the night) and two dressers that looked like something from the Edwardian era (very dark wood too).

While the male nurse got acquainted with my husband, and discussed his care with him, I was escorted back to the living room and asked what I would like to drink. I was craving a diet pepsi, as I had been without one all day (giggle). It was brought to me in a crystal goblet filled with crushed ice and a straw.

We had both not eaten all day, of course, so sandwiches and soup were later delivered to our room on covered trays and served on fine china.

The next morning coffee was brought in, served in delicate little floral fine china tea cups and saucers. Breakfast was later served in the same lovely manner our dinner had been, and our juices were in crystal goblets.

This is just a small glimpse of the place we stayed in. The words I left in their guest book hardly described our appreciation! We were treated like guests of honor every second we were there.

We were both so very impressed. To spend a night recovering from surgery in those surroundings, with that kind of hospitality, is something we will never forget! I just had to share it with you. It made the ending of a rough day, pure bliss, nurturing our bodies and souls.

Thank you so very much for all your prayers, my blog friends! They really have helped and will help, as my dh continues to recover!

I hope you are each having a blessed holiday season!

In Friendship,
Janice

More Treasures

2007-12-07T15:55:00.000-08:00

Recently I placed my first order from Lallee's Cottage Etsy shop. I was completely delighted with the things I received! I purchased a floral dishcloth and a Scotty dog bookmark, both crocheted by Lallee, for Christmas gifts. She does gorgeous, high quality work! She was so sweet and included a little gift for me, a faux pink gingerbread cupcake! It's adorable! She also wrote a thoughtful note on one of her pretty pink azalea notecards, which she has listed in her shop. I forgot to include it in the photo. I highly recommend her shop for wonderful gifts for others or yourself! Thank you, Lallee! I love everything!

These adorable cookie cutters and snowman oven mitt were received from a nice lady named Melissa, who was my swap partner for a cookie cutter exchange that Sue, from Country Pleasures, hosted. I look forward to making sugar cookies with my grandchildren with these cutters! The oven mitt is so cute and will be also put to good use! Thank you, Melissa, for the swap, and the sweet note included!

December is upon us!

2007-12-06T22:23:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

How are you all doing during this month of December? I hope you are all enjoying your time preparing for the Christmas holiday season!

Our family has been sharing colds and flu with one another (share and share alike!) lately. I think we have all had a turn, so hopefully we are on the mend now. Our biggest concern is having my dh healthy enough for his upcoming surgery on Dec. 11. I think he'll be able to go ahead with it, if nothing else comes along.

I'm close to being finished with my Christmas shopping and wrapping, and I would guess I might have about 1/3 more of it to do. There's time yet, right? :o) I had hoped to finish everything up before next Tuesday, but some of it just may have to wait until after we get back from our hospital stay.

It is really funny, in a way...every year for a long time now, I've told myself that next year, I'm going to be organized, finish with everything early (including my decorating), and spend the last half of the month, dancing around in my pretty Christmas apron, listening to Christmas music and baking at leisure. Something always comes up to change these plans, but I'm fine with it now. They may never happen, other than in my thoughts.

Some years our colds/flu are going around right in the middle of the holidays. Two years ago our oldest granddaughter (age 10 at the time) was very ill with what turned out to be cat scratch fever. We were worried sick about her, as she was in a bad way for about a month before it was discovered what the problem was, and before they found an antibiotic that would begin to heal her. Other years some of our adult children have been in the midst of problems which would involve our help, encouragement, and money and even sometimes allowing them to move back home temporarily. This year, my husband is having his surgery and will be quite a while recovering.

These are all ok, because these situations are a reminder that I am surrounded by people I dearly love, people who need me as much as I need them. I am reminded that there is really nothing in this life more important than family and caring for each other and being a support to one another. That's what it's all about.

Hopefully I can get most of the house decorated before we leave for dh's surgery next week (this will be taking place in another city about one hour from where we live), and hopefully sometime before Christmas I can bake my candy cane cookies, a tradition in our home for years. I'll pop in a Christmas CD, and smile with thankfulness to God, that I have a very dear family, and I would not trade them for anything in the world.

Keep a song in your heart!

~Janice~

**Thank you, everyone, for your thoughtful words and prayers concerning Jack's upcoming surgery. You have no idea how very touched I am, and how strengthened I feel by your support!

Fun in the mail!

2007-11-30T10:41:00.000-08:00

Recently, Elizabeth, of 'My Simple Journey' blog, hosted a Christmas stocking swap. Today, mine arrived in the mail, from Denise. It is such a pretty deep red stocking and was filled with little wrapped treasures!

I had fun opening the gifts, which included printed tissues, a note pad, a sachet, embroidery floss and needles, a knitted dishcloth, a candle and stacked snowman boxes full of candy. Thank you, Denise! :o) What sweet thoughtful goodies!

Also in the mail came a suprise package from Elizabeth herself. A box of Belgian chocolate seashells with praline filling. YUM! According to my calcuations from reading the box, I think there will be the perfect amount to count down to Christmas (one a day until the big day). That will be a fun chocolate advent for me! :o) The card so cutely states: "I thought you might need this to get through the next month. Chocolate solves all life's problems, according to Dave." LOL Thank you, Elizabeth! I will really enjoy these!

The Twelve Days of Christmas

2007-11-26T06:06:00.000-08:00

The song 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' brings back fond memories to me. I remember as a little girl, my older siblings teaching the song to me. I remember belting out loudly on 'five golden rings' part, as I'm sure most children enjoy doing. The adults always got a giggle out of it, which is probably partly why I kept singing it like that. Of course whenever I hear the song, it takes me back to those childhood times.

As an adult myself, when our daughters were young (pre-school and elementary age) we heard about providing the twelve days of Christmas for other people. We chose a sweet elderly lady, who lived not too far from us, was crippled and lived alone. We clued her family in on it, so they would know what we were doing.

We worked ahead of time as much as possible in planning out what we would be taking to her on each of the twelve days leading up to Christmas. Then each day, beginning on December 13, we stopped by her house and delivered a surprise to her. The original idea, of course, is to knock on your recipient's door and leave each gift anonymously, but with an elderly person who is not able to answer the door easily, we chose to hand deliver. The blessing in doing it that way, was she got company every day!

Obviously I can't remember what each thing was, but the idea is you give the same number of items that match the day of the song. Examples:

First Day of Christmas: One Christmas cookie
Second Day of Christmas: Two gloves
Third Day of Christmas: Three tree ornaments
Etc....

On the last day, the 24th, Christmas Eve, when you deliver your twelve items, you also give a wrapped gift that they can open the next morning on Christmas day.

All I can say, is the blessings were amazing as we took part in this! To see the joy in Ethel's eyes each day when we would stop by with some little surprises for her, was something we will never forget. Some days we could stay and visit with her longer than others. It was a blessing to all of us, and it created a friendship that bonded us together in a way we would have not had otherwise! It taught our little daughters the importance of sharing with others, and focused even more on elderly people.

Our dear little friend has been gone for years, but every time I drive by her old house, I can see her little bent and crooked body standing in her kitchen with a gleam in her eyes and a smile on her face as we presented the days' treasures to her. That memory will continue to live forever in my mind.

I'm sure some of you have participated in 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' in this way, but if you have not, I encourage you to do so. Pick a single lonely person, or a family in need and get out there and bless lives! You will never regret it!

Have fun!

Dear Hearts

2007-11-24T22:03:00.000-08:00

Thank you, Dear Hearts, for all your kind words recently. It means so much to know that friends care and take the time to say so. I really appreciate your prayers for my husband, and we will continue to be comforted and strengthened by them! His surgery is in a little over 2 weeks, so I will be busy trying to get ready for Christmas early, so I can just take care of him once he's back home. Thanks again for caring!

Blessings and Smiles,
Janice

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-17T17:25:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

I am taking this time to wish you a lovely and blessed Thanksgiving coming up soon! I am going to take a bit of a break and will be back when time allows.

To be honest, I am feeling down (something I don't do often), but my husband's health is not well and I'm struggling with putting on a happy face to blog with. He will have major back surgery Dec. 11 and we are trying to finish up on some of our in-home projects before that time, so we are also very busy.

He has had two surgeries on his neck over the past several years, and will have a second back surgery soon. They will be removing all the hardware from his back , replacing it and extending the fusion. He has degenerative bone disease and he is living on strong pain medication day and night. It is so hard to see someone you love, someone that is so cheerful and always putting others first, suffer so badly. I'm just having a really hard time with it lately.

I do have so much to be thankful for, and give God the glory for the many blessings I have in this life.

I would so much appreciate your prayers for Jack, for some kind of pain relief and a successful surgery. Thank you.

God bless each one of you!

Janice

Vintage Stockings

2007-11-12T07:55:00.000-08:00

I found these felt stockings recently at a thrift store and fell in love with them. Some loving hands long ago stitched every little detail on them. It wasn't until I got home that I noticed a piece of masking tape with a name on it, on the back of each one... 'Ursula' and 'Joshua'. I've decided to leave the names on them, in honor of the love this person must have had for these two....probably her grandchildren. If only they could talk. If you'd like to click on the photo and enlarge it, you can see some of the detail work.

Sunday Afternoon Walk

2007-11-11T18:37:00.000-08:00

One of my garden friends that used to sit in my mom's yard and now belongs to me. What would you call him? I think he looks like one of the seven dwarves.

The only flower I have left blooming....a yellow snapdragon.

The metal sundial is full of water from the last time it rained.

Henny Penny taking a dust bath in a pile of dirt.

Little stone rabbit nestled in the fallen pine needles.

A baby volunteer oak tree will be cozy and safe this winter in a bed of pine needles.

Even with autumn here and signs of winter near, I still found a small Queen Anne's Lace thriving, though most of them are dried up and brown.

Near the Queen Anne's Lace was a Dandelion in stages of going to seed and growing new flowers. Dandelion tea, anyone?

Garden Notes

2007-11-09T08:41:00.000-08:00

Our Japanese Maple tree amazes me with it's beauty every autumn.
Look closely and you will see the little fairy family!

Fairy princess gathering leaves.

A cozy spot surround by violet leaves and moss.

Warmth behind the Azalea bush.

Last year our little Sweetgum tree had all the same color of leaves on it. This year, it is two-toned with burgandy and shades of greens.

Violets loving the cold weather as they make themselves known spreading and climbing along the stone steps.

A close-up of two violet varieties growing in harmony together.

Christmas cards of friendship

2007-11-06T09:12:00.000-08:00

I would love to celebrate the friendships I've made here in blog land, by exchanging Christmas cards with any of you who would like to. It's such a magical time of year and the tradition of sending cards wrapped in love is something I treasure. If you are interested in doing this with me, please contact me (my email address is available on my blog), and in the subject line put something about Christmas cards. :o) I don't want to delete an email from an unfamiliar address that might be one of you! *wink*. Thank you!

Set your clocks back!

2007-11-03T21:06:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, we get an extra hour of sleep tonight! Sweet dreams!

Time is free,
and it is priceless.
You can't own it,
but you can use it.
You can't keep it,
but you can spend it.
Once you've lost it,
you can never get
it back ...

Harvey MacKay

In the bedroom

2007-11-02T15:23:00.000-07:00

I have spent nearly the entire day in our bedroom doing some deep cleaning and deciding where to hang some things. First I hung a quilted sampler on a peg board already hanging by my side of the bed. My mother made this wallhanging years ago for me. On the hooks above the quilt rod, I have a garland of dried berries strung along. Above it, we hung the wooden sign 'Always Kiss Me Goodnight'. Now, when I say 'we' hung things up today, it was really my dh (with me supervising) and since it is his most UN-favorite chore to do for me, I don't ask him very often (giggle). Today, though, was the day!

Next, I moved a picture my daughter gave me a few years ago (a sampling of different vintage clothing items) on the wall to the left of the door, and an antique picture of a shepherdess that my dh bought for me ages ago, above the door.

Here is a close-up of one of the pictures. There is a strange glare on it from the camera flash.

Next, we hung up an old mirror my mother had given me about 20 years ago. Also joined on this wall with it, are a wooden peg board to hang my purses and bags on (thrift store buy), and two cute little wooden vintage shoes I got at thrift store the other day for .50 cents each. The umbrella is a Monet impression umbrella I bought at Victoria Trading Co. a couple of years ago. The rocking chair is one we bought from Cracker Barrel in Idaho about 7 years ago. (We don't have Cracker Barrels on the west coast). The shawl hanging on the back of the rocker was made by my dh's grandma who recently passed away at the age of 95. The crazy quilt pillow was made by my MIL, and though it is in need of some repair (thanks to a beloved puppy), it is still pretty. The bags hanging on the rocker are some misc. bags I've made.

Close up photo.

So my side of the bedroom has a new look and the cost was nothing...just a little rearranging and creativity and an almost willing husband to help it all happen! :o)

Keeping a beautiful home

2007-11-02T07:33:00.000-07:00

Recently I've been reading some of my homekeeping books.

I have finished 'House Warming' by Emilie Barnes. It is a delightful book and I felt like I could just pick it up and read it for a second time immediately. It is all about making your home a welcoming place for family (and self) to return to after a long day, as well as friends stopping by or those who visit less often. Our homes need to be a welcoming haven to everyone, as if our entire lives were centered around that one person walking through the door. The author gives tips on decorating, displaying, giving our homes a warm, cozy and welcoming spirit. I learned a lot and it really made me think about the topic of hospitality in a new light. It is so wonderful to step into someone's home and smell the fragrance of a candle or something baking in the oven, to see a vase of flowers, things arranged pleasantly and so on. Even if our houses get cluttered (and believe me, mine does!), we can have a spirit of hospitality and make things as pleasing to the eye as possible, which sends the message: 'You are important and I want you to be relaxed and comfortable in my home!'. I highly recommend this book and will most definately buy more of Emilie's books. I have already set to work in both bathrooms adding some special and personal touches to the counter spaces.

The other two books are by Alexandra Stoddard. The first is 'Living a Beautiful Life', which I found at a thrift store about a year ago. The second is 'The Decoration of Houses', which was given to me by a friend. I am bouncing back and forth between the two and find them both very enjoyable to read. The front cover of one of them describes them perfectly: '...ways to add elegance, order, beauty and joy to every day of your life'. I need all the help I can get. While I love being surrounded by beauty, and always have, I do tend to struggle with creative ways to battle the clutter. With our house being on the smallish side and overflowing with people and two dogs, well, it can get a little overwhelming at times. I feel confident that I am going to continue to be inspired by books and authors such as these mentioned and am looking forward to each step of the way!

The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady - November

2007-11-02T07:12:00.000-07:00

A beautiful month in 'The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady', with leaves, toadstools and birds. It is so pleasant to step into the life of the author, seeing what was around her through her drawings and reading her words. It's a connection with the past.

'These early November hours

That crimson the creeper's leaf across

Like a splash of blood, intense, abrupt,

O'er a shield; else gold from rim to boss

And lay it for show on the fairy-cupped

Elf-needled mat of moss.'

R. Browning

Autumn inside!

2007-11-01T15:44:00.000-07:00

I bought this adorable glass mosaic pumpkin a few weeks ago and couldn't wait to set it out as part of my fall decor in the house. A few days ago I purchased this pretty mum and placed in it and put it on the kitchen counter.

Stacked fabric pumpkins from last year and a ceramic scarecrow that a friend made for me many years ago.

My mother-in-law made this dried floral arragement in a beautiful rustic basket. I carefully store it after the autumn season is over each year, and it always comes back to the table looking great. The table cloth is vintage and the first one I've ever seen with orange mums displayed. It has a few little holes in it, but that's fine with me. I enjoy things which have been well-loved and well-used! I found it at a thrift store a few months ago.

A close up of the table cloth

I have so enjoyed seeing your homes and porches decorated for fall, I thought I would share a little bit of what I have displayed as well.

Happy November to all!

Happy Pumpkin Day!

2007-10-31T06:34:00.000-07:00

MAKING JACK O' LANTERNS

Just take a golden pumpkin
Of quite the largest size,
Cut all 'round the stem, just so,
Scrape out the inside below,
And cut two holes for eyes.
And now fix a nose beneath,
And such a great big mouth with teeth,
And you've a jack-o'-lantern!

Then fix a tallow candle,
Just big enough to light,
And when it flickers, see him blink,
And when it flares up, see him wink
And smile so broad and bright.
This is the jolliest sort of a fellow,
With cheery face so round and yellow,
This funny jack-o'-lantern.

~Anonymous~
*(A vintage poem)*

May your evening be full of sweet treats, wind whipping through your hair, dancing leaves, and happy glowing jack-o-lantern faces!

Pumpkin Smiles,

Janice

Baking Day

2007-10-26T19:33:00.000-07:00

Today was baking day. I made two loaves of banana bread (adding half a package of milk chocolate chips to the batter). I also tried a new recipe for granola bars. They were fun to make and turned out really good. The recipe says they freeze well, so I put some in the freezer. Here is the recipe:

3 cups rolled oats
1 cup any chopped nuts
1 cup chopped dried fruit or raisins
*(I used a combination of coconut, craisins, and chopped apricots)
1 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
*(I used milk chocolate chips)
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 cup peanut butter

Preheat oven to 325 F degrees. Spray sided cookie sheet with cooking spray. In large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients; mix well. Press evenly into prepared pan. Bake 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly. Cut into bars. Store loosely covered at room temperature. Makes 36 bars. These freeze well.

A morning walk

2007-10-24T09:18:00.000-07:00

This morning while out taking a walk I noticed a huge area covered in little toadstools. They had come up through the pine needles. The photo does not do well showing how many there were, but the ground was just covered. It looked like an enchanted fairyland in the damp foggy morning air. I imagined the fairies still sleeping in their little houses, soon to wake up for the day. While the rest of the nature world is getting ready for winter by changing colors and dying back, the violets come alive. One little bloom among the wet leaves and spider webs, caught my eye. The leaves on the Japanese maple are different every day.

She's Back!

2007-10-24T08:34:00.001-07:00

Victoria is back, like an old friend returned...full of the same charm, beauty and grace as before! What a joy to find this first new issue arrived yesterday! My mailbox has really been generous to me this week! :o)

Another great mail day!

2007-10-23T05:42:00.001-07:00

Yesterday brought more goodies in the mail!

I received a wonderful assortment of teas and notecards from Revee, at Country Roads. She recently hosted a contest where readers shared what they thought was her most memorable post. The winner received a prize, and the rest of us who participated recieved these wonderful 'thank you' gifts for participating! Is that sweet?! Thank you, Revee and girls! I love it all!

And now a drum roll for Kelli's first issue of Seasonal Delights! I ordered a paper copy and was excited that it arrived so quickly! It's a wonderful magazine for little girls and their mothers, though I am quite sure her readers will not just fit into that category alone. It is full of fun recipes, patterns, poetry, puzzles and more! Wonderful job, Kelli and Phil! May you be blessed with a very successful magazine business!

Sewing with felt

2007-10-18T15:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I made this eye glasses case for myself out of felt and embroidery floss. Hopefully I can perfect it a little and then I plan to make some for Christmas gifts with different designs on them. I always enjoy hand stitching (much more than the sewing machine which makes me feel tensed up) and I love the feel of working with felt.

Stitching

2007-10-16T08:39:00.000-07:00

I started this cross stitch several years ago and decided recently to bring it back out and work on it. It's done it three shades of blue only and the verse surrounding the two friends says: 'A true friend is a found treasure'. I love the little sewing box that a friend gave to me a couple of years ago. It's wooden with handles and a little pull out tray. Does anyone else take years to finish a project? :o)

Nature Journal Blog

2007-10-14T00:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

I've been wanting to create a nature journal blog to help me keep track of and share my discoveries. For those of you interested in taking a peek, the link is listed under 'my other blogs'. Blessings!

Mail Delights

2007-10-13T17:48:00.001-07:00

It's always such a treat to recieve something delightful in the mail! Today my mailbox hosted something from two of my pen friends, Elizabeth and Kelli. I have been exchanging letters with both of them for, um, let's see.....shall I guess about three years? I wonder if it's been more? (lol). Anyway, Elizabeth sent a pumpkin day card with two sheets of stickers. I think the card is so cute in that one black kitty is popping out of the pumpkin to suprise the other. Kelli sent three bags of tea (Cinnamon Twist, Thanksgiving, and Trick or Treat), a lovely tag with autumn greetings and a verse on the back by Nathaniel Hawthorne:

"There is no season when such pleasant and sunny spots may be lighted on, and produce so pleasant an effect on the feelings, as now in October."

Thank you, my friends! I can't wait to taste the tea and use the stickers! You are both very thoughtful! AUTUMN HUGS xo

October Glory

2007-10-13T16:40:00.000-07:00

What glory! A sunny October day full of the sights and fragrances of autumn:

*Wood smoke curling out from the chimney

~Damp, warm earth covered in pine needles, cones and acorns

*The bluest of skies

~Warm sun on our faces

*Yellow, brown, red, orange and green leaves dancing on their branches, some skipping along the ground, already fallen,caught up in the breeze

~Birds busy singing, calling, flying back and forth to the feeders: nuthatches, chickadees, juncos, blue jays, with woodpeckers and hawks in the distance

*Chickens scratching in the dirt

~Bees of every kind enjoying a nearly last fling in the warm air

*Dogs stretched out on their sides in the yard soaking up the rays of sun

~Flowers giving a last burst of energy to show off every bit of color left in their beings

*Butterflies flitting, darting

~Violets waking up along the stone steps after their rest during the hot summer

*Chores being done outside to prepare for winter, with a quite-often pause to look around at all the beauty of the day

It simply does not get any better than this. I am so very very blessed by God.

Responses

2007-10-11T07:14:00.000-07:00

Thank you each for your lovely comments on my blog. I always look forward to reading and enjoying your words! Just so you know, if you ask a question or comment on something I want to respond to, I will do so on the same post as your comment was left on. Hopefully we can keep track of our conversations that way!

Many blessings to each of you!You really make my blogging world delightful!

Polar Lights

2007-10-11T07:09:00.000-07:00

I always love picking out new postage stamps at the post office. This time I chose the Polar Lights series, showing Auror Borealis and Aurora Australis. I think they are so pretty! Have any of you experienced seeing these in real life?

Now THAT'S big!

2007-10-10T23:34:00.000-07:00

Another big pumpkin grown in my home state! Some of you may have seen photos of it on the news yesterday. Here are a few details from the article I read:

In the face-off between giant gourds, Thad Starr's monster pumpkin ruled the heavyweight champ. At 1,524 pounds, the freakish fruit from Pleasant Hill, Oregon, beat out 80 other pumpkins and took top prize at the annual pumpkin contest in Half Moon Bay, California. The gardener will be rewarded handsomely with another kind of green: cash. At $6 per pound, Starr's winnings for his prized pumpkin comes to $9,144.

Afternoon snack

2007-10-10T12:27:00.000-07:00

What do you like to snack on? Have you had a favorite treat or goodie lately? I've been enjoying a bowl of popcorn in the afternoons the last few days. I love kettle corn, as it's a bit sweeter than buttered or regular, and I must have my 'sweet' somehow...(giggle).

Kitchen treasures

2007-10-10T07:51:00.000-07:00

Last year I bought this old metal container at a second hand store. The only thing we can think of that it might have been used for, is a refrigerator drawer or box. When we have large family gatherings, I like to use it to serve rolls in (and add ribbon through the holes). The rest of the year it holds all of my cookie cutters. I have so many....some I've collected over the years, and many that were my mom's. If they could only talk, they would have many stories to tell of special holidays and happenings over the generations of family and friends.

I love the antique white and red enamelware. I have about three pieces. A small bowl is shown. I would like to collect it and hope to stumble across some more pieces at thrift shops. I looked on ebay once and some are quite spendy!

The measuring spoons are just something pretty I had to get a few months ago. It makes it even more fun to work in the kitchen with pretty things to use.

Autumn Seasonal Give-away on it's way!

2007-10-09T14:01:00.000-07:00

Watch your mail, Susan @ Penless Writer! The autumn seasonal give-away package is headed your way! I hope you enjoy the fall items. I tucked in some little things not shown, so some of it will be a surprise. Again, congratulations on getting your name drawn! :o)

Faerie Herbs

2007-10-09T08:22:00.000-07:00

'Sprinkle a little bit of this magical blend around your house or garden to attract Good Luck Faeries'

Today I am going to sprinkle my faerie herbs out and about in the gardens and maybe keep a bit for the house. My friend Gwen sent this little packet to me several months ago. I've decided this beautiful October day is just the perfect day for attracting faeries. Ocbober is such a magical month! Wish me luck!

October 'Flowers'

2007-10-08T07:20:00.000-07:00

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf's a flower.

~Albert Camus~

A glimpse of our cabin from down by the pond. Our daughter took the photo. I like how she framed it with leaves as she stood under a maple tree. A canopy of leaves (at edge of our forest)

Dark Leaf maple

Cattails

Flowering Plum

The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady - October

2007-10-08T06:47:00.001-07:00

What delightful pages full of birds and berries, this October month in the country diary!

'Then came October, full of merry glee.'

Spenser

The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady - September

2007-10-08T06:36:00.001-07:00

Looking back on September from this delightful country diary, here are some highlight pages from the book, including a poem:

'Best I love September's yellow,

Morns of dew-strung gossumer,

Thoughtful days without a stir,

Rooky clamours, brazen leaves,

Stubble dotted o'er with sheaves -

More than Spring's bright uncontrol

Suit the Autumn of my soul.'

Alex. Smith

Sunflower Quilt

2007-10-07T21:59:00.000-07:00

My mother-in-law made this sunflower wall-hanging for me several years ago. Right now, to honor autumn, I have it hanging on a dining room wall. It's one of many lovely things she has made for us!

Raccoon Family

2007-10-03T08:11:00.000-07:00

We have a lot of raccoons around our area and have had some really brave ones come up to the patio at night hoping for a bit of left over cat food. We saw several doing just that over the summer. One in particular was very bold and would let us get quite close to him before he would turn and scurry off back into the trees. This photo, however, is one my dh recently took while driving a few miles away from here. It's especially cute because it looks like a little family and they are right out in the middle of the daylight!

Autumn's Song

2007-10-02T15:31:00.000-07:00

Autumn's Song

Orange and red
Warm and glowing
Twirling, dancing
Gently flowing.

Pouring from
The autumn sky
Leaves are drifting
Flutter, fly.

Falling on the
Surfaced roots
Crunching from
Beneath my boots.

Oh what joy
Fall does bring!
Leaves that dance
Hearts that sing.

©Janice Cox - September 2006

I wrote this poem last fall while looking back with fond memories of the huge sweetgum tree that was in my parent's yard at the home I was raised in.

October Color

2007-10-02T07:27:00.000-07:00

A bit of October color to share this morning. A bowl of apples sitting on my counter and a yellow mum blooming out in the front flower bed.

Autumn Seasonal Give-away winner!

2007-10-01T16:33:00.000-07:00

The winner for the autumn seasonal give-away is.......Susan from 'Penless Writer'! Congratulations, Susan! Your name was drawn to receive the surprise autumn basket of goodies, which will be shown when I mail it to you. Your response to my question of what you like about autumn was: "My favorite time is we finally begin to get relief from Tulsa's very hot and very humid summers." Please email me your mailing address so I can get your package ready to go out! My email address is shown on my profile page. Many blessings to you!