FarmHouse Style

Winter Daydreams

2011-01-15T11:07:00.001-05:00

Tired of looking out and seeing snow, snow and more snow? Longing for the lush colors and textures of Spring/Summer? Then why not join me in a bit of Winter daydreaming. Let's close our eyes and indulge our senses in the beauty of gardens past.....

Wild Cherokee Rose in full bloom (can't you almost smell its delicious tea-like fragrance?)

In reality my raised beds lay dormant, hidden in a frozen blanket.

But in my mind's eye, I see them alive and thriving in their full glory. Bursting with....

...Tender Sweet Peas and Spinach,

...Lettuces ready for the salad bowl,

...Potatoes and Onions.

When I open my eyes I see nothing but blinding white.

But if I close them back quickly I can still see....

...the glorious brilliant colors of the Sunrise Petunia,

.... the mouth watering redness of the ripe raspberries,

... and the soft velvety petals of my yellow climbing rose.

Now, isn't that better?

Hold on... warmer, lovelier days are just around the bend. ~Rhonda

Well what do you know...

2011-01-10T19:24:00.002-05:00

...it did snow! All day yesterday we listened to the predictions of a storm that was headed our way. Destined to bring us approximately 5-7 inches of snow. But when 9:30 rolled around and not a flake had fallen, I called it a loss and went to bed.

Turns out they were right! We got about 6 inches, the most I have ever seen here.

I bundled up tight and headed out doors.

I went to check on the animals~

That's strange... looking in the chicken run... something is missing? Oh yeah, shouldn't there be chickens out here!

Ms. Honey ~ "Who are you kidding, we're not going out in this stuff. I'll be able up to my NECK!"

Me ~ "Good grief! Bunch of babies."

So, I cleared the area of the offending snow, threw out a little scratch and finally coaxed the ladies and gentlemen into wandering beyond the coop door. By the way, it's amazing how heavy those fluffy white flakes get after the 50th shovel full.

Only one thing left to do... take a crazy fast ride down the hill on the sleds. But first we need a hot hearty breakfast. Something that will warm you from the inside...

Cheddar & Cracked Pepper Grits

2 cups boiling salted water

1/2 cup yellow corn grits

1/2 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese

As many cranks of the pepper mill as you please

Slowly add grits to boiling water. Reduce heat to medium. Stir constantly until grits begin to thicken. Remove from heat and stir in cheese. Texture should be smooth and creamy, not runny or clumpy. Season with fresh cracked pepper. ~ Enjoy

It makes for a very happy Snow Day:-)

~ Rhonda

A Day in the Life

2011-01-07T06:07:00.000-05:00

Smokey is one of the kittens that came to join us here after being dumped out at my neighbor's. She and her brothers and sister started out their little lives on shaky ground. (You can read about it here.) But now they live the life of Riley...

Here she is the day after Christmas. I am trying to get packed so that I can get to the cabin before dark....

"Uh-oh, I think she sees me."

"OK, Mom, you caught me... yes, I know you are trying to get ready to go. I was just playing."

"Tee-hee! Lucy doesn't know it's me in here."

"Gotcha!!"

"WHAT!?... I'm not doing anything. Anyway, she started it."

Oh, to be a cat:-) ~Rhonda

Done for now...

2011-01-06T17:20:00.000-05:00

My eyes are sore and my bum is numb, but I like the new look of things. I can't remember the last time I spent the day at the computer.... ah, a sense of accomplishment:-)

I think I'll go make some veggie soup and grilled cheese sandwiches.

See you tomorrow~ Rhonda

Under Construction

2011-01-06T08:50:00.006-05:00

I am doing a little updating here at my site. Pardon the dust.
Hopefully I won't accidentally delete the whole thing:(

Be back shortly~ Rhonda

Question: Does anyone know how to I can make my header narrower and longer?

Thanks a million Dear Vee! You put me on the right track and with a little tinkering, I was able to make it exactly the way I wanted. I owe you one my friend:-) ~Rhonda

Lister

2011-01-05T09:01:00.002-05:00

List~er: someone who makes lists; usually for organizational purposes.

OK, so I know Lister is not really a word, but it describes me perfectly. I do not go to the grocery store without one... if I do, I come home with 20 things I don't need and I forget at least a handful of things I really should have gotten.

About a week before I leave on vacation I start a list that goes like this: half the page is titled Things To Do and the other side says Things To Take. This helps insure that I don't get where I am going just to discover that I have forgotten my camera. Or, I am three and half hours from home in 15 inches of snow and suddenly realize that I neglected to plug up the heat lamps for the animals.

Lists are like my sanity check and motivational coach all rolled up in one. They help me keep my mind free from a million different should's and have to's so that I don't drive myself crazy trying to remember something I think I might be forgetting, and they remind me that I have things to get done.

So this year, instead of Resolutions... I am making a list. Concrete, tangible items that I can check off as accomplished. None of this ethereal, elusive "I will eat better and exercise more" business. No, my list reads... "Fast food, once a week or less. Anna Belle' and I will walk/hike 3 times a week." This way, I either do it or I don't. No fuzzy grey areas.

And, when December 2011 rolls around and I start to have that unsettling feeling that another year is fading into the sunset and I have little to show for it, I can say ~ " Wait a minute, not so fast... I have a list!!!"

How about you? Resolutions, lists or do you just fly by the seat of your pants and let come what may:-)

Either way, enjoy and make the most of the New Year. Before we know it (the Good Lord willing and the creek don't rise) we will be ringing in 2012. ~Rhonda

Welcome 2011

2010-12-31T21:57:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year...

may it bring you health and happiness. ~Rhonda

Christmas Comes to Town

2010-12-07T09:45:00.003-05:00

It is a tradition that each year, on the first Sunday in December, our city's historic district welcomes the Christmas season by opening the doors to the magnificent antebellum houses and inviting all who would like, to come inside and see them all decked out for the holidays.

On many of the veranda and lawns you will find local school bands and choirs preforming mini-Christmas concerts.

This band was my personal favorite. Of course there could be a wee bit of bias involved, since this is my own Dear Hubbie's Winter Ensemble;-)

Despite the below freezing temps with wind chills in the low 20's, they played beautifully!

The festivities included a parade of old cars with Santa leading the way in his makeshift sleigh.

After the concert I made my way along the street to take a peak at all of the lovely decorations. At each open house there were ladies dressed in period costumes with fliers that told about each of the particular homes. All were former residences which have now been converted over to businesses.

Unfortunately I was only able to photograph a few of the gorgeous Christmas displays because the intense cold killed my camera battery.

This group of carolers were members of a local church choir. I think my flash may have startled them a bit.

And so dear friends, it is official, Christmas has come to my town.

Does your town have a similar tradition? ~Rhonda

Mr. Postman...

2010-11-29T09:15:00.002-05:00

Don't you just love when the Postman has to drive up to the house. It almost always means that he is carrying a treat inside his truck that won't fit into the mailbox.

On Wednesday afternoon, I heard the familiar sound of the little truck engine whining up the hill of the driveway. I was out the door before the beep-beep could sound. He handed me a much anticipated cardboard box and I was all smiles as I carried it in and wasted no time opening it up. Inside I found this beautiful Dogwood Blossom card with a friendly personalized message, and a gorgeous Rooster pillow all wrapped up in delicate lavender tissue paper.

It had traveled all the way from Lavender Hill where my sweet friend Penny had offered to give it away to a new home.

I love it's mustard yellow fabric with ruby red roosters. With the added bonus of a red and yellow gingham back it is absolutely darling:-)

I have placed it in my favorite rocking chair, right next to my knitting basket where I can enjoy it's comfort all winter as I rock and create.

Thank you so much, Penny. I love it:-) ~Rhonda

Mosaic Monday ~ Three Mile Loop

2010-11-22T08:24:00.001-05:00

Last week Anna Belle' and I hiked the three mile loop along the lake. She was a bit disappointed when she realized that our mission was not to chase squirrels but to take lovely fall photos.

To see even more lovely pictures, check out The Little Red House. Thanks to Mary the hostess of Mosaic Mondays.
~Rhonda

Sunday Smiles

2010-11-21T08:57:00.000-05:00

Along the trail with my cutie pie~ Rhonda

The Report is in...

2010-11-16T08:45:00.001-05:00

...and the news is better than expected. The radiologist has determined that the calcifications are benign. There is no need for a biopsy and I do not need to return in 6 months for a follow up mammogram. I am so grateful.

Please know that your encouraging words and prayers have touched my heart deeply.
I sincerely thank you~ Rhonda

What I Know...

2010-11-13T18:00:00.001-05:00

I have an area of microcalcifications in my right breast. As it was explained to me, the calcifications are somewhat common in many women and are almost always benign. It is when they are found in clusters and were not present in previous mammograms that they send up a red flag. Both of which describe my situation. The reason for concern is that they can indicate an area of rapidly dividing cells.

I will find out on Monday what my Doctor recommends. She might say that we should simply wait and re-test in 6 months, or she might recommend a biopsy of the area to identify exactly what types of cells are in that region. Though I do not wish to undergo any unnecessary procedures, 6 months would be a long time to not know for sure.

Thank you for your words of encouragement and for remembering me in your prayers. I hope to be able to sound the all clear very soon. ~ Rhonda

I am afraid...

2010-11-11T10:10:00.000-05:00

I received a call today. One that we hope never comes. According to my latest mammogram, it seems there is an area of concern in my right breast. The nurse said it could possibly be fibrous tissue, I pray she is correct. I go tomorrow for a repeat mammogram, she called it a compression imaging session. It will concentrate on the area in question and provide better views for the doctor.

I would covet your prayers~ Rhonda

The Season's Last Rose

2010-11-09T06:15:00.001-05:00

Strange how it looked so sad in the garden. The last solitary rose, it's head drooping down. But once it was gently placed in a favorite vase, it brightens up the table and makes me smile every time I pass it.

I do hate to see the flowers go. I will miss their sunny faces and their beautiful sweet scent.

Until Spring my little friends. ~Rhonda

A New Adventure

2010-11-04T09:09:00.000-04:00

I am fortunate enough to have purchased a grain mill attachment for my KitchenAid and have used it for several years now to grind up Hard Red Winter Wheat berries

into a semi-coarse flour that I have used to bake some very wholesome and delicious breads for my family.

Having been mostly successful in my bread baking attempts~ if you don't count the loaves I made when I first got married some 18 years ago that could have served as a home protection system with their ability to render an intruder unconscious with a simple whack to the head...

I have decide to try my hand at sourdoughs. Not the typical rye sourdough but a bread called Desem. This uses a wheat starter which will take about 2 weeks to mature. Although it calls for only a few simple ingredients, the instructions warn that they must be followed to the letter in order to achieve the desired results.

If my efforts are successful, I will post about the process and results in a couple of weeks. If not, don't expect to hear the word Desem uttered by yours truly ever again.

If anyone has experience with making their own bread starters and has any advice or encouragement it would be deeply appreciated~ Rhonda

Giving Thanks Challenge

2010-11-02T09:41:00.003-04:00

I have stated before that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It's simple reminder to focus on the most important aspects of our lives has always filled me with a calm sense of peacefulness.

I am joining with other bloggers who are taking the 2010 Giving Thanks Challenge hosted by Leah at South Breeze Farm.

Since I am starting on day 2, I think it fitting to post about the two people I am most grateful for in my life, my Husband and my Son. How very empty and hollow my life would be without the love and laughter they bring each day.

Yesterday afternoon we took a hike along a beautiful trail that runs beside Chicopee Lake. As I was walking along behind them I realized that these are the moments that I will keep hidden in my heart for the rest of my life. When I am 80 years old and knitting on the front porch, the warmth of this memory will cause me to pause and smile and I will thank God once again for the joy they have given to me.
~Rhonda

Halloween Morn

2010-10-31T09:21:00.000-04:00

A ghostly sunrise...Happy Halloween!!

~Rhonda

Trick or Treat

2010-10-29T19:56:00.001-04:00

I promise to be a sweet little witch....

If you will treat me to lots and lots of...

What is your favorite Halloween Treat?

~ Rhonda

Mosaic Monday

2010-10-25T09:57:00.003-04:00

I have finally gotten the chance to participate in Mary's Mosaic Monday. The thunderstorms that are moving through our area caused us to have to cancel this morning's Aquatics Study... so with an unexpected day off I decided to join in the fun. No real theme to my mosaic, just a little bit of this and that.

Now I am off to see the lovely creations of all the others :-)

~Happy Monday~ Rhonda

Trading Up

2010-10-23T09:38:00.003-04:00

I recently shifted my occupation. I went from a full-time Pre-school teacher to a part-time Naturalist. I still work with children, only my surroundings have changed dramatically.

Now, instead of being limited to a four wall classroom and postage stamp playground... I lead local school groups along beautiful mile long trails.

Rather than florescent light bulbs, I am able to enjoy filtered Sunlight.

Instead of reciting the days of the week, I am able to teach students about the local Flora...

...and Fauna

We even offer an Aquatics Program where we are able to go out on the lake and study water quality and fish for plankton.

After their programs the schools often bring sack lunches and the students enjoy dinning in our outdoor cafeteria. When they finish I am able to teach them about composting and recycling.

While the reduction in salary does not afford me the ability to purchase everything my mind might desire, it does allow me the extra time and energy to devote to those things nearest and dearest to my heart ...like enjoying hikes with my favorite little blond headed student.

And for me, it is a very good trade:-) ~Rhonda

Introducing...

2010-09-21T17:32:00.001-04:00

Hi, my name is Anna Belle'

I was born the Tuesday after Easter and I have 10 brothers and sisters. One morning in early June, some people came and asked me if I would like to come and live with them at their house.

I was a little reluctant to leave my first Mommies... but they are very glad that my new family loves me so much.

I knew this little boy was going to become my new best friend... he brought me the best toy EVER:-)

At first I slept alot.... even during family boat rides....

As you can see I'm growing very quickly, Mommy says I'm going to be a BIG girl.

I get to play lots of games here, my favorite is Tug-O-War, or maybe it is chase, or it could be fetch... it's hard to decide.

I'm sure you will see a bunch more of me in the future, my Mommy loves to take lots of pictures of me:-)

Ode to Summer

2010-09-15T16:06:00.002-04:00

Well it's was bound to happen sooner or later.... summer is coming to a close. So here is my tribute to our good ole' summertime.

Enjoying early morning coffee on the back deck in my favorite cotton gown.

Heading out for loads of adventures....

Rainbows at the beach

Finding the perfect shell... only this one was inhabited and had to stay

Visiting with family/loved ones

Bringing home a new friend

Boat rides

Celebrating birthdays...

...with cake and juicy sugar sweet watermelon

Perfect purple zinnias

Bumper crops of figs

Meeting at the lake

Cousins hanging out

Waiting out the rain

Washing up :)

Ohhhh, I will miss the dog days of summer.... hurry back, OK!?

~Rhonda

Sunday Morning Farm Check

2010-04-25T10:30:00.009-04:00

I took my camera along with me as I did my chores this morning...

Here is the new fence we put up around the garden. It is split cedar with wire behind it to keep out the little critters who like to peck, scratch and take dirt baths in my lettuce beds.

Our newest little chicks were out exploring their domain.

The yellow zucchini already have blooms on them:-)

Can you see the tiny little baby peach? I am soooo excited about my new peach tree!

The bees are buzzing about just as busy as ever.

Shhhhh... this is Pricilla our Mommy-to-be. It shouldn't be long now.

Lilly is enjoying her breakfast of fresh Spring grass.

Ms. Julietta wants to lay her egg with the big girl's.

Brutus is standing guard. "You haven't seen that hawk this morning have you?"

As I start to walk back to the house I notice Mama and her babes enjoying the warm sunshine. Can you see how the little black one has it's leg and wing all stretched out?

Hope your morning was just as adorable~Rhonda

Marching Towards Spring

2010-03-17T21:05:00.003-04:00

Spring has been slow to arrive here. I took this picture one year ago today.... much less blooms so far this year.But progress is being made~ the old fencing is down.

My unbelievably darling Husband helped me convert an old chicken coop into a greenhouse:-) Want to take a peek inside?

Melons galore!! I can hardly wait to enjoy the sweet, juicy fruits of their vines.

And the Golden Zucchini are growing like weeds in their warm little corner of the world... soon they will be planted in the ground and able to spread themselves out to their liking.

Soon.... very soon:-)

You got anything blooming/growing in your neck of the woods?

~Rhonda