Author: admin

Fake

       Along with some of the stuff  around This Old House, I put Spring in my blog header yesterday – just in time for more snow.  I’m not complaining, though – as we’ve honestly had very little snow accumulation this winter. While I love the beauty of it, and it is indeed coming down in a gentle flurry as I gaze out my office window this moment,  I don’t like the work it creates for me on the farm or my boys on the job sites. 
    My mini horses, Coady and Lacey, like living up at the big barn now that they’ve taken over Opie’s stall.   In the photo below they were begging for peppermints – spoiled kids, they are! We all  still miss my favorite redhead, probably always will.   Opie was certainly the leader of the herd, and that’s more evident now than ever.  The other two Max’s… our retired show horse and my friends horse seen in the pic below, still look out over the fields wondering when he’ll come trotting over the hill.  They don’t venture into the upper pasture without him – they walk up to the opening in the stone wall but they don’t go through it – as if they’re wary of what could be out there.  Or what’s no longer out there to protect them.  Without his leadership they seem a little lost, a little adrift.  They don’t particularly like each other, these two old men – and so more often than not, they stand  grazing or gazing, far apart in the field, where they used to tag alongside Opie wherever he went.  
   

    Coady and Lacey have each other, crying for the other if we separate them for even a few minutes.  Animals form relationships, they care about each other, they miss each other when one leaves – don’t ever doubt it.

 Every so often,  our Max hears something on the wind he must think is a whinny from Opie, and he returns the call, over and over again until finally no answer brings Opie back and he gives up.  Breaks my heart.

   It does my soul good to give this old man the retirement he so deserves after many years as a faithful servant to several different showfolk.   I wish his buddy were here to enjoy that retirement with him.  We were supposed to grow old together, me and that redhead –  Wouldn’t it be something to be reunited with those we loved and the animals that were also a part of our lives, when our time here  is up. I’ll continue to hope. 
       So why the post title, FAKE?  let me ‘splain…. I took a walk on the wild side and ordered the cowhide rug I’ve been coveting for many years.  Something about that look has always appealed to me but we didn’t have quite the right spot for it or the appropriate decor and no one else up here in this house approved.  One other little detail… I couldn’t get past the idea that I’d be walking on and looking at the actual hide of a cow – one who walked the earth and cherished his or her life as much as I did mine.  That’s kinda silly and hypocritical thinking, since I’ve certainly owned leather shoes and jackets, gloves, and I eat meat.  Still – I couldn’t do it, go figure. 
   Until… I saw these on Overstock for a decent price.  
 ( I love the abode depicted in this photo but it’s not very cozy, is it. Seriously… who’s gonna sit in that hard little chair and settle in with a good book or  watch a netflix original?  That chair right there reminds me of the little desk chairs in grade school that most of us couldn’t wait to get out of) 
   Fake cow hide rugs! that actually look real… LOVE! 💗  They come in a few different hide patterns, this is the one I chose.   Now.. I don’t have the magical touch some designers have where they can through a whole bunch of different elements and styles and vintage and new pieces into a room and it comes out looking fabulous. But.. what I do throw together at least I hope looks inviting, or warm, or interesting, or something along those lines.  
   It was delivered today in all this snow, and here’s where I threw it.   The Wingback chairs were given to us by the previous occupant of  our home and have moved around the house periodically – not of their own steam, thankfully.  What do you think?   I’m still not sure it belongs, but who’s writing the rules, anyway?

    

Weighing In

   Have you been watching M*chael C*hen’s testimony?  I did something I’ve been putting off for a year instead.  I cleaned my kitchen cabinets.  Not the dishes one or the bowls one or the glasses one. Those are easy… I’m talking the cooking spices and oils one, the junkdrawer-but-it’s-a-cabinet one, the other glasses one that turned into everything but the kitchen sink.   The baking supplies one…The coffee mugs and pods and filters one.   I got so giddy with all that –organization – that I then turned the corner into the pantry and attacked the medicine cabinet that is also the pets and livestock medicine cabinet.  My husband is Type A all the way, so for him, coming home to a kitchen and pantry full of neatness and ducks in a row is better than sex.  He was a happy camper last night for sure. 
   Meanwhile, I did tune in to the news now and then just to see if any bombs went off.  Nope… stuff we already knew…. it was just highlighted and underlined.   Although those who still support Tr$mp don’t really care, I know this.  
     Who would have ever believed that a man who cheats heavily on his taxes and refuses to divulge them, a man who has never lifted a finger to help the common man, a man who dodged the draft by having his wealthy father pay off a doctor to falsify his medical records, a man who has cheated again and again on wife number 1, 2 and 3… has four bankruptcies and many failed businesses and unpaid contractors and lawsuits under his belt,  a man who repeatedly lies day after day and this is proven time after time, a man who attacks anyone who does not bow to him or questions policy he’s driving, a man who’s MO is to divide this country, not unite it… would have a following, enough to get him elected, enough to continue to follow him, apparently right over a cliff.    It’s dumbfounding. 
     The G0P attacks C*hen as a liar, while they defend the Liar in Chief… The only Lie C*hen originally told was that Tr$mp did nothing wrong.  How’s that for irony.   It’s truly hypocrisy at it’s boldest.   At least to me, The G0P has destroyed it’s own credibility – First they laughed at the notion that he could win the nomination, calling him things we know he truly is… then they bowed to the King, now defending him because he is currently their only ticket on the train.  
     Meanwhile – during that testimony – the personalities of those doing the questioning came through loud and clear.  Some of the old regime, Dems and Reps alike,  sounded shrill and stupid and holier than thou.   The ones who came up with the most effective questioning were women, in particular the enthusiastic freshman so many like to attack, A0C.   It’s true, sometimes she comes off as the overzealous puppy at the dog pound, but she’s coming through slowly but surely with an honest evaluation of the clusterfuck we have now.   As I’ve said before, I don’t align with any one particular party, I want to hear what they all have to say and I want to believe in the good intentions and vote on the right path for the troubles of our time.   Views to the extreme in any one direction – right or left – won’t be effective or practical – that’s what I feel, anyway.  Some of her ideas are not realistic, and she may be the rookie, but she is genuine and in many cases spot on, and  it’s clear she isn’t bought by anyone. 
If you don’t agree with these words below and you were chanting “Drain the Swamp”… what swamp were you looking to drain? 
      
    In the end, I believe Mr. C*hen was telling the truth – he’s got nothing to gain now by speaking out.   He described the thug many of us already knew occupied those presidential suites, he underlined what was already written on the wall.   Many people who voted for him knew he was not stellar, but they wanted a big change, they wanted someone who wasn’t bought, not an old school politician. What they got was far worse, and I will continue to hope enough of them can’t in good conscience continue to abide the level of division and deceit in the web he’s been spinning since election.  I hope they see him for who he really is, and decide our country is worthy of something better.  I truly believe this Country we all love is in big trouble, and I pray We the People will  eventually, sooner rather than later,  right the ship. 
     Speaking of ships – my mother repeatedly reminds me that getting upset over all that we cannot control is not good for the fibromyalgia… lol… and I know it’s so!   This quote below…. truth that can be applied just about anywhere…. 
‘
It’s a new day, all – let’s make it the best it can be. 
  

Fresh Air

       While it’s still definitely winter ’round these parts, and I’m about to trudge out into my “morning commute” in hat gloves, two jackets and boots to prove it,  I’ve been freshening things up inside Gracie (this old house). I asked my mom yesterday whether it was too soon to put out the Spring Things – and she said “no, I’ve put away winter already, it gets old, dull”.  
     
       So I did just that – and  then drove to the nearest crafts store – which is Joann’s Fabrics.  Their Spring Things are already 40-50 percent off, so I decided to make a few wreaths for the front double door, and I scored a few ready-made wreaths for my mom and I, too.  (Because MOMs… you only get one, and mine is my very best friend).  

 I’ll share the finished product when done. 
My ready-wreath find… 
 Last week we repainted the bedroom –  it used to be a celery green.
Now, what Benjamin Moore calls Cake Batter, a soft buttery off white. 
I replaced the bedding too – going for a very neutral look
Belgian Flax Linens – a combo from Pottery Barn and Pine Cone Hill
The lamps replaced a few we’ve had for many years,
now living in the dining room.
Hard to see in this photo, but they are glass wrapped in a light
 black chicken wire.  Inexpensive finds at HomeGoods, 
and I love them. 
The drapes – Restoration Hardware – also belgian linen, lined, 
Keep heat in and cold out,  but they
do let some light in, which is what I was looking for. 
They are an investment, I usually go with cheap curtains,
but they’ll last if cared for properly. 
 Frasier approves. 
 The painting above the bed I found last week browsing a nearby antiques mall. 
It is an original painting by  Robert C. Benham…
a New England artist in the early to mid 1900’s. 
His paintings usually go for around $300-$400 if you find one,
and this was leaning against other stuff on the floor, dirty, with a chippy frame.
I love chippy frames – and the grime comes off with a good
careful  wiping down… 
So I offered $170, and the offer was accepted. 
These bits of paper are taped on the back. 
The painting depicts
“Trail to Burnt Head”  – which is located in Maine. 
      So, while Gracie is sporting a little Spring Bling inside… outside is quite a different story…  The view out my kitchen sliders below…. 
        And if you peer out my kitchen sink window,  my favorite doves are giving me that look –  “What’s wrong with this picture, Karen.  Seed’s awful low”. 
Notice the maple syrup collecting bag and buckets are empty right now… in order for sap to run, we must have cold temps over night, warming up during the day. If  temps remain cold, the sap remains dormant. 

So up to the barn I go, to tend these family members…
Coady is sporting new shoes –  his soft ride gel boots, which
help him  be more comfortable with a condition he’s had for years –
 Cushings Disease with a side of laminitis flare up caused by it. 

   The girls hunting for tidbits in a fresh little hay pile. 

 Just one more thing… 
Have you seen the movie – A Star is Born – with Bradley Cooper and Lada Gaga yet? If not, you must –  WOW, do they have chemistry and talent.  And I’ll warn you – it is indeed a tear jerker.  When she first made the scene, I didn’t like her.  Meat dresses?  Condom costumes?  But.. as she grew into who we came to know, she is truly a decent, caring, honest soul, a real talent on multiple levels.  She’s a song writer, a singer, a philanthropist, she’s an encourager, not a breaker-down. (those are real words here anyway…lol).  
Wishing you all a good day – 
and thank you for stopping by 

Gone but not forgotten

     When our family was young, we’d often take the kids out or have a little date on our own for Sunday breakfast at a favorite country restaurant named, appropriately, The Country Restaurant.  It was located in a  little town just across the river from the Goodspeed Opera House via the East Haddam Bridge, our side of the Connecticut River.    They served breakfast and lunch, the tables and chairs were the old wooden colonial style, the quarters close,  the paper placemats advertised local businesses and there were always crayons available in a paper cup on your table if you felt like doodling on them.  I always did.  
     
     A line formed if you got there shortly after 8 a.m….which reached outside. If  the weather was poor, everyone would squish into the little entryway regardless of shoulder to shoulder, back to front  proximity – neighbors and strangers being kind to neighbors and strangers.  The coffee was good and the food delicious – not exotic, for the most part they served the staples you’ll find at any decent diner, but they also had a few of their own specialties.  The waitresses were like family… to each other and to us, their faithful customers.  “How’s your son?”  “He’s doing much better, thank you for asking”…. “Where are the kids today?”  “Home with mom, she’s up for a visit”.  “Can you believe this snow?”   “Feels like it’s been winter for years!”   “Drive safely home, now”.     
     At Christmas time they would bake mini breads – like banana walnut or apple cinnamon – and hand those mini loafs out to their long time customers as they dined.  We are creatures of habit, this family of mine – and we had our favorite meals.  One waitress in particular, would simply walk over and ask – the usual?  And with an eager head nod all, she’d place the order without another word spoken.  Soon after, his OJ and my decaf would appear along with two chocolate milks if the kids were in tow, and the perfect breakfast would follow.  The home fries the perfect crispy texture, the veggie hash divine  ( still haven’t mastered the re-creation of that hash) – the pancakes generous, light and fluffy, the bacon crisp and full of flavor.  My order was almost always… that hash, and their special Deluxe French Toast.  
     One day I got up the courage to ask the waitress something that had been pestering at me for years.  I said… … I’m a cook, I do know how to make french toast, but what is that extra ingredient that makes this so particularly Delicious.   She glanced over her shoulder toward the kitchen, and then swooped down next to my ear and whispered – Frosted Flakes!   Oooh, that’s IT!   With the knowledge of that one ingredient, it all came together  and I was indeed able to re -create it at home.    It’s been a hit with my family ever since. 
Sadly, the Country Restaurant closed years ago, but not for lack of customers. Apparently some book/tax accounting practices put the owner in a bad spot, and the doors were shuttered for good. So many of us who have lived in this area for a long while remember it fondly and miss it, still. 
    In honor of the beloved Country Restaurant, below is my recipe for their Deluxe French Toast. 
So here’s what you do- try it- you will not regret it. Smash up some Frosted Flakes cereal in a dish. Put four eggs and a little vanilla extract in a bowl- mix well. Melt butter in a large fry pan. Dip bread slices in egg, then crushed frosted flakes, then set in pan to golden brown on each side. when first side of each slice is browned, flip it and place on it one thin slice of deli ham and one thin slice of Swiss cheese then place cooked side of other bread slice facing ham and cheese on top to form a sandwich style. When both sides of what is now the outside of the sandwich is done, place on plate, sprinkle ( use sifter, I didn’t) powdered sugar over it and serve. 

Delish!!


The Country Restaurant may be gone, but it will never be forgotten. 
Good times. Old Times.  No Cell Phone Times. 
It was truly a beautiful thing. 


The Hunt for Treasures of Years Gone by

     My husband and I are about as far apart on the spectrum as you can possibly be when it comes to certain things, but it’s those other more important things that keep us together and contented most of the time.  Our love of family and our sense of -home- , the land and beauty of nature are on the latter list.  Treasure hunting through antiques stores and old barns and outdoor markets is up there too.

      Along the shoreline not far from our farm and seaside cottage are quite a few treasure troves – two of which we visited yesterday.

    First we browsed the Essex Old Saybrook Antiques Village –

   We didn’t find the small black table he was looking for to go in his office, but I did score these Bunnykin bowls –  Vintage 1936, small bowls that were part of a children’s mursery dining series by Royal Doulton, England.  I’m a firm believer in using the good china, using the antiques that make their way into This Old House.   One day, when we are hopefully graced with grandchildren,  I’ll use these bowls to serve up ice cream or oatmeal or baby food  when they visit.

    I love to search for information on the pieces that catch our eye.   According to Wikipedia – Introduced in 1934, Bunnykins tableware depicted Mr. and Mrs. Bunnykins and other rabbits dressed in human clothing, in colorful rural and small-town English scenes, transfer-printed on white china. The earliest pieces, signed “Barbara Vernon” (Sister Mary Barbara Bailey), are quite rare and highly prized. Bunnykins china was used by  Princess Elizabeth and  Princess Margaret and thus became a popular present given as christening and birthday gifts in middle-class English homes. The chinaware line originated with artwork by Sister Mary Barbara Bailey, the daughter of Cuthbert Bailey, general manager of Doulton during the 1930’s.  Unbeknownst to the public, Mary was not a professional illustrator, but a nun in the Augustinian Canonesses of the Lateran. 

     Since we hadn’t found what we actually went out for – we drove down the road to the Old Saybrook Antiques Center.

   This antiques center carries some of the very finest pieces, some dating back to the early 1700’s.  It’s clear the dealers who sell their wares here know the value of what they find – and carefully preserve it.   The details in the woodcarved chairs and desks are amazing – a toddler’s 1800’s highchair below…

     The photograph below by well known photographer J.A. Beal depicts a scene in 1870’s New York City…  If not for the price tag, I would have loved to bring it home.

     This mirror is just stunning in it’s detail… 1900’s – Gold gilt
pardon the ugg’s slip-ons… comfort first 🙂

     The bowl below was large and well worn – still in beautiful,  functional condition.  It is described as an Early American lathe turned pine kitchen bowl with original forged iron hanger – circa 1800.

     

   
     This horse caught my eye –  an 1850-1860 era horse that has acquired a leg wound.

If you’re a long time reader here you might remember my rocking horse restoration project.   The price tag on the one above means  if I bought it I wouldn’t bastardize it with a renovation –  but the one I found a few years ago had already been messed with quite a bit and was a real bargain, so I gave him a facelift.

 The find…

    My finished project….

       I’m not sure how old my horse is…. but he’s very similar to the one we saw yesterday – so quite possible he is  an 1800’s horse.  I didn’t repaint the base, as it looked original.

A few more treasures I would have loved to take home if I won the lottery…

   After browsing this market we still didn’t find the piece we were looking for…. but…  I did find an 1800’s original pencil sketch of a farm house that reminds me of  Gracie – what I call This Old House because I also call our home Saving Grace, Gracie for short –   with trees and fields and a person with chickens and a dog in the front yard and a horse in the field on the left.  The price was fair and they accepted our offer,  my birthday is around the corner, sort of anyway…. So… I picked up another treasure and we call it the early birthday present. 
 I placed it above the mantel in the keeping room because it reminds me so much of This Old House –  They are about the same age, don’t you know.   And although we aren’t convinced it belongs in quite that spot – scale and all that – I love it too much to put it anywhere that it won’t be seen often.  I imagine A. S. Bailey sitting in a field in front of the house, perhaps under a shade tree – sketching the scene in front of him/her? ….. admiring the shiny coat of the horse grazing in the field, the man tending his flock of chickens, with beloved dog by his side… the charming house in the background – the attention paid to the roof shingles, the fencing…  the chimney at the peak.   Simpler times…. 
  Speaking of which – it’s time to go do the not so simple chore of feeding the horses and chickens and tucking them in for the night –  Thank you for tagging along- 
Till soon – 

Something Delicious this way comes…

     The Mr. and I have been minding our food intake – and typical of men!!… he lost 13 pounds in the first two weeks on Nutrisystem and I’ve lost 2.   I aim for healthy foods, plenty of greens, smaller portions, much less dairy,  much less sugar, grains, no red meat.   He has more to lose than I do, but still… I’d be more than half way to my goal if I lost 13 pounds by now!  I don’t like Nutrisystem though, even though it works – if you ask me – that’s crap food although it’s tasty,  and if you like eating healthy fresh not frozen and packaged processed stuff, it’s not sustainable for the long haul.  That’s probably why he lost 40 lbs on it last year, and gained it all back when he went off the program.  I think what it does teach is portion control.  So you can succeed on the system once you get off their food program, as long as you keep to the portions, etc.  That’s the trick.

      I’ve always been active due to the horses and farm chores and I like to walk/hike/kayak, etc.  I’ve also got a full weights system out in the garage/gym thanks to the men of this family and I’ve used it frequently for light weight training.  It definitely helps with the fibromyalgia pain to KEEP MOVING.  When I was diagnosed a few years ago after living with chronic all over muscle pain for years without answers, I was given the option to take various meds.  Ask me how much I hate to take pills – and so I opted to try natural ways of coping with this pain-in-the neck condition.  I’m here to tell you – If you suffer with chronic pain from any source – good diet and exercise definitely help.  Choose with your doctor what’s right for you depending on your condition, but no matter what, keep moving. 
     I had my yearly physical yesterday and all is good – blood pressure, sugar, cholesterol, etc.  Low on Vitamin D, which is important, so I’ll take in more dairy and broccoli, etc.. and add a supplement back in.  I’m going to continue with the weight loss goals, hopefully by summer I’ll be 15 pounds lighter.  Or at least 10.  
     That being said!!… there was a recipe in last week’s paper that looked delicious and easy and made with fresh ingredients and I just had to try it regardless of our weight loss goals.  WOW – it’s super good, and super easy. We had it for dinner last night and I’ll share it here with you…  I don’t even like pepperoni, but it was not overpowering in this dish – If you like a good vodka sauce that tastes really  fresh and light? This one’s for you..
Pepperoni Pasta
  • 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium sweet onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 28 ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 1 jigger vodka  (optional but really adds to the flavor) 
  • 1/2 pound thinly sliced pepperoni
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper  (if you like it spicy, add more, but be careful) 
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream ( I added a little more for creamier texture) 
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  • Fresh grated Parmesan Romano mix cheese
  • 1 pound pasta- the grooved kind hold the flavor of the sauce better, but any pasta will do
* next time I will use less pasta so that there is more sauce, but truthfully it was so flavorful it wasn’t a problem for taste. 
 Fill a large pot with water and cook your pasta of choice – al dente when done. 
While that cooks, in a dutch oven or large skillet, warm oil and add onion and garlic. Cook over medium-low heat until translucent (try not to brown it). Add the entire can of diced tomatoes. When hot, add vodka and cook for about four minutes, at which point most of the liquor will have evaporated.  Toss in pepperoni and stir, cook for another few minutes.  Add salt and pepper to taste and add cayenne pepper. Just a little gives a punch, so don’t overdo it unless you love spicy hot.  After a few more minutes, add the cream.  It should be a pretty coral color.  When pasta is al dente – drain and put it in the sauce in a bowl or the dutch oven, whatever works for you. Toss to coat – then add the grated cheeses and the fresh chopped basil, toss again – and  Enjoy! 
You will not be disappointed with the flavor. 

   
 

Sugar & Rainbows

  Specifically – Sugar water – from This Old House’s ancient maples.

   Our good friend, Tim, has been on a quest in recent years – He learned and honed the art of Maple Syruping here in New England and put forth a community campaign to raise funds and build a Sugar House at Parmelee Farm, a town owned community gathering place rebuild after abandonment by local volunteers and businesses.   This is also were myself and my market partner hold our annual Artisan Market. 
 Drilling a hole for the tap 
     The Sugar House has just been completed and Tim plans to teach the art of maple syruping along with a handful of other volunteers of the farm.  Residents will eventually  join in the fun by collecting sap from their own maples to  add to the many many gallons of sap used to make that beautiful golden syrup.  
   Funny thing – my husband loves the idea of the wholesome manufacture of the stuff – but Aunt Jemima forever holds a place in his heart, and on his pancakes.   I’m a purist – I love the real deal. Below is a label we created with the new Sugar House on it, and the real deal in the bottle. 
    We’ve got a few trees tapped here at the farm.  One of my morning chores is to check the bags to see if they need emptying into the white buckets, which Tim will pick up to contribute to the stash at Parmelee Farm.  When the sap is running, and there are specific weather conditions that make this happen – it’s a steady drip drip drip. a bag can fill in a day. 
   If you look real close in the picture below, you’ll see my chickens in the background.  The Polar Vortex lasted only a few days, thankfully – and we’ve seen temps in the 40’s since.  So, when we’re out working around the property, I let the girls roam. 
    The free range is healthy for them – bugs, grasses, all contribute to a balanced diet for the hens, mentally and physically.  The downside is we have plenty of predators such as coyotes, fox and hawks, so I have to be careful. 
     The accumulation of maple sap water  looks like this  at about 1/2 day.  and each tree can have several taps – it’s amazing how much sap runs through a tree.  Also – and what’s important to me – is tapping those trees does not harm them. 
    
    Yesterday morning at this time, the frost made a beautiful blanket across every outdoor surface – 
     This morning, currently  outside my office door and looking out to the road,  the warmer air has created fog, which  is beginning to lift as the sun struggles to break through.   
      It’s time for me to get out there and check the  sugar water bags and feed the horses and chickens and do coop and stall clean up.  I was told putting some of that maple water in coffee is a delicious treat – I’ll give it a go and let you know.

****  Update – I just returned from morning chores and wanted to share a few things…

The overnight collection of sap, poured from the bags into this bucket. It’s clear, with a texture of water, taste like water with a hint of maple sugar.

The girls don’t lay as often in winter, so we’re lucky if we receive a few gifts each morning.  This is today’s gift.. 

    And no sooner had I turned from the chicken coop to head up to the barn to feed, when I saw this…

   A rainbow… that begins on the left, right at the point mid-barn where Opie’s stall is located… and he’s buried directly underneath the arc of the rainbow.  I choose to believe he’s sent me a sign this morning, that all is well and he is at peace.   I don’t know what becomes of a soul once we depart this life, and I’m surely not religious in the traditional sense of the word.  That being said, we are clearly more than the sum of our parts, because we think and feel and reason.  So I’ll continue to hope that when my time comes, I will reunite with those who passed before me – my relatives, my friends, and especially the animals I have loved – my dogs, my horses, even Henrietta the chicken.

     Till soon, friends – 

The Polar Vortex has descended

   Holy cow – we went from sunny-ish and in the 30’s to dark, dreary with swirling snow flurries within minutes.  I went up to the barn to feed horses with sun at my back and came back into the house after taking the pictures below – just 20 minutes later.   Downright eerie.  The temps are dropping quickly, too – During storms like this and long periods of cold, it’s a wonder the wild things survive it at all, I feel so bad for their suffering.   I think of the homeless folks out there too, hoping they find a warming station in their town- but the sad truth is some don’t, either because they are mentally ill and won’t seek shelter or there isn’t room at the “inn”.   How lucky we are to be snug in our homes. 
    The horses are closed in for the night, they’ve been fed and watered with plenty of hay – and the chickens are in with their heated water and the cozy coop panel – that invention is a God send, I’m telling ya.  I put some extra hay on the floor of their coop to help with insulation. Hens are prone to frostbite if you don’t give them a little help when the temps drop so low. 
        The Mr.  and I will sit in front of the fire tonight and catch up on a few of our netflix addictions – Ray Donavan – I’ve come to love the characters – so raw, so vulnerable, so obnoxious, and yet you come to love them…  (oh man, is he delicious or what, and I don’t use that word for men much.) …
 and Grace and Frankie – I love that show, truly love it.  Of course I still watch the Golden Girls at 1 in the morning if I can’t sleep, so Grace and Frankie are the new Golden Girls for me. That these women are 81 and 79 is inspiring- and still so funny and full of energy.   
        I found a Superbowl recipe I haven’t tried yet but will probably make for the big game.  Do you watch football?  I’ve been a fan on and off ever since I learned the game because I had a high school boyfriend Linebacker – what you’ll  do for young love, right??    I’m a Patriots fan, so I’ve got some skin in the game. 
 Stay warm if you’re in this frigid front – here’s the recipe… 
Garlic Bread Hot Dogs
Ingredients:
1 baguette (personally I think you need two, or one very long one
4 hot dogs 
1/4 c melted butter
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tsp. parsley, finely chopped
salt
black pepper
Preheat oven to 350.  Trim ends of baguette, then cut remaining into four even pieces.  Using the back of a wooden spoon, hollow out baguette.  There are videos online if you want to see someone do it first.  slide hot dogs into baguette and place on a parchment lined baking tray.  Mix melted butter with parm, garlic and parsley, salt and pepper. brush mixture onto baguette. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until hot dogs are cooked and bread is golden.  Enjoy! 

This and That, because clever post titles are hard to come by

    For those who left comments on the Dear 2020 post, thank you for joining the conversation on a difficult topic. For me it’s therapeutic to talk it out amongst like minded people, and even to hear a different view when it’s not laced with hate.  I’m not religious, but I’m praying for the mental health and humanity of our society as a whole as history unfolds.     What a world it could be if  not for our own vices, greed and destruction. If only we could just respect each other’s differences and work together for the common good of all.  So simple,  so attainable, and yet so far from our reality. 
    Onward!  The frigid conditions here on the farm have lifted – in the  upper 20’s as I type, and it feels downright balmy.   I tried something that worked during our deep freeze – If you water critters outside during winter months – keeping that hydrant from freezing is sticky business.  Stuffing a water bucket with hay, and then flipping that over the hydrant when not in use.. works!

    The paddocks where a skating rink after the deep freeze.  Thankful my husband owns a sanding truck (for work purposes) and I was able to let the horses out into the paddocks after they made a sweep through with the sand/salt.    After losing my beloved Opie, I don’t need another equine loss due to a broken leg. Speaking of which – the mini’s and our boarder’s horse, the very old (32 years!) Max are getting along really well – right now I’ve brought them up to the big barn from their smaller shed.  Their paddock is still a skating rink, so they’re sharing Max’s for the moment and with Opie’s passing we have a vacant stall. They really like the new arrangement –  it’s like they’ve moved up to the big boys dorm.

    In my never ending quest to lose this miserable menopausal weight and make healthier eating choices, I came across this chickpea salad recipe – so easy to throw together, very refreshing, too.   Recipe and this photo credit to the Striped Spatula… link below photo. 
 Recipe HERE
    Along with this dieting gig which I have yet to really really stick with for the long haul, I do keep up with at least a minimal exercise routine.  Daily I tend to the horse and chicken chores, which is usually about an hour of work, but I also get in some aerobic exercise with the dogs – we walk at least four days a week, most often on the farm, where there are fields, hills and woods and long dirt roadways that make it easy, and hard to find excuses since it’s right outside the door.  Occasionally I get on the treadmill, but it bores the hell out of me.  Being outside and moving along is more motivation for a person like me, anyway. 

    Bailey, Frasier and Sally love these walks – I leave our cardiac patient, my Dane, Ben – inside on these cold days.   There’s another shot of the big window from afar.

     Sometimes we get in the car and visit the cottage  (Stella) – where I walk the island – also a two miler IF I use all the roadways there.  There is also a state park just five minutes from here with a beautiful roadway that circles a pond and stream and even a waterwheel and covered bridge.   It’s so beautiful, I scold myself for not using it more often – free if you walk in! 
     I throw light weight training in for good measure,  just three sets of twelve reps, four different muscle groups, doesn’t take long but reaps benefits of keeping me feeling strong, even when I hurt.  I’m no expert, but one of my friends who is an expert agrees –   I highly recommend a combo of  simple stretching, walking and light weight training for anyone, and especially  those who are middle to older aged.  You don’t need to beat yourself into the ground or use a fancy gym – just a few light handweights you can buy at your local Target or Walmart and a good pair of walking sneakers, etc. will do the trick. Get bored easily like me? Switch it up now and then with   a bike ride or kayak or yoga. 
     Sometimes the very simplest advice turns out to be the best, right?   

                                        Use it or lose it… 


       Arriving home from the woods walk yesterday, I surveyed the current garden plot situation… 
   What a difference six months makes, huh?  Some shots from last summer below…  (My weeding skills could be honed some, tis true.) 
Tonight I’ll pull out the seed catalogs and 
place an online order.
I’m not paid to say anything on this blog…
If I endorse it, I’ve had success with it. 
My favorite seed source is Baker Creek Heirloom seeds..
Link HERE.  
I find their seeds to be healthy, meaning they actually perform
if you follow the directions properly, and the plants hearty.

That gorgeous zinnia row to the left is courtesy dear friend Hilary
of Crazy As a Loom.  She sent seeds from her garden
last year and they flourished.  

     I have placed the reply option with comments again –  last time I did that, many reeaders had trouble leaving a comment at all.  So often I want to thank you or answer questions to comments left,  remaining silent seems rude, but had no option when I removed that feature.  My comments no longer are delivered to my e-mail, where I used to be able to answer.  If you visit frequently, leave a comment to let me know you were able to.  Let’s see if I got it right this time.

    As always – thank you for stopping by. 

Dear 2020

     First … let me complain about the absolutely Godless bone chilling cold that has temporarily descended upon us here in New England.  It’s not like we have never experienced it.. but this came on REAL quick.. I mean a drop of 40 degrees in hours, and the wind.. the WIND.  I say it’s temporary because in two days, if they’re correct in the forecasting, it will be up in the 40’s again, as opposed to the 2 degrees we have today – with a wind chill of -15.  
 Below:  6 a.m., looking up to the horse barn, where you can see a tiny patch of light in the feed room.  The full moon was radiant! Phone pics don’t do this justice.  When I stepped outside to feed horses and chickens, my breath froze on my face mask immediately.  Ugh. 
Frost on the window panes… 
        Speaking of freezing – This government shut down is something, huh? My friend’s son is a Coastie, and the outpouring of support for these guys and girls who are protecting us on the waters and not being paid for it is reaffirming.  There are so many good folks out there! We need to see more of them.

 **If you’re a Trump fan and you still believe in and support him, feel free to exit now.  I used to care that I might offend people with my opinions… in this case, and in this space which is my own, given what he’s done to us as a people, and the ignorance of ignoring the harm, the real damage, I don’t.

        I look forward to and hope for and pray for the day ( and I hope we all live to see it) when the old regime is cast from our government and new, brave, honest faces in the Republican and Democratic parties come forward and heal this thoroughly tainted and corrupt, hate fueled divide.  We need a governing body that will repair our integrity, our humanity, our leadership status in this one world we all share.  A Government that can work together for the common good once and for all, to fix our broken realities.  It’s absolutely possible!  But the current cast of characters  have become so bought and embittered of each other and bold with the multitude of deceits.. they are failing us all miserably. 
       Some of my Tr*mp supporting friends are now saying if they knew then what they know now, they’d never have voted for him – One said to me today – “I had no idea he would be so totally unhinged, and so reckless with his speech and tweets.  So callous with truth. I’m mortified. I wanted change, but I didn’t  want us to collectively sell our souls in the process.  Right now it feels like that to me.”  
      That… was a breath of fresh air for me.

  

    
     Dear 2020….    Send us a leader who can heal the divide, reach across party lines and bring us back together as a people, as a government.   Send us a leader who gives hope, inspires, encourages, lifts us. ..all. 

     Is it too late?  Are we past the point of redemption?  All this tribalism, this Us Against Them, the continued racism and prejudice… has been brewing for a very long time –  it’s not new, but it’s emboldened, when we, or at least I,  thought we were actually becoming more    civil, more tolerant, more enlightened, more gentile as a nation.  These past two years have been a real eye opener, I was indeed naive.     Tr*mp has  given these malignancies in our society permission,  free reign,  but he didn’t create them.  They were right there under the surface all along, waiting for the spark to ignite them, breathe new life into old prejudices. 

  Dearest 2020 – send us those miracle workers, please.