Category: Dogs

Spring sprung!

We’ve had some crappy April weather, truly. But yesterday it was downright summer-like!  Of course, being New England.. we’re back to the crappy weather this morning but oh, the things are greening!  The garden on the hill is planted, and my new kitchen herb raised garden is planted, with a little mini fairy house and yard in the middle 🌞

 

Sunset behind peach blossoms last night….

a hike with two of my girlies, accompanied by Leo and Kai….

I try to buy non toxic products and non-animal tested.  Some of the companies I have trusted over the years, I wasn’t aware have been sold out to corporations, and because money is their biggest concern, not our health, they tend to change up the ingredients to cut their costs and boost their profits.  If this is important to you, too… check out this list, and then check their ingredients and practices.

During our good weather weekend I took a drive to a dairy farm that is known for it’s outstanding chocolates… Thorncrest Farm in Litchfield, a family owned small dairy farm operation that makes award winning chocolates.  They ship!  Worth treating yourself or someone you love.  They really care about the humane treatment of their cows -they graze them at night for heat and bug stress relief, and their barn is immaculate.  That’s important to me, too.

Our patio with my new kitchen herb raised garden in the background…

My two little cherubs – a year old already!   Grandparenthood is a wonderful, wonderful chapter of our lives, such a blessing ❤

I hope all is well in your world –  Till soon ……

59

Well, shit.

This is the weekend of my 59th birthday, and while I certainly feel it, I’m also so grateful I’m still here with a body still willing to carry me on ahead for a great while longer… that is my ultimate hope, anyway.  I have vowed to take better care of this vehicle, and while I haven’t abused her horribly, there’s room for tweaks and there to  I shall go.

Yesterday my faithful dog, Kai and I took a 3 mile hike through some very pretty trails, an easy trek with no scrambles through Pine forest and supply pond with swans and turtles and even a skunk making an appearance. No photo of that particular encounter.  The weather was gorgeous and there were others out there enjoying it too. I love those days when it’s obvious everyone is in a better mood, spirits are lifted, faces to the sun 🌞

Later in the day, the Mr. and I had a  late lunch/dinner at a friend’s restaurant on the water,  I chose a healthy meal of fish tacos and then threw it under the bus with a chocolate orange martini.      It is what it is.

Tonight the family gathered  around our dining room table for a celebratory dinner, and it is these moments I am always most grateful for.

And may I say… this grandmother chapter of my life… and I have had several friends concur regarding theirs too… is truly the best chapter in some ways, just truly such a joy💗 .

Saw this next image on Facebook and honestly… do I have to say anything at all here?    Well maybe just… ugh, ugh ugh ugh ugh.  I’ll continue to pray for us all.

Some spring inspiration for this St. Patricks Day….

Till soon –

 

 

Ahhh… Vitamin Sea!

 

After all chores and errands were done I put my walking buddy in the car and together we enjoyed a walk on the beach.  There were quite a few others with the same idea, but this particular beach is miles long with plenty of open space, no houses to claim territory… open to the public. I was reminded of the tremendous gifts we are given when people who are philanthropic and environmentally conscientious leave a gem such as this for all to enjoy forever and ever, Amen.  Such is the case here, and I feel so lucky to live nearby.

Although it’s still chilly and there’s snow dotting the landscape, Spring is definitely letting us know she’s on her way, it was that kind of day.  You know others are feeling it too when you are greeted with smiles or a warm hello – even Kai was given a few “well hello, fella” greetings  by passers by.

As Susan Branch would say…. a red letter day. 💗

Till soon –

 

A Snow Day

 

Years ago we’d get many of these through the course of a New England winter.  Now, not so much.   It makes life easier for my guys, because they’re responsible for a lot of snow plowing, and it makes life easier for me when it comes to the barn chores for sure…. but… one can’t help but wonder what it means for our climate in general.  Our shorelines are being decimated every time we have a storm of any kind, seaside cottages, homes, beaches being washed away, roads and basements flooding  as the water rises and the winds/rains become  more harsh.

Today is the first real snow we’ve had of the season and it is beautiful.  The dogs rejoiced as they ran out into it at 5 am this morning, and then quickly retreated once business was done because brrrrr.

Everyone and their brother, third cousin and Great Aunt Evelyn and her neighbor were out grocery shopping yesterday due to the prediction of heavy snow, including the grands, who met up in the baby food Aisle with their moms in tow.  They recognized each other immediately with smiles and giggles.

We met with the wedding coordinators at the facility for my girl’s wedding  and  they are such a lovely group of people, this is such a relief. They helped me herd all the cats –  planning a wedding is such a big undertaking nowadays and I’m not experienced with these things at all.     I thank you for your suggestions on which dress I’ll wear, and it was unanimous – so I decided to go with dress B.   Below is the 1902 mansion where the ceremony and reception will be held, a lovely old sea captains home by the sea, a simple ceremony to be held on the back lawn if weather permits. This mansion has not been updated in a very long time, so it has the old world charm still intact, which I love.

 

Regarding the orange scream,  that piece of shit is still giving Putin high fives , all he talks about are the revenges he will execute, no regard for the law and so far has yet to be held solidly accountable.  He jumbles words just as much as the other old man some want to disparage, even jumbles history!  and lies outright, over and over again.   Now  and once again attacking  yet another military man, this time his opponent’s husband, for being “absent” as she campaigns- the man is DEPLOYED, something he would have no understanding of as he was a draft dodging cadet bone spurs. And where is Maleficent?   Nowhere near him. She’s not stupid, I’ll give her that. This country deserves so much better –  I pray for all of us every day, that someone of strength and integrity and vitality and ability to lead comes on the scene and saves our sorry ass government before it’s too late. It almost feels too late, we are so far down this divided rabbit hole of untruths and unbridled fury.  This is no longer about “policy”, of which I hold a mixed bag.   It’s about decency, humanity, security, democracy.

Sadly in this house we have never been more divided than we are in the current political atmosphere.  As an unaffiliated voter, I try to keep an open mind and vote according to what I believe are our most pressing needs at each election.  The husband is a staunch Republican.  Which hasn’t been a significant problem until such a raging narcissistic asshole took control of his party.  Now if I see Faux news on in the man cave, I walk back out.

*Sigh… it is what it is.

 

Till soon, friends – May sanity and peace ultimately prevail.

 

 

 

 

Tap tap tap ….. is anyone out there?

 

There was a time some years ago when I blogged daily – it all started when we bought this ancient farm house and began the renovation. I thought some people might like to follow along and this was an easy way to share the journey.  So, this blog was born and back-in-the-day,  grew to  about 400 visitors to the blog daily.  I enjoy writing and it has been part of my career, so blogging was a good creative exercise for me. I also met some friends I still cherish to this day, fellow bloggers, some of whom still blog at least occasionally.  I’m not sure what I want to do with it now, but this morning I decided to visit this space and so here I am – and I hope all is well with you!

Our two grandchildren are now 8 and ten months old – they are such a joy in our lives and we feel so blessed that they live here on the farm with their parents.  The moms work part time, so I am their part time daycare and I get to spend some real quality time with them.  Another blessing.

Christmas was wonderful with these little babes and I am so proud of our kids as they grow into their roles as parents. They’re doing such a great job at it and that warms my heart 💗

I retired from my role as Editor of our local news publication  and have spent more time focused on the farm/barn needs and the grands.  We sold the seaside cottage because it become more work than enjoyment and this farm takes effort too. Looking back, I don’t regret the decision, it feels like it was the right thing to do.  I’d like to travel at least occasionally before I die, so that helps the plan. When you own a second place, it tethers you to feeling like you should spend all your free time there in that one place.

I’ve gone on more hikes with my  rescued dog and good buddy Kai, a better walking partner I have not ever had.  He’s not a puller, a gentleman for sure on leash.  That’s huge for me.    I wouldn’t ever be accused of being a gym rat – I don’t enjoy treadmilling it or spending an hour in a gym with 50 other people … but walking and hiking and seeing the beauty of the land and different scenery is something I can get behind and really enjoy.  So if you’re like minded, I highly recommend it.  No matter where you live, you’ll find interesting places to explore.  And when you enjoy the exercise you’re doing, you’re more likely to DO IT.   I love the phone app  Alltrails – an excellent tool for navigating trail systems just about anywhere.

 

I’ve been cooking a lot.. here are two tried and true recipes that are easy to put together and are definitely family approved.

Italian Beef Soup

 I bought a decent chuck roast to use in it. I also used Romano Cheese as throw on, not Parm. Plenty of leftovers – perfect for a winter supper.
(Serves 5 )
INGREDIENTS
4 lbs. Boneless Beef Chuck Pot Roast
2 tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
14 oz. Carrots, peeled and diced
5 oz. Celery, whole stalks
1 Onion (6oz.), peeled and cut in half
2 tsp. Salt, plus extra to season the meat
1 tsp. Black Pepper, plus extra to season the meat
4 cups Low Sodium Beef Broth
4 Cups Water
1 Cup Tomato Sauce
1 lb. small Pasta, I use ditalini
Grated Cheese to Garnish, I use Pecorino Romano
METHOD
Season both sides of the meat with salt and pepper. Heat up the olive in a large soup pot. Put the meat in the pot and sear for about 4 to 5 minutes on both sides and remove from the pot. Add in the onion, celery, carrots and season with salt and pepper. Cook on a low flame for about 5 to 8 minutes.
Add in the broth, water and tomato sauce. Be sure to scrape the bits off the bottom of the pan with your wooden spoon. Add the meat back to the pot. Put the lid on the pot, only leaving a small part open to let some of the steam out.
At three hours mark take the beef out. Using two forks, shred the beef.
Add the beef back to the pot and simmer for a half hour. In the meantime, boil your pasta.
Serve the soup with the pasta and garnish with grated Pecorino.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Thumbprint cookies – Google Allrecipes thumbprint cookies for the recipe. These are so good.  I used blueberry preserves this time but any jam will do!
Some of the best advice I’ve ever gotten were four simple words…
Let go or be dragged. 
        It’s time to head out into the winter chill to feed horses, goats and chickens and muck stalls.   Been doing it for 40 or so years and while my body complains a bit, the work also fortifies me,  body and soul.  Hard to explain and my husband often says “I don’t know how you do it, over and over and over again”  especially when the weather is yuck.  My connection with the animals is why I do it…. and  if you know, you know.
     Wishing you, me and everyone we hold dear a healthy, happy 2024 and beyond – If  I’ve still got any readers here and you’re still blogging,  leave your blog address in the comments so I can visit you later on today.
 Till soon –

Better Together

 

Do you celebrate Cinco de Mayo?  …The fifth of May happens to be our first date 37 years ago. Holy shit – thirty seven years goes by in a flash.  A lot has happened in those 37 years… mostly good, some great, and some awful.  We have our differences, like big ones..  we were married, divorced and remarried all in our 20’s.  But… we come together in the most important ways and as I get older I value that more than anything else.   As anyone who has lived for a while knows….Life can be hard at times and having your best friend by your side through it all is a lifeline.   Better together.

 

Speaking of friendships, love and  lifelines… have you read the book or watched Firefly Lane on Netflix?  I loved it, I think in the  series they got it perfect, the love, the laughs, the trials, triumphs, the heartbreak even.  Give it a look or read  if you haven’t already.

I keep glancing at the political news and I just cannot believe all the dumbfuckery, the cruelties, the hypocracies  and the deceits.  Where can the truth be found… and trusted?  Where are the consequences?   And it’s hard to fathom that we don’t have better candidates to refresh our political landscape with something more logical, forward thinking,  honest,  folks with a –better together –  mentality.  Jeeezus, all the corruption.  And  all the old men should just go. Just… go.

I’ve been walking with Kai on local trails, hope to expand our horizons elsewhere in the state soon, the ticks have been brutal already.  I have yet to find an all natural spray that actually repels them all, but maybe it’s helping somewhat.  If you have suggestions, please leave them in the comments.  The trails, the woods, the fields, the rock outcroppings, the shoreline… just beautiful.  It’s where I recharge and I love having a dog to share the hikes with, he motivates me to get out there, keep moving.   Better together.

Our grandson is doing well, despite being born so early he is tiny but mighty and growing, thankfully.  Almost two months old 💙 Our granddaughter is due in a few weeks! Say a prayer for a safe and healthy delivery for mama and baby, will you?  To watch both my children become parents at the same time, and us becoming grandparents! (which we just love beyond  description!) .. is such a gift.

 

 

I like to make a fruit/greens smoothie at breakfast time occasionally – a favorite mix is frozen dark cherries, a banana, some honey, a handful of blueberries and a handful of spinach.  Delish!  and good for you. Try it!

This farm continues to give me peace as I tend the critters and the barn, appreciate the gardens and walk the fields and give thanks for our journey  to here.

I hope all is well in your world,  thank you for stopping by.

Till soon,

 

We’re all just walking each other home

 

….. one of my most favorite quotes, attributed to Ram Dass, an American spiritual leader of the 1970s.  This country and the world at large is in big trouble on so many levels, all because of the flaws in humanity.  Recently I am making every effort to focus on the uplifting things, and that quote is one of them.  It truly helps me to believe in that simple concept and gives me inspiration to do whatever little good  and truly see it anywhere it can be found.

I don’t have much to say here right now, just that I am enjoying my new grandson immensely and watching my daughter become the wonderful mother we all knew she’d be.

We’ve had some glorious weather and I’ve been out in it, soaking it all up, getting some exercise, enjoy this farm and the woods and the shoreline trails.

Till soon –

 

The Happening You Must Focus On

 

 

     It is easy to mourn the lives we aren’t living. Easy to wish we’d developed other talents, said yes to different offers. Easy to wish we’d worked harder, loved better, handled our finances more astutely, been more popular, stayed in the band, gone to Australia, said yes to the coffee or done more bloody yoga.
     It takes no effort to miss the friends we didn’t make and the work we didn’t do and the people we didn’t marry and the children we didn’t have. It is not difficult to see yourself through the lens of other people, and to wish you were all the different kaleidoscopic versions of you they wanted you to be. It is easy to regret, and keep regretting, ad infinitum, until our time runs out.
     But it is not the lives we regret not living that are the real problem. It is the regret itself. It’s the regret that makes us shrivel and wither and feel like our own and other people’s worst enemy.
     We can’t tell if any of those other versions would have been better or worse.      Those lives are happening, it is true, but you are happening as well, and that is the happening we have to focus on. ~Matt Haig
(Book: The Midnight Library) 
    I love that passage so much!  I also read the book, and while it wasn’t one of my favorite reads, it’s a good one… and that group of text above? Spot on.  Who among us hasn’t dreamed another dream, had a few regrets, wasted too much time on what isn’t.  And we all know, life is short and too precious for such nonsense.  I am a firm believer in making the best of every day, even when I catch myself doing anything but.  Then I readjust the sails.
     The new barn has been a Godsend here on the farm. Both of our girlies are very pregnant and I’ve taken over all barn chores again, which means a lot of water buckets and hay bales and stall mucking etc. etc.   With the yoga and stretching/meditation I’ve taken up, my body is faring better than I had expected. 40 plus years of all that work  has left me with some arthritis and worn parts, blah blah. But it’s also made me a strong work horse and I’m grateful to  still be able to do it. And I love those animals so.  They are my heart and my peace and my salvation often.  We got our first real snow of the winter on march 1st.  In New England, that’s just strange. But it’s made all that work easier on this older girl.
      I have always felt the sky is like  a painting we live under, it’s landscape always changing, and all we ever need to do is look up to see the mood of the moment, the beauty of nature, the temperament of the weather gods.  Who hasn’t marveled at a full moon rising, the night stars on a cloudless night, the rolling roiling storm clouds coming across the horizon or the gorgeous colors of a beautiful sunrise-sunset.  On the hill and fields of this farm we have what I call big sky country, a big patch of blue  with  many glorious sunrises and sunsets.
  I made a few more recipes from The Lost Kitchen files…
New England baked beans and brown bread –  first time I ever bought a slab of salt pork, had to ask the butcher where to find it at the store.
 And Waldorf Salad – with apples, celery, Fennel, arugula, lemon juice and zest,  candied walnuts, mayo, salt & pepper… SOOO GOOD!
     The Mr. turned 59!  We had a lovely family dinner at one of our favorite restaurants near our Stella by the Sea.  Our mothers are still with us and we are so grateful they are here to meet their first great grands.
 Cheers to many more years!
 I completed the Woodstock, VT  Middle bridge painting, whose true angles are a bit skewed in any photo taken, so this was a real challenge and it’s far from perfection, but I’m glad I attempted it.  The bridge for me  represents many happy family memories there  and hopefully more to come.  The lighted star up on the hill is the first thing I look for when we drive into town.
   Had a physical this week, and it’s clear I need to get serious about cleaning up my diet.  Cholesterol numbers less than stellar, weight – about 25 pounds overweight.  Bleh.  I get plenty of exercise, so… as the doctor has often said… it’s what you put in your mouth.   Each new day is a chance to get it right.. right? I’m making a concerted effort to improve those numbers.  Being a food loving person and one who likes to cook and bake for others, it ain’t easy.
      I hope all is well in your neck of the woods – till soon 🌹

a Quilt of a post

Well let’s start with an actual quilt! Through blogland I have met some wonderful people, some of whom I consider dear friends.  I have been collecting my son’s old t-shirts from childhood with the intent of having a T-shirt quilt made for him. Finding someone to do it proved difficult.. and then it dawned on me I have a very talented friend who does all sorts of creative things including sewing but mostly weaving beautiful towels, rugs, shawls, etc. for many years.  So I asked Hilary over at Crazy As A Loom if she’d be willing to give this project a go, and boy did she ever! It came out better than I expected, my son loves it too. She said it’s her first T-shirt quilt, and her last, LOL.  As I suspected, it’s a mighty pain in the a&& to make, but I am so grateful she was willing.  My son and daughter in law are  expecting their first child in May and one day this will be an heirloom for generations to come. It’s so warm and cozy.

Not sure if it’s the strange weather, a too warm and then frigid cold  winter we’ve had here in New England… this fibromyalgia body has been in flare.  When that happens I’m tempted to get lazy and slow down but with all the barn chores that’s not really possible and I do find if I keep moving I’m better off.  I walk often and hike occasionally – this weekend we went over to the Scout Camp at Deer Lake and hiked to Fat Man Squeeze.  I’m glad I still fit!   When I adopted Kai he was a timid soul, so much so that on these hikes he would be afraid to go over big logs, afraid to climb rock  and ledge, afraid to go into caves or up the very narrow squeeze.  With the trust we’ve built over the past two years, while he’s still timid, he has come a long way and easily goes where I go without freezing, without me having to carry him up and over as we did initially.  It’s a beautiful thing.  Truly he is the best walking/hiking companion I’ve ever had.

I’m not a bendy person, so certain forms of Yoga make me look like the walking dead…..but yoga is really good for this fibromyalgia body and years ago I found a DVD set and used it for a long time and it really helped. It was great for beginner or low level yoga people like me. We got a new Tv  system and no longer had DVD player and I just stopped, which was dumb. I’m thrilled to say I just found the exact series on Amazon prime $15 purchase and I can do it right in my office while it streams on my screen or on my flat screen tv in the family room via prime video. If this sounds like you to some degree- I highly recommend the Kate Potter series, seasons 1 and 2 in particular. It’s Calming, fun, enough of a work out that you accomplished something, and helps you stay limber, strengthens your core and overall body.

I’ve also carved a little time out for painting… the bridge picture is coming along… still much to do but I’m happy with it’s progress…

The following made me laugh out loud, and anything that does that is worthy of sharing…

Reading a good book right now, that gives a different perspective on the fallout and a different kind of  victim of the Holocaust.. another dimension, another layer I had never given thought to before, and I have mixed feelings about it as well.   I recommend it if you’re a reader – very well written

  I hope all is well in your neck of the woods…  Thank you for stopping by

Till soon!

Merry Happy

So many people going through so much stuff, life is definitely not a cake walk for just about anyone… don’t judge the book by it’s cover and all that.  The holidays can exasperate whatever is troubling, so my wish for anyone still reading my drivel  here is that you are finding some joy and peace of mind this holiday season.

 

I am a sentimental fool,   and while that trait brings along with it some pain,  it’s worth it to have the heart.  I have traditions in this old house and the ones before it… some recipes from ancestors long gone, traditions I’ve kept with my kids from the time they were little…decorations reminiscent of my grandmother’s home, ornaments my mother had on our childhood tree.   My favorite collection, though, are the people around the table.  As life rolls along, we lose some of our loved ones, and we gain new members. The circle of life.

I love my mom’s holiday spirit! Her mother, my Nana… used to do the same.. she decorated ALL THE THINGS..  even including little red bows on picture frames ….

Christmas Punch!

The barn renovation is complete – and all horses, goats and chickens are moved in.  For this aging body, having done barn chores for the bast 40 plus years, it is a beautiful thing to have it all consolidated into one building. When we moved to This Old House from our previous farm, I thought I was winding down my farm animal operations and focusing on other things.  But… my daughter continued her interest in showing (we’re done with that) and I found chicken keeping entertaining and fruitful!… and then .. well, goats.  The small outbuildings we brought in for them worked… but going from one to the other especially in storms or winter weather was more work.  We converted our three stall row shed type horse barn to a full center aisle barn with chicken coop/goat stall/ horse stalls all in one building and with this past few days 19 degree temps and freezing water, etc., it’s been a welcome improvement during chores.

Both my daughter and my daughter in law are expecting babies in the Spring, we are over the moon excited to welcome baby Jonathan and Baby Mia to our family.  I’ve tried on all the common grandmother names… Gigi, Mimi, Nana, Nanny, grandma, Nonni, Nonna, loli, Lolly, and  I’ve decided I am really just a Gram.  If I had my way, everyone and anyone would just call me Karen or Mom, but not everyone is comfortable with that, so be it.  (not the new and bastardized politicized meaning for Karen, by the way.  Ugh, that is disappointing).

If you’re so inclined, tell me what’s new in your neck of the woods, what brings you joy these days, any traditions you care to share – leaving a few things below that bring me inspiration… wishing you all good things in the coming year, and THANK YOU for stopping in –

                   

 

Till soon –