Middle aged musings from farm & hearth
These are just a few and we haven’t received the official photographer photos yet…more to come! SO MUCH FUN, what a magical evening it was, and the weather was perfect! I am so happy for my son and new daughter in law – and all of us who came together to celebrate their special day.
So much awful news out there, but as I get older (and older) I’m trying to teach myself the necessary art of looking away. I really need to, because I literally feel every agony others are afflicted with, the unfairness of it all, the evils and utter bullshit of the world if I let myself dwell. And then the anger finds a home and settles. I’m airing it out and letting it go as often as I possibly can nowadays and it feels… freeing. Politics? Fuck’em. I’ll vote, but I’m staying out of the fray because it makes not one fuck of a difference whether I let it stir me up or I focus on more worthy endeavors – things that actually help others and myself. Onward.
The boy child is getting married in five weeks!! We’ve had fun helping the bride plan All The Things, the groom occasionally nods yes or no and made one phone call for party bus service and a trip to the tux rental with his buddies. The men have it so easy in this department, you know. We love our daughter in law to be, they’ve been together 8 or so years and she’s really been a part of our family for quite a while now. Cheers to many happy years!
It’s opening season for Stella by the Sea – the lawn has been mowed several times already, pots filled with geraniums, little garden plot has tomatoes, basil and parsley, bedding washed, pillows sunned/aired out, refridge restocked, floors washed, bathroom cleaned, windows cleaned – kayak back out on the wall – we’re ready! Why.. when we have a big vegetable garden at home, do we plant one at Stella?…. because it just always feels to me like a plot of soil needs a patch of garden, no matter how tiny. If I had an apartment in the city, I’d have plants in the windowsills. But my soul would wither there, I do believe.
Photo courtesy Ben Kuropat and his drone – he takes amazing photos of our cove. Out in the distance are the Thimble Islands – Stella is in the little heart outline.
The geese have been marching their babies up and down the cottage community road as they switch from the marsh to the cove, back and forth.
This year for the first time I have seen what appears to be a juvenile Lion’s mane jellyfish – a bit pale in color but behaving robustly, inspecting the oyster beds in front of Stella. Notice the much smaller variety in the bottom of the picture – there are many in the water this year.
Meanwhile, back on the farm – everything’s blooming! Have you found that all flowering things are extremely lush this year? The lilacs here in New England are absolutely beautiful. The wild violets carpet the forest floor, even the daffodils where planted seem to have multiplied heartily. Our garden up on the hill is planted – the Mr. went overboard with potatoes but.. plenty to give away, right? Every year we discuss shrinking the garden because it’s a lot of work and so much is given away. We shrink it initially – but somehow it balloons back out. This picture was taken last week. Since then, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, eggplant, oregano have been planted where the ground is bare here and the leaves have unfurled more on the trees.
The goat girls, horses, chickens and dogs are thriving, all give us hours of work but definitely also the pleasures and therapy that only animals can bring to our lives. We nurture them, they nurture our souls.
Kai’s 1 year adoption day anniversary was May 15th – we’ve come a long way in that year. Kai has gotten me out on the trails again, getting great exercise and building a trusting relationship with him. He’s gone from practically feral to a wonderful companion – sleeps between the Mr. and I on the bed even – it’s all good. I find adopting rescues so very rewarding, even when initially very trying.
Then….
Now….
The girl child and her guy are enjoying their home nextdoor and we love having everyone on the outskirts of the farm. Chores are shared, meals are shared, garden produce and eggs distributed. We respect each other’s privacy and have managed not to get on each other’s last nerve, it’s truly a blessing. My son and fiance are just over the hill.
My newest painting on the easel is a simple thing, marbles in a mason jar on a window sill. Still much to get done here, what a lesson in patience this is. I’m learning as I go, and I make plenty of mistakes, but the therapy of art is a beautiful thing and doesn’t cost much at all. I’ve always loved marbles and glass in all it’s forms of art. I have an extensive glass art collection I’ll post one of these days.
Trying to slim down a bit for the gown I will wear to my son’s wedding, I’ve been making some lighter, healthier recipes lately. Here’s one that was a big hit, so delicious… give it a try if you like quiche – farm fresh eggs make it even better.
Ending this post with a few words of inspiration below – wishing you well, and thank you for stopping by my little corner of the world.
Till soon –
Such a weird weird time, isn’t it? Are you still masking everywhere? Doctor’s offices still require it but many stores do not. Around here I would say the ratio is more masked than not, but there are naked faces and I must admit, I am SO TIRED OF THE MASK! I cannot imagine how the folks who have to wear it all day long for work/safety reasons are tolerating it. And the poor kids! To be clear, I’m not debating it, not wading into that mess because I just don’t have all the answers, and neither does anyone else, and I totally get the need to be cautious and protecting ourselves and others and have done that more so than not for the past two years. TWO YEARS, wow. As a hearing impaired person the masks are even more of a hinderance for the obvious reasons.
About those shots and boosters – We’re boosted around here, but there is an odd uptick in strokes lately and I’m not going to lie and say that doesn’t concern me. Strokes among younger folks, not where you usually see them. And I’m not going by news sources, I’m talking about people we know. I’m not anti vaxx, but I’m not sure I’ll be getting more covid shots now that I’ve had these three. I want more time spent on it, more research. In the meantime we’re both on a weight loss kick (AGAIN) and I’ve been walking/hiking with Kai as often as I can talk myself in to it, at least four times a week when weather permits. Eating less meat and more greens and fruits, drinking more water.
2024 – raise your hand if you think we all deserve better choices than Biden/Harris and Trump/anyone in the next presidential election. Man, I feel like we’re floundering big time on so many fronts and for a variety of reasons. We need a reset, but not of the hideous kind, of which I worry we are headed.
Enough of the heavy – here’s some Light –
We’re gearing up for a family wedding this June – my son and his lovely fiance who is also like a daughter to us now… and the wedding planning has been so fun! The bride has wonderful taste in what she’s picking out – simple and elegant – lovely whites and creams and greens and elegant black. My mom will be Justice of the Peace, and the whole thing will take place at an old Lace Factory that is now a wedding venue… family and friends and the groom and his men will arrive aboard the Essex Steam Train – how romantic is that! All of this set against the CT River. A few pictures below to give you a sneak peek at the vision board, so to speak .
We’ve got that wonderful day to look forward to… and a three day trip booked on the Vineyard for the Mr. and I in July… plus! .. a really exciting trip planned for June 2023 with a cousin and his wife – Italy! Starting at the Amalfi Coast where my husband’s family 2 generations back are from. This will be the first time across the pond for the two of us and I am over the moon excited. We met them for dinner the other night, they’ve been to Europe many times.. and my workaholic husband has decided it’s about time he starts enjoying life and even some travel. Encouraged by travel accompanied by a couple who know the ropes, so to speak, he agreed. Hooray!
I hope this finds you well and sane, and I hope love found you in one way or another yesterday, so many ways to see and appreciate and give love in it’s many forms. Found this quote and love it – May you see love in everything today and may your heart be filled with gratitude for all
Till soon…
How were your holidays? Scaled down like ours? We managed some smaller gatherings and I’m grateful we’re all still here and relatively healthy. We even did a weekend at The Woodstock Inn, a favorite place for us. Last year’s trip was cancelled because Vermont was basically closed to outsiders, and this year still looked different but was enjoyable, regardless.
Christmas came early while in the Woodstock village, the Mr. obliged my obsession with these boots as we kept passing them in a store window and they whispered to me every time, I’m not even kidding.
The Inn was magical, the depleted staff did a fantastic job with a difficult scenario.
Christmas rolled around and we did what we thought was best – smaller gatherings, and some of them cancelled.
🎄 Mom holding a delicious refreshing Christmas Drink – the Poinsettia – Prosecco, Elderflower liquor and a splash of cranberry juice, with some frozen cranberries thrown in. Mix together according to taste – pretty and yum. I’m not a big drinker but I like a refreshing one now and then and this hits the spot. And kills the germs, right? LOL
We’ve decided to scale back down the restaurant dining since the new Covid surge, but we did get out to our favorite cafe in Stonington, the Dogwatch. Their “power bowl” is my favorite – packed with healthy eating. the Town of Stonington is beautiful any time of year, but especially during the holidays.
The kids and I have done some hiking and that is the single most awesome thing that happened to me this year- upon the adoption of Kai, my spirit dog as my mom calls him, I knew he needed a lot of attention and trust building and hiking was a good way to do it. That also gave me the opportunity to tone up and get in better shape, and my adult kids don’t mind hanging out with mom to do it. I’m not a gym rat, I hate being stationary to exercise. Treadmills, elipticals, blah blah blah. Get me out in the scenery and I can go for miles, and so I do. It’s been a win for all of us during pandemic times and my goal is to continue exploring trails long into the future.
Yesterday’s hike at Hammonasset State Park on Long Island Sound, Madison, CT
Wishing us all good health and much joy in the years ahead.
… has always been nature and the animals. In my quest to keep this aging body moving and in good working order, I’ve been walking and hiking more… my newest rescued dog Kai as my faithful companion. He is such a joy because he loves the outside time and he doesn’t pull! That’s a bonus I have not had before, not even with little Sally with the twisted front legs, which don’t slow her down one bit.
The biggest bonus is.. my kids actually like hiking with mom! So now and then I am accompanied by some of my most favorite people, too. The only nuisance are the damned ticks. I have found the all natural Cedarcide spray does help repel them. I buy it on amazon.
Lost Lake at WestWoods, Guilford, CT – my boy introduced me to these awesome trails –
A train occasionally blows through on the tracks – I look forward to hiking these trails when the snow lands, Polar Express comes to mind.
This is an old quarry area, hence the large blocks of stone, and below is an old horse watering station.
The trails of Parmelee Farm are close to home and we go there often. My son was hired to enhance the trail system and he and crew are doing a beautiful job.
When I’m not out in the woods or mucking stalls or editing for work on this computer, I try to get upstairs to sit at the easel – newest painting I’m working on is a scene from a recent hike on Barn Island, such a glorious day and fun new discovery for nature walks, I decided to try to capture it on canvas. Still much to do with it, but here’s where I’m at ….. with Michael Bolton on Amazon music – I may be 3/4 deaf, but I remember the nuances, and the beat tells me where we’re at in the song. The Brain is an amazing thing, this I know for sure, and in this way I can still enjoy music on a whole different and definitely less satisfying level, but still, there’s joy in it. Grab it where you can!
Some good advice and humor for you as we head into the weekend –
We’re all just walking each other home – Ram Dass
Till soon, friends…
Man, it’s beautiful out there! New England in her Sunday best – Even in the rain – we’re getting some of that big weather much of the country is getting apparently. I’ve been walking a lot with my favorite hiking/walking buddy – he’s been so good for this weary soul.
My son and fiance had their engagement photo session here on the farm recently – here are just a few of my favorites…
Their wedding will take place next June along the CT River in an old factory with gorgeous windows and wood floors, an old fashioned train will bring guests to the venue – stay tuned!
The Mr. and I took a quick ( like eight hours start to finish) trip to Vermont last weekend and I got my apple and cider fix –
Some art projects I’ve been working on… beaded horse shoes (old mule shoes found here on the property… and a new painting on the easel. The shoe I “sold” for a donation to a farm animal rescue here in CT called Shut the Door Farm – and the painting might just serve the same purpose once it’s done. I love making things, but when they actually serve a worthy cause, it’s that much more rewarding.
With this season comes a desire to dig out more recipes, comfort foods, holiday fare, and I love every minute of it except for the cleanup. Every rose has it’s thorns 🙂 And speaking of roses….
Check out this recipe – made it for company yesterday and it was AWESOME! and fun to make – not complicated, I promise!
And here’s another fantastic easy fall recipe…
Creamy Roasted garlic Butternut Squash Pasta
I hope all is well in your neck of the woods – wishing you all good things in this season of thanks giving. ❤
I miss my blog friends! Go grab a coffee or a tea or water, which is better for you anyway – we’ve got ground to cover! I finally have a little time to sit down and read some of your blogs, that’s next, and I sure hope I find you are all well and staying sane. I stay away from the news more often than not in recent months, just hate to see all the division that continues, all the fake news that flourishes, makes one long for simpler times. And so I’m trying to make my times… well, simpler.
The kids living nearby on the outskirts of this farm in their own homes is truly a blessing. We all stay out of each other’s way enough so that we’re not tripping over one another or wishing to move elsewhere, and yet we chip in together to keep this place running and enjoyable for all. The farm animals are always a source of joy, and also a source of work!
We all benefit from the chicken coop and the gardens – this year the raspberries and blueberries were more than abundant, we’ve got a freezer full. Potatoes and onions are also stored in crates downstairs – (the purple potatoes are DIVINE!) and we discovered this year all the produce loves to live and grow on the hill behind the house, better than the two garden plots we have down AT the house. So.. that’s where we will garden from now on, up on the sunny hillside.
Kai, our newest rescue dog, is doing super! He went from two years of feral living to completely well behaved house dog in a matter of months, smart as a whip, and just a joy to be around. We take many walks together, kai and I… and sometimes my kids with their dogs too. Speaking of which – my son’s rottie, Leo, has grown into a bull, a big mush, a little bit of a bully, a LOT of dog to be sure, but a love just the same. At just a year old, he’s still growing, too.
Stella by the Sea – Welp, as much as we said we were going to spend a lot more time down there, like maybe even LIVE there a few weekends at least this summer, it just didn’t happen. The farm and work demands keep us busy throughout the year, but my mom does get to live down there for short spirts of time and we all congregate for dinners, swims, kayaking, the occasional lounging around. Soon it will be time to pack it all in and close up Stella till next year. I dread the emptying of the refrigerator – just sayin.
The Mr. and I did manage to get away in the first week of August, to one of our most favorite places, Martha’s Vineyard. We rented a cottage on South Water Street in Edgartown, an older home with loads of Vineyard Charm. It was just the two of us, which is unusual, but the slowed pace and not having any particular agenda was nice. We both came back feeling rested, a much needed reprieve.
With this season comes a renewed interest in fall recipes… this one I haven’t tried yet but I think I’ll give it a go for the Thanksgiving table instead of the traditional Pumpkin Pie, which some of us don’t even like. (I do!)
Pumpkin Tiramisu from Taste of Home
Wishing you all good things this fall, Lord knows we all deserve it! – Till soon, my dear blog friends –
If you’re as old as I am, I’m willing to bet you’re humming that toon by ZZ Top right about now, aren’t ya…
Isn’t he handsome? ♥
Kai and I continue to get to know each other… a few times a week I take just him and leave the others home… to Stella by the Sea where we walk the cottage community admiring the gardens, the shells on the beach, all the new smells. He watches my every move wherever we go, currently staring at me as he lies in his favorite dog bed, the others all around my desk area in their favorites too. He got his first bath yesterday and he looks and smells glorious. I’ve had my moments where I’ve thought – What the F did you do, Karen?!….adopting a dog that needs so much patience….. but those thoughts are quickly washed away by the feelings of joy when he comes right up to me with his silly grin, when he jumps in the car with the anticipation of the experience of wind in his face, the walk after the ride. The loving gazes that to me say.. thank you...
My son and his fiance were in a wedding last weekend, and I just loved the whole vibe – a young and truly beautiful crowd, the joy apparent, much dancing and whooping in celebration – As it should be. We have begun the planning for his wedding for next June – so much to think about, and so much fun to be had. Love is in the air… and one can’t help but get wrapped up in it and remember those young years full of plans and promise…. ( no matter how that may have ended up, LOL)
We’ve begun harvesting from our gardens – the kitchen garden is producing peas and basil , I’ve got pesto in the freezer already- the zinnia rows and Tomatoes are not yet blooming…
Up in the orchard the raspberry bushes have lots of berry beginnings, blueberries too… apple and peach trees will bear fruit, potato plants are huge, and I picked the first yellow squash harvest this morning.
We had heavy rains last night and usually at this time of year that means mushrooms in the woods, so I took a gator ride out back and down into it – I don’t dare pick to eat, because I’m not educated in the edibles and poisonous. But they sure are pretty to behold….
Leaving a recipe here that I haven’t tried yet, but it’s easy to throw together and a combination of things I love, so I’ll give it a go soon – maybe even later today.
Lemon Chiffon Blueberry Dessert
And some sage advice…
Till Soon, friends…
My son and his GF have been together for six years now, since High School days. They’ve had an exciting year – the completion of their home just over the hill next to this farm, and on Christmas Eve my son proposed. There’s a story behind it…. the ORIGINAL PLAN was a big surprise for his soon to be bride – We were going to take our annual trip to the Woodstock Inn in Vermont for a December weekend this year instead of fall foliage time. She would be under the impression it was just us, as usual. (Plans were made when we thought the pandemic would be winding down.) When we walked into the main lobby, she would see a huge banner across their main fireplace that read Will you Marry Me M………. . Her parents, step parents and beloved Aunts and Uncles would be there among the Inn Staff with champagne in hand ready to toast – and we’d all spend a lovely weekend in that beautiful town celebrating. But COVID raged on. We could have kept our reservations… the Inn was gracious… but Vermont has strict travel rules due to the virus and they weren’t adherable.. nor did any of us feel comfortable traveling as the numbers in the news got worse.
The Puppy Plan materialized. The young couple has been eagerly awaiting the birth of their rottweiler pup, from a breeder in Florida with an excellent long time reputation. My blog readers know I am an animal rescue advocate, but my son was raised with our two female rotties and what he really wanted was a male rottie of his own. The rescues we looked at had a few in the past year but not one I would trust with a young family and their first official dog. Hence, a solid ethical breeder ( not a mill). SO… off he went to Florida a few days before Christmas in a rental mini van with his cousin to pick up the pup. When they arrived home the plan was to have the puppy with a big bow and a ring attached. And we would all show up at the same time, he’d pop the question and we’d have a safe distance toast on the front porch. Except she was called in to work. So.. he arrived home with the puppy and fiance-to-be at work. We then decided to hide in the house , cars behind the house and garage, and she walked in…. hugged the new puppy… and we all strolled out with that big banner in hand, her dad handed M the ring, M proposed to M… tears, cheers, toasts, and puppy love.
The new baby’s name is LEO, or King Leo the 2nd, as he is named after his (HUGE) father.
The moms, unmasked for the picture and champagne…
So.. while this was a weird Christmas and we really missed having our moms right there with us for the dinners and the presents, etc… there is much to celebrate as well. The wedding will be when the pandemic is over and we can all come together to celebrate in a big happy way. – Karen 💕
…. and for most of us that’s exactly what it will be, a “little” Christmas compared to what we’re used to. Strange times indeed. This past month I have taken a step back from newsfeeds and my appalled reactions to so much of it. I am grateful for this family’s health including our mothers and for the promise of better days ahead. I hope you are weathering the multitude of storms and are feeling some optimism for the future.
I put Christmas up here in this house before Thanksgiving was done – we needed the cheer so I pulled out all the stops – even the SnowVillage that’s been in big bins in the basement for years came back out. It’s true we won’t have the bigger family gathering we usually do, but that’s OK – it helps to know we are placing some insurance on having everyone round the table again next year by being cautious this year. This will be the first Christmas without Dad. (Fuck Covid) Last year he brought with him a mini drone that he loved – we pushed it around between us and had a good laugh…. I can tell you for certain it will not matter, whatever the issues in a push and tug relationship, once they’re gone, you’ll be reminded of the good, the bad, and you’ll miss them. Also, no matter what you thought you were doing right while they were around, you’ll find regrets.
From the looks of these gingerbread men you’d think we’d been drinkin –
Sally’s favorite seat in the mancave…
We’ve had some beautiful snow, although it makes barn chores a little more difficult. My goatgirls Bella and Star are not impressed with the white stuff, but have adjusted .. eventually.
SO much joy I get from these two… they talk to us all the time, huddle around our legs, I’m grateful I can hear some of their little goat girl mumbles… mehhh-eh-eh-eh-eh-eh.
More snow pics here on the farm….
My daughter’s home next door can be seen in the photo below…
My son’s home is deep in the mist of the picture below. Happy News to share with you on that front in the next post…
Some laughs to share with you next…. and wishing you all a very Merry Christmas, a joyful, peaceful holiday season in whatever the ways you celebrate, and good health and much happiness in the New Year – XO
Sharing this beautiful song , one of my all time favorites… click on the link and click skip the ads… enjoy ❤
Till soon, friends…
