Hearth and Home – This Old House 2

It’s been a while

Almost a year since I’ve been here, so much to cover and where do I start? I guess right where most of us are struggling at the moment or at least have some concern.

This world and this country in particular are in quite a state. Depending on your leanings, most likely you’re either cheering or you’re horrified by what we are all witnessing. There doesn’t seem to be much in between. The division among us and how intense it is, is frightening. The mistrust and misuse of our government and our news sources even more so, their integrity in tatters. My son asked me the other day…. “do you think we’ll ever come back together as a country? The divide seems so huge, runs so deep, it seems impossible. ” There are times I think that’s the likely truth… but as I said to him… I’m reminded that this country has been in upheaval before. Just magine the divide during the civil war… where the north and south had completely different views on slavery and it was a very big part of the south’s way of life and prosperity. We all know how that ended. And the young country did seem to move on, eventually, mostly and for the greater good.

I am an unaffiliated voter, my husband a dyed in the wool Republican. Many an argument has infused our cohabitation since M*G* has arrived and right now the air is so thick with the discord we could cut it with a knife here in this old house. I can’t deny our governing bodies have been ignoring major problems for a long time… overspending, over taxation of the working middle class, immigration reform, healthcare reform, our crumbling infrastructure, corporate greed… the list goes on and these are the things the Mr. brings up when I question his loyalty to his party’s current path. The failures of both parties for a long time are why we now have an orange nuclear bomb dropped right in the middle of it and the fallout reach is everywhere with it’s tentacles in absolutely everything. That is where my significant other and I are in agreement. And that’s where it ends…. because as I watch the reckless behaviors and actions and attitudes of this Tr*mp. 2 administration, as I watch women’s rights being yanked back and the rules of law being blatantly ignored, abuse of power rampant (and they are giddy with it)…. the previously trusted relationships with our allies shredded, our environmental protections discarded, our public lands under siege, the words diversity, equality and inclusion pummeled, when facts no longer matter….. I cannot help but be appalled, embarrassed, ashamed for this country. And that brings profound sadness and even disbelief that we are where we are.

But you see how far down a rabbit hole one can be dragged, and so I have to remind myself to let go on occasion and search for peace within and out there in the universe of our lives. To do good things where I am, to grow where I’m planted… to assist where I can for the greater good. No matter where you stand on all of this… I hope you’re able to do the same.

I completed my 60th year this month! Holy shit! But I’m not complaining one bit. Sixty is not old… it’s damn lucky. I’m still pretty active and I plan to continue for a long time if life permits. I hike or take long walks regularly with my best buddy/rescue dog Kai. Getting out in nature is my respite, my recharge.

My barn chores and grands keep me busy. My arthritic neck and hands remind me I’m not a spring chicken, but it’s all part of the luck of still being here and having more good days than bad. I’ve cleaned up my diet some and try to get in more greens and berries and whole foods, much less processed crap. One of the things many older people hear when they end up at a clinic with illness is that they are dehydrated. So I’m making a concerted effort to drink more water because it’s not something I crave. Hydration is important so if you do just one thing for yourself in your current state of being, drink more water.

And be grateful for every.single.day. Don’t take any of it for granted, it all goes by so damned fast.

Farm update – with the sale of our little cottage by the sea, Stella…. we’ve had more time to focus on improvements here. Up at the barn we’ve still got our mini horses, our two quarter horses, two goats and 16 or 17 chickens depending on the day’s count and my patience for doing it. We brought home a rabbit and my granddaughter Mia immediately named her Hoppy. She’s very friendly and a welcome addition to our farm family.

The grands – they’re now 2 years old and almost 2, my daughter’s son and son’s daughter. Being a “Mimi” – a name my granddaughter chose for me, is such a wonderful chapter in life. We get to experience young personhood and all the wonders and discoveries over again through their eyes, but with less responsibility, LOL. A third is on the way! I am their caregiver for a portion of each week as both moms went back to work part time and it’s so true, they keep you young! ish….

We converted my office into an art studio with a little side of toddler toys now that I am retired from my editing/writing/family business responsibilities and I have been able to dive back into my art inclinations. I’ve set oils aside and have begun exploring the world of water color, a completely different universe.

A recipe I’ve tried recently and really like – This one is so delish and refreshing. I don’t really have an opinion about Meghan, but so many do. I’m glad I don’t live anywhere near the spotlight. I give this a thumbs up. I did use spinach instead of shard and shaved parmesan instead of feta.

Meghan Markle Sussex Veggie pasta salad

Ingredients

For the pasta salad:

12 ounces paccheri or fusilli pasta

Kosher salt

1 cup English peas, shelled

1 bunch Swiss chard (about 5 cups loosely packed leaves), chopped

Optional: 1/2 bunch lacinato kale, ribs removed, chopped

3/4 cup snap peas, sliced

Optional: 1/2 zucchini, chopped

1 cup feta cheese, plus more for garnishing

2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnishing

1 tablespoon fresh dill, plus more for garnishing

For the vinaigrette:

1 shallot, sliced

2 garlic cloves, grated

2 lemons, zested and juiced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon dried chili flakes

1/3 cup olive oil Kosher salt, to taste

Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Method

1. Create a bowl of ice-cold water and ice cubes to shock your vegetables to stop the cooking process.

2. Bring 4-6 quarts of water to a boil and season with ¼ cup salt. Blanch peas for 30 seconds and move to ice water to shock.

3. Blanch Swiss chard leaves for 45 seconds to a minute, until tender and move to ice water to shock.

4. Add enough salt to the water so it “tastes of the sea” and boil the fusilli until fully cooked according to package instructions.

5. Drain the pasta and set aside to cool.

6. Dry peas and Swiss chard on a towel until ready to use.

7. Chop chard into bite-sized pieces.

8. To make the vinaigrette, combine the shallot with the dried chilli flakes in a large bowl.

9. Add cooked and cooled pasta. Toss to combine, add chard, peas, snap peas, feta, and herbs. Toss and season to taste.

10. Serve, garnishing with more herbs, feta, and lemon as desired. Enjoy!

I don’t keep track of the traffic here anymore when blogging, but if you’re visiting and are so inclined… let me know what you’ve been up to, and if you keep a blog, where to find it! I hope all is well in your neck of the woods –

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 –

For the Love Of

I love 💗LOVE💗, do you? And jeez, there just isn’t enough of it out there. In simplest terms, I want to hope as hard as I can, that love wins in the end. Good versus evil in all things. I’ll spare you my outrages because you’re all seeing the same damned things on your screens and in your ear.

Here are some things I love –

Grandchildren – these two are already best buddies and it brings me such joy to be a part of their lives.

I love to cook, to create something delicious my family will enjoy. I believe there is much important communication and bonding over a good meal shared together. I learned this from the women in my family – my Grandmother Elsie, my Aunt Virginia, my mom. I believe the effort is so important, to bring the family together to sit down for meals. I always insisted on it when we were raising our children, even when we had crazy schedules with work and school and sports, etc. I was surprised to find out many of my kids friends families did not do this, it was actually a rare occasion.

I also love trying new recipes and eating those yummy things, LOL. Hence some extra pounds. I love a good cookbook and have a plethora of them – here are a few recipes I’ve tried and loved recently from Trisha Yearwood’s second cookbook –

Trisha Yearwood’s Baked Bean Casserole – This can be a side or a meal, it’s hearty enough ( think chili) link to recipe HERE

Now, ham salad usually makes me gag. But, the Mr. loves it. LOVES it. So when I saw a recipe in Ms. Yearwood’s book and she raved about it, I said to myself – you know, you oughta just make the effort for the guy, Karen. See if it’s doable. Welp. It’s more than doable – I actually love it! and it’s so easy to throw together – so tasty. Who knew!?

Uncle Marshal’s Ham Salad *******************

3 cups ground or finely diced fully cooked ham (about 14 ounces)

1 teaspoon finely chopped sweet Vidalia onion

2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish

1/2 cup mayonnaise

Combine ham, onion, relish, mayonnaise and mustard in bowl. Serve salad on crackers or in sandwich.

********************************************

I also love making healthy food choices to help this aging body. One of my favorite breakfasts is a simple smoothy, I just throw everything in a blender and drink it up – Spinach, Honey, blueberries, banana, a dash of yogurt, a few ice cubes. Delicious and it’s doing your body some good.

Who doesn’t love fresh produce out of a garden – I’m dreaming of the bounty we’ll enjoy out of our gardens this summer, and the kitchen herb garden we are planning to build off the kitchen slider/porch. Instead of walking up the hill to the big vegetable/berry garden near the barn, I can grab what I need right outside the kitchen porch as I’m cooking. Last year we used a galvanized tub, the kind used for livestock watering, and it was OK for that purpose, but in the ground is better. Perhaps a raised bed. More on that later.

My recovery from hysterectomy is going well, I love when that happens! I’m back to most of my regular chores and life activities with the exception of lifting very heavy things. A few more weeks of caution and I’m good to go.

I hope all is well in your world, and that you love on yourself as needed. That’s just as important as anything else and we tend to forget this, often.

Image by Jane Newland, an artist who’s work I love

Till soon –

A tale of three dresses

With my daughter’s wedding just 2 months away, I’ve got a gaggle of three dresses brooding in my closet. All three I got on sale, online. Have I ever mentioned how much I hate store shopping and store mirrors in store dressing rooms? Bleh. I don’t think I’ll know which of the three I’ll wear until just before that day. I’ll donate what I don’t wear to a local women’s community closet. I’d like other opinions on style – give your honest opinion – which would you choose – A, B, or C.

A. This one is a beaded affair, with a bow on one shoulder. Not a style I’ve ever worn before, I’m not a girly girl, but it grabbed my attention. The pic is awful but the best I could find online.

Three very different vibes. And I am heavier than the models shown, by about 20 pounds, so the fit is a little different, nothing just hangs/drapes as beautifully as these women portray.

If you’re in the market for shoes for a special occasion, shoes you’ll be comfortable in all night long and can actually dance in… naturalizer is a great brand for just such a shoe. I bought these online and they’re super comfortable and still very pretty… The Vanessa.

Cold dark winter nights here on the farm inspire me to cook, and a good hearty soup with a fresh baked bread is one of our favorite meals here in this house. Bread baking intimidates me, I give all of you sourdough starter people a gold star for your adventurous spirit. As for me, I’ll stick with the super easy to follow New York Times No Knead Bread recipe… pictured below. I use a specific Le Crueset covered kettle to make it.

As for the soup…… picture doesn’t do the taste justice….. Use an immersion blender once it’s cooked, to make it creamy. You can leave some chunks whole if preferred.

Creamy Potato Carrot Leek Soup – link HERE

While recuperating from surgery I have worked on my newest painting a bit… still much to do but it’s a fun journey – This is an area I have hiked several times, the view into the valley is the Connecticut River…. I’ll share it again when it’s finished.

Who couldn’t use a good laugh, right? Saw these shared on Facebook, and laughed right out loud.

Time to put the barn boots on and get out there to feed and turn out the critters. I hope all is well in your world, thank you for stopping in –

Robins in Snow

Just now as I’m sitting in my office/studio pondering what to tackle while the granddaughter sleeps… I looked out at the gentle snowfall (always my favorite kind of snow… and the quiet that generally accompanies it) and witness such a beautiful thing – Robins eating the holly berries on the corner of the porch.

The barn chores take a little more time in winter, this is where I start to feel my age… the ice chipping, the frozen water bucket hauling, the frozen manure, the winter blanket maneuvering. All the layers of clothes even. But… as much as it can be a hassle, I wouldn’t give up the animals for an easier existence nor the seasons to go live six months of the year somewhere balmier. I’d probably weight 200 pounds if I did. The occasional reprieve will do. I do know many who love that yearly migration. I would just miss my family too much, I am a home girl through and through.

Our old boy, Max… 29 and looking fine.

We have some exciting news… our daughter is getting married in April! We’ve been busy with wedding plans and most of it is fun! Some of it anxiety inducing! I hope to lose 15 pounds to fit into the dress I found and bought and love. Stupid way to plan on the dress for the occasion but I’m going to give it my best shot, because I really do love the dress. And it didn’t come in my current chubby size.

I’ve had a few paintings on the easel this year…. my favorite is called “Organized Chaos”… a scene from our perennial gardens here on the farm…. I like to incorporate a creature into my paintings when appropriate… can you see the bee?

This one done for a friend, who built and runs that sugarhouse for the community and is in the picture along with his grandson –

Currently on the easel – still a lot to do here, this is just the base layer…

Things I find inspiring…..

A photo taken by Michael Blanchard on Martha’s Vineyard – the island has gotten hammered in recent months with severe storms that have brought an angry sea to wipe out many of the dunes on the beaches…. Michael has been through some very trying times and has beaten and continues to beat back alcohol addiction, helps others now, and has written some inspiring books on the subject, with his photography.

Thankfully the Mr. agreed to a summer getaway to my favorite nearby island in July – Looking forward to walking this beach again.

This sink showed up in my newsfeed, isn’t it beautiful? Would make my least favorite chore so much more enjoyable. Can’t help but wonder though, Wood and water usually = rot eventually.

Have a good weekend and an even better week ahead – Till soon!

Four days later….

Two posts in one week? Welp… it’s dark and damp and chilly outside and while the barn chores beckon, they can sleep for another hour, yet I cannot… so here I sit. Middle middle age has not been kind in the sleep department. I wish I had a good solution for that.

I used to talk politics a little (well, mostly my outrage) here on this blog but I’ve tried to get away from it as much as is responsibly possible for my own sanity. What I will say is I am truly so discouraged by the state of things in this country regarding our governing bodies. The infighting that prevents solving our critical issues, the division between civilians, not just our elected officials. The corruption, the egos, the greed, the failures.

Out of that rabbit hole we go… On to more cheerful things… and one place I find solace is in the writings of a now deceased author who’s words still ring true for me in all matter of things,……. Gladys Taber. I wrote more about her here in THIS blog post if you’re interested. AND.. if you’re a Gladys fan already, I just discovered I ordered a book of hers that I already have in my collection. So, I’ll happily ship it off, once it arrives, to one of you if interested. Let me know in the comments and one lucky person will receive it. The Best of Stillmeadow is the volume I refer to. Her books are no longer in print so I find them occasionally on old book seller sites.

Some snapshots of my days here on the farm….

These photos above and below taken days apart – New England weather fluctuates tremendously. No jacket one day, hats and gloves the next.

Sometimes you just buy your own damn flowers 🙂

Sunset on our hill

My heart 💗💗

My favorite folksy artist… Jane Newland out of the UK

Words to live by……

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,

Mild Winter Days and the Lost Kitchen

Hello from Leo and I… Leo is my son’s “first son”…. in this photo he’s doing his typical thing when I go visit him at lunchtime on occasion – I have to coax him out to pee and have a snack, and then he takes up his vigil in the big chair once again looking out over the driveway because *WheresMyDAD*. The rest of us are just furniture.

Their cat, Lily… well she could be described as a honey badger… if you know, you know.

Yesterday was T-shirt weather here in New England. Crazy for February! However, with my girlchild very pregnant with her first child and my taking back over most of the barn responsibilities .. I am so very grateful for the reprieve. It makes barn chores so much easier. So many of the mornings have been glorious!

Bella and Star approve of the fine weather.. and they love their new living quarters in the new barn and barnyard. They’ve got more room to roam and run up and down the front hill, leaping with joy. I love to see it.

Our old man, Max-a-million is doing very well, we’ve been able to manage the glaucoma in his left eye with meds. After a long show career and service to many people, this is the retirement every horse should get but seldom do. I am grateful to be able to grant it to him.

Our recently adopted blind mini, Molly is my most favorite horse… she is just amazing with her navigation skills. Our other mini Lacey tolerates her, and that’s about it. At least she doesn’t abuse her, which was the case in her previous home.

Beautiful Leah graces us each day with her company. A very good minded horse, she will always have a home with us, as she is wonderful to ride, will be great for the grandchildren to learn to ride on someday and while she was bred to show and it’s true she’s a bit fancy for a “home horse”, we know she much prefers this life to the grueling show life.

Have you been watching The Lost Kitchen (HBO MAX) … with reknown chef Erin French? I love that show… what a resilient person. Her food is phenomenal and creative, her story remarkable. I treated myself to her cookbook and her memoir – Finding Freedom.. and The Lost Kitchen cookbook. SO far I’ve made her fried chicken with perfect potato salad and blueberry sweet and sour sauce, and her pear cake. Both are out of this world delicious and not hard to make. If you’re a foody or just like a great true story of redemption and triumph, I highly recommend these two books, and I’m not being paid to say it. Even the photography is gorgeous. You might come to love Maine and its salt of the earth people, too. I already do.

Have you ever cooked with a cast iron pan? Man, what I have been missing! I was intimidated by the “seasoning” of the thing and the first one I bought many years ago rusted because I washed it like any regular pan. This time I’m doing it right and you really can’t beat the results.

I hope all is well in your neck of the woods – Wishing you love and light this Valentines Day – Not everyone has a Romeo in their lives, if you do.. you are very lucky indeed. There are so many ways to celebrate love.. and most especially for yourself! Treat yourself in the ways you find comfort, indulge in the good chocolate, make (or buy!) that chocolate cake. Buy the fancy dreamy creamy soaps, splurge to frame that painting. Buy the flowers, and know this from the bottom of your blessed heart…

you are loved and loavable❤

Till soon, friends –

The State of Things…

I don’t even watch the news anymore, rarely skim the headlines, truly shy away from anyone posting political crap on social media, and I used to be one who chirped.. a lot! I just cannot believe the utter shit show across the entire political system, our governing bodies. I decided my sanity and well being is more important than absorbing all the toxic noise, misinformation, ignorance. And we all know in our deepest well of knowledge that we don’t change the heart or mind of another person who will believe what they want to believe, no matter the detriment to themselves or others. So I stopped trying to do that, too. And I must admit, I’m not so sure those I trusted are trustworthy enough.

It’s freeing! I’m spending more time improving the quality of the work I put into my day job, this farm, the critters in my care, my family, myself. I picked up the paint brush again and completed a piece for a friend, and I have a new one on the easel. It all feels like the right thing to do.

The completed piece – this tells the beginning story of an immigrant who was born in this house ( no hospitals anywhere near) and raised here until his family moved (legally!) to this country for a better way of life. They have worked very hard for a long time with two successful businesses now and just built a beautiful barn and home here in town. He wanted this painting made as a reminder of their journey.

New on the easel… when completed it will be a snowy scene of a Vermont covered bridge in a town we visit often, many good memories and hopefully more to be made.

The weather has been good and bad and iffy and good and bad again. In between raindrops or frigid temps I’ve been walking with Kai again, and recently my son and I have gone on a few short hikes. It feels good to keep going.. and we’ll get more hikes in when weather permits.

This is Deer Lake Reservation, which has just been sold by the Boy Scouts of America after a lengthy campaign by locals and state representatives to save it from development, to Pathfinders, which will keep it as a camp and public recreation area and wildlife refuge. There are extensive trails, too.. this is a BIG WIN for nature, for campers and the general public who appreciate and recognize the value of open space. There are many cabins the scouts and other campers used, and they will be kept up by the new owner and used in summer camp programs.

This quartz wedged in a large boulder looks like teeth!

We’ve also been down to the shore for some winter walks…

This next scene is going to be my next painting, on a bigger canvas for the living room if it comes out decent. I am so grateful for this New England lanscape, diverse and beautiful in all seasons.

Our girls are in the second trimester of their pregnancies now, we are all so exciting for Jonathan and Mia to arrive. The eternal worrier in me keeps praying all will go well for both moms to be and their babies, and the dads as well! Baby showers being planned, I’ve already got a shelf full of childrens books I’ve been collecting for many years ( I’m a big fan). The baby clothes nowadays are so much more fun than when we were young mothers! and the baby equipment too.

I hope all is well in your neck of the woods or piece of the plains, spit of sand on the shore or your stamp on suburbia… what have you been doing to stay sane in these troubling times?… creativity, better health, new horizons, perhaps travel again? Covid is running rampant again around these parts, my son and daughter-in-law just got over it. People are masking up again….just.. ugh.

closing this post with a few pieces I’ve found inspiring or profound…

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 –