Life – Page 5 – This Old House 2

Holidays during Pandemic times

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.

Shots or Not

I certainly… certainly… thought by now we’d all have that damned virus kicked to the curb. At this point I’m not sure it will ever be eradicated. I missed the smiles on people’s faces and it’s discouraging to see masks coming back into every store again, but I understand the fear and the need for caution. All the crazy out there is flapping in the breeze, too ….. there are government chips in the vaccines, you know…. they’re tracking you…. even though that smart phone you have in your hands has been tracking you for years if that’s something you lose sleep over.

I’m not thrilled to inject my body with any foreign anything, heck, I don’t ever get the flu shot , but I’ve been inoculated throughout my life as most of you have too and I know without a doubt vaccinations have eradicated many a disease we would otherwise die from. I’m grateful for the option to get vaccinated against the virus I saw take my Dad down in a matter of days, but I do believe it should be everyone’s right to decide for themselves if it’s right for them , and I understand the legitimate concerns.

While it’s true you can still get sick once you’re vaccinated, and even carry the virus to give to others, science and experience is saying the severity is diminished and so far in my life I have seen science save lives much more often than it takes them. It boggles the mind that somehow, through recent politicizing of a public health threat that should NOT EVER have been politicized, science for some has become something not to be trusted.

You know.. there are gambles we all take on a regular basis. When you drink or smoke you take a gamble. When you get in your vehicle and drive off you take a gamble. When you choose not to get your health check ups you take a gamble… When you sip a c*ke, eat k8ntucky fried chicken, throw back some Adv*l for pain, eat take out chinese food, pizza, Mickey D’s, buy foods supposedly labeled organic, skate on a pond, ski down a mountain… it’s all a gamble, and it’s yours to take.. or not.

I’m not advising anyone on what they should do regarding the vaccine or anything else for that matter. Heck, I go back and forth myself. But I know science isn’t evil (big ph*arma, the business, is another story) and science is ever evolving, and while I absolutely abhor some members of our government, for the most part I’m certain most of them aren’t evil either. In so many ways we are so damned lucky for the science and the democracy we have today. How we have benefited from both is getting lost on some people as they get mired in the conspiracy theories and utter bullshit some will spew for their political posturing and to confuse and divide the masses. That’s how you control and keep the masses down where you want them, proven through history time and again. How is that lost on anyone?

We here in this house decided based on our circumstances and the conclusions we’ve drawn from our own research… we are vaccinated. That doesn’t make us sheep. With great hope, it might make us and our loved ones safer. That’s the gamble we decided to take.

Wishing you, each and every one – vaxed and unvaxed –

a Merry Christmas and a Happy, HEALTHY New Year –

with much love from This Old House 2 and Stella by the Sea –

Nature, the ultimate recharge, my cathedral

… 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…

The language we choose to speak

Being hearing impaired can really suck, I miss music and easy conversation. However my family and friends have helped me to make it doable over the years and the kindnesses are always noticed by me and so appreciated. I actually love when we can laugh over it as I occasionally get the words wrong.

I have always loved and bonded with animals, and even more so now- our conversations are all visual and feel, with soft words that don’t really matter- it’s the demeanor, it’s the reassuring presence. If we could all just have that simple language with each other no matter our obvious differences , all of us- what a beautiful world this is capable of being for every being.

Happy Thanksgiving, all –

FALLing

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!

Apple Rose Pastry

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. ❤

Catching up…

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

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, divided
2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
1 cup strong brewed coffee, room temperature
2 packages (3 ounces each) ladyfingers, split
1 carton (16 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
Additional pumpkin pie spice

Directions

1. In a large bowl, beat cream until stiff peaks form; set aside. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, pumpkin, brown sugar, 1 teaspoon pie spice and 1 teaspoon vanilla until blended. Fold in whipped cream.
2. In a small bowl, combine coffee and remaining pie spice and vanilla; brush over ladyfingers. In a 3-qt. trifle dish, layer a fourth of the ladyfingers, angling some up the sides of the dish if desired. Top with a fourth of the pumpkin mixture and whipped topping. Repeat layers three times. Sprinkle with additional pie spice.
3. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 4 hours.

Wishing you all good things this fall, Lord knows we all deserve it! – Till soon, my dear blog friends –

Who rescued who

Life with Kai

He continues to teach me as much as I’m teaching him… patience and learning to be more quiet within being the most important. I’ve stepped up my walking game for his needs and in turn I’m taking better care of me, too.

He’s still shy, he still questions trust. Sometimes he’ll play with a toy for a few seconds and then spook because he’s not sure that’s OK to do. ( of course it is) we are still always on leash outside of the fenced yard because I don’t know if he would bolt if spooked. He is very well mannered on leash. He licks my face when we are driving somewhere, a little thanks in dog language? He perches on the center console in my batmobile , my wingman on those excursions. He wades chest deep or swims through shallow waters out to sandbars at my heels, trusting.

Progress and so much love .

Who rescued who? Hard to say

Every girl’s crazy ’bout a sharp dressed man….

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…

a Fly By….

It’s been months, has it? I remember a time when blogging was a daily occurrence here on these “pages”. Lately I just haven’t felt the therapeutic urge to keep up with it. I don’t keep track of traffic on this blog, so I’m not even sure it’s read very much, but I do miss those of you who have been reading my blathering and the friendships we’ve formed online, and I’m glad some of you are on instagram and FB where we still get to share with each other.

Some updates in case anyone would like them – Politically, I have taken a step back and OH, how good that feels. Kinda horrified by what all went down in the past four years, and the obvious cracks (craters, canyons) in the system overall, the divide that I’m sure still exists and I had no idea was so HUGE to begin with. I haven’t seen as much of it lately though, perhaps the very real and very vital notion that we really do all need to come together if we are to survive as a nation and not tank like the Roman Empire. Never would I have believed what went down was even possible. So, I’m not overly confident about our ability to right the ship and move forward but I’m gonna try. And by trying I mean Hope, really hard .

The farm and cottage are beautiful this year – everything that grows has flourished in abundance due to I’m guessing the best weather conditions, and our efforts as well. We are currently haying the fields, first cut, a little late but better late than never, right? There are more pine cones on the pine trees, the pollen allergy season was insane, there are more blooms everywhere, it seems.

The farm animals are all doing well – the horses, the goats, the chickens, new batch and old, the dogs. Every now and then I curse all the work it takes to keep them all fat and happy and their living quarters clean. The husband curses the expense, to be blunt. But.. the rewards are great if this is your thing… and it’s always always been my thing – the animals, the land, nature. I made sure when I was a young person that I got myself to a place where it could eventually be a reality – and here we are.

We have adopted another dog, I’ve named him Kai. ( sounds like Rye) The meaning is the Ocean or Recovery depending on whether you’re in Hawaii or Japan. It’s fitting for this semi feral 2 year old dog who lived as a yard dog with his mother and sister down South. Rescued after they were dumped by owner at a kill shelter. He’s a love, but he doesn’t trust – was given no rules or structure or socialization. So, we will be patient and give him the time and attention he needs. He loves the water! As I do… we will be a good walking/hiking team and water enthusiasts together.

I’ve continued painting, and it’s been so good for my soul. This is my latest finished piece, and it will live at my sister’s house. The Edgartown Light on Martha’s Vineyard, a place my guy and I love and walk to on our early morning strolls when we visit the Vineyard. I’ve blogged about it – a place I could call home easily, has always felt like home when I’m there.

Have you cartooned yourself with the Voila AI Artist app? Really fun! I’m getting a kick out of all the ones I’ve seen friends post on FB and Instagram. Forget botox…. Cartoon yourself!

See what I mean? Adorable!

Some inspiration for you before I close this post. If you’re reading this, thank you for stopping by! Leave a comment, let me know how things are going in your neck of the woods –

Barn swallow nest over the kitchen window sill. Such an artist! Beautiful nest.

Till soon, friends –

Hello again, dear friend

It’s a miserable raw damp day to be doing anything outside here in New England, which is exactly what I was thinking when I saw my favorite harbinger of better days ahead and the warmth of the coming season….. Elizabeth Hird’s crocus.

She scattered them in the lawn by our garage many moons ago. I should introduce her – She was an educator, Traveler, an Artist, a great philanthropist and a Gardener. The tall stand of pines on one side of our (her) house and the cedar grove on the other were all planted by the Hird/Rausches with the help of the neighbor boy some 50 years ago. He was paid a nickel a tree and delighted in the work. Those stands of trees are like sentinels to this farm, I mourn the loss of any that come down in heavy storms. Alas there have been a few.

The ancient lilacs in my kitchen garden, the old pear tree that still bears tons of fruit each spring even though it is completely hollow through its trunk… they are all reminders of Ms. Hird and her husband Basil Rausch.

She never knew me but I remember her. I was a teenager who visited my aunts farm up the road each summer here on Roast Meat Hill. I would see her occasionally around town wearing her signature wide brim hat, or gardening by the roadside as we plodded by on horseback to visit friends down the way.

Every year when I see those crocus I say – Hello Elizabeth … It’s so good to see you again