Category: Nature

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 –

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 –

My Valentine to You

 

Have I told you lately how much I appreciate your dropping by now and then? I have come to know some wonderful salt of the earth people (my favorite kind) on this blog forum and that is a Valentine all on it’s own.

Lots to catch up on… How about that non-impeachment joke of an event?  Without  going into a diatribe about how thoroughly disgusted I continue to be, this sums it up pretty well…

Anyway.. Onward.

We’ve had snow and the typical cold raw grey New England winter days… and my back and neck remind me I’ve been doing barn chores in this weather for oooh… about 40 years now, give or take a few….

Above is Leah, our showgirl-come- home, and she loves being a home horse with less responsibility 🙂

Below is our old boy, Max… glaucoma clouds one eye.  He and I match with about the same amount of greys and no fondness for makeup- thankfully I don’t have his chin hairs.

The EggPlant during a recent snowfall….  I have 8 new chicks of colorful varieties coming soon!….

Our daughter’s house in the field nextdoor….

 

My son and his fiance have a new baby… their first… and he’s of the canine variety – Meet Leo, a 4 month old rottie –  I get to babysit a few times a week when the boy is at work.

 

When your mom becomes a grand and  suddenly has that McDonalds money you were always asking for….

 Some Valentine Wisdom……

And finally — whoever Emma Knight is… she is definitely  of my people❤

Till soon, Friends…

 

 

 

 

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas….

…. 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 ❤

https://youtu.be/ChcR2gKt5WM

 

Till soon, friends…

Some inspiration when inspiration is hard to find

 

Did you watch last night’s debate?  The moderator did an excellent job staying on point  and didn’t allow any steamrolling. I think the threat of mic shutting down kept the two men in check.  That tactic should be used in every debate moving forward, don’t you think? If only we could install a buzzer for any lies.    We did get some answers, and as usual, Tr*mp peppered his responses with many falsities.  I don’t think Joe did enough to rebuke Trumps’ claim that in all his years in politics he got nothing done.  Bottom line is, I don’t think either of them performed in a way that will deter their supporters or gain new support.  It is what it is. 

As I have stated here many times before, this farm and the animals in our care keep me grounded and I am so very grateful for their presence in our lives.

…and Fall in New England is just so darned  beautiful…. There’s no question in my mind it is truly a blessing to live in this region where each season brings it’s own brand of natural beauty –

Swans on the Connecticut River

Chapman Falls at Devil’s Hopyard

 

The Hammonasset River

Dealing with more of a stay-at-home approach during the pandemic has given me the opportunity to focus more on painting – this is my newest piece to be gifted to my daughter – her house on a misty morning in the field next door.

 

Wishing you good health and peace of mind as we all muddle through the election season  and pandemic issues and whatever the outcomes shall be – Hopefully we come out the other end of this year in better form all around.

Till soon, friends –

 

 

This and that and out and about

Just when we thought 2020 couldn’t get any more bizarre……

I need to make this clear before I go any further… I don’t wish harm or illness on anyone, ever.  That being said… it’s no surprise that the POTUS contracted Covid, is it?   As well as almost half his staff and a family member or two.  Not to mention the myriads we don’t know about who attended his maskless rallies in recent months and the myriads of dead (over 200,000 now and counting)  because he chose to treat the whole thing as a  “Democratic Hoax” in the initial, crucial first months.  He has no one to blame but his own arrogance, ignorance, greed.  It’s mind boggling.  A day ago I thought to myself….. perhaps… this experience will humble him some and he will come out of it with more empathy and smarts for the rest of us moving forward.    No… yesterday’s photo-op in a sealed car where he is again putting his secret servicemen at risk proved otherwise.  When he was initially diagnosed he also attended an event knowing he tested positive.. without notifying anyone until he was back at the WH.     He is so unfit for the position he holds.. on so many levels.   There are no excuses worthy of keeping him there.  I implore anyone reading this.. PLEASE.. vote him out in November.  Please.

The debate?  What a sh*t show.  What a shame.  And that’s all I’m going to say about that.

My son’s house just over the hill is almost complete – move-in day is just two weeks away and I am so excited for them.  As with my daughter’s home next door, the upstairs will remain unfinished for now, an effort to keep the mortgage down, expenses manageable.  When either start a family of their own,  the second floors will be finished.  When we bought This Old House and renovated her beginning in 2009, this was exactly what we had envisioned for the property – Being in the home building business, my husband has a good eye for property potential and I have been in love with this old house (“Saving Grace ” or Gracie as I call her) since my teen years.   We are so very lucky to have been able to acquire her and bring her back to life, and turn this farm into a family compound.  That both of my children are as enthusiastic about this farm as we are is more than just icing on the cake.

M  & M… at the granite/marble warehouse picking out counter granite…

Installed last week, and it is beautiful…  She is also an “M”… when she saw the kitchen almost finished she said… I am not worthy of this kitchen!… but she absolutely is, in spades.  Not only has she worked hard to pursue a career in the optics field, she is already a good cook as well.  I couldn’t be happier for my son, who has chosen a great partner to share life with.  More announcements on that front in the near future.

Meanwhile… I continue to find respite on this farm, my Saving Grace.  The GoatGirlz, Star and Bella are thriving here.  We are all enamored with these two silly girls and their calls to us whenever they spot us nearby.

Leah has become very comfortable with being a “home” horse instead of a show horse…  and we’re thinking we aren’t going to return to the show world in the near future.  The Sh*t Show is still out there.

On the health front, I have lost a solid 10 pounds in the last month, the next ten will be harder.  My relationship with food is complicated.  I love it, I love to make it for myself and especially for others, it is my anxiety and boredom reliever and has been for my entire life.  Bad habits are hard to break!   But.. with less sugar and carbs in my diet, I am feeling better overall – the fibromyalgia pain is less.    Onward…

We have not gotten as much use out of our little seaside cottage this year, too much going on around the farm and work, and of course not having the bigger gatherings there  due to Covid concerns.  Stella continues to be a refuge regardless and next year we’ll spend more time there for sure.

I’ve been trying to instill this next thought in my husband’s mind for 32 years now.  All work and no play makes Jack a very dull boy.  It actually makes him a very grumpy, overworked overtired boy.  Last weekend I did manage to get him to take a day trip to one of his favorite destinations, Vermont… and he actually smiled for a while and took a few deep breaths.  We came home with apples, cider and a pie from the Scotts Farms Orchard in Dummerston and cheese from the Grafton Cheese Factory – it was a very good day.  The colors are not quite peak here in New England, and after the recent tropical storm, here near the shoreline there are a lot of BROWN trees from the sea salt-stained winds.

Wishing you all good health and the happiness to be found in the places we call home, the family we love and the time we make for ourselves – it’s so important.

Till soon –

 

 

 

The Saving Grace

Do I even touch on the shit storm out there in the greater world?  I think not. So much to cover, so little desire to plunge into that muck today.   I’ve started painting again and while I’m no professional artist, not by a long shot, I like the title one of my mother’s friends gave my art – Outsider art…

(fresh off the easel – “Cousins” … my daughter age 8, son 3 and nephew 2… many moons ago on MV) 

Outsider Art  basically  means one who creates stuff without any formal training. That would be me.

Between creating and spending time with my animals here on the farm and down by the sea, I am finding some calm in the storm and I hope you have discovered  little pieces of yourself again by indulging in  those small but important things you enjoy but don’t normally give yourself enough time to do.

So… while the most intelligent life forms on earth continue to pollute it with their selfishness and greed and willful ignorance, the animals and nature and the creativity they inspire remind me there is still much beauty in this world and it’s forever worth fighting for ❤️✨

I’ll leave you with a few scenes from the spaces  and creatures I am so fortunate to tend and love…. and some simple words of wisdom…  Have a safe holiday weekend, all… I’m off to  fold some clothes and mow some lawn. Focusing on the simple things I have control over  has truly been a saving grace in these troubling times.

 

And you’ll know you’re on your path

when you really don’t care what anyone thinks of it –

 

Goose Rock

Yesterday my  daughter-in-law to be and I paddled out to Goose Rock from our little Stella-by-the-sea, where I suspected we might find a good amount of sea glass before the summer crowds rolled in.  Goose Rock  is a very very small island made up of – just rock  – located at the mouth of our cove in Long Island Sound, part of the Atlantic.   With the wind against us it took us about a half hour to paddle out, coming back around 20 minutes as the tide was coming in at the same time.  Good timing!   One must paddle out there at low tide and when the water is calm in order for the beach part of The Rock to be exposed.

 

We scored big on Goose Rock yesterday!

…. and rewarded ourselves and the husband with burgers on the grill and these.   I’m not much of a drinker, and definitely not a beer drinker.  But a Corona with a Lime slice hit the spot after a solid paddle workout on a calm sea.

I was going to write about all the unrest you definitely have been observing yourself, but the posts have been heavy lately and I think the world needs more “sea glass adventures” in general.  Wishing you the same in whatever form that takes.

Thank you for stopping in, for leaving your thoughts, for being a decent human in this world.  It all matters.