We Miss You Already

Thanks for coming to visit us! We love you, Grandma Gail!

"Hope" is the thing with feathers—

feathers

"Hope" is the thing with feathers—
That perches in the soul—
And sings the tune without the words—
And never stops—at all—

And sweetest—in the Gale—is heard—
And sore must be the storm—
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm—

I've heard it in the chillest land—
And on the strangest Sea—
Yet, never, in Extremity,
It asked a crumb—of Me.

~Emily Dickinson

Lots of Love

I didn't do much to decorate for Valentines Day this week, but I was inspired by Shannon to make some heart garlands.  The magazine I had on hand was full of lots of ivory and neutrals.  I know more reds and pinks would look more Valentinish, but these colors suit our home better after all. 

They are still hanging up and will remain up for awhile as we all like them.  The boys have already claimed one of the garlands for their room.  We'll hang a few in Cupcake's room as well.  We'll have plenty as I have them all over the dining room, kitchen and reading room.

Joining Kellie's 2nd Annual Literary Heroine Blog Party!

~ The Questions ~

1. Introduce yourself!  Divulge your life's vision, likes, dislikes, aspirations, or something completely random!  I am a recently transplanted city girl turned Idaho Farmgirl, a wife, mother of three little ones, a teacher, a reader, and an artist who strives to make all of life my medium.  I love long walks, swinging in my hammock, reading insistently, listening to my chickens, endless cups of tea, creating beauty, and laughing with my family.   I love learning and have tried more new things in this last year than I ever thought I would.  My faith is the cornerstone of my life.  I am a bit concerned that you all will find me too old to join in your party though!
2. What, to you, forms the essence of a true heroine? A heroine to me is one who rises above the ordinary challenges of life.  She is willing to do what she knows is right regardless of others' opinions of her and her actions.  She sees life differently and strives to make the most of it, even in difficult circumstances.
3. Share (up to) four heroines of literature that you most admire and relate to. Only four?  Anne Shirley, Jo Marsh, Sara Crewe, Amy Dorritt, and Mollie Gibson. That's five.  *sigh*  I tried.  Though I cannot relate to their specific circumstances, it is how they face challenges and hardships that makes me admire them and wish I was more like them.
4. Five of your favorite historical novels? Only five?  Dear me!  Anne of Green Gables, Little Women, The Little House on the Prairie Series, Pride & Prejudice, Whatever Dicken's Novel I Read Most Recently.
5. Out of those five books who is your favorite main character and why? Anne Shirley because she never lets hard times keep her down and always finds the best and the beautiful in the moment.
6. Out of those five books who is your favorite secondary character and why?  Caroline Ingalls.  I don't know how she did all she did with little help and no breaks in it all.
7. If you were to plan out your dream vacation, where would you travel to - and what would you plan to do there? I would go to the Lake District.  I would walk, draw, paint, read, and drink a lot of tea with my scones.  A side trip to Bath would be lovely as well.  Actually, I would love to walk all over the United Kingdom and see all the sites I adore reading about!
8. What is your favorite time period and culture to read about? I don't really have a favorite.  I love Austen's Regency era, Dicken and Gaskell's Victorian England, and American Pioneer stories.
9. You have been invited to perform at the local charity concert. Singing, comedy, recitation - what is your act comprised of?  I must go with recitation as my singing would be considered either comedy, or tragedy depending on your ears!  Plus, I love to read aloud and do all the voices.
10. If you were to attend a party where each guest was to portray a heroine of literature, who would you select to represent? As I love Edwardian clothing more than any other style I would want to go as Anne when she is older.
11. What are your sentiments on the subject of chocolate? I am all for it!
12. Favorite author(s)? Dickens, Alcott, Gaskill, Montgomery, Austen, Bronte, Burnett, Karon, Clarkson,
13. Besides essentials, what would you take on a visiting voyage to a foreign land? Something to read, a sketchbook, a travel set of watercolours, gifts to share, The Wordless Travel Book , note cards, and my small Bible.
14. In which century were most of the books you read written?  The 19th.
15. In your opinion, the ultimate hero in literature is… Nicholas Nickleby.
16. Describe your ideal dwelling place.   In a cottage.  A little cottage is always very snug.
17. Sum up your fashion style in five words. Wants Edwardian, works in jeans.
18. Have you ever wanted to change a character’s name? No, though I do think Charles Dickens was simply a master at naming characters.
19. In your opinion, the most dastardly villain of all literature is... Inspector Javert, or maybe Rigaud/Blandois/Lagnier, and Wackford Squeers is pretty awful...
    
20. Three favorite Non-fiction books?  I would choose The Mission of Motherhood, The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It, and If Teacups Cold Talk.
21. Your duties met for the day, how would you choose to spend a carefree summer afternoon? I would pack up a picnic tea and head to the nearest wildflower meadow.
22. Create a verbal sketch of your dream hat - in such a way as will best portray your true character. I would wear a wide-brimmed straw, with a bit of a curve to the brim~open but with some mystery.  There would be a wide ribbon of lace around the crown and a ring of real flowers, preferably roses, sweet peas and pansies.  It would sit well and be comfortable~a hat that is a part of the wearer, functional and not just for show.
23. Share the most significant event(s) that have marked your life in the past year. The Move to Idaho and all its challenges.
24. Share the Bible passage(s) that have been most inspiring to you recently.   Matthew 11:28-30 in The Message translation:
    "Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? 
    Come to me. 
    Get away with me and you'll recover your life. 
    I'll show you how to take a real rest. 
    Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it.
     Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. 
    I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.
     Keep company with me and you'll learn to live 
    freely and lightly."

Easy E-Reader Sleeve

I am on a roll. After making the Easy Fingerless Gloves I have been wanting to see what else I can make with the felted sweaters.  I have a electronic reader thing that doesn't have a case and I have been concerned that it would get scratched up just tossing it in my baskets and bags.  I have felted three thrift store sweaters now and made this sleeve from the top sleeve of one of them.  (The bottom part became another pair of fingerless gloves.)  I was inspired to try and make my own after seeing this darling sleeve.

I cut off the sleeve and since it was just a bit too short I had to cut up above the shoulder seam.  That is the diagonal seam you see near the top.  I sewed that cut seam so that I had a rectangular tube.  Then I just sewed the bottom of the sleeve for the base. I was concerned the top part might fray as it the sweater didn't felt up as much as I had hoped so I folded it under and sewed it with a zig-zag stitch.

I then raided my stash of trims and sewed on the crochet lace piece I had and two pieces of velcro to fasten it closed at the top.  I added the button just because I like it.  I would have probably just used the button for closing, but I don't know how to sew a button hole.

The entire project from start to finish was done in less than thirty minutes while I waited for Dumpling to finish his lunch.  This picture is with the reader tucked safely inside the sleeve.  Sweetheart asked if it was cold.  No, but I was.  ;)

from Pinterest

I am linking up to a bunch of Blog Hops today as I can sneak in a few moments here and there:

 Thrifty Things Friday

 Home Sweet Home/The Charm of Home

 

 Farmgirl Friday!

BaRn HoP

Bittercup

It isn't a typo.  It is time for Buttercup to move on to greener pastures.  This last round of trouble just won't end.  Out of five months of milking, I calculate that there have been 6-7 weeks I have not been able to drink her milk.  I still have to milk her, I just end up having to dump the milk.  The cost of grain, alfalfa, and vet bills have just made her a money pit.

I know that most of the troubles have not been caused by her, but by her owners.  And the milking machine.  I get that.  Maybe in a few years, when the other parts of life aren't all so pressing, we can try again.  It would be nice to get to do the chores with the kids, but they are simply too little now. 

For right now, I want to focus on people, gardening, and school with time left for creating and cultivating beauty. I want to put a little more time into doing things that last and that bring joy than dealing with milk.

I am trying not to see this as a failure because I have learned so much.  I have learned I do not want my life to revolve around a cow.  :)  One thing can be said about us, we're certainly willing to try new things and do things out of the ordinary!  This decision hasn't been made rashly and we are both in agreement.  Now that the decision is made, I hope she can go soon.  Sweetheart put her on Craig's List yesterday and we have already had six people respond. 

joining The Country Homemaker Hop

For Grandpa

I miss you already!

Revisiting Some Old Thoughts on Tea-Needing the Reminder

“Taste and see that the LORD is good,” the Psalmist says. 

Stop for a moment and think about this statement. We eat and drink in our society almost without thinking. Whether we are indifferent to the food in our mouths, and eating not because we are hungry but simply bored, or consuming everything so quickly that we need not notice it, we are constantly filling our mouths usually without thought. We may race through the drive-thru and eat as we drive. We may gulp down our drinks to quench our thirst without tasting them.

But taking tea is different, or should be different. We can’t rush the process. Yes, we can grab a teabag and nuke our water in a mug. That’s not what I am talking about. I am talking about planning a menu, baking special treats like scones, whipping the cream, slicing the crusts off the sandwiches, and putting on the kettle to boil. Taking the extra moment to pick some flowers, to light a candle, select the music, to place out the linen napkins, these are the things that make tea not just any meal.

Our approach to God can be like that. Do we rush through our devotions only taking the time to pray as we are racing around in the car? Can we really devote our thoughts to Him as we drive? Would you, like me, end up merely praying that the car in front of you would get out of your way? Are we just flipping through our Bibles reading whatever verses or chapters happen to be on the page as it falls open? Do we read so fast so that we simply get through the number of verses or pages we think is the bare minimum we can get a way with and not feel guilty about?

Or could we stop a moment. Plan our time, both when and how we will spend time with Him. Set aside a time a place to focus on the LORD. Clear our minds as we calm our hearts to spend some focused time steeping ourselves in his word. Oh, that our tea for two may be a special time with Him each day! Maybe we could approach our devotional as though He is our special guest for tea.

We could find a peaceful corner where we keep our Bible and any devotional material we wish to use. Maybe we light a candle, turn on some music. As we put the kettle on we may sing our praise to Him as the kettle sings. While we wait for the tea to steep we can be clearly our minds of the distractions we face. Maybe during that three to five minutes you could find yourself praying for forgiveness. You may pray for God to speak to you in this time with Him.

As you pour your tea into the cup, ask God to pour out His love on you that you in turn may pour out love and blessings on the people He will bring your way. As you hold the cup in your hand, pause and breathe in the scent of the tea you have chosen. Thank Him for choosing you to be His child. Pray that your words and thoughts would be a pleasing aroma to Him. 

Then, take a drink. Drink deeply. Let the tea fill your mouth as thoughts of Him fill your mind. Read His word and let it steep in your heart and mind. Taste and see that He is indeed good. By slowing down and focusing, your will find the memories of your times with Him to be pleasant as taking tea with your best friend. 

***Reposted from the Archives

Easy Fingerless Gloves

It's cold in our house. I may have mentioned that a time, or twelve. I have admired pictures on Pinterest of ladies who knit these darling things. As I am still working on knitting my first washcloth, ten months after beginning it, I was so excited when I saw this post with no-sew fingerless gloves shown that I pinned it right away.

I bought a wool sweater from the thrift store and felted it by running it through the washer and dryer on high heat twice.  Felting the wool means so sewing the edges of the fabric! I cut off the arms and using the bottom part made the first pair.  I tried to use the upper part of the arms for leg warmers for Cupcake, but she promptly crawled out of them.  So, I cut the curved top off a bit more and quickly did a few stitches between the thumb and forefinger for this pair.

I can be seen wearing these all of the time.  I have even worn them to sleep.  I just pull off the thumb part and push them up when I am doing messier things like kneading dough or washing my hands.  It's great because then I know right where they are when I want them on again. 

I then used the lower back and front for boot warmers by tracing my foot onto the felted wool and cutting it out.  I just slipped the foot shaped pieces into my work boots and it has made such a difference!  I am still working on the boot liners as I want the fabric stiffer so it will stay put and not bunch up in the bottom.  It isn't perfect, but I can feel a wonderful improvement.

I hit the thrift store last week and bought two more sweaters on the sale day.  I am hoping to improve the liners, make potholders and probably try leg warmers for Cupcake again now that she is officially walking!

I even made little fingerless gloves for the boys out of one of the sweaters.  We'll see how much wear they'll get.  I am envisioning all sorts of warmness now:  trivets, tea cozies, potholders, mug wraps, and more. What an easy thing!

Added:  I noticed them stretch a bit with so much wearing.  Tossing them back in the washer and dryer tightened them right back up!
***

Joining up with the Barn Hop #49!  Go check out what everyone is up to!

I am

"A hardened and shameless tea drinker...
who with tea amuses the evening,
with tea solaces the midnight.
and with tea welcomes the morning."
~Samuel Johnson

Winter Walk

I just walked around the farm and have come back inside to warm my toes. It is a sunny day here in Idaho with the sky almost a Colorado Blue.  The moon hangs low in the sky, just above the mountains behind us, not quite full, but beautiful against the cloudless sky.

As I was walking, I thought back to when I first walked this land a year ago.  I laughed when I saw that the post I was thinking of was exactly one year ago today.  It was quite a different walk this time.  This walk, I know the land and am not exploring it for the very first time.  I know where the wild currants grow, which tree bears plums by the bushel, that all the apple trees are buggy.  I know to avoid the hole out halfway through the pasture that I have tripped upon too many times.  I know now where the roses are.  And that yes, there were rosebushes that I discovered on my walk that day.  Sadly, most of the bushes in question are thornberries, and not very good ones at that.

The other change is that today's walk was a walk, last year's was a hike.  I remember post-holing through thigh high snow and longing for my snowshoes that weren't here yet.  This year, I have the snowshoes, but not enough snow to use them!  Today I walked in just my regular boots with no snow above my ankles and bare ground in spots.  I enjoyed today's walk more for that reason.

As I walked, I left the chickens running around behind me and passed Buttercup lounging around.  I walked around the pond and up the back pasture, eying where I hope to install the wall tent this summer.  I crossed over the irrigation ditch, now empty and dry and glanced through my grove so bare I could see the other side.  So different than the summer hideout it becomes.

As I walked down the south pasture towards the house, I saw the smoke rising from the chimney lazily twisting grey against the blue.  I know I'll need to add a few logs and get it going again.  It has been warm enough today to just use it to take off the chill.  I am grateful for that.

Now I am inside, thinking about dinner knowing I need to get back on track with my meal planning.   The grocery situation around here is so different.  I still don't feel like that is an area that's working for me, but I know I need to figure out a solution.

Sweetheart has been inside working upstairs while I've been walking and the boys are playing together in their room while Cupcake naps, so it is pretty quiet here in my kitchen. Sweetheart just came downstairs to go fill Buttercup's water tank and bring in more firewood. Everyone will be up and running around any minutes I am sure.  I'd best get a move on for dinner.

I am thinking about dinnertime.  I want to declare a Bonus Movie Night and watch an episode of Lark Rise to Candleford.  I am now hooked!  What a delight it is!  So fun.  The boys think it is funny to see people they know from Cranford and North and South in it, though they did express a bit of disappointment that there was no sword fighting in the episode they watched.  They saw Errol Flynn's Robin Hood a few weeks ago and are longing for more "squash-buckling" (Pumpkin's term) adventures.

And, in spite of the total lack of recent pictures of them, they are loving life here.  The light in most of the house is simply too dim for pictures even though I am experimenting with the various settings possible on my camera.  Plus, they are often too busy to what to stop long enough for a picture.  I have taken hundreds of pictures that, alas, are too blurry.  I will keep trying.

Our craft project for this week is making Valentines!  I got out my Valentines supplies yesterday.  It made me sad as most of it was left from a Cupid's Tea I had a few years ago.  It was such a fun time and the ladies there so dear to me.  It makes me homesick to think about it!  (I miss you all!)  We'll just have to make our own fun as a family this time.

Time to go now.  Hope you are enjoying a beautiful weekend as well.  Hoping my Denver friends are able to dig out soon!

Linking up to My Simple Country Living:  The Country Homemaker Hop.

cupcake-take 2-00

Cupcake

Wearing her special shirt. 

(I embroidered it the other day at naptime.) 

A Morning Gift

This was awaiting me~steaming hot Earl Grey~in the kitchen when I came in from milking. 

Thank you, Sweetheart.

Tea is my one weakness. ;)  
(follow the link to the video)