I Have Been Tagged....

Dearest Readers,

I have been "tagged" by Kim from Forget-Me-Not Homestead. Here are her questions.

What where you doing 10 years ago?

I was busy being a Wife and Mother to Dearest and the Darlings.  We also had just begun an addition to our home...it took 6 years to finish!

List 5 things on your TO DO list....(for tomorrow)

1.  Start dinner in crock pot

2. Clean bathrooms

3. Take Darling Girl to Dr. appointment

4. Cut-out fabric for 3 aprons

5. Harvest strawberries from garden

What are your 3 favorite snacks?

Nuts, chocolate & apple slices with cheddar cheese

If you were a billionaire what would you do?

I would help my family anyway I could and then start a foundation to help those in need.  What a blessing to help others....just think about it!!

Places I have lived......

Colorado native!!!

Now it is your turn!  If you would like to answer these questions, please leave me a note in the comments so that I may stop by and visit your blog!

Yours kindredly,

Shan

The Busy Season......

Dearest Readers,

With both the inside and the outside of our little Honey Hill Farm needing attention it has been a busy, but joyous season. It is such a blessing to wake up everyday and know that my hands and my heart will not remain idle.  What joy to feel a purpose to each day!

This week found Dearest and I finishing up all the planting in our garden.  It is still fairly chilly at night up here at our altitude, so we are using "walls of water" around our tomatoes this year.  We also want to enhance the yield from our garden and are planting things such as our peas, beans and squash next to climbing towers so that they can use the abundant square footage in the sky!  We installed an above-ground irrigation system 3 years ago and are just simply amazed that such an inexpensive system has held up so well.  It certainly helps us conserve water besides being so wonderfully convenient.

Next, Dearest relocated our evaporative cooler to a different window and proceeded to clean and condition it so that it is ready for the summer.  Here in the dry southwest, this is a very efficient way to keep cool during the long hot summer!  It will use 1/4th the electricity of A/C and also adds much needed humidity to our very dry air.

While Dearest tackled so many of the outside chores, I busied myself by putting up the rest of my summer curtains.  I have 5 windows in my sewing room and use fairly heavy drapery during the winter.  How exciting it is to put up my freshly ironed rose-print cotton balloon shades!  These lovely curtains faithfully keep the harsh summer sun out but let in a lovely light, that makes my sewing room a heavenly place to be! 

Yesterday, Dearest and I had a date at "Home Depot"!  We decided that a grilled bratwurst sounded awfully good for lunch since we needed to stop in town and pick-up some lumber for our dual compost box.  Our Home Depot has a picnic area, complete with delicious grilled bratwurst....yummmm.

Today, Dearest, our Darling Boy and I went to an auction.  If you have the time and are patient, this is a cost effective way to buy just about anything you need for a fraction of the cost of retail.  Today's auction consisted of many landscape materials and tools.  Our hope was to find a good quality ride-on mower.  We weren't disappointed! My Dearest patiently waited.....waited and then bid on a 13 horse power Snapper ride-on mower.....it was......only $100!  We have looked at ride-on mowers in retail stores for a number of years and always felt that it was not a prudent use of our resources.  We are just elated to have this blessing to help us keep Honey Hill Farm in tip top shape!

Tonight's dinner has just come out of the oven.....BBQ Chicken Pizza.  I made two earlier this week, knowing that we would be gone most of the day today.  I need to do this more often.....as it makes putting supper on the table very stress free during this busy season.

Yours very kindredly,

Shan

Note:  We have had a very large tornado touch down to the East of us on the Colorado Plains. It has caused massive damage and some loss of life.  Please say a prayer for all of our dear neighbors to the East, they are facing terrible devastation. 

A Wee Garden........

Dearest Readers,

My Darling Girl wanted to take a few gifts to those who have been tremendous blessings to her in her college journey these last four years.  Of course, we try to give gifts made by hand when possible, and so we began searching for something unique, inexpensive and quick!  We came across a website called Wee Gardens....and we knew we had found our inspiration.

Off to the thrift store for cups, creamers or teapots!  We found 3 darling teacups and one creamer.  All we needed was some ground cover that was small in scale and a few miniatures to add some whimsy to our gardens. 

As my Darling Girl was feeling very poorly (she is better now), I told her that I would be happy to complete these charming gifts on my own.....

I bought 2 small pots of ground cover....one with little tiny flowers and one that resembled grass.  After removing the plant from its container, I cut each one into fourths with a knife.  I removed quite a bit of the soil and placed it in the cup, using the leftover soil to fill in the small gaps. 

Next, I quickly painted the unfinished little fences with acrylic paint.  Once dry, I propped each fence against the flowering ground cover. A small rake, glued to the fence, makes one think that a "wee gardener" has just stepped away for a moment! 

Each little garden cost about $5.00.  I think we could have made them for less but we didn't have enought time to really shop the thrift stores.....we paid about $3.00 per cup/creamer.  I know that I have seen cups, etc. for around 50 cents at other stores, but they are quite a distance from our house. 

This would be a wonderful project to make with your "littles".  It is delightfully easy and would make a splendid Mother's Day gift. 

Well, it is going to be a busy day here at Honey Hill Farm, so I best be going.  I have so enjoyed visiting with you, Dear Reader.

Yours kindredly,

Shan

A Daughter on the Mend.....

Dearest Readers,

Thank you for all of your kind words and prayers for my Darling Girl.  She is much improved and is on the road to recovery.  With Graduation only six days away, we are hopeful that she will feel well enough to attend and actually enjoy all the upcoming events that are scheduled.  I love her so, she is such a blessing!

Yours kindredly,

Shan

Pleasant Days........

Good Morning Dearest Readers,

What a lovely spring morning here at Honey Hill Farm!  I have quite a few chores that need attention, but I am sure I will have time to sit on our front porch and sip a lovely cup of tea. 

The upstairs bedroom is about three-quarters finished and I must say that I am pleased with the Victorian feel that seems to be evolving.  Instead of wood trim to separate the two colors on the wall I am using gold braided trim. Now, I wasn't sure that this was going to be just the look I was after, but I must say that it is just so easy and looks so delightful that I am sorry I haven't tried it before.  I will make sure and get a close-up of this treatment for you to see for yourself. 

I have been soaking my Morning Glories (after putting a tiny nick in each one) and they need to be planted today near the front fence and trellis.  I just love the look of an English Garden, all wild and covered with blossoming vines.  Isn't it funny, but I think it is harder to achieve the English Garden look than it is to have everything in nice neat rows?  I have had to move things from one bed to another and really stand back and look at my flower beds before I decide if they  look charming or just messy! 

Dearest and the Darling Boys are going to tidy up around the farm today.  Not too much work, but they seem to always find a need to start up the backhoe and dig up something.....oh, well, boys will be boys.  Our Darling Girl is helping with a Health Fair at the University.  It is such a blessing for many low-income folks to have a check-up at no cost. 

So all in all Dear Readers, a pleasant day to look forward to, filled with blessings and family time.  Nothing could be better.

Yours kindredly,

Shan

I just love to wear pins and what better way to store them than on this easy to make picture frame pin holder.  All you need to do is remove the glass, put some batting on the cardboard insert that comes with the frame and then cover that with fabric.  It is such an easy craft and it is a fun way to store your lovely pins! Useful and lovely!

Hello Again.......

Dearest  Readers,

I have missed chatting with you!  My much needed break has allowed me to regain the gentle flow of everyday living.  It is so important to allow ourselves the freedom to say "no thank you" when life becomes so crowded that we cannot take care of those we love best. 

So, now that my home is in order, the invitations sent, the soil tilled and most importantly my family is happy and well tended, I can reconnect with you my dear friends.

Last we met, I was providing glimpses into our dear Honey Hill Farm.  Here are two pictures of shelves that Dearest put up in our bedroom.  Note the "border" paper above the shelf....it was regular wallpaper that I cut in half to make it border paper.  I believe that I paid a whopping $1.25 for the roll from the clearance bin!  Next, there is stenciling to help enhance the Victorian feel that I adore. As you can see, I have quite a myriad of collectibles that have made themselves at home. 

The baby clothes were worn by the Darlings.  The cloak and shawl keep me warm in the cooler months while the purses add a little style to my outfits! 

I am so glad to be back in your company my dear, dear friends.  I will post regularly now and I look forward to you visiting me!

Yours most kindredly,

Shan

A Sweet Treat.....

Dearest Readers,

I will be receiving my Mother's Day present early this year.  It is this sweet dress from Victorian Trading Company....oh my!  With two Graduations and two weddings I will have plenty of delightful opportunities to wear this beautiful dress.  I thought I was going to have time to make something special to wear, but as things sometimes go, it was not to be.  How kind and thoughtful of Dearest and the Darlings!

I have been so remiss in my blogging these days, I do apologize.  We have been getting Honey Hill Farm ready for spring planting, not to mention the party in May.  As I strive to live a gentle life, I will be posting a little less frequently.  It is important to me to keep things in balance for myself and most importantly, for my family.  I so hope that you, dear reader, will understand.

Until next time,

Shan 

A New Look......

Dearest Readers,

My eldest stayed by my side today and helped me make a few changes to the look of my blog.  I hope that you will enjoy the gentle "home" I tried to create.

Yours kindredly,

Shan

A Sunshine Day......

Dearest Readers,

What a lovely day here at Honey Hill Farm!  I spent part of the day outside taking down my Easter decorations.  Whilst outside it has been hard to keep myself from spending time in the garden, but it is much too early here in Colorado for planting......sigh.  My daffodils have not even bloomed yet, much less my tulips. We are always a couple of weeks behind the city as we are at an altitude of about 6,000 feet.  So Spring hasn't actually Sprung! 

Isn't Spring a darling season Dear Readers?  Full of friends you have forgotten, but are so delighted when you see their sweet little faces! 

I hope you have a day full of sunshine,

Shan

A pretty pitcher sparkling in the morning light here at Honey Hill Farm.

A Journal for Tomorrow......

Dearest Readers,

Tomorrow, March 14th 2008, please join me as I journal "A Day in My Life".  The inspiration for this endeavor was provided by Miss Jenny at Little Jenny Wren. She has invited everyone to join her as she begins this chronicle which will take place on the 14th of each month. A number of dear ladies are joining in the fun, along with yours truly. 

Won't you join us?  Please use the link above to visit dear Miss Jenny and let her know that you would like to participate....she will put a link on her blog so that we may come and visit.

Well, I must put the parlour in order and prepare the tea.....I will have visitors tomorrow here at Honey Hill Farm.  Until then, I hope you have a quiet and simply lovely day.

Yours Kindredly,

Shan

A Currier & Ives Day......

Dearest Readers,

Our dear Honey Hill Farm looked just like my Currier and Ives plate, as an overnight snow covered everything in a blanket of white.  I woke this morning to blazing fires in both our wood stoves and Dearest already out shoveling his way to the chicken house. (He is such a kind and dear husband.)  Can you believe that just yesterday we had temperatures in the 70's! 

I decided it would be a perfect day for dreaming of our spring garden as I sat next to a warm fire and sipped a hot cup of tea.  I poured over my seed catalog from R.H. Shumway's and plotted the garden so that I could plant an abundance of heirloom fruits and vegetables. 

I think every square inch of our garden will produce something wonderful.....

We can't wait to have a "salad dinner" on our front porch as we watch the colors of a glorious sunset.....the canner working non-stop as we preserve the gift of God's bounty....and rows and rows of sparkling jars lined up in my pantry.....pure bliss.   

So I leave you dear readers, with the sunshine days of spring just a promise away....

Kindredly yours,

Shan

Keeping close to Home.....

Dearest Readers,

We have had snow off and on all day here at Honey Hill Farm.  It has been the kind of day to stay curled-up by the fire, good book in hand and a hot steaming cup of tea in the front parlour.  Close to home is always the best place to be. 

I had a leisurely day of a little laundry, a little crafting and making sure to put the pork roast in the oven for dinner.  These slow moving days are my favorite, no rushing to and fro, frazzled and bedraggled. I find I am reinvigorated to tackle the upcoming week with joy and gratitude if I have a calm weekend.

This week I hope to finish the varnishing of my outdoor Easter decorations, so they are ready to put outside this week.  My, but this project has taken so much longer than I anticipated! 

I also want to start painting the upstairs bedroom.  I would like to have the house in good shape for the Graduation party that we will have in May for two of the Darlings.  We have one graduating from college and one from high school!  I try not to make the house the focus of a celebration, rather the hospitality that I offer to our guests.  However, I do like to use the "pressure" of an event to prompt myself to finish projects! I wonder how many readers would share that same sentiment - LOL.

Have a blessed evening and wonderful Monday morning!

Yours kindredly,

Shan

The picture above is a corner of the front parlour where I can enjoy a quiet afternoon.

What are You Wearing Today?

Dearest Readers,

Today will be a busy day here at Honey Hill Farm.  Dearest and I will be heading into town to shop at Costco.  I need to replenish my stock cupboard and freezer.  I find it so much more delightful when I can "shop" in my own home instead of running to the store every other day.  It is much easier on my pocketbook too.

Later in the day I will continue to work on my outdoor Easter decorations.  Dearest cut the shapes for me and I have been busy with the painting, I hope to have them varnished and in place by this weekend.

I also will need to stop by our hardware store and pick-up 2 gallons of paint for one of the upstairs bedrooms.  I will share a before and after of the room with you.  This is the last room in our home that hasn't been "victorianized"!  (I don't think that is really a word - but I like it!) It will be two shades of a turquoise blue with burgundy accents and a gold stencil.  I am not afraid of color, as you can see.

Lastly, I thought it would be fun to share "What I am Wearing Today"... I saw this on another blog and it sounded fun.

What I am Wearing Today....Nice brown slacks, brown sweater with ivory lace cuffs and sewn-in ivory lace collar, a pretty paisley shawl in browns and tans for warmth, brown Mary Janes, my hair is rolled and then tucked up under a pretty brown ribbon barrette. A lovely cameo and ear rings add a splash of color. 

What are you wearing today?

Have a glorious day Dearests,

Shan

A Lovely Day....

Dearest Friends,

It was a lovely day here at Honey Hill Farm.  Dearest played hockey on our pond with family and friends very early this morning!  The much-enjoyed ice will not last long with the temperature hovering around 50 as it was today.  This "tease" by Mother Nature reminds us that spring is just around the corner!

We heat our home primarily with two wood-burning stoves.  We have one in both the front and back parlours.  We do have a furnace, but we rarely use it.  So today, Dearest and one of the Darlings made a trip to the wood lot and hauled our last load of wood for the season.  It won't be long before we are opening windows and doors and letting the cool breezes of spring refresh the dear old house. 

I stayed home and worked on my outdoor Easter decorations.  I am taking photographs as I proceed and I will share the directions with you when I am finished.  I hope to have them ready for display by next weekend. 

Tonight, we are meeting our Darling Girl and having a family night out at a favorite restaurant.  We always look forward to spending time as a family and breaking bread together.

I hope you have a blessed evening,

Shan

A cup of tea please.......

Dearest Readers,

A hot cup of tea and a warm fire have been so necessary these last few days.  I have had a slight sore throat and have not ventured far from the easy chair.  I did some reading, earmarking articles to study further, in my library copies of Mother Earth News.  There was an article on a portable chicken coop that was worth a deeper look, as well as, some organic gardening spray made with Fels Naptha I would like to try this year.  I will be sure and post this "recipe" after I have had a chance to try it myself.

Speaking of gardens, I am anxiously waiting for my R. H. Schumway's catalog to arrive. Their Victorian era inspired catalog is not only beautiful to look at, it has an amazing variety of heirloom seeds.  I enjoy planting my garden with edibles that would have been available at the turn-of-the-century, so this catalog is a dream come true! We usually cannot plant anything here until after Mother's Day, as we can have snow clear into May, so I have a while to dream about my garden.

I did make some curtains to put down in the fruit cellar.  They cover a shelving unit that I store all of my canning supplies, food mill, etc.  It is such a nice "old" looking print.  It has a beige background with navy flowers and looks tea-dyed.  I had to laugh when I first saw the material - I have tea-dyed so many things over the years that my family never knows if a pot of brewed tea is to drink or to decorate with! 

Well, it is time to close as I must get to the business of running my household.  I have to do some laundry, pay a few bills and think of something wonderful to bake, as my Darlings have had to stare at an empty cookie jar for far too long.  Those poor things!

Yours kindredly,

Shan

Camera Down, I repeat, Camera Down!

Dearest Readers,

It was quite a day yesterday as I rushed to and fro trying to buy the proper battery charger for my camera.  Unfortunately, I was sold the wrong charger when I purchased my camera and it was not until my battery completely died that I became aware of this!  So, here I sit with a camera in a coma!  I have ordered one, but will have to wait a few days before it arrives. Arrrgghhhh!

Today we spent a nice day together as a family.  All the Darlings were home and there is nothing better for this Mamma than to have her nest full!  A large pot of chili helped us keep the chilly weather at bay as the "boys" settled in to watch the Super Bowl.  The game is still on as I type, and I keep hearing jeers and cheers from the family room.

I hope you will have a pleasant and cozy evening!

Yours Kindredly,

Shan

The photo is courtesy of The Library of Congress

A Day with Dearest and Congratulations to Monica

Dearest Readers,

What a lovely day I had with my Dear Husband.  We had a scrumptious breakfast in town and then headed out for a few errands.  When we returned to Honey Hill Farm, Dearest began working on a project for my outdoor Easter decorations!  All I had to do was give him a pattern and he blazed away with his jigsaw - so handy that man of mine!  I will be sure to share some photos when I have the project finished.

Congratulations to Monica at Homespun Heart, she had a darling baby boy!  Please stop by her blog and send her your best wishes.  If you haven't visited her before, take time to look around - she is such a wonderful gal!

Well, the last of the Darlings are home, so it is time to start supper. Tonight is "turn around supper" - we are having bacon, eggs and pancakes.  Yummm.....

Have a gentle evening dear friends,

Shan

Where has the time gone.....

Dearest Readers,

Is it possible that January of 2008 is almost over?  I cannot and will not believe it!  There is still so much left to do here at Honey Hill Farm to start our new year right.  How can it be this close to February?  Well, dear friends I guess today is going to be a very busy day as I simply refuse to let another month pass that feels unorganized and unkempt. 

Here is the list of my January resolutions:

Start a Homekeeping Notebook - done

Organize recipes in a binder - almost done

Put together a Housekeeping Basket for cleaning - almost done

Make homemade laundry soap - done

Inventory all books in upstairs library - not even close to being done

Finish all remaining WIPS - LOL!

Well, there you have it, the plain and unvarnished truth.  Boy is February going to be filled to the brim.  I will share some photos of the finished projects. (I will not however, be sharing photos of the unfinished projects as they are just too horrible!)

Speaking of sharing, dear readers forgive me, I did not include a link for the Sense and Sensibilities website, so sorry.  Please go here.

Have a blessed day,

Shan

P.S. Happy Birthday to our Dear Darling girl!

Looking forward to a visit...

Dearest Friends,

I am looking forward to tomorrow as I will have a visit from my dear cousin here at Honey Hill Farm.  We are only two years apart in age and have been best friends, for our whole lives.  We share so many fun and wonderful memories of all our years of growing up together. 

I have made a special repast of Turkey Cranberry Salad sandwiches for our lunch. ( I will share that recipe with you tomorrow.)  I also made a big batch of Oatmeal Scotchies and I used whole wheat flour.  The cookies are a little "flat" but taste delicious.  If anyone out there has some secrets for whole wheat flour baking, please let me know. 

I wanted to say a special thank you to everyone who has left such dear and kind comments over the last few days.  As a new blogger I have appreciated the encouragement from all of the more seasoned writers out there.

Blessings to all of you from Honey Hill Farm,

Shan

Brrrr........

Dearest Readers,

It was a very cold night here at Honey Hill Farm.  Our thermometer read 1 above zero.  Both the front and back parlour fires blazed brightly as we snuggled in our cozy home.  Heavy velvet drapes were drawn to chase away the chilly wind.  A kerosene lamp, glowing in the front parlour, reminded us of a time so long ago...I counted my blessings as I cuddled with Dearest in our quilt covered bed.  So thankful for this life, this quiet, gentle life.

God bless you gentle readers, until we meet again,

Shan