Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Blog Cheating (yet again)

                                                           I had a most content Christmas.
                                                                                   
  The best was 2 days of my family intact and watching them be happy.
A few pictures are posted here, by my Kate. (hence the blog cheating....she writes it perfectly)

~~~

That was followed by 3 days worth of visitors and lots (and lots) of cooking and merriment.
We are set to do it all over again  for New Year's weekend and I could not be happier.

...Just hope I find my missing camera by then.



Thursday, December 22, 2011

The Gingerbread House

During my college days, I worked at my dad's bakery. Christmas time was always bustling around the place and one of our happier tasks was turning out the gingerbread houses. Dad and I had a lot of fun together making them for the customers. I can still hear his voice saying "don't forget the 'chimininies'." The tradition continued for me in the home kitchen every year after the Bake Shop closed. I still use dad's recipe, in his handwriting, and his well used cardboard patterns.


So just how happy do you think I am this year that I had my grandsons to share gingerbread house making day with me?







Sunday, December 18, 2011

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Waiting

The stockings are hung,




the Prayers continue.



All I need is everyone home.



Won't be long now..,




Monday, December 12, 2011

To Light the Way




Linking with
 Barn Charm @ BluffAreaDaily

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Psst..

I'm not the only good secret keeper around.



Sunday, December 4, 2011

Another Weekend Gone By

Hope yours was filled with many moments of calm.


 


Saturday, December 3, 2011

At my Dad's grave side service, I remember vividly glancing over my right shoulder and seeing my oldest cousin Paul, red hair blowing in the wind on that cold December day. He was standing a bit back from the crowd, ever present cigarette in hand, sobbing.
I hadn't thought too much about that moment until my cousin Laura, Paul's sister, posted this picture several weeks ago.


The two Pauls sometime in the late 70's I suppose.
 It was taken at a time when I was self absorbed in my own young adulthood .When family gatherings brought about a roll of the eyes as I bolted out the door in the opposite direction.
I particularly avoided all gatherings where my many relatives with the name Paul, real or hijacked, were in attendance. My dad would inevitably get called 'Jake'. I hated it. Funny that such a simple little thing of convenience pestered me so much. 
Laura recently called my attention to a few more photos.

My Dad Paul, My Grandfather Minard, My Cousin Paul

Then it hit me. My dad and Paul were much more than uncle and nephew that shared a name. They were buds from way back. Not at all unlike my own sons loving their nephews so very much. My Cousin stood back from the crowd and grieved his own way because he loved his Jake.  
~
My brother Paul went into my dying father's hospital room 19 years ago today and gave him permission to let go. It was the kindest thing a son ever did for a dad.
I still miss him.
And now more than ever I miss Paul, the red headed cousin too.

Friday, December 2, 2011

Home

Enjoying the mountains I love, the pursuits I love...




and waiting on the persons I love to get home too.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

My Double Life

As much as I am the most content when I am at The Farm, I do not neglect the fascination with city life that I enjoy a couple of days a week.
It's amazing to be looking at those peaceful serene mountains at the 'ole homestead and then come back here to the "tower" (as my grandson calls it) and look out across the Washington DC skyline.




From my perch, I can see the iconic monuments to Presidents past, the Capitol, the White House, the Washington Cathedral and the Basilica.
It's one traffic light to downtown to pop into a museum, go to a show or catch a Hockey game.


Plus, the sunsets here aren't so bad either.









Sunday, November 27, 2011

A Trip Through the Barn





So many treasures found in there.










I am quite happy the former owners saved all the original doors and fixtures from the house during their 1970's remodeling.





This is definitely going back up!












Oh, the Plans I have.
Refurbish these gems and get them back in the house
and then...

Fill the barn with lots of sounds and scents

Might need a little Luck.







***
Participating with Barn Hop #38 at Homestead Revival

and



Thursday, November 24, 2011

Thankful

...That on this day of turkey cooking and pie making, I had something handy to use to roll out crusts when I realized my rolling pin was back at the condo...

 

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Flying South

I just love surprise visitors to the farm. These only stayed a day, but how fun to have them.



As always I hope, plenty of good food and a comfy place to sleep.
Never did get their names..


Sunday, November 20, 2011

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Painted Luray

In small towns all across America, Walmart built it's big box on the outskirts of town and Main Street met it's decline. Preservationists, town planners, Chambers of Commerces and the like have struggled to revitalize their home streets with an array of projects.  Part of Luray's  Beautification endeavor comes in the form of Art. Paintings to be specific. They adorn the empty store front windows, the sides of buildings,




Under the railroad tresses,



The storm drains,




Sides of concrete walls,




and even the bridge supports for the highway bypass.






Some are whimsical, some reflect points of interest in the area. All are so fun to discover on walks about town.
Many were painted by artists, some by High school art classes, others by scout groups and individuals. Total community involvement. I love it.

Citizens and municipal organizations can do their part to beautify the streets and landscape, but it is up to us to promote, support and encourage small business along Main Street. I've been committed to this notion for some time now, but I must say it is so much easier to stay focused living in the country with so many less options glaring at us. Much more to share on the subject down the road, but right now I'm headed to town.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Sheep

They are everywhere in my home.

On the walls


On the table next to where I sit and knit



Emerging on the current WIP sweater



Disguised as a topiary



Everywhere but here that is:



I must do something about that.

***

Linking with Work-in-Progress Wednesdays @ http://www.tamisamis.blogspot.com/