Good Fences

....were made to be climbed.

Because that's what boys do.

When they are not making mud, 

I didn't know they knew how to turn on the hydrants.

or playing with animals,

I have the friendliest sheep.

or exploring their world on their own, using their imaginations and enjoying the bonds of brotherhood.

And making a Marme and Papa very happy.

After much begging and pleading,

I sent the sheep out into a new field today.

All that new lush green grass...

Hassett, better known as Hassie Mae.

So what did they go for?

Leonard the Great, who goes by Leo 'cause he prefers to be a Simple Man. 

Fallen oak leaves. 

Return of the Farm Helpers

Grass Feed Pork

A Walk Through the Barn Yard

How's this for a farm scene? Courtesy of the cell phone.

My sunbathing hens.

The New Pig Palace.

Spring is trying hard to take hold. The grass is greening up and the maples have their red halo on. 

The garden is being readied for the early plants and spring cleaning and refreshing is in full swing indoors. There is a deck to paint and a garden shed to build. Ovens to replace and seedlings to transplant to roomier homes. Curtains to make and flannel sheets to put into hibernation. Perennial gardens to weed and mulch and dinners for the elders to be made for when I am cityside. Summer bulbs to place in the warming soil and the next wave of fruit trees to join them. Perimeter fencing to repair and rain barrels to work up. 

And still I dream with a smile at what is to come.

My mind and heart were made for this life. 

{My girly weak muscles and short bones could use some help}.

I savor every moment of it.

It's Official

A name for our farm.

Complete with a sign.

A happy, unexpected, well thought out Christmas gift from my husband.

Designed in conjunction with his long time friend Rob of Old Town Signs

and made from copper recycled from a pub in our city place neighborhood,
it is perfect.

Lindenberry, as my daughter noted, was the place where we grew our family and grew our dreams for a piece of property in the country to call home.

So despite all the other options that had been tossed about, this one just seemed right.

Of course, the most photographed tree on the land makes an ideal crest.
An amazing surprise Fritz! 
Well done.

Happy New Year!

~Joan

A Walk out the Back Gate

I took my mother on a walk.

She has lived here for six moths now,

but had never ventured this way.

"Don't forget to stop...and look closely," I said to her.

There is so much to notice.

We both enjoyed the time well spent.

Ma and her pretty roadside bouquet.

Have fun where ever you walk today,

~Joan

Sharing with

The Goodness of the Garden

For moments like this,

it is all so worth the work.

~Joan

Twentysomethings

Our boy Andy brought nine of is closest out to the farm over the weekend. They all hail from various parts of the country, but call the District of Columbia, better know as Washington, D.C. home for their post grad years.

 A great group of young people following dreams, building resumes, working for legislators, going to law school, soaking up politics, media, lobbying and big city life and all the excitement it has to offer.

So for relaxation and a little get away they enjoyed the scenery, the pool, splitting wood for the oh so popular evening (read: lasting until 3 AM, but I heard there was a meteor shower involved) bon fire,

 and playing with the toys.

guess what my husband's favorite color is?!

A tractor, a chair and a cooler. I am sure I do not want to know what came next.

I, on the other hand, had my table surrounded by hungry appreciative people.

We all know how I love to have that big farm table open wide and filled with good food and lots of laughter.

Several of the gang tried to make a NO PHONES IN THE KITCHEN rule, but it was sort lived. We all laughed at stories about Fritz and my courting days whereby I would reserve the dorm pay phone at the end of the hallway on Wednesday nights from 8- 8:10 for our weekly phone date, roll of quarters in hand for the operator's signal to deposit another $1.25 for 3 additional minutes...

It really, really, really wasn't all that long ago!

I wish nothing but the best for this group of fine people.
Our future, and theirs, is very bright.

Hope your weekend was wonderful too,

~Joan

A very happy Thursday morning to you from the far back corner of my little place of love. 

Today I'm trekking on life's straight and narrow way.

Hope you enjoy a nice walk on what ever path you take.

~Joan