The Pantry

We've been undergoing several renovations of our farmhouse, most notably new windows. There are other things that need to be taken care of and we're looking at plans for a sunroom/stair renovation to be undertaken in the not to distant future. There is always something with an old house and we take those things in stride. Because we love our old farmhouse.

Because our basement is 100 years old and Brian promised me I'd never have to go down there, I packed our cupboards to the hilt. We have a lot of cupboards in our large kitchen, but space is at a premium. As I sat pondering how to organize, the thought came that I just needed more space. As I scanned the kitchen my eyes rested on the cupboard at the back entry way. It was an underutilized area that I thought would make an excellent pantry.

With Brian on board and the help of our excellent contractor, my vision is becoming a reality. I'm having dreams of organizing the perfect pantry dancing through my head.

Back from Mexico

I'm back from a beautiful week in Manzanillo, Mexico. The warmth of the sun was a welcome friend as we enjoyed lazy days by the resort pool. No chores. No getting up at 6:00am. No one needing a piece of me. It was nice, but I'm glad to be back home with my husband and our menagerie of animals.

And so I've fallen easily back into my routine with appreciation and gratitude for all I have. And it doesn't hurt that we're enjoying 60 degree weather.

My mom, Mary, and I . . .

Horseback riding along the beach . . .

Lounging by the pool . . .

Our hotel . . .

I painted this Cockatoo one afternoon . . .

Be Joyful,
Teresa

Life on the Farm

Having moved onto our farm in April of 2015, we set about making ready to bring our alpacas home from where they were being agisted (boarded). A good friend of ours, Richard, came down from Canada to help Brian with fencing and other heavy work. Those boys worked hard digging holes, setting posts and then stretching the 4x4 welded wire fencing to enclose our front pasture.

The newly fenced front pasture . . .

Richard on Big Red . . .

Moving a shelter into the front pasture . . .

The girls now home and enjoying the front pasture . . .

Then came the rabbits, a barn cat named Boris, ducks, chickens, goats, and a livestock guardian dog . . .

Boris (the cat), MooMoo, Midnight and Moonbeam (the rabbits)

Thunder and Storm - English Angora

Cayuga Ducks

Heritage Breeds - Australorp and Golden Laced Wyandotte, Cinnamon Queen, Buff Orpington, Rhode Island Red

Felix and Oscar - Fainting Goats

Loki - a Maremma

We've all settled nicely into our routines and things run pretty smoothly. We've been very fortunate not to have had any casualties (save for one chicken that our dog Oliver got - I cried heavily over that chicken . . . sigh). But then it's no surprise, because we're watched over by Angels. And I'm very grateful for that.

With spring just around the corner we're very happy to have survived our first winter on the farm. And this year spring brings us five Ancona ducks and two Talhouse geese. It also brings the renovation of our front porch and some much needed landscaping. Such is life on the farm . . .

A Gentle Voice

"And your ears shall hear a word behind you:
“This is the way, walk in it,” when you would turn to the right or to the left."
Isaiah 30:21
I headed outside today in the rain to do evening chores. We have a very sound routine, Brian and I. He headed off to the barn to make ready for the goats and I headed to the chicken coop. I turned on the lights on the chicken side of the coop, tidied up, checked water and filled the food trough. Since it seemed to me they were all inside already, I did a once over and then counted them - 33 - one was missing. And then there she was being ushered in by Brian. Okay, 34 chickens. All is well. I said my goodnights, turned off the light and closed the door.

I then made my way over to the duck side of the coop. I lifted the new ramp Brian made - heavy with all the shingles for a non-slip surface - and placed it to the side of the door. I stepped in and turned on the lights. Again I went through my evening routine of tidying up, checking water and filling the food trough. I closed up the gate between the two coops and stepped outside to usher in the ducks, but they were nowhere in sight. I looked in all the usual places they forage, but didn't see them. Then, off in the distance, I caught a glimpse of one of the ducks. Smiling, and with relief, I walked to the front of the house. There I stood looking at all ten of them spread out across the front pasture.

In the rain, I watched them for a short time and then called them to me. "Come on babies - it's time for bed." With those simple words they turned from what they were doing and started waddling towards me. The sight of all those little legs moving was enough to raise a little chuckle from deep within my heart. I watched patiently as they made their way to me. Patient in the knowledge that they were safe and were making their way home.

As I walked slowly behind the ducks, I wondered how often God had called me to turn right or left, and then patiently waited while I made my way. And, when I didn't go the way he guided me to, how much more patience he had while I took my little detour, and then again started making my way on the path he had in mind for me. How much easier could I have made it for myself if I had listened to his voice? He never cajoled or ridiculed my decisions. He didn't love me any less. He knew, in due time, that I would listen to his calm, gentle voice and walk in his way.

Just like my ducks, who follow my guidance on their way home, I too want to trust and be guided by the Divine. And then, tucked safely inside the coop, to rest and prepare for another day, secure in the knowledge that I am cared for and loved.

This was originally posted on another blog I write on December 13, 2015.

Found Treasures

Imagine my delight when I discovered a new home decorating/upcycled/reuse store in Beaver Dam by the name of Twisted Sisters. The store has a beautiful ambiance and you can take your time strolling through in the hope of finding that perfect piece . . . as I have done on several occasions.

I don't go in for anything in particular. I don't need anything. But I do enjoy walking into the store and being greeted by the store's proprietress, Nancy. Nancy is full of energy and the joy she brings to her store is contagious. So even if you don't find anything on your first visit . . . or your second . . . you'll keep going back for the thrill of the hunt and to soak up the ambiance. Even if you leave with nothing you'll be inspired to reconfigure and recreate the treasures in your home.

Some of the treasures I've found at Twisted Sisters include . . .

An antique table painted with chalk paint in grey . . .

Lamp and red dictionaries . . .

Jewelry boxes . . .

A red briefcase . . .

An old wooden box . . .

A red basket that is home to my Smoky Quartz crystals . . .

A wicker chair and ottoman . . .

and so much more I'll share another time. Drop in sometime and visit Twisted Sisters in Beaver Dam, WI. Tell Nancy I sent you!

Farmhouse Soap

While visiting another blog (I wish I could remember - I'm a blog hopper - and will share when I find her back) I came across a post that had the most beautiful bar of soap I'd ever seen. Luckily, she shared the link and I'm going to do the same for you, because you're going to want this soap!

I wish you were here to smell how wonderful these soaps and lotion are. Even before opening the box I could smell the wonderfulness inside. These products are made with natural ingredients and I can tell the difference. Synthetic smells make my head and stomach sick. That's why I don't wear perfume.

Here's the link to Sweet Grass Farm . . . and enjoy!

How to Beat the Winter Blahs

Apart from taking a vacation to warmer climes, what's a person to do to lift their spirits in the middle of winter? Buy and repot plants!

I had been meaning to repot several plants that I'd purchased some time ago, but never got around to. So with a warm, sunny day on my side I set out for a plant store in Madison that I knew carried wonderful, healthy plants.

I purchased a yellow Kalanchloe (to go with the new paint in my kitchen) and variegated ivy and potted them in a new pot . . .

I also purchased a Maidenhair fern and repotted it in it's new pot . . .

Then I set about repotting the plants I already had . . .

Next time I'm in the city I'm going to purchase some moss to put at the base of the plants which I think will look nicer.

I created quite a mess in the kitchen . . . gardening is dirty work! And I managed to beat away the winter blahs . . .