The Big Reveal...

The population at the farmhouse has increased by one. My youngest sister, Jan has moved in with us! We're planning for her to be here at least through the winter.

There was a hustle and bustle of activity on Sunday when her movers arrived with a truck loaded with her possessions. Some things are safely tucked in our secure pole barn, while other things are either in our basement or awaiting staging upstairs.

There's still a lot to do before she'll have a comfortable space to call her own, but we're hoping to accomplish that over the next couple weeks, so it truly feels like home to her.

The circumstances of her move are hers to tell, but I'll say this is a life change for her. Handsome and I are providing her with a safe, calm, and loving home as she navigates the next season of her life.

I'm happy she's here because as soon as she settled, we'll be collaborating on some creative endeavors. I can hardly wait, so there's extra motivation for me to get her settled in.

Please join us in welcoming Jan to Hickory Hill Farm. 

Everybody's Working For The Weekend...

The last time this happened, Handsome and I were just dating. When he still thought he would be going to Florida, he lamented that we'd miss being together to watch the Brewers play in the World Series like last time.

Now, the silver lining in his catching my cold is that he'll be home. Plus, it looks like they'll be playing the only other team we would have cheered for if the Brewers weren't in it. 

This is going to be fun! Now to get my guy healthy so we can really cheer on our team!

 

My Kind Of Weather...

I'll be at work early today and tomorrow, and then I'm off until Friday night. Last week was rough, but I've been pampered and well-rested thanks to Handsome.

Unfortunately, it appears he's now caught my bug, so I think his Florida trip will have to be canceled. There would be nothing worse than for him to think he's well enough to travel, only to end up really sick, not only 1500 miles away, but in someone else's home. I'm so disappointed for him and feel personally responsible.

I'm going to do my best to make it up to him this week, and this trip will only be delayed. While he'll miss our friend's celebration of life, he's already planning to take the trip after the first of the year, and he'll be able to stay longer because it won't interfere with any band rehearsals here. He'll be able to play while he's away without feeling guilty about missing rehearsals here.

The rest of my week will be busy, too. I have this month's artist trading cards to make. The prompt is "Forest" which should be fun.

I have a few projects that have been on the back burner that need my attention, too. A gift for an upcoming birthday; a belated get well gift; and an overdue comfort gift. That will be in the form of a prayer blanket for a loved one. I'll explain more about that when I begin the project.

So, I'll be making up for a week off, but I'll be careful to take it easy so I don't relapse  especially since I'll be returning the care Handsome gave me. 

I'm also going to enjoy this cooler weather. Autumn is my absolute favorite season, so I don't want to miss a single day of it. Follow along to see what's next.

It Was A Perfect Day For A Wedding...

We didn't take our cell phones into the church, so this is the only photo we have from the ceremony (so far). The photographer shot this one from the balcony. We're looking forward to seeing all the results. 

The reception was held in a wedding venue barn at a local county park. It was a beautiful setting, and you could feel the love. Family and friends gathered to celebrate two people who had been friends and dated since junior high school.

We had great seats for dinner. I could see these two as they shared private conversations through dinner. They're so sweet. Aaahhh. Young love. We sat with our elder son, his wife, and our grandson, so that was great, too.

Then, there's us. One of our son's friends took this picture. I think it will be part of this year's Christmas card. 

We had a wonderful time watching as our elder granddaughter promised her future to a young man who has already felt like family. 

Watching her parents and sister, as well as his parents and family, it's no wonder these two chose each other. We know they'll work hard to make their marriage last. It's who they are.

 

Getting Fancy...

Today I'll be making some serious decisions about what I'll be wearing on Friday and Saturday for our granddaughter's wedding. (I know. More "last minute" from Donna.) Our 100 year old maple is getting a head start.

She's already starting to turn the glorious orange-red we've come to look forward to every fall. I think it's early this year, but it's so beautiful I'll take it anyway.

This tree stands taller than our farmhouse, and every spring she houses squirrels with litters of babies. They play among her branches until they're old enough to venture out on their own, and some have already returned to collect and store nuts from the nearby hickory trees.

I've listened to owls hooting from her branches as I fall asleep at night, or blue jays scolding the dogs or cats when they're outside. She's home, or a resting spot for other bids, too. Hawks and even an eagle sat on a high branch looking in my bedroom window this summer!

She is the mother tree whose roots and canopy communicate with all the trees around her, and I speak to her every time I'm in our front yard. I have even shared a special experience with her - believe it or not.

Have you ever watched "Trees" starring Dame Judi Dench? It's a visual and audio accounting of how trees communicate with each other and their surroundings. Then I've watched a few other videos about the health and psychological benefits of being a "tree hugger". I found myself trying to duplicate those experiences with our maple.

I love being barefoot, inside and outdoors. I try grounding techniques when I'm in our yard - an intake of earth's healing energies. I do this year round, and it's not unusual to even see me barefoot in the snow when I take the labs outside.

On one particular day this past summer, when the breeze was nearly imperceptible, I decided to try my own experiment from a video I'd watched.

I went and stood about a foot from the lowest branch on the tree. (I admit I did move a slight few inches closer during the event.) By the time I was finished, I was in tears.

As I stood there facing our maple, I began speaking softly. I told the tree how important she is - to us, our yard, and everything around her. I told her how beautiful and special she is. And then, I began my experiment.

I told her it would be okay with me - no, I'd be honored - if she wanted to reach out and touch me. I know. This is the part where you're beginning to question following this Nature Girl's blog all this time.

I continued speaking in a soft voice, when I noticed a change. The branch began to slowly move. Not the way the wind moves it. It was deliberate, slow movement toward me. I stood as still as possible so I wouldn't taint my experiment.

I stood there for nearly five minutes, talking to our tree, until she eventually covered my face with her leaves. I swear to you this is true. I was literally in tears as this happened. (I even did this a second time so Handsome could be my witness!)

I stood there a bit longer, and then thanked Mother Maple. I moved forward to her trunk, wrapped my arms around her and thanked her as tears fell down my cheeks. Then, I thanked my Dad for teaching me to notice and love the outdoors with all my heart and soul.

I hope you don't mind me sharing this experience, for in doing so, I've exposed the very essence of who I am with you.

I'll be going outside soon to talk with Mother Maple again to tell her how much I love her autumn attire. I want to let her know before she releases all of her leaves and withdraws her lifeblood to her roots in preparation for another winter.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story today. Perhaps when you're in your quiet frame of mind, you'll seek out a tree on a windless day and try my experiment for yourself. If you do, please send me a message to tell me what happened between you and "your" tree. I'd love to hear about it. 

Handsome is having breakfast with a friend this morning. I worked from 6 am until 2 pm yesterday, so I'm recuperating today. I'm going to take care of the girls, and when Handsome gets back,  I'm going to try on the dresses I purchased as "possibles" for this weekend. I'll have him take pictures so you can see what I was (or wasn't) thinking.

I'll be back tomorrow. I'm off the rest of this week, so I can focus on our most important family event. Thanks again for being here today. Sending hugs to you all.

I Did This Again...

So, this is how we ended our Saturday. I processed apples Linda P from Portage had gifted me, while Handsome washed dishes and did cleanup. 

Handsome had cleaned, cut them up and put them in the Nesco to cook down while I baked. When we finished mowing, we ate dinner and watched the first of the playoff games for the Milwaukee Brewers. That game ended at 11 pm. Then, we canned applesauce. We turned out the lights and went to bed at 1:30 am.

I'd say we're nuts, but we do have more applesauce to show for our efforts.

Nah. We're nuts.

PS. Linda collects pig knick knacks and gifted this happy soul to me, by the way. I love it.

August Classmate Dinner...

Another classmate dinner has come and gone. Likewise for this month! The time just continues to fly and soon enough it will be September.

We had a larger group this month, and Handsome joined us again. (He took this month's photo.)

Front row: Bruce, Deb B, Brad, and Cal. Back row: Mary, Lisa, Dan F., Deb N., Dan N., and me.

I took orders for caramel pecan rolls and they ordered seven two-packs, so I spent the morning baking. Just so you know, it wasn't my idea to hold them up for the photo, but I did laugh that they did.

Today, I'm going to locate tomatoes for canning this weekend, and start another "Something Blue Bridal Brooch" for our granddaughter. I'll tell you more about that tomorrow. 

The sun is shining, and it's going to be a perfect day for just being home. Hope you enjoy every minute of yours!

Doing My Part...

Handsome drove me to my appointment at the blood bank yesterday. We went to the drive-in near home on the way back, too. After donating a pint, I needed something to eat, and he was ready for a meal, too.

The cool part is that when we stopped at the drive-in, we ran into the friend for whom I made the directed blood donation! He told me more than once how much he appreciated that I'd done that for him. Handsome and I have been friends with him and his family for about forty five years. There was never a question that I would help if I could.

When we got home, I drank lots of water to "refill my tank", and I was really tired, so I went upstairs and took what turned into a four hour nap. I didn't fight it either, knowing I work again today.

We're going to vote in our Wisconsin primary before my shift begins, and then I'll be on my feet for most of the next six hours. I'm pretty sure I'll be zonked out in my chair within an hour of getting out of my work duds and into something more comfy. I'm actually looking forward to it.

What's on your agenda today? 

Concert Night...

The Percussion Section

Handsome had a concert last night, but because there were expected storms, the venue changed from outdoor at the park to indoor. The sad part was that the indoor venue was half an hour from town, so there were only about forty people in the audience.

The Entire Band

The school gymnasium was really nice, and the music was so enjoyable. Everyone had front row seats, too. 

Handsome Hard At Work

The wild part was that we had no rain during the concert, but just about the time the percussion section, the music director, and a few others were getting ready to load all the chairs and percussion instruments into the band trailer, the thunder and lightning started.

By the time they were finished loading up, everyone was soaked. We drove home in heavy rain with quite the light show to boot! I remarked that it's been quite a while since we were out at night in inclement weather. We usually have the option to stay in - so we do! I was so relieved when we drove in the garage.

Even so, I'm awfully glad I went along. I was there to watch my husband do what he loves best...and it was a fun concert, too!

He has another concert tonight out of town. They're performing in a park under a shelter. I'm staying home for this one (it's nearly the same as last night's program), so I'll pray we have nice weather and he's not soaked when he gets home.

I'm going to be working on my butterfly, so I'll have an update for you tomorrow.

June Classmate Dinner...

Back row (l-r): Dan, Brad, Deb B, Handsome and me Front: Bruce, Deb N, and Lisa

Handsome joined us again this month for dinner. As always, we had a great visit, and shared events since our last get-together.

One of our regulars, Cal had surgery last week, so he continues to heal. We'll see him again next month.

I made two dozen cinnamon rolls, and with the exception of the four I kept at home, sold almost all of them to my buddies. Deb B. was so enthused, she opened her duo and tore one apart to let everyone know they were tasty. 

I was originally going to bring one two-pack back home until our waitress asked if I had any left because they looked so good. She ended up purchasing my last pack, so I came home with an empty tote. Yay, me!

I'm going to work on my Etsy shop today. My plan is to update current listings, and add a new category or two. I should have new items up by the end of the day. 

Now I'm going to pour a cuppa, feed the birds, and then get busy. See you later!

 

That'sMe!...

If you're looking for me, I'll be needle dancing...when I'm not spending time with Handsome and "the girls".  I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

 

 

Work went well yesterday, and I was busy the entire shift. I brought dinner home with me, and Handsome and I had an early meal after I changed from my work clothes into "home" clothes.

After dinner I made the mistake of putting my feet up and enjoying a hot cuppa. You know what happened next. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. I spent the balance of the evening not stitching. 

I have a normal day today, meaning I'll get some needlework time in, too. I'll definitely make progress to share tomorrow.

Friendship and Fast Fur...

Goodness, we had fun last weekend! I met up with Judy, her husband, their friends Bruce and Paula, and dogs, Elvira and Thumper. 

Judy was gracious enough to take the time to explain the process, and then we watched Elvira earn her 43rd ribbon, while Thumper earned number 7.

After every event, Judy's tradition is to slip the pups into something cute; clip her Bluetooth speaker to her belt, and play each dog's "theme music" as they pick up their awards.

Watching them earn their awards was great fun, but watching them collect them was just adorable.  

We gathered and put our lunch plan together before heading to Judy's friends' home for our barbecue meal. I left for home a respectable time later.

After Judy's dogs compete for more points Sunday morning, they'll be leaving for Tennessee. We exchanged hugs and goodbyes, and I left.

Once I was back home, I told Handsome all about FastCAT competitions. He was intrigued. So after getting a It more information from Judy, we went back down Sunday morning with Bella and Carly. 

We couldn't take one and leave the other home, so we entered Bella in the non-official fun run.  Her time to run 100 yards chasing a lure was just over 10 seconds each time. She reached 19 (plus) miles per hour, having never done it before.

Pretty impressive for an 11 year old, right? When she wasn't running, she was still amped up at the prospect. That's our girl.

Carly was pretty impressive, too. Once she understood the assignment. She ran the 100 yards in 9.2 and 9.5 seconds, and she got up to 22 mph doing it! By the time each of the girls accomplished their two runs, we were all a muddy mess. 

You know what that means. The back of my Explorer was a muddy mess, to say nothing of the girls. Baths were in order when we got home, and thank goodness I thought to put towels down to avoid having my car looking the same.

Handsome and I discussed how this could be perfect for us and the dogs. We're not quite fit enough for agility or hunting anymore, but this was right up our alley - plus, both girls loved it! We're definitely going to enter more in other events areas of the state.

I have an appointment this afternoon, so I'm going to enjoy my cuppa and get busy. I also decided what I'm going to do for a table runner  more on that tomorrow.

 

Officially Twenty Two Inches...

According to our friends who live a few miles north of us, we got 22" of snow from Winter Storm Elsa (along with a lot of wind and drifting).

As far as I'm concerned about this winter, I'm past ready to "let it go"!

Andy came down with his tractor with the big snow blower and managed to move most of the white stuff for us. Late afternoon, Handsome and I got out our tractor with a front bucket and rear blade and managed to move what was right in front of our garage door. Andy continues to be a blessing to us (for many more reasons than just this).

Thankfully, Handsome's band rehearsal was cancelled, following the lead of local schools and many businesses (including the station until mid-afternoon, when the owner had my boss go in to open back up. (Nuts, if you ask me!) 

I'm working today, and will get to see just what the "outside world" looks like from the station. I'm pretty sure I'll be quite happy to accomplish my shift and get back home. I'll let you know how things went tomorrow. 

Happy St. Patrick's Day and more importantly for our family, Happy Anniversary to Son #2 and his bride!

Donna

February Classmate Dinner...

Front l-r: Deb B. Lisa, Brad, Bruce and Janet. Back: John, Cal, Dan and Deb N, Donna and Handsome, and Max

We had another classmate dinner yesterday, and this time we had three couples attending. Dan and Deb, and Janet and Max both started dating when we were all in high school (I think Janet and Max started in junior high), and got married after graduation. Of course, Handsome and I were the third couple. Two of our group are widowed, and the rest are married, too, but their spouses didn't attend.

It was pretty much guys on one end of the long table set up and gals on the other, but we chatted back and forth. As always, it was nice to see everyone and find out who's getting ready for a trip, or what else is going on. Deb and Dan will be gone for a month on vacation out West, so we'll miss them next month. 

The temperature got into the mid-50s Wednesday with plenty of sun, so we all looked forward to getting out to visit. The weather won't hold like this though. After all, it is February in Wisconsin, home of the Frozen Tundra. We know that it's going to get cold - and snow at least once more. Shelly always says that the robins have to be snowed on at least five times before Spring actually arrives for real. We make the most of the good days when we can.

I'm taking the WMBBD to the vet for a diagnostic appointment today, and then I'm going in to work for a couple hours to cover for my boss who's getting ready to leave on vacation tomorrow. I've been working on a 30-minute daily purge program (getting rid of stuff), so I'll do that again for a bit when I get home from work. Then, I'm going to stitch for a while. I'll be back tomorrow to share the latest. See you then!

I'd Always Rather Be Home...

This image was just the warm, homey inspiration I was hoping for today. The sentiments is equally appropriate. Work went really well. It was comfortable indoors and lots of restaurant and station visitors kept Teresa and me busy. The day went by quickly. 

When Handsome picked me up it was 4ºF. Not my idea of fun at all. Carly had a late vet appointment for a checkup, so we went from work right to the vet's office. We didn't get home until 7 pm, and I was chilled to the bone. 

Turkey soup to the rescue! I changed into a pair of comfortable (and warm) sweats and heated up a jar of the soup I just canned. I added an equal amount of turkey broth, and then a bit more water. Paired with warm dinner rolls (I brought some home from the station), and we were full in no time. Top that off with a hot cuppa tea, and I was one happy, toasty warm girl.

I have to go back outdoors to get a few things at the grocery store this morning. Paper products, more all purpose flour, and just a couple other things. Once I do that I'll be raring to get back home. Then, my plan is to spend a little time working on my brooches.

I hope you have something planned that brings you joy. When the weather is like this, keeping busy (as much as possible) indoors is just the ticket. Take care and I'll be back again tomorrow.

January Classmate Dinner...

Front: Lisa, Cal, Bruce, Donna and Handsome Back: Julie, John, Mary, Deb and Brad

I'm so glad our dinner was planned for yesterday and not today. It's supposed to be wicked cold today, and lots of folks are canceling events. I'm sure we would have, too.

As it was, we had a nice-sized group for our gathering this month, and Handsome joined us! Everyone was so wonderful, asking him how he's been since he healed from the emergency surgeries two summers ago. They really are a great group of friends. We all checked on each other's health, and then got down to just having nice visits.

We took our monthly group photograph, set the date for next month, and were on our way back to our homes by about 4:30. Aren't we a bunch of "old fogies" now? lol (Early bird dinners, and all.)

I'll share photos of the finished feathers tomorrow, and a few photos of some really special feathers, too! See you later! Stay warm, friends.

Now We Rest...

Work went really well yesterday. I did what I said I'd do when I got home...immediately changed into my sweats and took off my makeup. Teresa made an excellent batch of broasted chicken that came up just in time for me to leave for home. So we had a hot meal ready to eat when Handsome brought me back to the farmhouse. It was perfect. As you can see, the girls were down with the resting program, too!

Today, I have a few "office" things to do, and then I'm going to finish my bluebird feathers. Handsome and I are going together to my classmate dinner this afternoon. The weather is supposed to take a turn for the worse with record low temps late today, but we'll be settled back at home by then, and not going anywhere again until I work on Friday evening. Our plan is to stay tucked in and safe here until then.

If you're in for some of this bitter cold and snow in the forecast, please stay indoors as much as you're able, and please don't take any chances outside. I'll be praying for everyone's safety. I'll be back tomorrow with our monthly classmate dinner photo. See you then!

This Date Forty One Years Ago...

Our Wedding Day

Forty one years ago today, I married my Handsome. Twenty eight of our family and closest friends gathered in the living room of our first home (another farmhouse) to witness our vows. Afterward, we went to a local venue for dinner, and then opened our reception to two hundred fifty of our friends. It was the best day ever!

In 1984, the snow melted and the temperature reached 60º F. We had a jazz band perform and we danced until closing time. We were the last two to leave our reception, thanking every single guest before they departed. Two days later, we boarded an airplane for a two week honeymoon in Grand Cayman, BWI. 

Handsome and Me 41 Years Later

This year, we're expecting 2-6" of snow with winds up to 45 mph. Quite different from our wedding day. We'll stay safely home together with the girls this time. 

I've called Handsome "My Heartbeat" many times before, and it will always be so for me. I'm never happier than when we're together, and so I'll make a nice dinner for us, and I'll spend this day grateful for the life we've built. Looking forward to many more celebrations.

Happy Anniversary, Love.

A.B.& A., AML BW

Quilt Top Reveal...

Completed Quilt Top

I completed my quilt top for Handsome last night. It's so large that it's difficult to see the entire top - even with him holding it up. Once it's quilted and bound, you'll be able to see the entire quilt on a bed, but I wanted you to get a glimpse today.

All the borders are on the quilt, and they're the same all the way around. I know it's hard to see that at the bottom and top, but the are the same. You can also see some darker or lighter areas because the quilt is backlit. Those anomalies don't show in daylight.

Each yellow block now bears the names of all of our dogs for the past forty four years. Yellow labradors' names are stitched in a buttery-colored thread. The Golden retrievers are in a rusty color (except one that I forgot to change out). The black labs have black thread, and he even said I should put Fezzik and Tag's names on so they're in a darker gold with one letter in white (like their fur colors). 

Finally, I added a heart with a paw print in the center of each of the name blocks...just because. I'll share closeups of those blocks once I get this big boy quilted, which I'll at least start today. 

I work again tonight. Yes. It's the weekend again! My plan is to finish this by the time the Sunday rolls around, if not before. Of course, I'll hand bind it once I've assembled the top, back and batting. I'm going to do my best to show you a completed quilt on Monday.

Stay Warm and Safe!