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. 

Winds of Change...

It's been a little chaotic around the farmhouse lately. I'm sorry you've been caught up in it. Rest assured all will be revealed soon. (Don't worry. It's all good!)

I'm sorting fabric to send or donate, and I've been staging things to keep, too. I'm a bit more motivated right now, because I need the space upstairs.  

Multiple trips up and down stairs are sprinkled with breaks for tea, water, or Tylenol. Then, I realize I again forgot to share a post. I know there are a lot of bloggers who just quit or got lazy so they post sporadically. Trust that neither is the case here. I'll be back tomorrow. I promise. 

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.

 

Sunday Scripture...

 

Time To Celebrate...

The rehearsal and dinner are tonight. Our granddaughter and her fiancé met in school years ago. They became friends first and have been together ever since. This weekend they seal the deal, promising their futures to each other.

They bought a house months ago, but each stayed living with their parents, choosing to wait until they're married to move in together. This weekend, their house will become their home.

They're going to honeymoon in the Caribbean before beginning this next stage of their lives, but this weekend is a new milestone for our family. These two beautiful souls are at the center of our celebration.

I'll share photos from tonight tomorrow, and next week you'll see photos of the newlyweds. We're so blessed! 

Wedding Attire Acquired...

This is the dress I chose for our granddaughter's wedding. I decided I'd rather wear tea length than more formal floor length.

I did order a floor length dress in navy blue, but wasn't happy with it once it arrived. Thankfully, I'd also ordered this one just in case. I'm really glad I did. I love the way it feels (a little stretchy and the lace is soft), and it fits and suits my body type.

It's supposed to be in the 80° range Saturday, but I have a beautiful shawl in earth tones I can wear, in the event it gets chilly in the evening.

If the kids aren't wearing cowboy boots under their formal attire, I'll be shocked. As for me, I didn't want to wear "granny flats", but needed something comfortable (and suitable). I found these. They fit like a glove, and feel like they were made just for me. Cushioned insoles, suede exterior, and not too tall a heel.

I've already worn them around the house, so I know they'll be great not only for the wedding and reception, but also for the rehearsal dinner the night before. Plus, I'll get lots of use out of them after this weekend.

I've chosen an ankle length, flowy skirt with a cowl neck top, these shoes, and a wide belt for the barbecue they're having after the rehearsal.

I'm sure I'll have photos to share of me wearing these new duds that I'll be able to post next week.

Oh, and in case you're interested, everything came from Amazon sellers. I was prepared to go to the bridal shops in the area if I had to, but I wasn't looking forward to what everything might cost. As it turns out, I got everything for what one dress might have cost in the store. I'm really happy not to have had to spend that much...even though our girl is worth it.

So, now I can relax the rest of today and tomorrow knowing I'm good to go for this celebration weekend. We're really looking forward to our family time. More pictures next week!

 

Party Night...

Thanks to an unexpected printer failure, I ended up with a last minute trip to town to find a print business who would run my images through on my printable fabric (and a piece of card stock). Four places disappointed me (one out of business; one on its last leg requiring a passcode to enter and no door attendant to know I was outside; and two were closed on Fridays). 

Thankfully, there's still an actual print shop open in town on Fridays, and they were able to accommodate my needs. With my printed quilt label and brooch insert in hand, I drove home to put the finishing touches on the quilt and get both gifts wrapped.

The party was lovely and the nearly newlyweds (who hadn't planned to open gifts at their hostess' home) humored Grandma by opening their packages so I could see their reactions.

They especially loved the quilt label, and then showed me their new quilt does, in fact, cover them both, which will be perfect for movie night cuddling.

I loved seeing their reaction to the brooch I made. Granddaughter immediately said it will be affixed to her bouquet for the ceremony.

Equally gratifying were the questions about its construction from her groom and his best man! I gave them a short explanation - you know, just enough not to bore the pants off 'em - and then accepted grateful hugs from the kids. 

Grandpa, Uncle and I left shortly after and drove an hour back home. I can say, without equivocation, that every hour I spent creating the brooch and quilt were well-spent. Their reactions affirmed that.

Their wedding is only fifteen days away, so now I can turn my attention to what I'm going to wear to the wedding, and spend the rest of the time relaxing. Definitely no deadlines for a while.

 

I've Hit The Ground Running...

Handsome's brother arrives today from Maine, so I've been running since I woke up. So much to do, since I was busy with other things (and work) the past few days. I only now realized I hadn't dropped in to say "hi" today. (This photo was taken years ago. Heck, that's the old porch behind them!)

Our granddaughter's couples wedding shower is tomorrow, so I'll stitch down the second side of the quilt binding and add the label today. I'll share photos of my finished quilt with you tomorrow.

I still have a few things to finish, so I'd better close for now. See you tomorrow!

September Already...

Month Number Nine of 2026, and we're off to the races. Another August to remember as another loved one with medical emergencies. I've been hesitant to mention this, so I apologize that this will be vague.

I'm not sharing many details, mainly because we have no idea how it happened. I'll just say this started August 19th, that it required an ambulance ride, three weeks in ICU, some time in a regular hospital room, and future months in a physical rehabilitation facility. 

This is a close family member who was alone at the time everything happened, and this was definitely not self-inflicted. I need to stop there, but our family has spent hours trying to figure this out. As that's not possible, we pray a lot, and there are many correspondences and trips to the hospital. It's been (understandably) very stressful for our entire family.

For this reason, I've canceled my planned knee replacement surgery for October. Handsome is always my caregiver post-op, and I will not ask him to split his travel and concern between two people and places. Instead, I'm going to be supporting him.

Today will be a restful stitching day. I'll be in my happy place with my love and our girls. I think it's exactly what we need right now. 

Here's to a better month. (Prayers and good wishes are appreciated.)

 

A New Start...

I started the bridal brooch for our granddaughter yesterday. I chose all the components, set up the ground fabric in my special hoop - the one that belonged to Handsome's mom, and started work on it already.

This is how far I got before I stopped for the evening. I'll work on it more over the next few days, as I embroider toward the finish. 

Although I haven't heard a date yet, I'm sure there'll be a bridal shower pretty soon, and this is one of the gifts I'd like to give her. So I'll keep stitching until this is finished.

I Love The 'Ber Months...

Image via Handmade Treasures by Jan

My youngest sister, Jan has a lovely group on Facebook - "Handmade Treasures by Jan" - as well as her "Treasure Trove of Gratitude" group. You may want to check them out.

Jan shared this image she created and I loved it. The 'ber months really are my favorites. To me they signify the earth preparing for rest after a productive spring and summer season. 

I'm especially looking forward to this year. I still have canning to do this season, and it's much more enjoyable when it's cooler outside. I'll fill the pantry in preparation for the winter ahead, and when the snow flies, Handsome and I can stay safely tucked in the farmhouse with the girls.

This year is especially exciting for us as our elder granddaughter is getting married in October. She's our first grandchild to "tie the knot". We love her fiancé, and can't wait to celebrate their new beginning.

How do you feel about autumn? Are you a fan or not?

PS. Sorry I'm behind on responding to comments. I promise to catch up soon!

A Lost Day...

All my Monarch supplies are still waiting for me. We had a family emergency today that completely derailed my stitching plans.

I won't go into details because we want to honor our family member's privacy, but I can tell you that Handsome and I are fine. This will be ongoing for the foreseeable future, but I should be able to get some more work done today. 

My first job will be to remake the body form slightly bigger. Once that's finished I'll be inserting the wings onto the stitched body and securing them to the back. Then I can remove the body from my hoop and begin encasing the form with the stitched body. These steps will take a while, but I'll make sure there are photographs to share  

Thanks for any prayers you may want to lift for my very vague family member's healing. God will know who you're talking about. Big hugs for all of you from me.

 

Pickle Day...

We received thirteen pounds of pickling cucumbers plus some huge "eaters" yesterday from my friend, Dawn and her husband Pete. So today is pickling day!

My godniece and her daughter are here from Minnesota, so they're going to help...just like my niece helped my sister, Lyn do pickles when she and her sister were little.

Lyn would get the cukes, fill their bathtub with water, and her two young daughters would scrub, while Lyn cut and prepared them for the jars.

Our operation won't involve bathtubs or lots of seeds and herbs. I choose fool-proof Mrs. Wages Mix for bread and butter pickles, and they'll be perfection by this afternoon. Plus, it will be fun to teach my great niece about how her grandma used to make pickles when her mama was little.

I work at 4 pm, so I'm going to get everything set up so we can get right after it when they arrive soon. I'll share pictures tomorrow. Happy Weekend!!

My (Our) Girl(s)...

Handsome took the ladies out for their morning run on Sunday, and after they were sufficiently exercised, he came in to get me.

He said that with our yard full of Queen Anne's lace and clover, I should get a few pictures of the girls posing amid the flowers.

As his mom (my dear mother-in-law) called these tongues hanging out, that's a lot of "boiled ham". Frankly, I don't blame them. It was dang hot on Sunday.

I think I got a pretty good shot of them - Bella on the left, and Carly on the right.

Yesterday started out pretty muggy, but we were expecting rain and cooler weather. What we didn't expect were severe weather warnings, torrential rains and high winds. We came through it with only one big branch out of the huge, old maple in our front yard. 

After the storm passed, the temperature had dropped 10-15°, the sun came out, and we had a beautiful breeze to cool everything down. We turned off our floor a/c unit and opened all the windows.

Further north wasn't so fortunate. Menasha, Wisconsin suffered the worst of it. There a citywide proclamation to stay off the streets (and more) from 10 pm - 5 am, except for emergency crews. The city has been devastated, with complete neighborhoods wiped out by what the weather service thinks was an F2 tornado (winds up to 135 mph). The videos and images I've seen are alarming and heartbreaking.

Folks caught on the highway during the storm had losses, too. Semis were pushed across lanes, causing awful accidents, and sections of highway have been closed down. 

My sister, Jan and niece, Stephanie live in towns on either side of Menasha and my nephew, Ethan and his family are a bit further south. I got in touch the both ladies, and E's mom (Stephanie) updated me on him and his family, too. Other than mild tree damage, they're all okay.

Please pray for the people who have suffered losses great and small. It's going to take Menasha and the surrounding areas more than a minute to recover. 

Happy Birthday, Sister Goldenhair...

Yesterday would have been my sister, Lyn's 70th birthday. This is her second celebration in Heaven. I know she and Dad celebrated with the rest of our loved ones who went before, but those of us she left behind sure wish she could have celebrated with us. 

This photograph was taken just after I turned 50. I'd like to think we would have celebrated this birthday with another photo shoot. It wasn't to be, but I wanted my daily diary blog to reflect that she was in my heart and on our minds, today and every day. Love never dies...

Happy Birthday, Lyndy.

 

Truthfully...

 

I haven't been stitching at all the past two days. I've been busy sending "stuff" on to new homes. Between my sisters and nieces, I've cleaned up an overstuffed buffet, china cabinet, and at least one cupboard. 

I have so many useful and nice things I don't use anymore that I decided to let them go. What I've pulled that they don't want will be donated. I have to say, it feels pretty great, too.

I'm not finished yet either, but I work tonight, so I'll take it easy today, and get back to it tomorrow. 

Now, about this picture of my butterfly... I'm sure you must be wondering what the white thing is next to it. I can tell you that when I was in Kentucky with Owen and my classmates, there were a lot of jokes about its appearance!

What you're looking at is actually off-white muslin, sewn into a tapered tube, filled with emery (it can be sand, too), and then sewn closed. This will actually be the body structure for my Monarch. 

When I finish stitching up the body "cover", it will actually encase the filled muslin piece. Before I can do that, I'll release my wing parts from the ground fabric so they can be attached and the wires imbedded inside that cover, too. 

You can imagine, it's going to be a bit futzy manipulating all those parts. I'm going to see if I can get a short video of that part of my process to share with you when I get to that stage.

I have a little tidying up to do this morning, so I'll close for now. I'll see you tomorrow! Have a great weekend, friends.

Remember, I told you the wedding reception was casual last Saturday? Well, this photo should give you a little hint at just how relaxed the bride and groom were. They're pretty darned fun, too!

Joe is Linda K's son, and I've known him since he was a little boy. (Linda and I have been friends for fifty years this year.) He and Misty are crazy about each other. They were gracious hosts, taking time to visit with every guest. There was a lot of food, and they had two flavors of cake...a little something for everyone.

The party began at 2:00, and guests were free to come and go. It was like an open house that ended at 7:00 pm. I left around 3:30, as I had a drive ahead of me. While alcohol was served, I don't usually partake, especially when I'm driving.

Misty made sure I came home with cake for Handsome and me, I said goodbye to Linda and family, signed the guest book, grabbed two coozies, and hugged the newlyweds before leaving for my trip home. 

An hour and a half later, I was enjoying a cuppa in my favorite chair. A perfect end to a fun day.

Time for another work day already. It's finally cooled off a bit, so I'm looking ahead to a comfortable day. (It's been awful since the A/C in the store doesn't keep up on hot days.) Today should be a breeze.

I'd like to think I'll accomplish a lot when I get home later, but you know me. I'll probably sit down and end up taking a nap. heehee I'll see you tomorrow!

 

It's So Hard To Say Goodbye...

Our family lost a beautiful soul yesterday. Mike was married to my sister, Diana a long time ago. After two children, they decided they were much better as friends than husband and wife.

They continued to co-parent my niece and nephew, and he was always present in the lives of their grandchildren. When my nephew was house hunting for his family, they found a place just a few houses away from Mike's. 

Mike traveled with both families when they took trips, and he even camped with them. He was always just a call away when someone needed a sitter, and Dan's daughters nicknamed him "Papa Angel" because he always referred to them as his little angels. (They call Di "Nana Ponygirl" because she always did "ponyboy" on her knee when they were little.)

Mike was diagnosed with cancer a few short months ago, and he took a turn for the worse yesterday. He was readmitted to the hospital and continued to decline through the day. 

His children, grandchildren, and sister were all able to say their goodbyes, and he passed peacefully late afternoon. The world has lost a kind, generous, and wonderful man yesterday, and our family and the world are less for it.

RIP, Brother. You'll be deeply missed.

Meet Milo...

I made it to my niece's home yesterday to visit with her and my sister, Diana. Di lives out of state, but was at her daughter's to take care of her following an extensive surgical procedure. My niece is feeling fine, but she does get understandably tired.

When I arrived I was greeted by this little guy. His name is Milo. He's my niece's cockapoo and is about nine months old. He's so darn cute and huggable. 

Di brought her corgi, Grace with her, but Grace and I only had a short visit because Milo is such a pest with her. She  doesn't tolerate a cray puppy well.

I spent about about six hours with the ladies, and Milo settled down fairly quickly once the excitement of a new visitor wore off. It was a lovely afternoon.

Di is staying in Wisconsin until about a week from now, so I'm going up again next week to see them again. I can't wait!

This Part's Done...

I finished them late last night! When I look at them from a distance, I can see that they really do resemble a Monarch's  wings. Can I be just a wee bit chuffed?

I'm going to draw and set up my hoop for the body next, but not quite yet. My plans for yesterday were delayed due to weather, so I'm going to see my sister and niece today instead. 

I'm taking goodies and plan to visit all afternoon, so my project will have to wait (for a little while). I'll share the next phase when I start it. I'm going to get my things together for my road trip now. Later, 'gator!