Becoming Jewelry...

This is what my entire hooped linen looks like before I remove it and cut out each individual oval. 

These will all come pendants. Hollyhocks and a single sheep. 

Clover and another sheep.

...and one more sheep. One sheep will be chosen by the friend who requested one. The others - sheep and flowers will go to my Etsy shop (sale).

I've gone back and reduced prices on some of my shop items, too. You might want to check out the new prices if you've had your eye on something. 

October Hollyhocks...

October Hollyhocks and Bumblebees

I took a walk outside after I got home from work yesterday. I needed some "nature" to decompress. I've noticed that one lone hollyhock plant has blossomed right next to the porch staircase, and it has about three flowers on it. It's so unexpected and pretty.

As I finished my walkabout and approached the porch to go back inside, I stopped to admire it and noticed it was inhabited. Two sweet bumble bees had climbed into the topmost flower and settled in for the night. I found myself wondering whether or not they're resting, or if they're preparing for the end of their lives.

I'm reminded that everything will soon be preparing for our Wisconsin winters and their long rests ahead. I need to be pulling weeds from my garden beds, and tidying up the kitchen garden to prepare those spaces, too. 

We'll be taking our porch furniture back to the barn and bringing the decorative plants indoors until spring. I reminisce about Octobers past, and how there were even surprise snowstorms not too long ago. I remember Halloweens as a kid, when we wore warm slacks (or even snowpants) under our costumes. I admit, I'm not ready for snow yet this year, but we'll prepare for the inevitable just the same.

We're so glad that Hurricane Milton downgraded as it made landfall last night. Our friends came through the storm with no water incursion, a few damaged roof tiles and downspouts, and electrical outages. In the main, they did really well, and for that we're very grateful.

Like the little bumble bees, it's time for all of us to rest easy now. Hugs to all our Florida friends. We're so glad you're safe.

New Hollyhocks Photos...

I told you the hollyhocks would be magnificent this year once they all opened, and they aren't disappointing. I wanted to frame our front steps with the pretty pink ones that stand against the rail, but look at the rest of these pictures!

Didn't Kaleb do a great job in the kitchen garden? I asked him to leave the ground cover in front of the hostas because they get small purple flowers and smell wonderful. They're sort of a wild sage smell. I looked them up once, but have since forgotten exactly what they're called as I write this. 

One of the things I'm really excited about is that the pipe in front of the shutter on the left is going away soon. The power company said they're bury the line without charge. We just need to hire our electrician to hook up to the underground line they'll bring in. They'll even go under our sidewalk!

So the overhead lines are going away, and with it that ugly pipe over the shutter. The cable at the corner (to the left of the pipe) is buried in the ground, and goes all the way up to the roof where it's attached to our lightning rods. Over the 105 or so years they've been on the roof, only one or two have actually broken from strikes, which protected the house. There are still more up top, and they're intact. That assembly will, of course, remain.

This is what the flowers look like as you approach our back (friends and family) entrance. It's hard to see from here, but waaaay down in front, behind that bright pink plant is a new color!

What color would you call this? It's not really magenta. Sort of a true purple. Isn't it lovely? Mum would like some of these plants, so I may dig that one up along with a few others to take to her garden. I'll be warning her that they're bullies!

The birds love this garden, so I'm refilling the seed feeder nearly daily. On Sunday, a new visitor showed up. We had a rose-breasted grosbeak (male) stop for a snack, but I wasn't fast enough to get a photo to share. I'll keep trying. You do see the hummingbird, though, don't you? It's drinking on the right side of that red feeder. They also buzz around the hollyhocks and over to the honeysuckle, too, while all these blooms are inviting them.

And when I turn toward the Compass Barn, there are still clusters of hollyhocks on the other side of the walkway. I just asked Kaleb to remove those that provided hiding places for naughty cats near the birdbath. I don't want any sneak attacks. 

So there's a tour of all the hollyhocks in their finery. They smell wonderful, and they're a real feast for the eyes, too. I hope you're enjoying them almost as much as I am. 

 See you tomorrow!

Another Opening, Another Show...

It's showtime!!! The hollyhocks have begun to open since the latest rain. I wanted you to see the variety of colors, ranging from white to dark magenta and red. Not all the hollyhocks in the front of the group have opened yet, so I'm going to wait until they do to share a photograph of all of them together. They're a bouquet that just keeps on giving. 

If you're really quiet, you'll hear the soft buzzing of the hummingbirds and bees, as well as the raucous arrival of the Baltimore oriols as they shoo away the woodpeckers and other small birds who've decided they, too, love grape jelly. I refill that jar every. single. day. Handsome says it's a wonder they're not all diabetic!

These are the wondrous things right outside our kitchen windows. Now, when I stand at the new sink in the pantry, I can also watch a pair of wrens who have set up housekeeping in a birdhouse. There, I can see them as they land and sing as they greet each other. I have a hummingbird feeder on this side as well, so if it's too busy in the kitchen garden, they just buzz over to the quieter side of the house.

 

 

I hope you enjoy these beautiful hollyhocks as much as I do! Happy Weekend again (already), my friend.  

Happy Hollyhocks...

Check out these crazy hollyhocks! That blue pot, nearly engulfed by the hollyhocks is large and heavy. It stands nearly three feet tall. The hollyhocks are nearly five feet tall, and they're getting ready to bloom. Won't that be magnificent?

This is the other side of the walkway. In between these two photos of the hollyhocks are three hostas holding their own, and a huge lavender plant...with lots of grass and weeds around them. I have a young man lined up who is doing yard work this summer, but he and his dad tell me he's swamped right now. ugh 

I know I'm going to have to do something to tame the wild growth in the next few days. but I have other things on my agenda first. Craft Day waits for no woman, so I'm hoping I'll have good weeding weather on Sunday.

I'm going to make tea so I can take a go-cuppa with me, and then I'll be on my way to Portage for the morning. I'll share photos on Monday of our projects. I sure hope they like what I've come up with! Gotta scoot...

A Riot of Hollyhocks...

Ignore the ham in the foreground. She's such an attention mooch! I took this photo to show you the bullies that are again taking over my kitchen garden.

I actually have lavendar, English daisies, delphiniums, and hostas in this garden, and you might even notice there are walk lights in there, too. Of course, you can't see the light they throw because those hollyhocks are relentless. This is what I have to thin out...soon. There are too many hiding places here for two predatory cats, and I need to protect the birds as best I'm able.

So, this is the area I'll tackle this weekend. I think I'm going to add some sort of retaining fencing in front of the hollyhocks that remain. It will keep them from falling forward, and it will act as a barrier between hidden felines and unsuspecting birds. 

I'll show you what I end up with after the weekend. I hope it will look a lot different, and be much improved for the rest of my plants...among other things. I guess I'll begin by taking some measurements and heading over to the farm store for some fencing and mulch. Coffee first, and then I'm off to get my supplies.

"Baltimorioles"...

 

 

They sit in line and wait their turn. Shortly before I snapped this photograph, both boys were waiting for a little sparrow to finish his snack. It's a treat for Handsome and me to watch them flit in and away from the feeders all day. Each one's coloring is just a bit different from the others, but there's no mistaking that orange flash when they're flying around in the yard. 

The hollyhocks have begun to open so I'll be sharing images of all their colorful blossoms very soon. The hummingbirds love feeding from them, so I hope to catch a few special photos of them feeding, too.

Wishing you a lovely Friday, as another week quickly comes to an end. Wishing my mum a happy 86th Birthday, too. Lots going on today, so I'd better get going. I'll tell you all about it very soon.

Even So...

 

My weather widget says we got about nine inches of snow over the past 48 hours or so. This time it wasn't the dry fluffy kind. It was snowman-making snow...heavy and wet. No. I didn't make one, but I did shovel the walk and part of the concrete approach to our garage building while Andy plowed us out. 

I let Tag and Bella outside first thing and while Bella had fun romping around, Tag was not impressed. He was having a most difficult time trying to maneuver to do his business. When everything else was cleared, I shoveled a makeshift path in the snow to give him some relief. I think he was grateful, although with him, one can never be certain. They were both quite happy to leave all this behind and go back into the toasty warm farmhouse.

 

On our way back in, I couldn't help but notice the clear area right next to the house, outside the kitchen windows. This is the sheltered kitchen garden area with a southern exposure. Even following the recent snow dump, I see tulips and hollyhocks already peeking out of the ground. It lifted my spirits to know that we already have signs of the promise of Spring. Something else to look forward to.

Working On A Strawberry...

Brynwood Needleworks - Strawberry Sachet Hollyhocks

I began work on this last evening. I'm embroidering a strawberry sachet for a friend who loved the hollyhocks (as much as I do). I'm hoping to have it completed over the weekend, and then I can send it on its way early next week.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Strawberry Sachet Hollyhocks Detail

 

I'm not finished with all the details on this yet, and there will certainly be more stems as I've only begun the embroidery. I have centers to stitch for some of these blossoms, and then I'll move to the left to start more plants. 

 

I think my best gardening efforts involve thread. The hollyhocks outside have taken on a life of their own and they're thriving in spite of me, but I like that I really don't have to weed the flowers I stitch. It's definitely easier on the knees. lol 

 

Speaking of knees...I think my injection is helping. At least I'm not suffering the reaction I had from the cortisone! I believe the swelling prior to the injection is actually diminished, and I am having an easier time getting around. The doctor said it could take up to a month for me to see and feel the effects, so I think I'll just pamper my knee to be safe. Thanks to everyone for their prayers, thoughts, and concern. I really appreciate it!

Today's The Day...

Brynwood Needleworks - Glorious Farmhouse Hollyhocks

 

Today's the day. I thought you might like to see how magnificent the hollyhocks have become in just a few short days. They're truly the largest (height and width) I've ever seen in my life!

 

Brynwood Needleworks - The Colors Are So Lovely

It must be the soil, but I only remember purchasing three different colors when I planted the first five plants a few short years ago. I know I selected the dark and light pink ones. I didn't purchase the peach, white and yellow ones. They must be mutants. lol I'll take them either way! 

Mom's poor Shasta daisies are being pushed out by these big bullies, so I'll likely ask Handsome to replant the daisies into an open spot on the terrace in front of the porch to give them room to grow. He'll dig and I'll point. A perfect couple, don't you think?

I said "today's the day". It's time for another (hopefully last for this issue) surgery. I've been hopeful and prayerful, and I couldn't be more anxious for this to be over. Not just the surgery, but the issue. Perhaps I'll tell you about it someday, but it's one of those predominantly female issues that needed attention. Almost a year later, I'm (pre-op today) worse than I was at the beginning of this saga. 

We have help watching the dogs, so Handsome can be with me at the hospital, and then bring me home following the procedure. I'll be fine. I know God watches the sparrow, and I know He watches me. I'll see you tomorrow.

Hollyhock Hill Farm...

Brynwood Needleworks - Pink Hollyhocks

 

Handsome and I were outside yesterday. He said to me, "Maybe we should have named our place Hollyhock Farm, instead of Hickory Hill Farm. They're really taking over!" He's right!

Brynwood Needleworks - Creamy Yellow Hollyhocks

 

They've transplanted themselves all over our yard! They're now growing next to our front stairs, and even in the gravel on the other side of our front walkway.

Brynwood Needleworks - White and Pink Hollyhocks

These are growing right next to the back door. I'm looking straight on at them, and I'm 5'8" tall! I'm not planting geraniums this year because the hollyhocks have sprouted up where I usually put my red beauties. 

I'm looking forward to the next few days. We got much-needed rain overnight, so I'm expecting all those blossoms to pop open any minute. If you don't already follow Brynwood Needleworks on Facebook, you might want to join the group. I'll post updated hollyhock pictures there.

Oh. One more thing. No, we are not changing the name of Hickory Hill Farm. I admit, though. It was an interesting idea.

A Blooming Great Weekend...

Brynwood Needleworks - Farmhouse Bleeding Hearts Sentiment

 I actually spent more time outdoors this past weekend, than I did in the studio.I'm sharing a few photographs to show you some of the beauty around our farmhouse.If you're especially quiet, you might even see a surprise visitor from time to time.
 

Brynwood Needleworks - Phlox and Iris

  It's nearly impossible for me to kneel to weed the gardens as I should, but Handsome helpedme pull thistles and burdock that will overtake the flowers if they get the chance. I let some ofthem grow for the finches, but they're not allowed in my kitchen, terrace or fenceline gardens.

Brynwood Needleworks - Purple Iris and White Crystal Star Columbines

 The grass is completely out of control, but I'll have to set my sights on next summer toclean all of them out of my flower beds. I refuse to use Roundup or other poisons. Good old-fashioned hand weeding and mulch will be the only way I'll tackle them.

Brynwood Needleworks - One of Our Daily Visitors

 When I'm outdoors near the feeders, the hummingbirds will fly all around me (or Handsome)as they drop in for a sip at one of the three feeders we keep clean and filled for them. Of course,they have lots of sweet and colorful options growing all around our and our neighbors' properties.

Brynwood Needleworks - Fragrant Lavender

 

The hollyhocks are really encroaching on my daisies (not blooming yet) and lavender right now. I think I'll be moving the daisies and lavender into the terrace gardens when I know rain is in the forecast, so Mother Nature can help water them in for me. 

 

I'll be giving the hollyhocks a serious culling late summer, too. They need to be tamed. They've already crowded out my chives, and the delphiniums are at risk, too. I had no idea they would fairly take over my kitchen garden, as I've never re-seeded or planted new since the first ones went into the ground. Now "volunteers" are growing on the terrace around the base of the porch, and even in the gravel next to the
sidewalk! I'll definitely be clipping them before the go to seed this year.

Don't get me wrong. I love their huge leaves and colorful blooms, but I love those other plants, too, and these hollyhocks are bullies!

Brynwood Needleworks - Sweet Clover

The story is that our farmhouse was "planted" here in a bed of clover in 1918. When it's dry and we really need the rain, the clover fills into the grass to feed the bees, and remind us of the farm's history. I have clover growing in our terrace garden now, but I won't be removing it. The bees love it, and so do I.

I also don't weed out the plantain, dandelions, and a few other "weeds". I love the old ways when these plants provided medicinal purposes for folks long-gone. They're welcome here, along with any of their friends...well, with the possible exception of stinging nettles. That's the one plant that makes me break out in a rash. I know the nettle tea is supposed to be good for you, but I can't get past those hairy leaves. 

 

Dear neighbor, Andy came down and pulled them out of the fence garden for me last year when I told Shelly just how allergic I am to them. He's really the best! Sorry, nettles. You're not welcome here.

I'll share more photographs once the hollyhocks and daisies open up. After my morning coffee, I'll be in the studio filling orders. Time to play indoors again.

Sunday Scripture...

James 1:17 - Farmhouse First Hollyhocks