Thank Heaven For Andy...

 

We purchased this property in the fall of 2016, and moved in the spring of 2017.  We brought our yard tractor from Florida, and then purchased a second larger tractor with a bucket and mower attachments once we got here. Most of the time, they serve us well, but in the winter, no one moves snow like Andy.

Every snow day, he gets out his truck with a snow plow attachment. He takes the first pass of his drive as he heads to our neighbor, Mary Jane's down near the south end of our road. She's the first drive he clears. Then he heads back north and clears Connie and her husband's drive. Once he finished there, he comes to our place, which is where his in-laws used to live. Thankfully, we're still on his route. He moves all the snow that accumulates on our drive, and when I'm here alone, he will frequently shovel the walk and garage approach, or help me to do it. After he leaves here, he finished his drive on the way home, before he puts his truck away until the next time.

This last big storm, we got a whopping twelve inches of snow in a twenty four hour period, with more that came in the following twenty four hours. Then the winds came up and moved all the snow into drifts across our drive and yard. In some places, it was thigh-high on me. Even though we had shoveled our walk so the dogs could air out when they needed to, there was absolutely no way Handsome and I would ever be able to move all that snow in one day, let alone a few hours. Andy to the rescue. Rather than bring his plow truck this time, he'd planned ahead, attaching a huge snow blower to his big tractor. Seeing him come down his driveway got me all teary-eyed.

 

 

He traveled his usual route, and then started blowing as he came up our driveway. The bad thing about a snow like this was that our ground wasn't fully frozen, so there were iced areas under the snow, where his wheels just turned with no traction against the snowbanks. He got frustrated that he "couldn't do a better job", but we were beyond grateful that he accomplished all he did.

At one point, as the guys were talking in this picture, I opened the front door and called out to Andy to tell him how much we appreciated his help. He responded with his usual, humble "No problem", but I said thanks again, and told him (with a choked, emotion-filled voice) that it meant the world to us. I went back inside before he saw me in tears. It really did mean the world to me.

When Handsome came in for a bit, he asked me if I was starting to cry when I said thanks to Andy. I said I had. I also told him how grateful I was that he was home instead of in Florida. I told him being snowed in for multiple cloudy days was bearable because I was with him. Alone would have been too lonely for me. I guess I just didn't realize how much it meant to me that he wasn't in another state until just then. 

I told him that when he goes, I just put on my big girl panties and do what needs to be done. I didn't come from "whiner stock", and I consider myself a strong, strong-willed woman. I do it so he can do what he loves...making music. I wanted him to know, though, just how much I appreciate the strong, protective men in my life, and in this instance it wasn't just my husband. It is also the man who lives with his kind and generous wife up the hill from us.

After Andy moved so much of the snow drifts and cleared our drive, Handsome got out our tractor and moved what was too close to the buildings for Andy to get to. We also have a blade on the back that Andy loaned us last year "just in case", and it's come in really handy. He helped my husband put it back on last week, anticipating the storm. Handsome can pull snow away from the buildings with the blade, and then scoop it up with our bucket on the front. After another hour or so, the yard was again passable. 

Of course, the wind blew snow around over night, but that was more easily dealt with. The ice underneath is another matter, so after being holed up for the weekend (we've been home since Thursday because the heavy snow started before daybreak on Friday), we'll need to get out this morning for sand and salt to cover and deal with the ice. We have a ten foot long slab of quartz arriving this afternoon to be installed, and I don't want a single thing to interfere with that!

As an aside, as the temperatures dropped in the minus category, the barn girls were allowed into the house. As soon as the temps rise above zero again, they can go back to their cozy accommodations in the barn, but for now, they're safe inside.

Poor Tag and his short legs will be here to chat with you tomorrow, but I'll have lots of photographs to share on Wednesday. By then, the counter will be installed, the plumber will have completed his work, and with the possible exception of the electrician, we should be wrapped up on the project.

I just wanted to be sure that I wrote a special tribute to a wonderful man, neighbor, and friend today. Thanks for indulging me - and a million thanks to Andy for his kind, generous, and gracious heart. If it weren't for him, I sometimes wonder just how we'd get along here at the end of the road. He really is a gift in our lives.

Enough Already!...

 
The early morning trip to pick up the heating pad for the barn girls never happened. By first light, there was already fresh snow on the ground, and flurries so thick you couldn't see our neighbors' homes on the corner. The blizzard had already arrived.

Instead, Handsome and I aired the dogs (poor Tag couldn't negotiate the snow at all), put out feeders with birdseed, and took care of the barn ladies. Within two hours, this is the snow that had accumulated on the feeder and birdhouse in the sheltered section of our yard. You're looking at nearly 5" of snow on the feeder. By the end of the day the weather widget in my iPhone said that our area recorded 11.75" of snow, but, hey...let's just call it 12". What's a 1/4" at this point? Another 2" was forecast for overnight. I haven't checked that yet.

When the plow comes to clear out our road, the driver typically plows up our road to the farm lane. He pulls into the lane enough so he can turn around and put the plow down adjacent to our mailbox. From there, he plows back down the other side of the road on his way out.

Thursday, he overestimated the "safe zone" on the farmer's lane. He drove too far out and got stuck. Thankfully, he had a load of sand in the dump truck, so he moved further into the lane, dumped a bunch of sand, and created enough traction to extricate himself from the lane. Sadly, not before tearing up the gravel and part of the farmer's field. We just hoped he'd learned his lesson. Not so fast...

When he showed up today, guess what? Yep. He did it again. Due to the ruts from the previous situation - and the fact that he again went too far out onto the lane - we watched in disbelief when he got stuck yet again. I realized I was standing slack-jawed that he would have managed to get the plow in trouble the. very. next. day. 

Getting out this time took a bit longer, but he finally dumped more sand and after a lot of effort, hand shoveling, and rockin' that plow truck, he finally managed to again extricate himself. We walked away from the dining room windows shaking our heads. Let's hope he's learned his lesson.

Needless to say, the road conditions were slippery, snowy, and with little visibility. We stayed put all day. I'm hoping that the wind with lie down so we can run a few errands, most of them involving the barn cats. We shall see.

The counter company confirmed that they'll be here Monday between 1-3 pm to do the install. Right on schedule! Today, however, once we get home from running errands, you'll find me in my studio. I have work to do!

Last Sunday...

Last Sunday, we went to our elder son's home and found our younger son's family was also there. They all gathered to celebrate Handsome's Birthday, and for the last of our family Christmas gift exchange. Illness kept all of us from getting together for the actual holiday, but this was a perfect rain check.

As we drove into their driveway, we were greeted by the neighborhood wild turkeys. Our son and his family live right across from a marsh and wildlife area, so they have lots of visitors. We've been there in the past when a dozen turkeys just march through their yard. Quite a sight to behold when you consider they're within mere feet of the house. 

 

This trip, not only were we greeted by turkeys, but we were treated to a trio of deer that grazed their way through the backyard, too. In fact, they're quite tame for city deer. Our son's Golden retriever sat on their back deck as the deer sauntered past. We were told that the dog and deer are quite chummy. These deer weren't more than fifteen feet from the deck.

So, I have a little bit of news to share today, too. We have friends whose daughters we've known since they were teenagers. They're now grown with families of their own, and we are quite proud of the women they've become. The younger of the two ladies manages a gas station/restaurant/convenience store just three miles from our farmhouse. 

Handsome and I stopped for lunch one day about a month ago, and she was telling me how hard it is to find people who want to work, which started a whole discussion. At the end of our chat, I allowed as how I'd be happy to come up and help out for 10-20 hours a week, but that I didn't want weekend or late night hours. She handed me an application and we were off to the races.

I worked a week ago Friday answering the phones and taking orders for their delicious Friday night fish (fish fries are a big deal in Wisconsin, in case you haven't heard...second only to our supper club brandy old-fashioneds.) It was a fast-paced three hours of work, and I had fun.

Yesterday was my first day of actual training to use the register, as I took more food orders on the phone, and generally learned the ropes. I worked six hours on my feet, and because we had another snowfall the night before, I wore my boots. Next time I'll carry my Rockport™ shoes - meant for comfort - and change into them once I get there.

I sure don't intend to be there full-time - and I am still preparing for the show in February - but when Handsome goes to Florida for four months at a time, I can go weeks without leaving the farmhouse. The fact that he's staying home this year means that I don't have to fret about having the dogs crated the whole time I'm gone. They stay out with him, and I have a reason to get out at least once a week.

Anyway, it was fun to see new faces, earn a little mad money, and most of all, help a friend for a few hours a week. Plus, on the days I work, I place a food order before I leave and arrive home with a hot meal in hand. I don't have to put thought into what I'm going to make once I'm home. Bonus!

Today, we're running out so I can purchase a heated pad for the barn girls. If we're going to have a deep freeze, I'm going to do something extra for them to make sure they're toasty warm in the barn. They have an electric wax warmer (sans wax) in their insulated dresser up to now, along with a body heat-reflecting pad, but I'll lose sleep worrying if that would be sufficient in -13ºF weather. They'll be better off with the electric warming bed, so that's what I'm going to get for them. I'll have it all installed and ready for them later this morning. 

We're going early because we have another winter snowstorm warning (up to 6") today, and I've been told I probably won't have to go into work for three hours tonight either because of it. We'll be back home before it starts to really accumulate, and then hunker down until it passes. My cats have developed nice thick coats, so I'm sure this purchase is more for my peace of mind than their necessity, but I'm not taking any chances. Then I'll be sewing by this afternoon, as long as my girls are okay outside. 

I've read all your wonderful comments on yesterday's pantry update, but Blogger glitches on me from time to time, and I can't reply. I promise I'll leave comments during the day to answer all of them. Thanks so much for all your kind words. I'm glad you like what we're doing as much as we do. You're the best!!

I have to run now before the weather gets too crummy to be on the road. See you again tomorrow, and thanks again! 

Tuesdays With Tag - Not More White Stuff!...

Hi, Everybody!

I figured if we had to wake up to this, so could you, right? I hope that at least where you are, it's sunny and warmer. Dad said it's even been in the 90s in Florida, and I have to admit, we don't miss that steamy hot weather, but this is gettin' ridiculous.

After celebratin' 82º on Sunday, this is what we work up to on Monday mornin', and it kept snowin' all day and into the night. Thankfully, today it's gonna get up into the 50s, so maybe it will all melt today. At least we're keepin' our paws crossed.

So, rather than say a bunch, I'll just leave you with more doggy/snowy pictures. I'm hopin' next week I can share more of the "Greenin' Up of Hickory Hill Farm".

 

If you look closely here, you'll see that the lilies are already up under the old apple tree, and there are leaves openin' up on the lilac bushes.

 

 

 

 

Maybe next week, we'll be able to see more flowers, grass, and sunshine. We're sure hopin' for a warmer week ahead, too.

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then... 

"Be A Good Dog."

Gotta Love A Farm Boy...

When I went to bed on Wednesday night, it was still snowing and blowing. We'd already had about 20" of snow dumped on us, and the yard was blanketed in a thick blanket of white. I wondered whether or not to cancel an overdue oil change for my Explorer, but I thought I'd wait until morning to see whether or not I'd be able to get out.

I awoke to the sound of heavy equipment. It didn't sound like the county plow, so I got up and looked out the window. Andy had brought out his big tractor with the rear snowblower attachment, and it was already shooting snow in a huge plume off his driveway.

By the time I got my act together and got dressed, he'd already finished two other driveways on our road, and in his usual circuit Hickory Hill Farm was the last stop on this route before he made the final pass back up his own driveway.

All the snow in the foreground of this picture is actually what built up on the roof over our big porch. I took the image from the second story, (new) studio window. Even so, there was at least 19" of snow that needed to be moved, and where it drifted, it was even higher. There's no way I would have been able to get out onto the road the way our drive looked before Andy came to the rescue.

I gave him the loaf of bread I'd made for him and Shelly, thanked him profusely, and went and got dressed into proper clothes for my appointment. Thanks to our friend, the driveway was cleared again...until last night.

It was still snowing when I went to bed, and another 2" or so had fallen on the drive. The wind was driving against the house, and the temperature had dropped. Time to take down the "Let It Snow" snowflake door decor on our front door. I've had enough now.

Thanks to Andy for being such a considerate neighbor. I couldn't have moved a foot out of the garage without his help. I'm serious. You've really gotta love a farm boy.

Tuesdays With Tag - Oh, No! Not Snow...

Hi, Everybody!

I planned to be talkin' about Halloween and contemplatin' costumes with you this week, but now, there's only one thing on my mind. It snowed Sunday night! We all woke up to blowin' winds and white stuff all over the ground. Like that wasn't bad enough, it kept on snowin' for a lot of Monday.

It didn't matter which window or door you looked out, there was white as far as the eye could see! What the heck? I know Bella and Carly kinda like it, but you know how I feel about it. Draggin' my junk through cold snow cones is not my idea of a good time, especially since it's supposed to be fall right now.

It gets like this and runnin' up the field no longer holds any appeal for me. No runnin' off until spring, I guess. Mom's already let me out of the house to do my business without havin' to snap a lead on me...more than once! Maybe there's a little (teeny tiny) silver linin' in this cloud?

So don't ask me what I might be wearin' for Halloween quite yet. I may just don a snowsuit, or go out as a snowman. It would be perfect camo for this particular weather event. I'm gonna have to rethink this whole thing this year. Maybe I should go as Oscar the Grouch, 'cuz that's how I'm feelin' right this very second. 

Lookin' at this picture, I'd better remind Mom to bring in the hummin'bird feeders. I'm sure they were smart enough to blow this pop stand before the white junk started fallin'. 

I'd better close for this week. I think I'm soundin' like a real Debby Downer, and we all know Corgis are much cheerier than that. At least usually. A little sunshine wouldn't hurt my outlook.

I'll see you again in seven. 'til then... 

"Been There, Chewed That!"

Mother Nature's Weathermen...

Wooly Bear Weather Predictions via Instagram

Have you seen any wooly bears yet? I've seen more than a few looking to settle in for the cold weather. It was in the 30s night before last, and in the 40s last night. 

Claudette's sleeping in the little insulated, fleece-lined fabric "igloo" I bought for her, and I've enveloped it in a little quilt, too. She's still sleeping on the front porch, but I'll be moving her into the Compass Barn before too long. I check on her every night before I go to bed, and she's all curled up, purring for me. I think it's her version of "Thanks, Mom!"

Anyway, I've seen two versions of wooly bears so far. Number Two and Number Three. That works for me, if we can expect a moderate or mild winter. So, I'm going to keep looking, and if I've got my phone handy, I'll take a few photos, too.

After all the snow we had last year, a mild or moderate winter would be nice...especially since Handsome is going to stay home from Florida this year. Fingers crossed, okay?

Finally...

Brynwood Needleworks - Snow On The Compass Barn

 

Our first December snowfall of the year here at Hickory Hill Farm.

 

Brynwood Needleworks - Snowy Side Porch Rails

Snow started falling just before dark yesterday,

Brynwood Needleworks - Snowy Front Porch View

 and continued through the night.
 

Brynwood Needleworks - Snowy Side Porch View

 Something about December snows that's magical. Perhaps it's the Christmas lights. Perhaps it's the season of good cheer.Whatever it is, I'm happy to see it this year. I'm feeling a bit more of the holiday spirit already.

Apple Saucing...

Brynwood Needleworks - A Perfect Day To Make Applesauce

 

Handsome and I finally set about turning our apples into applesauce this past weekend. It rained the later part of the week, so we decided to wait a few days. 

 

Saturday, we put the first peck of apples into our two slow cookers and let them stew the morning away. We had those jars canned by dinnertime, and started the second peck after that. We let them cook until we headed up to bed, and then turned them off overnight.

First thing yesterday, we started up again, and decided to put the other half bushel into our large Nesco™ roaster because it had a larger capacity. By late afternoon, all the apples were jarred and water bathed...and there was snow on the ground.

Brynwood Needleworks - Our First Snow Day

 

The day began cool enough, and the forecast brought promised flurries. At first, the temperature kept the snow from sticking. It just melted on contact, but it got cooler as the day progressed, and the snow finally started to collect. 

Brynwood Needleworks - Our Front Yard

I took these two photographs of the yard right before dark. By nightfall, we had a dozen quarts, plus four pints of slow cooked applesauce in the pantry, and a nice blanket of snow in the yard. I'd say that's just about perfect.

December 1st...

Brynwood Needleworks - Snow Day

December came in on snowy wings this year. We had rain late Saturday, but in the wee hours of Sunday morning, it turned to snow. It dropped white flakes throughout the day, finally stopping after dark, when the wind kicked up.

Thanks to Andy, we now have snow fence in strategic places, in hopes that they'll interrupt the wind as it blows across the yard. Perhaps we won't get the huge drifts in front of our garage door this year. The weather was nice enough a couple days ago so that he could put it up for us. I swear, he gets the "Neighbor/Friend of The Year" award for 2019 (and every year we'll ever live in the farmhouse!).

Brynwood Needleworks - House Finch

 

I went out Sunday morning to make sure the snow wasn't blocking up any of the bird feeders, but they seemed to like the one closest to the house today. I thought this picture of one of the many house finches that ate here today was pretty. Those pinkish feathers and the stylized scrolls on the post that holds up the feeder right outside our kitchen window made for a sweet image.

 

The weather didn't bother us. We were safe and warm in the farmhouse. I was making up orders in my studio, and Handsome was happily watching football all day. I did miss an annual party with friends in my old stomping grounds about an hour away, but with slippery, snowy roads, I thought it better to stay home. I'm not the adventurous driver I used to be!

 

I have one more order to make up today, and then I'm turning my attention to Christmas gifts for this year. Yep. The elves called and wondered what day they're supposed to show up so we can get busy. I told them I'll be watching for them the end of this week. I'll be sharing all my projects along the way.

 

Well, this last order isn't going to make itself, you know. One or two cups of coffee and I'll be heading back to the studio. Tag's coming back tomorrow. He's being really secretive about his next post. Hmmmm. I wonder what it could be?

   

PS. Don't forget there's a sale in my shop this week! Coupon Code BIRTHDAY15 will get you a nice discount in time for your holiday shopping. Code expires this Saturday!  Just click on the Etsy widget in my sidebar to get to my shop.

"Snowloween"...

Brynwood Needleworks - Bella, Snow Dog

 

We woke up yesterday to a wild snowstorm. It got heavier and continued most of the day, dropping a few inches of snow over that time. The wind was blowing, so it caused significant drifting in front of our big barn. Apparently, Autumn decided to dress as Winter for Halloween. She did a stellar job, too!

Bella was intrigued by the weather, and believe me, she really wanted to run around when we took her out in the yard. She scoped the whole yard, hunting for squirrels, or other critters looking for something to eat. (I left all the hickory nuts for the squirrels and chipmunks this year.)

Brynwood Needleworks - Snow At The Farmhouse

It was beautiful to look at, but it was really cold once we got outside. Handsome and I were toasty, all bundled up, as we got the tractor out of the barn and moved some of the drifts. I also took the shovel to the porch for the first time. (Reminder: Start at the top of the steps. Don't work up from the bottom. lol)

Brynwood Needleworks - Snow Birds

The birds were all fluffed up, foraging and eating at the feeders, which they quickly emptied. Once our road was plowed, we headed to Fleet Farm and bought big bags of feed that will help the birds through this wintry surprise. Before the end of the day, we went around and refilled all the feeders, and I made sure the one I left in the Compass Barn for the opossums was filled, in case Fuzzy Butt and his friends show up soon.

We don't know if this snow is going to hang around, but we're planning that it will. That means, I'm staying inside to sew, and going out only to make sure the feeders are filled. So October 31, 2019 is now in the books as the first "Snowloween" since I was a kid. Talk about a really chiller!

Oh, my gosh!!!! It's NOVEMBER 1ST!!! I'd better get busy. I have a big craft fair event on November 24th. I've got a 10' x 10' booth to fill. Grab my sewing machine. Today, I flyyyyyy!

Farmhouse Renovation - Unplanned...

Brynwood Needleworks - Compass Barn Door (Before)

After working in the yard last Wednesday, we were unable to pull the old garage door down to cover the opening on the Compass Barn. Rats. We'd hoped to limp one more season with the old door, having just completed the porch project, but the door had other ideas.

I went online, did a search for "Garage Doors" in our area and picked one that was nearby. I made a call, and within an hour the owner was in our driveway, taking measurements and giving us a quote. We gave him the go-ahead, and the replacement installation was scheduled for Tuesday.

On Friday, he called to tell us that they cleared the current job earlier than planned, so they'd be here on Monday. He said they'd be here at 8:00 am, and the workmen drove in at 7:59.

Brynwood Needleworks - Compass Barn Door (Removal In Progress)

The guys got right to work removing the old door, which was ready to come down. The fiberglass model had long outlived its usefulness, but it did a good job keeping rain and snow out of the barn. 

Brynwood Needleworks - Compass Barn Door (Old Door Down)

The old door was down within minutes, and the guys set about framing up for the new door. They had taken down all the old tracks and hardware, so they made the new frame to close up the gaps in the original frame, and put up the new tracks.

Side note: If you look through to the opposite side wall of the barn, you can see daylight. When the owner made his initial visit, he asked us if we wanted an insulated door. This picture explains why we giggled, and declined, opting instead for a sturdy, uninsulated, metal door.

Brynwood Needleworks - Compass Barn Door (Bye Bye, Old Door)

They loaded up all the old door parts, and even hauled them away so we wouldn't have to worry about how to do that ourselves.
 

Brynwood Needleworks - Compass Barn Door (After)

In a very short time, we had a brand new door installed in the opening for the Compass Barn, and it really looks great. Even better, it will keep the elements out of the barn, so our machines will be protected, and any visiting opossums will be toasty warm this winter.

I have to say that this company (Mid-West Overhead Doors in Fond du Lac, WI) is a true customer service oriented business. 1) Fast response on initial call, 2) Great pricing, 3) Great employees, 4) Great product. We'll highly recommend them to any and all who ask.

Brynwood Needleworks - Front Yard - Saturday

Brynwood Needleworks - Front Yard - Tuesday

You'll remember the photo I shared of our front yard on Saturday. When we woke up yesterday morning, this was the view outside our windows. Reports said we got about three inches of the white stuff. I admit, I laughed out loud.

I remember snowy Halloweens as a kid, but forgot how snow looked in October. By the end of the day, even with warmer temps, we still had snow on the ground.

Brynwood Needleworks - Honeysuckle (Saturday)

Brynwood Needleworks - Honeysuckle (Tuesday)

 

The honeysuckle blossom is under a snowy mantle, too. I think it's pretty either way, but I think I prefer it without the snow. 

 

Bella sees the specialist again today. She's getting around pretty well (even if we had to keep her on a leash because she badly wanted to run in the snow), but we want to make sure everything is healing right, and see how much longer we have to keep her from running. I'll keep you updated on her condition, but from our point of view, she's doing remarkably well.

 

If you've got snow, stay safe and warm. If you're in a warmer climate, please don't rub it in to those who aren't. (wink)