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. 

It's That Hot...

I've got another doctor's appointment this afternoon. I've already filled the bird feeders and refilled the bird baths with fresh, clean, cold water.

Bella and Carly had their morning run around, so as soon as they're settled I'll feed them. I'm giving Handsome a break today.

Yesterday and all of this week our temperatures here in Wisconsin nearly match what they've got in sw Florida! I thought we moved back to get away from that. I promise, my northern friends, we didn't pack this weather to bring back in our moving trucks!

Well, enough whining for me (today). After I get back from my appointment, my plan is to do a little more stitching on my Monarch project. I think whatever I'm going to do will be low exertion, for sure.

Take it easy and drink lots of water. Stay safe, friends. I'll see you tomorrow.

 

Today's Forecast...

 What's left to say? I'll be doing a bit of canning, perhaps some snow removal with Handsome, putting out more birdseed, and a lot of "staying inside!

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! 

Stormy Weather...

Brynwood Needleworks - Storm Coming - Liljegren's Hickory Hill Farm

 

Yesterday afternoon, the windows were all open; the breezes were flowing through the farmhouse; and the sun was shining. I have a door to our airing porch located in my sewing studio, and the door was open wide to let the air move through my workroom. 

I noticed that the wind turned around and it was starting to get dark, so I went out on the airing porch to take a look around. This was my view to the north of our farmhouse. Sunshine was giving way to clouds, and I could see the rain moving from the west toward the farm.

Within five minutes of me taking this photograph, the rain was pounding against our buildings. Handsome and I had already closed windows, doors and the outbuildings were closed and secure. We were inside with the dogs, and we were all safe and dry.

The rains left as quickly as they came, and by late afternoon, the sun was again shining down on Hickory Hill Farm. The temperatures were in the mid to high 80s today, but after the storm, it was about 20º cooler. The sunset was magnificent, and the stars were out by the time we went to bed. It was a lovely end to a changing weather day.

 

 

I was in town for my haircut, too, yesterday, and then I went to see a table for the studio. The sewing cabinet I use for my Destiny wasn't really built for it, and the weight of my machine was causing the table top to warp. It's really inconvenient when I attach the embroidery arm because I have to lift the machine to make the connection, so I decided to check out a new-to-me table. (I bought it, and brought it home, along with another great find I'll tell you about tomorrow.)

 

I'm a little low on sewing mojo right now. I have work to do, but no gumption to do it. When that happens, I clean. I had the studios torn up, rearranged, and mostly put back together by dinner time. I'm going to bring the new table in first, and then perhaps today will be a sewing day. We're supposed to get more storms, and I'm usually careful about turning on my machines during bad weather. We'll see how it goes. I can always do more prep work for upcoming projects, so even if I don't sew, I can get caught up in other ways.

Today is Friday, of course, so I may just decide to shut down early and hang out with Handsome and the pups. I can always work tomorrow. wink

The Weather Is Fine, Thanks...

This Week's Weather

 

I'm feeling 1000% better as of yesterday. I managed to keep an appointment with James...the hairdresser who's done my hair for over 14 years. I stayed in bed for three days to make sure I'd be well enough to keep my "date" with James.

I hadn't seen him since I moved up to the farm in 2017, so he was surprised to see me on his schedule, and we spent the hour he cut my hair catching up on our lives. It was great. I promised to come back one more time before we head back north.

I'm not sharing my weather app image to make your envious, but goodness, it was nice to be outside again. Even if it rains, the temps are going to be perfect for January...whether you're in the north or south. Now, I can make the most of it!

Stormy Weather...

The Storm Approaching From The West

It's been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. If that's true, prepare for the next six thousand words. The photo captions can help explain the images.

Approaching Storm Over The Barns

The weather was much cooler as the storm approached. The birds got quiet as they sought shelter, and the skies grew darker.

Northwest View Of The Approaching Storm

This line moved quickly as Handsome and I stood on our upstairs airing porch. When the rains started, we almost couldn't see the trees.

After The Storm - Facing East

After about a half hour to forty five minutes, the rains stopped and the storms moved further east, away from us. The birds started to fly around and sing again.

Sunset Over The Barns

Our sunset was glorious. "Red sky at night, sailors delight." Sailors weren't the only ones delighted with this beautiful sky.

Sunset After The Storm

 

It was a beautiful end to a day of bumpy weather. Thanks to Shelly and Andy who called us and offered storage space in their big barn for the Flying Cloud. (The forecast was for "possible damaging hail". They wanted to help us, and we accepted.) All our vehicles and toys were safely under cover, thanks to our friends.

Finally...

Florida's "hot, humid and sticky" weather seems to have finally broken! The 

past couple of days have been drier and breezy. The temperature has been in 

the low 80s during the day, and in the blissfully comfortable 70s at night. 

FINALLY, my kind of weather! The doors and windows are open wide.

I can hear the soothing sounds of the pool waterfall from every room in

our home. Even the birds are more vocal when the weather is cooler.

I'm hoping that this weather hangs around until April or May. This

is why we moved to Florida...and this is why our much-appreciated

"snowbirds" migrate from the north every winter. Family will be here

in a week, and I'm hoping the weather is just like this when they arrive.

Have a great weekend. 

We're looking forward to spending more time outdoors.

Stormy Weather...

We've had rainstorms blowing through the past two days. We're expected to

have more of the same the rest of this week, too! It's perfect weather for

staying inside and working in the studio. I did have appointments each day,

but when we got back home, I could be found working on the Dresden plates.

Florida has some of the most stunning post-storm skies. The interplay between

clouds, light and dark can sometimes leave a person breathless. I love how the

light bounces off the top of the clouds like spotlights in the left side of this picture.

  As sunset gives way to darkness, the last bits of light peek over the clouds  turning the sky shades of orange and purple. Night falls and the world rests.    I'll finish the plates today and catch a few photos to share tomorrow. Happy Thursday!

Our Safe (Terra) Port In A Storm...

Bad weather bearing down on Jackson Center, OH.

It was around 3:30 pm when our Flying Cloud arrived at its birthplace - the Airstream Factory in Jackson Center, Ohio.

Our Flying Cloud (and truck)

We're here to have work done, and to have additional awnings installed for extra shade when we're out and a little "exposed". You can see the one long awning on the "curb" side of The Cloud. It really comes in handy when it's been so sunny and hot. We're adding an awning to the back of the coach, as well as a long (but narrower) awning on the "street" side for additional shade over the windows on that exposure.

There is high wind and lightning in those clouds!

We were happy to have again parked at Airstream's campground (called the TerraPort), and had only been here about forty five minutes when we noticed "weather" approaching from the west. We got the antenna up and pulled in the Weather Channel to find that there were severe storm warnings/watches for our area. Then Handsome turned on his computer and went to the NOAA website to see that those storms were quickly bearing down on us!

Why do weather reporters feel the need to give you the worst-case scenario? I mean, they were talking about the possibility of the Derecho (I never heard of this before until last week!), or even tornadoes!

I managed to get outside to snap a few photos before the wind came up bringing lightning and lots of rain. It took two of us to wrestle the antenna back into its safe down position while we weathered out the storm. We even heard the city sirens sounding while we were safely tucked inside our Flying Cloud.

For some inexplicable reason, I was relaxed and unworried. We're in Airstream's campground after all. I took a nap.

When I woke up, I gave Taggart his dinner and then made dinner for Handsome and me. The air is cooler now and the storms have passed.

A peaceful moonrise after the storm.

I took this photo from inside our Cloud as the moon is rising over the TerraPort. We knew it was going to be a quiet night and sleep came easily.

Today we'll look forward to seeing old friends at the Service Center and going off to do some exploring as they work on our coach. I'm sure The Corgi will have some interesting things to share with you tomorrow. (You know how much he looks forward to seeing you every week, right?)

Take Good Care Of Yourself...

If you live in a state where you're currently digging out from under inches or - Heaven forbid - feet of snow, I don't expect you to have an ounce of sympathy for me. But, honestly girlfriends, it's going to be freezing down here the next couple of nights!

Handsome and I spent time yesterday afternoon protecting a few of the ornamental trees in our yard. Now, it looks like all the pygmy date palms are wearing shower caps! Let's not even talk about the fact that all my good sheets are now out in the yard. sheesh!

I'm not going to show you what the plants in the Holidome or the back yard look like, either. My huge star jasmine bushes (planted when we first moved here) are safe, but look like they're in a witness protection program hiding under sheets - and the covered plants in the Holidome make it look like we're getting the ceiling painted! Stylish, don't you think?
We've really perfected our technique of whipping those sheets around as we wrestle control from the wind. We've got quite the collection of heavy duty clips and clamps to secure the sheets to the trees so they stay in place. We're quite a sight to behold.

These protective covers will only have to stay on the trees two nights at the most, but it's the second time we've had to do this already this winter. Perhaps the next snowbird to cross the border will close the door behind them. It's really cold for those of us used to southern Florida weather! I've become a real whimp since we moved here...and I love it!

I remember being in first grade in Wisconsin. My teacher's name was Mrs. Kerr, and I loved her dearly. I recall the end of one specific school day that winter. She was helping each one of us bundle up so that we could walk home. Our parents didn't drop us off and pick us up each day. We walked - in my case three blocks - home. I had warm clothes to wear and a particularly jaunty black and white scarf. As she bundled me up, she sang "Buckle up your overcoat, when the winds blow free. Take good care of yourself. You belong to me." I still smile when I think of this sweet teacher.

I hope that wherever you are, you're warm and safe from your weather. If you have to travel, please be careful, and "take good care of yourself. You belong to me."