Lady Farmer Parables

Snow and Ice

2012-01-19T15:44:00.000-08:00

We had lots of snow (10 inches), then a misty rain which froze on top.

The melting snow and ice glisten and are

a sight to behold...

but so heavy and brutal on the trees and plants.

We have lost another apple tree from the

extreme weight of the ice and several branches

from other trees have snapped off.

Little frozen rivers of ice on top of the snow!

A frozen puddle on top of the snow.

The trees look as though the White Witch (Narnia)

has passed through our little hamlet.

(Moments after snapping this photo, the branch above it

shattered and came crashing down.)

I had just stepped away to check out my little

Hens Haus.

The wall outside was painted with a

solid sheet of ice.

Frozen doorknob

I had a dickens of a time getting in to feed and

water my flock, who by the way, are not

at all happy to have to stay inside for

several days.

My poor little car covered in snow and ice.

The birds are extra greedy, gobbling up nearly twenty

pounds of feed in two days!

I think I will stay inside and crochet me a pair of

toasty fingerless gloves.

~*~

"Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow? or hast thou seen the treasures of the hail"

Job38:22

"He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes. He casteth forth his ice like morsels: who can stand before his cold?"

Psalms 147:16&17

Joining Deborah Jean's Farmgirl Friday

Dreaming...

2012-01-14T10:54:00.000-08:00

I am dreaming in the garden....

"For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody."

Isaiah 51:3

Good News!

2011-12-25T14:50:00.000-08:00

"behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

Luke 2:10&11

Seeing Stars!

2011-12-16T23:49:00.000-08:00

I have been following the directions for making

Folded German Paper Stars

from my friend LDH

over at With A Grateful Prayer and a Thankful Heart

blog. (Click to go to her wonderful video tutorial)

I made ~~several~~ dozens of them from the shiney

add sections of the newspaper to give to the

folks at church along with our annual

Christmas Card.

I wanted to make some for a sweet friend

but wanted them to be a little more special

so I dug out an old damaged hymnal

that I have been hanging on to...

tore out some of the Christmas Carols...

and folded a dozen stars from the pages.

I punched out a little hole to thread a hanger through

made from vintage 'Cloisonne Needlepoint Thread',

dipped them into melted wax and sprinkled on some

crystal glitter for sparkle!

Now they are on their way to their new home!

I hope she gets them before Christmas to put on her tree!

~*~

"We have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him."

Matthew 2:2

Early Morning in Winter

2011-12-13T22:37:00.000-08:00

photo of sunrise above Cove Cottage Farm
7:30am Tuesday, December 13, 2011

~*~

"I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, the bright morning star."

Revelation 22:16

A Little Treat for Thanksgiving

2011-11-22T19:40:00.001-08:00

For all the Secret Sisters at church.

Made from some pretty paper,

Stampin' Up Treat Cups,

and a few hours of my time.

Because I am thankful for each one!

~*~

"I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all"

Philippians 1: 3&4

Bread

2011-11-14T19:53:00.001-08:00

New Recipe in The Pantry!

~*~

But He answered and said, "It is written, 'MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.'"
Matthew 4:4

Lady Farmers Seed Swap and Share!

2011-11-03T13:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Gardening Friends!

You are cordially invited to attend

Lady Farmers first official

Seed Swap and Share!

Tomorrow Friday the 4th of November

at 12 noon Pacific time

I will publish my first seed share

post over at

Lady Farmer's Seed Swap.

If you grow flowers, veggies or herbs,

package up those extra seeds

and come visit and

An Autumn Mantel

2011-10-23T18:33:00.000-07:00

Our living room is not decorated using

overly feminine pieces

because a man lives here, too.

This season calls for a more rustic theme

that can be enjoyed by both a man

and a woman. I do have candles, a dried

floral and tree cones, for a nod to

the softer side, but nothing too flowery.

The soft muted colors of nature are soothing

and draws one closer to see the variety of

patterns and textures ~ in the stone of the fireplace,

the cones and the feathers.

I use things that we collect from nature

and that we both appreciate.

A pheasant feather arrangement gives the feel

of a floral arrangement for me but is masculine in

appeal for him.

Outdoorsy pear scented candle and a creamy

greenish colored dried hydrangea are feminine

yet not overpoweringly 'sweet'.

We both enjoy the wildness of the game birds

for their beauty and grace..

a shed antler that signifies the strength and cunning of

God's creatures and recollections of

'the thrill of the hunt' for him.

Beautiful old books are welcomed by both he and I.

Our Autumn mantel is a harmonious balance

of the wild outdoors and its natural beauty

that we can both enjoy together.

Joining The House In The Roses

for

Show Off Your Cottage Monday.

~*~

"I am my beloveds, and my beloved is mine"

Solomon's Song 6:3

It's that time again!

2011-10-16T16:46:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Roses made from Maple Leaves.

Maple Leaf Roses HERE!

"And he changeth the times and the seasons:"
Daniel 2:21

Harvest time

2011-10-11T16:29:00.000-07:00

New posts in The Garden and The Pantry.

Click tabs at top of page to visit!

~*~

"Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe"

Joel 3:13

My Young Friend

2011-10-04T13:57:00.000-07:00

My young friend, Sarah recently had a giveaway

celebrating her 101st blog post.

I WON! :~}

She is a talented young woman who loves horses,

art, music and photography! She put to good use her

talents, and made some sweet gifts for the giveaway ~

Beautiful handcrafted bookmarks ~

two with maps and two with birds.

She also sent some lovely pieces of her artwork.

Brilliant Rose Painting

This beautiful painting of a black horse looks

just like the dear Tennessee Walker

we used to have. We saved his last horse shoe

and maybe I'll make a frame out of it for this painting.

She offered to draw anything of my choosing

on a blank page. I chose chickens. :>

(I love chickens and ~~don't~~ didn't have any chicken art!)

Thank you, Sarah, for these sweet gifts from your hand.

I love them all but especially your friendship!

~*~

Won't you please drop in and make a new friend with Sarah!

~*~

"A friend loves at all times."

Proverbs 17:17

A Pressing Matter!

2011-10-03T13:20:00.000-07:00

We broke out the cider press yesterday,

and though the day was dreary and damp,

made some luscious, fresh squeezed

apple cider!

The cider press was a Christmas gift

to me a few years ago from

my dear Gentleman Farmer!

After picking the apples and washing them off

with fresh clear water,

we drop them in the hopper of the press.

Turn the crank and the apples are chopped

and drop into the awaiting basket below.

The top is set on and the basket moved to the press...

the press is turned and turned..

compressing the apples until...

the flowing juices drain into a cheesecloth

covered pan.

The juice is then strained again into a clean

jar to be frozen for the coming winter

(I like to freeze it instead of canning

so as not to destroy all of the healthy benefits

of the fresh cider.)...

or poured into a frosty mug to be enjoyed right away!

~*~

"Keep me as the apple of the eye; Hide me in the shadow of Thy wings,"

Psalm 17:8

"Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances."

Proverbs 25:11

~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~

Joining Amy for Homestead Barn Hop #30
and
Jami's Tuesday Garden Party!

Little things...

2011-09-28T20:53:00.000-07:00

...have been keeping me busy the last couple of weeks.

Last weekend, Gentleman Farmer and I traveled

to Puyallup, WA. home of the Western Washington

State Fair, one of the largest in the country.

We just had to go watch our granddaughter play

her violin with the...

South Sound Suzuki Violin Group!

Top Left ~ Little Miss R. playing her solo
Top Right ~ Miss R. showing her two new teeth
Bottom Left ~ Miss R. and Miss M. taking a rest in the Floral Barn
Bottom Right ~ Miss R. playing with the group

Miss R. showing Grandpa her loose tooth.

Oops! How'd that camel get in here?

(Camels are one of my favorite animals! I have
never seen one at the fair before, so just had to
get a photo of her!)

Back at the Farm, I have been keeping busy with many little
food preserving and culturing projects.

Fermenting!
Clockwise from top left ~
Red Cabbage Sauerkraut's, Sourdough Starter,
Ginger Beer, Apple Vinegar

The Sauerkraut was made at our church's

Back To Basics class.

Trying my hand at Sourdough starter again.

Last years attempt was a flop so we'll see what

happens this time!

Thought I would try apple vinegar ~ ran across the

recipe when I was reading about the Ginger Beer

at Down--to--Earth Blog.

I love Ginger Ale but rarely buy it and again

thought I would give this a try.

Drying Apples

Apple chips are a great healthy snack ~

perfect for lunches!

~*~

Those are some of the little things

that I have been doing.

What little things have you been up to?

~~*~~

"He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much"

Luke 16:10

~*~

Joining Deborah Jean for

Farmgirl Friday.

The Mountain

2011-09-15T21:10:00.000-07:00

You are cordially invited to a

Wildflower Walk on The Mountain.

Accept your invitation by clicking the

tab at the top of the page.

Don't forget your hiking shoes!

~*~

"I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From whence cometh my help."

Psalm 121:1

~~**~~
Joining the Blog Parties
Jami's Tuesday Garden Party
Susan's Outdoor Wednesday
Tracie's Cottage Flora Thursday
Deborah Jean's Farmgirl Friday
Kim for Wow Us Wednesday

Granddaughters!

2011-08-31T15:20:00.000-07:00

Enjoying a few hours with our three granddaughters at

Purple Haze Lavender Farm in Sequim, Washington.

Sisters sharing Lemon Lavender Ice Cream!

Baby Finnegan doing what she does best!

Safe in grandpa's arms!

"Grandchildren are the crown of old men"
Proverbs 17:6

Apples

2011-08-18T09:37:00.000-07:00

It's apple season here at the Farm!

Check out the posts at The Garden, The Pantry and The Reading Room!

(Click tabs above)

~*~

"Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,"

Psalm 17:8

Experimenting with homemade herbal tea

2011-08-13T12:19:00.000-07:00

Back in May, I planted a little Tea Garden.

(Click here to read that post in Lady Farmers Garden.)

The garden is lush and full, ready for harvesting.

I am using my nifty clothes drying rack, made by Gentleman Farmer,
to dry the abundance of Pineapple Sage and Anise Hyssop.

Close up of Anise Hyssop flower.

I gathered some herbs, boiled a pot of water, and began sampling the various flavors of some of the herbs. I am trying them individually, first, to taste the distinct flavor of each.

Chocolate Mint

Yumm! This was my favorite!

Lemon Verbena is a very close second.

Lemon Balm was good, too, but I prefer the Lemon Verbena.

Both are a wee bit lemony but still different from each other.

Anise Hyssop was also nice, if you like a tiny bit of licorice flavor.

I did not particularly care for the Pineapple Sage. It did not have a Pineapple flavor ~ more earthy than the others.

Bee Balm.

My book Beautiful Easy Herbs says,

"During the period of the Boston Tea Party, American colonists enjoyed tea made from bee balm leaves as an alternative to black tea."
Glad I wasn't a colonist back then. I did not enjoy tea made from bee balm!

Neither did I enjoy this Chocolate Mint Scented Geranium tea.

It was neither chocolate or minty in flavor!

I did try combining the teas. I added one favorite to another, progressively. They were okay, but I did prefer the single flavors over all.

I have more than enough fresh and dried herbs to last me through the winter.

I will continue to combine flavors in hopes to come up with just the right one to be called

Cove Cottage Blend!

Do you have a favorite herbal tea?

~*~

Joining Amy for Preparedness Challenge #21

and

Barn Hop #24

~*~

""He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth"

Psalm 104:14

The City Girl and the Country Girl

2011-08-12T20:13:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, there was a City Girl and a Country Girl. They met online, and although they live thousands of miles apart, they became friends. The City Girl and the Country Girl are very different in some ways, but are very much alike in other ways. They both love the Lord, they both love and are very proud of their families, they both love animals, they both love gardening and taking care of their homes. They both love living life in simple, ordinary splendor.

One day, the City Girl had a giveaway on her blog, and can you guess who won that giveaway? Yes! It was her friend, the Country Girl! The Country Girl was so excited to receive her prize in the mail today and she just had to show you the sweet little guest book she won!

A place for guests to write down their thoughts while staying at

Cove Cottage Farm!

Thank you, Gina, my City Girlfriend!

The End!

~*~

"A friend loves at all times"

Proverbs 17:17

A Chicken Party!

2011-08-09T10:35:00.000-07:00

Some of the chickens in my home include ~

A Chicken Platter

A gift from the Gentleman Farmer many years ago.
An adorable clay chicken made by Farmer's Daughter #2 when she was a wee miss!
It sits on a vintage hand embroidered 'Chicken' tablecloth.

Vintage Hens and Roosters beneath a Robert Duncan print

My Grandmother's Royal Copley Hen and Rooster,

Gentleman Farmer's Grandmothers Glass Hen dish,

newer chick pair and a gifted 'Mother Carey's Chickens' book

(which has nothing to do with chickens!)

A large vintage glass chicken waterer with a Rooster Candle Lantern that was a gift from a precious Sunday School student.

A vintage egg carton in the back.

Antique store purchase of Hen and Rooster pair,

Ebay purchased Lefton Chick, a second of GF's Grandmother's glass hens

and a photo of my dear Grandfather with his chickens.

Collectible K. Finch Chicken Family,

Vintage chick in egg toy,

Rooster planter that once belonged to my sweet piano teacher, many, many years ago!

A beautiful hen and rooster gifted from a friend sits behind a smaller, vintage chick waterer.

The Black and White pair once belonged to GF's Auntie.

Antique White Rooster dish and a newer glass rooster.

Another gifted vintage chicken toy.

Rooster lamp sits on the 'Gossip Bench'.

I think he is quite handsome!

He was a gift from Farmer's Daughter #1.

Rooster plates on an iron rack.

Now for some of the 'real thing'!

Starts with these...

which become these...

which turn into these...

Which eventually become this!

(Not really! I don't have the heart to eat my own chickens!)

Joining Shelia at Note Songs for her Roosters & Chickens Party!

~*~

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling."

Matthew 23:37

Just what have I been up to?

2011-08-08T21:19:00.000-07:00

100 pounds of tuna

Divided by 19 pint jars

and 78 half pint jars =

_________________

A whole lota good eatin' this winter!

<((><

Captain of the F/V Evening
de-heading, skinning and
filleting our 100 pounds
of fresh albacore tuna caught
off the coast of Washington.

Tuna with skin
off one side.

Cutting the fish into loins.

Captain and his first mate
de-veining the loins.

This big sea lion was hanging around the docks
enjoying the morsels sent over the side of the
fishing boats on his behalf!
~~~
For more photos of my tuna canning process,
please visit me in The Pantry!

Joining Amy for Barn Hop #23

And

Susan for Outdoor Wednesday!

<((><~~~<((><~~~~~~~><))>

"And He said to them, "Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you will find a catch." They cast therefore, and then they were not able to haul it in because of the great number of fish."
John 21:6

Fruit

2011-07-29T14:41:00.000-07:00

In The Pantry

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

Galatians 5:22&23

Making a Lavender Wand

2011-07-28T10:48:00.000-07:00

Joining Tracie at Fishtail Cottage for

Cottage Flora Thursday

This is a repost from a couple of years ago.

The Lavender is perfect for making wands right now,

and thought you might enjoy a refresher course!

~*~

I just love making things with lavender! The blissful aroma envelopes you as

you happily work at your project.

My lavender is just coming into bloom ~ the perfect time to harvest and use

in your crafting projects. I have two kinds of lavender ~ Royal Velvet which

is a dark purple flower and somewhat more compact plant. I have just recently

planted it along a new walkway that Gentleman Farmer made for me last summer.

It is not yet big enough to really harvest. But next year!

My other one is Grosso ~ a good all around plant that can be used for many crafts because it has very long stems, and is very high in aromatic oils.

I am just starting to harvest my lavender this year and thought you might enjoy

a little tutorial on making a Lavender Wand.

Let's begin!

1. Start by gathering your supplies.

You will need:

Feshly picked lavender stems (18 for this project, I am using two stems to act as one because I like the look better than a single stem, but any odd number or multiple of an odd number will work.) Morning is the best time to pick lavender, after the dew has left but before the sun evaporates much of the aromatic oils.

Prepare your lavender by removing all leaves and lower flower buds, keeping the stems long.

Letting them sit for awhile to wilt just a bit also helps with bending the stems without breaking.

You will also need approximately 2 yards of pretty 1/4 inch ribbon.

(If you want to make the loop, take an additional 12 inch piece of ribbon folded in half and make a knot about three inches down. Tuck ribbon, loop hanging down with the stems, and tie loose ends around base of flowers along with other ribbon in next step.)

2. Gather your flowers into a bundle making sure all the flowers are even across the bottom. Tie your ribbon tightly around the base of the flowers leaving one strand of ribbon about 12 inches long.

3. Turn the bundle upside down and grasp the flowers in one hand and with the other hand, gently bend the stems down over the ribbon all around the bunch of flowers creating a kind of cage. (The shorter end of the ribbon should be buried in the center of the flowers.)

4. Begin weaving the longest ribbon over and under the stems, two at a time. Keep the ribbon tight and snug up against the preceeding row as you go. (The lavender will shrink some as it dries.)
It is awkward at first try, but it will get easier as you continue down the stems.

5. Continue weaving down the cage until you reach the bottom of the flowers. Pull out the short end of ribbon and wrap it and the weaving end around the outside of the stems in opposite directions, crossing in the back and tying in a knot at the front.
Cut the stems evenly at the length you desire.
You may end here by simply tying a bow
or.....

6. ...create a little embellishment to add to the bow. This is pretty if you plan to display the wand on a table, but if you plan to use it in a drawer or closet, leave it off because it will get knocked off anyway!

These make wonderful gifts for just about anyone for any occasion!

A couple of years ago, my youngest daughter and I made 75 of these for a friend of hers to

give at her wedding as favors. They were done in her colors of course.

She lived across the U.S. and when we went to mail them,

the ladies at the post office didn't need to be told what was in the box; a cloud of
perfume preceeded us!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"...the vines in blossom have given forth their fragrance..."

Song of Solomon 2:13

~*~

Since writting this post I have started a Garden Blog

where you will find all of my gardening adventures!

Thanks for visiting and hope to see you in

Lady Farmers Garden soon!

Finnegan...

2011-07-25T18:41:00.001-07:00

in the arms of her adoring "Grandpa" Farmer
Beaming Mamma!

Proud BIG sisters Raegan and Morgan!

Born 6:25 am July 24, 2011

6 pounds 8 ounces
20 inches long.

SHE is completely, utterly, deliciously adorable!
~*~

"For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light."

Colossians 1:9-12

Morning on the Farm

2011-07-22T17:30:00.000-07:00

Breakfast in the orchard...

baby...
momma...

Momma says it's time to go...

until tomorrow.

Papa Violet Green Swallow on the clothesline pole.

And if you look ever so carefully you will see

baby peeking out waiting for his breakfast

to be delivered by momma!

Beautiful Swallowtail Butterfly merrily

dancing from one blossom to another

sipping sweet nectar to start the day!

Globe Thistle showing just a hint of color.

Mourning Doves cooing softly from the cherry tree.

Pots along the lane welcoming the day

with sunny blossoms!

~*~

"The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein."

Psalm 24:1

Drying Herbs from the Tea Garden

2011-07-20T15:27:00.000-07:00

This is the perfect day

to gather and dry some herbs

from my little Tea Garden.

I am inspired by this little book

from my bookshelf.

Oh! It looks like someone else is doing a little

harvesting, also!

Calendula

The Tea Garden

Pineapple Sage in flower

Parsley peeking out from behind the Anise Hyssop

Lemon Verbena and Pineapple Sage

Dwarf Blue Hyssop

Dittany of Crete Oregano

Thai Basil

Lavender!

Parsley drying

Catnip ~ dried the other day.

Calendula and Lavender in the dehydrator

Anise Hyssop leaves and flower buds

Pineapple Sage and Lemon Verbena

Mmmmm! Can't wait to try mixing my own

Cove Cottage Tea Blend!
~*~

Joining Susan for

Outdoor Wednesday!

And

An Oregon Cottage

for

Tuesday Garden Party.

~*~

"When the grass disappears, the new growth is seen,

and the herbs of the mountains are gathered in"

Proverbs 27:25

~*~

Want to see how I make a

'Pot of Chocolate'?

Come on over to...

The Garden!

(I bet you thought I was

going to have you come to

The Pantry, didn't you!)

This is a different kind

of Chocolate Pot!

:~P

Hey, Hey, Hay!

2011-07-15T17:00:00.000-07:00

Although we don't have cattle or horses any longer,

nor do we have sheep or goats (yet!)

we still grow our small crop of grass hay

and have a relative cut and harvest it.

This keeps the fields producing well,

makes it easier to cut in the future,

and benefits the farmer harvesting the hay,

and makes our property look nicer.

~*~

"Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe."

Joel 3:13

"But when the crop permits, he immediately puts in the sickle,

because the harvest has come."

Mark 4:29

Cut, thethered, and baled just in time ~ rain the following day!

120 + bales from our two little pastures.

I did keep a couple of bales for

sweet nesting material

in the winter for the hens.

The remainder will go to feeding

a cousin's beef cattle this winter.

~*~
In an email entitled

"When Farm Boys Get Bored"

come these fun hay harvest photos.

Enjoy!

~*~

"Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest'?

Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes, and look on the fields,

that they are white for harvest."

John 4:35

~*~

Joining Amy for

Preparedness Challenge#17

Barn Hop #20

and

Cindy for

Show and Tell Friday

It seems like just yesterday...

2011-07-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

~~~ Celebrating 39 years together~~~

~*~
"For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh."
Genesis:24

I (HEART) Clotheslines!

2011-07-12T10:37:00.000-07:00

Especially when they used to be my sweet Gramma's!

(I was raised by my grandparents on a little farm on

Washington's beautiful Olympic Peninsula.)

I love just about anything that has to do with clotheslines....

making my own laundry detergent...

making clothespin bags
for gifts,
giveaways,
to sell in my store,
and even for holding my clothespins!

When I can't use my clothesline outdoors,

I put the indoor clothes dryer my sweet

Gentleman Farmer made as a

Christmas gift a couple of years ago

into service indoors.
(This photo was just to show what it looked
like when made. It has been installed over the bath tub
where the tub handily catches any drips from wet laundry.)

Nothing is more restful than
sun dried sheets fresh from the line!

Though they are very old and in need of a coat

of white paint, my clothesline not only brings

me happiness from cherished memories,

wonderful, fresh smelling,

sun disinfected laundry

and lower electric bills...

they bring joy and shelter to other creatures as well.

Here is a photo of a happy dweller in one of the poles!

They don't bother me if I don't go poking into

their nest, so I let them 'bee'! ;~P

This little Violet-Green Swallow (or her ancestors)
has made a nest in the hollow pipe

for more years than I can remember.

She and her mate faithfully raise a brood or two

every Spring and Summer and have never

done any 'damage' to my drying laundry.

They do help to keep the insect population down

so they are welcome companions while I am

out of doors, entertaining me with their

joyful warbling...

happily sharing the pleasure of

using Grandma's Clothesline!

~*~

"Let thy garments be always white."

Ecclesiastes 9:8a

~*~

For some fun poems and quotes about

clotheslines, stroll back through memory lane

to one of my earlier posts. Click Here.

Soapwort

2011-07-10T08:53:00.000-07:00

Joining Amy at Homestead Revival

for Preparedness Challenge #16

and for the Barn Hop #19, too.

Visit her to read more interesting ways

to be prepared

and what's happening on other peoples homesteads!
~*~

The flower bed I have been refurbishing

is overrun with invasive Soapwort.

As I was pulling so many of these plants up,

I thought I should try making something with

them, just in case the need should ever arise,

I would know how to prepare and use it!

Soapwort can be made into a gentle washing aid

for delicate fabrics, shampoo and a healing wash

for skin with acne or rashes. It makes a

nice, gentle pet shampoo, too.

I pulled the sprouting plants up, roots and all and put them in the sink full of cold water to remove as much dirt and grit as possible. Then I put the entire batch in a large kettle and covered with water. I brought it to a boil and gently simmered the mass for 30 minutes, stirring with a wooden spoon occasionally.

I removed and disgarded all the stems and

let it cool overnight (outside, as I wasn't

fond of the smell!) right in the covered pan.

The next day, I strained the liquid 3-4 times

thru a paper towel lined sieve, and

one more time thru a piece of white cotton.

I wanted to see if the greenish color would

stain the fabric, but it didn't.

This must be stored in the refridgerator,

use within one week.

~*~

Have any of you had experience with Soapwort?

I would love to hear about it!

~*~

"Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin."

"Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

"Psalm 51:3&7

Marauders.....

2011-07-09T10:14:00.000-07:00

... in the Barnyard!

~*~

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!"

Matthew 23:37

Wheat and Tares

2011-07-06T12:24:00.000-07:00

I have 'weeds' in my Garden!

"But while the men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also."

Matthew 13:25 & 26

I am Blessed...

2011-06-30T07:35:00.000-07:00

...with wonderful friends...

who send delightful handmade gifts...

simply for suggesting a name...

for one of her 2 baby goats!
(You must go see those adorable little kids~
Bonnie and Peggy Sue!)
You can visit my dear friend Lori by
stopping in at

Blossom Sundries

or her Etsy Shoppe.

Thank you, sweet friend!

~*~

...and darling family...

Beautiful Orchid Bouquet
for a birthday gift...

...and a memento (because I wanted one!) from a recent trip to Mexico
from Farmer's Daughter #2.

A lovely Mother's Day Fuchsia Basket...

...and a wonderful garden hat

(which came with a trip to the

PNW Ballet's Midsummer Night's Dream)

for my April birthday

from Farmer's Daughter #1!
*

See! I am blessed!

:~*

You are all treasures!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's."
Psalms 103:1-5

Summer on the farm

2011-06-21T16:25:00.000-07:00

Summer has come at long last to Cove Cottage Farm!

As I lie under the verdant green of the stately old Maple tree,

I dream of what the days of summer hold for me

here on our sweet little farm.

Bowers of flowers to be pressed...

...or woven into gifts for cherished friends and family.

Turning bounty

into blessings....

...to be savored when once again, the days of summer

have past.

Beholding beauty...

and sharing our place

with other gentle dwellers on the farm.

Welcoming the simple tasks

and sharing the simple beauty

of a lifelong journey

that began one summer

many years ago.

~*~

Joining Kathy for

Savoring Summer!

~*~

"Thou hast established all the boundaries of the earth; Thou hast made summer and winter."

Psalm 75:17

Knock, knock!

2011-06-19T16:58:00.000-07:00

Anybody still out there?

Won't you, please, come out to

my garden?

I have a fun little tutorial to share with you.

See you in

The Garden!

"So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; Seek, and you will find;

Knock, and it will be opened to you."

Luke 11:9

Pruning!

2011-06-10T15:05:00.000-07:00

I'm back in The Garden (click to visit) again.

These days, if I'm not here, you will

most likely find me there.

Why not 'follow' me there?

~*~

"I AM the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, he prunes it, that it may bear more fruit.

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, be bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch, and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.

These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full."

Selected from John 15

Today....

2011-06-01T19:21:00.000-07:00

...I'm playing in the garden!

Please, won't you come and join me.

"And the LORD God took the man, and put him into
the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it."
Genesis 2:15

Memorial Day 2011

2011-05-30T12:36:00.000-07:00

~*~

"Greater love hath no man than this,

that a man lay down his life for his friends."

John 15:13

Oh Cricket!

2011-05-27T10:45:00.000-07:00

Lying on mamma's clean towels!

~*~

"How long will you lie down, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep?

A little sleep, a little slumber,

A little folding of the hands to rest"

Proverbs 6:9&10

The Herb Festival

2011-05-25T16:39:00.000-07:00

Come along with me and wander the grounds

at Pomeroy, Washington's Annual

Herb Festival.

The vendors under tents on a rainy Spring day

at the Herb Festival.

The tents on the left are sheltering the 100's

of herbs for sale to benefit the Pomeroy

Living History Farm.

I did my part in supporting them! ;~P

Pigs!

In the old barn.

Milking stanchions and various dairy equipment.

Looking across the vegetable garden to the herb garden.

The Herb Beds.

The Tea Room (on the left)

and the historic log house on the right.
Would you like to take a peek into the house?

Let's do!

The Parlor

There were 5 bedrooms in the old house ~

each filled with memorabilia from
different years gone by.

This is the Master Bedroom (main floor)

with different era's clothing.

In the dining room

The kitchen

At the top of the stairs

1960's/70's

Each of the four upstairs bedrooms

showcased toys from different era's.

1950's

1940's

1930's

1920's

1920's
~*~

Did you see any toys that you used to play with?

Lincoln Logs, chalk board and Gunsmoke

were some that I played with ~

that's the only hint I will give you!

:~D

Original owner.

~*~

It was a fun filled day spent with my darling daughter

on our annual tradition of going to

The Herb Festival!

~*~

"And God said , Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth..."

Genesis 1:29

Joining Susan for

OUTDOOR WEDNESDAY

Homestead Barn Hop

2011-05-16T17:41:00.000-07:00

Come on out to The Barnyard

and join me for the Barn Hop!

~*~

"So shall thy barns be filled with plenty"

Proverbs 3:10

Honoring Mothers

2011-05-07T23:21:00.000-07:00

I thought I would make some little

tokens of love to give to all the

lovely ladies that belong to

our Secret Sisters at church

in honor of Mother's Day.

(Not all are mothers yet, but they will be

one day.)

~*~

Cutting and folding pretty papers

Adding a sweet sentiment

and some seed packets

A scripture verse tied with pretty

ribbons on the outside

A basket filled with love!

~*~

Happy Mother's Day to all my

dear bloggy friends!

~*~

"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her; "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."

Proverbs 31:25-31

I guess I'm old!

2011-05-07T14:12:00.000-07:00

(Sorry, this is kinda long and no pictures, today! Will you still read this? What do you do to 'be green'?)
From a recent e-mail:

In the line at the store, the cashier told the older woman that she should bring her own grocery bags because plastic bags weren't good for the environment.

The woman apologized to him and explained, "We didn't have the green thing back in my day."

The clerk responded, "That's the problem today ~ the previous generation did not care enough to save our environment."

He was right, that generation didn't have the green thing in its day.

Back then, they returned their milk bottles, soda bottles and beer bottles to the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same bottles over and over. So they really were recycled.

But they didn't have the green thing back in that customer's day.

In her day, they walked up stairs, because they didn't have an escalator in every store and office building. They walked to the grocery store and didn't climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time they had to go two blocks.

But she was right. They didn't have the green thing in her day.

Back then, they washed the baby's diapers because the didn't have the throw-away kind. They dried clothes on a line, not in an energy gobbling machine burning up 220 volts- wind and solar power really did dry the clothes.

Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers and sisters, not always brand-new clothing.

But that old lady is right; they didn't have the green thing back in her day.

Back then, they had one TV or radio, in the house - not a TV in every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief, not a screen the size of Montana. In the kitchen, they blended and stirred by hand because they didn't have electric machines to do everything for you. When they packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, they used a wadded up old newspaper to cushion it, not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap.

Back then they didn't fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the lawn. They used a push mower that ran on human power. They exercised by working so they didn't need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity.

But she's right; they didn't have the green thing back then.

They drank from a fountain when they were thirsty instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle every time they had a drink of water. They refilled their writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, and they replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull.

But they didn't have the green thing back then.

Back then, people took the streetcar or a bus and kids rode their bikes to school or rode the school bus instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service. They had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And they didn't need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest pizza joint!

But isn't it sad the current generation laments how wasteful the old folks were, just because they didn't have the green thing back then?

~*~

I do use cloth grocery bags ~ I try to use as little plastic,

in any shape or form, as is possible for me.

I remember getting milk in glass bottles when I was

young, WHEN we didn't milk our own cow(s). And I

remember taking those glass bottles back

to the store for credit on the next one.

I have found a few stores around that are still

doing this. But today I purchase raw milk

from a milk 'delivery' man.

I try to take the stairs instead of an elevator or escalator

when ever I can. I feel the burn!

My babies wore cloth diapers and I line

dried them. I still line dry my clothes ~

there is nothing like the smell of fresh, line dried

clothes and that snapping crisp feel of sheets

dried on a breezy sunny day!

On the rare day that we couldn't play outside

when we were kids

we huddled around our 1 black and white tv.

Or did our homework...

With no computer or even a calculator!

I do use my kitchen aid mixer for many things,

but I still knead my bread by hand,

and I miss my little hand beater (not

an electric one!)

for quick jobs like eggs. Do they still make those?

I never purchase bubble wrap or styrofoam for

mailing. I reuse any I get from packages.

Air popped popcorn works great and

is light weight and it can be feed to

birds when finished ~ ultimate recycling!

I have to admit that I don't use a push mower

anymore. That's what we used when I was

a kid, but now it is just too hard

for me to mow 3 acres by hand!!

(I do most of the mowing.

Just like my friend Lori F! She used to have a blog

but doesn't post anymore. :~{ )

That is why I am looking into getting sheep ~

Old English lawn mowers!

I never have liked drinking water from plastic bottles!

It tastes like the water came from

someones' clorinated/floridated faucet!

Nothing beats the taste of our spring fed well water,

except the water growing up on the farm...

sweet and cold ~ no matter how hot the day!

The only pens I've bought were for my kids

when they were in school.

All we have now are ones given to us!

I only drive the 12 miles to town once a week ~

at $4.09 a gallon for gas.....

The school bus was the only way to get to school

back in my day, unless we rode our horses! :~D

I don't have any fancy cell phones/IPad/Blackberry/?

~ just a simple Tracfone (no contracts!) for emergencies!

I guess I'm old!

~*~

"A gray head is a crown of glory"

Proverbs 16:31

Taking up the challenge!

2011-04-30T12:31:00.000-07:00

Joining Amy at Homestead Revival for

#6.

I could have put this post over at

The Garden

(do come and see what is blooming today!)

but I did these things inside my home

and in my mind :~P

so decided to post about it here.

~*~

I have been dabbling with saving seeds from a few of

my flowers and veggies over the last couple of years

with unpredictable success. I would really like to

be able to grow and save the majority of

our garden plants with better results and proficiency.

I have been cruising the web looking for heirloom seeds,

open-pollinated seeds, non-GMO seeds.

I came across the Baker Creek Heirloom Seed company,

who not only met all of these criteria, but also offer a

magazine where you can

"Learn how to grow organically, eat locally, save your own seed, preserve the harvest, homestead and live self-sufficiently."

I ordered it!

I also received my Seed Savers Exchange catalog and

got really excited to find a page for

"Planning Your Garden For Seed Saving."

I was a little less happy about the fact

that I can't grow everything that strikes my fancy

if I want to prevent cross-pollination and

produce pure seeds! :~{
I want to grow so many different varieties of squash,

which is surprising since I don't really even like squash!

But because squash is insect pollinated, and if

I were to grow more than one type of squash,

it would most likely not produce pure seed because of

cross-pollination.

So, I will have to choose which species I want one year

and only plant that variety to save pure seed.

But..

I can grow a variety of self pollinators
like beans and tomatoes which are less

likely to cross-pollinate!

So, I think this year I will plant a variety of

beans for drying and shelling

and hopefully for saving for next years' planting!

Not a big step as far as preparing,

but it is a beginning!

~*~

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth....

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth...

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat."

Selected from Genesis 1

I want to be buried with a fork!

2011-04-26T11:01:00.000-07:00

Come to The Reading Room for a thought provoking story!

~*~

"And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye many be also."

Glad Easter Tidings!

2011-04-23T22:39:00.001-07:00

Happy Little Faces!

2011-04-18T18:26:00.000-07:00

Won't you come to My Garden to see what I have been up to?

"...like the garden of the LORD: joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody."

Isaiah 51:3

Outdoor Wednesday!

2011-04-06T13:48:00.000-07:00

You are...

to come to my garden!

~*~

"And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it."

Genesis 2:15

I'm Back! ;~P...

2011-03-25T14:21:00.000-07:00

...with a favorite bread recipe in

The Pantry!

~*~

"Give us this day our daily bread."

Matthew 6:11

Taking a rest

2011-03-21T10:41:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers ~

Please forgive my lack of posting. Sometimes life has a way

of unavoidably thrusting itself to the forefront, doesn't it?

It has for me these last couple of weeks, anyway.

I have felt a bit...

It was never my intent for this blog to be a place for

'whoa~is~me' posts. I like to share the common,

day-to-day happenings of my life with the Gentleman Farmer

in an encouraging and light manner.

But, not all of the Biblical Parables are light in nature,

so I suppose that mine also follow suit.

(In case you are wondering ~

a Parable is an earthly story with a heavenly message!)

(Heavy Burden)

Tragedy has befallen a friend of mine ~
two of her three sons were involved in an
automobile accident and one was killed,
the other seriously injured.
(Three young men were killed in this accident, two
seriously injured. Please say a prayer for the families.)
~
Gentleman Farmer's work schedule has been changed
(once again!) making for an unplanned trip out of town
to celebrate his mother's 84th birthday
in the middle of his few days off.
(I am so selfish! I don't like to share his rare days off!)
~
Gentleman Farmer had to be taken
to the Emergency room at the local hospital
for a Corneal Abrasion ~ 8 days before
his 40 years of no reportable accidents at work!
:~{
Oh, well! It was a pride thing, anyway. God has a
way of setting our priorities straight!
Gentleman Farmer's eye is healing quickly.
His pride ~ just a wee bit more slowly!

( A yoke is made for two to share the burden)

For over a year, we have been dealing with some
legal issues on behalf of my 89 year old mother.
I won't go into detail, but that situation has
finally been mediated and settled out of court (PTL)
but to the tune of many thousands of dollars ~
hard to be cheerful when it threatens Gentleman Farmers
(very) hard earned retirement!
(Please be diligent in your care of elderly parents. They are
so easily taken advantage of by others!)
This ordeal would have been SO devastating if
I didn't have Another to share my burden with.

( Rest at Harvest by William Adolph Bouguereau)

So, for now, I am resting.
~
I'll be back soon ~ on a lighter note!

Be Blessed!
~*~
"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light."
Matthew 11:28-30

Eggs, eggcups and other silly things!

2011-03-07T09:20:00.001-08:00

Hard boiled egg with a wee sprinkling of

fresh ground organic pepper

and Celtic Sea Salt

I bought some cute little egg cups for Easter this year

and used a couple at breakfast one day last week.

Poor Gentleman Farmer quite often has to wait

for his meals as I take a picture just in case

I need to post it along with a recipe!

He needed a little more than two hard boiled eggs

and a couple of pieces of toast for his breakfast

this morning, so he fixed himself a little addition.

He grabbed the camera and took a picture and

said I needed to post this on my blog,

'cuz' two can play this game! (silly boy!)

(Photo by GF)

He loves graham crackers and milk!

(I have been thinking of making my own graham crackers.

Does anyone have a good recipe?

And can anyone tell me why 'graham' crackers

are NOT made with graham flour? Why are they named

Graham?)

And then I find eggs like this one on the left

every now and then in the chickens' nests!

I did a little research on odd shaped eggs ( and

eggs with blood spots and/or meat specs) to find the

cause. I wondered if perhaps I was not providing

something in their feed (I feed only organic chicken feed)

or how I could prevent this from occurring.

The consensus from the sites I visited were

that both the odd shaped eggs and the spots

were generally caused by heredity

age in the hens ~

either being young and just starting to lay

(Not the case in my hens) Or old and production

and quality goes down.

All my hens but one,

are about six ~ eight years old. Old by most standards,

but they are laying quite well. In fact, as far as average

life span for my girls, this is quite young! I have been

keeping chickens for nearly 50 years, and most of my hens

have lived to a ripe old age if not killed

by coyotes, raccoon or bald eagles.

My oldest hen, Granny, was 13 years old when she passed,

and was still laying well. She was a beautiful Black Austrolorp.

I caught a glimpse of her one day out my window, sunning herself on an old

gate in the chicken yard. I thought to myself that I should go

out and give little ol' Granny a treat. I grabbed a crust

of bread and headed out to the hen house.

I found Granny dead!

In the time that I had seen her and grabbed that bread,

she, I later assumed, had flown off the gate and the

gate fell over and hit Granny on the head

breaking her neck!

I wasn't sure if she was dead, so looking cautiously around,

proceeded to .....

(WAIT FOR IT)
~

...give her mouth to beak resuscitation!

( I can hear you laughing!)

The CPR did not revive my poor little Granny!

All this to say ~ I don't think we should 'cull' our

older hens because they don't lay as well!

She was still producing eggs and was a

dear little companion, as well.

These little creatures feed us with

more than food for the stomach,

but with food for the soul ~

gracing our lives with companionship

and a little humor as we watch

their daily capers!

Joining Amy at Homestead Revival

and the others for

Homestead Barn Hop #3.

~*~

"Can something tasteless be eaten without salt, or is there any taste in the white of an egg?"

Job 6:6

March...

2011-03-01T21:20:00.000-08:00

comes in like a lion...

(christianartforyou.com)

and goes out like a lamb.

~*~

"...behold, the Lion that is from the tribe of Judah..."

"Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing"

"To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever."

Selected from Rev. 5

Barn Hop!

2011-02-21T18:47:00.000-08:00

Come on out to The Barnyard to brighten your day!

~*~

"Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?"

Matthew 6:26

Outdoor Wednesday

2011-02-16T21:25:00.000-08:00

Today, while planting these....

into here....

it was doing this....

Joining Susan For Outdoor Wednesday!

~*~

"And huge hailstones, about one hundred pounds each, came down from heaven upon men"

Revelation 16:21

Happy Valentine's Day and a Giveaway Winner!

2011-02-14T11:56:00.000-08:00

Few dared to enter my little giveaway,

but we have a winner, nonetheless!

Congratulations to Rebecca!
Not only did she have the most correct answers,

she also came up with a wonderful rhyme

for Romeo and Juliet!

You can read my answers

and participants answers/comments

here!

[Rebecca ~ please email me your prize choice (Bread Keeper

or Country Fresh Clothespin Bag) from

my store and your mailing address.

I will get your prize off to you right away!]

Thanks to all who participated!

~*~

"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all,

but one receiveth the prize?

So run, that ye may obtain."

I Corinthians 9:24

Giveaway Reminder!

2011-02-11T07:58:00.000-08:00

Don't forget...

To enter my Valentine

Giveaway!

Ends Monday the 14th!

~*~

"Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love:

therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee."

Jeremiah 31:3

A Valentine Rhyming Game GIVEAWAY!

2011-02-08T10:31:00.000-08:00

Giveaway Closed!

I made up this *Famous Couples* game several years ago, for a Valentine Social at our church. Here are some 'rhymes' that hint at a famous couple or *half* of the couple. Can you name the couples? Put on your thinking caps ~ here we go!

1. They didn't have a New Home,

White or Singer with treadle,

Just a simple needle to make dwellings

not of wood nor of metal

(Answer: Priscilla and Aquilla)

2. Many can imitate this *fowl* guy, I'd guess

But hand him a napkin to wipe off the mess

(Answer: Daisy and Donald Duck)

3. He said, "I have been a sojourner

in a foreign land

The priest of Midian

gave him his daughter's hand

(Answer: Moses and Ziphorah)

4. Their marriage was an

elegant royal affair,

But his death was almost more

than she could bare.

(Answer: Queen Victoria and Prince Albert)

5.To some this riddle

may seam a hoax.

To that I'll say

"That's All Folks!"

(Answer: Petunia and Porky Pig)

6. He is know for his faith,

she for great beauty,

Their descendants would number

like the sands at the sea.

(Answer: Abraham and Sarah)

7. She was a patient woman,

her man to marry,

A 'Neanderthal' man

who worked down at the quarry.

(Answer: Fred and Wilma Flintstone)

8. She gathered his wheat

and then slept at his feet

(Answer: Ruth and Boaz)

9. I hear his army he knew to command,

but what the heck was he doing with his hand?

(Answer: Napoleon and Josephine)

10. They were neighbors and friends,

though their place was a sty,

To the lady who wrote

"The Egg and I."

(Answer: Ma and Pa Kettle)

11. Of all his wives, she was the favored,

Another seven years

for her he had labored.

(Answer: Jacob and Rachel)

12. She loved a double-chinned,

one eyed sailor man,

Whose favorite *green* food

came out of a can.

(Answer: Popeye and Olive Oyl)

13. She loved a father,

though he wasn't hers.

But he was both

mine and *yers*.

(Answer: George and Martha Washington)

14. They say girls like her

have more fun,

but just give him his favorite sandwich

when the day is done!

(Answer: Blondie and Dagwood Bumstead)

15. I'm sure they looked

just like me and you,

But maybe not having

what some oranges do!

(Answer: Adam and Eve)

16. Perhaps she had scissors

beneath her dresses,

That she used to sever

his long flowing tresses!

(Answer: Samson and Delilah)

17. Their home was in the future,

space ships for cars,

And a dog that spoke

all his words beginning with "r's".

(Answer: George and Jane Jetson)

18. She took a bath

where he could peek,

The king who once

had tended sheep.

(Answer: David and Bathsheba)

19. He flew through the air

with the greatest of ease,

But no trapeze for him,

he used vines hung from trees.

(Answer: Tarzan and Jane)

20. With a horse named Silver,

and his 'Kimo Sabe'

This hero righted all wrongs,

(it was kinda his hobby)

He ousted villians from the land,

and at his shows end we all said,

"Who was that masked man?"

I wish he lend me aid!

(Answer: The Lone Ranger and Tonto)

21. This wacky New York City housewife

Husband Ricky, friends the Mertz~

found herself in many a fix.

I laughed so hard

until I cried

And my sides ~

Oh they do hurts!

(Answer: Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz)

22. He was quite short

Her hair was quite long,

"I've got you, Babe"

was their memorable song.

(Answer: Sonny and Cher)

23. He was quite dashing

in the Civil War Era,

Her home was a farm

down South named 'Tera'

(Answer: Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara)

24. Together they robbed

and together they killed.

This stuck in the lawmens' gullet.

But it all came to an end,

No more to offend,

They lived as they died ~

by the bullet.

(Answer: Bonnie (Parker) and Clyde (Barrow))

25. This wholesome cowboy, and his horse Trigger

Saved the day in the end,

Then into the sunset he rode with his wife

Singing, "Happy Trails to you, until we meet again!"

(Answer: Roy Rogers and Dale Evans)

26. They started it all, like 'Dancing with the stars"

They danced their way to fame.

She in high heals and elegant dresses,

He in tails, top hat and cane.

(Answer: Fred Astair and Ginger Rogers)

27. They sold a plot and made a lot!

"We gave it all" they lied.

T'was their last, the die was cast,

For their sin they both had died.

(Answer: Ananias and Sapphira)

28. His dad might have killed him,

But God saved his life.

The love of his life

Then became his wife.

(Answer: Isaac and Rebecca)

29. Cheese could be their favorite food.

You can see them at Disneyland, if you're in the mood!

(Answer: Mickey and Minnie Mouse)

30. (I had one more for Romeo and Juliet, but can't find it. Can you make up a riddle

for them?)

~*~

How many can you name? Please put your answers in the comment box.

I will post the answers on Valentines Day!

And the *FOLLOWER* who has the most correct answers

will win their choice of a Bread Keeper

a Country Fresh Clothespin Bag

from my Etsy Store.

(You must give BOTH names of the couple.

You must be a follower to win. Please tell

me along with your comment ON THIS POST that you are a follower or

have just become a follower, and leave an email address so I can contact you if you win.)

(In case of a tie, high scorers will be placed in a 'hat'

and winner *randomly* drawn by Gentleman Farmer.)

Added: I did want to mention that YOUR answers/comments will not be posted until Monday, the 14th so as not to give unfair advantage to anyone else!

~*~

"And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is

love."

I Corinthians 13:13

Kisses :~*

2011-02-01T22:20:00.000-08:00

There's some *kissing* going on in

The Pantry!

"Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace be to you all that are in Christ Jesus."

I Peter 5:14

Glorious Sunset!

2011-01-27T21:39:00.000-08:00

"From the rising of the sun, to the going down of the same

the Lord's name is to be praised."

Psalm 113:3

~&~

Joining Cindy at My Romantic Home

for

Show and Tell Friday

Of Ballet Bags, Buttermilk Bread and Butter

2011-01-17T16:48:00.000-08:00

Find the recipes in

The Pantry

and

Bag photos in

The Sewing Room!

~*~

"She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands."

"She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens."

"She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet."

Selected from Proverbs 31

Brooking disappointment

2011-01-12T11:32:00.000-08:00

We had a lovely family excursion planned for our last

weekend together with #2 daughter visiting from

New York. We were to get up early on Saturday morning,

meet with #1 daughter and her family, and

drive the 2 1/2 hours down to Woodland Washington

to do a little spelunking in Apes Caves (near Mt. St. Helen's)

and then visit the nearby Cedar Creek Grist Mill.

The weather at home was a brisk but sunshiny day.

The weather on the mountain...

We couldn't park near the entrance to the caves

because of snow (:~{ and the little girls couldn't

walk the 1/2 mile to get there, so we played in the snow

and took a short trek around the "Trail of Two Trees".

This is a small 'tube' formed when two large trees were

felled by the lava and then burned

leaving an empty space where the trees had been.

Daughter #1 following the boardwalk.

Auntie Shan showing the girls where they would

come out of the tube.

Miss Morgan checking it out.

She is ready for the adventure...

but Miss Raegan would have none of it ~ even with Grandpa!

With flashlight in hand, and a little help from Grandpa,

Morgan eagerly enters the tube.

She, her Mommy and Auntie were the only brave souls

to navigate the 40 ft. 'L' shaped tube.

Did I mention I am claustrophobic? :~O

~*~

On our way back down the mountain to go to the

Grist Mill, we stopped at a lakeside park

to have our 'winter picnic' lunch.

Let me just say ~

COLD!!!

But, lunch was delicious ~

cheese and crackers and venison summer sausage,

oven baked chicken,

potato salad,

sweet potato chips,

fruit,

and juice.

But it was so bitterly COLD! We ate quickly and made a hasty

retreat down the mountain!

~*~

When we arrived at the Grist Mill we discovered that

IT WAS CLOSED!!!

So disappointing since we had checked the website
and they posted their hours as open every Saturday

hours 1pm. - 4pm.

Grandpa and his 'little sweetheart' Morgan...

trying on each others' hats!

After we shared some yummy homemade oatmeal raisin cookies

provided by daughter #1, we said our farewells and

promised to come again when the weather

and millers are more cooperative!

~*~

" Though the fig tree should not blossom, and there be no fruit on the vines,

though the yield of the olive should fail, and the fields produce no food,

though the flock should be cut off from the fold, and there be no cattle in the stalls,

Yet I will exult in the LORD. I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds' feet, and makes me walk on my high places."

Habakkuk 3:17-19

Epiphany (Twelfth Day)

2011-01-06T14:54:00.000-08:00

Epiphany, n. The festival celebrated on the sixth day of January, the twelfth day after Christmas, in commemoration of the appearance of Christ to the Magi or philosophers of the East, who came to adore Him with presents, or, as others maintain, to commemorate the appearance of the star to the Magi or the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles. The Greek fathers use the word for the appearance of Christ in the world, the sense in which Paul uses the word. Sometimes called Twelfth Day.

~*~

My #2 Daughter and I took a trip to Victoria, B.C. for a couple of days.

Along with window shopping in downtown Victoria,

we took a tour out to the Butchart Gardens to see the Christmas Display.

The Parliament Building, downtown Victoria.

Frozen Waterwheel!

Carollers!

Lighted trees.

The Gardens were decked out with scenes of the Twelve Days of Christmas!

(Please excuse the poor photos ~ I've lost my camera manual and don't know how to

take shots in the dark.)

Feel free to sing along as we discover each scene of the Carol!
~*~

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

A Partridge in a Pear Tree!
~

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Two Turtle Doves
~
On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Three French Hens!
~
On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Four Calling Birds!
(You can't see in the photo, but each bird has a type of telephone!)
~
On the Fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Five Golden Rings!
~
On the Sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Six geese a laying.
(Couldn't get all the geese in the shot!)
~
On the Seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Seven Swans a swimming.
~
On the Eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Eight Maids a milking.
~
On the Ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Nine Ladies dancing.
~
On the Tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Ten Lords a leaping!
(Animated frogs were 'jumping' up from behind a wall ~
couldn't get them all at the same time!)
~
On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Eleven Pipers piping.
(A long window display showed 11. I couldn't get close enough
to get them all and the darkness made them blurry. :~{
~
On the Twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me...

Twelve Drummers drumming!
(Twelve lighted arches above the parking lot had the
last line of the song.)
~*~
Today is Epiphany!

"Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east, and have come to worship Him....
they went their way; and lo, the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them, until it came and stood over where the Child was. And when they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And they came into the house and saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell down and worshiped Him; and opening their treasures they presented to Him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh."
Selected from Matthew 2

Pulla!

2011-01-03T12:14:00.000-08:00

New recipe in The Pantry!

Come check it out!

"Give us this day our daily bread."

Matthew 6:11

Just Poppin' in to say "Hi!"

2011-01-02T19:49:00.000-08:00

I am so sorry to be remiss in posting these last couple weeks. Our youngest daughter is visiting from New York and we are not missing any opportunity to enjoy each other's company!

I do miss visiting with you all, and do hope to be back with you soon.

Here are a few photos of some of our little jaunts ~ trying to work off some of those calories that multiplied during our Christmas and New Year's festivities!

~*~

Stretching our legs along Valley Rose Drive.

A mossy 'Do' on a fence post.

"And Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, Behold, Esau my brother is a hairy man."

Genesis 27:11

A lonely boat on Hammersley Inlet.

"Turn to me and be gracious to me, For I am lonely and afflicted."

Psalm 25:16

Ferns marching up the tree trunks.

"LORD, when Thou didst go out from Seir, When Thou didst march from the field of Edom, The earth quaked, the heavens also dripped, Even the clouds dripped water."
Judges 5:4

Beauty and color found even in the weathered top of a piling.

"One thing I have asked from the LORD, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to meditate in His temple."

Psalm 27:4

Waiting, patiently!

"The LORD is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance."

2 Peter 3:9

~*~

A Winter Hike At...

The brisk air 'encouraged' us to keep up a warm pace!

"Hast thou entered into the treasures of the snow?"

Job 38:20

Where once there was a footbridge, now washed out

by a raging river, only the foundation rocks remain.

Even...

in...

Winter, there is beautiful color peeking out from

the snowy white mantle!

"Shelter in a time of storm"

Isaiah 25:4

Gnarly, Dude!

Peace like a river!

Wishing you all His peace in 2011!

~*~

"He has told you, O man, what is good;

And what does the LORD require of you

But to do justice, to love kindness,

And to walk humbly with your God."

Micah 6:8

Christmas Countdown!

2010-12-17T09:00:00.000-08:00

My creative Sister-in-law just sent me this

darling Christmas Countdown

"Calendar" that she made.

She said it was late,

but that's ok with me!

My grand babies won't be here to

see it until the 24th anyway!
Thank you, Tracey! It is so cute!

From a mini muffin tin and her crafting

know how and tools, she cut cute little

circles and numbers!

She embellished each with a

bow or beads.

They stay in place with little magnets cut and attached

to the backs and each indentation is

filled with a treat!

Another suggestion was to have a verse behind

each day leading up to Christmas.

The girls and I are going to eat these treats,

but what should I put in it for next Christmas?
Do you have any suggestions for me for next year?

~*~

"Do not boast about tomorrow,

for you do not know what a day may bring forth."

Proverbs 27:1

Gifts

2010-12-16T11:00:00.000-08:00

" Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, Magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east, and have come to worship Him." And when Herod the king heard it, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he began to inquire of them where the Christ was to be born. And they said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it has been written by the prophet, 'AND YOU, BETHLEHEM, LAND OF JUDAH, ARE BY NO MEANS LEAST AMONG THE LEADERS OF JUDAH; FOR OUT OF YOU SHALL COME FORTH A RULER, WHO WILL SHEPHERD MY PEOPLE ISRAEL.'" Then Herod secretly called the Magi, and ascertained from them the time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, "Go and make careful search for the Child; and when you have found Him report to me, that I too may come and worship Him." And having heard the king, they went their way; and lo, the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them, until it came and stood over where the Child was. And when they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And they came into the house and saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell down and worshiped Him; and opening their treasures they presented to Him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh."

Matthew 2:1-11

~*~

Christmas gifts in the Sewing Room!

Fruitcake!

2010-12-10T14:55:00.000-08:00

A different kind of fruitcake recipe in

The Pantry!

"...we should bring forth fruit unto God."

Romans 7:4b

Much Ado About Nothing

2010-12-03T21:24:00.000-08:00

Gone to Pot!

~*~

The day started innocently enough~

as usual, I arose at 4:30 am

to fix Gentleman Farmer's breakfast

and pack his lunch for work.

My routine then is to hop back into bed

and turn on the radio to listen

to the news from our little town.

GF sits on the bed next to me

and brushes his teeth while

we listen together.

When the announcer gets to

sports, GF goes to rinse

and I turn off the radio

and grab a book, magazine or Bible

to read.

(Not interested in the sports! Don't

have or know any kids in school,

and The Mariners....)

Hubby returns to kiss me goodbye,

and heads off to work.

So far, so good!

(TMI for you, I'm sure!

Are you still with me?)

~*~

After I did a little reading/study,

I got up and got dressed, tended

the chickens, fed and let out the cats,

and had a little breakfast while

I caught up reading the newest posts

on some blogs.

(Just a little longer!)

~*~

Then I made some home made laundry detergent,

the liquid kind. This took me quite awhile as

the borax and washing soda had been kept

out in the garage, must have gotten just a tad

bit damp and was very clumpy. Had to work

it with a pasty cutter to get most of the

lumps out. I finished making the soap in

a five gallon bucket. It should last me all Winter!

(I am sharing some with my mom and aunt.)

Let me know if you are interested in the recipe.

I will send it to you.

(Hang in there, not long now!)

~*~

Then I headed out to go into town (12 miles away)

to 'Soup and Sound'. This is a Christmas gift

to the community from the United Methodist Church ~

Free Homemade Soup and a Concert,

which has different preformers each of the

Fridays in December before Christmas!

This was their 28th year and I have

attended all but one or two!

For me, this is when the Christmas Season begins!

After a delightful concert and delicious soup,

I did some shopping and then came home.

I finished up my laundry detergent and then

began on this project.

(Finally! Here are some pictures for you to look at!)

This is something I had wanted to make for

a couple of years, but just never remembered

to get the pots.

(Got any ideas?)

You will need five small terra cotta pots

and one terra cotta tray, some craft paint,

bits of trim and fun fur, and some glue.

(I used a glue gun.)

Paint them to look like

toy soldiers

nutcrackers!
(Hope you can paint better than me!)

After your pots are painted,
Hot glue them together and
add some hair, a beard
and some braid trim on his hat.
(I just used what I had.)

Is it just me....

or does he look a bit like...

The Burger King?

(Now, aren't you glad you stuck around?!)

~*~

"...apart from Me, you can do nothing."

John 15:5

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

2010-11-27T15:50:00.000-08:00

Walking with the Gentleman Farmer

in our recent snow

just before Thanksgiving!

We were not the only ones 'walking'!

Below ~ The Winter Wonderland

~*~

"Hast thou entered into the

treasures of the snow?"

Job 38:22

Icebox Butterhorns in

The Pantry!

Little Thanksgiving Blessings!

2010-11-16T13:26:00.000-08:00

I am the coordinator for our church's

Secret Sister Program.

Throughout the year

I like to give little gifts to each

lady that is participating since

I don't have a Secret Sister myself.

Since there are many ladies,

these need to be inexpensive gifts.

For Thanksgiving I came up with

these little paper cornucopia's

that hold a wee sampling of the

Thanksgiving Blessing Mix,

and the Cornucopia, when opened,

has the Blessings Mix Recipe printed

inside.

(You can find the Thanksgiving Blessing Mix here.)

I had a roll of brown craft paper which I

cut into 8 1/2" X 11" (standard copy paper size)

pieces. (I wanted to use what I had available.)

Then I ran the paper through my printer

and printed the recipe onto the

cut down craft paper,

printing two recipes per page.

(This was kinda scary ~ I hoped it wouldn't hurt

my printer! But I have printed muslin

pressed onto a piece of butcher's paper

and it worked beautifully, so I gave

it a try. It printed ok, but did make a

racket as the cartridge passed over the

edges of the paper! :~O )

I cut the recipes apart and trimmed

each piece to measure approximately

5 1/2 inches square.

I used my newest paper punch to

decorate three sides of the paper.

Then I rolled the paper into a cone,

having the recipe on the inside.

I made a sticker ( this one says "Give Thanks"
and has a turkey on it)
to hold the cornucopia together.
(These were supposed to be clear
but they look rather like band-aids
to me! I am using them anyway.)

I filled a little square of plastic wrap with
the Blessings Mix and tied it with a
bit of vintage seam binding and
put it into the cone.
(I prefer to use waxed paper generally,
but used plastic wrap today so
the gals could see what they were getting!)

I hope these little Thanksgiving Cornucopia's
'Bless' all the ladies!
~*~
"O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good."
Psalm 136:1

Edited Nov. 23: For Linda (and anyone else who may be interested)

I bought this Martha Stewart punch at Michael's.

I'm sure you can find one anywhere scrapbooking

supplies are sold!

Veteran's Day

2010-11-11T11:42:00.000-08:00

Honoring all who have served,

and are now serving.

Thank you and be blessed!

~*~

"Greater love hath no man than this,
that a man lay down his life for his friends."

John 15:13

Maple Leaf Roses

2010-11-09T15:34:00.000-08:00

Almost too late, I remembered a tutorial that

my dear friend Sharon shared last year on her blog.

(Sharon is no longer blogging. :~{ )

The leaves on our trees have all fallen off,

and though once beautiful shades of yellow,

orange, rust and lime, they have all mellowed

to a wearied gold.

I quickly put these together and added the

last of the brilliantly colored dogwood leaves

for that splash of Autumn color.

Perhaps you still have a few brightly colored leaves

and can yet try your hand at this delightful

nature craft.

Please let me know if you do ~ I would love to see how yours turned out!

~*~

"I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valley."

Song of Solomon 2:1

~*~

Joining Susan for Outdoor Wednesday.
And

Joining Roeshel at

The DIY Showoff
for

Want to know what I had for dinner last night?

2010-11-09T11:11:00.000-08:00

Recipes in The Pantry!

~*~

"...man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything

that proceeds out of the mouth of the LORD."
Deuteronomy 8:3

Followers

2010-10-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

I like to visit each of my followers

at your own blog

BUT ~

my dial-up Internet is so fickle!

Some days I can get to one or two,

and other days I cannot even get on

my own!

So, like my friend, Linda,

over at Prairie Flower Farm,

I will welcome you all from here

(especially you new followers!)

and tell you I am thrilled you have

added me to your list.

I just wanted you to know!

Be Blessed!

~*~

"Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life."

Psalm 23:6

Little Boy Blue

2010-10-27T16:57:00.000-07:00

The latest from

The Sewing Room!

~*~

"Behold, children are a gift of the LORD;

the fruit of the womb is a reward."

Psalm 127:3

Harley

2010-10-26T15:48:00.000-07:00

Harley is ten years old this week!

Not sure of the exact date as he was a rescue kitten,

but he was born the last week of October.

My handsome guy!

^..^

Harley loves to hunt mice ~

He brings me one nearly every day! :~0

He also loves to eat (he weighs 20 lbs!)

and he loves catnip!

So I made him a Catnip Mouse

using organic catnip grown here at home.

Happy Birthday Harley!

Reaching...

Smelling...

Killing!...

Happy!

(A few mice are scampering over to
Lady Farmers Market!)
^..^
"A joyful heart is good medicine"
Proverbs 17:22