Honey Hill Farm

Crafty Snowy Day.......

2012-02-03T17:33:00.000-07:00

Dearest Readers,

You may have heard about the snowstorm blanketing the entire front range here in Colorado.....

I can give a first-hand report that the predicted snowfall amounts are entirely true...and it is still snowing......

What's a Lady to do?

Stay tucked inside and craft, of course!

First, I wanted to share my St. Valentine's Day decorations for my jelly cupboard out on my front porch....

Jars-O-Love...

I used vintage blue Ball canning jars (my one weakness...and...the color matches some of the trim I painted on my Victorian home this summer!)

I purchased little heart ornaments at Hobby Lobby....

added some pretty moss and a ribbon....

and put them inside a wonderful old wire basket...

(Even though the jelly cupboard is tucked under the eaves of the porch, I still have to be careful to only put things that are somewhat weather-proof)

You can see the rest of the decorations in the picture at the very top of this post...

Next, I turned my attention to a few wearables that I wanted to embellish...

Now, you may be surprised to see a sweatshirt amongst my clothing...as I do strive to dress rather vintage/Victorian on a daily basis...but I like to have something in my wardrobe that I can wear when attending to messy chores here on the homestead....paired with a turtleneck, tights and a jean skirt, it looks rather charming and is practically indestructible...

I just printed some favorite ephemera from my personal collection and ironed them on using an ink-jet transfer for dark backgrounds...

I am using beads and will add embroidered flourishes to add a little bit o' something...

Now, I think it is time to have something warm to drink, stoke the fire and close the drapes against the cold....dinner will be easy-peasy....leftover spaghetti

Yours so kindredly,

Shan

A Day in the Kitchen.....and a Recipe

2012-01-27T17:47:00.000-07:00

Dearest Readers,

It has been a quiet day here in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains....a little snow, a little sunshine...the perfect day to spend snuggled inside my wee kitchen....

As the sunshine played hide and seek, I started the laundry and tidied up a few dishes from last night....

I was grateful for the glow of my lamps as they chased away the shadows on the walls.....

(What do you think of my new wall color....I am not quite finished painting, but it makes me smile every time I step inside the kitchen!)

A batch of Dearest's favorite cookies was the order of the day....this is a wonderful lowfat recipe that I thought you might like to try....

Dearest's Delights

This recipe makes about 3 dozen cookies

2 cups flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

------

4 tbsp. butter, room temperature

1/2 cup applesauce

2 large eggs

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 cup sugar

1 cup brown sugar

------

3 cups quick cooking oats

1 cup raisins

(you could use chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and nuts...not so lowfat, but very delicious!)

Preheat oven to 375F

Mix together all dry ingredients (except oatmeal and raisins)

In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugars...add eggs, applesauce and vanilla

Add dry ingredients...mix well

Add oatmeal and raisins

-----

Drop by spoonfuls onto sheets lined with parchment paper (remember, the cookies don't have much fat in them, so they will stick to the cookie sheet if you skip this step)

These cookies don't spread very much on their own...I use a fork dipped in flour to flatten the cookies a little...it helps the cookie spread out and cook evenly

---

Bake for 9-12 minutes

These cookies will get somewhat brown around the edges but will not brown like regular cookies

----

Pour glass of milk and enjoy!

I would love to hear from you if you have a chance to make these cookies....

Now, I must see to supper...I made a large pot of chili yesterday, so it will just be a matter of heating it up and calling out to Dearest to come and join me...easy peasy, lemon squeasy!

Yours so kindredly,

Shan

January...Soapbox Clean

2012-01-10T13:22:00.000-07:00

Dearest Readers,

It is that time of year again....the time to make our homes and hearts Soapbox Clean! We find ourselves ready to scrub our homes shiny bright after all the holiday frippery is tucked safely away. Everything looks so fresh, albeit a little bare, after all the pine and holly has been removed. What a wonderful time to look ahead to the unspoiled year that lies ahead!

As I have busied myself with the daily chores of packing Christmastide away, I have been thoughtfully pondering my inspiration for this new year. As so many of my dear blogging friends have done, I too will summarize my thoughts with one word....CHARITY.

Not just the charity of my pocketbook, but the charity of my time, thoughts, ideas, deeds and prayers! Too often, I find myself folding inward and staying tucked inside my own little world, so this year I want to share much more with those around me, both near and far.

It is my intent to be charitable with my posting...this will be a bold step for me, as more often than not, I talk myself out of posting for fear that I will bore my readers to death! This is where I would truly like your help my dear friends....please let me know if there is something you would like me to share....

More pictures of my home?

Gardening...the greenhouse?

Sewing?

Victorian decorating tidbits?

Cooking?

What I am Wearing?
(I do admit that this is an area that I dearly enjoy reading/viewing on other fine ladies' blogs, but as I am quite self-conscious about posting pictures of myself, I need to find out if there truly interest in this subject, if so, I purpose to step out of my comfort zone and post pictures of my feminine attire.)

It would so embolden me, Dear Readers, to know that I am writing and sharing in a way that would enhance your day, even if only by the thimble full.

Yours so very kindredly,
Shan

Christmastide Home Tour 2011...The Master Bedroom

2011-12-15T22:37:00.000-07:00

Dearest Readers,

Welcome once more to my beloved Honey Hill Farm! Please follow me as we make our way upstairs to the master bedroom. This room is ever so cozy in the morning sunlight, making the period-correct Victorian Rose wall color glow with warmth.....

the sewing corner....

complete with a little feather tree....

my Victorian inspired clothes.....

add elegance to my everyday wardrobe...

a favorite picture next to a favorite blouse....

a corner vignette....

laundry day ephemera...

dresser decor.....

an old bonnet and hair comb....

a hand painted lamp....

Cameo ornaments...so darling.....

hat pins...yes, I use them...they are quite handy.....

my wedding dress and veil.....

Dearest's dresser.....

an old mirror and hat hook....

I am so very grateful for your company today Dear Reader, it was so very pleasant! I shall continue the tour early next week so I do hope that you will visit me then.

Yours so kindredly,

Shan

Christmastide Home Tour 2011...The Middle Bedroom

2011-12-11T15:26:00.000-07:00

Dearest Readers,

I don't customarily post on Sunday, but due to some "technical difficulties", I was not able to post yesterday as promised. I do apologize to any Dear Readers who stopped by for a visit and found that I was not in residence.

Won't you be so kind and join me as we wander upstairs and take a peek inside the Middle Bedroom. This room ventures away from the main colors in my home and sports two shades of turquoise (they are not very true to "real-life" in these pictures) along with gold and a little burgundy.....

(Don't forget that all of the pictures may be viewed in a larger format just by clicking on any picture.)

A nature inspired theme is right at home.....

Little birds add to the whimsy....

This little tree was put together with bits and bobs from my craft room and an obliging tree....

I purchased this fan last spring knowing that it would make a charming tree-topper...

Scrap art....

a little paper, and glitter....

along with some trim, make for easy-peasy ornaments....

a wee shelf.....

another shelf near the ceiling....

an old basin and pitcher....

a cozy fire....

a quiet place....

to read a good book....

or dream of Spring....

Dearest Readers, I must say goodbye to you and tend to the ingredients for our Sunday supper...just grilled cheese and tomato soup tonight....something simple, as we have been eating a little too often from the groaning board.

Until Wednesday......

Yours kindredly,

Shan

Christmastide Home Tour 2011....The Children's Room

2011-12-08T16:40:00.000-07:00

Dearest Readers,

Today we venture upstairs to the first bedroom, affectionately know as The Children's Room....

The tea table is set for a St. Nicholas tea...

A sweet little pup perched upon a tuffet.....

Christmastide wishes.....

A tiny tree tucked into an old doll's cradle....

Mending dolly....

A roller skate with sewing spool wheels....

Miss Goldie and one of my most beloved antique photographs.....

Anyone for baked marbles?.....

Peeking into the nursery (just off the bedroom)....

Baby booties....

A cozy place for baby to rest.....

Bedtime lovies....

A rattle for baby....

Dearest's boyhood stocking made by his Great Auntie.....

Long johns...in need of ironing....

Wee toys....

Tender memories....

This little bedroom, complete with nursery, is one of my favorite rooms in our home, I especially enjoy decorating it for Christmastide. Treasured memories of my own childhood as well as those of my sweet Darlings are brought to my mind and my heart.

I hope that you have had a peaceful and gentle visit this afternoon Dear Readers, and perhaps you too, will remember a Christmastide long, long ago.

Yours so kindredly,

Shan

P.S. Please do stop by for a visit on Saturday, December 10th, when we shall stroll through another upstairs bedroom.

Christmastide Home Tour 2011....The Back Parlour

2011-12-06T14:41:00.001-07:00

Dearest Readers,

The light of day has provided me with ample illumination as I (feebly) try and capture the sunshine as it dances amongst the Christmastide decorations in my Back Parlour.

Remember that all photos are in a smaller format...just click on one and you will be able to view all the pictures in a larger size...

The Christmas tree is sporting new lights as the dear old gal had suffered a lighting malady. Now, I usually choose white lights, but Dearest and the Darlings have always wanted to experience the beauty of colored lights....so I ventured into new territory...

I immediately loved the new look and decided it was very vintage-nostalgic looking...a la 1940's

Kitchy...fun and cozy!

Of course, I had to add a few embellishments...popcorn boxes...and

over sized candy ornaments...add to the retro theme!

My soda fountain....Christmastide fun!

Yummy......

Sweet tidings....

Real paper straws...too cute!

Chickens, tea and candy atop my antique incubator....

I just love the roses on this tea set!

little bits of Christmastide tucked in here and there....

pretty cushions for relaxing....

our popcorn popper makes for tasty movie nights....

my easiest of easy chairs...I love tucking-in for the evening!

my side table...a little bit of everything...

a warm fire....

looking down the staircase, which leads to my sewing room...

There you have it Dear Readers...the Back Parlour...a place for my family to gather and relax, especially during this Christmastide season. I am so enjoying the new Retro-Victorian-Kitchy look! (I am not sure that is actually a decorating style...but it is soooo "me".)

Goodness, I must bid you adieu....the day is waning...thank you ever so much for your company.

Yours so kindredly,

Shan

Tour Post Postponed....

2011-12-05T18:48:00.000-07:00

Dearest Readers,

Just a note to let you know that my Christmastide Home Tour 2011 post scheduled for today will, instead, be posted tomorrow. Nothing serious, just errands kept me away today and by the time I returned home, there was not enough light to take my photographs.

Yours kindredly,
Shan

Christmastide Home Tour 2011....The Front Bedroom

2011-12-03T20:24:00.000-07:00

Dearest Readers,

Welcome, once again....won't you follow me as we take a peek inside the front bedroom (right off the parlour). This room is not original to the home, but was added long ago when my husband's Great Aunt Lettie could no longer make the journey upstairs. It proudly served as our family room and my sewing room in years past. It has come full circle and is a bedroom once more....

(I posted the pictures in a smaller format, so that they would load faster for my readers with dial-up...for a closer look click on any picture and it will make the photographs larger.)

The lovely dresser was found on our trip to Ohio....

A beautiful hand-crocheted towel....

A festive corner....

A seashore inspired tree....

Pretties....from the ocean.....

Nautical ephemera.....

A cozy little built-in desk and bookcase...

Notice the tiny little stove to the left, complete with stockings....and a teapot!

A closer look inside....

Hand stenciled border paper.....

Sea shells, holly and ribbon.....

Old postcards....my one weakness....

A small room to be sure, but oh, so cozy...it was such a treat to decorate with a nod to the beauty of the seashore.

As Eventide has drawn near, I must leave you Dear Reader...but join me on December 5th, when we shall venture forth into my Back Parlour.

I look forward to your pleasant company!

Yours so kindredly,

Shan

Christmastide Home Tour 2011....The Entryway and Parlour

2011-12-01T15:28:00.002-07:00

Dearest Readers,

Another beautiful day here in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.... snow....lovely falling snow. It is a welcoming sight...drawing all towards home...cozy fires and cups of tea....a perfect day for visiting!

Won't you kindly step over the threshold and join me in a tour of my Victorian home...Christmastide is here and all are welcome...

Let us start in the Entryway.....

(This is a photo laden post...I posted them in a smaller format to make loading faster...

Please click on pictures for a larger view.)

Bits and bobs of my Santa collection...

A place for the daily news...adorned for the season....

Lovely lantern catching the light of day...

Mistletoe...so old-fashioned....

A view from the top of the stairs....

Stained glass in the afternoon light...

A jaunty wreath....

Sweet treats....

Touches of greenery....

St. Nicholas...

A cherished collection...

And now let us gather in the Parlour....

My tabletop tree has pride of place...

My Currier & Ives village under the tree...very traditional and so enjoyable to create...

(I have gifted my Darling Girl some of the houses in my collection...she is so clever, I can't wait to see her interpretation of a long-ago Christmastide.)

The little shelf on the parlour table was a perfect fit for the village gazebo...

My Bye-Lo baby (handmade by my Mother) celebrates from her high-chair....

A turn of the century postcard.....

Mouse House Christmastide....

Away in the Manger....

I have a tender spot....

For old postcards....

The Holly and the Ivy...

A wee movie theater...

Sprigs of the season...

A Christmas shelf....

Blue and White for every season...

My dear Great-Gran....

A festive Victrola...

Tinsel abounds....

Well, dear Readers, the time has come for us to part....

As I have so enjoyed your company, I wish to invite you to join me on December 3rd and we will continue the Christmastide Home Tour.

Yours so kindredly,

Shan

Christmastide Decorating Questions Answered.....

2011-11-28T13:37:00.000-07:00

Dearest Readers,

After many of years of charming and delightful visitors touring my little Victorian cottage during the Christmastide season, I thought I would share answers to some of the most asked decorating questions.

Q: How do you decorate an entire house for Christmas?

A: My secret....an abundance of greenery! Believe it or not, I don't actually have that many Christmas decorations. (Dearest is snickering!) Honestly, tuck a spring of greenery amongst your everyday items and all of sudden an entire room looks festive. Take it a step further and start tucking greenery behind pictures on the wall, add some sprigs to your potted plants, snuggle them inside your china cupboard. Whether real or faux, greenery is my number one decorating tool.

Q: When do you start your decorating?

A: I used to start right after Thanksgiving, but I must confess that I now start about mid November. I entirely love the languid pace that is afforded me when I allow myself the luxury of starting my decorating so early. I like to clean and organize each room as I decorate, so the process is quite slow....but oh so enjoyable.

Q: How and where do you store your decorations?

A: I store all my indoor decorations in the fruit cellar, except for the gigantic Christmas tree that is stored in its equally gigantic box in the front bedroom closet...it is just too hard to lug that beast downstairs.

I like to think that I store all my decorations with some sense of organization....? Each room or area has a Rubbermaid tote that is labeled, it is then hauled from the fruit cellar to the corresponding room. This makes it easy to take my time decorating and not have the house all sixes and sevens. Of course, I make sure to carefully pack things away and if I have added or changed things, I make a note and put that in the tote so that I am not confused the following year. (As I am always confused, one would question my method...but I digress.)

Q: How do you manage to decorate all of the individual Christmas trees?

A: I will let you in on a little secret....I only decorate two trees in their entirety each year, my Victorian Parlor tree and my large Back Parlor tree. All the other trees are tucked away, ornaments and all in a corner of my fruit cellar. I cover them with a gigantic (very thin and light) plastic sheet to keep the dust off of them. All I have to do is bring them upstairs and...voila....Victorian loveliness in an instant!

Q: Do you feel like you live in a museum, especially at Christmastide?

A: I have been asked this question many times (while this question might sound offensive, it is always asked with kindness) and my simple answer is No. My home is very cozy and warm and my family is always comfortable within its confines. Yes, I do have many collectibles, antiques and period pieces, but none of them are as important as the people who cross the threshold and step into my home, especially at Christmastide.

So there you have it Dear Readers, now pour yourself a cup of tea, put on some wonderful Christmas music and enjoy the delight of decorating your own cottage for this splendid Christmastide season!

Yours so kindredly,
Shan

P.S. I have added a little slideshow with snippets from last Christmastide on my sidebar for you to peruse.

Please Excuse the Dust....

2011-11-25T17:09:00.000-07:00

Dearest Readers,

Please be so kind as to excuse the dust here on my dear little blog...I am decorating for Christmastide and I tend to make quite a mess in the process!

Yours kindredly,

Shan

P.S. The Honey Hill Farm Christmas Home Tour will begin December 1st...please join me!

Thanksgiving Blessings....Christmas Home Tour Reminder

2011-11-24T08:34:00.002-07:00

Dearest Readers,

Just a few pictures of my beloved Honey Hill Farm taken during this season of blessings....

May the Good Lord Bless you this day!

Just a Reminder....

Please join me starting December 1st for

The Honey Hill Farm Christmas Home Tour

featuring The Front Parlour

Yours kindredly,

Shan

The Tucked-In Season.....

2011-11-17T20:00:00.001-07:00

Dearest Readers,

I write this missive ensconced in my favorite flannel robe which is layered snugly over long-johns... wool stockings upon my feet. A blazing fire in the woodstove and a hot cup of tea are keeping me company. 'Tis the "Tucked-In Season"....my favorite time of year to be certain.

I have slowly been transforming our little home into a cozy chipmunk's nest complete with heavy velvet curtains adorning windows and piles of warm throws upon settees and chairs. As Eventide draws near, the curtains are drawn against the chill of the night and we are, once again, cocooned inside our snug cottage.

I think that I feel more "at home" during this time of year than any other. It is such a joy to put the kettle on, simmer soup, bake bread and pies and cakes while the clouds gather and the snow swirls. I adore the contentment in my heart as I ponder my heavy laden fruit cellar and pantry...summer's work is winter's blessing.

Evenings spent in my easiest of easy chairs, Dearest nearby, hand-work of one kind or another to keep my hands busy...such comfort and delight. The night descends upon us so much earlier now, gently pushing us indoors, closer together, love gathered under one roof...so much happiness.

The"Tucked-In Season" has come again....joy of joys!

Yours so kindredly,
Shan

Autumn Work Days....And A Greenhouse Update

2011-10-10T15:13:00.000-06:00

Mrs. Caul E. Flower shows off her Autumn attire...

Dearest Readers,

Autumn has arrived here in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains ushering in a season of abundant harvest and hurried preparations to ensure that all is snug and cozy here on our little homestead. I thought you might enjoy a few glimpses of our humble home sporting her new colors....

Dearest has toiled for many months to erect a garden toolshed and a greenhouse. Isn't he a darling!

We just started painting the shed...it will barn red with white trim and I have some Victorian fretwork that will be painted the house colors to add a little panache! The greenhouse will be painted the lighter shade of blue/green and the trim will echo the trim on the house.

What do you thing about our recycled windows? I wasn't sure about all the different styles

of windows looking quite right.

We will put a lovely colored glass transom above the soon-to-be-installed door!

As you can see, I am taking full advantage of this wonderful space....keeping my potted porch plants safe from the cold.

What a blessing to live this life!

Yours so kindredly,

Shan

Chipmunk Busy.....

2011-09-08T21:14:00.000-06:00

Dearest Readers,

I am, just like so many of you, enjoying the abundant harvest of this lovely season...canning, drying and tucking produce safely in my root cellar. I believe I may have to acquire more canning jars before the garden begins to fade with the onset of Autumn. I am quite like a chipmunk as I scurry from task to task!

Amidst this busy season Dearest and I are going to take a small break and spend some time away, relaxing and enjoying the company of my Brother-in-love and his dear Wife. She is the loveliest of ladies and I know we will grow closer in our walk as Sisters...I so look forward to getting to know her better.

I have had little opportunity to pay long overdue "housecalls" to so many of you, but please know that you have been on my mind so very often. Kimberly, I think of you and wonder if you are feeling settled. Brenda, are you still keeping house amongst the ghost-yard of battered electronics? Ken, are you busy enjoying your re-enacting season? Of course, I could go on and on, but suffice to say that you are so important to me and I am sorry for my neglect.

I have much to share with you upon our return....the garden shed is built, the fence is up and the greenhouse is about finished. You will laugh when I tell you that I am still working on painting the house! Who was that lady that said it would be completed promptly? Oh, it was me...silly, silly, me.

Yours so kindredly,
Shan

Summertide....

2011-08-03T15:31:00.000-06:00

Dearest Readers,

Summertide is upon us here at Honey Hill Farm...so beautiful...full of sunshine and abundance from the garden. Won't you cross the threshold and stay awhile with me....taking in the loveliness of the afternoon...no words.... just pictures.....

I hope you enjoyed your visit....soaking up all the delights of the season. Now I shall leave you to go and sit in the shade of the front porch and sip upon something cool, side by side with my Dearest.

Yours so kindredly,

Shan

The Art of Contentment.....

2011-07-10T10:08:00.000-06:00

Dearest Readers,

Contentment... being cozy and comfortable inside your own four walls... happy and loving with those around you... creative and inspired with the things you already have....

keeping your servant's heart even when you have less than nothing to give.... making do..... enjoying your PB&J out in the garden.... mending....

tending.... putting by..... ignoring the lumpy bedroom carpet (that won't stay stretched).... covering worn spots on the sofa with a pretty throw and thinking it actually looks better that way.... pretty music....scented candles..... much needed rain.... all your children tucked in their beds at night.... your spouse by your side...

Contentment must be practiced....

Each day ended with prayers of gratitude sent lovingly towards

Heaven

Contentment...yours for the taking.

Yours so kindredly,
Shan

Looking Well Into the Ways of My Household.....

2011-07-06T22:45:00.001-06:00

Dearest Readers,

I have been looking well into the ways of my household these last few weeks leaving little time for a thoughtful post. There have been days full-to-overflowing with gardening, weeding, painting, mending and general homekeeping.

Right now, there is an abundance of spinach and radishes growing in the garden...my lettuce was very sparse and I will replant as I deplete the spinach. As we live at about 6000 feet above sea level, we are just beginning to see tomatoes, peppers and strawberries and the pumpkins and squash are just setting their blossoms.

I am still painting...yes, STILL PAINTING, the Victorian trim on my home. The professional painters have come and gone and the trim around the eaves looks so lovely...I am so glad to have hired out that particular chore, especially in light of the time it has take me to scrape/caulk/paint the lower portion of the house! Had it all fallen on my shoulders, this would be the epic DIY project of the decade. I sincerely promise to post a multitude of pictures when I finish.

As I mentioned above, I have a hefty crop of radishes and want to try making Radish Relish...has anyone made anything similar? I had never heard of this, but it sounds quite lovely and would be so good on roast beef or bratwurst sandwiches.

Dearest is building the greenhouse, garden shed and a section of picket fence this summer, towards the back of the expanded garden. He chose a darling barn style for the garden shed...we plan to paint it the same barn red that is on the house and we have a recycled oval window to let in light. The greenhouse is just in the beginning stages and we have yet to find a recycled door to our liking.

Our grass feed beef arrived and is now stuffed into our blessedly full freezer. Between the pantry and freezer, I have been able to use my weekly grocery money for fresh produce and stocking a very deep pantry. I am so grateful to have the provision to do this, as I want to provide for my family and friends should a calamity arise. (My good friend Brenda has assembled many wonderful posts on this very subject...see her sidebar.)

As soon as the dreaded painting is finished I have a new skirt pattern that I dearly want to make. I have quite a bit of fabric leftover from other sewing projects that I would love to put to good use! I haven't even made a muslin so I don't know if I will like this pattern, but I am keeping my fingers crossed...it is Victorian in style...my cup of tea.

Tomorrow we will celebrate our youngest Darling Boy's 22nd Birthday! We are going to go to a very nice Chinese restaurant together. On Friday we have to attend a funeral for my dear Aunt Marty...she was so very sweet and never had a harsh word for anyone, ever.

Blessing to all of you, my faithful Readers, your friendship and kindness are very much appriciated.

Yours kindredly,
Shan

The Package has Arrived!......

2011-06-10T13:31:00.000-06:00

Dearest Readers,

My package arrived and just look at the set of china that was gifted to me by my sweet Auntie and her Daughter! The china is Noritake in the Mabel pattern and there are twelve full place settings along with various serving pieces. You better believe I am just over the moon.

The china was purchased by a GI stationed in Japan, at the behest of my Grandma as a gift for my Aunt...she just had to trust his judgement as to the pattern....Why, I'd say he had wonderful taste!

My Auntie has always been a gracious hostess, not mention a superb cook and these dishes have provided many years of loyal service. I hope that I can live up to the standards that they are used to, otherwise, there could be a mutiny in my china cupboard!

I want to thank my Auntie for thinking of me, and my sweet Cousin for all her painstaking effort into seeing that the dishes arrived safely....I am so honored to be the steward of this fine gift.

I have wanted a set of china for almost 29 years now, but nothing ever spoke to my heart or seemed just right...isn't it just like HIM, who knows our hearts and cares about even the simple things like pretty china, to bless us in unexpected ways!

Yours so kindredly,

Shan

Homestead Musings....

2011-06-08T19:09:00.000-06:00

Dearest Readers,

For those of you who have faithfully visited my long neglected blog and left empty-handed, this post is for you! I am sure you were under the impression that I had run away to join the circus or perhaps I was abducted by space aliens...alas, it was nothing so outrageous, just summer chores heaping themselves onto my "to do" list.

Now....the garden is planted...the trim on the house is almost completely painted....and the pantry is starting to look a little barren....

Time to take inventory and plan for my canning ~~rampage~~ marathon...as you can see, sweet pickles (the top shelf) are a priority...dill pickles (the second from the top)...not so much. I also will need to put up a great deal of tomato sauce...we just never seem to have enough. I most certainly want to can, freeze, dehydrate and tuck anything and everything I can fit into my root/fruit cellar...I am curious to see just how much I can "put-up" for my family this year.

Canning jars are making their way upstairs...ready and able to hold the season's upcoming bounty.....

I believe that I will purchase a pressure canner this year...I have always been so leery of them, but after reading so many blogs regaling their virtues, I think I shall succumb.

We are making progress on our passive solar greenhouse...we have acquired all the recycled windows (Habitat for Humanity is wonderful), we now (thanks to Dearest's adept skills at auctions) have obtained enough cinder block for the back wall (for passive heat retention) and have the footers ready for cement. Of course, there is still much work to be done, but it is moving forward!

The painter's are coming next week (hopefully) and they will tackle the upper roof line trim. I am so thankful to be able to hand this job over to professionals. Dearest and I are pretty much dyed-in-the-wool do-it-yourselfers, but we just did not want to risk life and limb for the sake of a fairly small investment.

I am expecting a package in the mail either tomorrow or Friday...I will give you a hint...I have never had a set of these...and I have been married for almost 29 years. Curious? Well so am I...these are being gifted to me, sight un-seen from a beloved Auntie. Stay tuned, I will post just as soon as they arrive!

Now, I must see to our supper and then I think I am going to curl-up in my easiest of easy chairs and stitch a little mouse just for fun.

Yours so kindredly,

Shan

P.S. A note about PLAYLIST ...if you have not listened to your blog over the last few days and you have Playlist embedded, you may be surprised to find out that:

A. There is no longer an autostart feature available (for some, this is not an issue, but for me...since it is MY blog and the music I choose is an important component to the overall composition, I think I have the right to decide if I want the music to autostart and then let the visitor have the option to pause the music).

B. There are now COMMERCIALS playing every few songs...yes, COMMERCIALS...it is insidious!

I found out about all of this by going into the Playlist forum...and let me tell you, there was quite an outcry! I deleted my account after receiving an e-mail from the the powers-that-be at Playlist that they were sticking to their guns and this was the new law of the land...well, no thanks!

I am now using MixPod (see my player at the bottom of my posts...you can go to their website from the link, should you be interested). Hopefully, they will remain user friendly and commercial free!

Ooooh, sorry to be so long-winded...

Honey Hill Farm Is Now Printer Friendly....

2011-05-19T11:28:00.000-06:00

Dearest Readers,

Upon interest from my readers, I have now made Honey Hill Farm Printer Friendly. You can click on the button at the end of any post and you can PRINT or create a PDF! In order to save on ink and paper you will have an option whether to print photos/graphics or just text alone.

I hope this is a blessing to you Dear Readers!

Yours so kindredly,
Shan

From My Little Home.....

2011-05-14T15:10:00.000-06:00

Dearest Readers,

I write this from the cozy confines of my "chipmunk's nest" (to quote Tasha), where I am tucked in and warm. It is so very gloomy just outside our door...we have welcomed Winter once again and are expecting a little snow this Eventide.

I do adore a day at home just to rest and curl up before the fire, even if I secretly would rather be puttering about in my garden...it is May after all. But here in the foothills we know that Winter can linger and we so desperately need the moisture that I shall not complain. (Please know that my prayers are with all my Dear Readers who have suffered amidst the storms and floods of this bitter Spring season.)

So, I shall keep tending the fire, keeping our home snug and welcoming until I am able to venture forth outside....Spring will come soon enough and I will be ever so busy once it arrives.

I have been looking out my windows throughout the day, watching the sky, searching for any sign of snow, hoping that it will not break branches or cause my tender flowers to suffer frostbite.

So far, just the gloom of low hanging clouds is keeping me company, offering a glimmer of light upon my windowsills.

Perhaps a little music would be in order to brighten the day....

Or maybe I will read snuggled up in my favorite chair....

No matter what transpires, I know that my little home suites me best, even on the gloomiest of days.....

Yours so kindredly,
Shan

Mother's Day on the Homestead......

2011-05-07T23:56:00.000-06:00

Dearest Readers,

Tomorrow will be Mother's Day and I will have all my (not so) little chicks home to roost for the day... truly a blessing. We will spend a glorious day together savoring each other's company and the expected sunshine along with a delicious meal of grilled steak (a rare treat indeed), potato salad, corn and something decadent for dessert.

I always ask for bedding plants for Mother's Day as I just love the cottage charm of pots and planters spilling over with beautiful blooms. I decided upon snapdragons this year along with some vinca and potato vine to fill in my pots...so old-fashioned and sweet. I also will have a few geraniums in a very pretty pink that will look nice with our new paint color (which as of this moment is still not finished, I am sad to report).

I truly love to be here on our old homestead with the ones that I love, tying hearstrings and making cherished memories..... it is the best present in the world.

Yours so kindredly,
Shan

P.S. I know that for so many of you this is such a bittersweet day...you are in my prayers.

Eastertide Blessings.....

2011-04-24T08:35:00.000-06:00

Dearest Readers,

May your day be pleasant and full of joy! Many, many blessing this glorious day....He Is Risen!

Yours so kindredly,
Shan

Extreme Couponing....What Do You Think?

2011-04-21T11:30:00.000-06:00

Dearest Readers,

Like so many of you, the stewardship of my family's budget is one of my primary responsibilities. I take great care to watch the pennies, along with the dollars that are spent each month. I purpose each time I shop to purchase items that are necessary, well-made and at the best possible price.

There is a new show on TLC called "Extreme Couponing"....you can guess that this is a show about people using coupons to receive enormous discounts when they shop. What you might not know is that this show has stirred up a great amount of controversy!

I do use coupons (and discounts), not only for groceries, but for clothing, hardware, gardening, entertainment and restaurants. But as this show is about extreme grocery shopping, I will keep my thoughts focused in that direction.

In recent years, my grocery store (King Soopers) sends me coupons based on my shopping. Therefore, I now receive coupons for things like flour, meat, cheese and even milk. In addition, I use the inserts in the paper along with "Catalinas" (those are the coupons printed at the register when you check out) and my rewards card. I average savings between 20 and 68 percent. I also buy some of our groceries at Costco and will occasionally take advantage of a sale and in-store coupons at SuperTarget.

As you may know from my series Providing for the Pantry, I keep a Winter Menu and Summer Menu., as I have done this for years, I could shop for my pantry blindfolded! By having a menu plan I can accurately predict just how many jars, boxes, ounces or pounds of any given item I might need for each season or the entire year. Because I shop from my pantry first, I can use the bulk of my monthly grocery budget to stock-up and buy fresh produce and milk.

I don't shop just to shop. I don't use a coupon just because I have one for items I don't need.

With all of that said, I can honestly say that I just don't care for this show. It seems to me that this is a show about obsessive (rationalized because they are "saving" money) shopping and compulsive (albeit organized) hoarding. There, I said it.

One woman bought 62 bottles of mustard, one 112 bottles of overnight pain relievers, one gal had a 2 year supply of disposable diapers....she did not even have children....I could go on and on. A few of the participants have mentioned that they donate to food banks, local churches and our troops. But even that noble act pales in comparison with the hoards (these folks have gone way beyond a stock pantry, trust me) of food, toiletries and sundry items that are stocked in these homes.

Participants are proud that their homes resemble mini-marts and delight in showing the audience shelves filled to over-flowing in basements, garages, and additions built onto their houses just for their hoard(are you kidding me?). One lady has 1400 rolls of toilet paper stuffed under her toddler's bed and a tower of canned goods in her children's playroom. Again, I could go on ad nauseam.

There is now an investigation underway against one participant for fraudulent coupon use and retailers are already changing their attitudes and policies towards coupons and discounts. What a shame that a few bad examples will now spoil a frugal necessity for the rest of us.

It is disappointing that TLC didn't use this opportunity to create a show that was about practical budgeting, menu planning and coupon practices that would be a blessing to many of us in these difficult financial times. Instead they created a show about nothing except gluttonous consumerism.

I don't think it is a coincidence that this shows airs along with "Hoarding, Buried Alive".

What are your thoughts on this show?

Yours kindredly,
Shan
Honey Hill Farm

Golly Gosh it's a Post!.....

2011-04-14T19:57:00.002-06:00

Dearest Readers,

Spring has sprung and it has taken me hostage with all its diversions! I have been thinking and pondering and puttering....both inside and outside...poor Dearest, I can think of far more "projects" in one afternoon than he could ever finish in a lifetime!

First, our dear old home is in need of a paint job. Now I could just paint it in the existing color scheme and call it a day, but what fun would that be? Instead, I have scoured the pages of my Victorian Homes magazines, watched all my Victorian movies, and perused many historic Victorian home websites with the purpose of finding a color scheme that would both suit me and my very orange (not even close to red) brick home. And the winner is......

The historic Hale House (click on picture to enlarge)

Of course, I do not have even a smidgen of the trim on my home compared to this gem, but I have always loved this combination (see orange brick chimneys...my WHOLE house is that color). I didn't use the lighter shades of red, as I just don't have enough trim to add so many colors. I also think my scheme is a little more blue-green...yummy!

Here is a list of the paint colors...all are from (exclusively at Lowe's)Valspar's Natural Trust for Historic Preservation Series:

Dark Red: Cliveden Henna Red 1008-7A

Dark Green: Pine Forest 5007-8C

Medium Green: Twilight Meadow 5007-8A

Light Green: Gentle Wave 5007-7C

(I tried scanning the color swatches, but they just didn't come out close to the true color)

I bought Valspar's paint with built-in primer....I "heart" this paint, it is $40/gallon, but it is soooo worth the price.

I am also using white in a couple of places to tie-in all the lattice and wicker. Coupled with the terra-cotta (which is a nicer way of saying ORANGE) brick, I will have 6 shades of color on my the "old gal"...hardly making the grade for a "painted lady", but she is a modest Victorian Farmhouse after all.

I am making painstakingly slow progress on the painting, as I have just been able to paint in fits and starts. Once the weather stabilizes, I will finish in record time...pictures to follow.

Hmmm....what else?

We have had quite a bit of tree ~~murder~~ trimming done here on the place, as one of our Walnut trees was sickened by blight and there was a grove of horrible sucker trees right where our garden expansion was to be. As these trees where either next to the house or incredibly tall, we decided to hire professionals to do the work. You should have heard the "thud" when the old Walnut tree was finally felled....it shook the house.We kept the huge pieces of Walnut...such a beautiful wood...we hope to find a woodworker who might like it...we just can't bare the thought of using it for firewood.

Once we enclose the newly expanded garden, we will begin to build our greenhouse from recycled bits and bobs. We have already accumulated two used windows, one is leaded glass and the other is a beautiful oval shape. We plan to go to Habitat for Humanity and purchase the rest of the recycled windows before we actually build the frame. I can hardly wait to have a greenhouse...what a long awaited dream!

I also want to paint my kitchen, but want to wait until we get the outside painting done, and the garden in. After that, I will leave the building of the greenhouse to the "boys" in the family, hopefully, by that time I should be able to fling the windows open and paint the walls a wonderful dusty rose color...it should be ever so cozy, I can hardly wait.

By the time the paint dries in the kitchen, it will be time to paint the greenhouse....um, did I mention I like to paint? Maybe not so much by the end of this summer.

Anybody else painting their house?

Yours so kindredly,

Shan

The Honey Hill Mailbox

2011-03-27T21:33:00.000-06:00

Dearest Readers,

Over the last several weeks you have been so kind about commenting on my various posts with many of you asking a variety of questions. I am ashamed to say that I have completely lost track of those that I have answered and those that I have not....so here is my feeble attempt to try to make amends.

Please leave any questions that I have not answered. or new ones that come to mind, in the comment section of this post. I will promptly return an answer in the comment section, so please check back often.

Henceforth, all future posts will find me leaving answers to questions via the comment section, so hopefully, I will not be so neglectful of my kind readers.

Yours kindredly,
Shan

P.S. We are back to normal.....it is such a wonderful feeling!

A Few Photos.....

2011-03-23T19:34:00.001-06:00

Dearest Readers,

There were fire crews here today...still watching and working a few fire lines...the smoke billowed from time to time...we could hear the SEAT planes and helicopters throughout the day....

Dearest and I did go into town to have lunch and we went to Hobby Lobby so that I could get a few craft supplies. I wanted to put a sign down at the end of our road to thank all the crews that have kept us safe.

It was double-sided so that it was more visible to the traffic from either direction....not too fancy, but heartfelt.

I also wanted to pick-up a few frames to make a small gift to take to each of the family homes...

I made these on my computer in different colors for each household and printed a little gift card....

I have started to unload the car and put pictures back on the wall....I have shed tears of thankfulness and offered up countless prayers of gratitude to the One who kept us safe.

While we are out of danger, the fire continues to burn and the firefighters continue to battle the blaze, mostly by air and by hand...they are in my prayers.

Again, thank you for all your concern, kind words and prayer....I am humbled by your outpouring of love.

I am looking forward to returning to the gentle art of homekeeping....it will be even more of a blessing to me than ever before.

Yours so kindredly,

Shan

Update....Links to the Newscasts from Our Home

2011-03-23T10:46:00.001-06:00

Dearest Readers,

First and foremost, thank you so very much for your continued prayers...there have been no injuries, lives or structures lost, so we are truly blessed at this time.

Yesterday morning we thought we were out of danger and we were getting ready to head to town to have breakfast and run a few errands....imagine my surprise to see two very large firetrucks coming up our road. By the time Dearest went out to talk to them they were in their gear and heading towards the bottom of our mountain to cut fire lines. They were here to protect us throughout the day by cutting fire and wet lines so that they could back-burn against the fire to protect our homes if the fire came over the crest of the mountain.

Next, the helicopter flew over and headed towards the pond to begin using our water to make it's fire run. We had expected it before, but the wind had grounded the choppers and this was the first time they had been allowed to come up to our place. I must say it was quite a sight to behold....but I don't ever want it to visit again!

We were gathered up at the pond to watch all the excitement, when the news crew asked our permission to take some footage of the helicopter. After visiting with my SIL and myself the reporter asked if he could tell our story on camera and asked us a few questions...he was such a gentleman...I must say that I didn't expect that from a reporter, as they are always portrayed as quite invasive and obnoxious. We actually talked to him for about 10 or 15 minutes, so we were surprised to see what made "the cut".

Here are two links (from our little homestead) to last night's newscasts on Channel 7, (each one is different) one at 4pm and one at 10pm (there was also a different one at 5pm, but it is not in the list of links). You can see two of the houses (the news said we own 3, but we actually own 4 here on our property) that belong to the family. You can't see our house as the pond is to the West of our house and was not in view of the cameras.

I did take pictures but they were of the very same things that were captured by the news report...and as their photography is much better than mine, I won't bother posting my feeble attempts.

I took the fire crew a nice big pot of coffee and some freshly baked brownies later in the afternoon, offering chili and cornbread for supper if they were hungry (my SIL and I had been offering them food and beverages all throughout the day...when you don't know what to do, you can bake!). They said that they would probably be leaving around 7:00pm and told us a night crew would be checking on us, but felt we were out of immediate danger. I must say that I was sorry to have them leave...not that I wanted the danger level to remain high....it was just such a comfort to have them there standing by ready to pounce on the fire.

The fire is still burning and is about 25percent contained, despite the wind it did not grow in the night...so that is a good sign that the fire crews will gain containment today. We still have our keepsakes in our car as we are still under orders to be prepared to leave.

We are going to try once again to go into town today and have a nice meal and then run a few errands.....we don't see any firetrucks, so I think it will be okay.....

I will keep you posted.

Yours so kindredly,
Shan

Fire Update...Our House Is Still Standing!

2011-03-22T22:45:00.000-06:00

Dearest Readers,

Just a quick note to let you know that we are still here....there is still a fire, there were firefighters here all day, digging fire lines and taking water from our pond in the helicopter bucket. There are night crews patrolling the hills around the burn area watching for flare-ups. The fire has spread to 1200 acres and is now about 25 percent contained. The wind is gusting over 75mph tonight.

We are tired....

We are grateful....

We are blessed.....

Thank you for your prayers, I KNOW that HE hears them and HE is keeping us in the palm of HIS hand!

I will update you tomorrow...we were on the local news and I will try and find a link to the footage if I can. I took some pictures today, but all my camera accessories are in the car (we are still ready to leave if we have to) and I am just too tired to go and get them.

Praying we will sleep tonight...

Yours so kindredly,
Shan

P.S. No houses have been lost...it was close last night but they did a back-burn and saved two houses...FIREFIGHTERS...they are special!

Evacuation Order....

2011-03-21T19:07:00.000-06:00

Dearest Readers,

We did receive an Evacuation order via reverse 911.

I cannot tell how your heart sinks just a little bit after you hang up the phone.....

The Sheriff's office sent an officer to our home shortly after the phone call who told us that this order was a logistical issue and not a result of imminent danger. We live at the bottom of a canyon and this order encompassed about 100 homes (including ours) that were further up the canyon. As the canyon road itself is quite narrow, by the time the fire suppression vehicles arrive it becomes very difficult to allow for all the traffic, so by issuing the order well ahead of the fire it diminishes the danger. Since we live on a private road with immediate access to the highway, we did not have to leave, but just be prepared to get in our cars and go if need be.

A fire crew came by to get the "lay of the land" and said we could expect a brush crew to come by to clear brush and spray water if the fire reached the designated point behind our little mountain.

My Darling Girl asked me if I had gathered any of my antiques...except for some irreplaceable pictures in old frames....the answer is no....I did select picture albums, scrapbooks, records & documents, DVD's of the children's plays and dance recitals, the external hard drive and each of the children's keepsake bins (sweet little things from their school years...they each have one Rubbermaid) and one loose item.....a Mother's Day crown that our Oldest Darling Boy made in grade school...now that is a true treasure.

So now all we can do is wait, watch and most importantly, pray.

Yours so kindredly,
Shan

Fire Update...It Isn't Over Yet

2011-03-21T15:05:00.001-06:00

Dearest Readers,

Thank you for all your comments and prayers, they mean so much to me.

We personally received a reverse 911 call advising us to be prepared to evacuate. We are ready to leave, just watching and praying that is will not be necessary. Dearest and our oldest Darling Boy are at home and they have just double checked the big pump up at our pond...we can use it to pump water down by our house if need be.

The wind is gusting near 40mph and is blowing more towards our property...the smoke is quite terrible at times.

The fire was at over 700 acres this morning...I am sure it is quite a bit bigger now. I can't seem to find an accurate update via our local news.

Keep us in your prayers,
Shan

P.S. It is funny what runs through your mind at a time like this....I was glad that my house was clean and in good order....isn't that odd?

Prayers please.....

2011-03-20T18:02:00.001-06:00

Dearest Readers,

Right now there is wild fire burning fairly close to our home and our nearest neighbors have been put on alert to be prepared to evacuate. We are heeding the order also and have gathered all important papers, photos and precious keepsakes and loaded them in our car so that we can leave at a moments notice. Of course, we would gather our precious animals at that time.

The fire has burned about 150 acres and is moving pretty fast as there are gusty winds blowing through the terribly dry terrain. The firefighters are not able to drive directly into the burning acreage as there are no roads, so they are using helicopters with water buckets and men with shovels (they have to hike to the area). These types of fires are very unpredictable and can move very fast...a very dangerous situation to be sure.

Would you be so kind as to pray for the safety of our dear neighbors, the brave firefighters and my sweet family out here on the homestead?

Yours kindredly,
Shan

UPDATE: The firefighters just stopped by our homestead...tomorrow they are going to use our pond to fill the bucket that the helicopter carries and dumps on the fire, as it is now almost dark I believe they will resume with the flights in the morning. The fire is now over 500 acres and is still not under control, but no evacuations as of 7:15pm MST.

The Art of Dressing Like a Lady....and a Hankie Brooch

2011-03-09T13:32:00.003-07:00

Dearest Readers,

It is always in fashion to be dressed like a lady...even while waiting for tea in the afternoon....

Of course, a Hankie Brooch is just the right touch and an endearing way to wear those sometimes forgotten treasures....

All you need is a lovely pin to hold it all together.....

Warm tights and cozy shoes, make it very simple and pleasurable to dress like a lady each and every day!

I do hope you will add a Hankie Brooch to your favorite outfit!

Yours Kindredly,

Shan

The Art of Dressing Like a Lady......

2011-02-24T15:08:00.002-07:00

Dearest Readers,

I thought I would share my thoughts on The Art of Dressing Like a Lady...not just for special times or occasions, rather, the purposeful art of dressing beautifully and femininely each and every day. We add beauty to our homes and our gardens,why should we not consider ourselves?

When I speak of dressing like a lady, I am referring to the grace and charm that shines all about you without regard to your pocketbook or circumstances. It is entirely free for the taking, requiring just a few thoughtful moments each day.

Now, I am not a beauty by any stretch of one's imagination but I "feel" much more beautiful if I am wearing something modest, feminine and ironed (I just don't care for wrinkles) as I gently go about my day. I feel so much more "put together" if I coordinate my outfit from top to bottom. Lastly, I enjoy curling my hair, wearing a "titch" of make-up and putting on a fashionable pin.

I share this message as an encouragement not to let society "norms" rule our hearts. We are ladies...what a lovely, God-given privilege that is....let us embrace it with fervor and delight!

If you have posted about femininity or modest dress on your blog, I know that my Readers would love to visit you...please don't hesitate to add your blog address to your comment.

Yours so kindredly,

Shan

P.S. This is another jumper from my favorite new pattern! I made this one out of a washable wool blend...warm and cozy...with just a bit of trim for my Victorian passion.

Afternoon Comfort.....

2011-02-22T16:27:00.000-07:00

Dearest Readers,

The afternoon light is always a comfort to me as I spend time in my tiny little kitchen...

I love the cozy shadows and sparkling light that make each day I spend tucked away in this sweet corner of my home a time to be treasured....I am so happy to have shared this with you dear friends.

Yours kindredly,
Shan

From My Sewing Basket....A Too Cute Jumper

2011-02-21T15:28:00.000-07:00

Dearest Readers,

I wanted to share with you a very cute jumper pattern from Favorite Things....it is part of the Violets R Blue Collection ...

I really took a chance by ordering this pattern as it was $14.00, but I could not be more pleased. It is very simple to sew and the fit is exact (do keep in mind to use their measurement chart). The charming back tabs give the jumper a little shape, but it is not fitted...I wanted just that look.

So....here is yours truly.....

I used bias tape around the neck and armholes instead of the facings...unfortunately, it is black bias tape and does not show up against my black turtleneck. I think the bias tape gives the jumper a very vintage look.

(Do forgive the hat, but it is such a blustery day and Dearest and I have errands to attend to in town.)

Simple little black buttons adorn the front and I have two buttons on the tab in back (I just couldn't get a good picture of them...sorry). Now, this is among the first of the jumpers I made and I was quite simple in my adornments....but fear not Dear Reader, I am working on a few right now that are loaded with trim and buttons and such. I am determined to add Victorian/Edwardian elegance to my daily clothing, without looking like I am in a play!

I am ready to step out-of-doors and enjoy the day! (Coat was a thrift store find and I just love the velvet collar and cuffs.)

Yours so kindredly,

Shan

Little Mouse Pattern.....

2011-01-24T20:07:00.001-07:00

This picture is from Stag Lane Primitives

Dearest Readers,

I thought you might like to make a few wee mice for yourselves so I wanted to give you the link to this pattern from Stage Lane Primitives over at PatternMart.com.

I warn you....these sweet little mice are just like potato chips....you can't have just one!

Yours kindredly,

Shan

My "Tasha" Bowl...and other musings....

2011-01-23T11:41:00.000-07:00

Dearest Readers,

You can imagine my delight when I was selected to receive this beautiful "Tasha" bowl as a gift from the lovely ladies of the Corgyncombe Courant! What a truly wonderful gift! A very large hug to my dear kindred spirits, Diane and Sarah....your blog is so very inspiring and charming. Thank You.

Life continues here at my beloved Honey Hill at a gentle pace...tender care taken to make each day thoughtful and productive. The house is back to its usual self as all of the Christmastide decor has been stored away for another year. It took about 10 days to for me to un-decorate, pack, clean and re-decorate each room. I always remark each year about the abundance of Christmastide decor here in our home, but I truly love to decorate and wouldn't have it any other way.

What else? Ah yes, we are going to expand our garden the whole length of the Eastern side of our yard. Our plans include a new raspberry patch along with a potato patch, a better place for the compost area and...keeping my fingers crossed.....a GREENHOUSE! We will build it ourselves (we have oodles of recycled glass and lumber) and I have been studying ideas and plans for the better part of the year. I think we will be building a solar pit greenhouse with a small pellet stove for heat during the winter...the thought of a lovely ripe tomato in the middle of winter is almost too much to consider. I will keep you posted.

I have three more jumpers to make out of winter weight material...I will post separately about the jumper as it is a new pattern. I want to show you a photograph of yours truly in the jumper but I would like to purchase a tripod so that I can take my own "self portraits" and not have to bother Dearest. My old method of using the self-timing feature with the camera "propped" precariously on a piece of furniture...well, let us just say that someone or something was going to suffer the consequences.

Other than making a grocery list for the week, and folding a little laundry, I think that I will spend time today making a few more wee mice (see photograph above). I just love adding a bit of whimsy here and there...and nothing is more whimsical than a cute mouse in an unexpected place...a la Tasha style.

Yours kindredly,
Shan

Soapbox Clean....

2011-01-03T14:39:00.002-07:00

Dearest Readers,

Not only will January be the month to scrub, tidy and shine my dear little Honey Hill, it is also the time of year to clean, scrub and straighten my sweet little home here at Blogger. I hope everything is displaying correctly...I added little scrolling soap bubbles, but Dearest isn't seeing them over on Firefox. (He was seeing html for a while...I hope it is fixed.) Would you be so kind as to leave me a comment if you see anything amiss? Some of you use different browsers and may see my blog in a whole different manner.

Meanwhile, enjoy "The Happy Working Song" and "Spoonful of Sugar", two songs that will make you want to fill a bucket with hot soapy water and clean something....anything! Of course, if you find them distracting, please feel free to pause them.

Now, where did I put my scrub brush.....

Yours so kindredly,

Shan

Pursuits in the New Year.....

2011-01-01T11:59:00.002-07:00

Dearest Readers,

I wish all of you greetings from our little home here in the foothills on this fine New Year's day. Isn't it delightful to think of a whole new year standing before us....fresh and brand new....without any mistakes, full of possibilities?

This year my pursuits will include...finishing 3 more jumpers (I will share a new pattern with you)...being brave enough to wear more Victorian fashion in my everyday clothing....making my own sweaters and shawls from a wonderful new crochet pattern book....more scrap booking...and beading my own jewelry (as I have acquired quite a "stash" and it is still in my work-basket). Oh, yes, finishing the 11 mice that are already about half done....one cannot have too many stuffed mice about (and my Darling Girl would like a few for her little home as well).

Of course, there are always the usual homekeeping needs, but I would like to pursue my home organization with even more vigor and determination. I am purposing to keep only those things I truly admire and adore and all other fluffery will be donated to charity. Even though the Victorian "look" is always portrayed as "more is more", I like to keep my home with the attitude that only the dearest items should adorn shelves and walls and collecting frippery just for its own sake seems a bit silly, not to mention unwise for my homekeeping ledger.

Moneywise, I relish the challenge of continuing to manage the affairs of our home with a penny-wise attitude and keep the old adages of frugality and re-purposing close to my heart and my pocketbook. I do pray before entering any store and ask that I will be led to make wise decisions and not let the temporary desires of my heart lead my spending in the wrong direction. If you do not do this yourself, Dear Reader, I encourage you to start...you will be amazed at the difference when you take the Good Lord along in your shopping basket.

The garden and our dear old home are always in need of attention and shall receive loving care in the due course of the year. We especially want to add a greenhouse to the garden area and Dearest will make winter storm windows in his shop this summer....our old house is awfully drafty in the winter months. There is also the matter of painting some weather beaten trim near the roof line...we may hire that done however, as our house is VERY tall and we would have to rent scaffolding or a lift to get to the worst spots. I am a coward when it comes to very high places and would rather pay someone to do that job then have to take medication to do it myself!

I hope to condition my heart to offer more hospitality to others and not let unfinished projects and the attitude that "all must be perfect" before I can have a guest over rule the day. This is terribly hard for me, but I am making headway and "heartway" in this area.

Most importantly, I want to encourage the Fruit of my Spirit and would like to spend more time reading my Bible, along with a few spiritual books that have been recommended by other bloggers. I will share those titles after I have read them and can give an accurate accounting. I pray that I will be a blessing to all those who I encounter and offer kindness and thoughtfulness each and everyday.

I offer you my heartfelt prayer that you will have Peace and have a multitude of Blessings in this lovely New Year....I have been humbled by your comments and delighted by your friendship.

Yours so kindredly,

Shan

Merry Christmas Dearest Readers....

2010-12-25T23:51:00.000-07:00

Dearest Readers,

I write this missive in the quiet of Eventide.....what a blessed few days here at Honey Hill Farm. All the children have been home, which was very unexpected but pleasantly welcomed. Gifts have been exchanged...such sweet thoughtful treasures sought out over these last months. Savory meals have been shared...with one more gathering of family brought together here tomorrow. Beauty of the Spirit abounds this Christmastide.

I so had hoped to share a few more posts of my dear old Victorian home, but between our Darling Boy's graduation and all the attendant festivities, not to mention the preparations for Christmastide, I had to set posting aside in order to keep life here at Honey Hill as gentle and peaceful as possible. I do hope you understand.

I just wanted to wish all of you a Blessed Christmastide...His Mercy and Grace are with us always but they shine ever more this time of year. You are loved...don't ever forget that...

Yours so kindredly,

Shan

Victorian Holiday Home Tour 2010.....The Back Parlour

2010-12-11T12:31:00.001-07:00

Dearest Readers,

Welcome once again to Honey Hill Farm! Today I invite you to step into the back parlour...the fire is lit and the tree is glowing.....

It is a Tasha day....I am going to sit and work on some hand sewing while watching Take Peace...

Christmastide makes for such a lovely time...evergreens tucked in here....

And there...

Twinkling lights.....

Chickens and tea....

Each little corner.....

Wishes to be included in the celebration....

The frippery multiplying the spirit of the season...

A Christmastide Soda Fountain....

Old-Fashioned treats....

Sweet tidings of joy....

Visiting "Littles" make sure to stop....

For a piece of penny candy before heading home....

And that my Dear Readers is a look into the Back Parlour...

I think it is time for me to nestle down in my easiest of easy chairs and spend the afternoon peacefully stitching, watching Tasha...a gentle life, even at Christmastide.

May you have a gentle day too...my dear friends...

Yours kindredly,

Shan

Victorian Holiday Home Tour 2010....My Kitchen

2010-12-06T18:30:00.001-07:00

Dearest Readers,

I arrived back at my beloved Honey Hill Farm, arms laden with the last bits and bobs of Christmastide shopping, wondering if a post about my little kitchen would be a possibility today. The gathering clouds and lateness of the day were already casting shadows....a challenge to my limited photography skills.

I lit my lamps (both electric and kerosene) put my packages away and then made myself a cup of tea....

The coziness of my kitchen in this gentle light begged capturing...so here is my (feeble) attempt to share with you the tender light and sweet comfort of my kitchen in the late afternoon...

There is still a hint of light shining through my window....

The loveliest glow at Eventide.....

A quiet vignette basks in the lamplight of my old red lamp...

Even everyday objects celebrate the season....

A vintage soap dish sports a bough of holly....

My pantry....

The quiet before a storm of Christmastide baking....

Delights of the season abound.....

Even the china cupboard casts its charms upon the scene....

And to add to our delight, Mrs. Tottingham has asked us to stay for tea....

Isn't her new kitchen in the china cupboard lovely?

The table is set and everything looks delicious....

Why, there is even a wee tree and a very festive looking present for Mr. Tottingham...

I hope that you have enjoyed your time here in my kitchen Dear Reader, I so wish that each of you could join me in person...but alas, we will have to be satisfied with our long distance visit.

Please join me later this week as I continue the tour (I hope I am not boring you my dear friends) of my old, yet charming Honey Hill.

Yours so kindredly this Eventide,

Shan

Bosch or Kitchen Aid....Please advise

2010-12-04T21:40:00.000-07:00

Dearest Readers,

I would like your opinion with regards to bread dough mixing using either a Bosch mixer or a Kitchen Aid mixer. My old mixer is on its last legs and I want to be pro-active with a replacement. Any thoughts?

I have decided to sell my Snoopy PE embroidery machine as a means of paying for this upgraded mixer. It is like new and includes two additional embroidery cards as well as the built-in stitches/designs and all the accessories. If you are interested you can e-mail me at: princod(AT)gmail(DOT)com and I will give you the particulars. It might make a nice Christmas gift for someone....

I will resume my Victorian Home Tour on Monday and I hope you will stop by for a visit.

Yours kindredly
Shan

Victorian Holiday Home Tour 2010.....The Parlour

2010-12-03T16:05:00.003-07:00

Dearest Readers,

A beautiful sunny day has blessed us here at Honey Hill Farm. What a perfect time to invite you in to visit my parlour......(The photograph above depicts our parlour looking inward from the entryway.)

The first vignette you will notice will be my Currier & Ives village resting upon the buffet. This charming village was collected long ago over several years (it was carried by JoAnn's, however, it has been discontinued). I originally displayed this village on a ledge above the stairs leading down to the fruit cellar, but I was having difficulty reaching to the farthest ends of the display...hence, the move to the parlour.

Here are just a few of the sweet little inhabitants going about their daily lives...

If you will follow me across the room you will find this view to be waiting....

Holiday frippery abounds whilst a cozy sofa offers a quiet place to rest....

An old phonograph awaits jolly visitors to request a Christmas tune....

(The parlour lamp is the one I brought home from Lehman's...so pretty.)

A much loved golden oak Victorian high chair has pride of place and a festive attitude....

Even the blue and white dishes are proud of their Christmas spirit....

This view affords guests a look towards the front window of the parlour...isn't the sunshine cheerful?

Lastly, we are around to the piano sporting a few more houses in my collection....

A wee offering of roasted chestnuts...

(This is my latest addition...I don't add to my village much anymore, but this scene just spoke to my heart.)

Well, Dear Reader....the clock is chiming, announcing the time has come for us to part company. You have been a most enjoyable guest, so I do hope you will only say farewell and not goodbye.

Please join me on Monday when we shall visit the Kitchen here at Honey Hill.

Yours so kindredly,

Shan

Victorian Holiday Home Tour 2010....The Entryway

2010-12-02T12:56:00.001-07:00

Dearest Readers,

It is my pleasure to invite you over the threshold and into my old, yet cozy home here at Honey Hill Farm....

May the spirit of the season refresh you, and make your heart glad....

Evergreens abound as the symbol of Christmastide....... (I re-purposed my evergreen boughs elsewhere and my heartstrings called me to create this wreath ensemble...yeah or nay?)

Even lowly corners are treated to creative frippery.......

Christmastide brings greetings from far and near......

Garments are at the ready for any impromptu sledding or shopping excursions.......

Gingerbread is always delightful for nibbling....

A gift from Dearest long ago, this teddy sports his Christmastide finery.....

Ephemera, old and new, is a sentimental reminder of days gone by.....

A little ribbon and a single evergreen bough......simple loveliness.....

May your day be filled with the spirit of Christmastide!

Please join me tomorrow as we visit the Parlour and Dining Room....I look forward to chatting with you!

Yours so kindredly,

Shan

P.S. Please note that the candle on my banister is an LED (real wax on the outside) with a timer. It is a wonderful and SAFE way to have the glow of the season without any danger. I must say that these candles look especially real in the glow of the evening! I am sure the "Victorians" would have loved them.....

Victorian Holiday Home Tour 2010.....Welcome

2010-12-01T19:16:00.000-07:00

Dearest Readers,

Let the Tour begin......Welcome to my dear Honey Hill Farm, your company is a delight!

The lights are twinkling.....

inviting all to enter.....

candy canes.....

a little sled....

even the wreath is sparkling....

the front door is always open to kindred sprits.....

Christmastide is upon us.....let us celebrate together!

I hope you will join me tomorrow as we venture inside our cozy farmhouse....it is attired in Christmas splendor!

Yours Kindredly,

Shan

P.S. So sorry for the late posting....it was just one of "those" days....

Decorating for Christmastide....

2010-11-27T15:17:00.006-07:00

Dearest Readers,

Holly, pine boughs and tinsel decorate even the most remote corners of my cozy home. The lovely scent of orange and cinnamon permeate the house as I merrily go about decorating with abandon. Nothing is safe from my decorating frenzy...not even Dearest!

This post is just a reminder about my Victorian Holiday Home Tour which begins on December 1st! I hope you will join me at this festive time of year.

Yours so kindredly,

Shan

Blessings This Thanksgiving....

2010-11-24T10:58:00.005-07:00

Dearest Readers,

I dearly hope that you have a peaceful Thanksgiving surrounded by loved ones, a table laden with the bounty of the season and a heart full of joy! Giving thanks to Our Father who has bestowed the mercy of Grace upon each of us.

Thank you for blessing me each day with your kind and gentle words of encouragement. It has been such a delight to share my everyday journey as I endeavor to lead a simple and gentle life.

Yours thankfully and kindredly,

Shan

P.S. I will begin my Victorian Holiday Home Tour on December 1st...I hope that you will stop in for a cup of cheer!

Home Again.....

2010-11-17T12:55:00.003-07:00

Dearest Readers,

We are home again....while I just love to travel, there is nothing like the comfort I feel when I return home!

Amish country was beautiful and we enjoyed ourselves immensely. We had the pleasure of delightful conversation with a number of Amish folks...and wouldn't you know it...they are just like the rest of us....happy, humorous and friendly. We bought a sweet little dresser for the upstairs bedroom from the nicest Amish couple in Walnut Creek.

Lehman's was a dream come true....I think they may have had some re-stocking to do after we left! So many useful and downright pretty things to choose from...I bought a little from each category: cabbage slicer, butter mold, parts for my kerosene lamp, a little knob of the wood stove, etc., from the practical category...a spectacular parlour lamp and smaller kerosene lamp with reflector, along with a miniature cook stove from the pretty category.

I won't even talk about the food....just suffice to say....yummy, yummy! I LOVE mashed potatoes and gravy and you could get them everywhere all the time. I sincerely had to go on a little diet when we returned home, lest I not have anything in my closet that fit.

We went to historic villages, markets, cheese factories, flea markets, the Pro Football Hall of Fame, fabric stores, not to mention craft & quilt shops, all the while enjoying the magnificent countryside around us. We even managed to head up North to take a peek at Lake Erie before heading West on I-80...it was a full-to-overflowing trip.

We took our time on the return trip and managed to stop at a few antique stores in Iowa and Nebraska. We were rewarded with another dresser (for the downstairs bedroom) and a golden oak Victorian high-chair. I have been searching for a Victorian high-chair for at least half a dozen years...it is too precious.

We were gone about 10 days and it seemed to take awhile to return to our normal routine. Finally, the laundry is tucked away, cookies are once again the jar and our days flow gently as before. Bliss.

And yes, you are seeing holly and gingerbread making an appearance in the above photograph.... I have begun to decorate my home for Christmas. Now normally, I wait until the turkey is at least carried away from the table, but this year I wanted to take my time and re-do a few of my vignettes, so the carols are playing and I am humming along as I decorate with abandon!

Thanks, once again, to all the lovely folks who gave us good advice with regard to our travels...you made our trip a splendid one!

Yours kindredly,

Shan

P.S. I am making my way over to all of your fine blogs one at a time...I have missed all of you.

Of Flannel Sheets and Cozy Fires....

2010-10-13T16:48:00.006-06:00

Dearest Readers,

Time has slipped away once again, gently sweeping me into another season with all its many diversions....I regret it has been such a long time between posts...thank you ever so much for your kind and sweet inquiries into my absence.

I have, much like so many of you, my dear readers, been ever so occupied with canning and stocking my pantry with the abundant bounty of the garden....I have one large batch of tomatoes left to put-by and then Dearest and I will put the garden to rest.

The nights are now quite chilly and today I pulled the flannel sheets from my Keeping closet to give them a good washing...tonight we shall slumber under their downy softness with the added warmth of an extra "comfort" or two.

Both our woodstoves have been put into service and are providing us with delightful warmth today. Our old furnace has been replaced and this newer model offers a fan feature...how nice it will be to be able to circulate the warm air from the woodstoves throughout the upstairs.

Our old windows still need to be sealed-up and winterized before we are ready to do battle with Old Man Winter. I would like to make a few quilted shades to help us keep the winter winds outside...where they belong.

Tonight's supper will be leftovers of BBQ Ribs, Green Bean Casserole and I will open another jar of pickles (we are dwindling down my stock in quite a hurry)! So off I go to make a batch of cookies...hmmm....I think Oatmeal Raisin sound just about right.

Yours so kindredly,
Shan

P.S. Thank you to all my friends back East who have given Dearest and I sage advice about our trip to Amish country....we are looking forward to our trip later this month!

Preserving the Bounty....

2010-09-13T08:33:00.003-06:00

Dearest Readers,

My garden has produced so many wonderful fruits and vegetables this year. I, like so many of you, have been canning, dehydrating, storing and freezing for days on end. Here is what is in the pantry and cellar so far this year:

From the Canner

(Water Bath Canner)

27 quarts of Pickles...Bread & Butter, Zesty Polish

14 pints of Relish and Sweet Pickles

8 pints & 2 1/2 pints of Cowboy Candy (Hot Peppers)

20 1/2 pints of Cranberry Sauce

11 quarts of Tomato Sauce

From the Dehydrator:

Large batches of dehydrated Summer Squash Chips

(1 batch was BBQ and 1 batch was garlic...yum)

From the Freezer:

45 3-cup servings of shredded and chopped summer squash

3 10-cup servings of peaches (a surprise gift from a friend) for peach crumble

Fruit/Root Cellar:

5 lbs of onions, dried and hung

Still on the list....

More tomatoes to can, frozen strawberries to make into jam, green peppers to dehydrate, raspberries to eat (we don't get very many just yet), perhaps a few more pickles (the cucumbers seem to be pretty tuckered out) and we will need to harvest, dry and store our potatoes in the fruit/root cellar.

Oh, and pumpkins for the front porch...I didn't plant any pie pumpkins this year...we are re-working the layout of our cellar and will make it much more conducive for storage in time for next year's harvest.

I like to can what I grow first and then round out my pantry later, so I may buy some apples from the farmer's market and make applesauce...I will wait and see about the cost.

We have fruit trees (cherry and apple) and we have filbert bushes, along with 3 small grapevines but it will be a few years before we can harvest anything of our own.

I also want to make some turkey jerky (using my dehydrator) for my boys....a great stocking stuffer for my manly men.

Well now, I should go and check on the garden this morning....so much to "put by", so little time.

Yours so kindredly,

Shan

A Trip to Lehman's...Please Advise

2010-09-02T17:57:00.005-06:00

Dearest Readers,

I was wondering if you would be so kind as to advise Dearest and I about traveling from Colorado to Ohio....we want to make sure to visit Lehman's and any other wonderful spots you might suggest.

We are driving our large 11 passenger van (seats removed...except for the driver's and passenger's seat, of course) so that we are able to bring home a few treasures from Amish country! We have always wanted to visit this part of our Great Nation during the fall and this year we are finally able to make the trip!

Would you be so kind as to leave me information on places to visit, things to do and accommodations in and around the Kidron, Ohio area....we are traveling sometime later in the fall. We are waiting to finalize our trip once we know more about the events in the area.

I am just over the moon about this trip!

Yours so kindredly,

Shan

Tasha Tudor Day

2010-08-28T15:12:00.006-06:00

Dearest Readers,

What a lovely "Tasha" day I have had...so gentle and slow....a day to savor. The day started with beautiful sunshine streaming into my small kitchen. I pulled out a copy of the Tasha Tudor Cookbook (from the library...it is on my Christmas list) and decided to make the Blueberry Muffins...

This is a delightfully easy recipe and makes 18 muffins...that is quite a large batch.....

I must admit to wanting the muffins to "hurry-up" and bake...but then I remembered that Tasha did not believe in hurry...

A delectable muffin along with a cup of tea for my morning meal....wonderful!

After tidying up the kitchen...I pondered about what to do next?

What could be more Tasha-like than drawing? Out came my colored pencils and my parchment paper...I wanted to draw embroidery designs for two homespun aprons that I will be making in the next few weeks....

Here are my drawings (or should I say chicken scratches?) inspired by the charming illustrations found in all of Tasha's books....

I now possess my very own copy of "The Private World of Tasha Tudor"...heaven!
(I know my local library is quite pleased...I checked it out so often that I am sure they worried that it would be read until it became tattered!)

I so love sitting alone in the quiet of the afternoon, reading about Tasha's life and feeling inspired to live life to the fullest...not being afraid to be different....

Finally, I sat down in the coolness of our back parlour and watched "Take Peace". It is all about Christmas at Corgi Cottage....

I have watched it 100 times and each time I enjoy it more!

(I have ordered Take Joy and cannot wait for it to come in the post...smile.)

I hope you have enjoyed spending the day with me in honor of Tasha Tudor...I just love her...and I hope that you do to.

Yours so kindredly,

Shan

To read more about how other kindred spirits are spending their Tasha Tudor Day, please visitStoryBook Woods.

Also, visit the Tasha and Family blog: Rookery Ramblings and enter in the Tasha Tudor Day giveaway!

Summer...lived gently....

2010-08-23T16:10:00.007-06:00

Dearest Readers,

Our gentle lifestyle continues....weeding....watering the garden.....weeding....canning the bounty....weeding.....weeding....it is no wonder that my poor blog has been sorely neglected. I have missed visiting many of you and will endeavor to catch-up with my blog reading soon.

I shared my summer kitchen idea last year, but I have made some changes and wanted to share that with you this year. The above picture shows my summer kitchen in its new location...the front porch. I was wilting in the heat of the garden as I went about my tasks and decided that a better location would include shade and protection from the wind. I also added a "skirt" made from a tablecloth (on clearance at Bed, Bath and Beyond) that has pretty cutwork...I just cut it in half and added a pocket along the top. It is secured by gathering the fabric on heavy duty elastic and then using upholstery tacks to stabilize it along the perimeter. So much storage and a place for the kitties to hide!

This is a close-up of my "sink"....just a hole cut into the surface and a lovely old graniteware pail slipped into place. The water cooler is handy for rinsing your hands (there is a bar of soap and a towel nearby) after working in the garden. I can take the pail out and sweep potting soil down through the hole into my garden soil can beneath...a truly lovely and efficient workspace.

The ever beautiful Mrs. Caul-i-flower is sporting a lovely dress (and her pearls, of course!) as she does her best to shoo away pests from the garden.

Anything and everything that can hold a flower is put to good use here on our little place. You would not want to leave your shoes out of doors....I might plant a marigold or two before you return!

Let's see....what else....Oh yes, I will be celebrating Tasha Tudor Day on August 28th here on my blog, so I hope you will come by for tea!

Yours so kindredly,

Shan

Taking Stock in the Kitchen...

2010-07-21T15:46:00.003-06:00

Dearest Readers,

My lovely friend, Mrs. Tottingham, who resides here at Honey Hill Farm as my most welcomed guest, has invited me over for a visit....I always enjoy her charming kitchen.

Before the harvest begins in earnest, Mrs. Tottingham likes to take stock of the bounty she has put aside....just look at the lovely gathering in her wee-sized ice box....

Her kitchen is a marvel, as it is well-planned...only a pivot is needed from ice box to sink...

Her larder is quite full, but she knows that come winter she will need a few more provisions....

There is no time like the present, to "put by" all the wondrous goodies she can glean....isn't she a marvel as she looks well into the ways of her household!

I too, am busy gathering my jars, taking stock, thinking about "root cellaring" and drying all that I can muster from our garden and the farmer's market...what a busy time of year.

Yours so kindredly,

Shan

My Very Own Soda Fountain....

2010-07-08T09:41:00.011-06:00

Dearest Readers,

I have always wanted to have an old-fashioned soda fountain in my home. Imagine my surprise that I had all the necessities right here under my very own roof and had never even noticed!

It all started right after the Christmas holiday as we were about to put all the furniture back into its rightful place after taking down the tree. We had moved our bar from in front of the stairwell railing (where we always place the tree) and positioned it over in a little corner underneath a pendant lamp, where we usually have our chess table and chairs...they were residing in one of the spare rooms. All of sudden it hit me...this little vignette looked very much like a wonderful old photo I had of a Victorian era soda fountain! (See photo above.)

How incredible...not to mention timely, as I had wondered about even keeping the bar as it really didn't have much use for us as a family...we are not "bar" people. We were gifted this beautiful oak bar and it provided many years of use as an island in our kitchen until Dearest built me a much more serviceable table and we had the room to move it out of the way. Oh, how happy I am that I hung onto it for these past few years.

I wasted no time in finding bits and bobs to decorate my new inspiration! I already had the lovely Coca-Cola bottles...they used to be in my pantry. The little tin they are sitting in actually has an insert for condiments for a picnic and had been in the back of my cupboard. I picked up the very tall glass jar at Hobby Lobby on sale and it holds ice cream cones...so fun. And since this soda fountain is part of my back parlour...you know that I had to add a chicken...with glasses!

I brought out my two penny candy dispensers and a thrifted jar to hold sweet treats. Portion control is easy when you dispense candy from these little gems...I provide the pennies!

I scoured charity shops for the Coca-Cola and Pepsi trays....very easy to find! I am always on the lookout for tins and such and it has been fun adding to the shelves these past few months. I enjoy the hunt as much as the finding!

I already had the Hershey's collectibles (chocolate bar eaten long ago with cardboard now wrapped up in the foil), the salt-water taffy box, scoop, Cracker Jack box and beautiful blue candy dish (it came from my Grandmother). I just sprinkled pretty candies around and added colored water to a few of my lovely bottles (they are up on the shelf in front of the mirror).

Even my pendant light was dolled-up with this stunning trim from, you guessed it...Hobby Lobby! I waited for it to go on sale as it is quite pricey...thank goodness I only needed a small amount. I think it adds such a "sweet" touch to this little corner.

Now don't you know that about the time that I started this project I was able to acquire this darling popcorn machine...for free! The top had been badly damaged so I used the same fabric that I had for the arm covers and added some Victorian fringe...no one is the wiser. It works wonderfully well and really completes the feel for this end of my parlour.

What a fun endeavor this has been and continues to be as I patiently collect little bits here and there. Don't forget to look around your home, Dear Reader, and you may also find that you have the makings for something special right underneath your very own nose.

Yours so kindredly,
Shan

Working Hard....

2010-07-07T13:49:00.005-06:00

Dearest Readers,

I hope you don't mind the dust...I have been hard at work creating a background and banner of my very own.(I have made banners for quite awhile, but I needed a different template for Blogger).

As with most new things my endeavor proceeded with fits and starts, but overall I like the look and hope to improve my technique. It actually isn't too hard and now that I know the pitfalls, it shouldn't take quite so long to "decorate" my sweet home here at Blogger.

Yours tired, yet kindred,

Shan

Happy Birthday Son...

2010-07-07T13:43:00.003-06:00

Dearest Readers,

Won't you join me in wishing my Darling Youngest Boy a Happy 21st Birthday! He is just the sweetest, funniest, most wonderful young man that I am privileged to call my son...

Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

Yours so very kindredly,

Shan

Patriot's Shadow Box

2010-06-29T15:29:00.001-06:00

Dearest Readers,

After crafting a Patriot's Shadow Box for both my Father and Dearest's Father for Father's Day, I knew that I wanted to create one to honor all the heroes in our family!

I already had the large shadow box that I re-purposed for this project (you can find them at virtually any craft supply store). I printed 8 x 10 pictures (printed from scanned photos, as I would suggest not using the originals in craft projects) and used a beautiful gold trim to frame each photo. So Victorian!

I found the lovely Army and Navy medallions/stickers (I secured them to a piece of cardboard) at Michael's and made a rosette with my ribbon. It is easy peasy....just gather one side along the wire and secure.

I printed copies of old postcards and added them to the display titles...

A little bit of gold ribbon added drama and tied the elements together.

I will be on the lookout for old war medals to add a sweet touch to the vignette...

Of course, I had to drape the entire frame with a lovely shawl....I love swagging and draping!

A very simple but loving tribute....for the heroes still with us and those that have gone on...we, here at Honey Hill, are proud of your sacrifice!

I hope you enjoyed a peek at this craft project...

Yours so kindredly,

Shan

My Victorian Flag....

2010-06-27T12:31:00.000-06:00

Dearest Readers,

Time flies here at Honey Hill Farm! My goodness, here it is almost the Fourth of July, so you know that I have draped everything in patriotic frippery!

I bought a beautiful, large cotton flag at Goodwill for $4.99 and couldn't wait to get home and "Victorianize" it!

First, I boiled water and added instant coffee ( I buy the least expensive brand I can find)....

I added my flag (after fixing the torn hem) and put an old pizza pie pan on top, weighing it down with an obliging brick....

I left the flag overnight and....voila! Instant old-timey, Victorian loveliness! I could hardly wait for this lovely flag to dry on my clothesline!

I added romantic fringe to the end and then gave this beauty a quiet resting place in our library...

I just love this time of year....we are all so blessed to live in this great country....all our freedoms and liberties, so proudly and dearly held near to our hearts....and delightfully celebrated in our homes!

Yours so kindredly,

Shan

P.S. Note to Miss Paula....I would love to be able to read your blog again, dear friend.

This Just In....

2010-06-12T16:37:00.000-06:00

Dearest Readers,

I have just been informed by my Dearest that Britain has tied with America in their game for World Cup standing....oh my!

Yours kindredly,
Shan

Rainy Day Redecorating....

2010-06-12T09:27:00.000-06:00

Dearest Readers,

It is a very cloudy, cool, rainy day here at my beloved Honey Hill Farm. I could not ask for a more suitable day than this to learn a little more about my new home here at Blogger. Please excuse my dust!! I have found a few links to charming blog "decor" and have had fun tweaking this and that to suit my fancy. Of course, everything might look different tomorrow......

If you have any links to free templates with a Victorian look, I would be eternally grateful for the addresses!

Now don't be dismayed Dear Reader, I am also changing a few little things here at Honey Hill...she says with a smile. I know that you are used to me redecorating fairly regularly and the current victim is our library. Dearest and I purchased two very tall bookcases to hold our ever expanding collection of books. Naturally, this required moving the smaller barrister bookcase, which in turn opened up a corner that just begged to be furnished with a comfy reading chair....

Upon arriving home with said chair....a lovely, over-sized leather, manly, Dickens-style chair...we were shocked and dismayed to find it would not, could not, fit through the door to our bedroom (which leads to the library). No Sir...not going to fit, no matter how it was turned, squished or otherwise manipulated. Back to the store.....

After trying...quite like Goldilocks...all the Victorian-looking chairs the store had in stock, we found a chair that we quite liked and it (we took the measuring tape this time) would actually fit through the door...hooray! The chair was not in stock...it will arrive in two weeks....ahem.

Two weeks is far too much time for me to look at a room undone.... I...Get...Ideas.....

I have realized that the ceiling needs to be "Victorianized" and I will paper and paint then glaze the ceiling to look like pressed tin (with an antique gold finish) ....of course, this will make the master bedroom's ceiling (ivory) stick out like a sore thumb, so it will need to be "Victorianized" as well....I think I hear Dearest sobbing in the other room...now don't you know, that the front bedroom can't be the last one standing with an ivory ceiling so it too will have to be painted or papered.....oh yes, I am just that crazy!

So here is a toast to rainy days...perfect for pondering, puttering and redecorating!

Yours so kindredly,
Shan

Won't You Join Me for Tea.....

2010-06-05T17:38:00.000-06:00

Dearest Reader,

Living gently means taking time to enjoy a cup of tea with my dearest friends....

The playroom is a charming place to meet....the table is set with our best china....

(Don't you just love this itty bitty casserole dish?)

This adorable tea service was a Mother's Day present from my Darling Girl.....

She so understands her Momma's heart....

Yours ever so kindredly,

Shan

A Dappled Day.....

2010-05-23T16:26:00.000-06:00

Dearest Readers,

What a lovely day of dappled sunshine here at Honey Hill Farm! I so love the way the golden light streams into each room...bliss. I cannot seem to capture that beauty on film, but I wanted to try.

Tonight will just be leftovers, so I plan to spend the late afternoon relaxing and reading all my Victorian magazines for inspiration...one of my great pleasures. I always seem to find something that encourages me to move a piece of furniture to another room so Dearest is always a little worried when he see the stacks of magazines near my cozy chair...LOL!

The coming week will find us much occupied with gardening, planting a few roses, volunteering for the Referee Fall Draw, attending a Graduation party and all the general loveliness that belongs to each day...a full, to over-flowing week to be sure.

It is my heartfelt wish that each of you have dappled, sunshine filled days in the coming week.

Yours so kindredly,

Shan

Still here, just very frustrated....

2010-05-18T10:38:00.000-06:00

Dearest Readers,

I received a comment, went to read it and found my dear little blog was changed...boo hoo! I knew this was going to happen, but I must confess after looking around I don't like what I see.

I will endeavor to make my blog look as cozy as before...but it may take awhile.

Yours very kindredly,

Shan

UPDATED TO ADD: I LOVE MY NEW HOME HERE AT BLOGGER!

I will be adding all my cozy touches soon....I hope you will feel right at home!

The Art of Keeping My Home.....

2010-05-05T11:09:00.000-06:00

Dearest Readers,

This week finds me close to home, living gently and deliberately, celebrating the art of keeping my home. I am constantly seeking out better ways to create calm from chaos hoping that it will bring peace to all who enter my humble abode.

After giving each room a quick tidy, I had a little fun re-arranging furniture and frippery. A rocking chair from the library has been moved into the front downstairs bedroom...it just fits that space so perfectly. I also switched a few area rugs around...the smaller parlour rug is now in the library and the big rug from the master bedroom is in the parlour....the scatter rugs from the front bedroom are now in the master bedroom! Dearest always asks if we have moved when I change things around...I just smile.

Between baking batches of Oatmeal cookies (we were completely out of cookies, can you believe it?), I cleaned out my Hoosier cabinet from top to bottom. And let me tell you, it needed it! It was shockingly dirty...crumbs, spilled spices, etc. I am reminded that I must tackle the pantry shelves next...it is a big job, but it puts things in order for canning season.

I bought a lovely sewing/work basket at a local street market last weekend and had time this morning to give it a good coat of paint. It will sit behind my chair in the back parlour and hold all my yarn and embroidery supplies. Of course, I will have "Victorianize" it will some fringe and will post pictures accordingly.

What else? The usual laundry, menu planning and bill paying...not to mention the beginning of the gardening season with its myriad of chores. A full to over-flowing week, full of lots of lovely little tasks. Each one adding itself in the creation of a very cheery and cozy home.

What could be more pleasant?

Yours ever so kindredly,

Shan

Mother's Day Vignette.....

2010-04-29T07:04:00.000-06:00

Dearest Readers,

As Mother's Day is fast approaching I though I would share my entryway vignette.....

I must admit that this is a very bittersweet holiday for me, as both my own Mother and Mother-in-Love passed away long ago. But God blessed me with many loving "Mothers" who thoughtfully stood in their places and spoke words of kindness and wisdom throughout the years.

(I know some of you, through losses of your own, find this day to be a difficult one....please know that you are in my prayers.)

The journey of raising my own children has been the most delightful and beautiful adventure I could have ever hoped to enjoy....and I am ever grateful. Thank you Dearest God!

So to all Mothers, by birth or by heart, I send you my love....

Yours so kindredly,

Shan

And the Sun is Shining.....

2010-04-27T10:32:00.000-06:00

Dearest Readers,

It is such a lovely day here at Honey Hill Farm...the sun is shining, sending dappled light through my lace covered windows. I have spaghetti sauce simmering on the stove, its wonderful aroma filling the house.

Everything about my day is made just that much more splendid because I am finally feeling well after such a lengthy illness. I ended up having to endure a third round of antibiotics and several weeks of recovery.

I put my blog on hold while I (a little bit at a time) put my house in order, restocked my pantry and larder and regained my vim and vigor.

I am ever so grateful to all my dear friends that have sent me loving thoughts....medicine for my soul...thank you. I am looking forward to posting regularly and catching-up with each of you.

I hope your day is filled with the sparkle of sunshine no matter where you are.

Yours kindredly,

Shan

On the Mend....

2010-03-29T06:10:00.000-06:00

Dearest Readers,

I am feeling better each day and I am now trying to return to my daily chores and hobbies ("slowly" is the word of the day around here). I thank you for your kind inquiries and concerns. I had an ear infection that required two rounds of antibiotics and then I contracted a virus...I am so glad to be on the mend. I don't think I have been this sick since I was a little girl and had Scarlet Fever.

I haven't been up to much blog reading lately, but I do hope to slowly read all of your dear blogs and catch-up with your lives...I have missed all of you!

Yours so very kindredly,

Shan

The Art of Dressing Like a Lady.....

2010-03-06T03:17:00.000-07:00

Dearest Readers,

I finished the jumper that I sketched in my Sewing Planner (although I did change the decoration at the top of the jumper) and wore it for the first time yesterday. As it was a wee bit chilly, I donned a black turtleneck and black tights, along with a pair of black mary janes.

I so enjoyed its cozy comfort and ease of wearing, allowing me to breeze through my day while attending to all of my daily tasks. Laundry churned, bread baked and the Easter decorations began to make their appearance around our little home.

All the while, I felt completely feminine, yet ready to tackle anything that might come my way....

I do hope that you will find a way to include a little femininity in each day....it is so lovely.

Yours kindredly,

Shan

P.S. Do forgive these photos...Dearest was gone all day and I used my camera's self-timer...it was quite hilarious as I tried to "position" myself in the 10 seconds before the flash!

Notes from the Foothills......

2010-03-01T10:13:00.000-07:00

Dearest Readers,

March is here, rather like a lamb...a spring lamb....as the temperature here is hovering in the 50's! Spring fever abounds and I have been pouring over my seed catalogs with the overwhelming desire to plant something, anything, in the rich soil. Of course, it is far too soon, so I will just have to be patient and wait until the ground is ready. I am going to try to grow a few cool weather varieties out in our cold-frame for the first time, as we didn't install it until too late in the season last year.

I have made a list of sewing, crafting, and indoor projects that I wish to accomplish prior to Mother's Day (the official day for planting around here) so that I may then turn all my energies towards my "outside" home and all its pleasures.

As the stores are already being stocked as if it were summer, I will be keeping an eye-out for budget-friendly cushions for the little wicker love-seat and chair that reside on our front porch, as the current cushions are in a sad state of disrepair. Our dog, Shiloh (also known as Armageddon) has taken a fancy to sprawling upon the love-seat....she has been most unkind to the upholstery fabric.

Normally, we would never have allowed her to settle upon the love-seat (she has a dog bed on the porch floor), but after her horrible accident last year, we just didn't have the heart to scold her when it made such a comfy place for her to watch the world go by. Me thinks she is spoiled!

I also want to have Dearest attach a flower box in front of the upstairs bedroom window...I think that it will be so charming come spring! The house always looks fairly "bottom-heavy" as all the color and decor is found around the first level...it would look nice to have a little color splashed about on the second level as well.

Also, I wanted to share a link with you, Dear Readers, as I know many of you are familiar with the West Ladies and their series "Homestead Blessings". I have two of the sets and reference them time and time again in my pursuit of a gentle life. Well, I was pleased as punch to find that these dear ladies have their very own blog.....Homestead Blessings! It is full of beautiful pictures and excerpts of their simply lovely days along with a link to their website that features all of their DVD's.

Another wonderful place to visit is the Sugar Pie Farmhouse (see button on my right-hand sidebar)! The newest post is full of wonderful inspiration about our hearts and homes...not to mention an adorable pantry, complete with a flickering lantern (I would love to have one!).

I hope you have a gentle day, my dear, sweet friends.

Yours kindredly,

Shan

S is for Sewing......My Sewing Planner

2010-02-23T20:40:00.000-07:00

Dearest Readers,

I have been slowly organizing my Sewing Planner (I purchased the PDF from A Little Grace and Charm) starting with this page....

It is so nice to be able to sketch my ideas for my next jumper, making notations and calculations as I go along. I will print out a sheet for each project and keep them in my planner...how nice to have a record of my sewing projects. Here is the page, safely tucked inside my planner...

I also am copying the front and back of all of my sewing patterns and putting them in my sewing planner (a homemade divider keeps things easily accessible). How many times have I been at a store or charity shop and come across beautiful fabric or trims, but couldn't remember how many yards I would need for a particular project?

I have a nice pocket in the front for sewing/crafting coupons and fliers and I added a pencil bag to keep a measuring tape, fabric samples, a pen and calculator all ready for my next shopping trip.

The back pocket holds paper for taking down notes or making lists.

Hooray for organization....an essential element in the well-run household!

How do you keep all your sewing and crafting projects organized? Do tell.

Yours kindredly,

Shan

P.S. I don't receive any compensation for any of the products I mention....I just want to share my lovely "finds" with you!

Valentine Blessings To You.....

2010-02-14T11:44:00.000-07:00

For the Love of Dishes....

2010-02-09T05:17:00.000-07:00

Dearest Readers,

One of the loveliest adornments ever to grace a home....beautiful, elegant, charming dishes! So delightfully unique, they lend beauty wherever they are placed....

Whether they are from your Great-Great-Grandmother's collection, thoughtful gifts from your darling children, or thrifted for mere pennies, dishes are a true delight!

I admit to an addiction for all orphaned dishes and feel compelled to bring them home and give them a proper home. I am especially drawn to flow-blue and fruit or rose themed dishes...they just speak right to my heart....

Of course, I can't resist Currier and Ives dishes and not only use them for my everyday dishes, but love to decorate here and there with any "strays" that I bring home....

Why, I have even been known to use dishes as "hangers" for swagging shawls and fabric on walls....

(I am terribly fond of this particular vignette and have been "swagging" shawls and fabric ever since...)

I just adore dishes...how about you?

Yours so kindredly,

Shan

Groundhog Day Tidings!....

2010-02-02T07:08:00.000-07:00

Dearest Readers,

I hope you are enjoying a lovely Groundhog Day wherever you may be. It is sunny and fairly mild here on our Colorado homestead, so mild in fact, that we are not even using our woodstoves at present....we will light the fires this eventide.

Dearest and I have spent time in town today gathering much needed supplies from the bulk warehouse to fill our pantry. I needed an odd assortment of things to round out my larder and it is always a good idea to go on a sunny day instead of waiting for an anticipated snowstorm...too much of a crowd to suit us.

This afternoon I am working on a few organizational projects as I have just received my Planner and Organizer PDF download from A Little Grace and Charm (this link will take you to the page containing the sets). I chose to purchase the entire set and I couldn't be more delighted.

I have already started on a Sewing Project binder using their adorable and functional pages and will now be able to take everything I need with me when I go out looking for fabric and notions. I just love organization...don't you?

I am simultaneously working on my Homekeeping binder and updating and changing my Menu and Recipe binders...some would find this tedious and boring...ha ha...not me...I am just that ~~boring~~ exciting!

I promise a peek when I get the binders finished.

Hmmm, what else? Well, baking, cooking and a little sewing are on the agenda this week. I seem to have been a little "gad-about" lately, so keeping close to home this week will be just fine with me.

Yours so very kindredly,

Shan

P.S. I do not receive any compensation for mentioning products I purchase. I just enjoy sharing my "finds" with other kindred spirits!

Birthday Thriftyness........

2010-01-29T07:48:00.000-07:00

Dearest Readers,

This post is in honor of our Darling Girl who turns 24 this very day!

It is so easy to think that one must spend a fortune to offer a special birthday present to the honored recipient...this is simply not true Dear Reader. With a little forethought and a imagination, along with a few precious hours at the charity shops, you can give thoughtful gifts that are worth more than mere dollars and cents.

One of the gifts we are giving our Darling Girl is her very own Mercantile....out of nothing but saved tin cans, thrifted bottles and a little paper and ink! Here is a peek....

These vintage looking tins and bottles will be a charming addition to the Mercantile vignette our Darling Girl is creating above her kitchen cabinets.

I just used cream colored legal-sized paper to print out labels from my Print Master Gold vol. 18 (it was very inexpensive and includes wonderful "antique" labels in the clip-art collection) then cut label to fit the can. I then turned the cans upside down and just used invisible tape on the backs to secure the paper.

For the thrifted milk bottle, I used Epsom salt to fill it and then used an old milk cap to seal it. The brown bottle we found out here on the farm and it was just washed and then I added a paper label with adhesive.

We also went thrifting at the charity shops throughout the last year and found a few little treasures to add to our Darling Girl's birthday box.....

The old pitcher will match a washbasin that our daughter collected years ago (inside are the components to electrify one of her kerosene lamps...she will be jumping for joy). The sweet vintage hat will not just sit idle as a decoration....our Girl wears hats everywhere!The creamer and sugar bowl (missing it's lid...but could hold spoons or tea-bags) will look charming on her antique dining room table!

Abundant love and thought went into making a special assortment of gifts for our Darling Girl, leaving plenty left over to go out to a special family dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant!

Never let money define your heart Dear Reader.

Yours kindredly,

Shan

From My Sewing Basket.....A Lovely Jumper or Dress

2010-01-18T08:56:00.000-07:00

Dearest Readers,

I have found a charming, easy and feminine jumper/dress pattern that I would like to share with you! (I don't think that it was intended to be a jumper, but I think it lends itself very nicely to that variation.)

Simplicity #5189

This is the jumper that I featured in my latest entry in The Art of Dressing Like a Lady series(see post below). Although it is hard to see in the photographs, this jumper/dress has lovely princess seaming and tie-backs to make the fit very flattering. No buttons or zippers....so this is perfect for every level of sewing!

I chose view E and just left off the sleeves for a jumper style. I also liked the ties that start on the front of the dress on view C and opted for that version. I didn't make any other alterations and the fit is wonderful.

This pattern runs a little on the small side and is sized for a B cup fit. So if you are larger than a B cup you should choose the next largest size.

I am in the process of making 4 more of these darling jumpers and have taken some inspiration from the Victorian/Edwardian necklines and trim ideas....it should be interesting to see what I come up with!

Here is the fabric that I have chosen:

I hope that this will inspire you to dust off your sewing machine and make something for yourself. It is very rewarding, not to mention cost effective, to sew your own garments.

Yours so very kindredly,

Shan

The Art of Dressing Like a Lady.....

2010-01-16T09:02:00.000-07:00

Dearest Readers,

Today, I want to share with you my continuing efforts to pursue the very old-fashioned notion of dressing like a lady....not just on special occasions, but each and every day.

This lovely Saturday will find me in the kitchen preparing a few special dishes to welcome the children home for the weekend. We will all spend time together, tucked in the back parlour to watch a little football. (Sadly, our Broncos ended their season woefully, so the "fans" in this house will have to choose a favorite among the finalists.)

It would be far too easy to slip on a pair of sweatpants and an old sweatshirt and putter around the kitchen, but I will reach just a bit further into my closet and pull out a sweet jumper to wear today....

(Sorry about the quality of this picture. I thought I would have a little fun and enhance it in Photobucket by cropping it and adding the frame...instead it just came out grainy! )

This cozy, comfy, yet perfectly ladylike jumper fits the bill perfectly! I made this embroidered (with sparkly golden roses!)denim jumper last month and have been so delighted to have it in my wardrobe. Just a warm turtleneck and a pair of navy tights and I am ready for the day.

Of course, I will want to put on a little jewelry so I reach for one of my perennial favorites....my "Mother's Cameo". A special gift from Dearest years ago featuring a Mother cradling her baby...

It's always a nice touch to style my hair and today I decided to wear it down and just curl it with the curling iron...this took only minutes and always makes me feel especially feminine.

Now, I can attend to the needs of my family and home all the while dressed in the sweet fashion and attitude of a lady....

I hope you will find time in the upcoming week to celebrate the Art of Dressing Like a Lady! Please leave me a link to your blog if you are posting about your experience....I would love to pay a housecall.

Yours so kindredly,

Shan

P.S. I will post about the pattern for the featured jumper in my next post...easy, peasy and oh, so cute!

The Anticipation of a New Year.....

2010-01-11T02:23:00.000-07:00

Dearest Readers,

I am sure that I am not alone when I say that I love the anticipation that comes with the arrival of a new year. Crisp calendars with hundreds of unused days waiting to be filled. Long forgotten sewing, patiently sitting next to the sewing machine, hoping to become a proud garment. The home, newly put in order after the Christmastide season, at the ready to offer shelter and comfort to all who enter.

Today, I will finish putting all the upcoming birthdays and special occasions on my calendar and note the gifts that I would like to make during the year. Next, I plan to update my Homekeeping Binder with new pages and updated 2010 lists (everything from gardening ideas to new recipes I want to try). Finally, I will go into town and post the remaining bills for this month.

Once home, I will start working on my Valentine's vignette in my entryway. Normally, I put out my snowman collection during the month of January, but as I have left it until so late in the month, I will just go ahead and decorate for February.

I do hope to return to my series, "The Art of Dressing Like a Lady". (I realize I said that I would post weekly and I believe I posted a whopping two times during the summer...dear me!) I have been terribly remiss in remembering to have Dearest take pictures....perhaps it is subconscious as I am very shy about having them taken, but I will talk to myself sternly and forge ahead!

I have quite a few craft/sewing projects planned for the upcoming year and will share them with you. I did sew up a muslin for this jumper, and let me just say....Pee Uuuu...it was just so awful on my figure. I have since....during Christmastide....found another jumper pattern that I LOVE and need to remember to have my sweet husband snap a photograph of the finished dress so that I can share it with you....no zippers or buttons and it fits darling!

Of course, the garden is on my mind and I have been looking at seed catalogs and dreaming of rows upon rows of delicious vegetables and fruits....nothing is better than a fresh-from-the-garden tomato! I need to begin thinking of the canning I want to accomplish and plan accordingly....I may have been a little overzealous in my pickle inventory when it comes to the dill varieties! This year I will make more bread and butter pickles as they are infinitely more popular here at Honey Hill Farm.

Lastly, I just feel completely blessed to be starting the new year with a healthy and loving family, a wonderful place to live, enough money to pay our bills and the faith to believe that He truly cares about me and mine....

Yours so very kindredly in this year of 2010,

Shan

The Start of a New Year.....

2010-01-03T05:24:00.000-07:00

Dearest Readers,

Let us ring in the New Year with happy hearts and ever-cozy homes for our loved ones!

I have been away much due to a troublesome computer bug...but my intrepid Darling Boy/Computer Genius was able to restore things to their rightful places!

Now, I am in the process of returning Honey Hill Farm to the quiet, yet comfortable retreat, that beckons me after the dizziness of the Christmastide season.

I will post soon, but for now I must forge ahead with my packing and storing.....

Yours so very kindredly,

Shan

Christmas Home Tour....Just a few Tidbits

2009-12-24T08:53:00.000-07:00

Dearest Readers,

Well it is Christmas Eve here on our little farm....a beautiful white blanket of snow covers everything in sight. The fires are blazing and we are cozily tucked inside enjoying all the diversions of the season.

Dear Mrs. Hottentot was gracious enough to allow me to snap a quick photograph as she and Clementine made their way home through the snow. She called out a cheery "Merry Christmas", with strict instructions to send her best wishes on to all of you!

I thought I would finish my little tour with a glimpse of some of the Dresden Ornaments that I made this year under the tutelage of my Darling Girl....

(Aren't they charmingly old-fashioned? So very easy-peasy, nothing more than scrap, tinsel, trims and budget-friendly ornaments.)

It is almost time to start the board game marathon...lots of giggles to be had! So, I will close this post and wish you...

Merry Christmastide!

Yours so kindredly,
Shan

Christmas Home Tour 2009.....From Room to Room

2009-12-23T02:31:00.000-07:00

Dearest Readers,

I have a few more glimpses of the spirit of the season to share with you today...won't you follow me?

You have been such a delightful guest, would you join me tomorrow and let me show just a few more tidbits of tidings from around the homestead?

Yours so kindredly,

Shan