Custom Kitchen Table and Twinkly Lights

It's another cold gray day, with a good chance of icy precipitation.  But that's OK.  We've got twinkly lights and spring blossoms to cheer us this time.

Joseph and I worked on a custom table order yesterday.  I cut all the metal and was general assistant, while Joseph did all the design and assembling.  We're a good team.  It's hard to believe it's been 7 years today since our first date.  Happy St. Patrick's Day, friends!

The Last Round of Winter Weather, Perhaps

Hellabore

In between the winter weather earlier this week, and the round that arrived last night, I managed to catch a few photos to show spring is indeed on the way in these parts.

Pulmonaria

I'm feeling grateful for power and hot showers.  We are just on the borderline of ice, and my family just north in the Greensboro area are without power.  I've heard reports of many trees falling.  My brother in law, who works third shift, had to abandon his vehicle to get home this morning, due to so many downed trees.  My family does have alternate means of staying warm, and by tomorrow the forecast is for low 60's, so it can't last too much longer.  I'm concerned about the 30 mile per hour winds forecast for later today, and the further trees it may bring down.


Chickies got fresh hay for their nest boxes, and the birds got a fresh batch of suet yesterday.  As the rain continues to pour down, I think the only sensible thing to do today is make some soap... natural Lavender rainwater soap with organic French lavender sprinkled in. 

crocus

Along with much of the country, here's a wish for warmer, drier days!

Spring in Our Hearts

This little bouquet is all I have to show of the springlike weather we had this weekend, picked on a walk with the pups.  There are daffodils, hellabore and a pulmonaria blooming, but the rain has begun, the temperatures are rapidly falling, with sleet on the way, and possibly some snow before it's over.

While it lasted, Joseph worked up the soil, and I planted garden peas.  Our seed potatoes arrived, and are in the pantry growing eyes.  Spinach was planted last weekend, and should be coming up any day.  In doors, we've got tomato, lettuce, kale, cabbage, and chard seedlings already up.  I'm finishing up the last of my taxes. All that's left is to sign a paper or two, get it into a mailer, and send it off.  Happy!

A Century of Treasures

Hello friends!  Not long ago, some friends bought a building that began as a livery stable in the late 1800's. More recently, it was an antiques shop, and was still filled with treasures when they purchased it.  I've been helping them to find new homes for these treasures, and it's been fun researching and learning about so many different things.

Many items are from the 1800's or early 1900's.

If you happen to collect treasures from this time frame, let me know, and I may just be able to fix you up!

I'll be shop sitting for a pottery today.  Enjoy your Saturday, however you spend it!

Sweet Pups and Snow

We did indeed have a good snow, as well as a bit of ice.  This is the view looking out from our driveway.

The birds have kept me busy making suet and filling feeders.

The pups have had to step gingerly, though today the melting began.

Along with the red roses my Valentine gifted me, we have lantana that we overwintered indoors blooming.

 I did a small amount of mending and sewing.  I've canned vegetable broth and beans I had dried from our garden.  I do sometimes cook them up dried, but it sure is nice to have them ready to use at those times I haven't planned ahead.  There has also been progress  made on the dreaded taxes, which I hope to soon have ready to go, so I can get on to more pleasurable endeavors.

Holiday of Hearts

There's a good snow in the forecast for today.  The latest predicts 5-8 inches, but every time I check, that seems to change.  We'll enjoy it, regardless of how much we get.  With nowhere to be for the next couple of days, we can take it in stride.  There's a chance it could turn icy, with power outages, but we're as prepared as we can be for that possibility.  We've had flurries off and on for the past couple of days, with the snow beginning to stick yesterday.  I'm thinking I may do a bit of canning today or tomorrow.  I can't think of a time when the heat and humidity would be more welcome.  The amaryllis is blooming, just in time to cheer us in the midst of wintry weather and just the right color for a holiday dedicated to love.  Wishing you a sweet and happy Valentines Day.  Be good to yourself, and share a little love.

waiting in line

Local Talent

One of the many reasons I love living here is the amazingly talented folks that surround us.  I've spoken about the potters on more than one occasion, but there are other wonderful folks that deserve a mention.  We've recently been collaborating with local woodworker James Watt on our tables.  The sweet little walnut box above is his work, as well as the tabletop below.  Joseph made the table base and copper ginkgo leaves, which James incorporated into a walnut tabletop for a couples copper anniversary gift.  The feedback we received was filled with oohs and aahs and actual tears of joy for this lovely piece.  In addition to the custom link above, James has a small etsy shop that's worth checking out.

The amaryllis I planted at Christmas is almost about to open.  Bring on the blooms!