A Flexible Living

I'm thankful most of what I do to make a living is flexible, allowing me to spend time with a family member who is ill.  Some projects have been progressing, when I've been home and able to help Joseph.  We're remodeling a storage space, making new sheds on the ends for tractor, mower, tiller and such, and creating a personal shop space for Joseph.  There has been much sorting through, and boxing up, and a first load delivered to a local thrift shop.

This Mercedes was payment for a recent job Joseph did.  He kept the engine, which was in good shape, and some other bits and pieces, and we took the rest to the salvage yard.

I was happy to see an indigo bunting at the feeder for a couple of days.  I saw either a scarlet tanager or a flycatcher down at the creek while walking with the pups.  It flew away too quickly to be sure.  That's life on the homestead, friends.  I'll be back when I can.

Happy Mother's Day Wishes

Things are a little behind with my spring homemaking chores, but progress is being made. This morning, I got all my summer and winter clothes swapped out.

This afternoon, I tackled our summer and winter linens.  These are a little more time-consuming than the clothes.  Because I love old linens, and pick odd pieces up whenever I run across them, there is always a bit of matching up to do.  New pieces to add to the mix, and each year, there are inevitably some linens that become so threadbare they tear, which don't make it to the next year.  So, it's fun to find some good, new combinations.  Some years ago, I read of a trick to put the sheets and all but one pillowcase (we use 4) into the remaining pillowcase, to keep a set together, so that's how I do it.  It makes it simple to have it all together, when it's time to change them.   I usually keep three sets in my linen closet.  Now, all the extra sets are boxed up and put away too.

This weekend, I plan to move all the houseplants to their summer spot outdoors.  Then, as I can, I'll begin on spring cleaning.  The garden is coming along.  Cucumbers and sweet corn are up.  Tomatoes, potatoes and lots more are putting on growth.  I'm looking forward to summer meals from the garden.  I'm sending warm thoughts that all of the Mother's, nurturers and caregivers of all sorts, have the loveliest of Mother's Days!

Blooms & A Reptile

I hope you had a lovely May Day.  I remember as a child, dancing around the maypole in May Day celebrations.  Do children still do that?  Those sweet and simple traditions are ones we should hang on to, I believe.  Heralding in the warmer days is reason for celebration, don't you think?

The summer garden is mostly planted, thanks to Joseph's hard work.  There are potatoes & onions, spinach & lettuce, swiss chard & broccoli, tomatoes & peppers, watermelon & cantaloupe, summer & winter squash.  Okra, cucumbers and corn still need to be planted, and probably a few more things I'm forgetting.  If you are not a fan of reptiles, go no farther in this post.

This fellow was relocated to a brush pile, after he was found in the garden.  I haven't identified him.  Anyone have an idea?

Oh blueberries, I look forward to your scrumptiousness!

Blooms & Mud and Suds

pulmonaria

I haven't meant to be away so long, friends.  My plate seems to be very full these days.

green & gold

Many things have begun blooming this past week.  Lilacs, dogwood, lily of the valley, and our little wild irises.  I hope to have time to take some photos to share here, and make a bouquet.  The wild wisteria along the highways has begun blooming.  Our little wisteria is not blooming, but it made it through the winter, which is saying something, after the cold we had.  I'm still not sure about our large eucalyptus tree.

My Mom has a collection of orchids in front of a large picture window.  Isn't this one lovely?  This Saturday, I'll be taking part in Mud & Suds at Whynot Pottery.  There will be pottery, soaps, vintage glass garden flowers... and cookies!  Come out and see us if you're in this neck of the woods!

The Scent of Basil

A few weeks ago, my Mom got a basil plant.  Every time I was at her house, I'd have to pass my hand over it and inhale.  It smells like summer to me.  I'm happy I now have one too.  Joseph had a birthday this week, and some of that basil made it into a pasta birthday meal.

Our little furniture business is doing well.  I've even opened an account with a local trucking company, as most of the pieces are big enough to require shipping by freight.  This kitchen table shipped today, headed for California.  The days are turning warm and sunny.  I hope the days are warmer wherever you are, friends!

The Littlest Egg

I gathered these two eggs last night.  Even with the first eggs of our young hens, I've not seen such a small egg.  Cute little thing, isn't it?

Our family celebrated my beautiful Mom's 80th birthday at one of our favorite restaurants over the weekend.

On recent busy days, when I've not filled up the bird feeders quickly enough, the birds have taken to stealing from the cat's bowl.  Wildlife right outside the door.  

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!