tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53332076848896870052024-02-06T21:42:47.401-05:00Rural RevivalA city girl, an old home and a new way.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451777566497814274noreply@blogger.comBlogger690125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333207684889687005.post-50607435437078560012014-04-15T06:22:00.001-04:002015-04-24T13:44:14.461-04:00And Then the Dream Ended<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wHl5bLjtIpE/U0xiY4Au0iI/AAAAAAAAMZM/zCorlPZ5RTc/s1600/pondwork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wHl5bLjtIpE/U0xiY4Au0iI/AAAAAAAAMZM/zCorlPZ5RTc/s1600/pondwork.jpg" /></a></div>
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It has been five and a half years now since the Artist and I, with Glimmer Twins in tow, moved to the country. A dream the Artist and I shared on our first date over ten years ago. Much has happened over those years...a custody battle, unemployment, a failed business venture, losing our dads, all while raising a blended family and, for five years, non-stop care taking of this old farmhouse. And while it was all far more stressful than I could have ever realized, my love never wavered for this life or for the Artist. Not once.</div>
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What I didn't know on that first date, more than ten years ago, was that a con was in the making. Preying on my naivete, or perhaps mistaking my shyness for low self-esteem, I was wooed because the "chances were slim that the quiet, timid girl would ever leave him". I quickly found myself being 'love bombed' as I've come to learn is the term, told I was beautiful and special and looking back on it now, was made to believe that the Artist was the only one who could 'save' me. He encouraged me to grow, instilling as much confidence as possible to do "anything you want to do" and so that's just what I did. I grew.</div>
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Not long after settling into the old farmhouse, Rural Revival was born. At first, it was an attempt to write, mostly for myself and my mom, my muse, but then I discovered that people like photos thrown in and a joy was discovered. Before long my photography and post editing skills grew leaps and bounds and so did my readership and out of that came an insecurity wrapped in jealousy and resentment that I was being creative and he was not. It's a choice we all make, each and every day. There were many nights when the TV was chosen over a sketch pad but I won't be responsible for a choice that I did not make. But, as that resentment tightened its hold, the city girl that had been inspired to grow was now condemned for growing too much.</div>
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So on New Year's Day, the Artist announced he had no love for this farm, and more importantly none for yours truly. To say it took me by surprise would be an understatement. My husband, my family and soon my home, gone and with it my joy. A dream come true has become my worst nightmare, my refuge is now a prison. A family has been torn apart. And while everyone around me tells me I've done nothing to deserve the way I've been treated these last few months, it doesn't ease the pain. Sad part of it all is that he chose infidelity as a way out, juvenile behaviour with a co-worker that showed a complete disregard for the feelings of not just myself but of our precious Glimmer Twins as well. </div>
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Rural Revival Farm will be put up for sale this spring and this wannabe farm girl will return to the city, but she won't be the same as when she left. She's learned that trust will never come easy again, and will carry a wariness that no one should have to carry on their shoulder through this journey of life, but she's also learned what her strengths and her joys are; she will keep <i>those</i> close to her heart, where no one can ever, ever snatch them away.</div>
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div>
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For those of you who have followed along on this journey, </div>
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silently or with comments....from the bottom of my heart, I thank you for </div>
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all the ways you inspired me to document this portion of my life.</div>
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For those of you quick to judge for putting this part of my life 'out there',</div>
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I say, if a shy girl like me can share the good and the bad, the happy and the sad,</div>
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and in turn let one other person who is experiencing something similar</div>
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know that they are not alone, then it is worth all the criticism in the world. </div>
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Peace and Love</div>
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and </div>
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always, <i>always</i></div>
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Be well Friends</div>
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~Andrea</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451777566497814274noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333207684889687005.post-50144657424422155682013-12-20T08:53:00.001-05:002013-12-20T14:56:14.812-05:00The Last Vestiges of Fall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">I
wandered about outside last week to capture some final images of fall. My
timing was impeccable as a few days later we were blanketed in a heavy quilt of
snow. While I love the splendor that fall provides, it's really rather magical
to be in a world of white, perhaps because it's rather rare these days for it
to last.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">And last it will not, as we are expecting a weekend of freezing rain and
ice pellets. We should probably break out the movie Ice Castles and call Uncle
right now. </span><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I don't think anybody will be going anywhere. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Our renovations are on hold until after the holidays; we needed a break.
It's almost done but not quite enough to have the house completely back in
order, but since we won't be hosting any Christmas fiestas this year, it'll
do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">It
was the Artist's birthday yesterday and for the first time I can ever remember,
we didn't have a tree to place his gifts under. </span><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">A
normal birthday....I wonder if he liked it.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KLV7O7EnTUo/UrRG0SC5BNI/AAAAAAAAMWo/ZmoI_lCNOkY/s1600/_DSC1524a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KLV7O7EnTUo/UrRG0SC5BNI/AAAAAAAAMWo/ZmoI_lCNOkY/s1600/_DSC1524a.jpg" /></a></div>
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</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> The Artist wants to thin out our little
woods and I noticed, a few months ago, a tree with a definite lean to it. We'll
be chopping that one down and using the top for our tree this year. We've grown
weary of our local Christmas tree farm with its perfect trees and exorbitant
prices. I'm digging this year's free and local version. Here's hoping it's not
covered in too much ice.</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Sharing with:</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.kimklassencafe.com/thecafe/" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px; text-decoration: none;">Friday Finds</a> ~ <a href="http://www.serendipityissweet.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px; text-decoration: none;">Friday Photo Journal</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px;" /><a href="http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.ca/" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px; text-decoration: none;">The Weekend in Black and White</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px;" /><a href="http://www.thelongroadtochina.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px; text-decoration: none;">Favourite Photo Friday</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px;"> ~ <a href="http://www.aruraljournal.blogspot.com/">Random 5 Friday</a></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.fresh-eggs-daily.com/2013/12/from-farm-blog-hop-and-finnish-eggnog.html">From the Farm Blog Hop</a></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451777566497814274noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333207684889687005.post-79701549302659891552013-12-18T05:22:00.000-05:002013-12-18T05:28:57.679-05:00Pippy<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">It
was while taking a break from painting the other day that I happened </span><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">to look
outside to see the neighbour's dog stalking Miss Pip. While I'm not </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> certain </span><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">the
dog would harm her, she hasn't harmed any of our free ranging </span><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> girls yet, I wasn't about to trust her around such easy prey as our tiny </span><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Pippy either. I hightailed </span><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> it outside
to quickly send her home before I went </span><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> to check on Pippy. </span><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> I looked inside an
old toy barn where I had last seen her headed. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbgGr6KVDlSlv2oJqLCUnRe8M0_YJdRFr-vSVpiAeUyQP9UpBqe1_iT-SaE25LxTLxx3QDe4l1tDQ0Hd2jUxuNyKvkq3kQ8awKGxdPFKDhkbATbk_BI70X2KAIw6g4HBw0IjPz2aWv2Q9R/s1600/_DSC1560a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbgGr6KVDlSlv2oJqLCUnRe8M0_YJdRFr-vSVpiAeUyQP9UpBqe1_iT-SaE25LxTLxx3QDe4l1tDQ0Hd2jUxuNyKvkq3kQ8awKGxdPFKDhkbATbk_BI70X2KAIw6g4HBw0IjPz2aWv2Q9R/s1600/_DSC1560a.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Um...Pippy....where is the rest of you? What's happened to my l'il
chicken?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7GaDrISFfA1MHY-mdJnhkb1GKlURDtD570XrSAiBPwavXCmqYUlr-Ihd2fj9MDTertIu8Rbrq_SxJhKGyT3iMbvX2zqDB1qPoDUIvv8bHScYhWFck3JVui16vwCPnjNdOOPkwPYkpTTR/s1600/_DSC1556a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV7GaDrISFfA1MHY-mdJnhkb1GKlURDtD570XrSAiBPwavXCmqYUlr-Ihd2fj9MDTertIu8Rbrq_SxJhKGyT3iMbvX2zqDB1qPoDUIvv8bHScYhWFck3JVui16vwCPnjNdOOPkwPYkpTTR/s1600/_DSC1556a.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Oh,
there you are! Whew. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N4rPjKVJwoA/UrFy8VVLXOI/AAAAAAAAMWE/ovaPQow0Qhk/s1600/_DSC1563a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N4rPjKVJwoA/UrFy8VVLXOI/AAAAAAAAMWE/ovaPQow0Qhk/s1600/_DSC1563a.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">If it wasn't for the fact that she managed to get herself stuck in that window. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I'd have
said </span><span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">my little black and white, brave, molting banty was a clever girl. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Wouldn't
you?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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Sharing with:</div>
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<a href="http://www.tillysnest.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px; text-decoration: none;">Down Home Blog Hop</a><br />
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<a href="http://dudemom.com/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">Wordful Wednesday</a> ~ <a href="http://dagmarbleasdale.com/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">Dagmar's Home</a> </div>
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<a href="http://wordlesswednesday.blogspot.ca/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">Wordless Wednesday</a><br /><a href="http://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">HomeAcre Hop</a> ~ <a href="http://www.theviewfromrighthere.com/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">Rurality Blog Hop</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451777566497814274noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333207684889687005.post-61872970109647552902013-12-17T05:52:00.001-05:002013-12-18T05:24:24.139-05:00Bemusing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OxKzcU5pu8A/UrAp4vWkpOI/AAAAAAAAMVg/cqI52JBAjRM/s1600/_DSC1552a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OxKzcU5pu8A/UrAp4vWkpOI/AAAAAAAAMVg/cqI52JBAjRM/s1600/_DSC1552a.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I'm often amused and at times bemused by
how this two and half acre <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">wannabe micro-farm has a never ending
yield of beauty to photograph.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> For that, I am grateful. It is, perhaps, my favourite harvest. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sharing with:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.kimklassencafe.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px; text-decoration: none;">Texture Tuesday</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px;"> ~ </span><a href="http://www.chattingatthesky.com/2013/12/17/tuesdays-unwrapped-15/">Tuesdays Unwrapped</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://communalglobal.blogspot.ca/">Wednesdays Around the World</a> ~ <a href="http://www.lifenreflection.com/blog/">Texture Twist</a><br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451777566497814274noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333207684889687005.post-90537635307113128102013-12-13T08:29:00.000-05:002013-12-13T08:29:46.911-05:00Looming<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju845DI6P3saK5BkqWJ8qPgI1jzojluasA2um5tybrc0zsaIKlpWiHJ5QjUY3RrfXmGOXkGzKcXacyQoEZ_L4pRjFA75vMABm1aJXFgEnmy9hWcPk9H8sd22DadpSPFMHXyxKsMIXG0UzB/s1600/_DSC1448a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju845DI6P3saK5BkqWJ8qPgI1jzojluasA2um5tybrc0zsaIKlpWiHJ5QjUY3RrfXmGOXkGzKcXacyQoEZ_L4pRjFA75vMABm1aJXFgEnmy9hWcPk9H8sd22DadpSPFMHXyxKsMIXG0UzB/s1600/_DSC1448a.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Christmas season is in full swing, yet not a single decoration has been unpacked, or a Christmas carol played on the stereo. Callie has been out of dog cookies for two weeks and the entire farmhouse is covered in a fine layer of drywall dust. Meanwhile, I'm still tackling this mudroom, the Artist has been working on our dining room for three weeks and the idea of having these jobs done before Christmas, is long past, although the Artist is still, in my opinion, extremely optimistic. Our supervisors are pushing us hard to <i>git er done</i>. However, one likes to sleep on the job and the other one just sits and stares waiting for the purr-fect time to attack a quick moving paint brush.<br />
<br />
You can see why I'm not quite as optimistic about the looming Christmas deadline.<br />
<br />
sharing with:<br />
<a href="http://www.kimklassencafe.com/thecafe/" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px; text-decoration: none;">Friday Finds</a><br />
<a href="http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.ca/" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px; text-decoration: none;">The Weekend in Black and White</a><br />
<a href="http://www.thelongroadtochina.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px; text-decoration: none;">Favourite Photo Friday</a> ~ <a href="http://www.serendipityissweet.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px; text-decoration: none;">Friday Photo Journal</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451777566497814274noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333207684889687005.post-70101733404330331252013-12-11T22:19:00.000-05:002013-12-12T09:58:35.442-05:00Avó<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EycLWBDSCcg/Uqkp0rUIRcI/AAAAAAAAMU4/N32OuK_UYco/s1600/_DSC1441a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EycLWBDSCcg/Uqkp0rUIRcI/AAAAAAAAMU4/N32OuK_UYco/s1600/_DSC1441a.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Adobe Caslon Pro, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><i>Image captured by the Girl Twin,while I was busy painting.<span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></i></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Adobe Arabic";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">We didn’t have the opportunity to get to know each
other as well as I would have liked, but I still feel fortunate that our paths
crossed for what little time they did.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Adobe Arabic";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Adobe Arabic";">I wish I spoke better Portuguese, or any Portuguese
for that matter but the smile on your face and the sparkle in your eye
translated better than words ever could.
And your sense of</span><span lang="ES-US" style="font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: ES-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Adobe Arabic";"> humour</span><span lang="ES-US" style="font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Adobe Arabic";"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Adobe Arabic";">was never lost in
translation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Adobe Caslon Pro","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Adobe Arabic";"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">As I watched you race a young boy, eighty
years your junior to the elevator of the nursing home, I imagined the zest for
life that must have carried you through your younger days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">And as I watched you slowly peel and cut a
piece of fruit after every meal, from your own garden no less, I knew at once both the secret to longevity
and that you understood local when it was a fact of life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">And should I ever find myself in a European
café, I will think of you and remember to savour the company of those I am with and to just <i>be</i>. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYqMjFADPR9kNUrpkaQzPYkSa3n4MkPrqD8e6T78I1Yt5Pua0RsL8PYk-hvbUNwVVpzRMZ8tmfyYntsdPr8vqGg-9OZX1t_dWFqsL-WvDbLHIpNWNHXc1DFo31Ok4G3EkgaIVjd5xkZ8tl/s1600/dz+and+nb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYqMjFADPR9kNUrpkaQzPYkSa3n4MkPrqD8e6T78I1Yt5Pua0RsL8PYk-hvbUNwVVpzRMZ8tmfyYntsdPr8vqGg-9OZX1t_dWFqsL-WvDbLHIpNWNHXc1DFo31Ok4G3EkgaIVjd5xkZ8tl/s1600/dz+and+nb.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;">My Portuguese 'Grandmother' (1918-2013) and the Male Twin ~ 2008</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 22.390625px;">Sharing with:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px;" /><a href="http://katherinescorner.com/2013/11/20/thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop-115/" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px; text-decoration: none;">Favourite Things</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px;"> ~ </span><a href="http://littlebylittleblog.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px; text-decoration: none;">Little Things</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px;"> ~ </span><a href="http://meriak.blogspot.ca/" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px; text-decoration: none;">Share the Joy</a> ~ <a href="http://www.theviewfromrighthere.com/blog/">Rurality Blog Hop</a></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451777566497814274noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333207684889687005.post-42067164395527580182013-12-06T05:29:00.000-05:002013-12-06T19:07:46.875-05:00Fortuity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DS3T36PuJD4/UqE4BBSW0RI/AAAAAAAAMUQ/tBx0u8Mkkck/s1600/_DSC0920a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DS3T36PuJD4/UqE4BBSW0RI/AAAAAAAAMUQ/tBx0u8Mkkck/s1600/_DSC0920a.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">My memory is a bit fuzzy on the exact details, but I think my mom and I
were at the grocery store in the checkout line. I was around seven years old
and as I helped her load the items from our cart onto the belt, I had noticed
that there were people with skin much darker than mine a few rows over. And, as
kids are disposed to do, I likely stared with curiosity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Later, maybe that night, a few nights or perhaps even
a week or more later, my mom called me into her room. I plopped on her bed;
ready for slumber myself in my nightgown and housecoat, as she sat down beside
me. Here is where my memory comes into perfect focus. In rather clear and
simple words she told me that every person was the same no matter the colour of
their skin, hair or eyes or anything else about them. I acknowledged her with
an 'okay Mom' and went on my merry way but that brief conversation was the
first of many items on my 'advice from mom' list that I kept tucked in the
breast pocket of my coat of life, ready to be called upon at a moment’s notice
should ever the need arise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I realize that life could have gone the other way, she
could have told me something completely different and I may have kept that
advice in my back pocket just as easily.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>I
hope not,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i>I'd like to give
myself a little more credit than that, yet I realize for some that this is
exactly how differences are learned. It is in the midst of my past fortuity
that I'm extremely grateful for the lesson she taught me and ever so more
indebted to Mr. Mandela for the lessons in courage, perseverance and love that
he taught the world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Adobe Caslon Pro', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">May his weary heart rest peacefully.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sharing with</span>:<br />
<a href="http://www.kimklassencafe.com/thecafe/">Friday Finds</a><br />
<a href="http://blackandwhiteweekend.blogspot.ca/">The Weekend in Black and White</a><br />
<a href="http://www.pixeldustphotoart.com/">Photo Art Friday</a> ~ <a href="http://www.thelongroadtochina.com/">Favourite Photo Friday</a><br />
<a href="http://www.serendipityissweet.com/">Friday Photo Journal</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451777566497814274noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333207684889687005.post-89755502883389248392013-12-02T08:43:00.001-05:002013-12-02T08:47:14.875-05:00The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's pretty safe to say that after living somewhere for five years, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you'll have a pretty good idea of what you like about a place and what you don't.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ss7eoO6CbcM/UpyHz5T6yAI/AAAAAAAAMTk/KqPrqSz2z0s/s1600/_DSC1392a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ss7eoO6CbcM/UpyHz5T6yAI/AAAAAAAAMTk/KqPrqSz2z0s/s1600/_DSC1392a.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Brown and blue walls off of a white kitchen, with peeling paint<br />
and an unpainted ceiling weren't working for me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #660000;">The Ugly.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I told the Artist I was more inclined to replace it with horizontal planks. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"I've seen some examples on Pinterest, I'll show them to you," I offered, as we discussed our options.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4mrgFRvMNCeAwGMZJua2aFb2qQ9cpqfhb-fNQxnhMMceI7VljWsCpimTmzsQ7CVVZ-bAAoVvUPDufoI5hyphenhyphenKBVn9V_sVQcUV6gLUleMhoKPQzq-AmTOqVsGpsb1_WGsTIi4ftQ6QFPORW5/s1600/pinterest+mudroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4mrgFRvMNCeAwGMZJua2aFb2qQ9cpqfhb-fNQxnhMMceI7VljWsCpimTmzsQ7CVVZ-bAAoVvUPDufoI5hyphenhyphenKBVn9V_sVQcUV6gLUleMhoKPQzq-AmTOqVsGpsb1_WGsTIi4ftQ6QFPORW5/s1600/pinterest+mudroom.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/9429480443367163/"> source</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kind of like this.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I never did need to show him this though. I pried off the bead board that had seen better days,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to find a layer of plywood underneath. The Artist helped me remove the plywood to discover </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
horizontal planks, of the <i>vintage</i> variety. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be.still.my.heart.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4uPdQha8eQY/UpyLGa6TiKI/AAAAAAAAMUA/f6BLPlNeEmE/s1600/_DSC1405-2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4uPdQha8eQY/UpyLGa6TiKI/AAAAAAAAMUA/f6BLPlNeEmE/s1600/_DSC1405-2a.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It would have been rather lovely if we could have just stopped right there</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but the Artist had a nagging suspicion which after five years needed thorough investigating.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Behind those lovely planks was the outside wall and nothing else.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>No insulation</b>.</i>...on a west facing wall. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #660000;">The Bad. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The planks had to be removed in order to properly place insulation and a vapor barrier along the wall but unfortunately they couldn't be removed without breaking them. It was a little disappointing to lose the vintage boards. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But man, is it ever warmer in here and the kitchen!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #660000;"><b>The Good.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #660000;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'll be here all day today painting. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Did I mention all day?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Sharing with:</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px;">
<a href="http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">Clever Chicks</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px;">
<a href="http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">Homestead Barn Hop</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px;">
<a href="http://www.carissagraham.com/2013/11/misc-monday_25.html" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">Misc. Monday</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451777566497814274noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333207684889687005.post-19920365919521169882013-11-28T01:00:00.000-05:002013-11-28T01:00:00.550-05:00Thank Full<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMAgHPR3Baltm0mXKa5Bk3r3eT_ZaAgQ_aEPhtZHUOmgfJsEkBgW8Iv_-P90fpG45G6P1wiNH7qqBn0nB74iv_n-kGE7O2zikLAeyQ3EyTswGWfTIsoX2P6u8RHQNKPg5EBqFlM2yGucq/s1600/DSC_0167a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCMAgHPR3Baltm0mXKa5Bk3r3eT_ZaAgQ_aEPhtZHUOmgfJsEkBgW8Iv_-P90fpG45G6P1wiNH7qqBn0nB74iv_n-kGE7O2zikLAeyQ3EyTswGWfTIsoX2P6u8RHQNKPg5EBqFlM2yGucq/s1600/DSC_0167a.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We're knee deep in minor renovations at the old farmhouse, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but we wanted to stop and wish our American readers a very happy Thanksgiving. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
May your day be filled with kin and kindred alike. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
::::::::::::::::::::::</div>
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And have some turkey for us! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451777566497814274noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333207684889687005.post-13295994962262816872013-11-25T07:42:00.002-05:002013-11-25T10:06:51.929-05:00A Hill of Beans<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IasDwpsnP0Q/UpNDto28TKI/AAAAAAAAMS8/1S5v1g2Jdls/s1600/_DSC1339a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IasDwpsnP0Q/UpNDto28TKI/AAAAAAAAMS8/1S5v1g2Jdls/s1600/_DSC1339a.jpg" /></a></div>
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Growing dried beans wasn't ever on my wish list of things to grow when I lived in the city. In fact, we were out here living the dream for several years before inspiration struck. It was while visiting the farmer's market where friends were selling bean flour made from beans grown entirely in Ontario that I had my a-ha moment. After trialing one variety last summer, I grew a few more varieties of heirloom seeds this year and the results are an overwhelming success. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--u9L_XzVM_g/UpNDylS1K4I/AAAAAAAAMTI/rCujoHy4JuY/s1600/_DSC1328a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--u9L_XzVM_g/UpNDylS1K4I/AAAAAAAAMTI/rCujoHy4JuY/s1600/_DSC1328a.jpg" /></a></div>
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They're super easy to store all winter long and so chocked full of protein that I see a lot of soups and stews and pots of chili in our future as a meat alternative. Anyone have a good bean recipe? If so, I'd love to hear it. </div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Sharing with:</i></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">Clever Chicks</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">Homestead Barn Hop</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.carissagraham.com/2013/11/misc-monday_25.html">Misc. Monday</a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451777566497814274noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333207684889687005.post-71699568330208118882013-11-22T05:44:00.000-05:002013-11-22T06:18:25.074-05:00Friday Past<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzA5yJsYMeo_Li4NIb32P4zl2pFfTM_icIrL58IwhxRH6w-x8t3HYKkL0tNqnchlb2e0EmgJbIuWS5YHW1M9DZ0E51fEiA9-uITuV-pglt4XsL13BAoe6V5zZEHtXzEkDLt2Hpqa8Gt9_a/s1600/_DSC1098a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzA5yJsYMeo_Li4NIb32P4zl2pFfTM_icIrL58IwhxRH6w-x8t3HYKkL0tNqnchlb2e0EmgJbIuWS5YHW1M9DZ0E51fEiA9-uITuV-pglt4XsL13BAoe6V5zZEHtXzEkDLt2Hpqa8Gt9_a/s1600/_DSC1098a.jpg" /></a></div>
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Last Friday, I booked the day off work, bid adieu to the Artist and the Twins and headed straight to my moms. </div>
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She'd been gone for two months and we needed some time with just each other.</div>
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We're both early risers, so we decided to go for a walk. </div>
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There is lots of beautiful parkland interspersed among the homes in the older areas of her town. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ED1D5OiUwKc/Uo8uur-kuyI/AAAAAAAAMSc/fpTLyhJyCy4/s1600/_DSC1139a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ED1D5OiUwKc/Uo8uur-kuyI/AAAAAAAAMSc/fpTLyhJyCy4/s1600/_DSC1139a.jpg" /></a></div>
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We were able to catch up on all the important stuff like sewing, baking, knitting, quilting</div>
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and a little photography thrown in for good measure. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AF0POFRpAus/Uo8uwBXSa3I/AAAAAAAAMSk/q8hrsZ1R5O4/s1600/_DSC1142a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AF0POFRpAus/Uo8uwBXSa3I/AAAAAAAAMSk/q8hrsZ1R5O4/s1600/_DSC1142a.jpg" /></a></div>
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I'm lucky to have a mom who is also my best friend. We share many of the same interests that we somehow</div>
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came to embrace on our own but now encourage each other with almost daily. I love hanging out with her. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CLEhm12iOps/Uo8uyI70ERI/AAAAAAAAMSs/GH5zhP3inH4/s1600/_DSC1152a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CLEhm12iOps/Uo8uyI70ERI/AAAAAAAAMSs/GH5zhP3inH4/s1600/_DSC1152a.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span id="goog_1519076151"></span>This one is for you Dee....'cause you haven't seen her in so long either. </span></div>
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My only wish is we could do this every Friday.</div>
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~Enjoy <i>your</i> Friday friends!</div>
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Sharing with:</div>
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<a href="http://www.kimklassencafe.com/thecafe/">Friday Finds</a> ~<a href="http://aruraljournal.blogspot.ca/"> Random 5</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451777566497814274noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333207684889687005.post-82360598950847503742013-11-20T22:47:00.002-05:002013-11-21T11:42:49.726-05:00To Drive the Cold Winter Away<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FM5WfHM2lAk/Uo13f5Gou2I/AAAAAAAAMSE/G8gtnpIJyEs/s1600/Snowday+2013-16a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FM5WfHM2lAk/Uo13f5Gou2I/AAAAAAAAMSE/G8gtnpIJyEs/s1600/Snowday+2013-16a.jpg" /></a></div>
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Always at this time of year, as I grasp at the final days of November, hoping they will pass a little slower, and while the trees have fully disrobed, ready to bare their souls for another winter, is when I pull one of my most favourite CD's off the shelf.<br />
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Loreena McKennitt's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/To-Drive-Cold-Winter-Away/dp/B000000LXD">To Drive the Cold Winter Away</a> is billed as a Christmas album, but to me, it sets a mood of inner reflection as we begin our journey of winter respite. There are hints of Christmas throughout but not in the overly commercialized way of most albums but rather the soothing lilt of the harp and Loreena's haunting and ethereal voice lead me through Christmases past when it really was a simple holiday celebrated in simple ways. It was recorded in a local (to me) church, and a monastery and great hall in Ireland, replete with Celtic instruments which only lend to the feeling of being transported to a music faire several hundred years ago.<br />
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So while you're baking, wrapping gifts or for those preparing for Thanksgiving, give this CD a listen. You won't be disappointed. It's a wonderful way to start the season of celebrating light in a time of darkness.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #676767; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.328125px; text-align: left;">This time of the year is spent in good cheer</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #676767; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.328125px; text-align: left;">And neighbours together do meet</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #676767; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.328125px; text-align: left;">To sit by the fire, with friendly desire</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #676767; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.328125px; text-align: left;">Each other in love to greet</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #676767; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.328125px; text-align: left;">Old grudges forgot are put in the pot</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #676767; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.328125px; text-align: left;">All sorrows aside they lay</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #676767; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.328125px; text-align: left;">The old and the young doth carol this song</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #676767; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.328125px; text-align: left;">To drive the cold winter away.</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/jWXuxjzpx6M?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sharing with:</span><br />
<a href="http://katherinescorner.com/2013/11/20/thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop-115/">Favourite Things</a> ~ <a href="http://littlebylittleblog.com/">Little Things</a> ~ <a href="http://meriak.blogspot.ca/">Share the Joy</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451777566497814274noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333207684889687005.post-6178697090695087462013-11-20T06:01:00.002-05:002013-11-20T22:50:45.307-05:00Playing Favourites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P7HRx3eCvaw/UoyULzNvQBI/AAAAAAAAMR0/xHOIBKqReas/s1600/_DSC1265a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P7HRx3eCvaw/UoyULzNvQBI/AAAAAAAAMR0/xHOIBKqReas/s1600/_DSC1265a.jpg" /></a></div>
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The neighbour kids down the road. </div>
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I must confess, they're my favourite neighbours. </div>
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I'm sorely tempted to take one home with me. </div>
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They have so many, surely they wouldn't miss <i>just one</i>.</div>
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Sigh.</div>
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<i>Big sigh.</i></div>
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I suppose it's a good thing I have nowhere to hide, just one.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sharing with:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.kimklassencafe.com/">Texture Tuesday</a> ~ <a href="http://www.tillysnest.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px; text-decoration: none;">Down Home Blog Hop</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://dudemom.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px; text-decoration: none;">Wordful Wednesday</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px;"> ~ </span><a href="http://dagmarbleasdale.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px; text-decoration: none;">Dagmar's Home</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://wordlesswednesday.blogspot.ca/" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px; text-decoration: none;">Wordless Wednesday</a><br />
<a href="http://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px; text-decoration: none;">HomeAcre Hop</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px;"> ~ </span><a href="http://www.theviewfromrighthere.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px; text-decoration: none;">Rurality Blog Hop</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451777566497814274noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333207684889687005.post-15101721701604354732013-11-19T06:20:00.000-05:002013-11-19T07:21:55.102-05:00Our Other Dog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UyvtTvWN8ak/UorNheo5nMI/AAAAAAAAMRQ/hX5NTzV6mac/s1600/_DSC1208-2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UyvtTvWN8ak/UorNheo5nMI/AAAAAAAAMRQ/hX5NTzV6mac/s1600/_DSC1208-2a.jpg" /></a></div>
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She's possibly part ape; she likes to jump from branch to branch while high up in the tree tops, but we think of her as more canine than cat. She is a constant companion to whomever is out in the yard. While Callie is busy patrolling the pond and on the lookout for a possible intruder, this one is always mysteriously by our side...<br />
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Lost in thought while weeding the back veggie gardens in mid-summer, she appears from nowhere, an apparition from the cornfield, think Field of Dreams.<br />
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Checking on the rural roost and collecting eggs, a ruckus is sometimes heard among the ladies. Turning to see what the problem could be and there you'll find her, stalking a banty from under the pine trees.<br />
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You walk out of the garage when a quick whoosh startles you as the large bay door comes crashing closed behind you, possibly taking ten years off your life. Someone with four paws and green eyes likes to jump from the roof of the garage, crash down on the opened door causing it to close under her weight. It's a roller coaster for cats, a death trap for humans.<br />
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A ladder is placed beside the house, and within two minutes, <i>likely less</i>, she has appeared, <i>again out of nowhere,</i> and climbed to the top if she hasn't already made it on to the roof. Let's be clear. She <i>owns</i> the roof.<br />
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Lock the doors for the night and get ready for bed but a head count reveals a certain redhead is missing. After retracing your steps, it's determined that no one has seen her since the coop was locked up for the night. You make a trip back outside, to free the red Bandito from a night of solitude in the garage.<br />
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Ember.<br />
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<b>E</b>xtraordinarily <b>m</b>obile <b>b</b>ut <b>e</b>specially <b>r</b>isible.<br />
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My how we love her.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sharing with:</span><br />
<a href="http://communalglobal.blogspot.ca/">Tuesdays Around the World</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451777566497814274noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333207684889687005.post-8186622801093747712013-11-18T06:17:00.001-05:002013-11-18T15:51:45.604-05:00A Warm Fall Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-67j7OkmqlTs/Uon0iQC_pgI/AAAAAAAAMQk/Vk2I9Bdz_3w/s1600/_DSC1224a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-67j7OkmqlTs/Uon0iQC_pgI/AAAAAAAAMQk/Vk2I9Bdz_3w/s1600/_DSC1224a.jpg" /></a></div>
It was another busy weekend around the old farmhouse, and because the weather was unseasonably warm, we continued with outdoor work. The Artist, worked on putting new trim on the windows. My, what a difference it will make.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iyFPEdOtMAs/Uon0hteyKYI/AAAAAAAAMQg/qH-y1asy9ig/s1600/_DSC1222a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iyFPEdOtMAs/Uon0hteyKYI/AAAAAAAAMQg/qH-y1asy9ig/s1600/_DSC1222a.jpg" /></a></div>
The Twins painted the front porch. I'm pretty certain they've never worked harder in their lives, but they did an amazing job. From prepping to cleanup they looked after the entire process on their own. Maturing children is a wonderful thing.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oWIKX_bN8lA/Uon0hV00FoI/AAAAAAAAMQc/ggE9PY1Jxck/s1600/_DSC1182a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oWIKX_bN8lA/Uon0hV00FoI/AAAAAAAAMQc/ggE9PY1Jxck/s1600/_DSC1182a.jpg" /></a></div>
I managed to stop tripping over that bag of tulips long enough to get them all planted. <span style="color: #a64d79;"><a href="http://www.ruralrevivalfarm.com/2013/11/spring-in-bag.html">Pablo</a></span> can rest easy and I can look forward to extra colour in the yard this spring.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vfBfodFcPrk/Uon0p2fe-xI/AAAAAAAAMQ4/ffGP8F9U0nM/s1600/_DSC1184a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vfBfodFcPrk/Uon0p2fe-xI/AAAAAAAAMQ4/ffGP8F9U0nM/s1600/_DSC1184a.jpg" /></a></div>
Ember spent her time doing what she does well...hunting.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tvGA4_eied4/Uon0myDOZSI/AAAAAAAAMQw/3_hFktthA0U/s1600/_DSC1220a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tvGA4_eied4/Uon0myDOZSI/AAAAAAAAMQw/3_hFktthA0U/s1600/_DSC1220a.jpg" /></a></div>
And Callie did what Callie does best. Callie? Callie?! Hey, Callie! Just what <i>are</i> you doing?<br />
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A warm fall weekend, it brings out the best in everyone.<br />
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Well, almost everyone.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px;">
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<a href="http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">Clever Chicks</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">Homestead Barn Hop</a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451777566497814274noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333207684889687005.post-56526213500480378592013-11-13T22:06:00.001-05:002013-11-14T09:59:48.494-05:00The Places She Goes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YW8rwIF947g/UoQ99ysbovI/AAAAAAAAMPk/ksVC5RgtNi8/s1600/ladderone-3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YW8rwIF947g/UoQ99ysbovI/AAAAAAAAMPk/ksVC5RgtNi8/s640/ladderone-3a.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mxqyJa1UzAk/UoQ9-YlcQtI/AAAAAAAAMPs/WSGN1KAVx1Q/s1600/ladderone-4a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mxqyJa1UzAk/UoQ9-YlcQtI/AAAAAAAAMPs/WSGN1KAVx1Q/s640/ladderone-4a.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>
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There's only one thing better than leaping off the roof the same way you went up.</div>
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Doing it again.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HXjHxio402M/UoQ98ygmjaI/AAAAAAAAMPc/4L8T96dQ1Ks/s1600/_DSC0977a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HXjHxio402M/UoQ98ygmjaI/AAAAAAAAMPc/4L8T96dQ1Ks/s1600/_DSC0977a.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sharing with:</span><br />
<a href="http://www.katherinescorner.com/">Favourite Things</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451777566497814274noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333207684889687005.post-71468893371298217632013-11-13T07:10:00.000-05:002013-11-14T09:59:14.315-05:00Spring in a Bag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nqYDotgtesk/UoNZNkKW7pI/AAAAAAAAMOU/5g4Cqx3Gewc/s1600/_DSC1037a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nqYDotgtesk/UoNZNkKW7pI/AAAAAAAAMOU/5g4Cqx3Gewc/s1600/_DSC1037a.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can cut all the flowers but you cannot keep Spring from coming.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~Pablo Neruda</span></div>
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Perhaps not, <i>Pablo</i>, but its Autumn and right now spring feels rather far away and this morning as I sit, enjoying the quiet solitude with a warm cup of coffee, I get up to let the dog out for her morning ritual. As I make my way to the door in the darkness, the moon lights up the deck and even before I turn on the lights I see that our world has been doused with snow, reflecting the moonlight into the house. Then I trip over that bag of tulip bulbs that haven't been planted yet. And I wonder.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">How is spring going to arrive, <i>Pablo</i>, when its still sitting in a bag at my back door? </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><i>Por favor</i>, get back to me on that </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 38px;">Señor</span><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">, will ya?</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Sharing with:</span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.tillysnest.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px; text-decoration: none;">Down Home Blog Hop</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.theviewfromrighthere.com/blog/?p=10931" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px; text-decoration: none;">Rurality Blog Hop</a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451777566497814274noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333207684889687005.post-43100291972852555472013-11-12T09:05:00.002-05:002013-11-14T10:10:08.700-05:00Standing Seam?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As caretakers of this old farmhouse, we have a sense of
responsibility to ensure that this house, erected 150 years ago, remains around for
another 150 or more. And when you get right down to it, the thought of future owners cursing us
because of a lack of foresight or care about this place makes me cringe and with
good reason. There have been numerous days where we’ve done just that. <i>What were they thinking</i> is uttered
around these parts on a regular basis. Not that <i>they </i>are anyone in particular, for even good meaning homeowners can
hire someone without the proper skill or knowledge to complete a job that will
uphold the test of time. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We haven’t completed much on the outside of this old
farmhouse to date, mostly because it requires more time and money than the
inside but there are some items that just can’t be neglected, like the roof. It doesn’t really matter what else you do, it’ll
be all for naught if you’ve got a leaky roof. So when the Artist met a local
fellow who installs steel roofing for a price comparable to shingles <i>and</i> we started having a leak here and there, there wasn’t much to debate. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We’re quite happy with it, it’s what I call a simple barn
style roof and it suits this old farmhouse to a tee and best of all, it will outlast
me. It’s not anything like that fancy schmancy steel with scalloped edging and
an array of colours available to outshine the guy next door. We’re in the
country, nobody notices your roof unless it’s been blown off in a windstorm. <i>Just ask my neighbours</i>. So last week, while our handyman
was putting the finishing touches on our new roof, I came across this article
over at <a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/remodeling-101-standing-seam-metal-roofs"><span style="color: #76a5af;">Gardenista</span></a>; it seems there’s a fancy schmancy name for our simple roof
after all and it is, apparently, all the rage. So here it is, our <a href="http://www.gardenista.com/posts/remodeling-101-standing-seam-metal-roofs" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #76a5af;">Standing Seam roof. </span></a></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qNTlPzmUm0c/UoIIzaIoKNI/AAAAAAAAMOI/GTiEw3gG1n8/s1600/_DSC1030a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qNTlPzmUm0c/UoIIzaIoKNI/AAAAAAAAMOI/GTiEw3gG1n8/s1600/_DSC1030a.jpg" /></a></div>
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If you don't mind, I think I'll just continue to call it my barn style roof. It suits <i>me</i> to a tee.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sharing with:</span><br />
<a href="http://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/">HomeAcre Hop</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451777566497814274noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333207684889687005.post-14154528723000552412013-11-11T06:08:00.002-05:002013-11-11T08:49:51.751-05:00Secret Stash<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6iLErAQNOa2_pgTgvDqSqvmeGlR__VRUAYl01Fg3R7qOc1aHBP_XoxQ_lJpNwSZkLuajeBAURKuf5JRrAo7zXZJy0gNqzocp8iUuRUx6m4glRlpFOl4khxpRt9eQCMUsFGDTbA4Yi8nzP/s1600/_DSC1048a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6iLErAQNOa2_pgTgvDqSqvmeGlR__VRUAYl01Fg3R7qOc1aHBP_XoxQ_lJpNwSZkLuajeBAURKuf5JRrAo7zXZJy0gNqzocp8iUuRUx6m4glRlpFOl4khxpRt9eQCMUsFGDTbA4Yi8nzP/s1600/_DSC1048a.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
It seems the chickens in these parts have been pulling the wool over our eyes. The Artist noticed Eli doing his "my lady just laid an egg" song and dance yesterday, while he was nowhere near the coop. After a little searching amid stacks of wood left after our summer storm, he found a secret nesting spot, with almost two dozen eggs squared away.<br />
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This could be an indicator that we don't have enough nesting boxes. Well, we do, but no one seems to like laying in the top row of boxes, and if we keep replenishing our layers each spring, my idea to add another row of boxes for the girls should do the trick. Add another task to the list.<br />
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On the bright side, I'll take this as a pretty good sign that we don't have any predators lurking about or this secret stash would be long gone. Not bad for a completely free ranging flock of two years.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Sharing with:</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 22.390625px;">
<a href="http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">Clever Chicks</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 22.390625px;">
<a href="http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">Homestead Barn Hop</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 22.390625px;">
<a href="http://www.mittenstatesheepandwool.com/2013/10/can-you-be-bah-humbug-for-halloween-i.html" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">HomeAcre Hop</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451777566497814274noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333207684889687005.post-14262781204065982212013-11-07T06:05:00.003-05:002013-11-07T19:26:25.852-05:00Good day Moon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gc-1U8k0_eQ/UnwvoP8XJfI/AAAAAAAAMNA/KcjmZ69lREY/s1600/_DSC0502a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gc-1U8k0_eQ/UnwvoP8XJfI/AAAAAAAAMNA/KcjmZ69lREY/s1600/_DSC0502a2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just playing around and testing out my zoom lens. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And <i>really</i>, after the recent time shift followed by grey days on end...or so it feels...I think this may be the brightest object around. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Three things can not be long hidden; the sun, the moon, and the truth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Buddha</span></div>
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</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451777566497814274noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333207684889687005.post-72144374572359067842013-11-06T06:27:00.000-05:002013-11-07T20:43:24.028-05:00Ducks Deluxe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K_rfRLD4UhA/Unoe_pzRjdI/AAAAAAAAMMI/kc96R9gDn3A/s1600/_DSC0736a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K_rfRLD4UhA/Unoe_pzRjdI/AAAAAAAAMMI/kc96R9gDn3A/s1600/_DSC0736a.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vGI6kTWoR20/Unoe_obgjJI/AAAAAAAAMME/KeTUat0xWxE/s1600/_DSC0743a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vGI6kTWoR20/Unoe_obgjJI/AAAAAAAAMME/KeTUat0xWxE/s1600/_DSC0743a.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2YpVNtxbFcA/UnofCE130xI/AAAAAAAAMMU/zKe5bWJackU/s1600/_DSC0804a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2YpVNtxbFcA/UnofCE130xI/AAAAAAAAMMU/zKe5bWJackU/s1600/_DSC0804a.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
It seems that my fear back in July...see <a href="http://www.ruralrevivalfarm.com/2013/07/duck-daze.html"><span style="color: #274e13;">here</span></a>...was completely for naught. Our worry that we had two drakes on our hands was a false alarm as our little duck dynasty is comprised of only one male, a female and another lady with a ring around her neck, like a male. <i>Go figure.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
And although I introduced them to the joys of water at an early age, we suspect they think they're chickens, as they rarely venture past the shoreline of the pond. Living with 20 odd chickens and sleeping on the floor of a chicken coop could have something to do with that. We're not really sure. What we do know is that they make a mess of the water dispenser; we've had to keep both dispensers outside all summer because a wet coop isn't good for the<i> real</i> chickens. We also now know, that a drake and a rooster aren't necessarily a good combination either. Eli is missing some neck feathers, all in the name of protecting the smallest of the chantecler hens.<br />
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We're now at a crossroads. The waterers are starting to freeze overnight, and it's time to hook up the electric dispenser in the coop. The flies have vacated until spring, making this the time to decide who's spending the winter in the coop or the freezer. And the days are shorter than ever which means there are fewer hours of free ranging each day and living arrangements are too cramped for a healthy flock.<br />
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We thought we had a plan. Decisions were made and it was just a matter of time.<br />
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Now, we're not sure sure.<br />
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We discovered duck eggs.<br />
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And I'm looking for a duck proof water dispenser.<br />
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px;">::::::::::</i><br />
<i style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px;"><br /></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 22.390625px;">Sharing with:</span><br />
<a href="http://www.tillysnest.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px; text-decoration: none;">Down Home Blog Hop</a><br />
<a href="http://dudemom.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px; text-decoration: none;">Wordful Wednesday</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px;"> </span><br />
<a href="http://dagmarbleasdale.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px; text-decoration: none;">Dagmar's Home</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #191919; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px;"> ~ </span><a href="http://wordlesswednesday.blogspot.ca/" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.390625px; text-decoration: none;">Wordless Wednesday</a><br />
<a href="http://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/">HomeAcre Hop</a> ~ <a href="http://www.theviewfromrighthere.com/blog/?p=10931">Rurality Blog Hop</a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451777566497814274noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333207684889687005.post-3873112795660793822013-11-05T06:10:00.000-05:002013-11-05T06:14:00.016-05:00Black and White<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB10II0LnvCbfiKXSLtvZxQQAHh-PGc1nWmeyPvN5A3MEeysmFd3Dncvfy4WtdnywIn3OrzcD2ffVMcq1j3o0cyyULIEWml22gkIW9IWcmKa2JJGYB9a9MIS2cniTpbUbOLBwQSaU_diUA/s1600/_DSC0979-2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB10II0LnvCbfiKXSLtvZxQQAHh-PGc1nWmeyPvN5A3MEeysmFd3Dncvfy4WtdnywIn3OrzcD2ffVMcq1j3o0cyyULIEWml22gkIW9IWcmKa2JJGYB9a9MIS2cniTpbUbOLBwQSaU_diUA/s1600/_DSC0979-2a.jpg" /></a></div>
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There is no black-and-white situation. It's all part of life.</div>
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Highs, lows, middles.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Van Morrison</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.kimklassencafe.com/thecafe/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">Texture Tuesday</a> ~<a href="http://www.lifenreflection.com/blog/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">Texture Twist</a></div>
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<a href="http://communalglobal.blogspot.com/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">Tuesdays Around the World</a></div>
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<a href="http://leighvslaundry.blogspot.ca/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">The Happiness Project</a> ~ <a href="http://kentweakley.com/blog/p52-sweet-shot-tuesday-week-40/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;">Sweet Shot Tuesday</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451777566497814274noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333207684889687005.post-80879019889407074042013-11-04T06:55:00.002-05:002013-11-04T06:55:21.244-05:00Handwarmers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A9zgHs-Fo3A/Und2wl0IQ4I/AAAAAAAAMLY/wBmduPMASJw/s1600/_DSC0951-3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A9zgHs-Fo3A/Und2wl0IQ4I/AAAAAAAAMLY/wBmduPMASJw/s1600/_DSC0951-3a.jpg" /></a></div>
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On these chilly November afternoons, when the sky is about to fall so daringly early, a stroll about the yard with a camera strapped around my neck, is preceded by a visit to the Rural Roost, where if I'm lucky, a little lady is warming up a couple of eggs for me. One in each pocket, Mother Nature's hand warmers will keep my fingers pliable enough to operate the camera until the last drop of light has left the scene.<br />
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Of course, this is all based on the premise that one hasn't broken in my pocket, as of yet.<i> </i><br />
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I could change my mind completely on this novel idea of mine, should that ever happen.<br />
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You'll be the first to know.<br />
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Well, maybe not the first, anyone tried to get egg off of a keyboard?<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15451777566497814274noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5333207684889687005.post-61984184412283189172013-11-01T05:51:00.000-04:002013-11-01T05:51:43.904-04:00I Wish I had Duck Feet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibn2Xlg1iggJFAAkgdB-jPEE0jvK9fK07qEiPJ5tgOo2Nay0M2FYqimNF8KGr6LlCTMbt9LXhdnDqo81XSa1CzFhwET9HhuOB_kt6rISUOF5uw8JT-GoBDZJMHhf7sE99JLNvZ2zcRcgkx/s1600/_DSC0889a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibn2Xlg1iggJFAAkgdB-jPEE0jvK9fK07qEiPJ5tgOo2Nay0M2FYqimNF8KGr6LlCTMbt9LXhdnDqo81XSa1CzFhwET9HhuOB_kt6rISUOF5uw8JT-GoBDZJMHhf7sE99JLNvZ2zcRcgkx/s1600/_DSC0889a.jpg" /></a></div>
I've been reading about home artisan bread making using the slow fermentation method and my first attempt was the bagel recipe found in <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/Peter-Reinharts-Artisan-Breads-Every/dp/1580089984">this book</a>. If the rest of the recipes turn out as well as the bagels, we're in for some fine fireside eats in the old farmhouse kitchen this winter.<br />
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We store our cast iron pans in the oven when it's not in use. I pulled one out last night to make myself an omelet and spotted what at first glimpse appeared to be crumbs in the pan. Upon closer inspection, I realized that crumbs they certainly were <i>not</i>, but rather mouse droppings. Sure glad I noticed them <i>before</i> I made the omelet. Hmm, I wonder if this could explain troubles I've been having with the oven thermostat. And furthermore, I thought cats were supposed to keep uninvited guests out? For the briefest of moments I considered letting the cats inspect inside the oven...you know....just to leave their scent but then the right side of my brain kicked in and I realized perhaps that wouldn't be the wisest thing to teach them, so we set traps instead.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7GFQshJFPIJBUe1mpu1wRiuJMutgajnYieSuH6m_9S3EcSrV4htHdNpr1u4yhMp1NjSHiaKbu19SililozU_tmRs4H3wJjV-YsB5gAIvNP1U5ytn1L96HLnGLAouzh7dCmfV-35VPXVH/s1600/_DSC0895a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7GFQshJFPIJBUe1mpu1wRiuJMutgajnYieSuH6m_9S3EcSrV4htHdNpr1u4yhMp1NjSHiaKbu19SililozU_tmRs4H3wJjV-YsB5gAIvNP1U5ytn1L96HLnGLAouzh7dCmfV-35VPXVH/s1600/_DSC0895a.jpg" /></a></div>
My parents arrived home from Europe on Monday evening and after a delayed flight, they ended up spending the night with us. It was nice to talk to my mom face to face after two months of emailing. Secretly the male twin and I hoped they'd be stuck with us for another night, just so we could visit more.<br />
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I don't think it's a secret around these parts that we prefer to buy local whenever possible and that includes beer. The Artist and I took some friends from out of town on a local brewery tour. We kept our sampling within the '100 mile diet' radius and enjoyed supporting some new craft breweries that are popping up everywhere in Ontario.<br />
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October was a record month for egg production in the Rural Roost. Our spring chicks turned out to be an all female crew and are now laying in full force, including lovely green eggs from our two Ameraucana. We've had some yellow-greenish tinged eggs, usually one on the coop floor each morning. At first I thought it was the Cochin, later I suspected one of the Ameraucana was a half breed. However, when I did get around to making that omelet, I cracked one open to discover the egg white was completely clear and that's when it finally hit me; they're duck eggs. And you know what? They're delicious!<br />
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~Happy Friday Friends!<br />
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<a href="http://www.sunnysimplelife.com/2013/09/from-farm-blog-hop-and-fun-halloween.html" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 22.390625px; text-decoration: none;">From the Farm</a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QUz6bx2CkHw/Um3FN2K-lDI/AAAAAAAAMJo/z2ZT64jI6h4/s1600/_DSC0629a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QUz6bx2CkHw/Um3FN2K-lDI/AAAAAAAAMJo/z2ZT64jI6h4/s1600/_DSC0629a.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>From the top:</i></div>
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honey extracting station</div>
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filtering</div>
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bee propolis</div>
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Bill the bee mentor</div>
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an extremely hard worker</div>
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the sweet stuff</div>
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With my second opportunity to harvest honey now completed, I can't imagine ever experiencing another fall without the bright orange glow of the sun setting earlier each night, the crisp fall air tickling my lungs and the unique and heady scent of honey and wax being separated. It was a respectable harvest, thanks only to my generous bee mentor, Bill, who wanting to see this inexperienced beekeeper stay in the game after losing both of her hives, gave me two of his splits this spring. </div>
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While my new colonies thrived in their temporary home, I'm looking forward to next summer and having these lovely ladies dance among the dandelions, calypso through the clover and jitterbug amid the goldenrod. Oddly enough, the farm seemed emptier this year with out bees working the land. Their presence is felt here every bit as much as the chickens or ducks and, most importantly, in my heart. It's official. I'm hooked on raising bees. </div>
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