Sis and I made a day trip to Portland last week.  I decided to got to Monticello Antique Mall for my stop, and enjoyed all the vendors booths.  The French Hen always is great, I love her style and her booth.  I don't know her, but wish I did.  


It is 30 days to the wedding, it is time to get really serious about the details. I spent time today getting everything together in one spot, and organized. I wrote a long list and think that things are well under control. I feel better, Phew!


Oh, and by the way, we are back to cutting and baling hay. 

Summer Flowers in Coburg OR

I took these photos last week.  I stopped at Primrose Lane in Coburg OR. The owner, Janice has a great outdoor area with lovely flowers and outdoor items for sale.  I wanted to share these three photos with everyone. Enjoy!

Save the date ..... August 20 ..... I will be there!

Molly Mo's Summer Antique Faire is really fun!  There is no admission fee, and there are great dealers with fun, interesting displays.  I was very fortunate to go there last summer. I had a great time, so I want to encourage my friends to check it out. Treat yourself!  This advertisement should be enough to attract you.  

2011 Hay Season is Underway

The yearly cycle of baling our grass hay is upon us. Today, the bales were stacked in the barn. We hired two young men, and 3 friends helped, so there were 7 people total here.  The crop is pretty normal, 547 bales (from about 5 acres).  Everyone is really tired and I am very grateful that our hay is done. The best of all, no machine breakdowns! I must go, it is time to feed the hoard some burgers, salad, and dessert.

Sharing Brave Girls Daily Post

I find that I share this situation sometimes.


Have you ever found yourself saying, or even thinking, "I did not sign up for this!?"


Often we commit to something or someone, thinking that things will be one way, when somehow they end up being something else entirely. The gifts in this? They are MANY if we choose to see them instead of finding ourselves frustrated and resentful, or feeling like a switch-trick has been played on us.


Try to remind yourself that the good stuff of life is in the most unexpected places, and that there are millions of places in life that we don't even know about yet. With that fact in mind, know that there's no way we could get to the very best fruit if we stayed RIGHT where we could see it. Sometimes we have to climb through vines, climb to the tops of trees, and even visit new and unknown places to find the stuff that is best of us. How could we ever even plan for that if we don't know about it to begin with?


Even if it's hard, roll with it. Try to learn something new every day. Do your best. When you end up in a situation that you 'did not sign up for', think of it as an advanced course that your teacher decided you were ready for. Feel honored, and dig in and learn learn learn!


You are so smart, so capable, and you can totally do this. You can even do it with a smile on your face. And why would you want to do it any other way?

Twig at Glory Days

A SWEET LITTLE SHADOW BOX

CUPBOARD AND SWEET PILLOWS

TEA TIME UNDER THE ARBOR

I stopped by Glory Days in Springfield a couple pf days ago. There are a few dealers there that have inspiration spaces. Twig and Colby Cottage are in the back area..called the barn. These are photos that I took of some things that I really enjoyed.  I didn't have much time so it was a quick run thru and a few pix to share. I like chippy white, rusty stuff, pretty floral fabric and great craft ideas found in their space. 

Vintage Christmas Fabric

When I thrift shop, I always check out the tablecloths, and fabrics. You never know when something special will show up. This vintage fabric was still on the racks to be put out, I checked it out...and of course I purchased it for $1.80. There were two large coffee spills on it. I used some BIZ and soaked it overnight. Hurrah, the fabric came out sparkling clean. Yes, Christmas in June!

New Canning Magazine by Better Homes and Gardens

I like to do some canning every year. Oh...things like green beans, spaghetti sauce, pie filling, fruits, jams, and potatoes.  I saw this new magazine a few days ago at Walmart.  There are some terrific new recipes to try. There are recipes for liqueur, and cordial that are fun to make. The photographs are beautiful, the directions are clear, and there is a section on some basic canning with a water bath procedure. 

My Path

Sometimes finding my path is not very clear, there seem to be many choices to make.  For me, the wooded trail seems to draw me into it.  I am an outdoor gal, I will take this direction every time.  Imagine taking a long walk, listening to birds and the sounds of the wood. Peaceful, and calming.............a time to listen to my heart.

What is a Farmgirl?

A Farmgirl believes in the strong arms of friendship, community, and the just plain fun of being together. A farmgirl takes joy in the quiet satisfaction of making things with her own hands. She exudes kindness, grace, humility, gentleness, patience, and generosity, and loves the simple pleasures of life. A farmgirl is loyal and caring, especially when it comes to her family, friends and community. She gives generously of her time and talents. Farmgirls love to get together to share ideas.  Farmgirl is a condition of the heart.  Mary Jane Butters


I am a farmgirl, a gal who loves a rural life. I think that we women need to connect with others who share our interests. Mary Jane's Farm does this for me, and I suggest that others look at the website. You may find that you too feel at home there.

Let's take a bike ride.

I am longing to ride a pretty bike, to a wonderful outdoor market. Some really fresh strawberries and peaches just picked would be so....wonderful. This area will have berries pretty soon.  I have watched too many episode's of House Hunters International - Italy tonight.  Sometimes I really enjoy thinking of the adventures that are possible.... Such a nice photo to enjoy today. 

The Farm Chicks Show June 4th near Spokane, Washington

I didn't go to Spokane last weekend (although it was very tempting...however I just didn't want to travel that far). My spirit was there.  I have been awaiting some photos of the show.  I got these photos from the Farmchicks blog.  Someone said that there were huge crowds, and it was hard to get around. The vendors said that they had great sales. It is good to know that some gals were able to go and purchase some wonderful things. 

My Magazine Addiction!! Oh My!

The Summer 2011 issue is on the news stands now. This is the 3rd issue of this magazine. I got mine for 50% off with a coupon at Joann's ($7.50). There are no advertisements, and the photos are wonderful. The ideas, recipe's, and fun are well worth the expense.  I actually keep my issues, because I do reread them and enjoy them many times. I absolutely recommend that everyone take a look and decide for themselves. Check out the blog Where Women Cook too, it is great.

Vintage Blue Ball Canning Jars

I went junking today, looking for interesting old junk, or vintage things. Also, to be frugal and only buy half price things.  At St Vinnies I found three of these jars, and was thrilled because they are all 1/2 gallon size.  The jars that are larger than one quart are found infrequently.  What will I do with them?  I plan to use them in my pantry to store dry goods, rice, bulk items, dried mushrooms, basil, and pasta. Much nicer than plastic, and I can easily see what they contain.

Sunny, Nice, and 80 degrees!

I have finally got my wish....2 days of sun and warm! 80 degrees, for the first time in 8 months. I have held my face up to feel the goodness and the coming of summer. Happiness, and gratitude surround me.


Today, I finally planted the garden. June 4th is terribly late for this area. The harvest will be in August, if not later. Wait and see, the weather is a determining factor.....but some plants just take 100 days, so it may take until September. The honey bees are busy today, all over in the apple trees.