Time for a Chat with Dear Friends......

Dearest Readers,

My how I have missed you!  It has been quite busy here at Honey Hill Farm, with two of our Darlings graduating within a week of one another! 

First, I must update you on our Darling Girl....She attended her Graduation in a wheelchair!  The poor thing dislocated her knee right before her Nurses' Pinning ceremony on Friday, May 2nd.  She had gone to the store to pick-up a card for a Professor she wanted to thank, and suddenly she was on the floor of the store and they were calling an ambulance!  She was taken to a nearby hospital and I met her in the emergency room.  Of course, we fully expected to be there for the better part of the evening, and had even called to let her friends know that she most likely would not be attending the ceremony.  Well, it turns out that our Dear Girl had worked as a student with some of the staff on duty that night....they told her that they would NOT let her miss such an important event!  We were only in the emergency room for 2 hours!  We went straight to the Pinning Ceremony....crutches, hospital pants, and ID bracelet! A memorable evening to be sure.

Meanwhile, the lovely staff of the University arranged everything from parking for our family and a wheelchair, to a private usher to wheel her around during the Graduation Ceremony!  Our Daughter was so blessed to have attended a wonderful Jesuit University....the Holy Spirit is truly alive there! 

Our Darling Son's Graduation was no less eventful as the winds howled and the temperatures dropped.  The bunting was ripped off of the the stage while the beautiful flower arrangements toppled to the ground below.  Large speakers fell over, narrowly missing students!  Wisely, the administration shortened the ceremony and we all went willingly to our warm homes to celebrate.

All in all, it was a fun day, with friends and family sharing good food and memories of our two Graduates.

I must close now, but I should now have time to visit with you more often.

Yours kindredly,

Shan

Photo:  Just a few "School Days" decorations put out to commemorate the event!

A Wee Garden........

Dearest Readers,

My Darling Girl wanted to take a few gifts to those who have been tremendous blessings to her in her college journey these last four years.  Of course, we try to give gifts made by hand when possible, and so we began searching for something unique, inexpensive and quick!  We came across a website called Wee Gardens....and we knew we had found our inspiration.

Off to the thrift store for cups, creamers or teapots!  We found 3 darling teacups and one creamer.  All we needed was some ground cover that was small in scale and a few miniatures to add some whimsy to our gardens. 

As my Darling Girl was feeling very poorly (she is better now), I told her that I would be happy to complete these charming gifts on my own.....

I bought 2 small pots of ground cover....one with little tiny flowers and one that resembled grass.  After removing the plant from its container, I cut each one into fourths with a knife.  I removed quite a bit of the soil and placed it in the cup, using the leftover soil to fill in the small gaps. 

Next, I quickly painted the unfinished little fences with acrylic paint.  Once dry, I propped each fence against the flowering ground cover. A small rake, glued to the fence, makes one think that a "wee gardener" has just stepped away for a moment! 

Each little garden cost about $5.00.  I think we could have made them for less but we didn't have enought time to really shop the thrift stores.....we paid about $3.00 per cup/creamer.  I know that I have seen cups, etc. for around 50 cents at other stores, but they are quite a distance from our house. 

This would be a wonderful project to make with your "littles".  It is delightfully easy and would make a splendid Mother's Day gift. 

Well, it is going to be a busy day here at Honey Hill Farm, so I best be going.  I have so enjoyed visiting with you, Dear Reader.

Yours kindredly,

Shan

A Room is Finished.....Finally

Dearest Readers,

Well, I have finally finished the middle bedroom.... Here is a photo of the room as it looked before:

As you can see, it is pretty plain with cream walls.  This was the final room that needed a Victorian update.  I chose to paint the walls two shades of turquoise with gold stenciling....

I separated the two colors with gold braid trim....this is a very economical way to add elegance to a room.  I didn't change anything else in the room, but it feels entirely different.  One almost feels as if they are stepping back in time.

It feels so cozy and warm in here now. 

Well, that is just a peek into our dear Honey Hill Farm! I enjoy the challege of decorating on a budget....gosh, anyone could just go and buy what they need, but that takes all of the fun out of it....smile!

Thank you for stopping by to say hello, I will try and post more often.

Yours truly,

Shan

A Daughter on the Mend.....

Dearest Readers,

Thank you for all of your kind words and prayers for my Darling Girl.  She is much improved and is on the road to recovery.  With Graduation only six days away, we are hopeful that she will feel well enough to attend and actually enjoy all the upcoming events that are scheduled.  I love her so, she is such a blessing!

Yours kindredly,

Shan

A Prayer Request.....

Dearest Readers,

Would you be so kind as to remember my Darling Daughter in your prayers?  She is still recovering from Chronic Mono, coupled with extreme Allergies (she has to get shots every week).  Now she has a viral infection and is very ill.  She is in the last week of College where she will earn her BSN in Pediatric Oncology.  It would be very sad if she were to be so sick that she could not finish.  Your prayers would be appreciated so very much.

I have been praying without ceasing and I know that she is in His hands. The true Physician.

Yours truly,

Shan

Pleasant Days........

Good Morning Dearest Readers,

What a lovely spring morning here at Honey Hill Farm!  I have quite a few chores that need attention, but I am sure I will have time to sit on our front porch and sip a lovely cup of tea. 

The upstairs bedroom is about three-quarters finished and I must say that I am pleased with the Victorian feel that seems to be evolving.  Instead of wood trim to separate the two colors on the wall I am using gold braided trim. Now, I wasn't sure that this was going to be just the look I was after, but I must say that it is just so easy and looks so delightful that I am sorry I haven't tried it before.  I will make sure and get a close-up of this treatment for you to see for yourself. 

I have been soaking my Morning Glories (after putting a tiny nick in each one) and they need to be planted today near the front fence and trellis.  I just love the look of an English Garden, all wild and covered with blossoming vines.  Isn't it funny, but I think it is harder to achieve the English Garden look than it is to have everything in nice neat rows?  I have had to move things from one bed to another and really stand back and look at my flower beds before I decide if they  look charming or just messy! 

Dearest and the Darling Boys are going to tidy up around the farm today.  Not too much work, but they seem to always find a need to start up the backhoe and dig up something.....oh, well, boys will be boys.  Our Darling Girl is helping with a Health Fair at the University.  It is such a blessing for many low-income folks to have a check-up at no cost. 

So all in all Dear Readers, a pleasant day to look forward to, filled with blessings and family time.  Nothing could be better.

Yours kindredly,

Shan

I just love to wear pins and what better way to store them than on this easy to make picture frame pin holder.  All you need to do is remove the glass, put some batting on the cardboard insert that comes with the frame and then cover that with fabric.  It is such an easy craft and it is a fun way to store your lovely pins! Useful and lovely!

A Sparkling Day.......

Dearest Readers,

What a lovely day this has turned out to be!  We started out with about 4 inches of snow and ice covered windshields.  Now, it is just sunshine and pretty green grass!

I have been hard at work painting the middle bedroom in true Victorian style.  I think the entire room will cost about $65.00 for paint, stencil paint and the trim.  I have already taken a "before" picture and I will certainly take an "after" photograph to share with you.  Doesn't it feel wonderful to work with the provision He gives us and make it something special? 

I had such a wonderful sense of peace and purpose this week as I looked around our home and farm and realized all of the ways that we as a family have recycled and reused things that many would toss into the rubbish bin as they raced out to buy something new.  I do not say this with any arrogance, rather, gratitude that I and Dearest were both raised to be good stewards of the bounty we are provided.  It is such an important lesson to pass on to our children, this sense of simplicity and satisfaction. 

Well, I must go and check to see if the paint is dry enough so that I can put on a second coat.  I actually like to paint....isn't that silly!  I can tell you that Dearest is happy about that, as he does NOT like to paint at all.  So he builds things and I paint them....we are a match made in heaven!

Yours very truly, if a little paint splattered,

Shan

This charming little cup is dated 1908 and belonged to Josephine.  I imagine she received this as a prize at a carnival or fair, as this is called "souvenir glass".  I love to put tea lights in it and watch it sparkle in the evening. 

Hello Again.......

Dearest  Readers,

I have missed chatting with you!  My much needed break has allowed me to regain the gentle flow of everyday living.  It is so important to allow ourselves the freedom to say "no thank you" when life becomes so crowded that we cannot take care of those we love best. 

So, now that my home is in order, the invitations sent, the soil tilled and most importantly my family is happy and well tended, I can reconnect with you my dear friends.

Last we met, I was providing glimpses into our dear Honey Hill Farm.  Here are two pictures of shelves that Dearest put up in our bedroom.  Note the "border" paper above the shelf....it was regular wallpaper that I cut in half to make it border paper.  I believe that I paid a whopping $1.25 for the roll from the clearance bin!  Next, there is stenciling to help enhance the Victorian feel that I adore. As you can see, I have quite a myriad of collectibles that have made themselves at home. 

The baby clothes were worn by the Darlings.  The cloak and shawl keep me warm in the cooler months while the purses add a little style to my outfits! 

I am so glad to be back in your company my dear, dear friends.  I will post regularly now and I look forward to you visiting me!

Yours most kindredly,

Shan

A Sweet Treat.....

Dearest Readers,

I will be receiving my Mother's Day present early this year.  It is this sweet dress from Victorian Trading Company....oh my!  With two Graduations and two weddings I will have plenty of delightful opportunities to wear this beautiful dress.  I thought I was going to have time to make something special to wear, but as things sometimes go, it was not to be.  How kind and thoughtful of Dearest and the Darlings!

I have been so remiss in my blogging these days, I do apologize.  We have been getting Honey Hill Farm ready for spring planting, not to mention the party in May.  As I strive to live a gentle life, I will be posting a little less frequently.  It is important to me to keep things in balance for myself and most importantly, for my family.  I so hope that you, dear reader, will understand.

Until next time,

Shan 

A Tour of Honey Hill Farm.....The Entryway

The entryway here at Honey Hill Farm.  The curtains on each side of the door keep out drafts!

Dearest Readers,

I am sorry to have been "away" for so long, but I have been under the weather with a very nasty bug!  I finally have a little oomph in my step and decided I would update my blog.

Many of you have asked for a tour of my dear old house......so won't you step inside and make yourself at home.........

The home was built by my husband's Great-Grandfather and has been in the family ever since.  Each generation has had a family member live here at Honey Hill Farm. We are the fourth and our children are the fifth generation to live in this home.  The home was started around 1895 and finished about 1900.  It is made with triple brick walls that are about 2 feet thick.  All of the windows are original (except 2 panes) and have wonderful wavy glass. 

Here we are in the entryway where you can see our lovely leaded glass door.  It is not original....we believe the original front door was moved to the back of the house in the 30's.  The door that was on the front of the house when we moved here was very 1930's in style, yet the back door was very ornate and much more Victorian.  We replaced the front door with a much sturdier custom made door and moved the old front door up to the master bathroom when we added onto the house.  You might be interested to know that we stopped stripping wallpaper here in the entryway when we reached the 13th layer!  We just shellaced it, textured it, and called it a month day!!!

Now, we are looking up the stairwell, I am not sure if you can tell but we had to add a few things to our dear old house.  When we first looked at the house there was no central heat, no outlets upstairs - just a bulb in the middle of the ceiling and only a few outlets on the main level. No one in the family wanted to live here...I am sure a few of them thought we were just a little crazy for wanting to fix up the place.  Oh,and the only water coming into the house was from the creek. Tadpoles are our friends......

Well....we worked on the house for a year before moving in, adding heat, new plumbing and new wiring. Unfortunately, we moved in just as our well was being drilled and it was a dry hole!  We had to wait until there was enough money to drill again - only six months without running water (and 2 babies)!  And... the kitchen was in the living room along one wall.  Ahhhh.....the good old days....smile. 

Here is a photo of the cute little alcove that is part of the entryway I hope you have enjoyed this part of the tour Dearest Reader!  And I hope you will join me for the continuing tour of my dear Honey Hill Farm in future posts.

Yours kindredly,

Shan

A Beautiful Morning.......

Dearest Readers,

Our dining room looked so pretty early this morning, as sunshine spilled in through the lace curtains.  I sipped on a delicious cup of cinnamon coffee as I made my list of "to do's" for the day....

I must go to our local craft store and purchase more gold stencil paint for the middle bedroom.  I promise to share photos of the transformation of this room from plain to very Victorian! 

I also will decorate my entryway for our much anticipated Double Graduation Party!  We have two of the Darlings graduating in early May, one from college and one from high school.  I always have a theme for my entryway for each month or season.  Normally, I would be putting out my "Spring" decorations, but I thought it would be better to go ahead and put out the "School Days" decorations so that I have one less thing to do before the party.  I have slates, chalk, books, ribbon-clad "diplomas", Victorian graduation prints and more! 

Last on my list, will be making Banana Bread, as I have a few rather sad looking bananas that mustn't go to waste.  All in all, a wonderfully gentle day!

Yours kindredly,

Shan

The dining room at Honey Hill Farm.  This picture was taken from the parlour side of the room looking towards the kitchen. 

A New Look......

Dearest Readers,

My eldest stayed by my side today and helped me make a few changes to the look of my blog.  I hope that you will enjoy the gentle "home" I tried to create.

Yours kindredly,

Shan

A Sunshine Day......

Dearest Readers,

What a lovely day here at Honey Hill Farm!  I spent part of the day outside taking down my Easter decorations.  Whilst outside it has been hard to keep myself from spending time in the garden, but it is much too early here in Colorado for planting......sigh.  My daffodils have not even bloomed yet, much less my tulips. We are always a couple of weeks behind the city as we are at an altitude of about 6,000 feet.  So Spring hasn't actually Sprung! 

Isn't Spring a darling season Dear Readers?  Full of friends you have forgotten, but are so delighted when you see their sweet little faces! 

I hope you have a day full of sunshine,

Shan

A pretty pitcher sparkling in the morning light here at Honey Hill Farm.

Easter Blessings.......

Pinching a few Pennies

Dearest Readers,

Today was spent in the quiet and gentle pursuit of taking care of my family.  Besides the laundry, a home-cooked meal, and spring cleaning, Dearest and I took time to look over our budget and come up with a few things we could "pinch" to save money. 

We found that by calling any of the companies that offer you a service such as the cable company, phone company, trash, insurance, etc., you can usually reduce your bill by gently asking them to look over your account and "re-bundle" your bill to reflect the best price they offer.  You may have to renew your contract, i.e. the phone company, but if you don't plan to move or take your business elsewhere it makes sense to do this.

In short order, Dearest and I managed to put $90.00/month back into our household budget, just by setting aside time this morning and calling each of our service providers.  Thankfully, we can use this money to offset the rising cost of gas and groceries, etc. without feeling the pinch!

Tomorrow, we will run our errands in town. We plan to purchase whole wheat flour and baking supplies in bulk, our budget will not be effected as we plan to use our savings from today as our "bank" for deepening our pantry.  Since the price for wheat/wheat products continues to rise this should help our family stay well-fed and keep our budget in check.

I believe that one of the best ways we Mommas can take care of our families is to embrace the old-fashioned ways of our ancestors.  That means scratch baking, hanging out laundry, mending clothing, sewing, keeping things in repair and tending a garden.  Besides the joy of reconnecting ourselves with these long forgotten pursuits, we will be all the better suited to keep our families well fed and happy during the mean seasons of economic downturns. 

Blessings from a more frugal Honey Hill Farm,

Shan

A Case of Love.........

Dearest Readers,

Years ago during a Christmas shopping trip for the Darlings, Dearest and I walked into a Victorian shop filled to the brim with interesting and unusual gifts.  I simply could not stop looking at a "quilt  case" that was on display.  I could imagine all the fun I might have changing vignettes for each season or month.  After oohing and ahhing for a few moments, we went on our way to finish our shopping.  I never gave it another thought...well, maybe a little.

Lo and behold, Dearest went back to that store and on Christmas morning he carried the beautiful case into our parlour!  You can imagine the tears rolling down my cheeks! 

Here we are years later and that "quilt case" still has pride of place in our front parlour.  I have changed the display to my Spring Finery Vignette, thinking of my Dearest as I gently placed each item in place.  A kindhearted man with a terrible "Case of Love".

 I am blessed, truly blessed!

Yours kindredly,

Shan

An Irish Blessing.......

Dearest Readers,

I dedicate this St. Patrick's Day to my dear Irish Grandma Fern, who was a true Irish Blessing!

Her love of her family, her Catholic faith, and all things Irish will remain on my heart forever.........

May your heart be truly Irish, even for a day,

Shan

Cozy at Home........

Dearest Readers,

It feels so good to be home, nice and warm, snuggled in our dear old home.  We are expected to have 10 inches of snow by tomorrow morning!  Dearest and the Darlings made sure that both wood boxes were full so that we will stay warm.  My old 1949 cookstove runs on propane and we have plenty.  The kerosene lamps have been filled with oil and there is plenty of food in the pantry and fruit cellar. 

Proverbs 31:21

"When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet"

Now we just have to wait for the snow.........

The picture above is a cozy corner of our family library, it is a wonderful place to curl up with a good book!

Springtime Lace.....Spring Nest Cleaning Gift-Away

Dearest Readers,

It is that time of year when our thoughts turn to the glorious days of Spring!  For our dear old house here at Honey Hill Farm, that can only mean two things.....changing anything and everything over to lace and Spring Cleaning!

During the chilly months between September and February, the house is strewn with heavy throws, damask tablecloths and velvet curtains.  But when Spring comes, dear friends, the house is made lighter and brighter with lace.....lots of lace.  Plants "spring forth" in every available windowsill and light shines through freshly cleaned ripple-glass. 

While making the delightful change from Winter to Spring I endeavour to sneak in a little Spring Cleaning.  And just in time for this chore, comes a wonderful Spring Nest Cleaning Gift-Away from Miss Peggy at The Simple Woman.  Please plan to visit her delightful blog and enter her drawing for Mrs. Meyers dish soap (in a brand-new sent), an adorable apron, a cute scrub brush and a 1 year subscription to The Simple Woman! 

Now, dear friends if I could only get Dearest to stand still long enough I am sure I could get that lace doily to sit just right on the top of his head.............

Yours in Kindred Spirit,

Shan

A Day In My Life.....

Dearest Readers,

As promised.......a glimpse of an ordinary day in my life here at Honey Hill Farm.......

No alarm here on the farm, just the gentle waking as the sun peeks in through the lace curtains. Down the stairs to the kitchen where I started the coffee, adding a pinch of cinnamon to make it special. 

It was cool and a bit breezy so I dressed in my favorite black long skirt, black turtleneck and a pretty dark rose Victorian sweater.  I added an old-fashioned black onyx and gold filigree bar pin to finish the look.  I left my hair long but pulled it up at the crown with large hair combs. 

Dearest and I went out for breakfast as we always do on Friday morning.  Then it was off to the Post Office to mail some bills and to the Bank to make a deposit. 

The Bank was having a Bake Sale to raise money for one of their employees who is battling cancer so we bought a lovely loaf of Blueberry Bread to have later in the day with a steaming cup of tea. (We will offer up a prayer for this courageous young man.)

On the way back home, we remarked on the price of gasoline, $3.09/gallon for regular unleaded!  We reminded ourselves, once again, that we have been so blessed to have sold our transportation company last year!  These prices would have surely put us out of business.

Back at Honey Hill Farm, I tidied up the kitchen, putting things into their rightful places....ahhhh..... On to the ironing, nothing much, just a few napkins for everyday use. The house was pretty tidy, so just a load or two of laundry called my name.

I spent the dearest part of the day studying my owner's manual for the digital camera that we bought in September.  I haven't tried out any of the settings really, and wanted to experiment with all the "bells and whistles".  I am NOT good with anything mechanical, so this was worth a giggle or two! 

Dearest made sure to have a nice fire going in the front parlour stove for me, as I am always cold......unless it is summer, then I am too hot!! (I have a 2 degree comfort range from 70-72F - LOL). At this point in the day, Dearest would like you to know that I almost put him in a coma as I tossed him things to add to the recycle bin.....oooopppps!

By 3:00pm it was time for Dearest to head to the soccer field (football for you Aussies) where he works as a referee.  He loves soccer and has been a referee for about 12 years now.  This season should pay just enough for him to purchase some long-sought-after woodworking tools.  I sent him on his way with a thermos of coffee and a large slice of the Blueberry Bread....brrrrr, it is quite cold!

The youngest and oldest Darlings are home by this time of day, so a snack is in order.  Our oldest opted for the Blueberry Bread, while the youngest thought some popcorn sounded fine.

An easy supper of leftovers tonight instead of tomorrow (as planned) fit the bill as we have plans with friends for supper tomorrow night....easy peasy lemon squeezy! Our Darling Girl always gives us a call each evening to let us know about her day while she is away at College. So now, with everyone now tucked in safely, it's a warm fire, cozy robe and slippers and an episode or two from our DVD of "Christy". 

Finally, thankful prayers for this gracious day are offered, followed by quiet slumber as we snuggle under our quilts. And that, my dearest friends, is a day in my life here at Honey Hill Farm......just a gentle, lovely day.

Kindredly,

Shan

Pictures:  Doll made by my dear Mother, wearing our Darling Girl's baby clothes. Baby bottle with goat nipple and some precious dishes make a charming display here at Honey Hill Farm.

Front Parlour stove, blazing away thanks to Dearest!