Rhythm

Being home creates a sort of rhythm for me; and, it is never tiring or boring. I cannot imagine ever feeling as if there were nothing to do. Days are simple and each has its unique flavor.

Today: 

 my flour container is an old coffee jar

Is bread day... Since I have broken two joints on my right hand (yes, I am right-handed!), I am using my bread machine. The Mister loves plain bread, so that is what will be waiting when he gets in tonight. 

 Cooky, please?

 
Babies everywhere! We have 16 right now of which 11 are bucks. I go out and sit on the rocks in the pasture with the girls in the afternoon. They sun and search my apron pockets for animal cookies. They are such pigs! 

Working on the garden. the white posts mark the berries; the yellow mark the end of the asparagus rows; and, the rest is tilled and ready for planting. We are going to build a pallet fence around the garden this year to keep the deer out. I have  found a neat product called "PlotSaver" that we will use, too. My friend Arwen and I have been stalking the pallet fences on Pinterest. Her's is up and can be seen here. While you are there, check out her aprons and repurposed items! She is so talented! 

And, in the afternoons, while having tea, I watch this: 

 hello, Ms. Phoebe

oh, waitress!! more, please!

I can't keep this filled! We have hummers from April 17 - ?? every year. This year I have four feeders up and they are not enough! 

 aren't you done, yet??

And that's my cue. Miss Annie-Bananie has something of great urgency --- she hasn't been kissed or petted in five whole minutes.... So I am off to get some stellar kitty love and see what the day brings! 

Have a marvelous week!

Babeeeeee Bottles

On the farm there are many chores that I love to do. One of them is this:

 Making ba-BEE bottles. We lost a lot of hives last year because of the excessive rain and cool temps. Then, with winter's brutal advent, we lost many more -- a total of 10 hives gone! Sigh. We are left with three, so we are going to pet them along and hope to split them in June to double our hives. 

This means I will be giving them lots of TLC this spring by feeding them every day. The formula is easy -- 1:1 sugar and water mixed. The feeders go in the "hive door" so the ladies can help themselves to a sip when they want (and that is a lot of sips --- about a quart a day or more!). This honey is used ONLY for the gals. We don't take it at all. We only take the honey made from pollen. 

This little black blob is Miss Annie. She came to me last summer after Wookie died. In fact, I think he sent her to me. She is playing with a hair band. All the stuffed animals next to the Victrola are ones that she has found in the house and piled in the corner. If I am gone "too long" she will leave a trail of them from the door to the bed to welcome me home. She makes me laugh and I am so happy she choose me. In the background is The New Front Door That Took Ten Months To Get! Finally! It is going to be purple! Can't wait! 

 The violets are having a contest to see who can be most lovely. I have kept violets since I was 16 and got my first one from Grandmother. They bloom at Christmas, Easter, and through the summer. The north window in the dining room makes them happy which means I am happy, too! 

Still loving this guy from Christmas... all hand blown bird ornaments from Germany. Once Annie learned they were NOT toys, we have both been happier! 

We discovered these unfinished maple bow back chairs in the Mister's parents' garage when we were cleaning their house. They were so mildew stained that there was no refinishing them. However, I have been dying to try chalk paint. I tried making some, but wasn't pleased with the finish. So, I bit the bullet and picked up some Annie Sloan. Oh my! If you haven't tried it, let me just say, you get what you pay for! Goes on "like buttah!" and has the nicest finish. For the "distressed look" I mixed some dark with clear wax. I love the texture it gives the chairs and makes them seem much older and more used than they are. The chair pad is half of a pair I found at the antique mall. They are hooked in cotton; I suspect they are from the 70s when all the Bicentennial decorating was hot!

We are sinking under rain today. So... I am off to make some soap, clean a little, and, then, feeding time! Have a super week!

Hooked....

Dancing Stars!

Courtney at Sassafras and Winterberry sent me this cutie patootie

when I admired her rug hooking. 

I have worked to learn the art of this new needlework and 

feel that the result is well worth it. 

Next up..

Darling honey bee inspired chair pads for the dining room. 

Can't.

Wait. 

Duck tape.. 

Have you seen what they have developed now?? 

Too cute or what? 

 I thought Duck Tape was only for patching. 

Heck, no! 

This is the "smooth top" variety. 

However.. 

Can you believe there are four other styles

all for the care and comfort 

of your cabinets? 

It is padded and washable with a cloth. 

In heaven! 

I am doing a roll a day until all the kitchen cabinets 

are wiped and tidied for spring. 

Annie is sitting next to me and being a dor a ble. 

Supper time! 

Meanwhile, it is snowing... 

How about you? 

Let me sum it up....

Yeah. It's kind of been like that...

The Airman is home and settled at his new duty station with Mrs. Airman.

Worked the blueberries all summer for my parents. Sold more than 500 gallons and still had berries in the field.

Been doing this:

Teaching English to students who want to write papers in text message. *Insert sigh and prayer here.*

Adopted Duchess and Annie. Duchess is a 10-year-old white deaf cat who was surrendered by her owner. She is a hoot.

Annie was born at Clover Cat Rescue and has been a joy to me. I believe Wookie picked her out for me. She spends most of her time doing this:

Yeah. Sugar Plum Eeyore and Annie are good buds. She carries him from the food bowl to the water dish to the litter box and to bed. She never had babies, so this is even more funny. When it is bedtime, she brings him and drops him at my feet and "mew!" in the most insistent tone.

In the fall, Lazy Bee Farm started getting a face lift -- bathrooms redone, painting, and furniture recovered:

Purple. That says it all.

Went to Seattle for the Airman family wedding vow renewals. Got to meet Clarice from Storybooks Woods and had a most marvelous time with Melinda and Freeman who drove up for the week. Love. Seattle. (And, no pics! Ack!)

Now, we have this going on...

Babies... babies... babies. This is Lotus with first-time Mum Lilac. Lotus and her brother, who is solid white and named Lyle, are about the size of cats... and so cute! They like having their faces and noses kissed.

I have missed blogging and sharing our farm! Let's not be strangers, eh?