SpRinG

ToDay is tHe FiRst DaY oF SpRinG! I can't help but smile, the weather has been so lovely! I have been enjoying my time outdoors...Working in the GaRdEn, My daily WaLkS, creating that CoZy outdoor living space, and the beautiful blooms that surround me!
This beautiful photo of a CrAb ApPLe Tree...I have eight of these lovlies just out front of our Cottage.
We have also come to acquire some pretty little equine friends that have come to stay in the pasture that surrounds us. It is a treat to have these little ladies come to the fence for a little lovin'. I ecspecially enjoy when they are feeling frisky...they run about throwing their heads and bucking about. It is a sight to see!
Spring in the Country is truely a treat to behold!
Enjoy the outdoors & have a beautiful weekend!
Smiles,
Jacqueline

Farm Fresh Eggs

One of the many perks of living the CoUntRy LiFe are those beautiful brown FaRm fReSh EgGs!
My friend Karen has an abundance of cute little chickens...(there was a time I used to think chickens were creepy!) Anyhow, Karen knows that I adore fresh brown eggs and has been so kind to keep replenishing my supply! Did you know that ChicKens who graze off the land produce eggs that are better for you? Plus, they look cute just roaming around! I have been researching chickens and am considering a few of my own. My son and I have come up with some cute names.....I like Daisy, & Rose, Young man likes Basil & Sage...What do you think?
Smiles,
Jacqueline

The spirit of Christmas is in the air...
I love decorating throughout the year, I think Christmas time is one of my favorites. The lights, the natural decor that can be found just outside your door, the comforting aromas coming from the kitchen, the warm feeling of sharing homemade pepper jelly, Christmas breads, and those favorite cookie recipes with family, friends, teachers, and bus drivers. These are a few of my favorite things about this time of year. I've been busy cleaning up our cottage and tucking my fall decorations back into their bins for next year. My prayers for all my family and friends are happy & grateful hearts, healthy minds & bodies, compassion & good will for those less fortunate and to live in the moment and truly enjoy and appreciate the time spent with those that you love. And I certainly hope that we can all pause and remember the true reason for Christmas and remember to give gratitude each and every day!
Gods Blessings to all,
Jacqueline

Gathering Leaves

Spades take up leaves
No better than spoons,
And bags full of leaves
Are light as balloons.

I make a great noise
Of rustling all day
Like rabbit and deer
Running away.

But the mountains I raise
Elude my embrace,
Flowing over my arms
And into my face.

I may load and unload
Again and again
Till I fill the whole shed,
And what have I then?

Next to nothing for weight,
And since they grew duller
From contact with earth,
Next to nothing for color.

Next to nothing for use.
But a crop is a crop,
And who's to say where
The harvest shall stop?

~Robert Frost

HaPpy HaLloWeeN...
Weather you're accompanying little ones TriCk or TrEatInG, or snuggling up on the sofa in a candle lit room watching CrEepY movies, I hope the magic of HaLlOwEeN fills you with joy!
Smiles,
Jacqueline

And a good time was had by all!.....My friend Joanee (The Vintage Post) and I visited the Lodi Street Faire this past Sunday. Kindred spirits we are, so much alike in the things we love that we often laugh when describing how we "embellished" a wreath...only to learn that we both had the same wreath, ribbon, and similar adornments! We always enjoy each others company and this trip to Lodi was no exception.
Our first stop was School Street, blocks long with wonderful Antique, Vintage, & Hand Crafted delights using objects of old. My favorite find was the marrying of a rusty bucket with a curvy plant stand. I set it atop the kitchen island to give a feeling of dividing the kitchen from the rest of our small cottage. My love bug helped me find the perfect Oak branches outside to fill the bucket...It is now perfect!
On our endeavor we had found a vendor selling spools of twine...they were quite nice but rather pricey. Later we found some old wooden sewing spools and Joanee suggested we use those for our twine. I love this idea...a great use for those wonderful old spools!
After hours of walking we picked up our Caramel Apples, sat for lunch, packed up the car, and talked about our day as we headed for home...

"If the sight of blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has the power to move you, if the simple things of Nature have a message you understand, Rejoice, for your soul is alive!" ~Elonora Duse