NEW BEGINNINGS

The Old Homestead...

The New Year is rapidly approaching. Once again it is time to take stock of our lives, reflect on the past and ponder goals for the future. In other words, "keep putting one foot in front of the other." We purge our homes attempting to put our "house" in order. Ring out the old, Ring in the new, January is the month of "new beginnings." It is also the time to gather together our holiday finest, dismantle the Christmas tree, the bangles, bobbles and sparklie things which are now carefully wrapped in tissue, placed in their proper boxes and returned to the darkness of the attic.

I will miss the brightness that only Christmas lights can offer and also the fragrance of Balsam in the house. I do admit I miss seeing the snow. The above photo of our home was taken back in October. What snow we did receive has since been washed away.... This Christmas season was a bit off, I can't pinpoint as to the reason why. I dedicated myself to each season. I did not rush Halloween nor Thanksgiving. I did not take one Christmas decoration out of storage until December, nor did I shop. December blew in like a whirlwind, ultimately I came to the conclusion I function much more efficiently when prepared and are things are accomplished a head time. 2012 is now on our doorstep...I wish you all a Happy New Year...my this new year bring you joy and happiness and all that is good in the world...

INTIMIDATION

I am quite certain it is painfully obvious that I am not tech savvy. My blog is a "Plain Jane" compared to most, attempts have been made to rectify this, however the end result is never pretty. I wipe my brow and breathe a sign of relief when I manage to return my blog back to it's original format. That being said, I have learned to leave well enough alone. Sometimes less is more. This is where intimidation comes in. Completely surprised was I when I open this amazing Christmas gift from my Dear Husband. Stunned, I opened the box and realized a Canon Rebel was staring me in the face along with two additional lenses. "Take it out of the box honey." Nope, don't want to touch it, thought I- intimidation had set in. Oh Lord, how in the world am I ever going to learn how to use this amazing camera. Well, it may be a slow process, but I am determined to conquer it. I mean I received the camera last Sunday and today (Friday) I have actually removed it from it's box, charged the battery, placed the battery and chip in their proper location and have even formatted the camera.Who said old dogs can't learn new tricks. Stay tuned...

PRISCILLA, THE NEW GIRL IN TOWN

As you may recall I celebrated my birthday a week prior to Christmas. It was one of those birthdays you'd rather not talk about or admit to. I have a feeling my sister in-law, Jovan sensed this. I am very fortunate to have a sister in-law that I just adore. Many times I have jokingly announced to my family that I would trade my brother in before Jovan. Unfortunately for me my brother and Jovan now reside full time in the Panhandle of Florida. Nevertheless, on my birthday a package arrived. I tore into the box with great anticipation, you see Jovan sends wonderful, thoughtful gifts. Well, upon opening my gift I felt a big old smile creeping across my face. The thought "but what is it" did enter my mind. Low and behold it was the reincarnation of my most beloved departed hen Iris...in the form of a rubber hen purse... Yup, I've got me a big old chicken purse....don't ya just love her? I do...well you see this purse was intended as a gag gift. I say who needs a Coach purse when you can own rubber...I took my chicken purse, headed to the big city (Portland), and met up in the Old Port, which is know for it's famous boutiques and shops, okay the ritzy part of town. My new purse got many a stare and I actually had a shop owner inquire as to where I had discovered this delightful rubber hen ( My Pet Chicken). The owner wanted to purchase some for her shop! Well, I have gone and started a trend... thanks to Jovan and she wanted me to keep Priscilla under raps....that's correct I named her Priscilla...I think my sweet Iris would approve...So my friends, if any of you venture to Maine and see a lady with a big old chicken purse hung over her arm...come right over and introduce yourself, we chicken keepers are just plain good folks...Tomorrow the Christmas gifts...

THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

In the blink of an eye Christmas has come and gone. It was a beautiful day, one shared with loved ones and thoughts of those who are no longer with us and dearly missed. The Christmas dinner, roast beast and twice baked potatoes were cooked to perfection. My dear husband's popovers, popped and then some. The chocolate cream pie and Christmas cake were delectable too. Both of which I did not make, dare I admit both were store bought. This Christmas I did not tie on my apron strings, no peanut butter balls, thumb print cookies, no fudge nor whoopie pies, no peanut brittle or pumpkin pie. I admit the one cookie I did miss was the sugar cookie, but my waistline did not.

The Christmas spirit still burns bright here at Dog Trot Farm. The snow may have vanished with today's temperature (which by the way neared fifty), but the gift of giving still remains. In today's world their are so many in need, we hear such heart warming stories of those who are not only generous with their money and time but opt to remain anonymous. We here at Dog Trot choose to help our local animal shelters, every bag and or can of food, toy, bed, is greatly appreciated, it does a heart good to help those in need.Speaking of giving, I received such wonderful, thoughtful Christmas presents. Tomorrow more on those, but let me just say, one gift reduced me to tears, another has caused complete intimidation, while another will keep me on the straight and narrow... A world of advice, if you own a little banty hen, who desperately desires to become a mother, no matter her commitment, no matter her plea, take those eggs away. Winter is no time for a hen to hatch chicks...Oh, I do love the sound of peeping chicks in the house and Winslow Homer has certainly enjoyed bunk mates, but lord have mercy the chicken dust, well it's like a dust bowl around here and I am no fan of dusting. Now and again Miss Josephine enjoys an outing to the coop to stretch her legs, scratch around a bit, ruffle her feathers, (even mother hens require a break from their little ones) Loretta (The Don's second main squeeze) becomes quite jealous as she soon realizes Don Juan has not forgotten his "Josephine"(Don Juan is under the impression that Josephine has come for a conjugal visit) When her presence is noticed The Don is off to do his business, Loretta pouts in the corner, while Josephine is ready to return to her babes...Have ya noticed the days are getting longer?

Good night....

MERRY CHRISTMAS

From all of us here at Dog Trot Farm we wish you a Merry Christmas...

THANK YOU, DEAR FRIEND~

Friday, I returned home from a hectic day of last minute Christmas shopping and the never ending running of errands. As I pulled into the driveway, I noticed a package making itself right at home on my back porch. How wonderful to receive a package and how exciting to see the return address, Bakersfield California. My package was from Kim, proprietor of the blog "My Field Of Dreams". Many of my readers are familiar with Kim, but if you are not do yourself a favor and check out her blog. Kim is a very talented and generous lady- just look at the wonderful items she made for me. A primitive wooden chick, a cross stitched Merry Christmas ornament/tuck both crafted by Kim. Two fragrant votive candles, a tea towel, and a handmade red work stitchery pillow. This little pillow is so sweet, it depicts a small girl feeding her chickens...

I have never traveled to California, it is sad but true. I am one of those people who are quite content in their own backyard, but California is on my "bucket list." I am determined that one day I will meet Kim and her lovely family and walk her "Field Of Dreams." Perhaps I could persuade her to travel to Maine, we do need to compare chicken notes....So once again thank you dear friend, my door is always open...

WINSLOW PICKS A WINNER

By the light of the Christmas tree forty names were written down on slips of paper and placed in a bowl, my cereal bowl.

Winslow Homer was front and center and did the honors...so without further ado... we would like to congratulate KATHY...she is our lucky winner.Kathy, please E-mail me with your address and the Vera Bradly purse will be on it's way. Thank you all for playing, Winslow and I wish we could send everyone a prize. He and I both agree it is better to give then receive so we shall have another giveaway next month...to welcome in the New Year! Thank you all for the wonderful birthday wishes, I had a lovely day, tomorrrow I will share. Goodnight...

GIVEAWAY REMINDER

Tomorrow is the day...Winslow Homer and I would like to remind everyone that tomorrow, my birthday, Winslow will be "pawing" the winner of the Vera Bradley "hipster" purse. If you have not entered please do, Winslow and I would love to hear from you.

A BIT OF ADVICE~

Get that smirk of your face...

Here's the situation...lately I find myself unable to sleep...well, let me rephrase that...I do eventually fall asleep...it does not come easy...but it is safe to say by 2:00 AM I have arrived in slumber land. I am sure the brightness of the winter moon does not help nor Winslow Homer's late night barking episodes, also figure in the role that hormones play in a menopausal women... along with trying to perfect one's holiday season...I dare say sleep does not come easy...Now getting back to the above photo...I have uttered not a word about this morning's dilemma...you see I LOCKED myself out of the house...all I can say is thank goodness I was not in my nightgown...yes, I have been know to deliver breakfast to the girls in my nightie...out the door I went with hot oatmeal and raisins in hand and as soon as the door closed behind me I realized what I had done... No fear I thought... a spare key is hidden in the coop...hidden alright...dare I say I never found that darn key...notice the above guilty faces...beaks mum...no help whatsoever...I do believe three rather naughty hens hid the key...in spite...due to the fact that Josephine and her two babes are residing indoors and they are not...So here is a bit of advice...never hide a house key in a hen coop...do hide one in an obvious location like a window box...I am so grateful my husband had the sense of mind to do so...just another day at Dog Trot Farm...goodnight.

GIVEAWAY

'Tis the season for giving...

and in honor of the season I am giving away this Vera Bradley "hipster" purse. All you need to do is leave me a comment. Next Sunday, on my birthday, Winslow Homer will "paw" the winner. Have a wonderful day, winter has arrived here in New England. Blessings to all.

DECEMBER WE WELCOME YOU...

The month of December... it's that magical time of year...where greens are hung and Christmas decorations brought out of storage...it is time once again to prepare for the Christmas season..

November and December... my two favorite months. November...the "button up" month. Where hearth and home come alive with warmth and candlelight. Days are short... the landscape now takes on a certain starkness...geese "honk" their final goodbyes...what did not get accomplished on the "to do" list will now wait till spring...December...the "feel good" month...where it is better to give than receive...we enjoy giving to needy animal shelters...food...toys...and small monetary donations...it does a heart good...I would like to thank each and everyone of my blog readers for the well wishes in regards to my parents. Both are still on the mend and improving. I am grateful for family members and the wonderful Island community. Farm news...Josephine is residing indoors with her chicks...she is a wonderful and very protective mother. The fox has found the hen yard once again, however, this day no hens were taken. There is still life in my old dog Winslow Homer and dear Emma has turned 21. Tomorrow we are off to the Shaker's Christmas Fair, but tonight we shall finish watching Little Women. Have a wonderful weekend everyone...goodnight from Dog Trot Farm...