Red, white, and blue, how proudly she waves. May we be grateful for all that our flag represents and thankful to those, both past and present, who serve and protect this wonderful country of our's. Long may she wave.
It began as a quiet evening. I retired early to bed enjoying the sweet fragrance of line dried sheets, as a cool breeze blew through my bedroom window. I turned off the light and soon was on the edge of sweet slumber, when out of nowhere it came...a gnawing and scratching sound coming from inside my bedroom wall...I turned on the light, hopped out of bed and listened, then banged hoping to scare it off, whatever it might be...I must have offended "it" for reinforcements were called in and gnawing began in unison. I attempted to read, bang on the wall and read some more...finally all on the home front was quiet. Light is off, covers pulled up, ready for sleep. But, once again just as I am about to drift off a noise outside of my bedroom window pulled me back to consciousness...the lid to the hens feed container went banging off...I searched for a flashlight, however all I could find was my headlamp...I pointed it out into the darkness when I saw the reflection of glowing eyes... I watched it scurry up the fencing which encloses the hen's yard...I soon felt a serge of panic as I tried to recall if I or Mr. Dog Trot had closed the hens ramp ...murder in the darkness I thought...In my night gown with headlamp in place I grabbed Winslow Homer and headed out into the darkness...my brave blind dog and me...I was shaking in my Muck boots as I quickly locked the coop windows and latched the ramp...above me, sitting on a tree limb was a large possum watching my every move...I ran to the house, locked the door and gave Winslow Homer a well earned treat...Finally, around dawn I drifted off to sleep...Later that morning when I finally made my way downstairs, Mr. Dog Trot was cooking breakfast..."good morning honey" was his cheery greeting," boy did I sleep well last night...how about you"? Life is good!
Climb the steps to the second floor and you will soon be greeted by Leigh, the museum curator. A lovely young women with a wealth of information regarding Tasha Tudor... The museum is small, just two rooms. The first room holds various items belonging to Tasha, as well as some reproductions. Also found are many Tasha Tudor items for sale...books, note cards, cookie cutters, flower seeds, mugs...a gift shop perhaps, however, tastefully done.
This exhibit's main feature was Tasha's favorite dresses...those worn and made by Tasha, as well as dresses that represent the Romantic Era, Tasha's favorite period in history...
This is a familiar outfit worn by Tasha in many of her books...Leigh informed us that Tasha had worn the sleeves out and new ones had to be made...note Tasha's familiar neck scarf and apron...
This is the first dress Tasha made...
Just a sampling of the many dresses on exhibit, being that the museum is small, and other patrons were visiting, it became difficult to take photos. This museum is child friendly, there are a sampling of frocks and bonnets for children to don, with pages to color, the Tasha Tudor "Take Joy" movie was playing off to the side. If you are a Tasha Tudor fan, I would recommend a visit, it is worth the five dollar admittance fee. Vermont is such a beautiful state to tour, with it's wonderful cheddar cheese and maple syrup, you just can't go wrong! 
The Green Mountain State...
As our group of eight was ushered into the connecting barn, her well worn garden implements now lay idle. Her yokes, scythe, pitchforks, tree barrels and enormous baskets remain exactly as she might have left them. In my mind's eye I visualize Tasha milking her Nubian goats, tending to her Fantail doves, cats, chickens or perhaps calling to Megan and Owyn, the last of her beloved Corgies. Her pets are gone now, Megan, the last of Tasha's Corgies, passed away this past spring while in the care of Seth and Marjorie. The antique birdcages that once held Tasha's exotic finches, cockatiels, parrots, and canaries are now empty- Tasha's presence is dearly missed. Next, we found ourselves placed in the hands of Winslow Tudor, Tasha's grandson. First on the agenda was Tasha's secret garden. The focal point being a large flowering crab apple tree which is encompassed by forget-me-nots and a wooden hexagonal bench built by Seth. It soon became apparent that Winslow had a special bond with his granny with a shared love and knowledge of gardening. A water lily pond is surrounded by azaleas, a red hawk had built her nest high in a tree close to the pond, being respectful we did not invade her territory. If you are a fan of Tasha Tudor you know she was very boastful of her gardens, and rightly so. Corgi Cottage is a place of enchantment, heirloom plants found as far as the eye can see...it was everything and more than what I had expected and hoped for...Tasha's family were very generous and patient with us as we made inquiries...goat's milk for health...manure tea for plants...tea in the afternoon...barefoot when possible...and always in the company of animals both inside and out...In my humble opinion there will never be another Tasha Tudor...but while she was here on earth I feel she made this world a better place. If you are a fan I know you would agree. place...Part #3~tomorrow: the Tasha Tudor Museum... 
Seth Tudor, son of Tasha, and Winslow Tudor, son of Seth, await our arrival...
We are a group of twenty or so and are quickly gathered together at the "Rookery" a home base to the Tasha Tudor and Family business...we are divided into three groups and assigned a leader- ours is Seth; Seth's wife Marjorie, and their son Winslow lead the other two groups.
Friendly banter soon filled the air as we plodded along field and trail leading to Tasha Tudor's beloved Corgi Cottage. Seth opened an old wooden gate, and the world of Tasha Tudor was at our fingetips...Corgi Cottage is a timber frame New England style cape home. It is adorned in weathered clapboards and moss covered cedar shakes, built by Seth for his mother forty years ago. Upon entering the home you soon have the feeling that Tasha is home, perhaps out working in her garden...her china teapot and cups are waiting, everything appears to be left just the way she would have had it, or as the books about her portray...The rooms are small, cool and dark, indeed the feeling of a chipmunk's nest. We are respectful of her home and belongings, however, it is not a museum and we were allowed to "touch". Once in her kitchen, I stand at Tasha's sink, I gaze out the window as my hand touched the old hand pump, her tin kitchen still placed in front of the fireplace...her art work space, along with pencils, paint and brushes set by the north window, also a small bed for napping...down a narrow hallway we discover the room that holds her loom, treaded and left just as it was when Tasha passed away. A steep narrow stairway leads us to the second floor where two small bedrooms and an adjoining alcove are found. The bedrooms lovingly decorated with the style we reconize as "Tasha Tudor" We return downstairs and soon discover that Tasha had a real bathroom (flushing toilet) her dressing table set with all her lovely antique brushes, combs and hand mirror. Wild flowers placed in vases are scattered throughout the house. There are shelves from floor to ceiling filled with books and smalls. Tasha Tudor was a collector of many items, among them being books, beds, old photographs, antiques and dishes. Every nook and cranny of Corgi Cottage is filled with items that delight the eye...
Next we are taken into Tasha's bedroom, a small room, bright with the afternoon sunlight. This room too is filled with antique furnishings, her bed is adorned with a white quilt, there are bed curtains and window treatments that coordinate. This is the room that Tasha Tudor passed away in. Seth speaks so lovingly of his mother, to the world she was known as Tasha Tudor but, to her family.... Granny... 
First on our agenda is the Tasha Tudor Museum...this museum is still in it's infancy, but not to be missed. Next, The Vermont Country Store, a unique store where one can find items and brands "from the good old days" do you recall the shampoo, "Gee Your Hair Smells Terrific or Lemon Up?" How about Lanz nightgowns and good old fashioned penny candy, this is the place to go. Next on to The King Arthur Baker's Store... how I love this store, a baker's nirvana...On Sunday, rain or shine...with instructions sent to wear appropriate clothing and footwear we will tour Tasha Tudor's beloved Corgi Cottage and her many flower gardens, we will visit the Rookery, and to top it off our tour will be given by members of the Tudor family. There is no photography allowed on this tour, and I shall be respectful of this request. For two and a half hours I will live in the private world of Tasha Tudor, I told Mr. Dog Trot he may have to pinch me, just to make sure I know I am not dreaming...most importantly I have to thank my parent's who are making this all possible by coming to house sit, administer Winslow Homer's around the clock medications, keep an eye on Sadie Mae, and tend to sixteen chickens...but I have assured "Nanny and Papa" they will have plenty of time to rock their great grandson Travis Lloyd, such is life at Dog Trot Farm....
we are welcomed by the cry of the loons...and the croaking of bullfrogs...
little one's are quick to test the water...it is a day to savor...to remember...
also a day to introduce Travis Lloyd to the Neily family camp. A place where his grandfather came as a boy and his dad and uncle Kristopher played each summer. A place which holds many fond memories for family members near and far...
Travis soon learned...life in the fast lane ends as you hit the old bumpy dirt road...
and a wonderful location to enjoy a mid afternoon nap...whether on the beach under an umbrella...
or safe in the camp...t'is the beginning of many happy days to be shared at Hancock Pond...the cycle of life continues...
the coop yard was to be tilled...hanging plants were to be fertilized...
and gardens weeded...
Gladys wondered what was up...and why was morning snack late...
a morning phone call...my day rearranged..."might I be able to watch Travis?"...
" honey, you don't have to ask twice"...
my morning sunshine...
and my evening sunset...
one month old...looks are changing...a personality developing...and a smile that melts his granny's heart...
I became intrigued however, when we came upon this parking lot...a casino parking lot...yes, we now have a casino in western Maine...At ten o'clock in the morning the lot was full. I, being the curious sort wanted to see for myself who the gambling cliental might be... especially at such an early hour...WOW...this place was hopping...loud...bright and full of energy...I've never been inside an establishment such as this before...the fever appeared to be quite contagious...my friend and I walked around taking in the sights and sounds and it soon became apparent this gambling was serious business...
The vast majority of people were the older population and the remainder young adults...we sat ourselves down and gave the one armed bandit a run for it's money...okay...I am not a gambler, but I admit I lost three whole dollars...I quit...my girlfriend on the other hand won a total of twenty dollars, but how quickly that one armed bandit regained it's loss...I was so absorbed in watching her win..lights flashing...music... it took me a minute to realize that someone was giving me a neck massage...I quickly turned to see who this person could be...I looked right into the eyes of an elderly gentlemen..."OH... I AM SO SORRY, said he... I THOUGHT YOU WERE MY WIFE" Oh, my friend had a good laugh over this one....we quickly departed... spending a total of twenty minutes in the place...I soon realized I am much better off staying in my own backyard...keeping myself out of trouble...but, you know... I keep wondering what that gentlemen's wife looked like...do I have a twin? do I look older than my age? or possibly was he someone's SUGAR DADDY? My bet is on the sugar daddy!
Thrifting 101... Cathy of the wonderful blog Acorn Hollow, shares with her readers the wonderful items she discovers FREE at the DUMP STORE. She has scored big time over and over again and recently found a Salmon Falls Pottery Lamp, which originally sold for $150.00.Really big score... I have never been so lucky and we do not have a DUMP STORE in my area, however, some weeks ago I saw this lamp at Goodwill... it is a pottery lamp from L.L.Bean and the Goodwill price of $2.50. BIG SCORE...
Last week, at a flea market I stumbled upon this book, the classic The Night Before Christmas, but what is special about this book it is illistrated by dear Tasha Tudor, also $2.50.
and last but certainly not least, a child's size Radio Flyer wheelbarrow. 
It is not old nor vintage, but brand new and fifteen dollars less than what I had expected to pay for a new one at Tractor Supply. Someday I anticipate a little boy pushing it along the dirt driveway, possibly filled with frogs or snakes, trucks and tractors, saying "Granny, Granny look what I have found." All in good time, all in good time. 
Mr. Gnome tiptoed out of the wood and found a perfect spot to air himself out...safe and sound in the arms of a crab apple tree...shhhhh don't let on...there might be fairies in the air...do you believe?
Petunia's have been dead-headed and are beginning to recover from the cold wet weather...
butterflies have been in abundance...
perennial gardens are filling out...now, in my humble opinion... Lady's Mantle is one perennial no gardener should be without...don't you agree?
Our sunshine... Travis Lloyd made his first offical visit to Marmee's house...soon asleep in the arms of his grandfather, Mr. Dog Trot...
and in the arms of his great-grandmother...Nanny
and finally, my turn, Marmee...
three weeks old...shhhhhhh....I let you in on a little secret...this afternoon while changing his diaper...I was informing Travis of all the wonderful adventures he and I were to have...I referred to myself as "Grannie J" and he looked in my eyes and SMILED.... sunshine and magic...with a bit of fairy dust...he believes...
while others stretched their arms and legs, hanging out over the old tub container...
I have discovered The Land of Nod...and what an enchanting land it is...
The Land of Nod is an eye popping catalog filled with quality items and decorating ideas for a baby's nursery...a child's room... 
wall decals...how cute...
or a teen's retreat...how lovely is this Jenny Lind bed...painted in the prettiest shade of teal, complimented by an embroidered wildflower quilt...and accessorized with the sweetest little touches.
Recently I have been looking for unique ideas to create a welcoming space for baby Travis...a space that will grow with him...a cozy nook to call his own...one filled with lots of books, handmade toys, hanging animal lanterns, unique storage containers... a bright rug...love the one below...
the challenge...to pull this project off on a tiny budget... the color theme, chocolate brown and teal ...there will be owls...
and monkeys...
which are beginning...
to make an appearance...
life is just a barrel full of monkeys...
even on rainy days...
