Primitive rug hooking is one of the crafts that I enjoy. This is one of my winter projects I have finally completed. This is a Sharon Perry Design that I won on e-bay. It hooked up quite nicely, love the colors, but the binding, oh the binding, it's tedious and time consuming to hem on. Definitely not my favorite part of hooking, but tonight it is completed. Hemmed, pressed and placed on my kitchen floor. Later in the day Winslow and I headed out to one of my favorite garden nurseries "O'Donals." There I purchased tickets for the Portland Flower Show held at the Portland Company Complex off Commercial Street in Portland. The exhibition will feature 14 landscapes interpreting the theme "From Mountains To Sea". There will be displays of trees, shrubs, flowers, " forced" into early bloom as well as stone displayed in walkways and walls. Also of interest, vendors, food court, gardening seminars, educational presentations and on the last day a plant auction. The show begins opening night March 11th and runs through Sunday the 14th. My mom and I are looking forward to spending the day together enjoying the sights, sounds, and fragrance that only spring can offer "forced" or not.

DREAMING OF CHICKENS

All winter long I have been thinking about how nice it would be to have a flock of chickens in my backyard. After visiting my cousin Eve (Sunny Side Up) and experiencing her flock of Guinea Fowl, I thought I can do this. Now, I love her Guineas, especially that rascal Buddy, but they were just to loud for me. Ear protection required!So, Eve sent me her issue of Hobby Farms Magazine. Very informative.

Then I purchased this book and feel in love with those cute little Bantams.

Then purchased this book, the "bible" of chicken raising. Read all the pros and cons, cons are frightening. But what the heck, if other people can do this why can't I. So, I broke the news to Winslow Homer that he may be spending time on a "run"but the upside was he'd have ten new ladies in his life. A "harem".

After spending a lot of time at Tractor Supply, Blue Seal, and Paris Farmer's Union, I signed myself up for a "chicken seminar" and officially submitted my application for 10 Bantams. My "due" date May 7th. Yipeee, let the nesting begin!

IF IT'S SUNDAY IT'S NASCAR!

Okay, it's snowing and more coming in the middle of the night. Fifteen inches of wet, heavy snow. Enough! Thanks goodness it's Sunday, for Sunday brings NASCAR. We make home made pizza and chocolate chips cookies and settle in. Even Winslow Homer sports his Jimmie Johnson shirt #48! Go Jimmie.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EVE!

Today is my cousin Eve's (Sunny Side Up) birthday. A victim of being a Leap Year baby ( Feb. 29th) she celerbrates today. Eve, Happy Birthday from all of us we love you! Bill, Julie, Emma Lou and Winslow Homer.

A SIGN OF SPRING

As I looked out my window this morning, I saw a sign of spring! With a tear in my eye I had to look beyond my beloved 27 year old Sugar Maple tree, split right down the middle. The Hawthorne, completely bent over as if bowing to Mother Nature. My favorite, a white Donald Wyman Crab Apple completely gone. But Alas, there are two trucks at the end of my driveway, oh it's the Parson boys, farmers from down the road. This can only mean one thing, it's sap time!!!! The tubing is strung among the Sugar Maples and barrels set in place. In New England, this means spring is close at hand. The fragrance of sweet maple sugar will soon be in the air!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh sweet Spring!

GOODBYE OLD FRIEND

This is a sad day at Dog Trot Farm, the last issue of Country Home Magazine has arrived (as in no longer being published!). I have been subscribing since it's beginning and have saved each and every issue. I am sure many of you enjoyed the decorating, gardening, cooking tips and ideas as I have. Now gone too, the column of Karen Weir-Jimerson who wrote about her farm life in rural Iowa. She will be missed. I guess I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed that my second favorite magazine "Early American Life" can stand strong. ( And you can bet I will keep saving each and every issue!)

"OLD MAN WINTER"

Winter has not lost it's grip on Southern Maine. Just ask Winslow Homer!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I would like to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day!

Flying Solo

Good afternoon. Mr. Robin Red Breast did return yesterday and today as well. He is obviously enjoying his feast all by himself.

Signs Of Spring

Yesterday morning I tossed out some apples and oranges for the wildlife that visit my yard.
As the day wore along, I happened to look out the window and noticed one plump Robin Red Breast enjoying the feast that I had provided. He sampled the peel of an apple, orange, and on to another apple. He spent a very contented afternoon, looking around now and again for uninvited visitors.

This morning, a beautiful spring-like morning, with temperatures close to fifty degrees. (Three feet of snow still on the ground.) He returned! Spent the day enjoying the treats, all by himself, no intruders. Will he return tomorrow? I will keep you posted!

The Quiet Of The Day

A lobster boat waiting to steam out to sea.
An old "lobster shack" that has seen better days.

The Island store.

A winter view.

Island Scenes

Good Monday evening. I have returned to the mainland after an extended weekend visit to the island. The sun was shining, but bitterly cold. Here is a glimpse of island life in the winter.
This is Bev Jones, the mail carrier for Long Island. She has been enjoying this job for almost thrity years. She is a vey special lady and I am proud to call her my mom.

This is a very sad island house. As you can tell no one is occupying this home. The shades are drawn and the need to plow the driveway is no longer. The owners, Mr and Mrs K. Jones have left for a warmer climate and a new adventure!

Yes, this vehicle is plowed in and will not see daylight till spring when the owners return to the island!

A winter scene looking down on the "Old Cove"of Long Island.

Baby it's cold outside!

Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and talk beside the fire: It is the time for home. Edith Sitwell

Maine winter morning

A quiet winter morning here on the farm.

Keeper's of the Home!

Winslow Homer
Emma Lou