JANUARY, IT'S A BLAST

January...winter's blast is in full swing here in New England...this morning's temperature...a big fat zero...long johns and wool socks become a girl's best friend... early morning finds everyone in the hen house huddled together. I am of the belief that a heat lamp is beneficial to a hen's well being during the long cold winter months...along with warm oatmeal and Bag Balm. Oatmeal to warm the crop and Bag Balm to aid in frostbite. Phoebe..adorned in her winter coat...some girls need a little time to themselves regardless the temperature...

others dare not venture outdoors... Don Juan keeps a tight rein on his women...The Don is patiently waiting for his true love Josephine to return from maternity leave...she remains safely tucked in a cage in the coop with her babes... deer grace our field traveling on ice crusted snow...

the egret points south...

there is vacancy in the old birdhouse...heat not included...snow on the pumpkin...Enough fluff here's the real scoop...it is damn cold here...I need to get outside and move...as in exercise...dust off my snow shoes...I find, just as Randy in the movie A Christmas Story...when layered up in clothing it is most difficult to move...in the woods I might fall...the wolves might devour me...they wouldn't need to eat again till spring...I need Weight Watchers...I want to look like Kate Winslet...I love Kate Winslet...I have a very bad habit...television...I don't actually watch it...it's my background noise...I hear bits and pieces...some so shocking that I actually do watch with my mouth hanging wide open...truly....where do they find these people...a women who is addicted to eating her dearly departed husband's ashes...another who sniffs gasoline and carries it with her where ever she goes...one lady consumes rocks...rocks...and another dryer lint...why in the world would you admit to something such as this...and yes, I know who Snookie is...shameful...Martha has been cancelled...and they have gone and brought back Fear Factor...I really need to get out of the house more...stay tuned...Goodnight from Dog Trot Farm...Oh and I desperately need a pedicure...I ripped a hole in my sheet last night...

THE TASHA TUDOR MUSEUM

How delighted I was to have received the Tasha Tudor Museum Newsletter in the mail yesterday. Long ago, I discovered this lovely women and her world. Not only was it her art work that drew me to her, but more importantly her lifestyle. When I stumbled over the words "from the time Tasha Tudor was a little girl she new exactly what she wanted: to live on a secluded farm where she could surround herself with gardens, a household menagerie of pets, barnyard animals and art" I knew I had found a kindred spirit.
How I wished to step inside Tasha's private world. The Corgies, Minou the one eyed cat, Hannah and Pegler Tasha's African gray parrots, the nubian goats. Many a time I was tempted to sign up for Tasha's garden tours offered at her beloved Corgi Cottage. I was always hesitant, I am realistic enough to realize that even perfect worlds have their flaws. After Tasha Tudor passed away, there was a rift among her four children. Money, possessions, and even her ashes were fought over. (finally resolved) I am glad I did not go on that tour, but prefer to remember Tasha through her many books. The Tasha Tudor Museum is alive and well located at the Jeremiah Beal House in West Brattleboro, Vermont. Recently I discovered a blog titled "An Historical Lady" Mary Spencer and her husband Adam are living history reenactors and have been invited by Amy Tudor to present their program at the Tasha Tudor Museum this summer. I do hope to attend, how lovely it would be to meet Mary andAdam, to admire all the hard work the Tudor Family and friends have done to create such a museum honoring this incredible women we know as Tasha Tudor...

snow...Snow...SNOW

snow...Snow...SNOW...it's a snowy day here in Maine...winter weather arrived early this morning...schools and businesses closed... a good day to spend some time in the kitchen...homemade bread...warm chocolate chip cookies... comfort food...macaroni and cheese... a big old pot of hot chocolate...a comfy chair by the wood stove...a favorite book...
The animals here at Dog Trot Farm are snuggled in too. Emma Lou tucked nicely in her little bed against the old brick chimney...a red bulb hangs in the coop...chickens delight in a treat of warm pasta...Winslow Homer prefers to romp and play while patiently waiting for his mommy to find her snowshoes...Mommy prefers a nap...winter...like it or not it's presence has arrived....

HERE'S YOUR SIGN

Last week was nothing but a "gosh darn" bust... my "to do" list remained idle...my body felt off... tired...weak...all I wanted to do was sleep...and guess what? I listened to my body, I slept. No walks, no household organization, no baking...I do not deny the laundry did mount and dust bunnies grew. I did however muster enough energy to make my dental appointment. I knew if I cancelled, odds were I would not be rescheduled for months. After a clean bill of health, no cavities, the word ORTHODONTIST was mentioned. It appears my lower teeth are spreading, spreading? Age related I'm told, now I ask you is there anything beneficial to the aging process? oh... right "WISDOM" Lord have mercy. Yesterday, being a beautiful sunny day I was more than ready for an outing. I am one for taking the "road less travelled" especially a dirt road, preferably out in the middle of nowhere. We found ourselves travelling down this road enjoying the scenery out in the middle of nowhere... Honestly, I saw no "DEAD END" sign...but I did notice this sign looming in the foreground. Yes indeed it caught my attention: NO TRESPASSING:

PLEASE WE DO NOT WANT TO APPEAR UNFRIENDLY; BUT LIVESTOCK IS LOOSE AND GUARD DOGS ARE ON DUTY, THEY ARE NOT FRIENDLY. DO NOT ENTER! INVITED GUESTS REMAIN IN YOUR CAR WITH THE WINDOWS UP UNTIL WE HAVE DOGS UNDER

CONTROL. ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK" Well you can't get your point across much clearer than this. I had the feeling that beyond this point was book material for Maine horror author Steven King... Cujo, Carrie, Salem's Lot...I know if you are familiar with any of Mr. Kings books you get my drift...

In a prior post, I admitted how intimidated I was by my new Canon Rebel, nothing has changed I'm still intimidated. I also mentioned a Christmas gift which was given to me by my son Tristan in order to keep me on the" straight and narrow"- a Magellan GPS.My son suggested it might be a good idea to actually take the GPS out of the box...point well taken...I'll add it to my "to do" list.Continuing on to more familiar territory, Hancock Pond...to the family camp...Typically by January the pond is dotted with ice shacks...fishermen... snowmobiles....skaters... cross country skiers...add a thermos of hot chocolate...you have the perfect family outing...But the weather has been warm, the snow covered ice is not thick enough for these winter activities...the sound of ice snapping and buckling under one's feet can cause even the strongest of hearts to skip a beat...The pond was quiet...not a sound to be heard...we checked on camp and found it to be in good order...Just waiting for our return...next time with hot chocolate in hand...

A WINTER DELIGHT~

"FLOWERS ARE LOVE'S TRUEST LANGUAGE." ~PARK BENJAMIN

On a harsh winter's day nothing warms the heart, my heart, more than a bouquet of flowers...especially when given "just because" by someone who loves you Flowers...a little bit of sunshine to brighten one's day...

LESSONS LEARNED THE HARD WAY

Lessons learned from Christmas past...

The month of December was nothing short of a blur...It all began with the annual hunt for the perfect Christmas tree...just so you know there is an unspoken rule in our home that I choose the Christmas tree....(Advice from the late Tasha Tudor) In my opinion this once a year event should not be hurried but savored. I enjoy walking up and down each row of scented balsam... breathing deeply the cold winter air ...the earth blanketed in a sea of white. My husband is in charge of the tape measure and hand saw....this Christmas however, my husband found the perfect tree...I was in charge of the tape measure... there was no sea of white...December became the month of shopping...wrapping...baking...visiting...there was no time to do anything else. Typically we enjoy attending a Christmas concert or play...local craft fairs and touring historic homes decked out in their holiday finest...we watch the old Christmas movies...It's A Wonderful Life being our personal favorite...There is Christmas Eve service to attend and an evening meal to cook and it would not be Christmas without the local tour of holiday lights....Let me state right here right now I did not rush the seasons, no sireeeee... I enjoyed Autumn, Halloween and Thanksgiving...I put a smile on my face and gave them my full attention...Christmas decorations did not appear nor did my beloved Christmas tree (which remained unadorned till the second week of December)...I'm returning to my old ways, ways that work for me...2012 Christmas shopping has begun...Christmas Eve dinner will be made in the crock pot... beef stew and biscuits....I have 11 months to put my hands on It's A Wonderful Life...the dvd that simply vanished... wrapping presents on Christmas Eve...sinful...addressing Christmas cards in July while sitting at the beach....a grand idea...Next Christmas I'll be back to my old ways....this" enjoy the moment" is for the birds....if I am to be stressed out it is going to be on my terms...and the search for the perfect Christmas tree...I realize I don't mind carring the tape measure after all!

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...

In the quiet of the night it came...

heavy wet snow...winter has arrived in New England...I am thankful the power remained on...there was much to get accomplished this day...the pies came together... apple and pumpkin... cranberry bread...made with locally grown organic Maine cranberries...and of course it just would not be Thanksgiving without my mother's recipe for cranberry relish...cranberries..walnuts...marmalade...sugar and lemon juice...delicious!Out in the coop...Little Josephine is a wonderful mother...she and her babe are safely enclosed in a cage tucked under the nesting boxes...the heat lamp is working overtime keeping them warm and snug...just a "wisp" of a thing this new babe...this is my first go around with egg hatching...Josephine left the nest on Sunday morning and joined the other chickens in the coop yard...I had intentions of removing the eggs...but she had been so committed I decided to give her another few days...and Tuesday morning we were in for yet another surprise...we here at Dog Trot Farm have been twice blessed...this little babe is the spitting image of his proud papa... I bet I can guess what you all are thinking...COCK-A-DOODLE-DO...Happy Turkey Day !