ENOUGH!

One word Wednesday...

ENOUGH!

GOOD TUESDAY~

Why do I feel like the luckiest Granny in the world? Because three days per week I provide care for my best fella, Travis Lloyd...This little guy brings such sunshine and joy to my day...Travis has this old Granny wrapped round his little finger...After his morning bath, I choose his outfit (the hardest decision of my day) Travis enjoys a  bowl of oatmeal and fruit, then we ready ourselves for our morning walk...by 8:30 we are out the door...travelling

 down our snowy driveway...this morning... to my surprise and delight...we spot a sure sign of spring...one large white barrel with connective tubing is  found in position now ready to collect sap from the surrounding  maple trees...sugaring season has arrived in New England...warm days with cold nights make  ideal conditions...soon containers of many shapes and sizes will become a common sight throughout the countryside...

 To my dismay another snowstorm is forecast for tomorrow afternoon... lingering into Thursday...once again heavy wet snow will fall...however, there is an upside to all this snow...projects inside the homestead are being tackled...small projects... but non the less are getting accomplished...a corner cupboard...a Christmas gift from Mr. Dog Trot has been hung...

 wainscoting in the downstairs bathroom has been refreshed with a new coat of paint...Sadie Puss has spring fever too...

and this evening...after a long day at work... Mr. Dog Trot walked thru the door with tulips in hand...

The snows a coming...

A SIMPLE PLEASURE~

Our latest snowstorm has passed leaving a coating of white in its wake...

by mid morning the clouds cleared to reveal a brilliant blue sky...

 Winslow Homer and I made our way out the door and  down the driveway...

our destination, the grocery store...

clearly it was time to make my weekly purchase...

such a simple purchase...but one that aids in my sanity...and get this... another snowstorm is to arrive Wednesday lasting into Thursday...I say off with the head of that damn groundhog!!!



NEW ENGLAND'S WINTER WHITE~

"Whose woods these are I think I know. His house is in the village though;

He will not see me stopping here to watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer to stop without a farmhouse near. Between the woods and
frozen lake the darkest evening of the year. He gives his harness bells a shake to ask if there is
some mistake. The only other sound's the sweep of easy wind and downy flake. The woods are
lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep." ~ROBERT FROST~

Last summer while traveling through Vermont Mr Dog Trot and I had the pleasure of visiting the "Stone House". This is the historic spot where Robert Frost composed one of his most famous poems, "Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening." A favorite poem of many and mine too.  An entire room is devoted to this poem and the story of how it came to be written.  The original table and chair, where Mr. Frost wrote his poem remains, and even though there are numerous signs saying "do not touch" I could not help myself, my finger lightly brushed the table...quietly I apologized to Mr. Frost...once while visiting the Shelburne Museum...I forgot myself and touched an article of clothing, I soon realized it was me that was being reprimanded...Mr. Dog Trot is quick to remind me NO TOUCHING! Is there anyone out there with this issue too?...I am a respectful  law abiding citizen, but there are times I  can't seen to help myself...This evening Dog Trot Farm is blanketed in a shroud of white, the snow continues to fall and is heavy and wet... my view to the outside world reminded me of Mr. Frost's poem and the warm June day we visited his lovely Stone House...Tomorrow I must buy tulips, it's my one winter induced indulgence and I must say a delightful one...

LOOKING FOR SPRING~

Once again we here in Southern Maine are preparing for yet another snowstorm...the flakes  fall as I type...

Winter's routine has become mundane...yet, the weeks continue to fly by... My attention has been focused on household organization... and with paint brush in hand... spiffing up the old homestead. But...soon... ever so quietly... those  warm spring days will soon sneak in right under our noses... I shall rejoice...but for now I patiently watch for those subtle signs of spring...

~MONDAY MORNING 6:00 AM~

This morning at 6:00 am...I woke to a beautiful violet colored sunrise...

two hours later...the snow began to fall... I have no complaints...I have learned to embrace and enjoy winter...I realize that under all this white is the energy which will eventually burst forth into spring... 

 For those bloggers who reside in parts of Texas and California garden season has arrived... some  have flowers in bloom...sigh...I've enjoyed reading your blogs- it's given me hope of what is to eventually come to New England...good things are worth waiting for...With Valentine's Day around the corner many of you have shared your lovely collections of reds, stitchery sewing  projects and primitive decorations...I am in awe of your talent and prim perfect homes.. I take away ideas and inspiration from your wonderful blogs...My collection of reds however differ somewhat than yours...yes... I have a traditional red heart hanging on the front door...but mostly my collection of reds consist of...

 Elmo...

 hearts and bears on the fridge...

 a little one's cereal bowl...

 and a craft that consists of two little feet and finger paint...

my home will never be prim perfect... 

but... I don't think this little one will mind... thankfully I have your wonderful blogs to look at and drool over...BTW...if you find yourself with any extra sunshine could you send some my way!!!

~35.5 INCHES OF SNOW!

As evening falls the wind has died down...the snow has come to an end...

 35.5 inches of white fluffy snow covers the earth here in Gorham...a record... 

 out yonder...behind a very large snow drift you can just make out the tip top of the chicken coop...no worse for wear the chickens have fared well...six large eggs gathered this evening... 

 it took most of the day to get cleaned out...plowing...snow blowing...shoveling...it is no easy task with a driveway as long as ours... the north  wind whipping and the temperature a mere 16 degrees...a day for long johns and snowpants...

 neighbors shoveled their roof...

 tomorrow the sun is to shine...

the blizzard of 2013 is one for the record books...tomorrow many of us seasoned Mainers will head to the grocery store and prepare for the next one...it is winter in Maine after all...

32.9 INCHES OF SNOW AND CLIMBING~

Throughout the night the wind blew and the snow fell...

it continues to do so...

our town has accumulated 32.9 inches of snow...a very impressive amount... records will be broken... 

Mr. Dog Trot has been  plowing before dawn...it takes a bit of time to plow our long winding driveway and then there are numerous relatives he must attend to...

time to brave the elements and make my way to the coop...

sorry Sadie...backdoor use only...more photos as the day progresses...stay safe...

~WICKED WEATHER~

These photos are of the storm before the storm...it has been snowing most of the day here in Southern Maine...schools were closed and many businesses ended their day early... roads are slick... a nineteen vehicle pileup occurred this morning, thankfully no one was seriously injured...blizzard conditions are predicted  for late this evening and lasting into the day tomorrow, in other words the worst is yet to come...tonight the wind will howl... a wind driven snow will fall... which will be measured in feet not inches...the plow is on the truck, the snow blower hums as Mr. Dog Trot makes his way to the coop...  it is winter in New England...

The chickens  are safely tucked in their coop and are given an evening treat...Winslow Homer stays close to the warmth of the wood stove...and Sadie lazes  on the living room couch...All is good here at Dog Trot Farm...

Tonight, if you are in the path of this storm, be safe and smart and remain indoors...if you need toilet paper improvise...

SEASONAL RENTALS~

As I left the comfort of my warm and cozy bed this Sunday morning...preparing to greet another cold winter's day... I began to think about Puxatawny Phil and his prediction of an early Spring...  Once downstairs I happened to notice Sadie Mae quietly staring out the living room window...  

what ya see Sadie Puss?... 

Oh my goodness... a future tenant checking out the housing accommodations here at Dog Trot Farm...

and getting the lay of the land...

 and lookie here..you know...perhaps there is some truth to the old

                                            ground hog's prediction...I for one sure hope so...

~THE MAGIC WORLD OF TASHA TUDOR~

This past Monday... at 8:00 PM... tickets for the Tasha Tudor 2013  Home and Garden tour went on sale...Sadly...

tickets were sold out in two minutes...If you have been a follower of my blog for any length of time...you know how much I admire the late illustrator and author Tasha Tudor. It was her lifestyle,  love of hearth and home,  gardens, goats, doves and beloved corgi's that first attracted me those many years ago...Last June, Mr Dog Trot and I were fortunate to obtain tickets to the first Corgi Cottage House tour opened to the public and guided by Tasha's son Seth, daughter in-law Marjorie and grandson Winslow and his wife Amy...It was a lovely day...but  one that seemed to be over in a flash, it felt like a dream a wonderful dream...Last Monday evening the snow was heavily falling... the roads had become slick, vehicles could be found off the roads.  Mr. Dog Trot was miles away from home on business...Vermont to be exact...but at 8:00 pm Monday evening, I could have found him sitting in a McDonald's parking  lot, accessing their free WiFi and thinking of me.  On October 5th, once again I will be returning to the enchantment of Corgi Cottage...and yet again I have been the recipient of an act of kindness...I feel... no I know... I am a very lucky gal...and Mr. Dog Trot... as we say in Maine...is a KEEPA!!! 

KINDNESS MATTERS~

Kind hearts are the gardens,

Kind thoughts are the roots,

 Kind words are the blossoms, Kind deeds are the fruits. 

~19th century rhyme~

A kind gesture from a friend, a friend I have never met in person, a friend who lives many states away, me in Maine and she in California. A friend who is a kindred spirit.  Three sweet little fabric hearts, tied with a satin ribbon, and a tiny key, arrived in the mail Wednesday. This thoughtful act of kindness was from Kim, of the blog "My Field Of Dreams." After nine days of recovering from the flu, and feeling a bit low, this small gift along with it's heartfelt note lifted my spirits greatly. It is so nice to be thought of. Thank you my dear friend Kim, I shall treasure these hearts along with  the friend who gave them to me. Greetings to all from Maine, Julie.

ONE STEP FORWARD~

As night falls so does the temperature...

I have spent the majority of last week flat smack on the living room couch...I fear a permanent indent remains...This virus is one where "one step forward and two back" applies...only rising to let Winslow Homer in and out...dare I say the television kept me company...Oh the things I have learned...Snooki delivered a baby boy named Lorenzo who's father feared when his son nursed the breast milk  would be chocolate milk, due to the fact that Snooki consumed too much chocolate...backwoods mountain moonshiners have their own television show, as well as people who attempt to catch  catfish by wrestling them in the muddy water, you have Preppers readying themselves for doomsday, TAPS  investigating paranormal activity...Sister Wives allows us into the world of polygamy...I admit here and now I watched a few minutes of each...you can get sucked in if you're not careful...honestly, I shake my head and wonder who the audience is that watches these programs...Tomorrow... thank the good Lord I am back in the world of Elmo...but sadly... even Elmo now has issues...what has become of our world...it makes me feel very sad...lost is the innocence of childhood...So...   I have had few ventures out into the world since coming down with the flu...Mr. Dog Trot escorted me to Walmart yesterday (the chickens were in need of collard greens and kale) and Tractor Supply for a seed block...during the winter months it is not unusual for hens to slow or even stop their egg production,  my girls have continued to lay quite nicely... seven to eight eggs daily...I believe in TLC and reap it's rewards...So there you have it my week in words...and may I offer a bit of advice...get yourself a flock of chicken and unplug that TV...stay well friends...

COUCH POTATO~

Drink plenty of fluids and rest...

sound advice... but... there is a drawback to such advise, you see the more fluids you drink the more frequent the  bathroom trips...so much for uninterrupted rest...I fear bed sores from all this lying around...and please tell me what daytime television is all about? really...Honey Boo Boo... it leaves my dry mouth hanging wide open...all I can say is thank goodness for PBS...so... I have just stumbled upon a Diane Keaton movie...I love Diane Keaton...she always wears the prettiest clothes and is so put together...I love her quirky personality... oh ...sorry...you can see my chap stick residue on my glass of SPLASH...lately my fluid of choice...

my little Valentine rug...

and a gift...Buddy...my daytime reading...at night I fall asleep reading stories of Stillmeadow, the books of author Gladys Taber...

Please...tell me who does not love the Beekman Boys, Josh and Brent? and tales of their goat farm... I have so enjoyed reading through this cookbook , with it's many luscious photographs, it makes me want to become a better cook...I can hear Mr. Dog Trot laughing...someday I vow to get myself to Sharon Springs...

Finally...a written warning to my husband... never leave your sick wife home alone with the latest Pottery Barn catalog...dangerous...very dangerous...you've been warned!!!...

THE SOUNDS OF HOME~

As I lie in bed...

 the wind howls and the house shakes...upon waking at dawn I notice  the shadow of tree limbs dancing across my bedroom wall...Don Juan and Ramon... my two roosters... announce the new day...a reminder for me to get out of bed...but not this day...Mr. Dog Trot...God bless him... is on duty. While lying in bed it is interesting to note the familiar sounds of one's home which you routinely ignore and take for granted...I hear Winslow Homer snoring happily asleep in front of the wood stove...I stare at an ant walking across the bedroom floor...Sadie Mae flies up and down the stairs... I instantly realize she has been into the catnip...Mr. Dog Trot cracks freshly gathered eggs for his morning breakfast...  I hear a click...knowing he has remembered to turn off  the kitchen stove burner... sleigh bells hung on the backdoor will  jingle as Mr. Dog Trot goes about his day...I rest...nap...dream...I dream of a brick walkway...one of which leads from  the front door of the homestead to the stone wall...something I have envisioned for quite some time...perhaps this dream will come true...Mr. Dog Trot wants me well...due to the fact that me lying in bed day dreaming is just adding to "our" "to do" list...and costing him money...but I receive a bouquet of tulips and an "I hate when you get sick" anyway...Soon it will be time for football...time for Tom Brady and the New England Patriots...I will be put on the back burner...I don't mind, I can daydream some more...GO PATS... 

FEVER INDUCED MORNING RAMBLE~

This second week of January arrives with it's highs and lows...

Monday the thermometer reached sixty degrees...Wednesday,we here in Maine were once again  covered in downy white...Thursday the temperature dipped into the single digits...it is Winter in Maine...and with winter comes the dreaded cold and flu season...I  type this post from the confines of my warm cozy bed...the flu has found me...my body aches from the top of my head to the tips of my toes...If you are wondering...yes, I did receive the flu vaccine months ago and have been diligently washing my hands...but, I guess when your number's up...it's up...

Being confined to one's bed may be good for the body, but for the mind I am not so certain...my mind tends to wander "helter skelter"...to the forefront comes all the indoor household projects I would like to get accomplished...it's the mundane items on my list which make me toss and turn...a kitchen ceiling to be painted...carpets to be shampooed... I succumb to a low grade fever and my thoughts travel to what it might be like to live in a large metropolitan city...with a fast paced life filled with shopping and dinners out...or perhaps living on the West Coast... dipping my toes into the Pacific Ocean...where the weather remains warm and dreamy year round...to reside in a villa in Tuscany where sunflowers encompass the ancient stone homestead...or to sit in a Parisian cafe  enjoying an afternoon aperitif...As the Tylenol kicks in I return to my reality...I dream of  gardening...most especially my  flower gardens...and the arrival of new chicks...

the return of  happy Daisy faces...

and birdsong...

and butterflies...these are the things that make me the most happiest...

and this eight month old...three and a half toothed...twenty-one pound... knee rocking... bundle of joy...

oh how I want to get up and vacuum...but alas... must close my eyes...stay well my friends...