Tag Archives: Uncategorized

Walkway Over the Hudson

On Sunday my stepmother suggested we head over to the Walkway Over the Hudson, an old rail bridge re-purposed into a pedestrian walkway over the Hudson River. I’d been wanting to see it for quite some time, and since we could bring their new dog, Bindi, as well as my stepbrother and niece, I was all in.

The Hudson Valley really is a breathtaking place. So much of it speaks directly to my heart; a few days spent in the land of my youth is like a healing balm for my soul.

10-18-16a

Though the leaves weren’t yet at peak, they were far more colorful than what we’d left behind in Virginia.

10-18-16b

Sweet little Bindi. She’s an 8 month-old Red Heeler, and the friendliest little thing you’ll ever meet.

10-18-16c

Normally I have a fear of bridges that span bodies of water; the walkway didn’t bother me one bit, though.

10-18-16d

10-18-16e

10-18-16f

10-18-16g

10-18-16h

10-18-16i

10-18-16j

10-18-16k

10-18-16l

10-18-16m

Those leaves!!!

10-18-16n

10-18-16o

After we hiked over the bridge and back, dad came with the kids and I on a short trip down memory lane past one of our old houses, and on down to Kingston Point Beach and Hasbrouck Park to see the view.

10-18-16p

10-18-16q

The old Hutton brick factory.

10-18-16r

10-18-16s

10-18-16t

Heart-shaped brick!

10-18-16u

Neve took lots of pictures of the gulls.

10-18-16v

10-18-16w

10-18-16x

10-18-16y

This is the view from my parents’ condo. The kids are mad jealous.

10-18-16z

As for me, I’m mad jealous of this tree. I’d love one just like it in my front yard.

Now that we are home the kids are sad to see the leaves here aren’t very colorful (to be fair, we usually are a few weeks behind here with our leaves) and are ready to move back north. I’m feeling refreshed and revived and connected with my family again. Tomorrow it’s back to school and the normal routines, but I’m hoping my bubble of contentedness lasts for awhile longer.

 


Tagged: kids, Trips

Rhinebeck 2016

Once again, we had a whirlwind weekend in New York attending the annual Sheep & Wool Festival and visiting family.

10-17-16a

10-17-16b

I loved these little felted guys!

10-17-16c

I think these little yetis were my favorite thing this year.

10-17-16d

10-17-16e

10-17-16f

10-17-16g

10-17-16h

I really wish this hadn’t come out blurry. This llama really liked my dad!

In completely unrelated news, all three girls agree we need either another llama or an alpaca.

10-17-16i

10-17-16j

10-17-16k

10-17-16l

A Herdy! They had Herdwick sheep there!!! Isn’t she gorgeous?

10-17-16m

10-17-16n

10-17-16o

10-17-16p

10-17-16q

10-17-16r

The Peruvian folk band, in their usual spot.

10-17-16s

10-17-16t

10-17-16u

Love this Angora goat!

10-17-16v

10-17-16w

 

We didn’t buy a whole lot this year; Neve was saving for other things she wanted, and Emily and Oona and I had trouble deciding among all pf the amazing things for sale! (though if I hadn’t had such a long drive home I just might have bought an Angora rabbit!)

10-17-16x

I did manage to snag some lovely dyed roving to play with, though! This one is a Cormo/Silk blend.

10-17-16y

The yellow/green/orange Blue Faced Leicester reminds me of the mixed vegetables from childhood that came frozen in a block.

10-17-16z

This purple and red blend is Finnsheep.

Oona and Emily each got yarn and hats, but I was unable to photograph them before they took off with them, eager to start their own projects!

Lastly, these lovelies are now mine:

10-17-16za

I can’t wait to get to work with all of my new toys!

 

 


Tagged: Farm, Trips

All the Pretty Ladies

The flock has been perkier and happier lately with the cooler weather, and who can blame them? Even the dogs seem more content, now that the flies are dying off and they don’t need to burrow into the mud like pigs to escape the heat.

I was tempted to move everyone out to the back pasture a few weeks ago, considering it is full now of beautiful green grass, but decided that with winter coming I’d keep them out front to make it easier to keep their water fresh and unfrozen, being closer to the house.

There’s also another reason I am keeping them in the smaller paddock for the winter and waiting for spring to move them to fresh pasture: lambing.

Yes!

Our amazing shearer Emily is bringing me a loaner ram soon so we can enjoy babies in the spring!  The ram is a gorgeous Blue-Faced Leicester, and I’m thrilled to mate him to our Border Leicester ewes, since I’d like some fleeces for hand-spinning.

image.jpeg

Carina here has a beautiful fleece. I can’t wait to see how a lam from her will turn out.

image

They were NOT having any of my picture-taking shenanigans. They saw me in their paddock with an object in my hand and surely that MUST mean feeding time?

image

Basil decided that if I didn’t have real food, he’d nibble on my shirt instead and prevent me from getting a decent picture of him.

image

The bow before the pounce. He and Sabine are always happy to be pushy for ear and belly scratches, or to follow you around the field trying to put their noses in inappropriate places. I’m still trying to beef Orzo up a bit, and it’s just barely starting to be noticeable. He’s really growing into quite a handsome guy, just like his father. Now if only we could cure his fence-hopping wanderlust!

 


Tagged: Farm, Pets

No Sleep ‘Til Rhinebeck

Have I used that title before? It’s apt, every year, I think. And not just for me. Every fiber crafter I know has something they want to complete before the festival each year. Last year, it was my Shepherd Sweater. This year, Chimney Fire. I’m about done with the length – I just need to complete the ribbing on the bottom – which leaves the sleeves. Can I manage it in time? Your guess is as good as mine.

image

I can’t wait to wear it.

The girls are all working on various items for the festival, too. Emily is sewing a top, Neve has started her first hat, and Oona is working on a fall-colored scarf.

image

image

Trying to wind yarn in this house is rather challenging.

Speaking of cats, our hospice patient has been responding very well to the prednisone.

image

She’s been perkier, more playful, and even put on a bit of weight.

Of course, everyone’s feeling better with the cooler temperatures lately. It actually feels like fall. Which means we are feeling like baking every day.

image

Pumpkin Cinnamon Bread. I used the Cinnamon Bread recipe from King Arthur that I always do, but instead of mixing the cinnamon for the filling with eggs and water, I substituted pumpkin. Divine!  (I tried to link the recipe here, but I’m using my iPad, which makes things difficult. I’ll try editing later to add it).

We haven’t yet gone apple picking, but I’m going to make that happen very soon. So many apple treats to make!


Tagged: food, Knitting, Pets

Not Feeling Forty

It happened. I turned 40. I don’t know how; I certainly don’t feel 40! There are many days still when I wonder how it is that I’m the adult around here. Now, if you must turn 40, it’s best to do it in the company of some of the best people you know. Which is, luckily, and 100% thanks to my best friend Jessie, what I did.

image

Though there are a couple of people missing, I was surprised by all the people I love most. I don’t know how I got so lucky.

Now that my birthday has come and gone, we are well and truly on our way to fall. Hooray!!! The light quality has already changed quite a bit – though the temperature is still disappointingly hot – and the fall flowers and colors are starting to show.

image

These flowers started popping up in late August and are now exploding everywhere, especially along the stream.

image

There are persimmons on the tree again. It would be nice if we could harvest them before the squirrels eat them all. Not that I am super crazy about persimmons…..but still!

image

While I was out and about looking at the persimmons and admiring the flowers, I decided to check closer to the stream, and ran into this guy:

image

image

I noticed him and froze. He noticed me and froze. I remained perfectly still, and he continued on rooting around in the grass for whatever it was he was on the lookout for. After a few moments he began waddling off on his merry way, and I was happy to watch him disappear off into the distance. I wasn’t out to get skunked, for sure! I’ve warned the kids to be more aware outside now; this happened right in the middle of the day!

He WAS pretty cute, I have to admit. And, as long as he steers clear of the chickens, he’s welcome to hang out on the periphery of the farm. Any closer and the dogs would be happy to make his acquaintance.


Tagged: Farm, Pets, Seasons

Weekly Challenge: Mirror…

THE PROMPT:This week, show us a mirror. You can take this photo challenge literally, and find reflections in mirrors, or in the stillness of a natural body of water. Live in an urban area? Some skyscrapers are beautifully reflective of the cityscape around them. Or, use this challenge to take a photo of yourself in the mirror. Self-documentation is important, especially for those of us who are usually behind the lens.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mirror reflecting mirror reflecting window.

101_0458

101_5198 100_7442 100_2282

 

https://dailypost.wordpress.com/photo-challenges/mirror/


The End Of August

This is it, folks. The last day of August. Summer is coming fast to a close. Tomorrow is the start of my most favorite time of year, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.  The kids are enjoying their last full week off before school starts. The animals certainly look ready for cooler weather, hiding out in the shade all day being lethargic.  Even inside,the cats have been favoring darker, cooler spots under beds during the day.

Unfortunately my battery charger for my camera has died, so the pictures in this post are all from my phone.

image

Little Poppet, who is almost a year old now and still impossibly tiny.

image

I started working on my sweater again for the first time in a few months. I realized that Rhinebeck is not actually that far away now, so I’d better get it done!

image

A portion of the garden’s output this year. I may have been robbed of my tomatoes (stupid deer), but boy my pumpkins have come through!

image

Asters and mums!!!!

image

There’s still plenty of goldenrod all around as well.

image

Flapjack and Charlie have become something of an item. He follows Charlie wherever he goes, and Charlie shares his food with him. Normally, Charlie will snap at anyone who gets in on his food (the chickens, the goats, the dogs, Churchill), but for some reason he doesn’t mind Flapjack. Must be love!

image

While Flapjack is following Charlie, Charlie is generally following me. He loves having his ears scratched!

image

Of course, I think he also is always hoping I’ll have a treat for him.

image

Morning glories! You know what that means………my birthday is just around the corner!


Tagged: Farm, Garden, Pets, Seasons

Barnegat Lighthouse…

100_6868

Barnegat Lighthouse – New Jersey


Hamil-Ween

Have I mentioned how obsessed with Hamilton we all are around here? It’s been the only music played at home and in the cars for months now. We’ve also devoured the book, and though we haven’t actually seen the play, it feels like we know it cold.

Since my children perpetually have Halloween on the brain it was no surprise really when Neve and Oona announced they wanted to go as the Schuyler sisters this year. Since there are 3 – Peggy, Angelica, and Eliza – they insisted that I must go as Eliza. Twist my arm, why don’t you?

Oona was happy to be Peggy (I don’t know, I kind of thought no one would want poor Peggy’s part), so Neve is going as Angelica.

For me, the fun in all of this will be making the costumes. It’s been ages and ages since any of the kids wanted my help sewing their costumes. Neve wants to make hers on her own, but I will be making Oona’s and my own.

08.25.16a

I’m looking forward to a lot of time in my craft room, working on all of the projects I’ve had in limbo. Like the Washi dress I’m halfway through.

08.25.16b

So much sewing, so little time.

If you haven’t hopped on the Hamilton bandwagon……DO IT! Start with the soundtrack; you won’t regret it!


Tagged: Sewing

Jamming in the Summer

Lately I’ve been craving jam. A lot. I think it *may* have something to do with my friend Sarah in Canada who keeps posting pictures of all the delicious jams she’s been making the last couple of months. But, as I don’t at the moment have a ready supply of fruit to use (some people around here keep eating it all before it can be used for anything…..), I turned to what I DO have: tomatoes. Tomato jam is incredibly delicious. You can use it in place of ketchup, or slather it on some french bread with chevre  (the yumminess!).  I also wouldn’t judge you for eating it out of the jar with a spoon.

The recipe I use comes from the fabulous Food In Jars by Marisa McClellan. Chopped tomatoes get cooked down with cinnamon, cloves, red peppers, lime juice, ginger, and sugar to make a zesty, sweet/savory, tomato-y jam that will deliciously haunt your dreams forever.

08.24.16a

08.24.16b

08.24.16c

I can’t wait to put this on everything!

The downside is how wonderfully fall-like it made the house smell, what with the cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. We’re struggling hard to enjoy every last bit of summer before we have to close the pool and pack up our sun dresses and sandals for the year, but the light quality is already changing and the nights have gotten noticeably cooler. Enjoy this last bit of summer, everyone. It won’t last long.


Tagged: food, Garden