Happy Thought Indeed

Where I have been the past couple years...

2010-11-07T11:45:00.000-08:00

Playing with my little girl!

Christmas once again!

2008-12-20T10:07:00.000-08:00

Here we are, snowed in once again at holiday time and before I go out and brave the weather and do some shoveling I thought I'd share some of our Christmas decorations this year with everyone.

Handmade grapevine garland strung along the front window.

Vintage pasteboard Santa underneath the Christmas tree.

Colonial Christmas doll (George) guarding the Christmas cards.

Close up picture of the tree and some of it's antique glass and vintage ornaments.

Our little tabletop tree, sitting on my late Victorian pedestal table,
and skirted in a vintage Christmas tablecloth.

Vote

2008-10-14T15:58:00.000-07:00

Just a little nudge to all my fellow Canadians out here in the great white north. Today is election day, the fella and I went out and checked our boxes- make sure you do too!

Vote for today, tomorrow and your children's tomorrow.

Don't vote in fear, vote with hope.

Summer's Swan Song

2008-09-15T14:53:00.000-07:00

I know it's been ages- days and weeks have skipped by without a wave or a wink, but I'm still here. August managed to fly by no matter how lazy its days claim to be and September has barely introduced itself and yet here we find ourselves in the middle of the month already. I've been gardening, getting eaten by monster mosquitoes, thinking about building an ark, canning like tomatoes are going out of style, and then canning some more when I discover I still have another bushel or something getting progressively riper by the minute in the sunroom. I've been getting a job, helping run a business (and getting woefully behind), reading like a mad fiend, jaunting off to Pennsylvania, gone to see a lovely brass band, and all together having a rather good time.

Summer Bounty. For a garden that I pretty much gave up on,
it still yielded enough to make me pleasantly surprised. Anyone want some zucchini???

But as summer wanes, I find myself trying to get back into things. Back into being a good blogger, and housewife. Distractions abound in the summer, always tempting me to do other things, but now I'm getting things properly sorted. I hope.

I've made a good start today. I have Mary Jane's Crackly Pear Cake cooling off on the stove. Milk setting into cheese on the counter, and bread dough in the fridge for baking a baguette tomorrow. Pork chops, rice and whatever veg (probably zukes and tomatoes) I find in the garden for supper. Might make up a nice gravy to go with.

The Cottonwood Brass Band. Just a beautiful country afternoon.

Have you been busy canning? This is my first real year getting serious about it, and it feels good to get things tucked away to eat when it gets a bit colder out. The Dervaes over at Path to Freedom, are encouraging everyone to be Harvest Keepers, like in the old days. You should check out Anais' pantry! *whistles* It's a beaut!

A summer feast; greens from the garden, fresh strawberries, vinaigrette, homemade fried queso blanco, prosciutto, and bread right from the oven.

Here's my bounty tucked away so far:

Strawberry Freezer Jam
Strawberry Banana Freezer Jam
Peach Freezer Jam
Apricot Jam
Pear Jam
Freezer Salsa
Chopped Frozen Green Peppers
Frozen Hot Chili Peppers
Strings of Dried Hot Chili Peppers
Dill Pickles
Chili Sauce
Freezer Peach Pie Filling
Frozen Tomatoes
Tomato Sauce
Frozen Shredded and Chopped Zucchini

Still to come - Canned Pears, Canned Apple Pie Filling, Apple Butter, Frozen Slice Apples and Pears, Frozen Pumpkin guts, Frozen Pumpkin Butter.

I think I've got my work cut out for me, but I know I'll be really happy in the winter when I don't have to buy a lot of fruit and veg, and I can whip up a pie in a trice :)

Jammin'

2008-07-29T18:40:00.001-07:00

The first of many batches of jam this season!

I've made strawberry and strawberry banana freezer jam so far. Though it's already starting to dwindle as I use it on my oatmeal and the Fella loves pb&j for lunches. Mum and I are having a pickling day on Monday- got to discover the secret to her Dills.. and apricot and peach are not too far off. The summer sure does sneak up you doesn't it? One minute you're eying the seedlings and saying "Hurry up, grow!" and the next you're buried in weeds and wondering where the strawberry season went to. I've got a big long list of things I'd like to 'put up' this year, if I get even half of it done I'll be happy as a clam. I've got to fill up those dusty shelves in the root cellar quick as can be. I'd rather be the ant than the grasshopper!

Sensibility Hat Fair

2008-07-25T15:03:00.000-07:00

When in Doubt - Wear a Hat!

As part of this month's Hat Fair, started by the ladies over at S&S and run by Janel over at Pearls, we're all blogging our best about hats! Yes indeedy, those wonderful accessories that have been in decline since the beehive hairdo buzzed by. It's a shame that after centuries of never being seen out of doors without a chapeau, that they disappeared so quickly. However, they pop up now and then, in summer you might see a big broad brimmed straw, or in winter a saucy beret in an eye popping colour. It's no surprise to any of my blog readers, I've a little bit of a thing for hats. Oh, all right, a lot of a thing for hats, and I've been blessed with a head that can wear a great deal of them (though not those very large affairs; they just about swallow me up!) You may remember my custom-welded wall-mounted hat rack that featured in a post ages ago. My hats have been accumulating since then, and I'm afraid I've lost count. My favourite styles are cloche hats, though they can be hard to find and very dear to the pocketbook I'm afraid.

Goodness! I need to run off and start supper, so I hope you like my favourite hat picture posted above. It was taken in Williamsburg where one can almost reach historical hat heaven. I walked away with two that day- a lovely shallow crown fine straw hat that is still aching for decoration, and a felt tricorn that is one of the most fun hats I own!

"The right hat may also enliven our imagination of the past....an old-fashioned cloche, a picture hat, or a toque trimmed with a pouf of polka-dotted veiling is just enough to make us feel as if we were living in another, romantic age."

Perfect 1930's Housewife?

2008-07-03T17:15:00.000-07:00

As a 1930s wife, I am
Very Superior

Take the test!

Strawberry Social

2008-06-25T14:39:00.000-07:00

A classy, country afternoon spent with my grandparents listening to an orchestra beside Cottonwood Mansion, a beautiful historic manor.

After the music everyone enjoyed bowls of berries, cream, and cake on the porch!

Wreck and Ruin

2008-06-25T14:22:00.000-07:00

Exploring and old barn out in the countryside.
You could almost imagine the stone foundation as ruined battlements.

Fantastic leaning wall.

It's such a shame these old barns are left to fall to pieces out on over grown fields and far back from roadsides. They have been replaced by serviceable sheet metal and concrete but little built today can compare with the beauty and artistry of the fieldstone, brick, and beams that made up these old barns. If you look closely you can even see the hand adze marks on the big beams.
And to think it was all for a small herd of dairy cows...

Married by Mandi

2008-06-15T09:06:00.000-07:00

"I give you this ring.. as a symbol of my eternal love... I love you for who you are... and for who I am when we’re together... I honour you with all that I am... and all that I have to give... for as long as we both shall live."

Vintage Wedding Weekend cont'd!

2008-06-10T20:15:00.000-07:00

Just a few last shots of the handsome fella and his new missus.

Plum tuckered out.

Vintage Wedding Weekend cont'd!

2008-06-10T20:01:00.000-07:00

Saturday was the reception for friends and family. We had it in our backyard amongst the pear trees. It was another hot day though! 35C+!

Everything getting set up. We had a 20x20 tent for shade, and six round tables with vintage cloths and baskets of country flowers.

Letting the ladies join the party..

A little croquet on the lawn - we played bocce too!

Vintage Wedding Weekend!

2008-06-10T19:08:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneaky peek at our whirlwind weekend. The fella will post everything on the web soon! (Oh and the professional photos were on film so they will take awhile! These are just our snaps.)

Friday

Friday, getting married on the front lawn on my Grandpa's 1830 farm with just us 'kids'.

Gram and my best girl, Tiff.

After the ceremony at Hewitt's Dairy Bar waiting for our milkshakes. It was 38C degrees with the humidity outside!

Almost here..

2008-06-05T06:43:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow the Fella and I are getting married...

Chicken Gardeners

2008-05-26T05:32:00.000-07:00

My chickens must think I'm another chicken because I like doing the same thing they like (scratching around in the dirt!) and they always want to be around me whenever I let them out of their run. They even help me weed the garden! Here they are 'helping'. :-)

Petit Dejeuner

2008-05-26T05:25:00.000-07:00

Home-grown breakfast; eggs fresh from the ladies at the bottom of the garden, and bread from the oven yesterday. A perfect breakfast in the conservatory.

Apron Round-Up

2008-05-16T14:03:00.000-07:00

Well, my cheeks are rosy! My homespun kitchen apron holder (which lives beside my fancy fruit crate shelves pictured above) is featured over at BudgetCasa today. Take a look! It's a great round-up of apron ideas. One of my favourite blogs is mentioned too! It's Anna's over at Pleasant View Schoolhouse. Be sure to check out her thrifted linen dress into a long apron tutorial, so chic :)

Getting Stuck In

2008-05-14T19:23:00.000-07:00

Some days area just days when you have to get stuck in. The oven's hot, the flour's everywhere, and the floor is a bit slippery right there but magic seems to happen and wonderful smells float around the kitchen. One day's baking means treats for the week ahead.

I've made eggy buns for the delicious sausages I got from the butcher at the farmer's market. Rhubarb tarts were created from the monstrous plants in the backyard and the short crust pastry recipe snitched from Jamie Oliver's website. The cookies are my favourite spicy gingerbread from the Raleigh Tavern Bakery Cookbook from historical Williamsburg. And last, but certainly not least, an orange sunshine cake from an old 1950's cake recipe book.

Orange Sunshine Cake
(a variation from "250 classic Cake Recipes" 1954)

1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup orange juice (just juice the orange you zested)

Sift flour, baking powder and salt together in one bowl. In another bowl, cream together shortening, zest, and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, and beat thoroughly. Add dry ingredients and orange juice alternatively to creamed mixture and beat well. Pour into a greased pan (I use a pretty bundt pan) Bake at 350 F for 30 minutes or until done. Ice according to taste, but it's great without icing too! Enjoy!

WIFD Friday!

2008-05-09T14:23:00.000-07:00

It's friday for the Week in Feminine dress and I was out and about to the shops- the fella snapped these pics when we got home.

I'm wearing: cranberry skirt, pink tank top, blue polka dot blouse,
black cardigan, and cranberry hat with my trusty brown maryjanes.

WIFD Thursday!

2008-05-08T16:55:00.000-07:00

Today was housework and sewing, and off to the farmer's market.
I'm wearing my favourite stripy skirt, white tank, flowery blouse,
and beige jacket. Accessories include pearl earrings, brown mary janes, and white hat!

WIFD Tuesday & Wednesday

2008-05-07T15:09:00.000-07:00

Well, I missed posting on Monday - the Fella was out with the camera on a very special mission: getting my new car! You'll see it in today's picture :-)

Wednesday: Green linen skirt and green check blouse, H&M
Magenta tank top, beige jacket, and brown mary jane's.

Standing beside my new ride - a 1965 Volvo Amazon Wagon. Gorgeous!
(Finally, a reason to get my driver's license!)

Tuesday: Dark Denim Skirt, white blouse, yellow t-shirt,
mauve sweater, and vintage apron.

Action Shot! Busy cooking stir fry for supper. Yesterday I also planted potatoes,
weeded, and chased the chickens in my skirt :-)

WIFD Spring!

2008-05-04T15:38:00.000-07:00

Here we go again!
Air out your pretty frocks and shine your shoes, once again it's time for Sensibility's week in feminine dress. I'll be blogging along this time- and luckily the weather is supposed to be bee-u-tea-ful this week so I won't be shivering in my skirts! We're going from Sunday to Sunday to squeeze in Mother's Day next week-
Today: Long Eddie Bauer Linen skirt, blue tank top, white blouse, brown knit sweater, and blue wellies! Today I've been baking, doing the wash, and gardening- all quite successfully in my long skirt :)

Something Crafty

2008-05-01T10:09:00.000-07:00

With the Farmgirl Blog-a-thon rollin' along, this week it's time for something crafty. Here is my apron holder I made from my collection of vintage half aprons. Some I've collected myself, other's have been gifts and the best have been passed on from my favourite little old ladies that just know that I would use these aprons that used to wrap snugly around their hips in kitchens past. It's made from a small strip of wood from the kindling pile that been painted the same as the wall colour and we screwed old wooden clothespegs to hold all the aprons. I tied string around the ends and hung from a nail in the wall.

If you're feelin' crafty, just head on over to MaryJanesFarm for lots of great ideas and crafts to try!

Th' smell o' good clean earth

2008-04-24T19:26:00.000-07:00

Time sure flies when you're blogging along, doesn't it? Week Four of the Farmgirl blog-a-thon is upon us and this week we've got our green fingers in the garden. Here is one of my favourite passages from The Secret Garden, a very inspiring book-

"Why!" he cried, pointing to the grass a few feet away. "Who did that there?"

It was one of Mary's own little clearings round the pale green points.

"I did it," said Mary.

"Why, I thought tha' didn't know nothin' about gardenin'," he exclaimed.

"I don't," she answered, "but they were so little, and the grass was so thick and strong, and they looked as if they had no room to breathe. So I made a place for them. I don't even know what they are."

Dickon went and knelt down by them, smiling his wide smile.

"Tha' was right," he said. "A gardener couldn't have told thee better. They'll grow now like Jack's bean-stalk. They're crocuses an' snowdrops, an' these here is narcissuses," turning to another patch, "an here's daffydowndillys. Eh! they will be a sight."

He ran from one clearing to another.

"Tha' has done a lot o' work for such a little wench," he said, looking her over.

"I'm growing fatter," said Mary, "and I'm growing stronger. I used always to be tired. When I dig I'm not tired at all. I like to smell the earth when it's turned up."

*If you want to know more about growing things, meet us at the Garden Gate over at MaryJanesFarm

Plentiful Post

2008-04-23T10:06:00.000-07:00

I am such a lucky girl - not only did my organic heirloom vegetable seeds come today in the mail from the nice folks over at The Cottage Gardener, but so did my new Victoria magazine. Just reading the names of the veg make me happy - mammoth melting sugar pea, royal burgundy bean, small shining light watermelon, five-colour silverbeet, blue-podded pea... And this month's Victoria is the Blue&White issue - I peeked and saw a stunning layout of blue and white china!

Swoon

Finding Bliss in the Kitchen

2008-04-23T09:31:00.000-07:00

It's not too hard to find bliss in our kitchen. After renovating it this past winter, the kitchen is my favourite room in the house. I've always loved being in the kitchen and creating wonderful yummy things to share with my family (and for me to eat too!). I'm terrible at writing down recipes, I just jot down notes to myself that must seem like ancient Egyptian to anyone else looking at them! So I will spare you that ;) Instead, for this week's blog-a-thon post I'll post some pictures of yummy things that have come from my kitchen.

Strawberry Raspberry Pie

Tea Time! Kentish Rarebit and Lemon Scones with Clotted Cream and Jam

Hot Cross Buns

Italian Bread

If you're looking for bliss in the kitchen sashay on over to MaryjanesFarm and discover her aprons, organic food, bakeovers (yum!) and a whole forum full of Farmgirls and their recipes.

Eggstatic

2008-04-19T08:50:00.000-07:00

Lo and behold - An Egg!
No more threats of chicken dinners for these ladies-

Three Brown Hens

2008-04-17T18:39:00.000-07:00

My Three Rhode Island Red Pullets

Presenting the lovely ladies who have just taken up residence in the Palais de Poulets out back. They've been in the sun room for a week while we readied their abode. Introducing Hermione, the lightest coloured one- also a Miss Bossy Boots, Harriet who is the darkest brown of the three, and sadly Ron - who is reddish brown and is a tad.. er.. slow. I hate to speak ill of any of them, but I fed them a piece cucumber and instead of going for it, Ron started eating the pine shavings instead.

No eggs yet at twenty weeks old. Hurry up girls and earn your keep!

Heart of a Farmgirl

2008-04-13T17:55:00.000-07:00

What does being a Farmgirl mean? Gosh. Such an innocent title yet filled with so many meanings for different gals. For me it's blue wellies, brown hens, secret gardens, chocolate chip cookies, and just knowing when the peas are ready for picking. It's twirly skirts covered in practical aprons, and heads covered in hats with ribbons on them. It's old old houses, green, never-ending pastures, and maple sugar bushes steaming in snowy March.

But being a Farmgirl is so much more than that. I once saw a psychic (stay with me here, honest!) and she said something that stuck. She said I was 'salt of the earth'. I'd never really thought much about that expression, especially regarding myself so I did what I usually do, I looked it up. People who are 'salt of the earth' are people who are decent, dependable and unpretentious. And you know, that's what I think us Farmgirls are when you get deep down to it. We don't fall victim to the hurly burly of society tellin' us to do this and that. We just are what we are- and love it, pure and simple. If someone lined up all of us Farmgirls in a row, we'd be as different as day and night. One likes primitive art, one does barrel racing, and one crochets doilies but we are all there if we're needed and don't make a fuss about it. We're happy gettin' muddy, or pleased with just watching the birds in the trees. We all just know- without really knowing why- that we're all Farmgirls at heart.

I may live at an orchard now, but my heart always lies with the first farm in my life. The one that nurtured my Farmgirl heart. It's my Grandpa Alfie's farm. He was born in the house, and I'm sure that's where he'll spend the rest of his days. It's where I dug for treasure with a kitchen spoon in the old backyard midden and unearthed shards of blue and white china, it's where I used to explore endlessly and discover a thousand hidden nooks, it's where Pancake Day was in March at the Saloon in the sugar bush, and it's where I swung in the hayloft and ran from the bull's pen. It's given me a million happy memories that fill up my Farmgirl heart.

If you know you're a Farmgirl or have an inkling you might be, skip on over to MaryJanesFarm .
The tea kettle is always on for friends.
Want to join in the blog-a-thon fun? Hop on over to Tina's blog and check it out!

Practical and Pretty

2008-04-07T15:16:00.000-07:00

It was an apron of all things that started me back into the Farmgirl way of living. Oh, I can't deny that I've always been abit *ahem* old fashioned for my age (a ripe old 25, mind you) but after going to university and being stuck in the city for five years, my country girl was in hiding. There was no fresh air, and no birdsong, save for the seagulls and crows around the rubbish bins. There was a lot of concrete and not a lot of green space to laze about on or go tramping across. There was nowhere to get your hands dirty, or muck about in rubber boots.

Lucky me, I found a job in a little tiny village beside the river and found a little house with a big backyard where I could hang a hammock. Finally! The country began to seep back into my life and happily I dug out my neglected sewing machine, and found the first pattern I would sew in over a decade. Sense and Sensibility's Edwardian Apron pattern was the perfect topper to protect me from flour, dust, and whatever else I managed to get into in a good day puttering about.

It's been over two years since I made that apron, and it's falling apart now. Worn thin from washing and wearing. The bias trim is falling off, and one pocket is hanging on for dear life, but I've got another apron in the works now, though I doubt the old one will ever be completely retired. The new one's a pretty number with a full skirt from the early fifties. It'll be yellow with soft pink trim. I have a collection of half aprons too, that I mostly wear doing dishes or cooking, but none can compare to the older full apron styles of long ago. So pretty, and so practical.

If you want to sew your own apron, check out MaryJanesFarm, she's got some really cute patterns, or read her Ideabook or Stitching Room book. They have patterns you can just take to the copy shop and make your own!

Ps. That picture of me wearing my favourite yellow apron was taken on vacation! Yep, I take it with me everywhere. That's me at the Huckleberry Tent and Breakfast - another fantastic Farmgirl business!

FarmGirl Blog-A-Thon

2008-04-07T15:03:00.000-07:00

Are you a Farmgirl at heart?

Over the next month I'll have lots of posts up here ('bout time, eh?) because the girls over at MaryJane's Farm are running a Blog-A-Thon. We want to shout from the rooftops how much we love the farmgirl way of living, and we want everyone to know about the great lady herself, Mary Jane Butters, and her business- check her amazing farm out at www.maryjanesfarm.com

It was Mary Jane's Ideabook that showed me the way to an online community full of sweethearts that are always happy to lend an ear, or answer a question (from what to do with an escaping turkey, or how to grow potatoes in straw!). Check out the forums, buy the food, read the books - you'll love everything, and that's a genuine Farmgirl guarantee!

Tag - you're it!

2008-04-02T18:39:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged-

The rules are:
1. The rules of the game get posted at the beginning.
2. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
3. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

What I was doing 10 years ago:
I was at the World Championships for Odyssey of the Mind in Baltimore, MD.

Five things on my To Do List today:
1. Call the Volvo Club of America
2. Buy shoes for wedding
3. Take friends to airport
4. Finish brooder for chicks
5. Renew library books

Four things I would do if I were a billionaire:
1. Go green - everything organic, everything at home renewable energy
2. Donate lots to NaNoWriMo
3. Travel extensively
4. Buy a stone cottage in Cornwall, England

Three of my bad habits:
1. Reading into the wee hours
2. Eating cookies for breakfast
3. Reading loads of D/G!

Five places I have lived:
1. Fonthill, ON
2. Kelowna, BC
3. Vancouver, BC
4. Ancaster, ON
5. Fort Langley, BC

Five jobs I’ve had:
1. Museum curator (teeny tiny museum)
2. Museum Assistant
3. Gardener/House Helper to a sweet little old lady
4. Coffee re-opener (don't ask!)
5. Heritage Interpreter

Please feel free to be tagged!

Washing Day

2008-03-28T11:48:00.000-07:00

Meg's Wash Day Laundry Powder

1 cup Grated and whizzed up Laundry Soap (Sunlight bar)
1 cup Borax
1 cup Washing Soda
1/2 cup Baking Soda

Making your own laundry soap is so easy!

I just grate a bar of Sunlight soap and let it dry out for a few days, then whazz it up in a blender until fine and powdery. In a bowl, mix all the ingredients together and then put it into a pretty jar or container. I use 2tbsp per wash. That's it!

As an alternative to fabric softener I just add plain white vinegar to a 'downy' ball, and throw it in with the wash. Everything comes out clean, fresh and not overly fragranced.

Try it!

Spring Chicken.. House

2008-03-20T16:28:00.000-07:00

This spring I finally get to have my very own pets again.
Since the poor Fella's allergic to everything with fur, I set my sights on a few chickens instead! My step-dad's been busily hammering away and has built the most incredible 'Palais de Poulet' for them. I still have to paint it, but here are a couple work-in-progress pictures to peek at. At the moment the first occupants will be three very lucky Rhode Island Reds.

Wait til you see it whitewashed and with it's board and batton siding on,
oh mon dieu!

Happy Spring!

2008-03-20T16:14:00.001-07:00

A blooming bouquet of paper roses for my mum's birthday.

More Kitchen Pictures

2008-03-07T17:06:00.000-08:00

Here are a few more Kitchen Re-do pictures.

The Great Kitchen Re-do!

2008-03-07T16:34:00.000-08:00

This winter I have been a busy worker bee making my new kitchen pretty as a picture. A picture is worth a thousand words, so I'll let the Before and Afters show you what I've been up to!

This is what the kitchen looked like when we moved into Grandpa's old house.

We took out the table, and I painted the walls a pretty robin's egg blue, then painted out the trim and baseboards. The old rocker was my mum's first auction find when she was my age, the cookbook shelves are a couple of old pear crates, and I made an apron holder for my collection. The fella also welded the lampshade, and I covered it.

The main kitchen when we moved in.
It was very dark, so my priority was lightening it up - lots.

I painted out all the cupboard doors (over thirty of them!), sewed up a new curtain, and found an antique table at an auction to use as an island.

A lot can be done with a lick (or two!) of paint, and the only big costs in the re-do were the new soft vinyl floors, and the vent hood. The old floor had a great big scorch mark on it, and the old vent hood no longer worked so they were a must-do. I have to say that I am so very glad it's all done! It was a lot of work, but it was worth it. I may just never leave the kitchen again :)

Pretty Pocketbook

2008-02-27T07:56:00.000-08:00

Necessity really must be the mother of invention because I had to create this little wallet for myself the other day. My old one, bless it's heart, was falling to pieces and despite fruitless searching for a replacement I decided to make my own from my stash. Using the old wallet as a pattern ( I really did love it) I cut some fabric from an old sheet, installed my first zipper in years (thank you Sew Mama Sew easy zipper tutorial!) , pinned on a sparkly paste brooch and voila, brand new pretty pocketbook.

The old one.. sniff sniff

The new one.. so pretty!

Snow in the Night

2008-02-27T07:42:00.000-08:00

Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening

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

Cold Comfort Farm

2008-01-28T19:20:00.000-08:00

"There's always been Starkadders at Cold Comfort Farm."

I simply must write to let all and sundry know about this absolutely wonderful movie. I recently got it from the library (though I have seen it before!) and spent a wonderful evening laughing out loud at the screen.

This film is eccentric, witty, British humor in the charmingly idyllic 1930's Sussex countryside. Kate Beckinsale is my heroine as Flora Poste, who's aim is to experience life and then write a novel about it at the age of fifty-three. After her parents die, she moves in with her Great Aunt's mad family and fixes them all quite tidily. The characters are marvelous, from Ian McKellen's fire and brimstone preacher, to Sheila Burrell's Aunt Ada Doom who 'saw something nasty in the woodshed' (what that was has sadly been quite forgotten). Another favourite actor, Rufus Sewell (watch him in ShakespeaRe-Told: The Taming of the Shrew with Shirley Henderson. Excellent!) plays the highly sexed cousin Seth, who longs to be in the Talkies. Overall, it's a great parody of all the things the countryside ought to be.

Not only is the dialogue extremely diverting, but the costumes are brilliant. I wish I had a wardrobe full of Flora's clothes and hats.
Rated PG (mostly because of Seth..)

Homemade Holidays

2008-01-18T11:16:00.000-08:00

Christmas was a flurry of homemade items and I was busy all month baking and sewing away for my family. It was such a treat to be able to give each one such a unique gift to suit their own lives and personalities. I was inspired by the Homemade Holidays tutorials posted over at Sew, Mama, Sew. Since the holidays are officially over now I can finally post up my projects..

Here is my favourite knitting needle case I made for my mum.

Rolled Out (notice the bit of ribbon for tying in stitch markers.)

All Rolled Up.

Sew, Mama, Sew

2008-01-18T10:43:00.000-08:00

Craftsters amazing and easy Jordy Purse

The capacious tinyhappy shoulder bag (missing it's button in this picture, oops.)

The ultimate Sock Monkey (I actually made two for Christmas this year)

Jungle theme Coasters (shown without matching hotpad and placemats)

My first attempt at tea dyed stocking. Lace for me, red cuff for the fella.

Baking Baguettes

2008-01-03T18:16:00.000-08:00

"Without wishing in the slightest degree to disparage the skill and labour of breadmakers by trade, truth compels us to assert our conviction of the superior wholesomeness of bread made in our own homes."

- Elisa Acton, Modern Cookery for Private Families, 1845.

Inspired by a library book,
Joie de Vivre; Simple French Style for Everyday Living
by Robert Arbor I set about trying my hand at making baguettes. I've been baking bread for years, though mostly relying on my bread machine to do the kneading for me. This time though, I did it the old fashioned way and was pleasantly pleased with the result. Lovely crisp, crunchy, crust and dense interior - perfect for smothering with butter and honey. Yum!

The recipe I loosely based my bread on was the One-a-day Baguette over at Epicurious.com. Try it!

Winter Whites and Christmas Colours

2007-12-21T09:52:00.000-08:00

Winter blew in early this year and I couldn't be more pleased. One of the things I missed most about the West Coast was the lack of wintry days, well - never again!

I'm very happy to be a housewife this winter and have been puttering and decorating with my favourite vintage ornaments. Christmas greens have never been easier to get - just walk out the back with my clippers and a bushel basket.

Here's our little Balsam Fir all decked out for the holidays, just waiting to have brightly wrapped packages underneath.

Orchard House Farm

2007-12-21T09:20:00.000-08:00

Since November, the fella and I have been on a very great adventure; leaving our easy, breezy, and rainy, west coast village life and moving to the chilly, rolling, countryside of southern Ontario. We now live up above the Niagara Escarpment, in a pear orchard where my step-grandfather used to grow Bartletts, Anjous, and Boscs. They still grow here but are farmed by a local fruit producer instead.

The rest of the property around us is vineyard, rows upon rows of grapevine stretching from here to forever. I can't wait to see them leafy and dripping with shiny purple and green globes. There is lots of room for a good vegetable garden and the seed catalogues are ordered but right now, with a blanket of snow on the ground everything moves inside the little modest bungalow that seems huge to our old tiny yellow duplex.

Life in the country has a steep learning curve, our well is full of bacteria and our cistern needs a liner, the wood furnace is a hungry beast and we are rushing to find enough wood to keep it satisfied, the snowblower won't work and a blizzard roared in last weekend... There are days when we wished we lived in our nice cozy city apartment again, but most days we love the country side. The quiet, the views, the birds, the forest at the end of the dirt track..

Eureka!

2007-11-30T09:22:00.000-08:00

It's been a crazy month of highs and lows. Desperate writing sprees, lugging the laptop around constantly, word wars, relying on my little blue egg timer to get me through fifteen minutes of writing at a time, but I did it! This morning I passed that mystical 50 000 word mark and finished the first (very rough) draft of The Gilded West.

Today a novel, tomorrow the world!

Three cheers for everyone that participated and wrote their hearts out this month, and three cheers for the NaNoWriMo team for keeping the site and the challenge going!

The Pen is Mighter than...

2007-11-02T12:17:00.000-07:00

Everyone pick up your pens and flex those fingers, it's National Novel Writing Month time! That's right, you've got one month (that's 30 little days) to write a 50 000 word novel. But don't feel discouraged, it's not meant to be a work of art- it can be rambling, have plot holes, or maybe even characters that suddenly disappear- but it's a great first draft. And it's 50 000 more words than you would have written otherwise!

I had a good start yesterday and am up to 2600 words. I'll try to get a ticker up here so everyone can see my word count, but if it doesn't happen you can always check out my Profile over at the NaNo website.

This year's novel, The Gilded West, is a historical romance set in 1890's British Columbia. Victoria is packed with gold seekers headed for the Klondike and my two main characters get caught up in the excitement of it all. Love leads to heartbreak but will Mira and Declan get over their differences and find each other at the end of it all? I'm not sure yet but I'll let you know by the end of the month!

Good luck everyone and happy noveling!
We can do it!

A Good Clear-Out

2007-09-22T20:42:00.001-07:00

As we ready ourselves to make our big trek east at the end of October, a Moving Sale was in order. We don't really need all that stuff anyway, so we emptied out our cupboards and crawlspaces and put it all on display for our neighbours to nose through. No worries though, they were all very friendly and carted off lots of good junk! The rest is going to be packed off to the Salvation Army or Freecycled. Freecycle is a great organization that lets people help out other people. When we were younger (and poorer) and starting out, Freecycling led us to an office chair, a patio table, and a computer monitor- FREE. So hopefully, we'll be able to return the favour and help a few folks out around here.

It was pretty chilly at 7:30 this morning, so the big cosy knitted sweater came out of hiding, and was partnered with a fetching vintage apron - with pockets perfect for lots of change.

Fall Frocks

2007-09-18T17:17:00.000-07:00

Empty out your closets and find your prettiest gloves and hats, the ladies over at Sense and Sensibility forum have scheduled another Week in Feminine Dress from September 23 through to September 30. It's always great fun and a wonderful excuse to wear skirts and dresses all week long. The link is at the side, just go into S&S Message Boards and then the Off-Topic section. We all try to post our outfits everyday. Rumour has it we may even attempt a Week in Historical Dress within the next few months!

“I don't understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little - if only out of politeness. And then, you never know, maybe that's the day she has a date with destiny. And it's best to be as pretty as possible for destiny.” -Coco Chanel

Potatoes A-Plenty

2007-09-18T16:23:00.000-07:00

With Autumn arriving soon, I, along with gardeners all across the country, have been out in the crisp (and sometimes soggy) air harvesting the garden's plentiful produce. This past week it's been potatoes. Wonderful red, white, and purple beauties; a treasure hunt in every hill. With each dig of the fork I turn up miniature marvels and giant starchy wonders, and I am always amazed at how that little chunk of potato I planted so long ago in April has multiplied so much underneath the ground, hidden away from prying eyes. As a cook, I imagine the dirt covered lumps roasted beside a sizzling chicken, fried to a lovely golden colour beside a plateful of French toast and sausages, or serving as companion to the pale leek in my favourite soup. There is nothing better than fresh, organic, potatoes. Very easy and very rewarding.

Eating local and in season seems to be the hot topic in the media today. I've read a wonderful book this summer titled Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver, that follows one family's journey to accomplish this. There are numerous reasons to follow this path; it reduces carbon emissions, supports local farmers, cuts down on pesticide use, and is much healthier for you. But I don't grow and eat my potatoes because of those reasons, though I certainly agree with them. I do it because it's what people have always done for hundreds of years and it plain old feels right. A hot, steamy jacket potato with a dollop of sour cream and a pat of yellow butter on my plate when the wind blows chill, and the night creeps in early. Sounds just about right to me.

Way Back When ?

2007-08-08T18:35:00.002-07:00

Summer Days

2007-08-04T00:33:00.000-07:00

Mistress Mary, quite contrary,
How does your garden grow?
With silver bells, and cockle shells,
And pretty maids all in a row.

Knitting for Kneazles

2007-07-25T21:17:00.001-07:00

The past month I been knitting like mad to finish my Slytherin Scarf in time for the launch of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I made it just in time and wore it to the midnight party at Chapters. It's a great five and a half feet long and very cosy. The book was a very enjoyable read, though not my favourite of the series. The epilogue especially was rather disappointing. Nonetheless, I was very happy the neither of my two favourite characters died! I intend to do some more Harry Potter inspired knitting this winter, and am looking forward to getting Charmed Knits and trying out some of their patterns.

Sew Much Fun

2007-07-25T21:00:00.000-07:00

I've been busy sewing this summer and here are two of my new projects.

First the skirt is a half circle wrap-around skirt that I drafted myself using the wonderful book "Sew What! Skirts". The skirt is lovely, and perfect for twirling.

The top is one that I made for those hot hot hot summer days. I got the pattern at SewSimple.
There are no instructions but it goes together pretty well without them. I adore the back of this top, very unusual, but very pretty. And it took only a metre of fabric.

Crumbling

2007-07-17T22:51:00.000-07:00

With the bounty of berries in the house, I whipped up a Strawberry Raspberry Crumble to enjoy.

We should be picking blueberries soon!

Strawberry Social

2007-07-06T21:23:00.000-07:00

Summer's in full swing and the berries are ripe for the picking. We've been to the local U-Pick twice already and picked about 19 pounds of strawberries and 5 pounds of raspberries. I've been busy making the house favourite; strawberry banana jam and plan to freeze a whole bunch for later jamming. Other uses for our bountiful berries: Berries and Cream, Strawberry Shortcake, Berries with Scones, Berry Pancakes, Berries in Salads, and Berries in Pies, Crisps, Crumbles, and Slumps....

Strawberry fields forever.

The berries are soo very sweet. Here's what we picked on Wednesday, and we are already planning on going back for more. Yum!

Happy Canada Day, eh!

2007-07-01T21:46:00.000-07:00

Time to pull out your red and white, and paint maple leafs on your cheeks! I had a great but exhausting day at the fort as we had over 4000 people come and celebrate with us!
Here's one of my favourite Canadian quotes by artist Emily Carr...

"It is wonderful to feel the grandness of Canada in the raw, not because she is Canada but because she was something sublime that you were born into, some great rugged power that you are part of."

Flintlock Fun

2007-05-19T19:09:00.000-07:00

I've just got back from an amazing business (?!) trip. A co-worker and I went out to the island and Fort Rodd Hill to begin to learn about black powder musketry in order to start doing demos at our site sometime in the future. Fort Rodd Hill is an amazing site. It is truly stunning right where it is on the ocean, and such a fun atmosphere - definitely a great place to explore. If you ever get the chance, go visit!

Five years ago I would never have imagined all the neat things I have been so very fortunate to learn since I've become an intrepid Heritage Interpreter. Imagine me, a wee speck of a girlie- coopering, blacksmithing, and shooting black powder flintlock muskets!

In Love With Church Sales

2007-05-16T19:03:00.000-07:00

It is a well known fact that Church Rummage Sales are always the very best place to find things of quailty and good price. Since I have worked on weekends for the past few years it is practically impossible to steal away to one and find the treasures that are carefully laid out by the old church ladies. However! Last Saturday while I was walking to work I passed one of the oldest churches in the village and lo and behold the sale had just begun. I had ten minutes before I had to run up the hill to the site so I scooped up these little things for the house. Three 1930's picture frames (I much prefer the older ones, and am always on the look out for them) all for 1$, as well as a handful of vintage linens including three hankerchiefs, a lace doily, and two lace and embroidered cushion covers (perfect for the hammock) for 7$.

I wish I could have spent more time poking around, I didn't even get more than a glimpse at the pie table!

Dear Mama

2007-05-13T22:29:00.000-07:00

I have been so very fortunate in my life to have many "mamas". Kind, intelligent, hilarious, critical, loving women who have somehow put up with me with elegance and grace. But here is my very dearest, a-swirling and a-twirling in all gold silks.

Happy Mum's Day,
I promise to never be like Kitty or Lydia or even Mary!

Merry May Day!

2007-05-01T12:23:00.000-07:00

"Oh!" she cried out, "is it you—is it you?" And it did not seem at all queer to her that she spoke to him as if she were sure that he would understand and answer her.

He did answer. He twittered and chirped and hopped along the wall as if he were telling her all sorts of things. It seemed to Mistress Mary as if she understood him, too, though he was not speaking in words. It was as if he said:

"Good morning! Isn't the wind nice? Isn't the sun nice? Isn't everything nice? Let us both chirp and hop and twitter. Come on! Come on!"

- The Secret Garden

Diamond Sunbursts and Marble Halls

2007-04-27T21:41:00.000-07:00

"So give me pearls for our troth ring, Gilbert,"

Almost a year ago my fella proposed to me in the little park at the end of our street. He knows me so well - no bended knee, no giant rock from the jeweller's at the mall- I wanted something as unique as the two of us. So, wonderful man that he is, he let me search for my perfect ring. I always knew I wanted an antique piece and have been looking since last May for a ring that would suit. I found it on Ebay (of all places!) last December but it had to be paid for, sent here, and then sized. Sizing proved quite an issue since I have extremely slim fingers - size 4-4.25! and the jeweller was nervous, for the ring's six diamonds are all old mine cut diamonds and four are held in rather precariously. He worried that bending it so much might cause the diamonds to pop out and perhaps ruin the shape of the ring. He bravely decided to give it a-go though and we told him to take all the time he needed. Today the ring finally came home to me and is happily on my hand as I type. It goes back soon for it's proper appraisal, but for now, I can admire it to my heart's content.

The Ring:
No provenance came with the ring when purchased so it has been a bit of a trick to find out all there is to know. So far I can tell you that it is yellow gold and white gold (possibly platinum??) with a natural pearl in the centre. It has a stylised floral design which hints at Art Nouveau, and has six old mine cut diamonds (possibly 1880's?). There were worn hallmarks on the inside and the jeweller said that it might have English origins but it was very hard to distinguish. If anyone has any info on a ring similar to this I would love to hear about it! For now, the sleuthing continues...

And of course, to my dear Fella - thank you so very much. With or without diamonds, you will always be the centre of my happiness.

Back to Work

2007-04-19T21:24:00.000-07:00

Ladysmithin' today and boy, are my arms tired tonight.

Home A-bed

2007-04-13T19:09:00.000-07:00

I have had the very great misfortune to be stuck at home the past few days as I have caught the most horrendous head cold. (So horrendous in fact I am already on my second box of tissues within two days!) Today I have crawled from the comforts of the bed to the couch where I've been laying in a nest of fluffy duvet and watching old and not-so-old movies on the television as well as plenty of British real estate programs. So far I have watched "The Sixth Inn of Happiness", "The Quick and the Dead", "Much Ado about Nothing", and "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers". I don't know if my attention span will hold out much longer. Luckily, tonight I am saved from musicals and westerns as one of my favourite shows "Most Haunted" comes on soon.

Being home sick is no fun at all, is it? I feel guilty for not going into work, I can't concentrate enough to read anything - let alone focus on a crossword puzzle or something else equally engaging, between sneezes I notice all the housework that needs doing but have no desire to attempt it, and to top it off I am the world's worst napper. I'm sure a little sleep in the afternoon would help me mend but it'll never happen. The only time I can manage a nap is after an intercontinental flight - perhaps flying to France would help my stuffy nose? *grin*

In the picture you can see my little tea table fixed with a fresh pot of orange pekoe and a bowl of noodles for lunch, as well as my ever present box of tissues. A-choo!

Pretty Little Lettuces

2007-04-13T19:03:00.000-07:00

Lettuce seedlings sprouting quite happily in a make-do greenhouse.

Needlepoint Nirvana

2007-04-01T21:37:00.000-07:00

A Place to Hang One's Hat

2007-03-23T19:03:00.000-07:00

Empty..

Full!

I am a great lover of hats. I have always liked them, especially the twenties cloche style. They are a weakness of mine, I must confess, but for ages I had nowhere to properly store them. I had them packed away up in the office closet but up there they were often neglected as I'd dash out the front door without one perched on my head. That is now a thing of the past as the fella and I designed, and then he welded, a hat rack for me. With about twelve dollars worth of metal from the metal supermarket, my hat rack came to life. It is now happily hanging behind the front door displaying and keeping all my hats within easy reach.

Women's Work

2007-03-16T20:59:00.000-07:00

Today I came straight home from work and changed into my pyjamas as I am catching the cold that is going around here. So instead of posting a picture of my regular clothes, I'll post a few pictures of what I wear daily at work as a heritage interpreter.

Tunic Time

2007-03-15T21:29:00.000-07:00

It's day five of the Week in Feminine Dress and here is what I'm wearing today. After work, I changed into my long denim skirt and my flowy blue eyelet tunic. My head's a bit chopped because the camera was on timer as the fella is in Seattle today.

In Bad Taste

2007-03-14T23:01:00.000-07:00

According to my 1890's Lady's Book of Manners;

" A worsted dress on a warm day or a white one on a cold day or a light thin one on a windy day are all in bad taste.

Very fine or very delicate dresses worn in the street, or very highly ornamented clothes worn to church, are in bad taste. Very long dresses worn in muddy or dusty weather, even if long dresses are the fashion, are still in bad taste.

Deep and bright-coloured gloves are always in bad taste; very few persons are careful enough in selecting gloves.

Light shoes and dark dresses, white stockings and dark dresses, dark stockings and light dresses, are all in bad taste."

Striped Skirt and Blue Wellies

2007-03-14T22:44:00.000-07:00

Here I am on Day Four of the Week of Feminine Dress. The sun came out today briefly, but it was still chilly out in the back garden. I'm wearing my striped skirt, green checkered blouse, and mauve sweater overtop, along with my knee socks and my blue wellies that I got in Cornwall. Ignore the funny angle - I look kind of lumpy! Eep!

Polka Dots and Puffed Sleeves

2007-03-13T19:29:00.000-07:00

Here I am on day three of the Week of Feminine Dress pouring a cup of tea. (Ignore the dirty tea towels, they are in the wash now!) I'm wearing my new spring green linen knee length skirt I got in England, with my new puffed cap sleeve polka dot blouse. Over top I've got my black cardigan again, and the always warm black knee socks.

Pink Jumper

2007-03-13T15:26:00.000-07:00

Here's day two of my week in feminine dress. The digital camera still hadn't made it's way home so the picture is with the cellphone once again. I'm wearing my favourite hooded pink jumper with it's double row of buttons, a spring green long sleeve tee shirt underneath, a new black linen skirt with ribbon detail, and black knee socks.

Regency Dress

2007-03-13T15:14:00.000-07:00

Here is a better picture of the dress I wore on Sunday. This was taken at Christmastime and the hem wasn't finished yet, though you can hardly notice. The dress buttons up the back with three red buttons.

A Week of Feminine Dress

2007-03-11T15:27:00.000-07:00

Today starts off my Week in Feminine Dress (Spring). The idea began over at the Sensibility board where we all have obsessions (okay, maybe 'enthusiasm') for the beautiful dresses and skirts of the past. We all thought that if the women back then could do all manner of things in skirts and dresses why couldn't we? So for a week many of us decide to try wearing skirts or dresses while we go about our daily lives. And we post pictures to show what can be done! Past weeks we've seen ladies cooking, gardening, teaching, all manner of cleaning and much more that can be done in a skirt! Many women over on the board wear the feminine, modest clothing for religious reasons, but I just like the styles and how I feel when I'm 'dressed up'. It's the same feeling I get when I wear my good cloche hat, or my long edwardian walking coat. It just feels beautiful.

I'll post all my pictures here everyday so you can see what I'm up to! Here's today, though I had to snap it with my cell phone camera as the Fella is out today with our digital camera. I'm wearing a flannel petticoat, my blue plaid regency dress, and a fuzzy black cardigan.

A Glimpse of Spring

2007-03-06T17:27:00.000-08:00

"It was a lover and his lass
with a hey, and a ho, and a hey nonino,
That o'er green corn-field did pass,
In the spring time, the only pretty ring time,
When birds do sing hey ding a ding, ding;
Sweet lovers love the spring."

How to Become a Perfect Lady

2007-03-01T22:08:00.000-08:00

" A girl with neatly and properly dressed feet, with neat, well-fitting gloves, smoothly arranged hair, and a clean well-made dress, who walks well, and speaks well, and above all, acts politely and kindly, is a lady, and no wealth is required here."
- The Lady's Book of Manners. Kindly advice from the 1890s

Rainy Day Chocolate Chip Cookies

2007-02-25T17:07:00.000-08:00

Well, it's a rainy Sunday today so it was a perfect afternoon to bake our favourite cookies. These chocolate chip cookies are wonderfully soft and chewy and if someone didn't sneak dough out of the bowl to nibble on, the recipe makes about three dozen cookies.

Rainy Day Cookies

1 cup butter, softened
1 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/3 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2- 1 cup chocolate chips - depending on your sweet tooth

1. Preheat oven to 375F
2. Cream butter with brown and white sugars then add eggs and vanilla. Stir well.
3. Combine dry ingredients then add to creamed mixture. Beat well together.
4. Add chocolate chips and stir.
5. Drop dough by spoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet or silpat covered sheet. Bake at 375F for 10 minutes or until set and lightly brown.
6. Enjoy! Great with a glass of milk or a cup of tea.

Tomato Pin Cushions

2007-02-12T21:20:00.000-08:00

I have to share my heirloom tomato pincushions. The good ladies over at the Sensibility board posted up the link below and their pictures of their own lovely handmade cushions. They looked so sweet I just had to make one - or two! You'll find the instructions over at Martha Stewart . I made mine from some scraps of Souleiado fabric I picked up in France a few years ago, and some leftover green felt from Christmas projects. They went together very quickly, and within an hour or so I had both done.

Ancestors

2007-02-10T15:41:00.000-08:00

Austen

2007-02-10T15:40:00.000-08:00

Avebury

2007-02-10T15:37:00.000-08:00

There and Back Again

2007-02-10T14:59:00.000-08:00

Thursday evening I returned from one of my most grandest adventures to date - eighteen days wandering across England and exploring to my heart's content. It was amazing, brilliant, gorgeous, mystical, and in some respects, like coming home. I took loads of pictures and will post a few to tantalize and tempt. Over the next few weeks I'll post more about my adventures and answer intriguing, head-scratching questions like why my mum and I were searching for one of the Hidden Churches of Cornwall, why my first experience with BritishRail was quite shocking, and what in the world did I do when I spent all day in the V&A?

Though I loved every bit - well, perhaps not the part about losing my Mum in the massive Oxford Circus Top Shop- I'll list a few highlights.

Walking tour of Bath with the Mayor's Guide
Mad Max Tour to Lacock, Castle Combe, Avebury, and Stonehenge
York Minster (and tour with volunteer)
Victoria and Albert Museum
Chawton House
Tintagel
Betty's Tea Room, York
Trebah Garden, Cornwall

O! to be in England!

2007-01-22T12:32:00.000-08:00

In a matter of hours I will be flying across this great big wild country of mine and heading across the pond to England for the very first time. Stops include Bath, London, York, and my ancestral home of Cornwall. Looking very forward to it! Check back in three weeks time for pictures, stories and a jolly good time.

Cheers!

Investing for those Not Ashamed of Economy

2007-01-16T22:28:00.000-08:00

"They who never reserve a cent of their income, with which to meet any unforeseen calamity, 'pay too dear for the whistle,' whatever temporary benefits they derive from society. Self-denial, in proportion to the narrowness of your income, will eventually be the happiest and most respectable course for you and yours."
- The American Frugal Housewife, by Mrs. Child 1833

Today, having agreed with Mrs. Child most wholeheartedly, I have done something I encourage everyone to do, especially if you are young and starting out like I am. I have become ... an investor. I started an RRSP and am extremely cheery about it. Instead of working for my money, my money is now going to work for me! Over the next thirty or forty years it will grow and double and triple and do all sorts of wonderful things at very little inconvenience to myself. Imagine that. And the secret that will make me a millionaire - compound interest and putting a little aside every month. So simple isn't it? My favourite book that has taught me all I need to know about financial planning is by David Chilton called The Wealthy Barber. Easy to follow, clear, and sprinkled with cheesy Canadian humour (which I happen to like *grin*) it's a great primer, and makes the world of finances a lot less daunting.

Come on ladies (and gents), the sooner you start the better!

Homemaking Advice

2007-01-10T11:58:00.000-08:00

My dear Mama gave me a wonderfully fun present for Christmas this year; a book called The American Frugal Housewife - For those who are Not Ashamed of Economy. First published in 1828, it is filled with good advice for 19th century homemakers, from recipes to shopping to budgeting.

Colonial Christmas Feasting

2006-12-27T18:27:00.000-08:00

For our Christmas feast this year I made the brined turkey from the Williamsburg Holiday Fare Cookbook. It was delicious, very moist and tasty. The peanut soup is also great!

Buttonholes

2006-12-21T21:24:00.000-08:00

Tonight I sat by the Christmas tree, all twinkling and cheerful, and sewed buttonholes onto my Regency dress. I had already sewed the bright red buttons on the day before yesterday. The sounds of the Mormon Tabernacle choir accompanied every little stitch, thanks to a holiday broadcast on PBS. It felt rather grand having a soprano sing as I plied my needle.

I have never sewn buttonholes by hand before, so I turned to my Simplicity Sewing Book circa 1955 for instruction. It has every thing I could ever want to know about sewing laid out clearly and with plenty of diagrams. Now if I could only have an apron like the handsome lady on the cover has!

Tidying Up

2006-12-19T17:49:00.000-08:00

This afternoon I tidied up the living room, entryway, dining area, and kitchen. They needed it. I have been sewing the past couple of days at the table and as a result there were little blue threads everywhere - the kind that especially love to stick to the back of favourite knitted sweaters. I swept the worn kitchen linoleum, careful to get under the cupboards and into the corners, I laid out a clean linen tablecloth and arranged a vase full of holly on top of the pure white cloth, and I dusted with my fancy feather duster. I put away all the odd spools of thread, gloves, empty boxes, scissors, sweaters, etc. that had wandered away from their proper homes over the past few days and took the little vacuum for a stroll over the living room area rug.

After I finished all the work I'd set out for today, I made a cup of tea in my nice clean pot, glad that everything was once again in very good order.

Saucy Beret

2006-12-16T18:15:00.000-08:00

Winter Welcome

2006-12-16T18:02:00.000-08:00

Earlier this year I recklessly began 'The Primrose Way' blog, only to be sidetracked, leaving this poor blog alone and helpless. Perhaps this is a bit early since New Year's is still a few weeks away, but I resolve to continue this blog and keep it up faithfully. It has a brand new title, though it will keep the same web address, and will be devoted to all kinds of wonderful old fashioned things. O Happy Thought Indeed!

Anne with an 'e'

2006-04-08T22:36:00.000-07:00

"You know something, Diana? We are rich. We have sixteen years to our credit, and we both have wonderful imaginations. We should be as happy as queens. "

I am a firm believer in Anne. She is right when she says that we are rich. The world has an incredible array of wonders that can fulfill the spirit and mind, and I think that's why I've begun this blog.

As a young woman of the 21st century, I find I am unsatisfied not with myself, but with the society in which I live. I find myself in a world that is rushing to get the new, the shiny, the - for the most part- perfectly pointless. Happiness found in small simple things is seldom seen, and never talked about, and the knowledge and ways of the past are sadly neglected. I find myself yearning for those pasttimes recalled in books, and blundering along trying to learn them. It is not easy being a young lady in 2006, let alone a closet homekeeper.

Yes, my secret's out. If I could stay home full-time, I probably would. That's right, a university educated, scholarship winning , creative, personable young woman, choosing to stay at home. Quite unheard of in this day and age. It is a frustrating dilemma I find myself in. How can I explain that my home and my family are important to me? More important than escaping the house and earning that paycheck? In my view, a clean and beautiful home are a sign of respect to my guests, inviting them to return again soon; home baked bread, and warm wholesome meals are a joy to eat and much better for our health; colourful gardens bring smiles to everyone who sees them, and smells them!

My blog will be dedicated to talking about little homey things, things that enrich us, teach us, and help us see the world alittle rosier.

A little post

2006-04-08T22:27:00.000-07:00

Just alittle post to check the look of my new blog.
Cheers!