Old Paths...

The days have drifted by, like a soft wind on a hazy afternoon. I look up and wonder, "where has the time gone?" Its swift, unwearying wings have quietly led us into a new month--Yet, I can't help but marvel at how time seems to stand still, here in the countryside.

Earlier this season I planted the seeds I had saved from last year, and to my delight, the heirloom pumpkins have been growing well. These seeds are local to our area, so they should be quite hardy!

Collecting straw for a handmade broom.
~
Each moment of joy is a gift. Gather and cherish those moments, so that one day you'll have a bundle of beautiful memories to look back on.
*~*

What I love about gardening is the variety of fresh veggies that are in season. We've had a nice crop of onions, garlic, & summer squash-- so now we're anticipating more cucumbers & tomatoes!

In the garden, on a clear day--Harvesting strawberries.

I'm currently freezing many of the berries for future preserves!

{An inspiring book: "All the places to Love" by Patricia MacLachlan.}

One of my favorite storybooks, this keepsake highlights the rural life of a close-knit family. The illustrations have brilliantly captured the wonders & adventures of everyday living through a child's perspective.

Observed the quiet landscape as we took an evening drive through the neighborhood..
~

On the 26th day of last month, it was my birthday, and my sister made a glorious cake!

3 layers with butter cream icing, fresh flowers & fruit from the garden!

~
Lazy Daisy Cake

4 eggs/2 cups sugar/ 2 tsp. vanilla

2 cups sifted flour/ 2 tsp. baking powder/ a half tsp. of salt

1 cup milk/4 TBsp butter
~

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine eggs, sugar & vanilla--stir until thick. Add sifted dry ingredients. Heat milk and butter to boiling point, then add to mixture. Bake in greased pans for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy!

I decided to spend time browsing through a local vintage shop.

While there, I ended up meeting a few neighbors--they greeted us by exclaiming, "You're the family who are always in the garden! I see y'all all the time!"

I love small towns :)
~

Upon arriving home, the sweet fragrance of climbing roses greet us at the gate.

One afternoon, I found my brother in the kitchen, making artisan bread.

I believe our animals enjoy the slow paced days as much as we do. :)

A hand-sewn dress. It turned out quite nice, and my sister finished it in an afternoon or two. Based off of the Butterick B4973 pattern, but with a modest neckline & added length to the hem.

Concord grapes...they're growing fast!

The 'volunteer' tomatoes seem to be a nice variety. My task now is to stake them up, as they've become quite tall!

Last year, when I was pruning off the flower heads, I decided to try something different.

I buried the flower heads nearby, to see if it would re-seed. Sure enough, many of our flowers came back this Spring because of those seeds!

On our way into town, my Mother wore fresh flowers in her hair.

As I weeded the pumpkin patch, I could hear my brother coming out of the woods. He made many trips though the high grass, hauling fresh pine mulch into the garden.

A beautiful plant came up unexpectedly--Can anyone identify the flower? It's quite fun to find 'mystery plants' in the garden!

One of our hens escaped up into a shade tree, and apparently thought herself very clever indeed. However, her proud cackling to the other chickens promptly gave her hiding spot away-- So back into the coop she went!

A thought: Life is a gift to be used every day. How glorious is it to be surrounded by nature's beauty, the simplicity of daily devotion to the Lord; to feel the true joy of contentment.
~

{My parents took an evening walk up to the garden}

~Collecting wild muscadine vines~
"...For the pastures of the wilderness do spring, for the tree beareth her fruit, the fig tree and the vine do yeild their strength." Joel 2:22

May the true harvest of my daily life, be a reflection of inner peace and light.

Every shelf in our home is different..often filled with vintage treasures that are certainly put to good use. How thrilling it is to read a book of poetry while you're waiting for the oven to warm! :)

For years we used our red wagon for yard work, but over time it has indeed become quite rusty and worn. So it's now resting in the herb garden :) Our cats think it's a perfect spot for naps...

Recently I was invited to a Ladies Tea, and gave a presentation on 19th century life. We were all gathered under the shade of a large oak tree; & quite a few ladies were in attendance. What a lovely time we had!

My dear readers, It has been way too long since my last post! I appreciate your patience, and I'm definitely going to begin posting much more regularly now-- I look forward to sharing more with you soon!