The Cottage on the Hill

Boy, am I glad for Hobby Farms magazine! They have an article this month about how to extend your growing season. They even have ways to extending it long enough so that you can have fresh lettuce and strawberries at Christmas! It would be nice to start earlier and have fresh produce longer. I'd love to do a cold frame. As of right now I'm pressure canning beets and beans. It looks like my garden will be pretty much finished even before the frost. It looks like this winter I'll be researching cold frames, staggered gardening (which I did a little of this year) and container gardening (since my tomatoes can't go in the garden next year due to blight.) I've failed at container gardening in the past. I think it's because I couldn't get the proper balance between drainage and watering. Either the containers would become water-logged and moldy or they'd dry out. I'm also still kicking around the idea of raising quail. The only problem is I want qu...

Hubby and I looked at dismal fields of corn and our own blight and rot problem in our garden and concluded that if we relied on local agriculture like in the old days, we'd be facing a famine. Regardless, it's pretty obvious that we're going to have a more difficult winter. Weather-beaten crops prevent us from building up our pantry and will drive up food and gas prices. Work has slowed because of the economy and the meager ag crops. On top of that, we've had a very autumn-like summer with lots of rain and cooler temperatures. So, really going into autumn won't be very much like a change of pace. Usually, we face a sunny, dry, hot summer and when autumn comes, we welcome the change. This year, there's really been no change. Moods are dim. Health is waning. People are crankier. Consequently, I'm brainstorming ways to keep things cheerful, especially Christmas. I'm also brainstorming ways to save and to gather what I can. Personally, I'd lik...

Here is my sun porch. I made that window seat by building a wood platform to sit on top of plastic totes of my seasonal and maternity clothing. Also, under the window seat is my rather large magazine collection. The desk belonged to my mother and is now my writing desk. To the right you'll see my sewing pile and sewing machine. Here is my kitchen. I took it at night, so it's a bit dim. At the far end of the counterspace I have garden produce piled up. When harvest comes in the kitchen gets busy. That white flat thing on the countertop is my dehydrator. There are herbs in it. Here is another view of my kitchen, my beloved hutch that I got on Craigslist for $70.00. The first basket on top is my fruit basket. It's housed up there when not in use. The other basket holds play dough. The top shelf hold part of my recipe book collection. The second, my teas, the third I like to keep clear for when I need a recipe book open. There is a glass cookie jar there. The ...

I saw these books at the Farmer's Museum in Cooperstown, NY. They're on my wish list now.

I am simply amazed at how much I get accomplished when I simply don't turn the computer on in the morning. I'm only on now because I finished so many tasks and am taking a much needed break. Break is over, though. Children are angry with each other.

August is always such a busy month for me with the harvest. It's nearly an every day process of picking and putting up. This is the month when all the local farms are open and offering all their delicious produce. I decided I'm going to finish up the regimental coat and not take on any more sewing until after the bulk of the harvest is in. It's just too much work at once.

For my birthday, my fantastic husband got me a gift certificate for "the works" at a local day spa. My appointment was yesterday. The children were quite happily babysat by Grandma and I spent 2 1/2 hours being pampered and becoming totally convinced that such luxeries are a necessary thing at times. First came the 1 hour massage. Bliss!! The LMT couldn't believe how tight my back, shoulders and jaw line were. "Do you do a lot of heavy lifting," she asked me. I have two toddlers....the answer is yes. She also could tell which shoulder I hang the diaper bag off of and guessed that my stress response is to grit my teeth/clench my jaw. It was so nice to just relax and listen to the water fountain and a nature music playing. The room was very private, dim and cozy, not at all institutional or ridiculously sexy (like how tanning booths and teenage girly hair salons are). I'm sold. The LMT has a private practice and I'm definately booking appointmen...

The cottage with the green awnings is sale pending now. So now I can stop day dreaming and put all my focus into Taigh Beag. I'm starting this week off with an attack plan that includes less time on the internet. I'll probably keep blogging as I feel inspired to, but I'll just spend less time browsing. First plan of attack is to clean the bathroom.

I'm glad I braved the rain and not knowing where the farm exactly was (and forgetting my map) to go pick currants. Turned out they were only $3.00 a quart (and the quarts were over-flowing quarts). I picked 4 quarts. I'm not sure I'm going to make jelly out of them. It seems such a waste. I'm probably going to dry most of them. 18th century recipes often use currants, including this yummy bread pudding recipe that's more like a sausage. They're also great in stuffings and with boiled salad (a cooked spinach recipe) and taste great with poultry, pork and rabbit. Use them instead of raisins in fresh salads, with yogurt, in apple pie, etc etc etc. This morning I canned the peaches I bought yesterday. A half a peck can make 8 pints of peaches. I used as light a syrup as possible. Not wanting to waste the skins, I made a delicious crumb-top pie out of them. I didn't use any sugar in the pie itself, but the crumb topping has about 1/2 a cup of sugar. E...

I think I've decided that my "intro to homeschooling" for my son and I is going to consist of art and lots of reading. I really felt comfortable with this idea this morning when I was faced with a pile of books my kiddos pulled out from the bookshelf. As my son and I were returning them to their proper places I was struck with the thought that I don't want to look back years from now and wish I read to my children more. I remembered that "The Well-Trained Mind" states that it's terribly important to read read read read and read some more to your children in the early years. I tried joining BookIt, but my son has to be 5. As for the art, this morning my son approached me during a time I was in frustration with something (can't remember what). He asked if he could paint and I was going to refuse him, but something made me ask, "paint what?" He said, "I want to paint turtles." Well, it was just so darn cute, it softened my hea...

I love a good bargain! I found a quart of sky blue paint in the "oops paint" section at Lowes today! It's original price was nearly $14.00, but I got it for $3.00. FIY, Home Depot tends to have cheaper "oops paints" than Lowes, but I happened to be in Lowes and found the perfect paint. I also stopped in Goodwill today. I needed a summery white blouse. Not only did I find that at 25% off in 100% cotton, but I found a lovely bias-cut 30's style toile dress at 25% off and magazine holders at $1.99. I have an ever-growing magazine collection that could use more holders. Well, my Dr. has concluded that I'm hypoglycemic. It's not bad hypoglycemia in that my blood sugar doesn't plummet to extreme levels, but my blood sugar does take quite a nose dive. I'm on a more specialized diet and encouraged to do more aerobics. Plus, I'm to prick my finger and take a blood sugar reading whenever I have that low blood sugar feeling. I was right, too. My imm...

With a growing family and the abundant blessing of dresses galore for my daughter, I am in need of closet space. Our enclosed porch has its own closet which holds our re-enacting clothing. Since re-enacting clothing is rarely used, I think it'll be wiser to purchase a couple of those portable closets and put them out in the shed. You know, those cedar-scented ones that the bugs don't get into. Then I can put the winter coats in the porch closet thus leaving more room in the nursery closet for daughter's expanding wardrobe!

I live across the street from an old one-room schoolhouse. My neighbor owns it and uses it for storage, but a lot of the stuff is still in there. He's been cleaning it out and let my husband know that if I wanted any of the old school books I was welcome to them. I came home with 4 or 5 milk-crates full of old school books, most dating from the 1920's to 1950's! They're not in the best of shape, some having been a little mouse-eaten and well-worn. I don't really mind, though. So long as they're readable. I did avoid taking books that are obviously outdated. There have been so many changes in the world and new discoveries in science that related books from so many years ago simply aren't a good resource now. Yesterday, I did more painting in the "school room." I'm in need of blue paint, so I'll be keeping an eye out on the "oops paints" at Home Depot and Lowes. I'm actually considering painting the cement floor. Hmmm...

I have two lists started in my mind that I will soon put down on paper. Firstly, I am putting together a list of things to stock up on for the winter months. I want to avoid stores as much as possible. Last year it seemed every time I went shopping, the kids would get sick and then I would. We're facing a lot of odd viruses and diseases this coming winter and we've been sick enough this year. I'm making full use of my pantry and hoping to get my freezer hooked up. I'm looking forward to hermiting. Secondly, I started thinking about things I could make for Christmas.

Out of curiousity, I e-mailed the realtor and asked what the taxes are on the property. She got back to me and asked if I wanted to see the property. I am so tempted to write back and say that I do, but I know it would be a waste of her time. I'd hate to take up her day just so I can see the property when I know I can't afford it. Besides, I'd just be torturing myself. If they have an open house, I'll go.

I just peeked out the basement window and the eastern sky is lavender from the sunset, a beautiful shade. It's been difficult for some time with illness after illness in the house, particularly mine. My dear daughter is getting over a viral bug that made sleeping for the occupants of Taigh Beag nearly impossible. I haven't had a good night's sleep in so long. I can't recall the last time I actually slept in my own bed! I usually end up on the floor next to the crib or on the sofa. Leave it to God to use difficult times for His purpose. Two nights ago was perhaps the most difficult, yet in the wee hours of the morning as I cried out to Him, He responded and I haven't been the same since. I am much more relaxed. I have more patience. I'm prioritizing better. And when I do fall asleep, it's a better sleep. God also let me know that this is just a passing phase. It's ok. Just ride it out and I'll be back on my usual schedule at a later date. ...

On the way home from my parents' house today I drove past that cottage with the green awnings. The neighbors have a beautiful black horse!! Perfect!! Also, the owner was home and working in his garage. I ALMOST stopped, but dear daughter was just drifting off to sleep. It would take a miracle of God to get us into that house, but I still believe in miracles. *sigh*

My sweet little girl has been ill lately with a fever, so I spent last night by her cribside. During this time of quiet darkness as I monitored her fever and listened to her breathing, between interruptions of whimpers and restlessness, I thought about all the neat things I'd like to do to fix up Taigh Beag. My main musing was smashing out the front patio and putting in a larger, sweeping brick one. But, I'd also rip up the arborvite in front of the master bedroom window and expand the patio over there with an arbor around it for privacy. As icing on that cake, I'd like to put on that patio a jacuzzi and replace the master bedroom window with a french door to the patio. Then, this afternoon I thought, "Why just an arbor....we could easily build a sunroom instead for year-round use and expansion of the master bedroom!! Of course, all this takes money which is pretty scarce these days. Still, it could be done if I just applied ourselves....a little sweat equity can...

Hubby keeps saying I should become a realtor. This house is about 2 miles from my parent's house (about 9 miles from my house) and it's for sale. It comes with over 5 acres of land, too! The price isn't bad (taxes are probably really high, though), but it's still more than we can afford. I'm keeping my eye on it, though. Perhaps it'll stay on the market long enough for hubby to get that new job he's working towards. All in God's timing and in His will. Still......if the realtor has an open house, I'm there! That sunroom on the side of the house looks like a perfect place for a homeschool room!

Do you live in a cottage or know of a cottage-related blog? If so, please share with me so I can add to my cottage blog roll. I learned today that brussel sprout leaves are edible. Most of the cooking suggestions I came across suggest that the leaves be prepared like collards. I'm going to try using them as a replacement for cabbage. Today, I plan on working on my compost heap. It needs to be weeded, some branches cleared to give the box more sunshine and it could stand a rotation. If I have time, I might harvest grape leaves to pickle and use for dolma. There's a lot of wild grape vines growing around here, though we've pulled out most of them because they didn't produce grapes. My Mission: Kitchen was a success! I better tidied the master bedroom this morning and changed out the vintage dress on the dress form to something more summery....a mint-green junior's school dress. Well, the sunshine is finally peeking out from behind the clouds and I don't wan...