A Winter Walkabout

Erica and I took a long walk a few days ago. A thick snow has fallen over West Virginia, though the forecasted warm temperatures at the end of this week threatens to melt the accumulation. Anyway, there are a lot of picture included below. Some from on high, some from down low; some on the property and some off. Though snow complicates long distance travelers (especially those from the Deep South, myself included) it is incredible what one can see standing at some of the higher points of the property. With no leaves on the trees and with snow on the ground, pay special attention to the definition of each ridge. We saw eleven deer but didn't get any pictures, maybe next time. Quite special.

This picture, and the few following, are from the purview of Ron's hunting spot. The whitest spot below is the holler.

Still at Ron's spot looking North

Bigfoot?

There are four springs that run down into the holler. It's nice to know that mountain spring water does not always come in a plastic bottle.

 

 

For those with facial hair, or looking to grow some, beware of condensation.

This shows the creek (or crick) from the low-water bridge. 

Friar's Hill Road

More Meowers... or Not

Much like the Summer time, the cats have a propensity for sleep. Below are some recent pictures of the cats since the cold air of winter has settled in at the farm. Big Meowers (the white/black one) has spent a lot of time inside while Millie is in and out of the house. It looks like they have some company outside too!

 

 This is where it gets weird... Is that a cat in the compost pile?

 It looks like it has a friend...

 

I had heard that the rodent carcasses that both meowers have been leaving around the house were being cleaned up by a couple of possums. Now there's proof.

Jams, Jellies, Spreads, Butters and Conserves

Tis the season to make some delicious treats for my friends and family. This is my first time making jams and such. It is much simpler than I expected. I have found several recipes that I am dying to make, but for now I must limit myself to four. First was the Brown Sugar-Vanilla Banana Butter, next was the Spiced Blueberry Jam, tomorrow we will be making the White Chocolate and Raspberry Spread, and the final one will be a Nutmeg-Apple Conserve. Yum! 

 

 

Winter Wonder in the Wood

The leaves have fallen and the temperature continues to plummet. Winter is almost here! Here on the farm we go out far less but when we do we remember to bundle up. It appears our winter may be as wet as our summer. With the many rain showers and snow fall we have had trouble crossing the low-water bridge. We must be careful not to get caught in the flash floods, they can be fatal. A few times we have been flooded in which makes it hard for expected company and keeping appointments. Good thing we keep the cupboards stocked at all times. Here is a look at the end of autumn and beginning of winter.

                                     
                                     
                                     
                                     
                                      

All Moved In and Decorated

     We are officially all moved in!  The finishing touches have been put on the house and now we are just settling in and enjoying the beautiful craftsmanship. A few weeks ago Linda began to decorate for Thanksgiving. She is looking forward to hosting her first holiday in the new home. We are looking forward to many years of hosting friends and family on the farm.

     The dinning room table was made by my sister and, her friend and fellow artist, Forrest. In keeping with the look of the table, Linda and I cut, sanded, and screwed together the benches. I was so proud of myself for learning to use a circular saw for the first time. No worries, I still have all my fingers and toes. I also made the chalk board, cork board, and coat rack in the entry way. I am just a regular DIY kind of gal!

     I know my father would be proud of what my mother has accomplished on the farm. This house was something they dreamed of doing together, but as you know life doesn't always work out the way we had planned. As she continues to forge a new path into the future she never forgets the loved ones that will live on in her heart .

Enjoy a few pictures of what are cozy home looks like inside and have a Happy Thanksgiving.