It Won't be Long...

Lacy Lou and Hazel in the middle of some serious " girl talk ". 

 You know it's coming. I know it's coming. The plants know it's coming and, the " girls " know it's coming too! It won't be long before the first frost sneaks up on us and puts the garden to sleep for good!

But would ya look at that nasturtium blossom? Hand painted by God HIM self! So delicate. So PERFECT!I discovered it today while doing my chicken keeping chores.

 The  nasturtium vines are still quite awake and climbing up the outside of the coop. Look what else I found!

When I opened the door to grab the feeder I saw this! I think I heard it say, " hey, do ya think I'll be safe in here for the winter?" While this plant is still wide awake and thriving, the rest of the garden is definitely beginning to get droopy eyed.

The Oak Leaf Hydrangeas leaves were burning bright in the mid-day sun. It's leaves turning from every shade of purple to bright red while the blossoms have take on a faded tea stained color. 

Summer Blossoms

 

I'll admit, it's a little hard getting into the Christmas decorating spirit when things still look so Fall-like around here.

The sun was shining straight through the tall ornamental grasses causing the blades to look a bright lemon yellow. 

The Sink Garden is at a stand still until next spring, but I love how it looks through all seasons.

 The Endless Summer Hydrangea blossoms have faded to a soft lavender.

And the once pink and white Clematis has morphed into a feathery cotton ball.

The tree squirrels have been busy building their nests high in the trees. No doubt where they'll be " squirreling away"  the bird seed they steel from our bird feeders. ( rascals ) They are quite busy all winter long here in New England.

How beautifully leaves grow old.  How full of light and color are their last days.  ~John Burroughs

Most of the leaves in our yard have fallen to the ground and been raked away. I suppose at some point, I WILL have to say so long to Fall... Oh well, there's always next year!
Besides, it's not officially Winter until December, 22 ND!  So there!

I'm linking to Tootsies Fertilizer Friday !

Hot Spiced Cider

 

 As the coming days begin to cool, what could be better than the scent of hot spiced wine or cider drifting through the house on a winter day? Today I'm sharing our family recipe.

BOZ GLOG 

1 quart apple cider

2 cups cranberry juice or ( any fruit juice )

1 navel orange ( or 2-3 clementines ) sliced

4 -5 heaping Tablespoons of  Mulling spice

Small piece of cheese cloth for mulling spices.

Wrap spices in cheese cloth and add it to your cider mix.

Once you've added all of the ingredients to your crock pot set it to the highest setting for the first few hours, then lower the temp and let it simmer for the rest of the day.

 *You can also substitute Cinnamon sticks for mulling spices in a pinch!

Start a batch in the crock pot ( or  large sauce pan ) early in the morning. By noon time you'll have something to sip that'll take the chill off your bones and warm you to your toes!

Perfect for an " at home " family day or any holiday celebration!  

 Yummy!
Linking to the Barn Hop today!

 

Light Reading

In anticipation of the coming shorter days ahead ( until Winter Solstice ) I decided to add some much needed light in some of our rooms. The right type of lighting can make such a difference in how a room feels and functions.

 

 The Master was long over due for proper bedside light.

Who doesn't enjoy reading in bed?

Oil rubbed bronze swing arm lamp

I've had my heart set on a pair of swing arm lamps for over the bed and was determined to  have them up and operational before we turned the clocks back this year. I'm a bargain hunter so I was thrilled to find this pair for 39.00 each at Lowe's. 

 

I've got a special BOZ SCENE selected to tuck in between the lamps!

Most of the new lighting is functional like this long track lighting we installed in our hallway. It measures out at about 8 feet long with 5 lamps and it's on a dimmer so we can control the brightness level.

 

It took two tries to find the right fixture for this hallway because there are three doors that open and close many times a day so the doors needed to be able to clear the fixtures. This one is just right for the space and allows us to light up our favorite art work!

Functional lighting is important but so is creating a warm and romantic atmosphere

Have you tried the battery operated candles? I love them! They feel and smell  just like the real thing.

 

My hubby got me several of them for Christmas last year and we used them all winter ( great when the power goes out ) and they are still burning strong!

I especially like how I can sit them on top of anything without worrying about candle wax dripping.

They're perfect for entertaining and as a NIGHT LIGHT just in case someone falls a sleep doing some "  light reading "  before I come to bed! 

 

Saturday Scenes with Boz

" Weathered "

A Saturday Scene for your enjoyment~ with Boz
Thanks for looking!
Boz

Farmgirl Friday # 34

 

I told you we would hop tonight and hop we will! Welcome to Farmgirl Friday blog hop # 34!

Roll out those left overs farmgirls and what ever else you've got up your sleeve's, even if it's spilled gravy! It's time to link up to your favorite hop of the week and see what your fellow farmgirl bloggers  are up to their elbows in!

 Here are the rules for the Farmgirl Friday blog hop!

1.) Write a post about your farmgirl lifestyle and brag a little about your farmgirl talents while your at it! Share what being a farmgirl means to you. Include lots of photos of your farm, crafts, animals, quilts, home decor projects and thrifty make overs, your backyard garden, chicken coop, recipes, studio or workshop. You get the idea!

2). Leave your entry in the Mr. Linky space to your Farmgirl Friday post.

3). Please include the Farmgirl Friday button ( or link back here ) in your post and remember to share this hop with all of your blogging friends!

We had a great day. I''m stuffed.. and ready for my P.J's! 

I hope your day was " filling " too! ( with all good things )

 

Thanksgiving Wishes

 Happy Thanksgiving friends! Among the many things I am grateful for this year are you, my fellow blogging sisters! I'm wishing you a wonderful holiday with your friends and family!  Now, hop on over to my MJF farmgirl BEACH  blog to find out what I'm " Stuffed to the Gills " with this turkey day!

Saturday Scenes with Boz

                                                                " Rooted "

A Saturday Scene for your enjoyment ~ with Boz
Happy Thanksgiving friends! 
Boz

Farmgirl Friday # 33 and Happy Birthday!

 

  It's hard to believe Thanksgiving is just around the corner! Are you ready?

You've been busy farmgirl bloggers. I've been enjoying your blog hops, decorating ideas and DREAM BIG ideas too!

Another thing that's hard to believe is the fact that today is my 50TH birthday! Yup, I'm that old, but still so very young at heart! The first thing I must address is how to get rid of the blogger bulge that has settled around my middle! I know, they say it's normal to spread out " at my age " and that might be true, but I'm gonna fight it anyway!  I'm not about to give up visiting with you, so today it began... My first steps ( walk ) to a healthier, slimmer me! Then, a trip to the Chiropractor, and my favorite bakery! What? I walked didn't I? LOL!!!

Thanks for being the icing on the cake ( oh, I love cake) of my life dear blogging friends! 

Now, on with the hop! 

                               Here are the rules for the Farmgirl Friday blog hop!

1.) Write a post about your farmgirl lifestyle and brag a little about your farmgirl talents while your at it! Share what being a farmgirl means to you. Include lots of photos of your farm, crafts, animals, quilts, home decor projects and thrifty make overs, your backyard garden, chicken coop, recipes, studio or workshop. You get the idea!

2). Leave your entry in the Mr. Linky space to your Farmgirl Friday post.

3). Please include the Farmgirl Friday button ( or link back here ) in your post and remember to share this hop with all of your blogging friends!

Oh, I'll still be hosting Farmgirl Friday next week... I don't want to miss any of your day after Thanksgiving left over recipes! Yum!

 

Autumn Pickets and Everyday Beauty

 

  Picket fences aren't just a " summer thing " when they're draped in climbing roses, or standing tall behind cottage flowers. They can steal the show in Autumn too! Come see what I mean! 

 

Late blooming Knock Out Roses extend through out summer until the first frost, but, look behind the fence in the shadows. Ornamental grasses are fully feathered, a sure sign of late Fall. 

Montauk Daisies breaking through the fence

I love pickets as a small section at a driveway entrance or surrounding an entire yard.

A picket gate is the perfect compliment to your picket fence.

And yes, while there is nothing quite as charming and romantic as roses and pickets together,

there is something inviting and warm about a picket fence in late Autumn with golden leaves snuggled up against it and fiery red leaves shouting out as if to say, hey, look at me, I'm still beautiful!

We are surrounded by beauty both natural and man made every day! Keep your eyes and heart open, so you don't miss it!

Do you have a favorite image from this post? Mine is the top photo!


These images will be added to our Dandelion House Note Card Picket Fence Collection!