Beachside Homeschooling

 I'm super thankful to get to do what I love.  Best of both worlds, homeschool and nature education.  So fun! Most of these pics are friends' pics (thank you!).  Weather cold and rainy, but that didn't stop us from crabbing! 

Autumn

 Marvelous weather for a gorgeous fall day. 

As a bonus, we found a picnic table so we could enjoy the wedding we weren't invited to. I had a packed a charcuterie board.  Fancy snacks and a show.  Adrian was embarrassed. A fun memory however.  Here's Adrian and the wedding party. 

Thrifting

I haven't had many thrifted posts because we've shifted from being shoppers to being workers!  Every Friday afternoon, Audra runs the register at the thrift store. We often sneak in over the weekend to spend a couple of hours helping. This year we have let the thrift shop store their seasonal goods in the 2nd story of our garage, so we've been bringing things, tagging and organizing.   As a thank you, they often save little tidbit gifts to give to her/us. Audra is quite good at this work and she enjoys it.  I'm very proud of her! 

Sewing season!

 Finally sewing season!  When the garden is peak, I just don't get out my sewing. Things are slowing down, so sewing season commences! 

The rooster from a dishtowel is now on my hoodie.

Anna-Kate wanted Holly on a shirt.

Adrian found this too small kids shirt and had an idea. 

Audra has some dress alterations lined up for me to do next.  I love when the seasons change and the hobbies shift.  Love living where there are seasons. 

Thankful

 Know what I'm thankful for?  Friends.  When we first moved to Maine, my husband had several family members here.  They have all moved away.  We have no relatives unless we travel over many states.  I've been dealt some heavy blows as of late and BOTH of our family cars have been temperamental at best, or having an extended stay at the local auto shop, awaiting a turn to drain our bank account.  I've had friends who have whisked me away for grown up fun and friends who have supported our family with fun activities, transportation and offers to help.  So thankful for people who are so very kind to us.  Thank you <3.

Photo above of a lovely hike with friends and below of my crew clearly surviving at home without me. I love them so, but also enjoy a little time on my own too. 

Farm Life Hard

A foggy start was the foreshadow of what was to come of our day.  It ended up being a hard day on the farm.  Anyone who grew up on a farm can probably list a few of the very hard days that will forever be stuck in our mental archives. I sure can from my childhood. There are hard days in the city, hard days in the suburbs, hard days on a cruise ship, hard days here, there and everywhere. I wish we could escape the hard, but since we cannot, the hard I will choose will be the farm life.  The good still outweighs the hard. 

A bright spot was certainly her in her mama made dress. I love this pic of her and Copper.  He's such a goof.  He doesn't really enjoy other people, but he loves his family. 

County Fair 2024

 Late to the update, but the kids had another successful year at the fair.  As 4Hers, our time is so very packed with all our responsibilities.  They rise to the challenges and work so hard at the fair.  Highlight is Audra got best in show for her dress.

Their entries and ribbons, a job well done.

Beachcombing

 I'm back to leading groups for ocean education.  These are a few of our beachcombing friends.  To think, we get to do science midday at the ocean.  Definitely a homeschooling perk.

RIP Maple Tree

This tree was teeny when we first moved. I weeded, fed and tended this tree until it grew into a beautiful shade tree.  It got struck by lightning and since was not stable and growing towards our garage.  I'm very proud of my husband and son for taking it down. At least it's fire wood and not wasted. 

Seasons change

 

Most of the cows are gone for the winter now.  They'll be back come spring. 

We still have the horses, donkeys and two calves. It has been such a joy to have all this livestock here, for all of us. 

We still have tons of summer flowers.  I think I counted 9 bouquets in my house at this moment. So much still happening in the garden. I suppose I should do another post about the garden.

Girls are starting to do some fall crafts. I've been line drying our regular laundry and trying to do the curtains too.

(The yelling one is my dad, lol)

Now we're inside so much earlier.  It's almost time wood fire, board games and sewing machine seasons.  I just love living where there are seasons. The changing of each season is my favorite. 

September Maine Waters

 Does this girl think the Maine ocean waters are too cold in September? No. Not at all. 

In fact she loved it so, she proposed to the ocean.  "Will you marry me, ocean?"  

Road Closed

 We had the joy of having our road closed for a few glorious days. Surprisingly, there  were many people who ignored the sign and tried anyway, so Audra added to the signage. 

She enjoyed walking on the yellow line. 

Anna-Kate took full advantage and became a bike rider over the few days! She never was interested in biking before, but she's doing great now! 

I wouldn't mind it being closed longer. Adrian, on the other hand, is glad it's open again.  He's been spending weekday mornings since 2020 waving to the cars.  He's back at it now that the road is open again.