Thirfted

'Twas a good week for thrifting.

Glue gun with multiple packs of glue sticks.  Blue striped pottery (which I love), two patterns, big spool of cotton thread, a quilting ruler and some denim fabric. $9.00

Vintage embroidered table cloth, Lands End pjpants, Bernd Heinrich book (VT nature author, I'm a fan!), cast iron pan, vintage game.  $10. 

Fire in/Fire out

Today I cooked a turkey dinner on our wood cookstove. 

While the kids built an outdoor fire.

They ended up eating their dinner by the fire after dark.  Smores followed. 

Full bellies, they were quick to fall asleep after books tonight.  A good day.

Homemakers

Nearly 2 decades ago we moved to a town where we knew no one.  How is one to meet people? Hard, unless you're the bar going type (which I'm not). I'm more a definitely not driving after dark-pajamas by 6pm-DIY-raise it-grow it-dig in the dirt type.  I had a vision of a little group of women with similar interests helping one another out. A certain naysayer asserted that there were not others like me around these parts.  Pft. Didn't believe that for a minute. Fast forward to 2024, we have a thriving Modern Day Homemaker club built of women with similar interests.  We have a thriving calendar for 2024, which we started with the fabulous Rachel showing us her sour dough ways (thank you!). I did sour dough when I was not yet married and have been keeping starter going for the last year and a half. I've done a lot of things with sour dough, but I'd still call myself a beginner. I aim for 2024 to graduate myself from a beginner with sour dough to a novice.  I smell my starter growing now.  I'm planning for baked goodness this week!  And psst... If you're local and want to join, you can!  Do you wish you had a group like ours in your area?  Start it!  It's totally worth it.

XC Ski

There have been many layers of stressors as of late and I'm so thankful the conditions are ideal for cross country skiing. A great way for me to have a mental break. I really enjoy winter, especially when we have a good blanket of snow. Both dogs go with me, but Holly is the one who sticks with me. Every chance I can get out here alone, I go.  

A bonus when I catch the train (can you see it below).

Zippy.

 Just a few shots of how we love Zippy so. The stray that showed up and decided to stay. He's not the most photogenic cat, but his personality is the sweetest.  

Stitiching

Although the plan of the day was not sewing, we did indeed sew.  Audra made 3 reversible bags.

Then she started draw stringed bags, which I finished. 

January Self Care

 January self care...

 Cozy up the home. 

Make a lot of good food.

Get outside. I just love long walks.

Make time for books and handwork.  

I'm thankful to reminded by a sweet gesture from our church that I'm not alone.