The Farm - New Foals

This time of year reminds me of "foaling time" - when spring arrived and the mares would begin to give birth. My Dad was always concerned that "his girls" might have trouble with the birth of their foals (foal is the generic term for either boys or girls). So, for some years, he would sleep out with the mares when they were close to foaling; and I would get to join him sometimes out in the barn - sleeping in the stall with the mare. It's a wonderful thing to see a newborn foal try to stand for the first time, wobbling while trying to find where to nurse. My Dad would always place his hand over the foal's muzzle as quickly as possible, so that it would relate his smell to it's mother's - and then be easier to train when older. The first awkward attempts to run and kick - while still not having full control of their long legs - was a sight to see. Spring is a time of renewal and rebirth - and our childhood memories can enhance that feeling each year. Hope you can take the time to feel some of that "renewal" soon. Wendy's husband.

The Farm - Winter Breakfast

Hi - I'm Wendy's husband (that's how I identify myself when meeting people she knows) - because it's just easier. She's the more outgoing partner in our marriage.

I grew up on an 80 acre horse farm in Spokane, Washington and it was such a wonderful experience - full of so many "stories" - that I asked her if I could share some on her blog.

We had a little bit of snow today here in Gig Harbor; and it reminded me of winters on the farm, and a particular breakfast my Mom made me.

My Mom was an old fashion cook. Full farm breakfast, clean up those dishes and then immediately start on lunch. After lunch dishes, on to dinner preparation. And we are talking multiple offerings of dishes at each meal. And my Mom was, and is an outstanding cook.

But this one morning, I remember it was a more simple breakfast.

It was cold and had snowed; and Mom had baked homemade bread the previous day. She offered to make hot cocoa for me and I immediately agreed. Because this wasn't the out of the box cocoa mix that you added water. This was from the Hershey's Cocoa tin, with milk - heated and blended in a saucepan over the stove. And this was during a time that we still would buy raw milk from the farmers (remember the huge glass gallon jars with the white tin lids - we would seal ours tight with wax paper). So, as it would heat - a "skin" of milk would rise to the top that she would remove before pouring it to drink.

I cut a big slice of homemade bread (probably bigger than I should have because I had trouble
getting it in the toaster) and once toasted - slathered margarine over it. Yes, not butter - because I grew up thinking margarine was butter. And to this day, there are certain dishes that I prefer the taste of margarine over butter - because my memories of that dish associate with the margarine flavor.

Then, I began to dip the bread in the hot cocoa and eat it that way. I had obviously put too much margarine on the bread, because I looked down and saw that I had a bit pad of butter floating on the top of my cocoa. And I would like to think that added to the flavor of the hot cocoa. But what a breakfast; and what a memory! The sounds, smells and flavors of childhood trigger such wonderful memories - and this is one of the most memorable breakfasts I can remember.

Thanks for allowing me to share this memory, and I hope to offer a few more stories as time goes on.

Wendy's husband

This black suitcase has the most beautiful deep green inside. The black tin cash boxes are always fun to collect and the two pics are the raised kind. Really cool in flower patterns. That's an old blanket in there too!!

Beautiful old platter, blueish sap can, a couple of perfume bottles and a pin cushion, how sweet!!

SPRING HAS SPRUNG

SPRING HAS SPRUNG and I'm digging like a mad women in my flower garden. All kinds of flowers are sprouting including my many clematis. Daffodils are blooming and the tulips are poking their heads out of the soil. I got so excited I worked for a whole day straight and couldn't stand up straight the next day. Oh well.

I took some pics of my booth at TODAY'S COUNTRY STORE. Lot's of fun and beautiful things for sale.

Take a look and HAPPY DIGGING!!!!!!

SANTA COMES TO SUMNER

Wow, Santa came to see me at Today's Country Store. What a guy!!! Thanks Santa

Join us at the store on Friday, Dec. 4th for late night shoppin at the store.

A BIG THANKS

Thanks to all of you who attended our 4th annual GIRLFRIENDS MARKET at Heritage Hall
We had a wondeful group of shoppers both Friday night and Saturday. Thank you all for attending.

Thanks to all of our special vendors who came, got set up in record time and had some of the most beautiful display's we've ever had.

See ya soon girlfriends!!!!!

COLD FRONT A COMMIN!!!! BRRRRRR!!!

Get out the skates, it's time for GIRLFRIENDS MARKET

NOV. 13th & 14th

See details below.

ANTIQUES & VINTAGE WARE
FOOD AND FUN FOR EVERYONE!!!!!

Right around the corner

Out with the orange and in with the red and green, or pink and french blue