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Friday, June 21, 2013

A SUMMER PLACE


Hello dear friends!   Happy first day of summer!  It's really a glorious day here, sunny and warm.  A rarity this year.   We were still wearing our winter coats and the beginning of this month.  As a result the garden is quite a bit behind schedule, but when plants bloom, they really bloom.   The tulips were abundant this year.  I don't remember planting that many.   And the roses have thousands of buds on them.  Can't wait to show you my New Dawns on the arbor.  Hopefully in a couple of weeks.  BTW, that yellow plant is woad.  An herb that is used in dying fabric indigo.  I experimented with it last year and dyed some wool the prettiest shade of pale blue.  Can't wait to have another go at it this year.
This is our latest project.   We enclosed our porch, using some old beveled diamond paned windows.  The first picture is a view from inside.  It's time like this, that I wish I was a better photographer so that I could truly capture how magical the light reflects from all those bevels.  But alas, a photographer I am not.  Am I the only one that uses the word "alas"?   Yesterday, I went to the butchers for some bacon to make beans for a neighbor and asked for four rashers and she didn't have any idea what I was talking about.   Maybe my purpose in life is to keep funny old words in circulation?  I use the word "shan't " a lot too.   Wouldn't it be fun to be one of those old ladies with a bun and an apron using old archaic expressions?   Of course, I'm in no hurry to be an old lady, perhaps in another quarter of a century.

Speaking of characters, this little village is teeming with them.  We have a resident witch, whom I sure frightens small tourists.   She goes about in a long black woolen coat, winter and summer, and wears a black veil over face.  Surely, she's quite cracker dogs but we are all used to her and no one bats an eye when we spot her.  But we notice quite a few tourists doing a double take when she passes by.  She seems quite oblivious to it all and quite content.  That's the beauty of living in a village, we all accept each other's  idiosyncrasies (Whew! there's a word to spell).

About a month ago my husband was out for his morning walk  when he passed the church with a hearse parked out front.  Mr, K., the undertaker, was sitting  on the steps strumming his fingers and giving Ran a good hard stare.  Ran nodded his headed and said good morning as is required, lest anyone think you are a snob.  Mr K., sprung into action, "Would you mind giving me a hand?".   Seems the casket was too heavy for him and his assistant, both nearing their eighties, to handle.  Ran had to laugh.   You see, when he was in high school, he had a job doing this very thing.  "Oh you've had experience? Then take this end!  (the heaviest)" .  So Ran became an accidental pallbearer.  And that is what life is like in a small village.  By the way, Mr K. runs a funeral home/ riding stables.  My friends from the big city find that quite humorous.  As they do, that our police station has an answering machine.  If you have a "real" emergency. you know to call the county sheriff, as it might take several days for the village police to get around to checking their messages.

When in evening, ye say, it will be fair weather.  For the sky is red.  In the morning, it will be fould weather; for the sky is red and lowering.
~Matthew 16:2-3~

Growing up in a little port town, with a father that sailed for his daily bread, I was familiar with the saying, " Red sky at night, sailor's delight.  Red sky in morning, sailors take warning."   There's so much wisdom to be gleaned from the Bible.  Even if you are not a Christian, who can argue with the wisdom of  Proverbs?   I have a lot of friends that love to read self-help books, but if you ask me, there's really only one Book of life's instructions you really need and that's the Bible.   For instance, I was wondering what type of oil to use for cooking, there's so much conflicting information.  I remember when coconut oil was thought to be the worst oil ever, now everyone is touting it as some type of miracle food.  It's all so confusing, but then I thought that olive oil is Biblical,  good enough to use to anoint people with, so that is what I use.   And as for diet, who can forget that Daniel refused the king rich food, for simple vegetables to build up his men?   Who would think that the Bible was a diet book?   So anyway, that was one thing that has been on mind. 

Sorry there's not much information in this post.  And I'm sorry for the heggotty-peggotty  layout.   It's been so long since I've posted, that I've quite forgotten how to do it.  But I do hope that you will stop by and say hello!


53 comments:

  1. Alas and alack- I miss your posts! Angela

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    1. Alas, I'd be amiss if I didn't write that I missed hearing from you Angela! Sorry I haven't posted such drivel in a while. Perchance in another fortnight, I will post another!

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    2. Ooooh very good you clever girl! I bet you have read more than your share of 18th century British novels, too. Oh and I lurve your windows! Probably a pain to clean but so worth it!

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    3. I was weaned upon the Mistresses Bronte and and the winsome Miss Austen. This quite fun! What has happened to the English language? I find myself using slang word such as "cool" and "awesome" far too much. Yes, I have a feeling those windows will not be cleaned very often. By the by, I love your picture. It is so nice to see you!

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    4. By the by, Angela, I want to say that it's lovely to be able to see you! Love your picture!

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  2. I have enjoyed the glimpse into your lovely village Jane. Here in this small rural town, we have our own characters that make our days interesting to say the least ;D I have missed your writings my friend.

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    1. Isn't it fun, Maria? It saddens me, when I think of all the wasted years spent living in a big city, where the neighbors were very unfriendly and distant. We look out for each other here. Another blessing that I am so grateful to God for! I wouldn't trade it for a mansion made of marble!

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  3. Thanks Teri! Our policeman patrols the streets very well on the night before garbage day because he also picks up all the scrap metal. We always laugh that there will never be a crime committed on Sunday night! Today is Venetian night here. We have Bocce ball tournaments at the park and the the local boat owners decorate their boats and parade them along the shore. Our local crooner sings Sinatra at the pizza parlor. He's really quite good! I know it all sounds so fairy tale-ish and sometimes it actually feels that way to us too!

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  4. Hello! Love all your garden pictures, and I really love the doors, is that a red or a salmon color? I have been itching to paint my doors a color as well, as soon as I can decide which color. :) I too love old expressions, my grandma is a fount of old expressions, my favorite- "no bigger that a penny with a hole in the middle", also she would say get a purchase on it, instead of get a hold on it, and as a child if she told us no to something, and we asked why, she might say "because I have a bone in my knee" which would always throw us for a loop. I will love carrying on these phrases with my own grand kids one day. :) I love small town life as well, your town sounds wonderful, the stuff of my favorite types of books! I hope to one day visit some of the smaller towns on the other side of the country. :) I had no idea that red at night sailor's delight was in the bible, I grew up hearing that expression as well, I love when I learn stuff like that, and I share your same opinions about olive oil! Wonderful post!

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    1. Bone in the knee? Guess that's true! The door is painted Nantucket red which is a faded red (what's faded red? pink!) The contractors like to tease my husband about his pink door. They're all old bachelors, so they like to tell him he wouldn't have a pink door if he was baching it like them. I know that the saying always holds true. I've been going by it for decades, but I never knew it was in the Bible either until recently. That explains its accuracy.

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  5. Oh! The beveled windows are so pretty! And the flower box and the wreath on the door. Very good taste. I love your town..ha..the undertaker...the black coat and veil!

    Your flowers are so pretty. I love the red sky in the morning saying...I do think it puts me in an old-time mood...sailing on the sea would be so nice, I've never done anything past a canoe!

    True about coconut oil!

    I think the Bible is where it all is at! We have strayed from that way of life and we need to go back.

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    1. I agree Andrea! It's so easy to backslide, even as a Christian. Where did all these self-help books come from anyway? Personally, I think people just need to get on with living life and stop over-analyzing it.

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  6. So True! We basically "think" too much! Also...I think we applaud ourselves too much...very egocentric.

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  7. I'm starting to think we can find more like-thinking women on blogs rather then closer to home. I am the only mother (and have been for the last 13 years) I know who doesn't have a job (not counting my elderly neighbors..ha..and they don't seem to be "homemakers").

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  8. You were smart to pick such a nice place. And your land puts out a good garden! Ha...so true about worrying....it was much less worry when the kids were little!!!

    Goes to show technology can be used for good!

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  9. p.s.I've updated my pic on my blog to show how my hair has grown in the last couple of months...but I will confess, longer hair is bothering me and I already made one hair appt. and cancelled it...I'm trying to persevere and grow it longer, but it is hard. Perhaps after I get past this in-between stage...time will tell if I give up or not! ha.

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  10. Ha...I like that saying ...bigger the kid..etc! And the thought of your hair bothering you. I think to wear really short hair, you need more self-confidence, which I don't have. I like to hide in my hair! My hair was always straight as a pin too....at an era when that wasn't in style. In the last decade or more, it got a wave to it.

    Exactly...about making one look older. I am bad...I sit in church and take mental notes of what not to do/wear, watching anybody older then me, or my age! It is a challenge. I am trying to let go of my old clothes right now and basically "cover my butt" literally! But I digress...Happy Sunday! I am sitting outside and watching the birds on my feeder. The woodpecker takes one seed at a time and stashes them into holes in the tree!

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  11. Beautiful -- both the cottage upgrades and the flowers. Village life has its perks...one being the eccentrics that everyone accepts. :-)

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    1. That's for sure, Shara. But sometimes I think we are getting too used to village life. Yesterday we went to a much larger city and all three of us went into a zombie mode, trying to cope with so many people!

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  12. Dear Jane,

    Your place is coming along nicely! And now I have the them to "A Summer Place" stuck in my head. :) I miss small-town living, living here in Kansas City. Everyone seems suspicious of each other, and I've only officially met two families who live on our block. But there are still plenty of characters around town, I can attest to that! ;)

    I look to the Bible for diet advice, too. It works!

    Love,

    Marqueta

    p.s. Ooh, you have duplicate Victorias? I'll have to sort mine all out and see if I'm missing any you might have (things are still topsy turvy two years after our move).

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  13. When I was a little girl, I used to play that single over and over on the little portable record player my sister gave to me when we got the fancy console stereo, Marqueta. I'm sure it must have driven my mother quite mad!

    Whenever you get around to it, just let me know, I'd be happy to send them to you.

    PS: So excited about the baby news!

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  14. Hi Jane, how delightful to see your post this evening! "Alas" I still say "alas" too and I "shan't" stop. Maybe it is because we have read or watched a little too much Jane Austen, if such a thing is possible! :) My goodness your garden and new porch are beautiful. I love having an enclosed porch. Ours is just screened in, but it is so pleasant to sit out there and look at the meadow and not be eaten alive by bugs. (The mosquito is the Georgia State bird)

    We live in a small town and have our characters as well. It was a little challenging for me at first, having grown up in Los Angeles. There are so many people there, you always feel rather invisible, but here everyone knows your name and is interested in your story. My first time going to the beauty parlor here in my little town (which is in the living room of someone's home), felt like a scene right out of the movie Steel Magnolias! Hearing what everyone was saying about everyone else, helped me to quickly learn what to say and what not to. :) I have come to really enjoy living in a small town and I don't think I would ever to back to living in a big city again.

    Ran was a good sport to jump in and help with the casket. I bet they sure appreciated it. Your garden is so beautiful this year Jane, those tulips are heavenly. You did a wonderful job. I enjoyed your comments about the Bible too, it is such a practical book with so much advice about everyday living. I hope you have a great summer ahead and thank you again for stopping by and commenting on my blog from time to time, it is always so nice to hear from you! With Love, Delisa :)

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    1. Hi Delisa! Yes, Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters, too! "Interested in your story" is a nice way to put it. Ha! It's amazing how gossip flies in these small towns. I've learned that contractors are an unending source for it. He greeted us every morning with "did you hear about?". He must have a special phone line into the ambulance service and the fire station. But it was all harmless, and none of it was hurtful, so I didn't think it was wrong to listen. We have a neighbor who is such an avid gossip, she forgets who she is gossiping to, and I've caught her gossiping about me, to me! I try to steer away from her as much as possible, but then I guess I should take pity on her, as perhaps that is what makes her feel important.

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  15. Hi Jane - its so nice to hear from you again. I have been so busy that I haven't been around so much in blogland. I have just caught up on your last two posts. You are so right in saying that if people can just find that special place for themselves then the world would be a much calmer friendlier place. As you know I have my special place but am not yet living in it. The dream is getting closer but there is still a little way to go yet.
    I also use words that don't seem to be commonly used anymore and 'rashers of bacon' are is definitely a phrase I use. It made me laugh you saying about not being ready to where an apron (or pinny as I call it) and put your hair in a bun because here I am reading your posting with my hair in a bun wearing one of my favourite pinnies! For some reason I find apron wearing a cosy thing. Maybe because it reminds me of my Nan.

    Lily. xxx

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    1. It's good to be busy, Lily. Hope it's the good kind of busy!

      Ha! You're young enough that "granny chic" is still chic! On me it's beginning to look more granny. I was wearing a pair of those Worshifer sandals the other day, and was thinking that they were just the thing that my grandmother wore. Up until then, I thought they were rather charming retro looking.

      Hope you will start living in your dream place soon, Lily! I can attest too the fact, it makes for a joyous life!

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  16. I love June flowers. Beautiful. I chuckle at your bit about becoming an old lady in a bun using archaic expressions. I am only 53 but sometimes when my kids give me a quizzical look, I wonder if I am already there! Your porch is lovely. I have always wanted a porch. Had one growing up, my mother kept the grandchildren's toys there and a ton of plants. Have a lovely summer. Good to hear from you again!

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    1. Hello Anita! Thanks for stopping by and taking time out of your busy schedule to leave a comment. Hope you have nice weather for the wedding. Yes, although I'm in no hurry to head down the old lady path, I find it's approaching rather quickly. When the butcher didn't know the term rashers, it rather stunned me. Than I began to think of other terms no one uses anymore such as, Dutch cleanser, ptomaine, and record player. We were talking to a man the other day about slide rules, and he didn't have the foggiest idea what were talking about.

      Growing up a lot of the homes in our area had enclosed porches. They always seemed to have red geraniums on the windowsills. And those old davenports (another archaic term) with those metallic threads and nubby fabric.

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  17. Hi Jane...ha...luckily when we go to the beach, my "anti-social" husband has trained us to walk far down the beach away from the crowds. So, no one sees me in a swimsuit, hardly! That way, I have clothes over top coming and going.

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  18. Jane,

    I can't believe it's taken me five whole days to catch up on your update! We, too, have lived in small towns as well as bigger cities. Yesterday my son and I ventured into a city about two hours away from home. It made me slightly nostalgic for the days not that long ago, that we followed my husband on some of his out-of-state jobs, living in an apartment in a strange city, it was kind of fun being someplace with so many shopping & eating venues, places to go, etc. BUT--it's nice to go back home to my little dead-end road where we see deer and rabbits and squirrels right out the back door, not mention having our privacy! Thankfully, technology does allow us have sometimes the best of both worlds--so we can venture out when we want to, and stay at home in our cocoon when we don't feel the need!

    Love your diamond pane glass and your porch! One of these days when my husband finishes all of the maintenance chores that were put off during his years of working away, we'll try something fun like that!

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    1. Well, you been busy shelling peas Charlene! I like to venture out to the big city every once in a while also, but at the end of the day I'm always happy to return home. But last weekend I went to a much larger city and kind of became numb of all the people rushing about. Too bad we can't have all the nice things of big city life like Barnes and Nobles and Starbucks and the slower pace of village life.

      Your days coming Charlene! Everyone told me that it would drive me crazy to have Ran around all the time but it's been almost a year now, and I love it. Especially when he's so handy! A handy husband is a true treasure!

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  19. Hi Jane,

    I had to google 'rashers', LOL! I learned something new today ;)

    Being a port city gal born and raised myself with a few sailors in the family as well, the red sky is how I have always predicted the weather too.

    Unfortunately, our oldest daughter was married to a man whose mother fits your description of the witch in your town...they are now divorced, but boy, do we ever have some interesting wedding photos...She was all decked out in her pointy purple hat and pentagrams...my BIL is the minister who married them, and she actually told everyone she was upset that the kids did not ask her to perform the ceremony instead!

    Love, love, love the house photos...they look really good.

    How do you get blue dye from a yellow plant?

    You are so right about the Bible...I researched olive oil many years ago, it is the only oil I cook with. I figure that the Creator of our bodies knows what is best for us to eat...just wish I could do better sticking to a healthier diet.

    ~Blessings and love~ Lisa

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    1. That must have made for some interesting family gatherings, Lisa! I'm afraid I have a few kooks like that in my family also. Maybe they enjoyed Halloween too much when they were little!

      The leaves are used for dyeing. It's quite a complicated process, you have to aerate the dye and the wool is yellow until it hits the air. Anyway, it was a fun experiment. I always try to learn a new "old" skill when I can. Have you ever seen the show "The Worst Jobs in History"? Wool dyers were one of them, they had to work with some nasty smelling things. You're supposed to use urine but now days we use ammonia.

      It's so nice to hear from you again. Things getting busy up your way? This warm weather has really brought out the tourists here.

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  20. hello jane,
    love your new header.love the photos from your home,it looks so sweet.
    red and white a lovely color-combi. your spring flowers looks wonderful.especially the white flowers. i hope you have nice weather,here we have rain ,sun and rain. and the temperatures are to cold for june.
    wish you a wonderful weekend,
    love and big hugs regina

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  21. Hi Jane....ha ha...yes mayonnaise is so not-good for you. I usually even omit it now, in my age where you put on lbs easy, on my tomato sandwiches in the summer. But now I tasted it...yum.
    This is why restaurant food tastes so good...the food is not good for us!

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  22. We have discusssed closing in our front porch which would add usable space to our very small house. I'm all for it-but the resident carpenter hasn't been inspired to get at the job.
    Re odd archaic phrases: I use them myself--I think it comes from having read so many English authors over the years--I always hope I'm not being pretentious or precocious about it--but some of those expressions just make better sense!

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  23. Just wondering how you've been these days, my cyber-fried. I have a friend near-by that I make "dates" with periodically, we meet for breakfast or lunch or dinner--and frequently shut the restaurant down or stay through shift change for the wait staff. (We try to be big tippers to make it up to them!) I feel much the same way about you--we don't "visit" as often as we used to, but I still our drop-bys when we get to do them.

    Take care and enjoy your summer!

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  24. Hi Jane! I don't know what Penny's catalogs look like anymore. At least since they've had their failing Ad campaign over the past year! Ha...my mom cooked like your mom...(hence why I am so challenged in cooking)...except she did bake well (thus I bake!) She couldn't sew though, nor can I.

    I never bought back-to-school clothes (my kids wore uniforms) but the mall parking lot is always so crowded with people then, and I am thinking...it is still miserable hot out...who could wear fall clothes at the beginning of school!

    I wish I had some old Penny catalogs to look at, but just as well. With recent trips to Lancaster, I've been down memory lane too much..time to move on! ok...I will still reminisce a bit.ha.....but I won't buy any over-priced "antiques" from my childhood years anymore!

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  25. A delightful posting... enjoyed the musings and gentle ramblings... it's what makes wonderful conversation.

    It's been a very long time since I've been to visit... I'm not blogging as much as I used to. So glad I stopped by.

    Wishing you glimpses of heaven in unexpected places!
    Brenda

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  26. Hi Jane! I've had neighbor's sons move back here and there also. It just seems two of them (young men) have had several jobs from being laid-off and losing their possessions. (Luckily they were single). This reminds me of someone who was older and grew up in Pittsburgh (PA) that I knew. This lady showed me her large 3-story family home, and said that in it lived her grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins...as they came from Italy in the early 1900's and started out.

    So unjust that people who want to work, can't earn a wage enough to whittle out a simple living today!

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  27. Oh yes! I forgot about Narnia! Must be so nice to go daily to the lake! My husband prefers lakes. Ocean beaches have too many people going there!
    Keep cool! it is 100 today here...

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  28. I grew up on a road that had a dam. It was usually a bit stagnant, but otherwise, I loved to go fishing (if you call it that....actually I never caught anything large enough to eat...just small sunfish) and just hike around and see the little toads. Amazing I never ran into snakes, as our yard did have large black snakes, and once I did see a rattlesnake squished on the road.

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  29. Hi Jane! Yes I did notice....if you were full-time blogging, it would be harder for me to make this decision. I feel, deep-down, that simplicity should definitely include less computer use. Luckily, I am not one normally for what I call "electronics"....as I don't care for t.v. either. I'm sure if my husband was retired, I would feel awkward using a computer, just as I wouldn't appreciate it if he was on the computer routinely.

    I knew you would understand...and I will miss you. But I will think of your, such as when I am canning..ha!

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  30. Jane, your blog was the most informative one I've ever read! Yet, you managed to make it personal and fun to read. I used to read more (books) before I had to use bifocals! ha.

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  31. Hello Jane! Your cottage is so lovely! I hope you are having a wonderful summer.
    I love that you say alas! But I wouldn't wish you many causes to say it, lol. I can be a bit that way to: I like the word 'indeed' which you don't hear much spoken...
    I would love to see your soft, blue woad-dyed wool ~ did you make anything with it. Theres a small business near me whereby (!) the owner makes hand woad- dyed scarves, pashminas, table linen etc It is so expensive, but beautiful. Blue is my favourite colour.
    Summer blessings to you,
    Alex

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  32. ¸.•°♡

    Passei para uma visitinha.
    Bom fim de semana!
    Beijinhos do Brasil

    ¸.•°♡♡♫° ·.

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  33. How are you and your family Jane? I hope you all have a good health? Is autum there in your area?

    Lots of love: Aritha ( pseudo jedidja)

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  34. Hi Jane! I started a blog....not social though...no comments. Mostly because my children ask me how to make this and that....so I don't keep repeating myself! Nothing new here...life is the same! love,andrea

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    1. That sounds nice Andrea! Of course, I'll miss chatting via the comments but I'm sure I'll enjoy reading your recipes. How's the empty nest?

      Jane

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  35. Hi! The empty nest is not too much different then before, since I am always home alone for most of the day. My youngest just loves her college, so that makes me happy. And it is fun to visit our kids...I love seeing other's homemaking! But, I did discover how to keep a house neat...get rid of all your kids..ha... I keep praying for the grandchild part...Andrea

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    1. That tip only works if they take the dog with them!

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  36. Ha..so true! No one wants our dog...I'd have more free time if I didn't have to sweep up after her!

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  37. Hi, Jane,

    I wish I were as ruthless as you about getting rid of things--we are book hoarders, can you tell? I am enjoying the spaces I've cleared; I'm hoping to go back through and purge again soon. I think I get better about getting rid of things each time I make a pass through!

    How I wish there was a way to get rid of the holes everywhere in our paneling! I would like to do room flip, too, but so far my husband is against it. One of these days...

    Time for an update from you, don't you think? :0)

    Charlene

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  38. ¸.•°♡♡♫° ·.
    Olá, amiga!
    Como vai, tudo bem?
    Boa continuação da semana!
    Beijinhos do Brasil.
    ¸.•°♡♡♫° ·.

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