Hello dear friends! OK you guys! I purposely disengaged the comments part on my last post because I didn't want you to feel that you must write something, but you figured out how to get around that, didn't you? As my mother would say, "du kliener divel"! Ha! But seriously, I want to thank you all that left comments or e-mailed me, your words of encouragement and kindness truly touched my heart. If you are ever discouraged about the state of affairs of the world, just go read some of those comments and you will discover that the world is full of wonderful, kind, caring people in spite of what the news networks will tell you. So thank you from the very bottom of my heart, my cup runneth over! I've been busy and haven't been commenting on your blogs as often, but I suspect after a brief vacation from the computer, I will again, so don't think I've forgotten about you all. This time I
will allow the comments to go through, so if you want to get in contact with me to ask a question or just to say "hi", you can do so there. By the by, I wanted to share a picture of our back forty, isn't it beautiful? In spite of the very cold and discouraging Spring weather, it is one of the prettiest Springs I remember in a long time. I hope that you all are having the goldenest of days!
Hugs
Jane
Beautiful yard! You are going to have a glorious summer! Maybe the cold weather is good for the trees and plants. I blog in frequent, short spurts, so I don't expect you to comment every time....I should adopt your style and plan ahead and do a better post! Hugs, Andrea
ReplyDeleteYou're blog is perfect the way it is Andrea! Don't ever change. I really feel bad when I miss commenting on yours, you've been such a loyal blogging friend to me. Please know I appreciate every one of your posts, just haven't been on the computer as much, but will be making more of an effort, after a little vacation.
DeleteHugs
Jane
What a beautiful picture! It looks like a postcard.
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous Summer! I wish you sunny days, cool nights and simple joys!
Debbie
Thanks Debbie! Bet it's cold up your way. Hasn't this Spring been a chilly one? It amazes me that the trees set out their blossoms, how did they know it was Springtime? I'm still wearing my down coat! Have a lovely May, hope the snow is melting your way!
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Jane
Lovely blossom and the open gate is so welcoming.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you will write sometimes as I would miss your blog.
The weather here in the east of the UK has been chilly, grey but no rain, some trees are very late with their leaves.In the shelter of the greenhouse my plants look good.
The leaves are really late here too, Sue. The forests are just starting to bud out around here. Hope this doesn't affect our gardens, got lots of plans for canning this year! Hoping you get some warmer days!
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Jane
I was so sad to see that would not have your blog anymore
ReplyDeleteI realllllllllly loved reading it -such an encouragement to me
Hope you will change your mind
love your yard
Thank you! I miss the little community that we have here and sometimes regret my decision. For the moment blogging is taking up too much of my time, but as they say, "never say never"!
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Jane
Jane; I was sad to think you might never blog again--and I'm not clever enough to have gotten around the no comment feature. Many of my favorite bloggers have either stopped posting or moved to Face Book or other social media--a blog post definitely takes more time and thought. I see blogging as similar to when I kept a hand-written journal--although I surely don't put it all 'out there.'
ReplyDeleteSometimes we are tired--or busy--or preoccupied with things in our life that aren't for public sharing. I will be watching for the times when you are in the mood to write. Enjoy your 'spring break!'
Especially blogs such as yours, Sharon that are such wonderful essays on nature. You always find the perfect word. As I said before, you are my favorite nature writer. You compare to the greats such as Hal Borland and Gladys Taber in my book.Perhaps in the future I will write an update, but not anything on the order of a weekly post. I really don't know how others manage to write almost daily plus work. Must be better time managers than I!
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Jane
Please do think about coming back, Jane. We all have those busy times when we forget to comment on blogs and show our appreciation. It doesn't mean that we don't love and enjoy those blogs! Perhaps you could gift us with a post every month or so? Enjoy your summer and your beautiful garden.
ReplyDeleteYou've given me something to think about Isabella. Thank you for all your wonderful support. Hope that all is going well for you.
DeleteHugs
Jane
Dear Jane,
ReplyDeleteI am torn. On the one hand, I want you to keep blogging because you are my favorite. On the other hand, in January of this year I deleted all my social media accounts. Even Pinterest. I wanted my life to look more like it did in the mid-90s and while I can't (and wouldn't) undo some of my present obligations (like my beautiful daughters) the one thing I could make like it was back then was less media in my life. I do still read about 6 blogs and I listen to a couple podcasts. But no more checking my phone every 5 seconds or broadcasting my life to the world. So, while I want to be selfish and ask you to keep on blogging, I totally get the desire to just live a private life.
Thanks for giving me the chance to say my piece. I really wish you every blessing and be assured you are in my thoughts and prayers.
God bless,
Dana
It's a balancing act for sure Dana. One of the things that has been driving me recently is that as I approach my 60th year, I'm acutely aware that I may only have a decade or two left to this life. That's pretty sobering! The last two decades flew by in a blur. But on the other hand I love this little community of blogging friends that have developed here. So there's that dilemma. What I'd really like to do is just pose a question every week and let you all take it from there. After all, the comments and commenters have been the best thing about this blog all along. Thank you for the prayers, we all can use them!
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Jane
Your blog was my favorite of all the ones I read. I'm hoping one day to hear from you again. Best wishes, D.M.
ReplyDeleteYou all are so sweet, at times I do regret ending my blog. If only there were extra hours in the day!
DeleteHugs
Jane
Beautiful garden!
ReplyDeleteHope that you have a wonderful spring!
We couldn't let you stop blogging without letting you know how much we have enjoyed your blog and your friendship. Thank you!
Thanks Kathy! Spring has been a beaut this year. Too bad it isn't warm enough to enjoy it! Hoping this cooler weather means Summer will be gentle on us. Thank you for all your wonderful support throughout this blogging adventure. Don't hesitate to stop by from time to time and tell me how you are doing!
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Jane
Hi Jane!! Oh happy day that you wrote a new post!! Your backyard is so beautiful!! One of the things that I find good about this chilly spring is that everything seems "preserved". I am happy to still have some forsythia and the apple blossoms are lasting longer.
ReplyDeleteI hope that all the comments help you to know how many friends you do have!!I am happy that we may hear from you occasionally. That would be a treat!! After many "breezy" days Crystal Lake is calm today. I am off to dig a new flower bed and my husband is going to build an arbor. As people drive around the lake this summer I want them to feel the welcome of Crystalview Cottage. Enjoy your last days of spring. I see 70 degree weather on the horizon!! Love and Blessings!!
That's true about the cold, Joan. Makes for a pretty Spring. Your plans for a new flower bed and arbor sounds wonderful. I'm sure the sightseers will appreciate it. Hope you get a lot of enjoyment from it too.
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Jane
Dearest Jane ~ I was so happy to see this post from you. You are loved and missed by your blogging friends. But I hear where you are coming from.
ReplyDeleteLove the photo of your beautiful 'back forty'. Enjoy and hope to see you posting now and then.
Love, hugs & prayers ~ FlowerLady
THanks, Rainey! It will never compare to your little plot of Paradise, but I'm happy with it. Hope all your days are as beautiful as your roses. Thanks for the prayers!
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Jane
Hi Jane! It made my day to see a post here. Yay :) Love the photo of your garden, it's glorious. And I especially love that you have herbs. At the garden center yesterday I was looking at the info on their lavender plants and noticed it said not for human consumption. One of the workers told me that was to make people think herbs shouldn't be eaten. O.O Anyways, we are in the process of giving our front yard a lil make over.
ReplyDeleteWhen we moved here there were five holly trees posing as bushes next to the house that had to be trimmed way too often in warm weather, so I asked Goodman to remove them. He did even though it meant digging up the stumps and roots, and we planted peach colored Drift roses and lavender behind the roses. We've worked on this for three days and hope to mulch this evening when the yard will be shady. I love spring, but it's the busiest season for us usually.
Hope you have a lovely week,
Toni
Peach roses and lavender sounds much prettier than holly, Toni! But what a lot of work! Why do you think they don't want people to think herbs are edible? Just in case they overdo it and get sick so they won't be liable or so they continue to buy their bottled herbs at about a billion times the cost of growing them themselves? Just like the way they try to scare people off from canning, they don't want people to be self-sufficient. No money in it. Don't work to hard!
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Jane
Sounds like scare tactics to me, but then I'm just the jaded, practical sort. Heaven forbid we don't spend everything on drugs and health care. lol
DeleteMUst confess that I;m pretty jaded when it comes to these things too, Toni!
DeleteNearly 60 and wondering about the years ahead? I will be 77 in July, and wonder how could this be? So wonderful to read your words today, and when we realise that for most of us, our true and very special blog friends are ones we cannot say, "meet you in half an hour " " I'm off to the shops, is there anything you need?" " Come and join in a meal/ a quilting retreat/ a fishing trip/ or a get-together" but our friendship is every bit as meaningful and sincere. I am so happy to know you are well, that spring is in your garden, and a decision is never set in concrete, Maybe an occasional post will reassure us all that life is happy and well at your home. Hugs and love from NZ.
ReplyDeleteHa! I know Jean, I take my after my father who was "nearing 100" once he hit the fifty year mark. You might never know, might just have gotten those longevity genes and am only through 2/3rds of my life. Ha! The Bible says man is appointed three score and ten, so I guess the rest is just gravy after that. But goodness! Time flies so quickly. Used to be the either Sunday or Saturday now it's either the first or last day of the month. Another month and will be half way through this year.Can you believe it?
DeleteI agree about the friendships we make on blogs. They are every bit as real as the neighbor down the street. We worry over each other and rejoice in each others happiness. If that isn't a friendship, what is?
Hugs and love back at you!
Jane
Dear Jane, Can you believe that you actually made me cry when I saw you had posted? You are my very very favorite blogger. Your posts are so down to earth and so like my life. I personally love the words and wisdom you post. I see God in your life and that is a good thing. Have a good day!
ReplyDeleteWhy thank you Mary Ann. He definitely guides me daily. I may not post as often, but will certainly be posting updates from time to time.
DeleteHugs
Jane
Hello! I just found your blog today. It looks like something I would just love. The way we live...
ReplyDeleteI am just going to go back and read from the beginning!
God bless
Mrs.O
Hello Mrs. O.! Guess I'll have to post something now to give you something to read! Hope you enjoy the blog.
DeleteHugs
Jane
Hello! I just found your blog today. It looks like something I would just love. The way we live...
ReplyDeleteI am just going to go back and read from the beginning!
God bless
Mrs.O
What an unexpected surprise to see your new post. I'm so happy our comments touched you - just as you have touched us.
ReplyDeleteAnd what a beautiful spring green that picture shows. It's just bursting with life.
Spring is such a miracle isn't it?
Debra
A body would have to be pretty cold-hearted not to be touched by all the kindness you all have sent my way, Debra. Spring certainly is busting out all over. I hope all those blossoms mean it will be a bumper fruit season this year. Ladies start your canners!
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Jane
Your back yard/garden is just beautiful! Here in Virginia, it has been a beautiful spring but with roller coaster temperatures. I hope you have a wonderful summer and enjoy all your projects. I think at different stages of our lives, we focus on different things and, while I really enjoy your blog, you need to do what is best for you. Wishing you all the best life has to offer!
ReplyDeleteThanks Shirely. My son lives in NC and he's had really hot and really cold weather. Here's it's just been cold and colder. If you ever get another heat wave, please send some our way!
DeleteHugs
Jane
So happy to see a post from you, Jane--my heart just soared! I love your idea of posting a weekly question to your community! There are so many thoughtful people here I think it would be fun and provide lots to think about.
ReplyDeleteYour garden looks so cool and green and inviting. It's funny how in spring a garden waves to you and says, "Come, enjoy my beauty." But at the height of summer, a garden crooks its finger and grouses, "Come on then--get to work or I can't do my job, either!"
Best, Sue
Ha! So true Sue! I often why we invest in garden furniture, anytime we are outside we are working in the garden. Only visitors get to enjoy my garden. An acquaintance stopped by the other day and said he wanted a garden just like ours. Didn't have the heart to tell him it's a full-time job in the Summer. But at least it's good exercise! Hope your Spring is full of lovliness!
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Jane
I was sad to read your blog was coming to an end. I have greatly enjoyed reading it, and seeing your lovely photos. Thankyou for taking the time to write and share, it is a gift to all of us that you did.
ReplyDeleteSending much love to you dear Jane, may your days be full, and your contentment deep.
Every blessing to you and yours,
Much love, Emma
xx
Thank you dear Emma! The outpouring from friends has been so touching. Hope your Autumn is wonderful with that sweet little family of yours!
DeleteHugs
Jane
It does sound interesting to pose a question and see what everyone comments about it. :-) Anything to keep hearing from you would be great!
ReplyDeleteJane, I was at a store today and saw Kelp Powder in the bulk section of their spice area. It said Kelp is the highest plant in the world for iodine. Could this help your thyroid? I suppose Ran already knows all about this but it was new to me.
I am so glad you kept the blog up so far. I was afraid at any second it would be down and have come here lately copying some of the recipes and ideas I loved you posted I had neglected to get before. And Yes!!! your yard is a beauty!! :-) J/Jody
Hi Jody! I learned my lesson about taking down my blog after Thrift Countrywoman. Still regret that because it's fun to go back and look at how the house has changed throughout the years. It's also a nice journal of the passing seasons for me.
DeleteYes, I know about kelp, but am leery to use it since most comes from the Pacific and ever since Fukishima (sp.) I worry about the radiation in it. I take iodine that's been mined in the earth. That helps a lot. Thanks for letting me know! Glad you are looking out for me!
I think it's important to have physical copies of recipes and such that you use. You never know when there will be a snafu and they won't be available on the internet. I recently lost all my e-mail addresses and bookmarks when my computer "reset" itself. Hope the world is treating you kindly this Spring!
Hugs
Jane
I first started searching for blogs that were appropriate to me when I became single again in late mid-life and wanted to live a life that felt genuine to me. I felt free to live my own values and not others. I bookmarked many, many blogs at first... then over the years I realized that no more than a few really resonated with me. Yours was one. I went back to your first posts and read everything slowly. Know that you are gifted in touching people, and you are blessed with the people you have in your life--supporting you. When I need inspiration, and reminders about what I should be thankful for, it is those very few blogs that I go to. Thank-you for that.
ReplyDeleteGoodness! Thank you so much Gail! I might have to embarrass myself and begin blogging again, you all have been so kind and supportive. I hope that this has been a lovely Spring for you!
DeleteHugs
Jane
I miss you so much. Mindy
ReplyDeleteWell you all have been so sweet, I just might have to undergo the embarrassment and return to blogging. You all are tempting me, Mindy!
DeleteHugs
Jane
I was overjoyed to see this post Jane and your are right, that view is so pretty! I'm so glad that you are busy enjoying life and that you are feeling the love that we all have for you too. That is one of the things that I have enjoyed about blogging. It's the encouragement and the sharing of our lives with one another, those connections that mean so much and help get me back focused on what is important. The news media is full of strife, panic and just plain meanness that I want nothing to do with. It seems that common sense and decency is in rare supply there these days. Yet another reason I am so glad that we no longer have cable or satellite TV. I see enough of the state of the world on Facebook posts and even that gets overwhelming to me.
ReplyDeleteBe blessed my friend!
What a surprise to see you back, a very lovely one. That view of your garden is so wonderful, makes me think of a bride waiting! Dont let us pressurise you to blog, just leaving your blog online is a wonderful resource. Well maybe you could do a seasonal post!
ReplyDeleteWishing you well and many blessings.
Dear Jane,
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by to say, "Hello!" Sometimes life takes you in different directions that don't involve blogging, and that's okay!
I'm always glad that we are friends.
Love,
Marqueta
We certainly are, Marqueta!
DeleteHugs
Jane
Hi there Jane, hope y'all are doing well! so glad to see you'd stopped by the blog and liked the flowers....they sure do a great job on that fountain don't they? Have you planted your window boxes yet---what did you decide to put in them? I filled ours with marigolds, sweet "tater" vine, begonias and the like---things that can take the high heat and constant sun that is rapidly approaching our way---the brutal summer. LOL
ReplyDeletePS---I tried the creeping Jenny and it DIED. I tried the orange things and they DIED....ha ha I do have the kale things like they have pictured and those were planted a year or two ago---and they lasted all winter, twice now I believe. I haven't tried the succulents that it looks like they have in that fountain....have you?
ReplyDeleteWindow boxes are so difficult, Debbi! They are drier than the Sahara. I'm thinking succulents (hen and chicks) are the only way to go. I'm embarrassed to say this as a gardener, but I put some realistic looking faux lavender in mine. Between the dryness and the strays sleeping on them, just couldn't get anything to grow, but I do love the look of a window box!
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Jane
An idea? If you are still doing farmer's markets you could post about them ..anything you have learned from others or from observing others there? I just wanted to come here and tell you I hope whatever you choose..to blog or not or whatever....it brings you peace and happiness.
ReplyDeleteJ/Jody
Thanks JOdy!
DeleteHUgs
Jane
Hello Jane :)
ReplyDeleteI came across a comment you left over at Debbie's blog (The Next Chapter in My Life) and popped over to see what your blog was like. I've been reading it (beginning to end) for two weeks! I'm so sad to see that you may not be blogging anymore. I understand though.
I want you to know that you've greatly inspired me. I needed a kick in the pants to get back to living more frugally and eating healthier and you managed to do it, with your words and pictures. So, no matter what you decide to do with this blog, I want you to know you made a difference in my life.
Thank you so very much!
rue
Thank you Rue! I'm so frightfully behind in responding to comments and leaving them too. At the moment I'm just very busy as this is planting time, but hopefully in the next couple of weeks I'll be able to give an update. Want to share a photo of my lilacs, they are absolutely the loveliest things ever this year! Thanks for leaving a comment, you'll never know how much I appreciate it!
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Jane
Thank you for this post! The photo of the garden is serene and beautiful! Your blog is one of my favorites as well. I am incredibly lazy when it comes to blogging. Life gets me busy and I neglect the blog and also going around and visiting other blogs, or sometimes I visit but have no time to write a comment. Hope you came back to blogging. Take time to enjoy your Summer!!
ReplyDeleteJane,... I just read somewhere that made it sound like white asparagus was a new new thing. I guess they don't know our garden!
ReplyDeleteI just realized you had commented on the kelp. Thanks ever so much for the information...I hadn't put 2 and 2 together to be on the alert. :)
We have had some not tooooo hot days here but summer heat may be coming to stay soon. :((( We have shade cloth over most of the garden areas and that sure helps to cut down some of the watering and plants from burning. It also is cooler for me out there!! I love that! I am so glad we have enough room to garden. The thought of not getting outside and in the dirt is sad. I also would miss all the lizards and other animals birds and insects. Let alone watching the beautiful sky that changes and is a wonder every single day. We are blessed aren't we. J/ Jody
WE certainly are, Jody! About asparagus, I gave some to my neighbor, Tom and his sister told me asparagus is dirt cheap. I've never seen it below $2.99 a pound in the store. She said you can go out and pick wild asparagus along the country lanes. Anyway, I it bothered me that she dismissed my gift of free asparagus as something so common, so I won't be giving her any more! Ha! She can go out and pick it along the road!
DeleteAnyhow, she got the idea to have a garden. Well, after one week it was overgrown with weeds and she never waters it. I get a kick out of watching her go out there and whack a few weeds with the hoe and give up. Guess she has to learn the hard way that gardening is hard work and maybe she should be thankful for other gardeners giving her some of their hard earned produce. BTW, I gave my extra asparagus to my neighbor, Lori, who was glad to have it and could see far enough into the future to freeze some for when the garden isn't producing.
We are finally getting some decent weather here. It was a cold start to Spring this year. Could use some rain, but are we gardeners ever happy? Hope you are having a wonderful Summer!
Hugs
Jane
Summer is here for sure. HOT and HUMID. :( Summer is only for so many months then on to fall and winter then spring and back to summer again. We can endure for this season. :) God is so good to give us a change of seasons. Your neighbor has not caught the gardening bug. When you are infected with it you can't hardly stay away from the garden no matter what you need to do in it. :-))) J/ Jody
ReplyDeleteHi JOdy! I should have been careful what I wrote about needing rain! Now the rain never ceases. I'm afraid to see all the weeds growing in our garden. Can you believe that we passed the mid-point of this year? Now the days will be getting shorter. It stays daylight up here until 10:30, so I don't mind the shortening of days. (Of course I'll be complaining in the Winter when it gets dark at 4:30. I guess I'm never satisfied. Ha!) I've been getting a lot of spam in the comments lately, so I might need to shut down the comments if it continues. Do you still have my e-mail address?
DeleteHugs
Jane
Thinking of you all! I hope your summer is going well. Miss reading your posts, but understand greatly your need to keep things running around the house and garden. Many blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteHi Kim! Thanks for dropping by and saying hello! Time is certainly clicking by quickly isn't it? Our roses are glorious this year and we finally got a flower on our wisteria! We've been planting and trying to get them to bloom since we bought our first house some 35+ years ago.
DeleteGetting a lot of work done now that I limit my time on the computer to just a few minutes each day. It's amazing how much of a time-eater the internet is.I do miss corresponding with you all, though! :( If there was only a way to manage more hours in the day!
Hope you are having a lovely Summer and that the world is treating you kindly! Thanks again for stopping by, you'll never know what it means to me!
Hugs
Jane
Thank you for the sweet compliment Jane!! You know how i love the "gypsy" clothes!!
ReplyDeleteYes I do still have your e-mail address. I hope the spammers leave people alone. You would think EVEN THEY has better things to do with their time. :) I am so happy you have kept your blog up so far. It is such an encouragement.
ReplyDeleteWith all the extra rain we had last winter we do not have to worry about water usage like we did. What an unexpected blessing that was! I hope many though still keep watching their usage. It is a good habit.
How did it get to be so close to July 1 so fast!!!! ???? In spring and early summer the garden looks so pristine and pretty. Usually with July heat and Aug and Sept inferno it goes downhill fast... Seems we just planted it and now it is soon July!! Target has half off all their summer items 1/2 off. Ha! It is still HOT out people!! Silly! J/Jody
Hi Jody! Sorry about being so late in replying. We've had guest every week in July, been kept busy cooking and washing dishes! We've had a lot of rain also, which is good for the garden but also for the weeds. Ha! About this point, we usually throw in the towel and let the weeds win. Been a great year for growing, it seems. Hope you are not getting too much heat in CA. Been a very mild summer so far, which means September will probably be a real barn-burner. Hope all is well!
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Jane
Check on here often to see how things are with you. I am in the midst of canning green beans and dill pickles. My new laying pullets are about ready to take over the production of eggs and my 18 old gals are going to be made into "chicken stew" on Aug. 4th , the day set for butchering. Our 12 year old grandson's baseball season was over as of last Friday so our evenings are pretty free now to pick vegs in the "cool" of the evening. Not very cool around here lately though even overnight. Happy Summer to you and hope you are well. Nannie
ReplyDeleteSo good to "hear" from you Nannie! I'm canning pickles too. Thankfully I have about a week to go before green beans. Everything did well this year. We even had enough cherries and raspberries to make gallons of juice. Overall, its been a very pleasant Summer, weatherwise. Hope I didn't jinx myself by writing that, Ha! Have had visitors for the entire month of July,now that everyone's gone, it seems too quiet in the house.Ran pulled the garlic this morning, seems early to be harvesting it, but it's been a strange year. I have to can celery today. I can it in half-pints to use in soups in stews in the Fall and Winter. Dry the tops for seasoning too. It's always something this time of year! Hope you and your husband are doing well, please "stop in" whenever you feel like it!
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Jane
Hi Jane, I hope you and your family are having a wonderful summer.
ReplyDeleteHi! I missed you...I am back to blogging...new blog...I know I am bad about this! Hugs, Andrea
ReplyDeleteJust dropped in as I have been thinking of you. With all the canning I see you are doing aren't you running out of space on the stair shelves?? :) You must have built more sets of shelves to handle the rest. How is Ran enjoying his retirement? Sounded like he is almost as busy at home as he was at work. :-)) You two have so much energy. Enjoy the fall. I really miss the colors of fall I used to see in the North. Jody/ Judy
ReplyDeleteHi Jody! How have you been? Hope the world is treating you kindly. Has it cooled off any over on your side of the country? I think I canned almost every day during the months of August and September. We are blessed to have another bountiful year. I've used up all the space on the stair shelves plus the pantry under the staircase. I've also run out of canning jars, so the pumpkins, squashes and root veggies will have to be root cellared until I can free up more jars and space. Not sure if the Fall colors are going too be pretty this year, so maybe you won't be missing much. Unseasonably warm here and dry. The leaves are just drying up and dropping off. So happy to hear from you!
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Jane
Hi, Jane!
ReplyDeleteI didn’t comment much when the blog was going but I keep hoping you pop back on! From others comments, it sounds like you’ve been as busy as ever.
In our corner of the world, it was a cool, wet Spring followed by a cool, wet Summer. We recently graduated to warm days and cool nights which we are enjoying immensely! Gardens were mostly hit and miss: we didn’t have one and it’s just as well. Maybe next year.
Stay well! I’ll stop by again sometime and see how you’re doing.
Debbie in the U.P.
Hello Debbie! So sorry for the delay in answering your comment. Just goes to show you how rarely I'm on the computer these days. I suppose you are back to cold weather now. Wasn't September an odd month? It was warmer than August here. Strange weather all around this year. I'm so thankful for the cooler temps though, gives me a break from canning and gardening. The flower gardens have been put to bed and hopefully they stay that way until May! Although at the moment there's still some roses and hollyhocks blooming. Guess you could say they are late bloomers. Have a lovely Fall and thanks for stopping by!
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Jane
Dear Jane, I think of you often and keep checking your blog, hoping for a post. I hope you and your family are doing well. Hopefully your garden done well and you were able to get some canning done.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted you to know that i still enjoy your blog!
Mary Ann
Thank you for taking the time to write Mary Ann! Can't tell you how much it means to me. While I miss hearing from you all, I do not miss all the computer woes that came with blogging. Garden did very well in spite of the very cool Summer here. Used up all my canning jars! Nothing as comforting as seeing a well-stocked larder. Hope you and yours are doing well also. And thanks again!
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Jane
Hi Jane ! :) My sister sent me come leaves from our home state where she still lives. I miss seeing so many beautiful colored tree leaves and landscapes. :( My best crop this year was one I didn't even plant! Volunteer butter nut squash. Loads of it. Such a blessing to have so many to use and give away!! This year I am drying some of it too. Baking it then smearing on sheets to dry. Add water and stir when you are ready to eat it again. Easy peasy ! I am glad you left your blog up this time so we can write. Yes I still have your e-mail etc but like sending a note here too... Jody/Judy
ReplyDeleteHi Jody! So good to hear from you! We had snow the other day and I was so happy because it meant the end of gardening for a while. Self-sufficiency sure is time-consuming! Good fortune on those squashes! Just put up my pumpkins this week. They were really sweet, won't need much sugar for a pie with them. Would you believe that I'm already starting to see empty spaces in my canning pantry? Ran and I are determined not to buy any groceries except fruits and veggies this winter. Hope all is well in your neck of the woods!
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Jane
We are fine her.e As you probably already know many people are dealing with fires in S. Calif. We had one rather close but it was put out in two days. Humidity is so low and everything is so dry it goes up in flames easily. Especially with the supper strong winds we had for a week. Our December has been pretty summery. 83 degrees most of his week. :(
ReplyDeleteI dried the excess winter squash . I only left few for eating fresh. Now the oranges are ready to eat and the the avocados will be ready to eat after them. Most everyone round here did not get any avocados this year but our tree is full. We must have planted it in the best micro climate for them ever! We have had a beautiful crop every year. I pray you and your family will have a very special Christmas this year. You are sure not forgotten Jane !! :-) Jody/Judy
Glad to read that you are safe Jody! My son was in CA for business this past week and I prayed he would be safe, so many fires. Would love to have oranges and avocados here. Must be your wonderful green thumb!
DeleteToday we are under a winter storm watch with 6 inches of snow expected. Yesterday it snowed softly all day. So pretty! It's a good day to sit by the fire and knit. I'm working on a series of tiny Norwegian style mittens that are numbered for the days of Advent. Very cute but very challenging. I hope that you and yours will have a wonderful Christmas!
Hugs
Jane
Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!!!
ReplyDeleteHope that you have had a wonderful break, but I must admit to missing visiting with you each week.
Hope that 2018 will be a special year for you!
Christmas came early for me today, Kathy! I was scheduled for a root canal today but the dentist didn't think I needed it! Wish I would have known before I traveled the 70 miles on icy roads.
DeleteThank you for stopping by to wish me a Merry Christmas! And the same to you and yours. I'm sure 2018 will be special, isn't every year?
Hugs
Jane
dear jane,
ReplyDeletei wish you and your family a merry christmas!
I hope all is well.I miss you.
hugs and love ,
regina
Merry Christmas dear Regina! I've thought of you a lot the past few months. I pray that you are in good health. I'm enjoying my quiet little life, gardening and knitting keep me busy. We are having quite a cold snap at the moment. It is so very good to just sit by the fire and dream. Much love to you my dear friend!
DeleteHugs
Jane
happy new year, dear jane! i hope it's not to cold in your country.
Deletewhat knitt you?sitting by the fire and dreaming sounds good.
if you like you can me send an e-mail. i would love to hear from you.
hugs regina
I just re-read all of your post and must admit that I am sad not to have anymore. Each post takes me back to when my children were growing up and I
ReplyDeleteWe were living on a farm and I froze and canned hundreds of jars a year. With six children , my husband and I always had to be thrifts with money and,like you, clothing, furniture, and decorations all came from garage s a lens. Thank you again and may you have a wonderful New Year
Thank you for your blog. I just finished 're-reading them all. I also lived this way. With six children, I needed to be thrifty. All of their clothing g, furniture, and decorations came from garage sales. I canned and froze hundreds of jars of produce a years and believe those were my most precious years of all. Thank you again and hope you feel like posting again soon
ReplyDeleteTHank you for the kind words Vici! I have to admit that I miss writing this blog from time to time, but my frustration with computers keeps me from continuing. I think we have had a very wonderful life with our thrifty ways. And like you, they years while I was raising my children this way were some of the most precious. Best of wishes for the New Year!
DeleteHugs
Jane
Happy New Year, dear Jane. Miss you something fierce, but I'm so glad you've left this blog up and running...makes it easy to stop in and visit, check out your knitting, see what goodies you've cooked up and how you've decided to move your furniture around. HaHa Hope you're enjoying the cold winter weather...we're not! Blessings to you and yours in the coming year.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year dear Melinda! Had to laugh at the "moving furniture around" comment! I wonder how many times I've rearranged it since I last wrote a post? I'm keeping busy cutting out woolen pieces for a quilt this week. The one I wrote about way back when has proved to be invaluable these past few weeks. It certainly has been cold here, but nice and cozy inside. And since we have no place to go, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. In spite of nearing senior citizen status, I'm still in childlike awe of it! Hope all is well with you and that the New Year brings you nothing but pure joy!
DeleteHugs
Jane
Happy New Year!!!
ReplyDeleteJane,
I hope you and your family are doing well.
I do miss your inspiration and joy of a frugal life.
I am re-reading your posts; thank you for keeping them posted.
May God bless your time away from the blog and give you peace in Him.
Because of Grace,
Kim
Happy New Years to you and yours, Kim! I'm glad you are enjoying the old posts. I need to post something just so no one has to scroll down the long comments on this one to drop me a message. Ha! BTW, I love how you sign off your note!
DeleteHugs
Jane
Yes, it is all because of His grace that I am saved!! I could never do it. So thankful He finished it for me!!
DeleteWinter is here again. There at least. Technically it is supposed to be cool here but it has been high 70s to low 80s mostly. February is usually our wet month and no rain so far. I do miss the snow though..good memories of growing up. Jane, I do hope this finds your family all healthy and doing good. We all miss you!!!!!! Judy/ Jody
ReplyDeleteWinter is hanging on here too, Judy. We got ten inches of snow on Sunday and more expected this week. The guys are making some pocket money plowing out the neighbors (they'd do it for free, but the neighbors insist on paying them). It struggles to get out of the teens, temperature wise. Have to say it is beautiful though. Did you happen to see the super moon on the first? We had forgotten all about it, until we saw it driving home. Another one of those unforgettable "ahhh" moments. It lighted our way home. Didn't God create a wonderful world for us? Good to hear from you! Stay dry!
DeleteHugs
Jane
We are certainly staying dry..too dry. Hopefully we will get some rain next week. It is almost 8 pm now and it is hot enough in the house to use the cooler...if we haven't winterized it thinking we would not need it for months! LOL. So much for winter. I could easily be grow tomatoes etc now and many are. We have gotten freezing weather in past years and even some snow but not every year. Snow or freezing weather only lasts hours or so here. This year I would welcome fall weather at least. Growing up back in Ohio it used to be a contest to see if we would be out first to shovel the neighbor's snow. He ours or us his. Everyone back then helped each other..it was just understood and a part of life that you did whatever you could and when ever you could. For anyone. I am so grateful God let me grow up our little Ohio town.
ReplyDeleteYes I look at the sky every day and every day it alone is more beautiful than the day before. Always different too. No we missed the blue moon. We saw pictures only of it. I can't imagine how beautiful the world looked at its first moments. We have cut away mountains and smoothed grounds for roads, dammed rivers and changed so much of this world. We could never ever match the splendid beauty it was. Still though this world is beautiful still. Nature can't be beat. How anyone can look around and really see and still not believe in God I will never understand. How do they live life without His reassurance and grace? Judy/Jody
I said the exact same thing to my husband and son the when we were looking at the moon, Jody! Guess our minds are on the same track.
DeleteI'm thankful that I grew up in small town and another era also. I shudder to think of all the foolishness that my grandchildren are being taught in school, let alone all the nonsense that is on that darn TV. Glad I got rid of mine. I was thinking of you the other day when that movie I sent you ages ago pooped up as a suggestion on YouTube. Still enjoying the old movies? It's getting harder for me to find one that I haven't already seen. Having to resort to Westerns. Any recommendations?
Hugs
Jane
I was just checking in to see if there were any new posts. The past few days I've been rereading and copying recipes. Hope all is well with you and yours.
ReplyDeleteGinger
Ginger, you made my day! It's so nice to read that you are finding this little blog still useful. I hope you are having a lovely Sunday. It snowed all day here. It looks like the Michigan of my childhood this year. I'm really enjoying it. Nothing is as cozy as nostalgia! Hope everything is going well in your life also! If you have any questions, just write!
DeleteHugs
Jane
I haven't forgotten you and just dropped in to see how you're doing and to say hi.
ReplyDeleteHello Debbi! That was so kind of you! I'm afraid my presence in the cyber world hasn't been much. Just have been too busy with life. Hope you are having a lovely Spring. Winter is hanging on here with all it's might. As much as I love Winter, it's discouraging to awaken to snow every morning in April. Thanks again for dropping in to say "hi"!
DeleteHugs
Jane
Indeed a beautiful photo!! Saying hi and how are you!! We are waiting for Spring here in ND. We are covered in snow but today was a pretty nice day and even melted a bit. Take care!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by, Angela! Looking at that picture that was taken the first week of May last year, I highly doubt the back fourty is going to look like that in a few weeks. We're supposed to get 5 inches of snow this weekend and the snow is still piled up in the backyard. Can't even imagine how cold it must be in ND! Well, we haven't ever not had a Summer, so I guess it will warm up some day. In the meantime, keep cozy and have a lovely week!
DeleteHugs
Jane
Jane,
ReplyDeleteIt's almost been a year!! Do you miss us? :) I hope you do, because I miss your posts and updates on your frugal and resourcefulness, progress with your son's home, and Rand's handiwork. You are soooo missed!!
I hope all is well in Michigan. I never thought spring was coming to OHIO!! But God.....in His goodness, has brought spring! I enjoy it so much. The freshening up of the outdoors and indoors. The colors!!! So beautiful!!!
Please update us on your last year, if that is in what is best. If not, I will be praying for you and your family for continued peace.
Because of Grace,
Kim
Hello Kim! So sorry for the delay in answering your comment. It's been ever so long since I looked at my blog and I didn't realize that Blogger no longer sent e-mail notifications when a comment is left. Thank you for stopping by. Yes, I do miss you all, but am still reluctant to begin blogging again.
DeleteHope you are having a wonderful Summer. We went from drought conditions to very muggy weather. It seems I am never happy with the weather! However today I awoke to a hint of autumn. Joy!
Thanks for stopping by!
Hugs
Jane
Have a happy Fourth of July Jane. Jody/Judy
ReplyDeleteHappy belated 4th to you Jody! Sorry about being so long in answering your comment. Blogger no longer sends e-mail alerts when a comment is left.
DeleteThe children surprised us with a 40th anniversary party on the 4th weekend. I was so surprised. Blubbered like a baby. What a wonderful family Ran and I have! Hope you are staying cool and that the ground under your feet doesn't do too much shaking!
Hugs
Jane
Sometimes I just pop in to see if you've decided to take pen in hand again. I really don't expect it, I know you have loads of stuff to keep you busy and blogging isn't on the list. But still, I want to thank you for keeping this blog 'alive'. I still look up knitting patterns and recipes. And yes, sometimes I just stroll through the house with you. :-) Ha Ha
ReplyDeleteHello dear Melinda! I apologize for taking so long in answering your comment. I was unware that blogger no longer sends out e-mail alerts when a comment is left.
DeleteGlad you are still enjoying my blog. My house does go through quite a few changes, doesn't it? I even enjoy going back and looking at how it changes. Went through some more as I try to fit in gifts from the children and make it work for us. One day it will be done!
Hope you are staying cool this hot summer. The crabgrass is surely enjoying it! Thanks for stopping by!
Hugs
Jane
Happy Thanksgiving. I hope all is well with you and yours. Im thankful for people like you in this world and i still enjoy reading your blog.
ReplyDeleteGinger
Happy Thanksgiving to you, Ginger! And thank you so much! We've had snow several times this November, it feels very Thanksging-y. So much to be thankful this year and I put kind people like you at the top of my list.
DeleteHUgs
Jane
Thinking of you! Hope you and your family are well and happy.
ReplyDeleteHope 2019 will be a great year for you all.
Best of the New Year to you too, Kathy! Brrrrr! It's cold today, -7, as I write this. So far we have been blessed with good news and interesting times, but now I will be happy to settle for plain old every-dayness for a good long while. Thank you for stopping in and saying hello!
DeleteHugs,
Jane
Dear Jane,
ReplyDeleteI was thinking of you after reading the news about the arctic cold in your area (we are getting some of it too, here in NH). I pray you and yours are well and warm! I miss your blogging. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Dana
Hello Dana, so good to here from you! Staying nice and toasty thanks to our woodstove. So concerned for those that are less fortunate. And all the stray animals. Seems like we get one of these spells every year, just have to wait them out. Today it looks deceptively warm with the clear blue skies and sun shining but the thermometer reads -10.
DeleteHow are you doing? Miss our little weekly correspondences also. I started an IG account, but haven't figured out how to use it yet, so maybe one day I'll be able to communicate that way with you that way.
Thanks so much for writing! Can't tell you how much it means to me!
Hugs
Jane
Dear Jane,
DeleteGosh I am late to seeing your reply! If you've figured out your IG account let me know. I have a small account there too and would love to keep up with you. I am doing very well. Had a big job change last summer. I now work at a private school and really love it. Its such a positive environment. Other than that I am dealing with the ups and downs of having 2 teenage daughters (15 & 17 now - pray for me) which is sometimes fun and often not so fun. And I am trying to make small inroads on my tired old cottage. I put a new furnace in last fall (the old one was 27 years old!) and had a driveway put in last month. Trying to chip away at all it needs which can be overwhelming at times. That's why I check in here to try and soak up your energy, know-how and positive, can-do spirit. (Some of us have less of that than others.) :)
I wonder if you are getting any of that "bomb cyclone" I see in the paper today. i hope not! Hopefully you are already getting your lovely garden ready and enjoying some daffodils.
Happy Spring,
Dana
Hello Dana! I need those happy Spring wishes as yes, it is snowing here today. Didn't damper my fun though, as we enjoyed two church rummage sales. Sure can't beat their prices and the little old ladies that run them are so sweet.
DeleteThese little old houses always need work, don't they? We were thinking of replacing our front door, as it is wood and swells every Spring, rendering it useless. But decided if we ever needed to get out quickly we just go through the window. Ha! Saved $500!
Glad for you. A pleasant work environment makes all the difference. Enjoy those two daughters of yours while they are home, once they leave it is never quite the same.
Been canning up a storm here. There's been so many wonderful sales on meat. Canning ground beef today. Last week I canned ham (99 cents/lb.), ground beef and turkey broth. Then yesterday Ran caught two salmons, so I canned them plus we had enough to eat. I figure by the end of the month I will have all my groceries bought for the year, as we just made a trip to the Mennonite bulk food store and stocked up on sugar, coffee, flour, oatmeal, cornmeal and cheese ($2/lb.! Can you believe it?). So for $600 I have almost a year's worth of groceries. Just have to buy eggs and dairy occasionally.
As you can see I've kicked up my thriftiness an extra notch. Ha! I certainly do miss chatting with you. Haven't figured out IG yet, waiting for my son to teach me this summer when he visits. Will let you know when it happens. Hope you are having a lovely Lent, Happy Resurrection Day in advance!
Hugs
Jane
Same to you! I admire your canning efforts. Gardening and canning are two things I really need to get started on. I worry a lot about "the long emergency" that seems to be coming and whether I'll have enough food and water in the house. Its something I give a lot of thought to but progress in stockpiling is slow. My focus tends to be reducing costs and packaging which means I make my own laundry detergent and soak a lot of beans! I also fall down the rabbit hole of internet security and spend a fair amount of time trying to plug those leaks. But gardening and canning are the next level I want to get to. I also need to figure out getting a wood stove into my place and then securing water. Its a long process and sometimes hard as I am single so doing everything myself. You are blessed to have such a capable and talented partner (and he is quite lucky as well in you!)
DeleteI will keep checking in from time to time but you can always reach me at nieveandestrellas@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you!
Have a blessed, bright Easter!
Dana