Time Away And An Apron Giveaway!

Dearest Readers,

I am busily packing and preparing for our time away these next several days. But, before I shut down until Wednesday morning I want to thank each and every one of you that have shared by way of comment. I am very touched by your kind words towards the little things I try to do here!! So a BIG HUG and a hearty THANK YOU from me to you is in order!!!

I will not be posting the "Simple Woman's Daybook" on Monday as I know most of you will be out and about enjoying the sunshine and fresh air, but the first Monday in June be sure to come over and share your link.

Have a grand time together with family and friends and enjoy each moment.

Oh!! One more thing I wanted to give you all a chance at one of my daughter Olivia's beautiful aprons. So I put up Mister Linky so you could share these pretties, the 'Olivia's Vintage Spring Collection' with others. Here is where you can see them...all you have to do is share with your readers a bit about them on your blog, copy your direct link to that post and then come back here and add it...just like you do with the daybook.

The drawing will be held June 2nd and the winner will get a custom-made apron sewn to her specifications by Olivia!

Also, during this time if you subscribe to my 7-page e-zine "The Simple Woman's Gazette" you can purchase any apron listed here for half the cost. You can go HERE for a free sampling of my March issue. You will get 12 issues starting with the March, April and most recent May issues.

...so be sure to check these out sometime over your holiday!!

See ya come May 28th!

~Simple Devotion~The Word Is Alive!

Have you been an example lately to another dear one. Is there another women near you that needs encouragement or a blessing? Maybe it is someone that needs help with her children, or to catch up on her housekeeping after an illness or birth. I find that for myself personally, my walk/lifestyle and my salvation/mission, is connected in a beautiful, working pattern as I carry on every day of my life.

My relationship with my husband, my children, homemaking, homeschooling, even my blog is my *example* if you will, to a world that is searching, crying for peace, contentment, joy and hope. These things may seem “surface”, but reflect a heart that is satisfied in living a simple life for Christ…my witness has been in the check-out line at the grocery store, has been to a tired mother working long hours with children in daycare searching for another way, has been circled around my quilting frame, over a cup of tea, at a yard sale, even on-line with one of my writings…

Living the word is the biggest witness you can give to searching women dying in the desert of “society”. YOU CAN GIVE THEM HOPE!!

"Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and sympathetic?"
Phil. 2:1

These are just a few of my thoughts. Now, take this to YOUR blog! I have created this time of 'simple devotion' to cause you and I to stop and think and share our thoughts.

So how are some ways you can become an example or perhaps a better one to those around you? Make a list of some things you can do in your day to day to make a sweet difference in another woman's life. What are YOUR thoughts?

A Kin To My Own Thoughts

“May nights are cool in Connecticut, too cool to eat in the barbecue, unless a fire is burning in the fireplace. The family is firm with me about this. I suggest eating in the barbecue as soon as the ice is off the brook, and I am severely told that barbecue suppers are for warm weather.

I inherit this passion for outdoor eating from my mother. Mother was picnic-minded in a day when it was a little odd to rush off and eat by the roadside except on a regular planned picnic, or a church strawberry festival. Mother liked to pop whatever was handy into a basket and eat in the back yard, or in the front yard, or by the river, or in the lawn swing.

And one of my dearest memories is a day when she and I drove together from Pittsfield to Springfield, Massachusetts, and instead of stopping to eat in a restaurant, carried our lunch and ate by the road with the green and dreamy Berkshires behind us and a quick fall of mountain water in the gorge below us. We had sandwiches and deviled eggs and a thermos bottle of coffee, and we talked. The words we spoke are gone down the quick fall of that other stream which is time, but the contentment remains in my memory.

Sometimes I stop to think, now, that every day we are making memories. And I wonder whether I make happy memories enough for my own child. I feel sure that if families would be conscious of the fact that everything they do or say may one day be a memory, there would be less quarreling, fewer harsh words spoken. It is nice to be right, but better to be remembered pleasantly. And there is something so inexorable about the past; you can’t change it. You can only try to make today a good one before it, too, slips into the past.”

~ Gladys Taber, from ‘The Book of Stillmeadow’ (1948)

spring on my mountain where many picnics are held and alot of memories made

The Simple Woman's Daybook~May 19th

FOR TODAY

Outside my Window...are a few clouds and a sun trying to shine

I am thinking...how sweet to read your daybooks and the comments you leave for me. I read each and every one and am touched at your kindness...even though I have little time to respond to each one they are a joy to me. I am amazed at how this little blog has grown this past month. If it brings even a little blessing to even one then it is hitting the mark in why I continue to write

I am thankful for...for the work my husband put into my canning area on Friday evening and Saturday...what a man! (Pictures will come as soon as my project is complete.)

From the kitchen...two pieces of hot toast with butter and a hot cup of Lipton decaf tea

I am creating...a way for us to share in the 20 meal planner idea I shared last week. Would you enjoy this type of themed sharing on The Simple Woman?

I am going...to be home all week except Wednesday when I go for my monthly chiropractor appointment...then we leave for long week-end

I am wearing...blue jeans chinos, peach colored tee, brown flip-flops, hair in high ponytail and a dash of new perfume, "Flower" by Cynthia Rowley from Avon...wonderful!

I am reading...over the (almost) put together May issue of "The Simple Woman's Gazette". Your issue will be emailed Wednesday.

I am hoping...for lots of sunshine this week. Praise the Lord for the spring season and for filling up the water table with plenty of fresh water

I am hearing...Samuel calling Caleb from his room

Around the house...there are birds singing everywhere, little pairs to watch as they love and nest in their new boxes Caleb built for me, 5 little Bantys getting used to their new surroundings, an herb bed full of fresh green plants to begin using, a cute little clothesline where Hannah can now reach to hang laundry for me and her own pin bag, radishes to gather, lettuce is almost ready for salads, red onions need weeded and a beautifully re-vamped cold storage/fruit cellar area worked on Saturday by my dear husband for my canned goods.

One of my favorite things...is making a salad from my garden...a dish of buttercrunch lettuce, thinly sliced radishes, chopped spring onions, a bit of shredded parmesan cheese, a dash of Italian dressing and a turn of ground peppercorns

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...wrap up homeschooling portfolios, send out the May issue of TSW Gazette, get all yard work caught up, welcome the new ladies who just joined the "Women Folk" yahoo list and pack for a long 4-day lake week-end

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

What is better than fresh bedding coming off the clothesline...sniff...ah... sun and breezes on sheets for our nest.

AND THE WINNER OF THE MaryJanes Farm magazine from last week's Daybook is...#27 as Hannah pulls the slip from the mason jar!

Amy from Simple Folk!!!!!

Amy, email me with your home address and I will get this out to you on errand day!

NOW! It is YOUR turn to share YOUR daybook.

BUT IF YOU ARE TAKING PART FOR THE FIRST TIME, PLEASE GO here FIRST FOR THE GUIDELINES BEFORE SIGNING Mister Linky! Please remind anyone finding this idea from your personal blog, to make sure to give credit and come sign my Mister Linky first before taking part.

Also, DO NOT sign Mister Linky unless you have created a Daybook.
Thank you!

A Week's End & Advice From An Old Hen

A week passes and comes to a close and you ponder today and this past week. Things may have went well or perhaps they were rushed, out of whack, off balance or shot out of dark. I have had those kinds of weeks, but the Lord has supplied all of our needs in every way.

When you look to the past week, think of how the Lord has blessed you and kept you safe...safe in all ways. You will find he was there every step of the way even if you did not take notice... I sense even now the peace that passeth all understanding.Helen Steiner Rice writes "On life's busy thoroughfares, we meet with angels unawares..." and so it is with our family.

When life's fiery darts come your way and they will, remember as I,

"And he said, The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my savior; thou savest me from violence. I will call on the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
2 Samuel 22:2-4

So when life throws you fiery darts such as high gas prices, tight budgets, sickness and all the whatnots...put up your "shield" and watch them bounce off and back. God will turn what is meant for harm into good...he already has for me

But, that's just the one true God I serve and how he works!

P.S. A bit of advice from an old hen...

Might I add for my sweet readers to distance yourself from the doom and gloom of the internet hub-bub that comes from websites and blogs. Sadly, as I sometimes do...like a child I roam too far from my favorite places of reading and find too much about our current events shared...enough to make any homemaker wonder and question her faith in the future. While God calls us to be wise and prudent, he does not call us to worry and fret...so be wise, but do not stray too far in your online reading trails...you may get lost.

Have a grand week-end and I will see you all back here Monday as we put together our daybooks and also to name the winner of the MaryJane magazine from this weeks' listing.

Unhurried

~An unhurried sense of time is in itself a form of wealth~

Bonnie Friedman

This quote makes me feel quite rich here on our mountain as this is how we truly maintain our shelves of time, unhurried…indeed unhurried~

Honoring YOUR Thoughts Thursday

You've Got A Friend!

"...you just call out my name...and you know wherever I am...I'll come runnin'...to see you again...

don't cha know that...winter, spring, summer or fall...all you've got to do is call...cause I'll be there...yes I will...you've got a friend!"

Anne is that kind of friend to me. I met Anne online going on 6 years or so now and she has been a kindred spirit to me ever since. She is a one of a kind!

Thank you ~Anne girl for my beautiful "never late" birthday gifts! I will surely let you know what I choose from Gooseberry Patch!!!!

HUGS AND KISSES!!

~You are a gem~

~Simple Devotion~The Word Is Alive!

Won't you join me in a weekly devotion? Each week I will add the Mister Linky code which will allow you the opportunity to share your thoughts using the food-for-thought questions I leave at the end. You may also do this by way of comment or you can quietly read and mediate without "saying" a word. Either way I want to be an encourager to you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
How do you see your new days, with joy or fear…with peace or unrest…with love or unforgiveness? Many sisters see the new day as a time to begin anew, of a clean slate. Some see this as a time of confusion as in “Which way do I go first?”

I would like to encourage you to just take each and every new day at a time and to not be anxious for the next. If looking at a month at a time brings you a tired spirit, then just enjoy the moment. Do not fret about tomorrow and worry about next week. It tells us in the word that worrying and fear do not come from God, but rather from the deceiver and the author of lies and confusion. Our Lord does not want us to miss the blessings of today as we search for tomorrow. Relish in the moment, the here and now. We know that times are hard and they will be...the end is written and the world is in travail, but we also know that we are never alone. Take comfort in this...

Philippians 4:8 (which is the "blueprint” verse for my life) it says “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” I just love this scripture and find the words very simple to understand. I find them healing to a burdened spirit that is hurting.

I have a cookstove in my greatroom and when it nears to fall each, I am sure to have it crackling and heated up; at the same time I have my hands in alot of dishwater in a day’s time and my hands get sorely chapped and raw. I have a lovely salve from Burt’s Bees that I use, slathering it on my hands especially my knuckles.

I just love that word…salve, it even sounds healing, so it is with the above scripture (and so many others), it is a healing salve to a sore and raw spirit, one that is hurting or worrying or in a ‘peaceless’ if you will, state.

Spread the word of God on the raw and sore areas of your life and you will have healing and complete rest in him.

Rest on these words dear readers.

Welcome the new day with a healed spirit!!

IF you wish to take part in this new addition to "The Simple Woman" blog, you may use the button below to place in your blog entries with link back here so that others can take part.
What brings a "balm" of healing to your mind when you "think on these things"?
(If you use Mister Linky, add your permalink only so that readers can find your post easily)

~Women Folk~Living Simpler Lives

~ Women Folk~

The Simple Woman's Daybook~May 12th

FOR TODAY

Outside my Window...rain and more rain making everything grow even greener

I am thinking...what a blessing you are by coming by and sharing YOUR day with myself and my readers...HUGS!!! We are growing as word gets out...last week we had 35 ladies take part!!

I am thankful for...and blessed by all the lovely and touching comments left at my new "The Simple Woman's Cannery" blog...Thank you for your interest!

From the kitchen...oatmeal with a dash of butter and molasses and a hot cup of mint tea

I am creating...my summer calendar full of fun in the sun activities

I am going...to be home all week saving gas and use my time wisely during these rainy days right here at my nest

I am wearing...long cornflower blue linen skirt, brown and blue flowered knit top, barefeet, hair swept in a French twist and turquoise dangling earrings

I am reading...over Caleb's Ancient Egypt report

I am hoping...for a productive week with plans to revamp the 20-meal calendar

I am hearing...rain on the skylights and Maddie breathing as she sleeps heavily on my new braided rug that she has claimed as her own

Around the house...one load of laundry to hang in the basement and dried by the woodstove, oatmeal cake to bake, Samuel to ready for pre-school and a supper of broccoli and smashed potatoes with cheddar cheese planned

One of my favorite things...is gathering my new Banty chicken eggs from their nesting boxes...did you ever cry over the sweet sight of those little eggs first gathered or am I the only one ?

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...buy the vegetable plants for the garden and the flowers for the beds, add a few herb varieties to my garden list, take our spring onions to the market and mow, mow, mow...

Here is a picture thought I am sharing for you...

This is the *NEEEW* Mary Janes Farm magazine!! Some of you may have it, but for those who do not and take part in the daybook this week you will have a chance to have your name drawn for it. I will have Hannah pick a number and the number chosen will have this goodie sent to them. SOOOOOOOOO make sure that AFTER you post your daybook link to Mister Linky that you leave a comment with your name and email address. Only those who do both will be entered...so remember Mister Linky and Comment.

Thank you!!!!!!!

NOW! It is YOUR turn to share YOUR daybook. BUT IF YOU ARE TAKING PART FOR THE FIRST TIME, PLEASE GO here FIRST FOR THE GUIDELINES BEFORE SIGNING Mister Linky! Please remind anyone finding this idea from your personal blog, to make sure to give credit and come sign my Mister Linky first before taking part. Also, DO NOT sign Mister Linky unless you have created a Daybook.
Thank you!

Honoring YOUR Thoughts Thursday

Little Bits

The Simple Woman's Cannery

I am so very excited to bring to you my second blog, The Simple Woman's Cannery. It is in it's starting phase, but won't you take a look and share the link with others.

In uncertain times it is of value to learn from the past generations of women who knew of hard times and still put out a lovely table.

~Simple Devotion~

The Word of God is alive!!

...and I lift my hands in Holy devotion to you,

my life is my sacrifice, daily surrendered...

...and I lift my voice unashamed of my love for you,

my life is my sacrifice, daily surrendered..

~Won't you join me and together we can lift the name of our Lord up high, one "blog" at a time~

~"Simple Devotion" coming soon~

The Simple Woman's Daybook~May 5th

FOR TODAY

Outside my Window...a brilliant robin egg blue sky, bright sunshine and lots of birdies

I am thinking...what a wonderful week-end with memories being made and cherished

I am thankful for...for a large family and the fruit I see in my older children as they grow and mature in their adulthood

From the kitchen...nothing, but an outdoor picnic is being planned complete with grilled burgers

I am creating...our big bin full of clean bedding and bathing needs to take to the lake this coming week-end...YEAH spring is here!

I am going...to be home all week except for the end of the year picnic at church Wednesday night...then errands, groceries for the lake house

I am wearing...lime green shorts, lime and white stripped top, hair still drying and barefoot

I am reading...still in Psalms

I am hoping...for lots of Daybooks to read this week

I am hearing...the sound of chirping coming through my open windows

Around the house...is a basket full of seeds ready to plant, basket of laundry to be folded and put away, wheat berries to be ground to flour and to enjoy my new barn star my sweetie put up Saturday

One of my favorite things...is knowing that my roots have been planted and nourished these 49 years right here on this mountain where I grew up...here is where I was born and here is where I will die.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...is to make bread, mow the yards, continue to pack for the lake, go fishing, work on homeschooling portfolio, make my evaluation appointment and talk to my sister about the ocean week-end

Here is a picture thought I am sharing for you...




NOW! It is YOUR turn to share YOUR daybook. BUT IF YOU ARE TAKING PART FOR THE FIRST TIME, PLEASE GO here FIRST FOR THE GUIDELINES BEFORE SIGNING Mister Linky! Also, please remind anyone finding this idea from your personal blog, to make sure to give credit and come sign my Mister Linky first before taking part. Thank you!

Honoring Your Thoughts Thursday

I was doing this entry on Fridays, but decided to share with you now on Thursdays. So make sure you check in to see whose thoughts I am honoring. I hope you are blessed by my choices.

The Simple Woman Award~May

Each month here at "The Simple Woman" I will be highlighting a blog that speaks of simplicity and whose author is seen to me as a simple woman. The title of "simple" woman is one I do not share lightly as there is nothing simple about the ladies I will be choosing. They are women of character, of gentle spirit...they have a sweet presence on the web and make it a much better place because of the words they share and the pictures they offer. So simple is a word I use as a word of refinement and of substance. Time to read blogs should be chosen wisely, so I will share a blog each month that is rich and a treat to your time spent online.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
For this beautiful month of May, it seems so fitting that the blog to be honored would be Andrea over at the "Flourishing Mother"!

Andrea's blog gives me a sense of quiet and of peace when I visit. Her words and pictures have a calming that is to be treasured in today's blogging world. Alot of blogs are loud and come at you with this and that, but Andrea has captured joy in the midst of living daily and in that sharing blesses quietly.

I am blessed to honor her this month with the "Simple Woman" award. Here are two of my favorite blog entries that spoke to my heart and now you may ponder ... "Joy and Rest" and "Rest Hour".

Her blog is honored with the above award and her link will be placed in a special spot on my sidebar.

Please go over and visit with Andrea and leave her a kind comment!

A Little Chat

It seems awhile since I dropped you, my precious friends a letter other than writing something on a specific topic...well, count this as one. I miss you ladies, but the weather in Pennsylvania has broken, leaving little time to sit and visit. I know that many of you in more southern states feel the very same and are already harvesting things from your gardens. It seems that outside work is always there waiting for me in one form or another...we are harvesting onions and I can not wait to have fresh radishes. We have been in the middle of a cold snap which is not unusual for my climate here as fear of frost is not over until mid May. My hardy vegetables can tolerate the cooler nights with only the lettuce needing cover until morning.

Work is being done on our little pasture area with John and Hannie working on fencing in preparation for our goat babies we will be getting the end of May, early June unless we take momma and baby instead of two babies that would need weaned. We are unsure at this point which way we are going to go. I will also be getting about 8 Banty hens soon as well as ordering Leghorn pullets. I love my chickens!

The lilacs are blooming, mockorange is in bud, the forsythia, daffodils and tulips are over and my white dogwoods are just beautiful this year. The yard is nice and thick this year for the most part and the mowing will keep me busy and in shape. I have been getting on my treadmill each morning for 30 minutes which helps keep me in shape between mowings. I love push mowing as it really helps tone my upper arms, perhaps you ladies would find mowing a blessing to help you in any weight you want to drop...it works. Oh! and don't tell my children that during this time is when I do most of my thinking and planning...yep, with ear plugs in place my mind just whizzes through all sorts of things. They never bother me during this time.

Our local apple blossom festival is this weekend which always finds us there eating the blooming onion, funnel cake and French fries with vinegar. Yummy food and the wonderful local yokels make for a nice day of fun and sun...hopefully it will not rain, but if it does there is always Sunday.

I have been spending time preparing homeschool portfolios and will set up my evaluation date real soon. My evaluator is late emailing her families as she too is busy with home and things. Hard to believe that in about 3 weeks we will begin to ponder the upcoming 17th year of homeschooling! I can not imagine as I look back at all the days of laughter, tears, good days, not so good days, all the paper and pencils and books and fun that I have gone through that we are closing on 16 years...simple amazing to this almost 50 year old momma!

Little Samuel is doing so very well with his half day pre-school classes. I am blessed to have him attending my hometown elementary school. He has a great teacher as well as speech and occupational therapists. For those of you who may not know, my little man has Down Syndrome. It never occurs to me to ever mention that as he is just one of my half dozen and is not special, anymore "special" than any of the other five. Just as in the homeschooling and pondering those years, I also think back to the past nearly 5 years of this little fellows' life and how very far he has come. Miracle is the word to describe him...nothing short of a miracle.

Well, supper is over and my cappuccino has just reached warm, a perfect tempeture and so I am off to spend the evening with my family, a little ballgame, a little writing, a little reading and a little planning...and so it goes here on the mountain...

~I am blessed~

~Good Night Dear Kindred Friends~

Thank you Lord Jesus for all your many blessings~

Introducing Olivia's "Vintage Spring" Collection...

What could be nicer for spring than a new apron! My daughter, Olivia has been working on a new apron collection, Vintage Spring, created just for you, the readers of my blog.

She will also be introducing her *NEW* Etsy Shoppe in the near future, so be sure to check back here for that information. You will not want to miss out on this one!

Each apron is one of a kind and they will be sold on a first come, first serve basis. You can make payment by sending check, money order or by using the paypal account email address hearthkeeper@superpa.net .

For home address information or questions you may contact me at my new business email address thesimplewoman@gmail.com

Please be sure and spread the word about this wonderful collection of aprons. Olivia and I would appreciate it very much!

Thank you in advance!

xoxo

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Apron #1

Waist apron. Length 18 inches. Width 31 inches. Waistband/Ties 86 inches. Pleated contrast hem.
Price: $20.00
Shipping: $4.05 (Priority US)
Total: 24.05
(Insurance Extra)

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Apron #2

Waist apron. Length 18.5 inches. Width 31 inches. Waistband/Ties 81.5 inches. 1 center pocket.
Price: $18.00
Shipping: $4.05 (Priority US)
Total: $22.05
(Insurance Extra)

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Apron #3

Waist apron. Length 17 inches. Width 28.5 Waistband/Ties 90 inches. 1 side pocket.
Price: $18.00
Shipping: $4.05 (Priority US)
Total: $22.05
(Insurance Extra)
----------

Apron #4

Waist apron. Length 23 inches. Width 28 inches. Waistband/ties 91 inches. 1 center pocket. Pintucks.
Price: $20.00
Shipping: $4.05 (Priority US)
Total: $24.05
(Insurance Extra)
-----------

Apron #5

Waist apron. Length 23 inches. Width 28 inches. Waistband/ties 91 inches. 1 center pocket. Pintucks.
Price: $20.00
Shipping: $4.05 (Priority US)
Total: $24.05
(Insurance Extra)

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Apron #6

Bibbed apron. Length 17 inches. Width 30 inches. Waistband/ties 83 inches. Bib width 11.5 inches. Shoulder straps criss-cross in back and attach to waistband.
Price: $22.00
Shipping: $4.05 (Priority US)
Total: $26.05
(Insurance Extra)
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Apron #7

Waist apron. Length 15 inches. Width 34 inches. Waistband/ties 91 inches.
Price: $12.00
Shipping: $4.05 (Priority US)
Total: $16.05
(Insurance Extra)

The Simple Woman's Daybook~April 28th

FOR TODAY

Outside my Window...is a settle rain with dark fog

I am thinking...or perhaps pondering how many other women besides me bypass their devotionals each day for whatever the reason

I am thankful for...a beautiful growing and green garden

From the kitchen...supper will be taco salad

I am creating...a way to help those of us who do not take the time to perhaps take the time...more coming on "simple devotionals"

I am going...to be home all week except for an afternoon fishing...saving gas is a priority as well as pantry stocking and putting away

I am wearing...an old skirt and top with old sneakers and not so old socks for my time on the treadmill

I am reading...Psalms

I am hoping...for sunshine tomorrow

I am hearing...James taking a shower and Samuel eating his toast

Around the house...is a sink full of dishes that need done, 3 loads of dry laundry that needs brought up and put away, a menu that needs planned, pantry list that needs going over and homeschool papers to finish

One of my favorite things...the clear mind that comes from exercise

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...to work on the new goat fence, help Hannah pack for Good News camp and clean out a few cabinets in the kitchen to make room for a few new kitchen things

Here is a picture thought I am sharing for you...

someone else loves my desk chair as well...Maddie our kitty

NOW! It is YOUR turn to share YOUR daybook. BUT IF YOU ARE TAKING PART FOR THE FIRST TIME, PLEASE GO here FIRST FOR THE GUIDELINES BEFORE SIGNING Mister Linky!

Also, please remind anyone finding this idea on your personal blog, to make sure to give credit and come sign my Mister Linky first before taking part. Thank you!

Farm Girl Blog-A-Thon~Domestic Bliss

**********************************

I am taking part in the Farm Girl Blog-A-Thon over at the "Garden Goose" blog. It runs for six weeks...so go on over and get the details and join yourself.

I know I have alot of country gals who read my blog. Remember you do not have to live on a farm to be a farm girl.

This week's theme is: In The Kitchen/Domestic Bliss!

I am showing for this week's "Farmgirl Blog-A-Thon" my Gooseberry Patch Cookbook collection! I just love those cookbooks. Here is a free recipe that is shared at their site. You will love all they have to show you over there. Give them a visit!

Savory Beef Stew

1 t. oil

1 lb. boneless beef round steak, cubed

3 potatoes, peeled and cubed

1 c. baby carrots

14-1/2 oz. can beef broth

14-1/2 oz. can stewed tomatoes

75-oz. pkg. garlic & herb salad dressing mix

2/3 to 1 c. watercooked egg noodles

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add steak; brown on both sides. Place steak, drippings and remaining ingredients in a slow cooker. Add water to desired consistency,. Cover and cook on low setting for 8 to 10 hours. Serve over hot buttered noodles. Serves 4 to 6.

Now go visit other farmgirls at heart at Mary Janes Farm!

Garden Journal~April 23rd

Come on along for a garden tour this morning...we shall enter through the garden gate. Isn't there something special about old gates? I love the entering in and closing behind that it allows. Things are just starting here, but you are more than welcome to tag along. Not too much "work" to do just yet, but soon for sure.

This is the hotbed where I grow my tender lettuce plants...

Here is a look at the row of turnips...

the raspberry grove...

the radishes...

grape arbor...

and we will wrap up our walk in the asparagus patch.

If you would like you can maybe find a few spring onions big enough for your supper. There are rows of those so don't trip as you leave. Thank you for coming along and leave the gate open for the me as you go.

The Simple Woman's Daybook~April 21st

FOR TODAY

Outside my Window...fog, rain and a chill in the air, but GREEN abounds

I am thinking...what a wonderful 49th birthday I had! (thank you too for your wishes and comments of kindness)

I am thankful for...the gift of reconciliation

From the kitchen...supper will be spaghetti and all the trimin's

I am creating...two 2007-08 homeschool portfolios

I am going...to be lighting my candles today and playing soothing music

I am wearing...my favorite beige knee-length skirt, purple v-neck cotton top, brown suede sandals, hair in French braid and deep purple Celtic bead and heart earrings.

I am reading...a new book that perhaps was not a best buy

I am hoping...I can mow for the first time this week!

I am hearing...a lovely settle rain and the garden drinking in heavily

Around the house...it looks like someone had a birthday party with leftover cake, ice cream bowls stacked up, tissue paper and gift bags piled for the garbage bag and a beautiful bouquet of roses in my vintage milk glass vase.

One of my favorite things...is rain tapping on my skylight windows

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...plant early vegetables, finish pretty-ing my screened-in porch, begin wrap up phase of our homeschool year, work on blog projects, supper and church service come Wednesday and a little shopping with my gift-card from my dear husband.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing for you...

NOW! It is YOUR turn to share YOUR daybook. BUT IF YOU ARE TAKING PART FOR THE FIRST TIME, PLEASE GO here FIRST FOR THE GUIDELINES BEFORE SIGNING Mister Linky! Thank you~

And The Winner Is...

picked by my Livvie...#31 Blessed Motherhood

How great for you Amy...now you can take some much needed time to pamper yourself as you see to those blessings!! Email me with your home address and I will ship your things Friday on my errand day.

Thank you to ALL who entered in the fun! Be watching for May's goodie pack as I already have it together. Why? Just because I love to bless others in this way!

Have a wonderful week-end and see you all back with Monday with "The Simple Woman's Daybook"!

Show & Tell Friday~April 18th

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This show and tell has very little tell, but LOTS of show...what does it show...my love affair with thrift stores. Finding treasures on my birthday for not much! It surely holds true that "One person's junk is another's person's treasure! I am one happy birthday girl today and the day is not even over!

Honoring Your Thoughts Thursday

Honoring Your Thoughts Thursday

Each Thursday I highlight a special blog post that I read during the past week and enjoyed very much. A post that I do not want my readers here to miss! It is to honor women who write of "Home, Hearth & Heart"...3 topics that speak simplicity to me.
Enjoy and do have a visit to say "Hi!" to the honored blogger

Farm Girl Blog-A-Thon~Farmgirl Heart

I am taking part in the Farm Girl Blog-A-Thon over at the "Garden Goose"blog.

It runs for six weeks...so go on over and get the details and join yourself. I know I have alot of country gals who read my blog. Remember you do not have to live on a farm to be a farm girl.

This week's theme is: Farmgirl Heart!

What does being a Farm Girl mean to you?

OOh, lots to ponder on this one. To me personally it means country things, things closely entwined with enjoying the things a country gal would, outdoors, being in the sunshine, fresh air, grass stained bare feet, dirty fingernails and knees from working in the garden, snipping lavender, cutting mint for fresh ice tea, lemonade in glass pitchers, moonlit nights, smell of manure, long green grasses, new kitties, clothes on the line flapping in the wind,fresh plowed ground, fishing down by the local watering hole, calling "moving" from one home to another, a flittin, lightening bugs, sucking on honeysuckle, gathering lilacs, hunting for mushrooms, making dandelion greens with bacon and vinegar, calling "dinner" supper, long walks, spotting deer, looking for turkey scratches, calling your chickens to the day's scraps, playing in the stream, listening for the first spring peepers, watching the clouds, picnics on blankets, baskets for purses, long cotton skirts, long hair in braids, eating spring onions, eating fresh-picked goodies from the garden while still in the garden, thunderstorms, looking for "Preacher in the Pulpit"and making them "preach"...

...whiling away the summer with little thought or care about anything else except for the here and now...

this is me...the woman of simplicity.

Go visit other farmgirls at heart at Mary Janes Farm!

Hospital-i-Tea~Dressed to a Tea

Dear Readers,

This is week five of La Tea Dah's, Gracious Hospital-i-Tea Blog-a-Thon.You can read last week's entry if you go to my sidebar (I will be listing all of my sharings there).

"For this week we are asked to share our favorite tea-type outfit. Dressed-to-a-Tea". Share ideas for dressing up for afternoon tea. Is your favorite tea-time outfit a silk caftan, flannel jammies, or a dress with proper hat and gloves? Do you enjoy wearing tea prints to tea? Or do you prefer something more elegant? Lace and ruffles? A feathered hat? Long pink gloves? Satins and silks? Cotton comfort? Jeans and a t-shirt you say? That's okay --- share it all here. Pictures of you in tea-time costume are welcome!"

I would have to say that when going out to tea, that there is nothing quite like a wearing some type of crisp, white, cotton blouse as part of the outfit. I am not too much for lace trim or pearl buttons, but fresh starched cotton is so pretty. Against the face, it just gives a clean palette to work from. There is just something about that to me, but for at home teas, well anything fits the bill.

It is the sprit in which you share your tea that counts, but it is fun to dress in your best finery to do it just right.