"And so the Spring days came and went, the sky grew clearer, the earth greener and the flowers were up fairly early..."Little Women, Louisa May Alcott
I cannot believe how long it has been since I have published a post... here we are, at the end of November...where are the weeks going?
I decided that a catch~ up was in order, and I wanted to share these Spring pictures with you all, even if they are a little late in coming, {{smiles}}
the world outside...
Spring has slipped away as quickly as it came, and there is a now a definite Summer feeling in the air. On all of the fruit trees, lush green leaves have replaced the delicate pink and white blossoms, and the days have been getting longer as well as warmer. We have already gone for our first swim of the season! How wonderful it is, not to have to wrap up warmly before going outside to do the chores.
around the house...
November has been quite an exciting and busy month for my family...more so than usual, I mean, {{smiles}} In amongst our daily chores and work, there have been delightful visits with dear friends, outings and visitors. Sometimes homesteading can be quite overwhelming, and the workload intense, and so it is truly amazing how the Lord takes care of us all, and gives us little pleasures along the way that help us to keep going.
listening to...
I recently discovered a beautiful album of Hymns, by Casting Crowns. They are all so uplifting, and I love having them playing softly in the background whilst I potter about the kitchen, cooking and cleaning. You can listen to them here.
from the kitchen...
The preserving season has already begun, and the first few jars of jam on the shelf. Last month we had a abundant harvest of strawberries from the garden, which were promptly made into delicious jam by my Mom. How pretty the jars look, filled with the clear pink jam!
Octobers are also 'the month of Victoria Sponge Cakes!' And we indulged in quite a few of them while the strawberry glut lasted! Made with homemade jam, decorated with homegrown strawberries and topped with fresh cream from our cow, what could be better?!
in the garden...
My sisters and I have been spending more and more time working in our two large vegetable gardens. Since our worker recently resigned from his position here, there has been a lot of extra physical work to be done, but we love our work, and like to think of ourselves as Land Girls. Although my red onion crop failed, {they all went to seed sooner than they were meant to, and the result was a terrible harvest} my brown onions seem to be drying out beautifully! I am planning to publish a Garden Tour soon, so stay tuned for that post!
on the homestead...
Our homestead is at it's busiest! After adding a little lamb to our menagerie, {pictures coming soon!} we had five little ducklings hatch and four guinea pig babies born. It would also appear that our cow is pregnant, and so our little plot is fast becoming overrun with farm animals, {{smiles}}
a little happiness...
Watching my cute, fluffy little ducklings run around the yard, following Mama Duck and staying close to her side. I will never tire of the amazing gift of life that the Lord gives us, and the privilege of caring for animals.
enjoying...
My work on our homestead, and laughing with my sisters.
anticipating...
We have a five day holiday to look forward to, happening at the end of December. Our friends who stay in the little seaside village of Sedgefield are going away, and have asked us to come and stay in their home and take care of their dogs. Unfortunately my older sisters cannot join us, as two people are needed to stay and watch our homestead and do the chores, but for them it is a little rest from the usual chaotic busyness when we all are at home!
Grateful for...
The trailer load of dry wood friends dropped off for us two weeks ago, as a gift. Having heard that we were struggling to light our wood stove due to the fact we had no dry wood to use, they spent their morning chopping a load for us. We all are so touched by their thoughtfulness and kindness. They are true friends♥
a beautiful quote...
"To live wisely is to orient everything about ourselves and our lives around God rather than around ourselves. Wise women are God-centered, not self centered. As we orient ourselves around God, our tastes and interests will change, and we will increasingly love what God loves and hate what he hates:”~ Lydia Brownback~
a beautiful verse...
"But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable beauty of a quiet and gentle spirit, which in God's eyes, are very precious."
1 Peter 3:4
I hope that November will continue blessed and beautiful month for you, dear readers♥
~Blessings, Gabrielle~
