October has been a very full month with a quick trip to Maine on Columbus Day weekend. Marc was able to come along for this trip...his first to Maine in 10 years! We had a wonderful time with family and friends. The weather at the beach was great for October. Marc got to tour some old forts and bunkers so he was extra happy.
The following weekend was RHINEBECK...the NY Wool and Fiber Festival in Rhinebeck, NY. A friend and I went for the day and had a great time looking at the latest trends in fiber. It's always a knitting, crochet, and felting fashion show as the thousands of attendees model their creations.
We finally got the 'all clear' to reopen the Unadilla Artisan Guild in our new location at the Methodist Church Parsonage. It's right across the street from the town's grocery store so we have much greater visibility than our former location. It's been so encouraging to have people ask how soon we'll open because they've heard of our opening and want to purchase gifts asap. We had an artisan meeting tonight and plan to open our doors on Friday. With the 'all clear' came the 'make it happen' activity. We've been painting, moving furniture, and stocking inventory--not to mention working on new items in our 'spare' time. The shop looks wonderful and we're all excited to be back in business.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Sunday, September 29, 2013
The Rest of September...
Nathanial and I had a wonderful trip to NC.
Nathanial really enjoyed meeting the people at Shepherd's. The people are very friendly and the area is booming with growth. It shouldn't be hard for him to find a part-time job and the cost of living is much cheaper in NC. After visiting with the family he stayed with during the visit, he was told by the grandfather, "You're a good Yankee, you can move to Cary." Nathanial learned that if he does start his studies with Shepherds for the spring semester he'll be eligible to go on an archeological dig in Israel in May. That is VERY appealing to him.
I, in turn, had a great visit with my friends Barry & Saundra Stebbing. Their little farm is so restful and restorative. Hopefully, after they fulfil their commitments for classes this fall, they'll be able to take a sabbatical for a year to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of their farm with all the geese, ducks, guinea hens, and chickens. (Notice I didn't say "quiet"). It was such a precious time together. I was given Barry's studio for my stay and couldn't help but be inspired as I was surrounded by his beautiful paintings and art materials. I even got a few lessons while there.
The family at home weathered our absence and were eager to hear of our adventures. As nice as it is to visit new places, it's always great to get back home to those we love.
The garden is slowly fading. We are still getting a few tomatoes and the green peppers have produced beyond any previous year. The gourds are still in full leaf, but I've caught glimpses of several large 'bowl' gourds that I look forward to playing with next year after they've dried/cured. Wayne and I both agree that our favorite crop this year has been the scattered sunflowers of several varieties that I planted here and there. They continue to brighten areas where other flowers have passed.
The two youngest have developed the first cold of fall, and as I type this, flock after flock of geese have flown over in their journey south. We've had such delightful weather that it's easy to forget that cold, winter weather is not far away. The honking of the hundreds of geese remind us that we need to treasure these beautiful fall days.
Nathanial really enjoyed meeting the people at Shepherd's. The people are very friendly and the area is booming with growth. It shouldn't be hard for him to find a part-time job and the cost of living is much cheaper in NC. After visiting with the family he stayed with during the visit, he was told by the grandfather, "You're a good Yankee, you can move to Cary." Nathanial learned that if he does start his studies with Shepherds for the spring semester he'll be eligible to go on an archeological dig in Israel in May. That is VERY appealing to him.
I, in turn, had a great visit with my friends Barry & Saundra Stebbing. Their little farm is so restful and restorative. Hopefully, after they fulfil their commitments for classes this fall, they'll be able to take a sabbatical for a year to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of their farm with all the geese, ducks, guinea hens, and chickens. (Notice I didn't say "quiet"). It was such a precious time together. I was given Barry's studio for my stay and couldn't help but be inspired as I was surrounded by his beautiful paintings and art materials. I even got a few lessons while there.
The family at home weathered our absence and were eager to hear of our adventures. As nice as it is to visit new places, it's always great to get back home to those we love.
The garden is slowly fading. We are still getting a few tomatoes and the green peppers have produced beyond any previous year. The gourds are still in full leaf, but I've caught glimpses of several large 'bowl' gourds that I look forward to playing with next year after they've dried/cured. Wayne and I both agree that our favorite crop this year has been the scattered sunflowers of several varieties that I planted here and there. They continue to brighten areas where other flowers have passed.
The two youngest have developed the first cold of fall, and as I type this, flock after flock of geese have flown over in their journey south. We've had such delightful weather that it's easy to forget that cold, winter weather is not far away. The honking of the hundreds of geese remind us that we need to treasure these beautiful fall days.
Friday, September 6, 2013
Headin' South
Nathanial has been accepted into the Masters Program at Shepherds Theological Seminary in Cary, NC. He decided to wait until the spring semester to start attending classes on campus, but he has wanted to make a trip to confirm that is where he wants to move in January. Considering that it's a 10+ hour trip from Unadilla and the uncertainty that his Civic would make the trip and back, Wayne suggested that I accompany Nathanial and take the van. This would allow me to see where he's moving to, help with the driving, have a more reliable vehicle, and give me the opportunity to visit friends while Nathanial is on campus. We'll leave early Sunday a.m. and return on Wednesday.
Three years ago I organized a home school art workshop led by Barry Stebbing of How Great Thou ART for local home school students. As I communicated with the Stebbings, a wonderful friendship developed and we have kept in contact via email, phone, and letters. Last year Barry and his wife Saundra invited me to come to their farm in NC for a retreat from the busyness of life. I couldn't get away for several reasons, but I promised to try to find a time when I could visit their little piece of paradise. Monday a.m. I will drive an additional 2 hours from Cary to spend 2 days with the Stebbings. This very special couple has been instrumental in encouraging me (and many more!) to keep a nature journal and to really look at the beauty in creation. They have made such a substantial, positive influence to the home school community that I feel deeply privileged to be welcomed into the sanctuary of their farm.
It promises to be an exciting few days!
Three years ago I organized a home school art workshop led by Barry Stebbing of How Great Thou ART for local home school students. As I communicated with the Stebbings, a wonderful friendship developed and we have kept in contact via email, phone, and letters. Last year Barry and his wife Saundra invited me to come to their farm in NC for a retreat from the busyness of life. I couldn't get away for several reasons, but I promised to try to find a time when I could visit their little piece of paradise. Monday a.m. I will drive an additional 2 hours from Cary to spend 2 days with the Stebbings. This very special couple has been instrumental in encouraging me (and many more!) to keep a nature journal and to really look at the beauty in creation. They have made such a substantial, positive influence to the home school community that I feel deeply privileged to be welcomed into the sanctuary of their farm.
It promises to be an exciting few days!
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Saying Good-bye to August
A few weeks ago the two youngest asked if we could please start school again. How do you refuse that request?! We've been easing back into a school routine with them and the girls will start next week.
This afternoon we dissected owl pellets after reading about owls for the past few days. Ian took part in the activity for a bit, but Jonathan really enjoyed searching through the pellet and identifying the various bones. He told me that I was the "bone archeologist" and he was the "bone-ologist" (I got to do the fur removal using special tools and he would put the cleared bones to a clean bone identification area.) I remember doing the same science activity with the two eldest and it left quite an impression on all of us as to how many 'pests' owls take care of in one meal.
Tomorrow I pick up Matthew for the long weekend. He's looking at purchasing a used car and is taking it for a test drive while home. It would be great if he could drive it back to Bath next week.
We had the first corn on the cob of the season--unfortunately, it wasn't from our crop. Our corn didn't produce well and is destined for the goat and sheep. At least it's not going to waste, but it was a disappointment to have to buy corn.
I made a batch of pesto from my basil tonight. It was quite good with the summer squash stir-fry. I love having fresh grown veggies from our garden! We're researching how to expand the harvest by putting hoops over our raised beds.
This past weekend we had a great visit with Kathy and Jim. They brought lobster for those of us who love it (only 3 of us--silly children!) and we went to Pie in the Sky on Sunday for home made ice cream. They went to church with us and heard Katelyn play a violin solo. The 2 boys were supposed to have a special part in the service, too, but the schedule was changed at the last minute so they didn't get to see their part.
All too soon the leaves will fall and we will be dealing with cold weather, but for now we're cherishing the last few days of summer.
This afternoon we dissected owl pellets after reading about owls for the past few days. Ian took part in the activity for a bit, but Jonathan really enjoyed searching through the pellet and identifying the various bones. He told me that I was the "bone archeologist" and he was the "bone-ologist" (I got to do the fur removal using special tools and he would put the cleared bones to a clean bone identification area.) I remember doing the same science activity with the two eldest and it left quite an impression on all of us as to how many 'pests' owls take care of in one meal.
Tomorrow I pick up Matthew for the long weekend. He's looking at purchasing a used car and is taking it for a test drive while home. It would be great if he could drive it back to Bath next week.
We had the first corn on the cob of the season--unfortunately, it wasn't from our crop. Our corn didn't produce well and is destined for the goat and sheep. At least it's not going to waste, but it was a disappointment to have to buy corn.
I made a batch of pesto from my basil tonight. It was quite good with the summer squash stir-fry. I love having fresh grown veggies from our garden! We're researching how to expand the harvest by putting hoops over our raised beds.
This past weekend we had a great visit with Kathy and Jim. They brought lobster for those of us who love it (only 3 of us--silly children!) and we went to Pie in the Sky on Sunday for home made ice cream. They went to church with us and heard Katelyn play a violin solo. The 2 boys were supposed to have a special part in the service, too, but the schedule was changed at the last minute so they didn't get to see their part.
All too soon the leaves will fall and we will be dealing with cold weather, but for now we're cherishing the last few days of summer.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
August is upon us...
Marc and Katelyn had a great time on the bike trip. I am still amazed that they pedalled over 150 miles in the Catskill Mountains.
Katelyn had a wipe-out on Wednesday, but is healing well. We're all very thankful that it was surface wounds and nothing major. Her bike's gear shift was duct taped back together so she could complete the week, but it will need an overhaul before she goes on any other trek.
I'm preparing for a yard sale this Saturday. It's time to weed out all the home school material for preschool through 2nd grade. It seems strange that there are no more 'littles' coming along to use the younger level material. I'm also trying to weed out the attic collection. We used to 'lose weight' with each move when we were in the military, but it's been 15 years without a move and we have the 'weight' to prove it!
Today I cleared out and re-organized the home school shelves since it'll soon be time to hit the books again. The IHIPs (individual home instruction plans) have been submitted to the superintendent of schools, and now I await word on whether I am 'compliant' with NY state law. (They just review our plans and make sure that we are covering all the required courses.) Actually, the children have already been doing activities that 'count' as school. Ian has been having a wonderful time writing stories on an old Underwood typewriter that was loaned to us. Jonathan has been learning about amphibians since Rachael brought home a baby newt (named Geico). Geico has disappeared, but not before Jonathan learned all about what newts eat, where they live, and how to care for them. (Thankfully, Geico was being kept on the back porch so I don't have a newt wandering through the house...that I know of!)
It looks like Nathanial and I will be heading to Cary, NC September 8th-11th for him to visit Shepherds' Theological Seminary, which he plans to attend for the spring 2014 semester. (He wants to check the school out before committing to a move to NC.) I'm going along to help with the driving, check out where he'll be moving to, and have the treat of meeting up with some friends who live in NC.
We're all looking forward to my sister Kathy and brother-in-law James coming for a visit next weekend. It isn't often that we have family from Maine visit, so it's a special gift to all of us that they are making the long trip in this direction as part of their vacation.
As I type this, there are flocks of Canadian geese flying over...I don't want to think about what that means!
Katelyn had a wipe-out on Wednesday, but is healing well. We're all very thankful that it was surface wounds and nothing major. Her bike's gear shift was duct taped back together so she could complete the week, but it will need an overhaul before she goes on any other trek.
I'm preparing for a yard sale this Saturday. It's time to weed out all the home school material for preschool through 2nd grade. It seems strange that there are no more 'littles' coming along to use the younger level material. I'm also trying to weed out the attic collection. We used to 'lose weight' with each move when we were in the military, but it's been 15 years without a move and we have the 'weight' to prove it!
Today I cleared out and re-organized the home school shelves since it'll soon be time to hit the books again. The IHIPs (individual home instruction plans) have been submitted to the superintendent of schools, and now I await word on whether I am 'compliant' with NY state law. (They just review our plans and make sure that we are covering all the required courses.) Actually, the children have already been doing activities that 'count' as school. Ian has been having a wonderful time writing stories on an old Underwood typewriter that was loaned to us. Jonathan has been learning about amphibians since Rachael brought home a baby newt (named Geico). Geico has disappeared, but not before Jonathan learned all about what newts eat, where they live, and how to care for them. (Thankfully, Geico was being kept on the back porch so I don't have a newt wandering through the house...that I know of!)
It looks like Nathanial and I will be heading to Cary, NC September 8th-11th for him to visit Shepherds' Theological Seminary, which he plans to attend for the spring 2014 semester. (He wants to check the school out before committing to a move to NC.) I'm going along to help with the driving, check out where he'll be moving to, and have the treat of meeting up with some friends who live in NC.
We're all looking forward to my sister Kathy and brother-in-law James coming for a visit next weekend. It isn't often that we have family from Maine visit, so it's a special gift to all of us that they are making the long trip in this direction as part of their vacation.
As I type this, there are flocks of Canadian geese flying over...I don't want to think about what that means!
Saturday, August 3, 2013
A Whirlwind of Days...
Seasons seem to pass so quickly, but summer seems especially fast as the warm days are filled with regular activities in addition to those that can only be done in the summer sun.
We've had the usual trips to doctors and dentists. Katelyn has developed asthma, but is responding well to the medications. Wayne's oncologist/hematologist doesn't need to see him until November since his blood tests were so good (Yahoo!)
The past two weeks have been filled with visitors. Wayne's Mom and Aunt Millie came for a few days before returning to PA for a family reunion and a memorial service for one of Wayne's uncles. They and several uncles, an aunt, and Wayne's sister stopped on their way to Massachusetts for Uncle Gilbert's burial. They stopped on their way back to PA for dinner and a quick visit before completing the trip home.
We also had the members of East Wind Gospel Group arrive from Maine last Saturday. Nancy and Phil spent the night here while the 3 remaining members stayed in a local motel, but we had a great day together Sunday after a concert at our church. The newest member of the group is from my home town of Pownal, Maine. We had fun talking about mutual acquaintances and things of "home".
Matthew also made it home last weekend for a visit. It was great having all the kids together again.
Monday I took Matt back to Bath and then Katelyn to the doctor's for a check up before her upcoming bike trip. Wednesday was music lesson day, shopping for necessities for the bike trip, and meeting with the Artisan Guild to discuss the reopening of our shop (which is still in limbo). Yesterday Marc had his monthly black smith lesson in North Hampton, MA.
Today it was yard work day, making last minute purchases for the bike trip and packing for the trip. Tomorrow we take Marc's and Katelyn's gear to the loading area to help pack the trucks with all the luggage and tenting equipment. Early Monday a.m. the bikers leave Oneonta and head to Cobleskill, NY where their tour through the Catskills begin. They'll be gone until next Saturday. It will seem strange to have only Nathanial, Rachael, Jon, and Ian home (and Nathanial will be working most of the week).
As I mentioned earlier, the re-opening of the shop is on hold for the time being as we await the legal workings of the church organization allowing us the use of one of their buildings. Our using their facility will not be generating any income for the church, which will be confirmed at the upcoming hearing. We have no idea how long this process will take, but the local church is very anxious for us to be in the building and not leaving it vacated any longer than necessary. We are praying that it will be speedily put to rest and we'll be able to open our doors soon. In the meantime, we're gearing up in production so we'll be ready with ample inventory.
No wonder the days are flying by!
We've had the usual trips to doctors and dentists. Katelyn has developed asthma, but is responding well to the medications. Wayne's oncologist/hematologist doesn't need to see him until November since his blood tests were so good (Yahoo!)
The past two weeks have been filled with visitors. Wayne's Mom and Aunt Millie came for a few days before returning to PA for a family reunion and a memorial service for one of Wayne's uncles. They and several uncles, an aunt, and Wayne's sister stopped on their way to Massachusetts for Uncle Gilbert's burial. They stopped on their way back to PA for dinner and a quick visit before completing the trip home.
We also had the members of East Wind Gospel Group arrive from Maine last Saturday. Nancy and Phil spent the night here while the 3 remaining members stayed in a local motel, but we had a great day together Sunday after a concert at our church. The newest member of the group is from my home town of Pownal, Maine. We had fun talking about mutual acquaintances and things of "home".
Matthew also made it home last weekend for a visit. It was great having all the kids together again.
Monday I took Matt back to Bath and then Katelyn to the doctor's for a check up before her upcoming bike trip. Wednesday was music lesson day, shopping for necessities for the bike trip, and meeting with the Artisan Guild to discuss the reopening of our shop (which is still in limbo). Yesterday Marc had his monthly black smith lesson in North Hampton, MA.
Today it was yard work day, making last minute purchases for the bike trip and packing for the trip. Tomorrow we take Marc's and Katelyn's gear to the loading area to help pack the trucks with all the luggage and tenting equipment. Early Monday a.m. the bikers leave Oneonta and head to Cobleskill, NY where their tour through the Catskills begin. They'll be gone until next Saturday. It will seem strange to have only Nathanial, Rachael, Jon, and Ian home (and Nathanial will be working most of the week).
As I mentioned earlier, the re-opening of the shop is on hold for the time being as we await the legal workings of the church organization allowing us the use of one of their buildings. Our using their facility will not be generating any income for the church, which will be confirmed at the upcoming hearing. We have no idea how long this process will take, but the local church is very anxious for us to be in the building and not leaving it vacated any longer than necessary. We are praying that it will be speedily put to rest and we'll be able to open our doors soon. In the meantime, we're gearing up in production so we'll be ready with ample inventory.
No wonder the days are flying by!
Sunday, July 7, 2013
A Long Holiday Weekend
The kids wanted to do something special for the 4th, but being so warm and not wanting to travel too far, our choices were limited. We decided to go miniature golfing. Wayne held down the home fort while I took the 6 'at home' kids to Oneonta for the adventure. Nathanial and I have played mini-golf before, but this was a first for the rest of the gang. After 2 1/2 hours of laughing and fooling around we finally finished the 18 holes (there wasn't anyone behind us, which was a good thing!) Jonathan did extremely well to keep the ball out of the water until the 17th hole. It was a great day of memory making and now Ian keeps asking when we can go back.
We've had several evenings of sporadic firework displays. Ian gets a little bit frustrated with them when he's trying to go to sleep. "Don't they realize that some people want to sleep at night?!"
The rest of the weekend has been spent doing projects around the farm. I was able to hill the potatoes and corn yesterday before the heat got too intense. I've also been harvesting herbs for projects.
Katelyn and Marc are in training for the big YFC bike trip through the Catskill Mountains which is scheduled for the 2nd week of August.
Rachael and Katelyn were able to get some horseback riding in yesterday at the stable where they work. It's been a long time since they've had the opportunity to ride and are a bit stiff and sore today.
Nathanial is looking to go to NC to work on his masters degree. He's working out the details to make a visit to the campus before committing to moving there. I'm hoping to tag along and visit friends while in the area.
Even in the lazy, hazy days of summer there's plenty to keep us busy.
We've had several evenings of sporadic firework displays. Ian gets a little bit frustrated with them when he's trying to go to sleep. "Don't they realize that some people want to sleep at night?!"
The rest of the weekend has been spent doing projects around the farm. I was able to hill the potatoes and corn yesterday before the heat got too intense. I've also been harvesting herbs for projects.
Katelyn and Marc are in training for the big YFC bike trip through the Catskill Mountains which is scheduled for the 2nd week of August.
Rachael and Katelyn were able to get some horseback riding in yesterday at the stable where they work. It's been a long time since they've had the opportunity to ride and are a bit stiff and sore today.
Nathanial is looking to go to NC to work on his masters degree. He's working out the details to make a visit to the campus before committing to moving there. I'm hoping to tag along and visit friends while in the area.
Even in the lazy, hazy days of summer there's plenty to keep us busy.
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