TRILLIUM HEAVEN

There is a place, way at the back of homemakerang.blogspot.com

farm that has as much of the endangered Trillium as I have dandelions!!!
"They" say it is illegal to transplant it. However, if next spring, one finds Trillium growing on the banks of Farmgirl's pond...well...we'll just forget we ever even had this little conversation, now, WON'T WE!!

10 SIMPLE PLEASURES TAG

I've been tagged by homemakersheart.blogspot.com to list 10 simple pleasures. I have so many, I don't know if I can keep it down to 10!

1. Sunday morning worship/church
2. front porch bird watching
3. warm tomatoes, right off the vine
4. icy cold glass of Moet and Chandon's "White Star" champagne
5. chillin with good friends...old or new
6. fresh manicure/pedicure
7. estate sales
8. fragrance shopping
9. reading in bed
10. snuggling with my Farmboy

Funny thing is...in the next week I will be doing 9 out of 10 of these! The only thing missing will be the warm tomatoes, straight from the vine!

PS THESE ARE NOT NECESSARILY IN ORDER OF PREFERENCE...IF YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN!!!!

If you'd like to be part of the "tag", just list your own top ten pleasures!

PHANTOM! COMING SOON TO A BLOG NEAR YOU

Farmchild Ave and I are going to see Phantom of the Opera tomorrow! It has been advertised for weeks, and I finally bit the bullet and got us seats this week. Dilly dallying has a price, however, and we will not be seated near each other. Neither one of us is too bothered by that fact, however, and both of us are very excited to see it LIVE, on stage! We were able to get excellent seats by not sitting together. Ave has front row, end seat, and I have 7th row, end seat at the other side of the theater. We will, of course, meet during intermission to compare notes!

What we have heard from others that have already been to see it, is that the Phantom is absolutely incredible, and Christine is not as good as the movie version. We don't care...we can hardly wait!

HEARTY FARMGIRL BREAKFAST

I must confess, that although this is one on my favorite breakfasts, it is one that I only indulge in every couple weeks or so. (one has to keep one's girlish figure, and one does NOT do it by eating the above!) However, while visiting over at Homemakerang's farm yesterday, I was blessed with a dozen, VERY fresh, eggs. By very fresh, I mean, just barely out from under the hen's you know what. Homemakerang wasn't altogether certain that I wasn't just taking them out of courtesy, but I assured her they would definitely get eaten. Well, once you crack these guys, you can see immediately one of the reasons Farmgirl wants her OWN little flock of hens! The yolk is plump, full, huge. And when you break it open with a piece of whole wheat english muffin... see below

THIS is what you get! The yolk had a hard time oozing out from beneath it's white exterior! It was a thing of beauty. The taste was fabulous. Thick, creamy, intense yolk flavor. THIS is what Farmgirl is longing for. Unfortunately, ALL of Homemakerang's gift was eaten in one day! Pancakes were made, egg mcmuffins were created and consumed, and Farmgirl was left with an empty egg carton. (I think another visit to Homemakerang's is in order, real soon!)
Thanks Ang! (and thanks to Buddy, who takes such good care of Homemakerang's hens!)

PIGGY! PIGGY!

OK...I KNOW this is not a very clear photo...BUT...it is all I have to commemorate the 1st time I have been so close to a real, live, 5 week old PIGLET! Yes...this is a piglet! That bad boy must weigh 40-50 lbs...and still an infant!!! Farmgirl took a ride over to see Homemakerang and wish her a Happy 35th birthday, when her children (bless their hearts!!!) insisted on showing me their newest farm acquisition! 4 "BABY" piggies! Let me tell you...they aren't like any babies I have ever seen! Ang's kids were RIDING these guys!!! And sadly enough...these guys are only temporary fixtures at Eclectic Culture Farm, as come fall they will be seen on the plates of Homemakerang's family. ALL RIGHT ALREADY! IT'S THE CIRCLE OF LIFE, FOR CRYIN OUT LOUD!!! And I DO love a good pork chop...er...I mean piggy!

HENHOUSE UPDATE

Here is Cyn looking out of her henhouse DUTCH DOOR!! Yes, Farmboy did that just for me! LOT'S of extra work. Cyn is VERY grateful. (know what I mean!!)

Farmboy also put in the 2 henhouse windows. These face south and west. (NO...this is NOT what the finished product will look like! It still needs siding of some sort!
(and a window box or 2!!)

CLUCK! CLUCK! CLUCK!

Well, so far, these are the only chickens Farmgirl has! These ceramic chicks are foraging in her Lemon Balm in the front of the courtyard garden. It's OK...they're not doing any damage!

These cement chickens were found at a garage sale 4 years ago. Isn't it funny how certain garage sales stick in your mind. I could point out the house where I found these beauties, and recall the price I paid for them! ($5 bucks for the pair!!!)

These guys will just have to do until the real chickies come along...hopefully another week or two.

FRONT PORCH LOOKIN IN

Here is a view from my front yard looking west. I do love a flag blowing in the breeze! We brought this one from dad's place in Florida. He had a garage full! Dad was VERY patriotic!
He also had one on HIS front porch!

SPRING PLANTINGS

For Cyn's 51st birthday 2 years ago, dear friend Joy, at: savvycityfarmer.blogspot.com, brought me, among other goodies, a pair of these basket weave cement planters. They have been flanking our fireplace all this time, with artificial rosemary plants nestled inside...but it was time for these 2 beauties to see the light of day! So I bought 2 baby dwarf evergreens, (takes these little guys 35 years to grow to 5ft.) (only took me 13 years to do that...however that's when Cyn stopped growing!!) and planted them in these beauties! Now, maybe these will inspire me to finish painting the porch they are sittin on! Like the story about the lady who received a bouquet of flowers, set them on her table, and began noticing how the rest of her surroundings didn't look so good. So she set to work cleaning up around her bouquet, then the clean area around the bouquet looked so good, she felt she needed to clean up IT'S surrounding area...and so on. Does this mean Farmgirl Cyn's garden and porch will be all neat and tidy real soon? Nah! But it DOES mean she just might finish paintin those front porch steps!

TILL DEATH DO US PART

When mom passed away nearly 7 years ago, I inherited her wedding rings from my dad. Now, mind you, my folks had been divorced since I was 5, however dad had always been close to mom's heart through the years, and she kept his rings safe in her jewelry box. I began wearing these rings on a gold chain around my neck, and when I was in Florida a couple years ago, I showed dad what I was wearing. He went to his room and came out with HIS wedding band from mom, and gave it to me. I slipped it on my gold chain and began wearing them together. After dad passed away last month, I took the rings to a jeweler and had them sized for my hand. (mom was a beanpole when she married dad, and her rings were a size 4!) Not as meaningful to me as they could have been, had they stayed married all those years, but still a reminder of their love for me. I wear them proudly. Till death do us part. And then they'll get passed on to MY oldest daughter.

HANGING OUT

Here is last years precious birthday gift from homemakerang.blogspot.com. Handmade with love, it is a clothespin bag created from a vintage kitchen towel! Used almost daily 3 seasons a year, it is one of my favorite and most useful gifts!

THE ELECTRIC CHICKEN

One of my favorite chickens here at Farmgirl Cyn's "farm". He stands sentry outside Farmgirl's front door, lighting the way for all evening visitors. A precious birthday gift from dear friend, Donna, who knew years ago that chickens were on my wish list when we built the farm.
THANKS AGAIN DONNA!

FARMCHILDS PRANKS

Yes folks, THIS is the kind of foolishness Farmgirl Cyn has to put up with!!! Her 17 year old Farmchild, Sam, thinks this is hilarious. I TRY not to laugh...it only encourages more of the same!

OLD TRUCK/NEW TRUCK

OUT WITH THE OLD.
A 1995 Chevy van with over 300,000 miles
Farmboy drove this for the last 6 years
Got $50 bucks for it at the junkyard

IN WITH THE NEW
Part of Farmgirl Cyn's inheritance
Farmboy drives this beauty now
How blessed Farmboy is!

YOUNG FARMBOY

Now, of course, THIS is not the ONLY reason Farmgirl Cyn fell for Farmboy...but it didn't hurt...if you know what I mean!! Now, obviously, this photo was taken many years ago...I believe it was 1973...but let me tell you...Farmboy still retains that certain charm that melted my heart nearly 37 years ago. The pounds may come and the pounds may go (with a LOT more effort than it took over 30 years ago, I might add!!!) but the LOVE still remains. Just lucky, one might say. I SAY "NO!!!" Emphatically, "NO!!" No luck involved. Just the pure, sweet, grace of our LORD JESUS CHRIST. Without divine intervention, we would be just another divorce statistic, and our children would be in the healing lines of the local church. (if in church, at all). Thanks be to God, who sent His only, begotten Son, to set us free. And we are free, indeed. Thank you, Father, for Jesus. Thank you Jesus, for bleeding. Thank you Spirit, for leading us to the BLOOD!

GARDEN BEAUTIES

One of my 5 dwarf apple trees, planted in the front acre. I hope to add peach and cherry this spring. Sadly, one of the 5 apple didn't make it thru the winter. Happily, Home Depot carries a 1 year warranty!

A true sign of spring here in the midwest...Grape Hyacinths! Grapey looking and grapey smelling! They look so sweet as a cut flower, perhaps in an antique little glass medicine bottle?

MORE FAMILY FUN!

Farmfirl Cyn and her favorite (nah...they're ALL her favorites!) sis-in-law, Shaan Camille...aka...Shamille. Ain't she pretty?

Farmgirl Cyn

Four of my sis-in-laws, 2 of my bro-in-laws, and Phil, with Farmgirl Cyn front and center. Now, mind you, Farmgirl doesn't mind being front and center, but when photo's are being taken, it's where they always put her, as Cyn stands only 5' tall...on a good day!

Farmboy Pete

FAMILY FUN

Some of my favorite in-laws, at a get together, for Phil, the only guy in the photo. Phil is our nephew, and he is home for a 2 week break from serving our country in Iraq. (Farmgirl Cyn is the cool one with the new sunglasses on!)
Farmboy with his two brothers, Scott, (father to Phil), and Louie. Can you tell what they enjoy doing at family gatherings? Gathering round the buffet! That's what!!

IT'S 5 O'CLOCK SOMEWHERE!

What, you may be asking yourself, does Farmgirl Cyn DO when she is all hot and sweaty from working in the garden, or helping shove a roof onto her "work-in-progress" henhouse? Well, this Farmgirl takes a little wine spritzer break, that's what!! This is definitely NOT the drink of choice for wine snobs, but it fills the bill for THIS Farmgirl! Just a splash of whatever red wine Farmgirl has on hand, mixed with some sparkling mineral water, a chunk of lime squeezed in, and VOILA! A drink to soothe the weary bones of Farmgirl, with just enough wine to act as a pick-me-up, giving me a boost of creativity and energy to work just a wee bit more in the perennial beds or the vegetable garden! Cheers!

HENHOUSE, PART 2

The roof is on folks, and as you can see, it's a doozy. Farmboy thought a fiberglass roof was in order, hence the "see-through". What we're hoping for is lots of daylight, even during the dreary midwest winter, to keep those hens laying. (lying???) (never could get those right!!) It will be well insulated, as it gets mighty windy here at the "Little House On The Prairie"! It took all 4 of us to get the roof up there yesterday, so, needless to say, the doors and windows are not yet in place. The picket fencing seen in the photo will be the coop. We will need to fortify it with chicken wire all around, and over the top. Can't have CHICKEN HAWKS taking my chicken family! It's lots of work, building my hen house. And don't, even for a minute, think Farmgirl Cyn isn't very grateful to Farmboy. Know what I mean???
Love,
Cyn

APRIL SHOWERS BRING APRIL FLOWERS!

Had a short, but sweet visit with homemakerang.blogspot.com this week, and her darling girls presented me with these lovely spring bouquets! They came running as soon as I pulled into the drive, anxious to give their gifts. What special girls my special friend Ang has! (her Buddy is pretty awesome too! He does his chores like a real man. He's the guy in charge of Homemakerang's hen house!) Looking forward to many more visits in the months to come!
Love,
Cyn

HEN HOUSE, 101

Here is "Phase 2" of our henhouse construction project. The cement floor got poured several months ago. And the walls got set in place this week. Today the roof goes up, the door and windows get put in, and Farmboy Pete gets a big hug and kiss from Cyn! Much work left, however, it is mostly "interior design" stuff! You know, the placement of furniture, lamps, floral arrangements! Will update regularly. We're looking into some authentic barnwood siding, already stained red. Tre chic!
Here is Farmgirl Cyn, with her Farmboy, Pete. He is on the inside of the hen house, just finishing some of the essential nailing down of henhouse walls. (Don't we make a sweet looking Farmcouple??) (35 year wedding anniversary coming up this fall!)

FARMGIRL CHORES

Ooohhh...doesn't Farmgirl Cyn look awful after a few hours workin the soil? Ah well, it goes with the territory. Can't be out there in kitten heels and a skirt, now can we? (maybe we can! Stay tuned for more Farmgirl antics, as she tries to haul manure all sweet lookin and smellin real nice!!)
This here would be Farmcat wannabe, Fuzzy. Oh, he THINKS he is a farmcat, however, he leaves it to old gal Kissy, to bring home the bacon. (er...I mean the field mice) He then shows what he is REALLY made of, as he tosses around Miss Kissy's "catch" on the back porch.
This here is shy, Farmchild, Ave. Can you all tell? She does NOT like having her photo taken? She helped clean out the courtyard perennial beds for several hours Wednesday. Ain't she purty??? (in the background is a part of Farmgirl Cyn's inheritance...a nice, 2001 Dodge Ram pickup. Just what a Farmgirl needs to haul around farm "stuff"!!!)

BLOWIN' IN THE WIND

Oh my goodness! I reckon you can almost smell these towels right thru your computer screen! There is nothing like the smell of air-dried sheets, towels, and blankets. And Wednesday was just about the most perfect day to hang laundry. Sunny, breezy, and the fact that the local farms around here have not yet spread manure! Can you tell? I am almost giddy with the sights and smells of spring. It has been a long, cold, winter for Farmgirl Cyn, and most of you know it's not just cause of our midwest location. To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven. And that ain't just a Simon and Garfunkel song. And the TRUTH shall set me free!
Love,
Cyn

SPRING HAS SPRUNG!!

Here is my Jens Monk rose. She blooms from spring till the first frost with the most incredibly fragrant, pink roses! I am glad to see her back!

AAAAHHHH! Feverfew! It grows everywhere! I had some years ago I gave to dear friend, Joy. We then built the farmhouse, and sadly, had to leave every bit of Feverfew at the old house. (it was January...couldn't find the feverfew if my life depended on it!) Enter dear friend, Joy...with the much beloved Feverfew. Now it was she who was passing it on to me! Reaping and sowing...gotta love it! The flowers on Feverfew are little white, daisy-ish beauties, which, when cut, last for days in a nosegay in the house. So happy they're back, and multiplying, too!!!

Garage sale fever has hit, and I got the bug real bad! Here are my treasures from last week. Old, chippy, and ever so ugly. My favorite kind of junk! I do believe the new henhouse might have a place for these...right over the main door?? We shall see.

And last, but certainly not least...the Garden Gnome. Loved by many. Feared by some. This particular little fellow is my new garden buddy. He lies at the foot of the front porch steps, just waiting to see who will be gracing our home next. Found in a quaint little shop in the ghetto of the Westside, run by the sweetest kindred spirit, and her friend. Certainly a place I will be going back to, as you can see by his photo what fine company they keep!

HAPPY 75TH BIRTHDAY MOM!!

Happy birthday, mom!
We surprised my mother-in-law last week with a party honoring her 75th birthday. Most of her siblings and most of her children were able to attend.

SURPRISE!!!!

Most of you who know me, know that my mother-in-law and I have not always seen eye-to-eye. But the last couple of years things have changed. I have a love for her that I have never had before. A tenderness towards her. A respect for the life she tried to give her family. A concern for her well-being.
Who says God is not in the miracle working business anymore!!!

Love,
Cyn

HE IS ALIVE!!

I live, I live, because YOU ARE RISEN.
I live, I live, with power over sin.
I live, I live because YOU ARE RISEN.
I live, I live, to worship You.
THANK YOU JESUS! THANK YOU JESUS!
BECAUSE YOUR ALIVE. BECAUSEYOUR ALIVE.
BECAUSE YOUR ALIVE, I live.

A blessed "HE IS RISEN" day to all!

Love,
Cyn

This old house

This is a song written by S. Hamblen and sung by the Brian Seltzer Orchestra, that was played at my only sisters funeral over 3 years ago. At first I was taken aback at the odd choice my brother-in-law made, but as I read the lyrics and heard the music I became convinced it was ever so appropriate. (I only wish I knew how to actually put the music on the blog!!) May we all be "GETTIN READY TO MEET THE SAINTS!"

Love,
Cyn



This old house once knew its children
This old house once knew its wife
This old house was home and comfort
As they fought the storms of life

This old house once rang with laughter
This old house heard many shouts
Now it trembles in the darkness
When the lightning walks about

Ain't gonna need this house no longer
Ain't gonna need this house no more
Ain't got time to fix the shingles
Ain't got time to fix the floor
Ain't got time to oil the hinges
Nor to mend the window pain
Ain't gonna need this house no longer
He's getting ready to meet the saints

This old house is gettin' shaky
This old house is gettin' old
This old house has seen the rain
This old house has seen the cold

Oh his knees are gettin' chilly
But he feels no fear or pain
'cause he sees an angel peepin'
Through a broken window pane


Ain't gonna need this house no longer
Ain't gonna need this house no more
Ain't got time to fix the shingles
Ain't got time to fix the floor
Ain't got time to oil the hinges
Nor to mend the window pain
Ain't gonna need this house no longer
He's getting ready to meet the saints

GIRLFRIENDS

On our way from Florida back home to Michigan, we were able to stop in Atlanta to visit a good friend of mine, Donna. (pictured left) I met Donna at a garage sale I was having 7 years ago, and we just "clicked". She left our little town 2 years ago, and although we had kept in touch via letters, and the occasional phone call, I had not seen her. Sadly, we had only about an hour to "catch up", check out her awesome home, and tell each other how incredible we looked!!! The hardest part of our visit was "good-bye." Pulling out of their driveway, I was a blubbering mess. Seems you don't realize how much you miss someone till you've seen them again, and realize how not having that person as a part of your daily life has affected you. Despite our age difference, (I am MUCH older than Donna...old enough to be her mom!), Donna became one of my best friends. May 1000 miles not change that.

Love,
Cyn

MY DAD: June 8, 1932-March 14, 2006

One of the last photo's of my dad, taken just 10 days before he passed away. He had been looking longingly at his pool, and just itching to get in there. It was a warm afternoon, maybe 80, and the water was at least 84. So his friend Denise, pictured next to him, helped him on with his swim trunks, and he sat there on the first step of the pool for at least 20 minutes. It really was a good day for him. He was in a good mood. Hungry, for the first time in days, since he had just had his tummy drained the day before. And I was there, to follow thru with his every wish. If watermelon sounded good...then I was off to get watermelon. Never mind that he would only eat a bite or two. Fish and chips sounded good...off I went to find the best fish and chips in the area. Never mind that we would have to cajole him out of bed to eat just a few bites. He would give me his breakfast order the evening before...french toast, one, not two, fresh fruit, coffee, and maybe one of those sweet things Janet, his sister, had just bought...cause sweet things sounded good to him. The next morning I would get his breakfast ready, just as he had ordered, give him his newspaper, fresh off the driveway, and watch sadly, as he picked at his meal, leaving the plate almost as full as when I brought it to him. But, by golly, "Cindy...can you get me a small spoon for my coffee?" Cause no matter if I had the exact amount of sugar, the precise amount of cream, all stirred up for him...he still wanted that spoon!!!! And I would give anything to be able to serve him, just once more. Cause there is always more that you want to say. One more thing that you want to do. One more hug that you must give. One more "I love you, dad" that must cross your lips. One more "good-bye."
BUT..."It is appointed unto man once to die...and then the judgment." I pray that in those final days, final hours, my dad made the right choice. He had heard it all many times. And many times he assured us he was "fine". He was a "christian". But, God knows the heart. And He knew my dad's heart. And I pray my dad made the right choice. I know my Aunt Janet and I were there "for such a time as this". Quite possibly, the hardest month of my life. Yet, I would do nothing different.
"FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON. THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVES ON HIM SHALL NEVER PERISH, BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE."

Love,
Cyn