I live on a farm ... — country living

The past three days, spent in the Finger Lakes region of Western New York, feels as if it was the most relaxing and fulfilling weekend of my life. It was the first time my husband and I went away together for a weekend adventure--just the two of us-- since we got married six months ago. He did a wonderful job of putting together an interesting road tour of the area starting with our meandering drive down there on Friday. The weather was just right for me: cloudy and cold, rainy at times. We even saw a tad bit of snow...

Twenty-eight degrees outside, and frost on everything. I bundled up and went out with the camera for another morning of discovery in my new environment. The crisp feel of the air and the early fall smell of leaves recently fallen to the ground and now beginning to decay brought back quite tangible memories of my childhood in North Carolina walking to school on such a morning. Halloween approaching quickly, delicious cold air tightening the skin on my cheeks and nose. Makes me long for the big pot of hot cocoa my mother used to make for us on cold, cold...

Before I get into that story, for the knitters who read my blog I posted the instructions for Stage 2 of the Lavender Hat this morning. I am entirely pleased with my hat design, it came out just as I pictured it in my mind. Stage 2 directions are on the same page as Stage 1 and further down. Enjoy! I believe it is a bit of a miracle not only that my husband and I met, but also that we are married. The truth is, I am certain there were a series of little miracles over a period of...

Saturday was a busy and productive day. In the early afternoon we drove over to our cottage on the river--five miles down the road from the farm--because my husband needed to pick up some tools. He suggested I come along with him because he thought it might be my last opportunity to see and photograph the brilliant foliage of the maple trees growing on the bank of the river. He has been telling me how glorious the maples are on the river bank when their leaves go to full yellow color; he had a hunch Saturday would be the day...

When I make my special cranberry apple pie during the holidays, I save a bit of crust to cut into the shape of leaves to decorate the center of the top crust. I usually cut out four leaves freehand, place them in the center and then form three berries for the center of the leaves. It makes a beautiful presentation. It is raining here again, as it has for the past three days. To me, this weather looks and feels much like winter because this is about what winter was like in Los Angeles. I realize I am in for...