Last week it was hitting over 90 degrees Fahrenheit.  This week we were lucky we hit 70 degrees.  With continuous rains, wind and cold temperatures not suited for mid-May, one would think Noah was going to show up with his ark.  Our little homestead has a very large deck in the back, but because of how the deck sits verses the patterns of the winds, we tend to be the victims of broken pots and upturned furniture after a storm here.  Nevertheless, we are pressing on and gearing up for an amazing summer.

In the meantime, I am sitting here up in our bedroom, far away from the wrestling-filled family room while the boys eat their Friday-night foods (pizza and mozzarella sticks).  With the window fan bringing in soft, cool air, candles lit and fuzzy blankets and pillows, I am all set for an evening of writing.

(My current work station for the evening)

I had a bit of a setback with some family emergencies that came up over the last two weeks.  But thankfully all went well and I am back to at least a semi-routine. Saturday, we are heading up Northeast Pennsylvania to Easton to visit some family and help out with some things.  As much as I’d like to think it will be a quick visit, I know better after all these years, and between typing here, I am packing some provisions for this day trip, that will include our two teenage boys and our pup, Linus.

Looking out the window right now, it really is chilly, as if we were near the end of September. Because of this, my mood has taken me to the darker, moodier and albeit romantic music that tends to soothe my heart during that time of year. It just felt right to put it on.  What’s on that particular playlist, you may be wondering?  Well, below is my list, that you can actually find on my YouTube channel (click on the “Autumn Bliss” title)

Autumn Bliss

Some of my favorite artists hail from the other side of the pond, with the likes of folk artists such as Heidi Talbot and Kate Rusby, our Canadian neighbor Loreena McKennitt, Celtic singer Enya and her sister Mairead Brennan, just to name a few.  My tastes during Autumn usually hit between Folk, Adult Alternative, and Celtic.  It just felt right to play this tonight.  As much as I dislike winter with the powerful disdain of 1000 suns, there is something so beautiful when Autumn is coming into her glory, her final triumph, before the long rest begins.  And our bodies know this, as we begin to long for things like blankets, sweaters, comfort food and campfires.  A feeling I know I feel during that time of year where my mind starts to shift into my achievements I have made over the year, and how I would like to complete the remaining months of the year.  I write more, I dream more. I think more. Autumn really is beautiful, you know?

(One of my favorite pastimes, sitting by the campfire)

Anyway, back to homesteading stuff!  Still waiting to get our bay window installed, still need to get vegetables into the ground, as the rain and unstable temperatures have caused me to be super behind.  But my perennials are back in all their glory, like my clematis, comfrey and burdock.  And my onions I planted over a month ago are coming in wonderfully!  Now to get down to weeding that purple dead nettle and get those veggies in!!!!

(Just a quick walk around the jungle…I mean garden….with my perennials going nuts!)

Hope you all are doing well and getting into the adventures that summer brings!  Talk to you soon!

Bridget

Well hello!

One would think that not having a full time job would give me more time to write, but in fact its quite the opposite.  Funny how one can get writers block the moment you have time!

BUT, Spring is finally here (in the calendar sense), and I am very eager to get back into the swing of all things life!  And to me, writing is life for me.  If I am not typing something, I’m writing into a book.  And I have so much on my mind, that it’s really impossible to put it all into one post.

But enough of that.  So, what’s going on at this homestead?

Well, the weather thankfully has moved from the high 70’s to mid 80’s with nighttime sleeping with the windows open.  One of the best things about Spring is the scents.  Magnolias, fresh cut grass, hyacinths and many more are sweeping through the air and coming into my windows.  Especially during vespers, the scents become almost intoxicating!  And there is nothing more dreamy for me than to open all the windows and doors.

Sadly, I live with 3 men who don’t like opening anything!  My front door has a glass pane and because the door is fairly old, getting a screen insert has been impossible to find.  Our side door is a big wood and glass door, with no way to use inserts.  There is no screen door to go with it. I always kept the back door open, but the fear of bugs coming into the house causes lots of disharmony when they are home.  Over the last several weeks I opened the Magic Screen and purchased a screen all by itself with velcro where you can attach the screen. So, yesterday while my son was nursing his tooth extractions (he had to have a couple removed for his braces), I put both screens up.  It didn’t take long for the complaints to begin, but both screens are in place, so that’s a big win over here!!!!

I am also excited to tell you that we are getting a window put in our kitchen!

See, when we first moved in, we knew this would eventually have to do this, as one of the owners from long ago put on an addition to our home, and unfortunately they did it off the kitchen, leaving no light in our kitchen.  I personally don’t like it.  It’s way too dark in there, and let me tell you, when all you crave is light and life, the last place you want to be in is where it’s dark.  I have been waiting to get this done, but our builder can’t do it until we get out of this cold, rainy season.  So, we were hoping for a mid-April date, but now it looks like it’s going to be May.  Either way, I’m getting morning sun soon!  And that’s going to be GLORIOUS!  Yay for light!  Yay for spring breezes!!!

I am currently trying to learn how to edit videos…I have always been somewhat savvy in different software, so when I bought Wondershare’s Filmora© I made the wrong assumption this was going to be quick and easy.

Oy.  Let’s just say I’m feeling things out, and hopefully I will be able to produce more video blogs.

Hope all is well!

~ Bridget