tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73135312232554993692024-02-20T16:13:44.823-08:00Farmhouse GreetingsDeVonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446096768173996514noreply@blogger.comBlogger238125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313531223255499369.post-81041201736234246342013-03-29T18:54:00.000-07:002013-03-29T18:54:37.253-07:00Girl Holding RoosterEaster Greetings! Recently finished another 2014 calendar illustration based on a photo I took several years ago at the Delaware County Fair in Walton, NY. This plucky little girl was holding her prized rooster and as we walked by, I asked if I could take her picture. She agreed. As I was looking through my 1000s of pictures lately, this image leaped out and begged to be drawn. I imagine the model is a teenager by now...I wonder if she still enjoys her poultry pals.<br />
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<br />DeVonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446096768173996514noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313531223255499369.post-77992086976355469062013-02-28T11:12:00.001-08:002013-02-28T11:12:44.044-08:00New Foster Park Gazebo IllustrationsI've been working on drawings toward my 2014 calendar, and just completed the drawing for my May page of the Foster Park gazebo. This is a scene of Foster Park on a past Memorial Day.If you look very closely, you will see my parents, waiting for the parade and onlookers to fill the park eventually. Memorial Day is an honored tradition in Afton, complete with a featured speaker, band music, taps, blessings and a special ritual honoring our war dead ( notice the white crosses in the foreground, awaiting the wreaths placed on them by the scouts, honoring each member of the community who died in service of their country).<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/8515709183/" title="Afton Gazebo, B&W,2013 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img alt="Afton Gazebo, B&W,2013" height="389" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8379/8515709183_0893bf0ddf.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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I've completed this drawing in time to donate a large, colored print to a benefit, honoring a valued member of our community, Afton Electrician, Mike Sickler, who will be greatly missed, not only for his work ethic and dedication, but also for his quiet friendliness.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/8516827576/" title="Afton gazebo, color, 2013 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img alt="Afton gazebo, color, 2013" height="396" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8246/8516827576_38282ebb82.jpg" width="500" /></a>DeVonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446096768173996514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313531223255499369.post-60644039735765932112013-02-27T06:11:00.000-08:002013-02-27T06:16:54.805-08:00Current projectsThe quilt I've been working on is finally in the mail to a friend in Nebraska who lost her home to fire over the Christmas season. Another friend offered to machine quilt it, which made it look like a "real" quilt! She also chose a different backing material which complimented and added a little extra "life" to my pieced front. Thanks, Cindy K!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/8513226180/" title="GEDC1169 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img alt="GEDC1169" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8247/8513226180_eb007da825.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/8513219238/" title="GEDC1166 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img alt="GEDC1166" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8511/8513219238_cb6c335486.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
I also have been working on a new drawing of the gazebo at Foster Park in Afton. It will illustrate my May page of my Farmhouse 2014 calendar.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/8512097877/" title="GEDC1158 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img alt="GEDC1158" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8230/8512097877_094cd45fb2.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Today, I will print notecards for a new order from Walt Nicke Company: I may need to dash to Binghamton to get more cover stock to complete the order. Need to think about new cover ideas for their W. Nicke's Garden Talk catalog, too!<br />
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<br />DeVonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446096768173996514noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313531223255499369.post-69299445292118736072013-02-25T08:01:00.001-08:002013-02-25T08:03:47.687-08:00Eagles I'm happy to report several sightings of eagles this past week! They are steadily gaining in numbers and we've spotted them over our Susquehanna region between Bainbridge and Nineveh. Last weekend, I went on a nature walk at Chenango Valley State Park in the town of Fenton, hosted by the local Sierra Club and led by BU Biology professor, Julian Shepherd. We saw lots of tracks, a trio of whitetail deer, a great blue heron, a pileated woodpecker, and yes, an eagle, soaring overhead as we walked along the old Chenango Canal towpath. There were a few small, wooden signs, indicating the location of an eagle's nest overlooking the river, but none of us could figure out the cryptic signs.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/8506202769/" title="GEDC1139 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img alt="GEDC1139" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8088/8506202769_d714da1f1e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/8507160660/" title="GEDC1152 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img alt="GEDC1152" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8232/8507160660_de9e400125.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/8506040459/" title="GEDC1148 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img alt="GEDC1148" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8382/8506040459_ebac13520e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/8506038231/" title="GEDC1147 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img alt="GEDC1147" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8099/8506038231_2a69965bf7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/8506057069/" title="GEDC1155 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img alt="GEDC1155" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8523/8506057069_94157e7a0f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<br />DeVonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446096768173996514noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313531223255499369.post-78640544628107391202013-01-01T16:27:00.001-08:002013-01-01T16:27:21.919-08:00New Year's Greetings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sending New Year's greetings and well wishes to all my blogging friends!DeVonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446096768173996514noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313531223255499369.post-7550037264758409642012-12-18T07:02:00.000-08:002012-12-18T07:02:01.477-08:00Christmas SeasoningsHere's a sprinkling of Christmas images-<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/8264560790/" title="GEDC0877 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img alt="GEDC0877" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8082/8264560790_d9243b5a86.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Putting UP the tree!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/8263520725/" title="GEDC0888 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img alt="GEDC0888" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8351/8263520725_f85f286f1d.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/8263541573/" title="GEDC0898 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img alt="GEDC0898" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8200/8263541573_d5f959491a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
With my dancing mentor, Mindy.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/8264618840/" title="GEDC0901 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img alt="GEDC0901" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8488/8264618840_7c70da0c21.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
A lovely luncheon at a friend's home.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/8263470445/" title="GEDC0869 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img alt="GEDC0869" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8345/8263470445_24943ba706.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
At Z's Trees...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/8253282060/" title="GEDC0865 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img alt="GEDC0865" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8058/8253282060_c6f6493bb7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
My friend, Elaine Z...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/8264544898/" title="GEDC0871 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img alt="GEDC0871" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8213/8264544898_f555ab6d8e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Tree elf.<br />
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<br />DeVonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446096768173996514noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313531223255499369.post-83155594969573569602012-12-07T12:23:00.001-08:002012-12-07T12:25:02.322-08:00Winter GreenPrints in my mailbox!My copies of GreenPrints arrived today! There's my self portrait (about 20 years younger and right-handed instead of left-handed) on the cover. I've been illustrating stories for them nearly ten years now and it's truly a blessing to be part of the GreenPrints family of writers and illustrators. In case you've never heard of it, it's a quarterly publication with heartwarming stories and art that reflect the essence of gardening.<br />
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I took the time this morning to order a couple gift subscriptions- for my sister-in-law in TX and our local library! Had a nice chat with Pat Stone, the editor...he reports that the 25 th anniversary of GP will be celebrated in 2 1/2 years: I'm already marking my calendar!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/8252271099/" title="winter GP 2012 cover by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img alt="winter GP 2012 cover" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8344/8252271099_75ea9390c0.jpg" width="342" /></a>DeVonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446096768173996514noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313531223255499369.post-70093051803344268832012-12-07T12:00:00.001-08:002012-12-07T12:04:11.389-08:00Wreath upon our Door,,,<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/8250119986/" title="Pine cones and acorns- wreath upon my door, gathered lovingly ..from the forest' floor. by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img alt="Pine cones and acorns- wreath upon my door, gathered lovingly ..from the forest' floor." height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8064/8250119986_16e7793867.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Pine cones and acorns,<br />
Wreath upon my door;<br />
Gathered lovingly<br />
From the forest floor.DeVonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446096768173996514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313531223255499369.post-1746945839285858022012-12-06T06:30:00.004-08:002012-12-06T14:57:14.257-08:00Poinsettia A sure sign of the Christmas season is a new poinsettia to enjoy. Thank you, Renee!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/8250126846/" title="GEDC0861 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img alt="GEDC0861" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8204/8250126846_e32e7045e7.jpg" width="500" /></a>DeVonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446096768173996514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313531223255499369.post-83690423715249823872012-12-04T05:25:00.000-08:002012-12-04T05:50:55.125-08:00A Loving LegacyMy dear Mother-in-law died recently after a long Summer and Fall of failing health, hospitalization, slow rehabilitation and incremental recovery, a joyous return to her home through the help of her devoted sons, hope, determination, the hard work of physical therapy, additional setbacks that necessitated her return to the hospital, and finally hospice care. Throughout her ordeal she retained her constant faith and love for her family, and received undying love in return from her four grown sons and their families, friends and neighbors. She left a legacy of love- of her devoted family, of her church and of the Christmas season ( all holidays, actually). Her interest and concern extended well beyond her immediate family to neighborhood children and the youngsters in her church family.<br />
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Even though I don't remember the names of all the people I've met in the past couple days at the calling hours and church's reception after the lovely, solemn yet celebratory funeral, I'm impressed with the genuine feeling of love and support that everyone offered through their mere presence, handshakes, hugs, a light touch on the shoulder, a nod or a sincere smile, stories and offerings of sandwiches, cookies, snacks, etc. People have a way of coming together to offer genuine, loving support in times of need, but you have to be willing to allow that support to happen.</div>
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I think Marijane's legacy will live on in genuine love and concern for one another. Each year, she loved being in the midst of her family's large and noisy Christmas gift exchange and feast, often fitting about 15 <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">people into her small living room, already filled by a fully decorated tree. We will continue to keep her joyful presence in mind and heart during the midst of our <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"> Christmas celebrations.</span></span><br />
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DeVonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446096768173996514noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313531223255499369.post-86483661025037880612012-12-03T15:44:00.000-08:002012-12-03T17:08:04.981-08:00Small Decorations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/8236907718/" title="GEDC0843 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img alt="GEDC0843" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8478/8236907718_025898b34d.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I bought this small, sequined tree at the Chenango Valley Craft show in November, and it will spend most of December hanging from the curtain's edge of our front door's window.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/8236895356/" title="GEDC0838 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img alt="GEDC0838" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8344/8236895356_3014a8119d.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I bought this small, fabric tree at the senior center's craft show this past weekend. It has found a spot to remind us of the season, between some nesting Santas and a red, wooden, Swedish horse, on the windowsill.</div>
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DeVonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446096768173996514noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313531223255499369.post-86747712870309922502012-12-02T05:18:00.000-08:002012-12-03T15:27:31.462-08:00First Sunday in AdventAdvent begins today, the fourth Sunday before Christmas as we prepare our homes and hearts for the arrival of the Christ child into our daily life. An Advent wreath was always a part of my childhood. Usually we poked evergreen branches into a Styrofoam ring and added four tapers to it, and placed it in the center of our dining room table. We try to continue the tradition today with our own family.<br />
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Earlier this week, I placed one of my Mom's oil paintings in our living room. It's a lovely little scene of my Grandfather McKee in a horse drawn cutter in our maple lined driveway. I imagine my Grandmother, Lillian, took his photo with her little box camera, around 1920. My Mom was an amateur painter. For many years she met in the basement of her friend, retired English teacher, Esther Brooks, who was an amazing friend, artist, gardener, cook...just an all- round interesting person. Esther was hostess and mentor to a diverse group of women, who met in her basement weekly to work on paintings or pastels, share conversation and potluck lunches. Wanda, Dot, Dot (Martina), Olive, Esther, Marion (my Mom) and a few others helped each other with their paintings and problems...Mom painted what she loved- her Mother's doll, Carrie, yellow tulips, our dog, Woody, our cat, Oleo, her first grandson Mike, a scene near Tin Cup, CO, her father's barn... the list goes on and on. I'm awed by the love she put into her paintings and amazed at the amount. They are a tangible reminder of her and that wonderful time in her life.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/8236892650/" title="G.W. McKee,circa 1920,painted by Marion M. Cook,1980 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img alt="G.W. McKee,circa 1920,painted by Marion M. Cook,1980" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8481/8236892650_ee32936272.jpg" width="500" /></a>DeVonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446096768173996514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313531223255499369.post-84726138780376329242012-12-01T05:55:00.001-08:002012-12-01T05:55:32.962-08:00Joy to you in this December Month!It's Merry December, a time to celebrate each morning as a gift... may you all have a spiritually full Christmas season!<br />
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I love the preparation for Christmas more than the actual day...people seem more open to thinking of others, and take efforts to create a little magic- just look around at the lights and decorations. Christmas doesn't have to be commercialized...it depends on how YOU celebrate it in your heart.<br />
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Today, I hope to go to the local senior citizen's craft bazaar at a local church, and make snow flake cookies later this afternoon.<br />
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<i>Recipe for Snow Flakes</i><br />
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<i>Uses a cookie press (Mirro cooky press)</i><br />
<i>Bake time:12-15 min</i><br />
<i>Temperature: 350ºF</i><br />
<i>Yield- 6 dozen</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>1 cup shortening</i><br />
<i>3 ounces of cream cheese (the secret ingredient)</i><br />
<i>1 cup sugar</i><br />
<i>1 egg yolk</i><br />
<i>1 teaspoon vanilla</i><br />
<i>1 teaspoon grated orange rind (the other secret ingredient!)</i><br />
<i>2 1/2cups all purpose flour</i><br />
<i>1/2 teaspoon salt</i><br />
<i>1/4 teaspoon cinnamon</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>*Cream shortening, cream cheese and sugar.</i><br />
<i>*Beat in egg yolk, vanilla and grated orange rind.</i><br />
<i>*Gradually, blend in flour, salt and cinnamon.</i><br />
<i>*Fill cookie press. Form cookies on ungreased cookie sheet.</i><br />
<i>*Add decorations- colored sugar, sprinkles, etc.</i><br />
<i>*Bake at 350ºF for about 12 minutes.</i><br />
<i>*Remove from trays onto cooling rakes.</i><br />
<br />DeVonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446096768173996514noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313531223255499369.post-8743484116925227212012-10-10T06:11:00.000-07:002012-10-10T06:11:44.736-07:00Major Autumn EventsThe Major's Inn Quilt show in Gilbertsville, NY, hosts one of the loveliest annual events in the region ...an inspirational, unjuried show that displays quilts of all spectrums of colors, talents and creativity in a truly awesome, old inn that has been lovingly restored to its former grandeur. (The restoration is an ongoing process). I had four items displayed, including my Yo-yo quilt that I titled Baseball Yo-yo Ma, the culmination of this Spring and Summer's attendance at my son's baseball games. I like to keep my hands busy while watching countless hours of plays. I haven't counted how many yo-yos I fashioned into a star-shaped throw. Several of my friends had quilts in the show, too, so it's fun, finding where they are displayed in the inn... like a scavenger hunt. I chanced to see some friends from the small town I live in, and even a high school acquaintance who had brought her husband and mother on their annual Autumn ride into the Butternut Valley. I also love the lunch available each day (Soup, salad and dessert) and browsing the fabric finds for sale in one of the small, upstairs' corner rooms!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/8070661472/" title="GEDC0286 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img alt="GEDC0286" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8032/8070661472_4b10f3c8b7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/8070658766/" title="GEDC0285 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img alt="GEDC0285" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8177/8070658766_eb286cce13.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/8070641052/" title="GEDC0278 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img alt="GEDC0278" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8459/8070641052_d08a45dee8.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/8070641571/" title="GEDC0276 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img alt="GEDC0276" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8177/8070641571_c256ce86b6.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/8070620652/" title="GEDC0270 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img alt="GEDC0270" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8179/8070620652_f9bc2606d3.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/8070649662/" title="GEDC0282 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img alt="GEDC0282" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8173/8070649662_f2ff5d1a29.jpg" width="375" /></a><br />
This is one of the quilts my friend Marilyn made.<br />
<br />DeVonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446096768173996514noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313531223255499369.post-10476462215850879682012-10-02T11:21:00.000-07:002012-10-02T11:21:52.119-07:00October Greetings<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/8047096322/" title="GEDC0217 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img alt="GEDC0217" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8453/8047096322_45f695a742.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Pumpkins galore, popping up everywhere!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/8047094501/" title="GEDC0218 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img alt="GEDC0218" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8179/8047094501_a6d9f7bdfe.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/8047067714/" title="GEDC0206 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img alt="GEDC0206" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8174/8047067714_3379c24d8f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Autumnal light and textures fill the landscape.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/8045175942/" title="GEDC0201 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img alt="GEDC0201" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8312/8045175942_e98c8fa398.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/8044592080/" title="GEDC0134 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img alt="GEDC0134" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8315/8044592080_aa87aa1e67.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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xc meets, near and far<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/8043332235/" title="GEDC8759 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img alt="GEDC8759" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8029/8043332235_da213c7495.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/8043297171/" title="GEDC8747 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img alt="GEDC8747" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8322/8043297171_bd7708531f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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More pumpkins!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/8009224762/" title="GEDC8646 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img alt="GEDC8646" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8456/8009224762_c88f4c441a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Autumn walks!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/8009161757/" title="GEDC8638 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img alt="GEDC8638" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8462/8009161757_cb34cfd139.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
and of course, flowers!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/8008927000/" title="GEDC8576 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img alt="GEDC8576" height="375" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8031/8008927000_4ae489f635.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<br />DeVonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446096768173996514noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313531223255499369.post-73716791730253748452012-09-08T14:51:00.003-07:002012-09-08T17:22:34.706-07:00Catching upJust posting some photos that capture some of our Summer's highlights:<div><br /></div><div> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7773760952/" title="GEDC7907 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8295/7773760952_d42c75190d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GEDC7907" /></a></div><div>A Summer overview isn't complete without at least one photo of sunflowers! These beauties hail from Marilyn and Frank's garden.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7781178094/" title="GEDC7945 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7120/7781178094_73babe8fed.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="GEDC7945" /></a></div><div>We finally got around to ask tree experts to lasso and cut a leaning maple, thanks to toppling winds from last year's Hurricane Irene. The LeFever twins performed an amazing aerial rodeo.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7823242518/" title="GEDC8027 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8443/7823242518_06f35bbe37.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GEDC8027" /></a></div><div>We spent a few hours watching the Jets practice at their training camp in Cortland, NY. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7837561280/" title="GEDC8049 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8434/7837561280_8832a001b8.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GEDC8049" /></a></div><div>Made Joe a pre-birthday cake...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7837570654/" title="GEDC8052 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7252/7837570654_0933785af9.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GEDC8052" /></a></div><div>Celebrating brothers...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7837845958/" title="GEDC8063 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7109/7837845958_262b112d77.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GEDC8063" /></a></div><div>Joe and Dan at the BC airport (Joe and I flew to CO to visit Rachel)</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7838128602/" title="GEDC8119 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8432/7838128602_288bc59e6b.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="GEDC8119" /></a></div><div>Viewing Denver's convention center...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7838183982/" title="GEDC8129 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8299/7838183982_b29c2ab55b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GEDC8129" /></a>Famous Denver dancers...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7838253378/" title="GEDC8144 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8285/7838253378_3a273f2a99.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GEDC8144" /></a></div><div>A glimpse of the Rockies from our hotel window...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>My Joe, Rachel get reacquainted with their second cousin, Katie... </div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7872223556/" title="GEDC8172 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7123/7872223556_dfd708a3c8.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GEDC8172" /></a></div><div>...and I see my cousin, Eileen, for the 2nd time this Summer!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7872278090/" title="GEDC8191 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8306/7872278090_e487e3cdb6.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="GEDC8191" /></a></div><div>Rachel painting on a mural for Tarantula Billiards</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7872314504/" title="GEDC8202 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8307/7872314504_e5832235ba.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GEDC8202" /></a></div><div>Joe's 14th birthday portrait</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7879694234/" title="GEDC8238 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8295/7879694234_fd40176aac.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GEDC8238" /></a></div><div>Denver loves bicyclists; took this photo for Jim</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7879716060/" title="GEDC8243 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8285/7879716060_799161c85d.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="GEDC8243" /></a></div><div>We walked a long way on a hot day to get a lick of ice cream from Little Man</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7879823168/" title="GEDC8275 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8306/7879823168_ba716827e0.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GEDC8275" /></a></div><div>Met cousin Cassandra (Ticka) at the Tattered Covers Bookstore</div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7879827420/" title="GEDC8276 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8443/7879827420_141af8782a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GEDC8276" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7879799752/" title="GEDC8266 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8294/7879799752_954e72b2e0.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GEDC8266" /></a></div><div>Denver's mile high capital</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7879783276/" title="GEDC8262 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7277/7879783276_ed5c2abd6d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GEDC8262" /></a></div><div>Birthday burger</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7879844796/" title="GEDC8279 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8304/7879844796_19c847a128.jpg" width="500" height="123" alt="GEDC8279" /></a></div><div>Rachel's view</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7879898784/" title="GEDC8293 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8439/7879898784_c6a8790c9c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GEDC8293" /></a></div><div>Dan's Olympic rings</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7886858566/" title="GEDC8310 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8299/7886858566_e7755b7045.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GEDC8310" /></a></div><div>Welcome flowers</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7886842752/" title="GEDC8304 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8454/7886842752_f4c119193d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GEDC8304" /></a></div><div>Bean blossoms</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7886936928/" title="GEDC8326 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8320/7886936928_c7b312c7de.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GEDC8326" /></a></div><div>Picnic with the Lorczaks in Albany</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7887240246/" title="GEDC8373 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8458/7887240246_2c8ef6aa35.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GEDC8373" /></a></div><div>Dan's Summer woodworking project</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7887125534/" title="GEDC8352 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8318/7887125534_7a287e1d46.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GEDC8352" /></a></div><div>Dan and Joe kayaking at Dorchester Park</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7887233380/" title="GEDC8372 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8313/7887233380_16c0235987.jpg" width="169" height="500" alt="GEDC8372" /></a></div><div>The state DOT has our tree on their "to cut sometime" list</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7887250810/" title="GEDC8375 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8436/7887250810_26c6ce0298.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GEDC8375" /></a></div><div>Lunch friends; some of us have been meeting over 20 years in various configurations!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7936395822/" title="GEDC8387 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8295/7936395822_68b4a37e10.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GEDC8387" /></a></div><div>Sunflowers at a farmstand</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7936794952/" title="GEDC8413 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8318/7936794952_697b4b394e.jpg" width="500" height="117" alt="GEDC8413" /></a></div><div>Another day at Dorchester</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7936807878/" title="GEDC8416 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8440/7936807878_c882311e7f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GEDC8416" /></a></div><div>Frisbee rescue!!!! Ask us how!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7936814032/" title="GEDC8417 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8296/7936814032_76caf51e8e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GEDC8417" /></a></div><div>Perfecting new skills</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7936946860/" title="GEDC8444 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8037/7936946860_7a02791494.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GEDC8444" /></a></div><div>Enjoyed a Chicago concert at BU. One of the performers said something to the effect of "We've evolved from ignorant and arrogant to grateful and productive" trying to explain their 40 years of continuous gigs. The music was soaring. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7937092086/" title="GEDC8466 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8171/7937092086_01a9e9fb47.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="GEDC8466" /></a></div><div>The DEC building at the State Fair warned us about invasive pests like Asian long-horned beetles</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7937171602/" title="GEDC8481 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8037/7937171602_792930d213.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GEDC8481" /></a></div><div>My three cross country kids at a CV relay meet, my alma mater</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7943897754/" title="GEDC8501 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8456/7943897754_eff17bc7b8.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GEDC8501" /></a></div><div>Go, Joe, go!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7944997492/" title="GEDC8519 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8035/7944997492_4b22bf383b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GEDC8519" /></a></div><div>Goodbye old car. Hope to see you on the road again someday!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7945042866/" title="GEDC8525 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8445/7945042866_d68cd202c6.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GEDC8525" /></a></div><div>Shoe shopping at the mall and saw our friends, the Franklins!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7945153564/" title="GEDC8534 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8444/7945153564_14f599e7d6.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GEDC8534" /></a></div><div>Vacation's over</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7945256046/" title="GEDC8539 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8297/7945256046_d57297fdda.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GEDC8539" /></a></div><div>My first morning glory!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>DeVonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446096768173996514noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313531223255499369.post-53208953440318981302012-09-08T06:00:00.002-07:002012-09-08T06:08:17.683-07:00Nurturing Kindness<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpk0SER_KVCNTV-PiZ8WGsphszpADsn2jR9e5fQIxCUNWitj7YZsyUOR0hiMKGnxbOsiUDdUQlz7Motm6zOvsbaIZUj5kuJ-9nXu5cfBo8TTrdXF1-c2RTWuqLZhwjaooWPJy8xPy5ha3/s1600/GP+Eletter-Oct+12-Nurturing+Kindness.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 311px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpk0SER_KVCNTV-PiZ8WGsphszpADsn2jR9e5fQIxCUNWitj7YZsyUOR0hiMKGnxbOsiUDdUQlz7Motm6zOvsbaIZUj5kuJ-9nXu5cfBo8TTrdXF1-c2RTWuqLZhwjaooWPJy8xPy5ha3/s320/GP+Eletter-Oct+12-Nurturing+Kindness.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5785791903235796978" /></a><br />I illustrate for GreenPrints, a gardening quarterly. Most of my illustrations for the physical copies are detailed pen-and-ink renderings, but I also do colored illustrations for the free eletter that GreenPrints publishes between the tangible magazines. I play around with color on these illustrations. here is a preview of one of my illustrations for the article, "Nurturing Kindness" slated for the October eletter.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div>DeVonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446096768173996514noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313531223255499369.post-86504884395116319932012-09-08T05:52:00.002-07:002012-09-08T05:59:40.840-07:00Earlier photo of same brother and sister, circa 1964<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>My son recently emailed this photo of an old slide he found, dated 1964. My Dad took thousands of pictures that were developed into slides: this one shows me and my brother, Gary, posing in our backyard before his senior prom or high school graduation. To see a current photo of this same duo, check out my previous post!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNXjiWIFxwa_Hjqe4KxLbJDdJm_DosHahVoWmnPtOKHg0HPHHiigqY84zqGNkljOHwK-I0MwFVWLBWP9k80MN1fvuvcuOBWBA7_OO7OpTa-AYIlfVNDjL-FiI-MBdYS5luOav6E7Og4Kn/s1600/photo.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNXjiWIFxwa_Hjqe4KxLbJDdJm_DosHahVoWmnPtOKHg0HPHHiigqY84zqGNkljOHwK-I0MwFVWLBWP9k80MN1fvuvcuOBWBA7_OO7OpTa-AYIlfVNDjL-FiI-MBdYS5luOav6E7Og4Kn/s320/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5785788384106411634" /></a><br />DeVonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446096768173996514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313531223255499369.post-10455925878381897812012-08-23T13:43:00.001-07:002012-08-23T13:43:16.343-07:00Brother and Sister<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7773410972/" title="GEDC7878"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7129/7773410972_1e844aeddb.jpg" alt="GEDC7878 by Farmhouse Greetings" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7773410972/">GEDC7878</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/">Farmhouse Greetings</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p></p>DeVonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446096768173996514noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313531223255499369.post-13134127160059535012012-08-23T13:40:00.001-07:002012-08-23T13:40:53.519-07:00Cousins' gathering at Robin's Diner<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7773645154/" title="GEDC7891"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8427/7773645154_4485d10e78.jpg" alt="GEDC7891 by Farmhouse Greetings" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7773645154/">GEDC7891</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/">Farmhouse Greetings</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p></p>DeVonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446096768173996514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313531223255499369.post-7568031196978220372012-08-23T13:38:00.001-07:002012-08-23T13:38:31.670-07:00Summer sunflowers<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7773760952/" title="GEDC7907"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8295/7773760952_d42c75190d.jpg" alt="GEDC7907 by Farmhouse Greetings" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7773760952/">GEDC7907</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/">Farmhouse Greetings</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p></p>DeVonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446096768173996514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313531223255499369.post-35636981172144399402012-07-20T16:09:00.001-07:002012-07-20T16:09:07.024-07:00some of the Cooks<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7600529768/" title="some of the Cooks"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8003/7600529768_32c41b0263.jpg" alt="some of the Cooks by Farmhouse Greetings" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7600529768/">some of the Cooks</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/">Farmhouse Greetings</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>This photo was taken at my Aunt Ruth's wedding in the early 1950s, of 7 of her 9 brothers who served as "servers" at her reception. The two not shown , Edward and Manville(Pee Wee), served as best man and an usher. L to R: Frances, Robert, Raymond(Sport), my Dad- Lawrence (Al), Carleton(Abe), Ralph (Marsh)and Harold (Jake). In a large family there are many nicknames! My Aunt Ruth's given name was Edna Ruth but I grew up knowing her as Aunt John.</p>DeVonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446096768173996514noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313531223255499369.post-10565520439665970612012-07-04T15:41:00.001-07:002012-07-04T15:41:54.914-07:00Lily Lake in Summer<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7501621908/" title="GEDC7706"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8161/7501621908_af0a0b2864.jpg" alt="GEDC7706 by Farmhouse Greetings" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7501621908/">GEDC7706</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/">Farmhouse Greetings</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p></p>DeVonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446096768173996514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313531223255499369.post-22001182484243820692012-07-04T15:40:00.001-07:002012-07-04T15:40:48.599-07:00Lily Lake lily pads<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7501651458/" title="GEDC7711"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7279/7501651458_0f2205def0.jpg" alt="GEDC7711 by Farmhouse Greetings" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7501651458/">GEDC7711</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/">Farmhouse Greetings</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>What is it about lily pads that are so appealing to the eye? No wonder Monet painted them over and over! Something about them look so exotic and not of this earth.</p>DeVonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446096768173996514noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313531223255499369.post-60076866624467361032012-07-04T13:09:00.003-07:002012-07-04T14:14:01.336-07:00Independence Day Greetings!We celebrated Independence Day with an old fashioned porch picnic...with my second cousin, Charles, who also happens to be the Afton Town Historian. I spent some morning time in the kitchen, making deviled eggs, cutting up watermelon, augmenting yesterday's spinach and pasta salad with olives and tomatoes, finding the fancy 3-way pickle dish, opening cans of baked beans, and trying my hand at making ambrosia salad with sour cream, mini marshmallows, mandarin oranges, pineapple and maraschino cherries (courtesy of Rachel). Charlie arrived with bottle of Merlot in hand and we sat beneath the living room fan, toasting summer days to come and catching up, both on present news , future events and appointments, and past historical tidbits of interest. <div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7502492504/" title="GEDC7778 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8012/7502492504_af0ba6390c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GEDC7778" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>We had copies of old , old New York State Regents tests that my grandmother's brother, Frank, (who was also Charlie's grandfather as well as a schoolmaster) had pasted into an 1860 census book. We were amazed by the scope and difficulty of the questions and I photocopied some of the pages for Charlie's use (he writes a historical column for the regional TriTown news). We also shared some of the 1940 census data that's been recently made available for the public via Internet, and Charlie took some notes from local information showing former neighbor's names, occupation, number in household, etc.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7502472790/" title="GEDC7775 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8023/7502472790_505fb2188d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GEDC7775" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Dan fired up the barbecue and grilled some tenderloin and spare ribs, and we sat at the picnic table and had a leisurely picnic. Mom and Dad were with us in spirit- we celebrated so many holidays over the years on the porch, that even though they have passed on, they still feel present...although we missed Dad's homemade rolls, and his little pigs-in-blankets he made and shared with us at every special event. Mom used to make such colorful fruit salads! However, we used their patriotic red and blue bandanna tablecloth and a couple of Mom's fancy dishes, so we honored their memory...After lunch Joe made Charlie a graham cracker s'more- Charlie's first in 88 years!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7501738242/" title="GEDC7726 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7120/7501738242_ee6afbac29.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GEDC7726" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Our oldest kids are of on their own independent adventures. Rachel sent us some gorgeous photos from their western road trip; in less than a week, she and Shaun have already seen some amazing places, including the Badlands, Devil's Tower, Mount Rushmore, Wall's Drugs, Little House sites, and wide open spaces. They've also dealt with car trouble, but seem resilient and ready to see more. Tonight, they may be seeing a rodeo in Jackson, WY. Jim left home after breakfast this morning and reported he had arrived in Oneonta safely. He is touring New York by bicycle. I'm learning to wish my traveling kids well and to trust in their abilities to weather whatever they encounter. I guess I'm growing up as a parent although I must admit I wish I could tag along on their tailwinds and experience anew the excitement traveling to new places brings.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7502457726/" title="GEDC7772 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8428/7502457726_c30cdf0eb9.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GEDC7772" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Our youngest son is busy with a summer baseball league and participating in a Gus Macker basketball tournament this coming weekend. Dan and I have attended all his games (and I'm stockpiling baskets of fabric yo-yos that I make while watching the games. I may end up with enough yo-yos to stitch together and cover a good deal of Afton, or hopefully, at least enough for a good-sized quilt).</div></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7501794914/" title="GEDC7736 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8429/7501794914_5962e8acaf.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GEDC7736" /></a></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7501338834/" title="GEDC7663 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7113/7501338834_3e2f2b99f2.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GEDC7663" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, yes, and yesterday, my boys played a rousing, round of Fizzball (Hitting shaken soda cans) Orange pop everywhere!</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmhousegreetings/7501911272/" title="GEDC7753 by Farmhouse Greetings, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8151/7501911272_3d56476e03.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="GEDC7753" /></a></div><div><br /></div>DeVonahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10446096768173996514noreply@blogger.com0