An Old Teddy

As we continue going through Mom's house to prepare it to sell, I recently found two photo albums that I hadn't seen in 30 years. Two prized snaps were discovered! My bedroom as a little girl.

It's really nice finding pictures that provide a glimpse of earlier years. My desk was covered with some of my favorite things, It was good to see my brown teddy bear. I must have played with dolls too. I only remember playing with cars. I loved to make streets with pick-up sticks. My wish for Christmas one years was a gas station!

My two cousins sit on my bed in the next picture. I was reminded that my sister and I were baton twirlers, seeing the baton across my bed, and the next picture is when we performed at a school function. I see my radio and a few stuffed animals, as well as some movie stars.

My kitty, Cutie, and dog, Sandy were pictures I'd forgotten about.

Back in June I mentioned about playing tetherball. The next picture shows me out playing at recess.

And, I started young with ice cream as you can see in the next picture. That sure looks like a big bowl of ice cream to me!

I found this picture of me in my graduation gown. Is that Steve Ellis I see in the back ground?

My favorite picture of me and my daughter, Sandy, is next. She was eight months old. I made my dress. What a happy time.

We're just about finished going through personal items in the house. I certainly have enjoyed finding pictures and other items of earlier years. It takes me back to memories long forgotten. Some happy . . . some sad. Yet, memories of my life. Thanks, Teddy, for being my protector all those years!

Milk Time

A wish came true for this city girl who has lived in the country for almost 27 years! I bottle fed a calf! Four to be exact. What a thrill it was.

I'd read about the South Mountain Creamery in a newspaper article and the part that always caught my attention was bottle-feeding calves. As much as I love to take pictures of calves, being up-close and personal sounded wonderful.

We finally fit the experience into our calendar and visited the South Mountain Creamey last week. It lies in the lovely community of Middletown, off Alternate 40, west of Frederick. We went to the store first, and I liked the walls.

They were wood and covered with country scenes. These are two of the scenes I liked. 



Milk, cheese, ice cream were the staples, but they also sold egg nog, apple cider, turkeys, bread, eggs, popcorn and more.

Mom and Jerry both got some of their ice cream and enjoyed it. I was too busy snapping pictures to get my own. (I know. I didn't get any ice cream? Well, shortly before we left home I had some sherbet, so I wasn't tempted.)

We walked over to where the calves are to take a look around. The calves are fed promptly at 4 p.m. each day. I was the first to pick up a bottle and start feeding!

Yes, I was happy! It was a beautiful fall day, and I was feeding a calf. Jerry also took a turn.

There were four other adults and one child to oversee the feeding that day. I've watched many times a calf sucking on Momma, and that day I got to feel the jolts they make as they pushed on the bottle! They're strong! I must confess, as I fed the fourth calf, my arms were getting very tired. 

Also in the barn were some roosters and chicken. I love to hear a rooster crow. Sometimes when I sit out back early Saturday or Sunday morning, when rush hour traffic isn't zooming by, I'll hear a rooster crow to the west of us. I always smile. Well I got to hear some roosters crow in the barn.

It was fun watching the calves watch them.

We also got to see cows lined up for milking. It did stink in there!

Jerry drew our attention to a sign outside the window where the cows were waiting to be milked.



I like their trucks too! They home deliver milk in bottles once a week to 7500 homes in MD, DC, VA, and WV. I still remember having milk delivered to our home when I was 8 or 9.

In the pasture next to the calf barn were mothers-to-be, just waiting their turn. We watched this one walk a ways and settle down. Her time  was weighing on her, but hadn't arrived yet.

It was an afternoon to remember. All I have to do is look at my happy face and remember the fun I had feeding the calves! Way to go, Carol!

"Fall"ing Into Spring

With the help of my friend, Kathy, I'm "fall"ing into spring! A second garden has been created.

I received so much joy from my first garden, that when we took out two large shrubs across the driveway from the first garden, I decided another garden must go there. We planned, I bought, I planted. 18 perennials at 1/2 price.

The pieces of firewood lay where the path is going to be. Happy am I that when spring returns after the winter snows, my second garden will already be established and ready to grow.

Now that my work is done, it's time for the leaves to fall!

"I meant to do my work today, but a brown bird sang in the apple tree,
and a butterly flitted across the field, and all the leaves were calling me."
                                                                             Richard LeGallienne

I have my eyes on several trees and my camera ready. Let the show begin!

Morning at Sharp's

Jerry, Mom and I enjoyed a morning at Sharp's at Waterford Farm. Their fall season began and every weekend they have hayrides to their pumpkin fields so you can pick your own off the vine.

We've driven by the farm for years as we drove down to Rockville to see Mom. I've taken pictures before, especially their sheep herd (below). This is a working farm with chickens, pigs, sheep, goats, cows, bunnies and cotton! We'd never been to their "fall open house" so decided to make a visit.

We were met by this country gentleman who resides on the farm. He was a happy fella, enjoying the visitors.

No, we didn't go on a hayride, but we did enjoying seeing the animals and their store. There was also a corn maze, bee hives and face painting.

Following are some of the snaps I took.

When we drove up, the white dog was going after the cows, as the cows were going after the goats! It was a delight to see him in action.

This cow decided to come over and see what I was doing. He got real close and was eyeing me. I could see my reflection in his eye!



Children could feed the goats and chickens. Below are two goats that decided to get away from the crowd.

Mom purchased some maple syrup at the store, and a little scarecrow for her little bedroom!

It was a delight to see the farm and enjoy the animals. As you can see below, the pumpkin patch was ready!

Fall is here. And as in every season, God is painting His creation for our joy! I'm hoping to get out the next two weeks and snap some of those lovely colors He has in His storehouse!

Sharing Life

Recently I had the pleasure of enjoying two friends. Last Friday my friend, Kathy, came to the house to help me plan my new garden. Yes. A new garden. Right across the driveway from my first garden.

Kathy's hand played a big part in the creation of my first garden. She's always ready to answer questions and suggest ideas. She brought plants from her own gardens, and with the plants I purchased, set them in a pleasing arrangement. There would be no path if Kathy hadn't suggested it. This snap was taken last year when we celebrated Kathy's birthday at Gypsy's Tearoom in Westminster.

I've enjoyed Kathy's gardens, took snaps in it, and just sat for awhile amongst the flowers. This snap was taken a few years ago. Isn't the garden lovely?

When I decided there was to be another garden, Kathy gladly came to assist. Her ideas are so helpful! I'm hoping to get out this week to purchase some of those perennials that are 50% off! When spring comes, I'll have a head start.
Kathy is skilled in crafts--all kinds. And as you see, has the master's touch with plants and flowers! Thanks Kathy!


Monday I visited with Rachel, my notewriting friend. We've been writing notes to each other for years. I met Rachel at a church in Westminster and admired her. We've not been able to make dates like I do with my other friends, so we fell into the joy of writing notes.

This snap was taken on my 55th birthday when I held a "Celebration of Friends" party.

Now retired, I visited Rachel last January in her home for the first time. Yesterday was my second visit to her lovely home. Sitting across from my note writing friend was a joy for me. She writes poetry as well as draws. I've received a few notes  that had original drawings on them.

She gave me a picture she drew that was on her wall (below). I now see it every time I walk down my hall. What a lovely touch! An original composition!

Friends. God has truly blessed me with faithful, good, loving friends. With Mom doing better I've been able to set a few dates.

Barbara will be by Friday morning for breakfast. Carol, Jeanette, Carol and Linda will join me for lunch in two weeks. Brenda and Shari joined me for breakfast last week. I'll enjoy Paula and Linda on the 13th for breakfast. Kathy and Mary join me for a trip to Littlestown every November. My annual date with Diana and Holly is in January. And so many more! How fortunate I am that God allowed me to jave such fun and loving friends!

Being a good friend takes commitment and sacrifice. And I'm thankful for all my friends. Friends have changed my life. Warm relationships that I did not experience in my home during my growing up years was provided for me in later years by my friends. I cherish all my friends. Sharing life. Sharing God. Sharing friendship!