Farmhouse Friday 2026 - Week 12 Doing What You Love

 

I started out this past week doing things I love.  We had potluck at church.  It was scheduled around "pie day" but the blizzard moved it back.  So I made a shepherd's/cottage pie.  I so love this little cook top at my height so I don't need to stand.  

I also made some yummy rice krispy treats.  

I was able to make it into our wood fired sauna this week after nearly 6 months of recovery from my broken femur.  I couldn't risk it when it was too snowy out there.  Oh it was lovely!  I rested on deck, listening to the spring birds sing.  

Speaking of spring birds....our chickens are laying again.  Time for egg salad sandwich, topped with sliced cabbage.  This helps with digestion...ahaha.

I met a fellow blogging friend, who came out to my shop/office on Tuesday for a nice visit.  She even came with a treat!  Thanks for the delicious coffee cake.  This photo of her son's little tree was sent to me by another customer.  All the needle felted ornaments, I made.  I love when customers share what they buy from me and how they use it.  

We've been working on 2 small estates.  I was looking up and checking prices for some pieces.  I couldn't believe the sold prices, so I googled "are home interior figurines in for 2026?"  I guess so!  I can see the trend leaving minimalism back to individualized, curated spaces.  Not the cluttered 1980/90's, but the heart of the trend is from that time period.  Even what was collected and the color schemes.  

I was able to do my aqua therapy.  The pool is closed for 2 weeks for maintenance and cleaning starting today.  My most productive days of the week usually are Monday - Wednesday.  Then it's back to this....

"PUTTERING" around.  I did keep up with the boxes.  Yesterday, I found something pretty special.  I forgot I even did it.  I'm going to complete it and gift it to my daughter, Anna. It has to do with her cancer testimony.  

It's Friday Fish Fry in Wisconsin.  This is a BIG DEAL here.  Is it that way by where you live?  

O.k. off to work on boxes.  Have a great weekend.  Keep working on doing what you love.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Farmhouse Friday - Week 11 - Happy Spring

 

Happy 1st day of Spring.

In Wisconsin this past week, it wasn't much like Spring.  We had several days in a row of snow, even a blizzard.  No school for 3 days, grocery stores, gas stations, factories - all closed.  There was a no travel warning.  I think we had 30 inches of snow.  I didn't get out and take pictures.  On my way to aqua therapy, I did snap a few from our car window.  This was on Wednesday a day or so after the 30".  

Yes, as we left our house, it was beginning to sleet.  Ughhh

Once in town, I couldn't believe all the snow.  These are the largest snowbanks on the side of the road that I can remember.  Only one other time in my life, it was 1978 I believe, compares as snowbanks were up to the street signs.  

When you have that much snow, there is no where for it to go.  The 2 lane road was 1 and half at best on the way to therapy.  On the way home, they had the huge equipment out.  They have an assembly line, huge snow machine (eats up the snow), throws it out the back into a dump truck, plow behind.  When the dump truck is full, they get out of line and another comes in.  These loads of snow are dumped in an empty field, parking lots, etc.  They used to dump on the frozen lakes when I was little.  Later discovered too much pollution (salt, sand, garbage) in the snow ended up in the water.  It was always fun as a kid to go to the big parking lots and look for money when the piles of snow melted. 

Today is the first day of Spring...I think March came in like a lamb, had a fight with the lion mid month.  Hope the lion has had it's fun now and leaves.  

My husband, did a good deed.....

So many Good Samaritans helping others in need with shoveling and plowing.  

I've been keeping up with decluttering.  I finished all those paper boxes.  I had 4 FULL boxes of burnables.  I feel so organized now.  In fact, I roughed in our taxes and even dropped them off at the accountant.  I normally procrastinate this horrid job, not this year.  I am about a month early.  Yes, I was one of those - drop off on April 12 or so, "just file an extension" I'd say.  However, they never had to.  

So, on my break from working the other day, I enjoyed a fudge bar.  As I was eating it, I noticed it looked like my state - Wisconsin.  Of course, I had to take a picture of it.  

I also had an appointment with my local Neurologist.  He said my right side is still pretty strong.  My left, not so much.  I knew that.  My left femur is the one I broke.  I don't even want to "jinx" it, but I had some goals I set for myself.  I was able in past 2 weeks to accomplish many of them.  I was encouraged in the progress I have made.  I won't ever walk without assistance, I'll walk "peg legged" probably and won't go far.  However, when I came home from the hospital on Halloween, I wasn't sure I'd even be able to do that.  I didn't and don't have unrealistic expectations so that helps.  Just thankful for what I have worked hard to regain.  

That's about my week.  How was yours?

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

My Dream of the McCaw

 I almost didn't post this, because it shows a very vulnerable Dicky Bird.  When you read this...you don't need to comment.  I'm not posting this for "oh, I'm sorry" types.  I know that.  I am too.  I also, hate those types of attention seeking posts.  Sorry, I do.  I'm more of a "rub some dirt on it and get back to work" type of person.  I'm posting to share about this dream and how through it, I was shown another part to my "healing."   

No, that's not a Dicky Bird.  However, I am sassy and have ample personality.  

This post is about a dream I had.  I do dream, my dreams have helped me through difficult things and at times they are very colorful.  When I woke from this one, I knew it meant something.  It was just too weird.  

I was in what seemed to be my childhood home.  Some rooms were not the same, but in my dreams, it was my home.  My niece lives in our parent's house now.  I was my current age.  I walked in and to the right of me was a room filled with birds.  My mom loved birds.  She was sitting outside the room on a stool.  She looked to be about 50 ish, younger than when she passed.  I asked, "what is Jessi doing with all these birds?"  She didn't answer, but looked toward the door.  In walked customers, yes like they wanted to buy the birds.  This gentleman and his 2 boys couldn't catch one.  So I jumped in to help.  I grabbed this flying, colorful, McCaw, mid air, by the feet (like catching chickens).  My mom says to me, "Dicky Bird, that bird is going to bite you."  I said "I don't care" as I looked down at the feet wrapped around my index finger.  Sure enough that bird bit my wrist.  I handed it to the gentleman and his boys.  Then I woke up.  Weird right?!

I'm not one to dabble in things that aren't spiritual, the Bible tells us not to.  However, when I try to figure out my dreams, I start there.  

You know, I would be telling a lie, if I didn't share this part.  I come from a long line of spiritual people.  Not religious, deeper than that.  I know that Jesus heals.  I also know that I'm not in control.  I know I will not be given what I can't handle.  I know, I know, I know....but knowing and feeling it, down deep....isn't the same.  I feel, disappointed in my lack of healing.  I feel, sad in my lack of abilties to do what I could do.  I feel, like a failure when I fall or hurt myself over and over.  I feel, like a disappointment to my family and friends.  I feel, I feel, I feel....and before you assume....yes, I have seen a counselor.  

So, to me, this dream, was a message.  The message is to remind me that I have been "navigating" and "processing unresolved emotions."  The McCaw reminds me of my resiliency to "handle" and "change" during my diagnosis.  Yes, that sassy bird bit me.  Yes, I didn't care.  Yes, I know my mom knows.  

The "why me's" the "wish I could do that's" and others, I'm sure will linger.  So will the "I can do all things through Christ who strengths me's."  Or the "just like Job, I will be thankful in all things."  And, "I know the plans I have for you's."  I now can add, this dream and it's meaning for me.  I would expect nothing less than a bird dream, sent as a message from above.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Farmhouse Friday (Sunday) - Week 10 Sorting

 

This was our daughter Justine's Bedroom.  She married in 2014 as did our other daughter, Anna.  Anyway, this room became the "store it/stash it" room and close the door.  Well, it's time, don't you think?!  Our plans are to rip up that 1990's carpet, paint her gold ceiling and pink walls and turn this into the official "sleep over at grandma and grandpa's" room.  We probably won't finish it before summer and garden begins, but we started it. 

Where to go now with all that stuff?  

The only other empty room in our house.  Al boxed up all kinds of things and stacked them in here.  I promised him...that I would go through it all...1 box at a time.  Now, if it was up there, I probably wanted it or thought I "needed it."  I started with paper work.  Now, why did I keep 2 decades of paid bills....just why??  We have 4 boxes to burn now.  

Some of these tubs were hard as in memories.  I actually spent hours in the "cancer" tub from Anna's year of chemotherapy, radiation and removal of port.  She was 11.  I was the timekeeper of all of this, now I am passing it on to her to do with what she wants.  So many articles in the paper, photos of fundraisers, cards from friends and family.  Just everything I was dreading doing.  But, I turned it around, I am blessed to be able to do this.  I'm being blessed again, by the outpouring of love and support shown to us during this difficult time.  Im so happy I did this.  

So, my goal is, a tub a day, keeps hoarding away....

I didn't win of these when I was in 5th grade, but I did award myself one from one of our estates (haha).

I found this, did you have one?

My children are lucky I forgot I bought this bumpersticker.  I fully intended to put it on our van.  

Then I went down a rabbit hole of photos.  These were from a flea market I set up at our friend's, family owned butchering/meat shop.  I did these between 2005-2011.  Oh, I wish I still had that quilt.  

I found this too, now it is on my nightstand.

So, I have been doing this, while the weather is doing this

That was yesterday's forecast....it just kept increasing to this

We live near Wausau - 24-36"

So, I have a chicken carcass simmering for soup, Al is on round 2 of plowing with the tractor, in the snow and I'm waiting for live stream from church.  I guess it'll be a "Call for the Midwife" afternoon.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Don't Wait - Do it While You Can

 I mentioned that I had been watching several romantic type classics.  As I watched, I yelled to my husband, "I wish you would have carried me more."  "What?" he asked.  "You know like wisk me away and carry me."  Now, what this blog doesn't show you, is that I'm a little chunky...Al, is strong, but I'm a bit too much to "wisk away."  However, when we first were married, I was like 132 pounds, he did "wisk me away and often" (wink, wink).   Like the posts is titled...do it while you can....ahaha.

No, seriously, this thought, in light of my muscle wasting disease, had my thinking on what I wish I would have done more of.  You know, like if I knew this would be the last time I...type thing...I would have really enjoyed it more.  Now, I've done a lot, traveled to many countries, started my own business, raised all kinds of animals, grew all kinds of vegetable and flowers, raised 2 wonderful daughters, served my community in many leadership capacities - I mean, my life has been so full and I am blessed by all the experiences.  I'm thankful.  

This post is about the little things.  Trust me, when you can't do them they mean the most.  Like, wish I could sit on the floor and play with grandkids type things.  Wish I were able to climb the stairs to the top of the barn again.  Wish I could set up my booth all by myself in Elkhorn again.  Wish I were strong enough to knead my bread as long as it needed it.  Just little things like this.  

If you are reading this, healthy, active, young - don't take it for granted.  Don't live by the "I'll do it when I'm older."  Older, may come, but you may not be able to do it.  

If you are reading this, older, weaker but still mobile - don't take it for granted.  Don't live by "Oh, well, I missed my opportunity to that."  Older comes to us all - get out and make it happen.  

If you are reading this like me, facing mobility issues - don't take it for granted.  Don't live by "my life is over."  Yes, we have major challenges to complete the things we desire to do - try anyway.

Well, I think that covers us all.  Don't wait to do things.  Find a way to do them.  Be present.  By all means enjoy it, whatever it is.  Life is really short.  I never understood that at 15 but 59 I get it.  

Back to the "carry me" part of this post.  I did text my daughters and told them the story.  I reminded them to get "carried" as much as they could.  Do all the things you want, while you can.  

I was mulling this post around in my head when my pastor said something in his message on Sunday, that made my heart happy.  

Jesus IS "carrying me."  When I can't understand what, why, how can I .... He "wisks" me up in His arms and helps me when I most need it.  He will do it for you too, all you need do is ask.

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Farmhouse Friday - Week 9, 2026 - Road Kill

 

The dogs found the dead coyote in the ditch, down by the bridge.  This is the second road kill this week.  The first was a deer in front of our house the school bus hit.  There are soooo many deer out right now!  We have several apple trees in our front yard that the deer love. 

Since looking up "Fire Horse," I'm now getting all kinds of things like this on my social media feeds.  Anyway, this really fits me again.  

March 6 and 7 is the Vintage Shop Hop.  Stores in IL and WI.  Here is link to the map:  The Vintage Shop Hop  I've been getting things marked and creating more to sell.  

More needle felted Easter/Spring ornaments to hang from a twig tree.  

We have a laundry themed vignette.  So I cleaned off my laundry room shelf.  Here is a bofore picture (couple years ago).

When we remodeled the bathroom, laundry and entry, I boxed most of this up for "maybe" I'll put it back out.  Instead most of it stayed boxed up.  So, our laundry vignette was  "born."   These, however will be added back to my decorations. 

 

This is a calendar from 1931.  In 1980-90's there was a very well know antique dealer, we all called "Granny."  I loved being next to her at auctions.  She would sift through her boxes, while auction still going on.  If you were next to her, she'd have a box or so of items from the day that she didn't want.  Those were the good ol' days when auctioneers sold boxes full, not individual items.  I remember this one HOT day, way out in the woods, middle of no where, northern Wisconsin, there was an auction of 2 sisters who were Vauderville actresses.  Oh my goodness, the vintage clothes, hats, shoes and gloves.  I couldn't compete with the prices Granny was paying.  She said "honey, if you want all the clothes I don't want, you can have them."  So, I didn't bid.  Oh, I drug, literally, drug, box after box to my Bronco.  Until it was so full, I couldn't fill it any more.  Anyway, she didn't like "everyone" (wink, wink).  However, over the years she gave me all kinds of things.  This calendar is one of them.  It's a granny to remind me of her.  I know in this current time of  "pickers" and "thrifting" no one knows her or the other numerous old timer's that were a fixture every weekend at an auction.  But I do.  I started my business when it was prime picking and loved it!  

Also, I had time to make a small vignette in my entry.  

I made the tulip wool hanging from a kit years ago.

I love those fuzzy little chicks.  I remember going to Ben Franklin when I was little and seeing those out at Easter time.  Like so many other things I collect, we couldn't afford extras like that then, but I make up for it now.  Hahaha

Quotes this week from my daily devotions.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Farmhouse Friday Week 8 - End of Lallygagging

 Well, it's the end of my lallygagging.  So far this year, I've been good at puttering and embracing slow living.  Maybe a little too good.  You know there is a fine line between puttering and lallygagging.  I feel I can tell the difference after a long "study" into them.  Ahaha.  I actually really enjoyed our January and February.  I will look back on these 2 months fondly as a time of healing for me.  

Not too many pictures to share for this Farmhouse Friday.  We, (Al mostly) made some lemon powder.  We freeze dried them. We plan to add a teaspoon to hot or cold drinks and add in my baking.  He actually did 15 pounds of lemons.  

February 28 is Rare Disease Day.  I posted this on my Facebook page.

I love receiving my Little Bull Falls Soapworks subscription box.  Her soaps are the best!  

I have been making some little needle felted animal ornaments for a tree in our shop.  I guess 1990's geese are in.  I made a post that said:  Honk, honk, grab your gaggle and waddle on down to Town Hall Trinkets

March is upon us

March will bring back a schedule and routine for me.  I will be going to aqua therapy 2 times a week, adding a few more hours to our scheduled days open and working on sorting my own inventory.  So, I'm officially letting go of my lallygagging time, well rested and ready to putter a long again.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.