Farmhouse Fridays - Weeks 13, 14 - Playing Catch Up

 Hello and welcome to my blog.  Winter ice storm, Easter, Spring Break, still cleaning...about rounds out the past 2 weeks.  I'll share some of it in pictures.  

Cool things I can't part with - Halloween

Still going through boxes and totes carried down from our daughter's bedrooms where I stashed them.  However, look at the room now.  

I could NOT have done this without the support of my husband Al and his many, many, many trips down the steps with boxes and tubs.  Now it is ready for the 2 sleepovers planned for April.  Then it's rip out old carpet, paint walls and new flooring.  Yay!

I gave Anna and Justine each a set of "pretty dishes."  This is our table setting at Anna's house for Easter.  Before...

After....a Southern Themed menue.  We did an Easter egg hunt.  I stayed inside.  I did make it up her steps with my "step cane" but I was only doing that once....(wink, wink).

We also celebrated Ezra's 4th birthday

Then we had Lauren over for an afternoon during Spring break.  We -  mostly she - made a "jelly roll/log" cake.  I never made one before.  We used dark cocoa powder.  Was very light and good.   She also helped me make supper.  She is a very good helper.   We played board games (Life...I forgot how LONG that game goes on....).  No more "letting her win" - she is actually winning.  I was trying hard too.  She is a checkers master now.  

I did get my new mobility "wheels" - it's called Zeen.  I can walk standing, lower to bar seat height and even lower to chair height.  While standing, the seat is right under you and you are strapped in so you won't fall.  It is bigger than I thought, so not able to use as much as I wanted in the house.  I do believe I will use it outside, when I go somewhere and working in the kitchen.  It will take some getting used to, pulling it behind me.

We have had a tough 2 weeks dealing with my great-nieces mental health issues.  I did babysit her a lot, she was close in age to my girls.  Justine, our eldest, was like a little mother hen to her.  Truthfully, still is.  Justine has an equine mental health counseling clinic for youth.  Youth, actually like Aaliyah.  She would have benefited from this type of counseling when she was a little girl.  Only, for some reason, our family (who many could benefit from counseling) never chose that option.  We prayed...prayer is key...but, so is counseling.  I guess, the stigma of needing counseling over prayer and faith, maybe the problem.  I've seen many counselors for different, difficult times in my life.  I'm not too proud - I pray and have faith too.   Not sure what steps will be next for Aaliyah, I pray she seeks help and stays in treatment.  

I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday.  Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

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.