Comfort in a Crazy World

It’s finally warming up here in Vermont and time to work outdoors. I can’t wait to tend to my garden beds. Admittedly, I didn’t do much to them last year, so I am paying the price now. As I tend to my chores, I keep thinking about the violence in the world and how we need more peace. But where peace? Where do find that comfort we need? I invite you to escape your world for a little bit and join me here at Old Stone Well Farm where I am surrounded by the things that give me comfort in a crazy world. (Like the wonderful early 1800s desk I recently acquired, my cat snuggled in the old cradle, a chicken enjoying the daffodils…these are just a few of my favorite things!) Where do you find comfort?

Easter Fables, Easter Truths

From dying eggs and hiding them to being on the lookout for a bunny hopping with a basket full of goodies — how did these tales come about? And where do they fit into the celebration of resurrection? Come and join me here at Old Stone Well Farm and here about the hare window in Germany and what 18th-century children used in place of Easter baskets. And then, later on in the video, sit with me on Sofie’s Hill (named after my first Bernese Mountain dog) and enjoy a beautiful sunrise over the old 18th-century home. What are some of your most beloved Easter traditions? Drop me a note.

Healing from the Sting of Betrayal

The sting of betrayal is painful. Yet during Holy Week I am reminded once again that during those times of betrayal in my life, I do not walk alone. Holy Week is all about betrayals — the people turning on Jesus, Peter denying knowing Jesus and, of course, the ultimate betrayal of Judas. And I have found a way to heal from my own betrayals.

Come and join me as I offer you my tips, and discover a wonderful English springtime fruitcake that is rich in flavor and Holy Week symbolism. I’ve included the link to the recipe here! https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/24995/easter-simnel-cake/

This is an easy version. I don’t use a bundt pan, but a round cake pan and I melt apricot jam and spread it on top before placing a layer of marzipan.

Let me know what you think! Like, comment and remember to go to YouTube and subscribe to Old Stone Well Farm on YouTube!

Wandering Souls

There’s a song by folk singer, Kate Rusby, which talks about the wandering soul being found and how often that soul was never really lost. He or she were always surrounded by friends. He or she were always home. My time of wintering is ending as spring slowly emerges here in still snowy Vermont, and I am discovering that all I was searching for was right before me all the while. Let me explain (and share some wonderful antique finds for my 18th-century homestead!). How has your Lenten journeys been going? What have you discovered?

Baking and Praying With Patrick

It’s St. Patrick’s Day here at Old Stone Well Farm and not only did I discover how easy it is to make homemade Irish soda bread (the real Irish way, without raisins!), I was reminded once again of how Christ is all around us through the kindness of friends like you. So come and join me for a snowy Paddy’s day! P.S. And pull up a chair and hear why Irish bakers would cut a cross on the top of the bread before baking.

The Snow Keeps Falling

Day 2 of snow…and up to three feet. While I do love the white stuff, I have been hankering for blue skies and green grass. And I learned a lesson today: When trying your hand at homesteading, go for what is practical, not what you think looks pastoral. This was my morning. Vermont living at its best.

Sometimes You Have to Make Hope Happen

It’s still snowy here in Vermont and I am getting a case of the winter blahs. I decided if spring won’t come, then I will take matters into my own hands and fill my house with greenery. There’s a poem written in the 17th-century that talks about a specific greenery that would be placed on mantels in the season of Lent. It’s an interesting choice as the green would often be used at funerals.

So come and join me at the farm and hear more about this poem (which you can find here at https://allpoetry.com/Ceremonies-For-Candlemas-Eve.

What do you plan to plant in your spring gardens? What do you adorn your home with in this time of waiting for spring? I would love to hear from you.