Plant Now For Herbal Kitchen Wreaths

Wreaths are not just for Christmas! . .An herbal wreath can add so much to your kitchen year around. . .The big perk, though, is fresh herbs for all your recipes. . .There are just no purchased dried herbs that stand a chance against ones freshly picked from your garden. . .or dried on a wreath such as this. . .where they retain their flavor. . .

In the coming 2020 Fall Issue of COUNTRY RUSTIC magazine, you will find a short history of herbs and my experience making wreaths with them at the Felix Valle House State Historic Site in Ste. Genevieve, MO, including instructions on how to make a wreath such as this. . .But for now, I want to encourage you to plant some herbs NOW to make wreaths in late summer and through fall.. .It's time to get those garden gloves and tools out!!

It is not necessary to have a traditional garden spot. . .You can plant herbs in pots and flower beds. . .As long as you can find a small space free of weeds, herbs will thrive and are some of the easiest plants to grow. . .

A few of my favorites to grow and dry on wreaths are: Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano, Sage, Tarragon, Basil, Yarrow. . .Those are my base herbs. . .Any other herbs will help to fill in the spaces. . .But it's your choice. . .I do suggest you check some of your recipes when deciding which herbs to use. . .

So, ladies get busy. . .Don't waste time getting your herb garden planted. . .The months will slip away fast and before you know it, you'll be making your own amazing kitchen culinary herbal wreath. . .

It's Spring! Planting Time! Here's A Story To Make You Smile!

It's sure been an upside down world this year, hasn't it? I hope that everyone has made it through these last few months safely. . .I have found so many blessings during these uncertain times. . .and one of them has been our farm. . .We didn't have to stay all cooped up in the house because, when you live on a farm, there's always wide open spaces. . .and plenty to do for exercise. . .There's been spring cleaning. . .spring "take everything out of the barn that I put in last fall" days. . .spring gardens to weed and plant. . .new beginnings all around.

Social distancing isn't difficult for our farmers either. . .since only one person can drive a tractor at any time. . .They are late planting this year, though. . .but not because of shut-downs or sheltering in place. . .They've been sheltering for sure, but from the rain and storms that just don't seem to let up. . .Hopefully, these next two weeks they'll be able to get in the fields. . .

Not a planting season goes by that I don't feel the excitement of it. . .or think about the family stories that have been passed down. . .So, I thought. . .maybe. . .if you need a little diversion from our uncertain everyday life of the present, you might enjoy reading one of those stories. . .about springtime at the old company store. . .Just click on the link below and be taken to a spring day of the past. . .

Take a break. . .and enjoy. . .

Hope it warms your heart. . .

 A COMPANY STORE SPRING

Sheltering in Place: An Inspirational Story

 Mr. B. J. LaShay is taking this Shelter in Place seriously. . .

But. . .with no real fear. . .Just more nap times. . .

We can take a lesson from him. . .Don't you think?

Well. . .here's an INSPIRATIONAL STORY 

to boost your Faith in these coming weeks. . . 

SHELTER IN PLACE: NOAH DID 

From John and Dru,  Little Bit and B.J. . . .

STAY SAFE. . .SHELTER IN PLACE. . .LOVE YOUR FAMILY. . .

DIY Face Mask: A Picture Tutorial

I'm sure no one has to be told that we now have the Coronavirus-19 threat in this country and that face masks are in minimum supply. I know that it is said that masks don't help but I think anything we can do that will possibly protect our loved ones is worth a little time spent.

I don't usually repost other's projects like this on The Country Farm Home, but I have been so impressed with this DIY mask from the BUTTON COUNTER blog that I felt I should share the link. I'll be making several in the coming days and may send a few to loved ones through the mail. Give it a try! And make several. They will need to be washed after each wearing.

DIY FACEMASK: A PICTURE TUTORIAL

TAKE CARE, EVERYONE!

Hearts and Roses

Valentine's Day comes exactly at the right time of year for me. . .It scoots out the weeks of gray skies and damp, cold weather that always come after Christmas. . .and pops in with bright red hearts and ruby red roses. . .so that all is exciting and festive again. . .

But. . .what I like the most about the holiday is that it reminds us to pause for a moment and think about those whose hearts have touched ours. . .Those special someones who enrich our lives. . .and that sometimes we take for granted. . .I'll sound like an old woman now. . .but. . ."the older I get," the more I realize that life is truly fragile. . .Setting aside time to remember a LOVED ONE (or two) should be high on our list for at least one day, don't you think?

Rich Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake with Mock Cherry Topping (Recipe Here)

It doesn't have to be a grand affair. . .Just a card will do. . .John knows that the way to my heart is Red Roses. . .but I know that the way to his is a Chocolate Cake. . .Yet, the gift is secondary. . .It's the thought behind it. . . that we stopped long enough to think of the other one. . .and doing what we know will make them smile. . .To tell them how much they are in our hearts. . .

Now I have to ask. . .Is there a better day for that celebration than a cold one in February, when it's rainy outside but warm with LOVE inside?

Yep. . .Valentine's Day comes at exactly the right time of the year. . .

Happy Valentine's Day. . .

from. . .

Something Old-Something New

Don't get excited. . .It's not a wedding. . .Just a little change in the bathroom that's fun. . .At first glance, can you tell what's real. . .and what's not?  I had John doing a double-take when I placed my thrift store find (the big painting/print) behind this grouping. . .The blue Ball canning jar looks even more real than it does here. . .If it weren't for the painted flowers, it might be very hard to tell. . .

It's also hard to tell that the bird isn't part of the print, isn't it?. . .Everything just comes together. . .the old water basin and pitcher. . .the new painting/print. . .the blue berries. . .and the blue bird. . .for a setting that teases the eyes. . .fitting right in with plain and simple style.

I do hope that posts like these will encourage you. . .and show how to decorate in style without spending a lot of money. . .I do prefer buying as many decorator pieces as possible from yard sales and thrift stores. . .because I don't feel I have to keep it forever as I would if I'd paid big bucks. . .I can store or donate those items without any feeling of guilt. . .It's a win-win all the way around. . .

Speaking of Spring. . .(I was, you know). . .I've seen a preview of the Spring 2020 Issue of Country Rustic Magazine and I'm telling you, it is WONDERFUL. . .DJ has been playing with new layouts. . .and working harder with each issue to make it better than the last one. . .You should be getting yours through the mail or see it on news stands soon. . .

Of course, Spring at The Country Farm Home is featured in it, too. . .

You know you can't miss that story!!!

It's the third in the series of four seasons at the farm.

I can hardly believe there's only one more. . .

I'm Thinking Summer

Yes, I know it's only the middle of January. . .Yes, I know it's freezing cold outside. . .But. . .Need I shout it from the rooftops? . .I'm ready for SUMMER. . .

Actually. . .I've been writing about the Fourth of July for the last few days. . .Editing photos for the Fourth. . .Trying to wrap my head around that time of the year for the articles. . .and Setting up some extra photo shots. . .which makes my brain rather confused. . .I so engross myself in Summer images that I have to stop and think at times just what month this is. . .Well, I don't really have to think much. . .All I have to do is look outside at the gray or step out on the porch without a jacket.

I do know one thing, though. . .I'm leaving the house set up as if it IS summer. . .in hopes it quickly comes. . .Plus, I love the black and white straw-trimmed hat on my new blanket chest. . .I really don't want to change it. . .Such a simple setting. . .

I brought out the summer flower pillows for the bed, too. . .and the rug is always cheerful. . .

The thing is. . .I live each Winter for Spring and Summer and could totally do without the cold weather. . .whether writing or not. . .It's fun until Christmas is over, but then I'm ready for the sun to shine again. . .

Maybe I should consider moving FURTHER South?

I'm Keeping The Wreath. . .and. . .

Christmas is over for another year. . .The decorations are coming down. . .BUT. . .I'm keeping the wreath.

Everyone who knows me, knows that I absolutely, positively LOVE RED for pops of color. . .and I've loved this wreath from the first time I saw it. . .I've used it for Christmas a couple of years now. . .in various places around the house. . .and I often store it as the Winter season ends. . .Not this time. . .Nope. . .This time, it's staying on the living room wall. . .where I can enjoy it everyday. . .

(Note: My apologies for the photographs. They did not upload as they look in my folder. I used a new editing program. . .that I certainly won't used again! I will try to change them out soon!)

And below it, I put a press-on with some inspirational words directly on the wall. . .

Words I need to see everyday, too. .

I'm changing up the living room a little. . .I can't show you the entire result, yet, because I'm still working on it. . .Still adding and subtracting. . .

I did find this old crate in storage for a table. .a quick clean-up was all it needed. . .I may use it in front of the couch. . .

While I was at it, I brought in part of my crock collection from the back porch. . .putting them at the fireplace to dry after a good soak in the tub. . I think some of the larger ones might be nice in the living room, too. . .Crocks are great anywhere in a farmhouse. . .

My little helper. . .Mr. B J LaShay. . .has been there with me every step of the way. . .Getting into EVERYTHING. . .

But. . .He IS CUTE. . .isn't he. . .in his red Christmas bow tie?

I kind of like having him around. . .

So. . .although I haven't made any New Year's resolutions, yet. . .I HAVE made a New Year's decision. . .I have two "keepers". . .the WREATH. . .AND the CAT. . because. . .Both make me SMILE. . .