big

At 2 pounds, 2 months the new kittens are getting bigger. Last week marked their first trip to the vet. Today marked the first evening when I saw all three playing in the straw outside the barn. And I assume that Sunday, Meadow might have one upped fate....finding his way into the tall grass along side the pasture. Good thing he knows his name AND has me wrapped around a little paw....cause I searched until I could lift him out to the security of the barn. I am certain that they will rescue themselves 100 times over, but it did make me feel just a tad heroic....and I will take that however I get it.

The vet believes we have 2 girls & a boy....but I am told that they won't commit to that until the July appointment-- who knew it could take so long for a definitive gender answer. If Meadow remains a boy....he will be adopted by my Ian. Only one tommy can settle into a farm without upsetting the universe...and Cinnamon has won that right (for goodness sake, he lived in a hollow log when his brother, Marmalade, was king). The girls, Pearl & Luna, will stay on the farm to keep me company.

Here's my little Luna waking as I arrived home today. They do fill my heart, they do....and who could ask for more.

each day

I sit at my kitchen table, birds sing at the back door, the fan whirs overhead, Whisper sleeps on the porch, & Dave has left me a voice mail with a report from the barn. I have left deadlines & to do lists neatly packed in my work bag, "later" I say.

Today I just find a smile waits at each turn, and I accept. Even my little cupboard says "hey you" when I open the door for my coffee cup.

Sending out a friendly " hey you" your way....accept what awaits.

porch-ing it

I have been off from work this week.... first full, unplanned week in a long time. Had been to that place where I was just bone tired, drained physically & emotionally. The wonders of time off, phone off, no even peaking at office email--waking each morning with a "let the day unfold" attitude.

So here is where I sit today...coffee, two barn cats (Whisper & Chestnut) asleep on the wicker chair, and a gentle rain falling.

They call this a "stay-cation"....I just call it bliss.

Kari

a chick chick here

and a chick chick there....

I really think a lot about chickens-love seeing their antics in farmyards (and heard they can really deter ticks). Love the thought of fresh eggs-- and am certain my chicken's egg colors would top Martha's any day.

But I also think way too much it seems to bring any to the farm. If they are free range, will it bring unwanted predators & more worries then this little old heart can handle. What about the free range neighbor dogs that have harassed our goats? If I contain them to a pen, will that also bring unwanted egg eaters (talking snakes here)? How ever would I keep them warm & happy in the winter? - this from the gal that sets up playscapes for barn cats when the snow flies.

So each time my friend, Jani, offers up the chicks she has hatched with her kiddos......I reluctantly say "no thanks". I even have a school in Eau Claire that has promised to just leave their chickens at my door in a "drive by" like chicken drop. For now, I am gathering my own little coop of tin feathered friends--their armor will fend off all my worries.

excuse me for a moment

Sometimes the only question that comes to my mind is "hmmm?" - - a wondering aloud kind of sound. See if there is anything that I am, it is sensitive.....for goodness sakes I still kind of sort of think still believe that all my precious German Steiff animals have feelings. And, I don't ever want to lose that and not care, not take it to heart. So, today my feelings are hurt, pretty bad I might add....but I know it will get better- always does. So don't mind me if I just hang out with my guys here at the farm for a bit...hug on a kitten, sit on the porch & maybe even talk this all out with a little stuffed rabbit.
Peace...out,
Kari

TODAY

Soon I will travel to our little town hall in Otter Creek. Three ladies sit waiting. I will take my ballot and vote. I live in Wisconsin....and integrity calls.

Open....Farmhouse Style

I was at the Hixton Schoolhouse Antique Mall late last night and early this morning. I am done for now.... Lots more to move in, but feeling good about my start. At auction all day Saturday.... question before each bid: "is this Farmhouse Style"? Stop by if you are in the area & let me know what you think.

As always, for all the details about Hixton--see "Vintage Finds" under Chapters to the right.

All good things must end....

My little 40% Off SALE is coming to a close soon in my booth at the Hixton Schoolhouse Antique Mall. This has indeed been the biggest sale I have ever had, and I have been so pleased with all the items that have moved on to a new "nest" (thank you). There is still a little time & quite a few treasures left....but hurry, the sale will end on June 2.

Watch for a new reload....with Farmhouse Style as the inspiration. {Read about this in my prior post.}


For information on the Hixton Schoolhouse Antique Mall ~ click on "Vintage Finds" to the right.

Farmhouse Style

Hardworking, reclaimed vintage farm goods, down to earth charm...that is Farmhouse Style to me. It is an egg basket filled with gardening supplies, an ironstone bowl overflowing with old wooden clothespins, even a chicken in the house (wink). There is nothing pretentious about this style...it is sun on your shoulders, dirt under your nails, straw in your pockets & joy found in the every day routine of life. From aprons to blue Ball jars to chippy farm cupboards to well loved quilts...this style has "home" within it.

Today I was on a mission at the Elko Flea Market in Minnesota....I could only purchase items that met these qualities. It didn't take long to fill my arms -- with multiple trips to the car! I hope to start in on my booth redo at the Hixton Schoolhouse Antique Mall soon, and will share when done. Farmhouse Style is what I have finally come home to.

What does Farmhouse Style mean to you?

morning has broken, like the first morning

Call me content....
We had major tree work completed on the farm Tuesday...4 trees needed to come down. Thursday will be trimming of all the other trees & the final clean up of the gigantic cottonwood that was brought down in the wind last fall. My gardens are almost planted.....added little boo pumpkins & gourds. The new kittens climbed out of the nesting box last night and slept right out in the big barn -- they looked ever so proud this morning when a "worried Kari" scurried out at sun up to check on them. Another gorgeous day awaits....and here is where I sit, coffee and a review of where an antique adventure might await this long weekend approaching. Hmmm, an auction would be fun. My silly case of sun poisoning ( yes, all is never perfect) is subsiding-----so I will gather my sunscreen, ads., and thoughts--and maybe head out, or maybe just enjoy the porch or deck. Morning has broken, and I greet it warmly.

How about you.....where will Memorial Day weekend find you?

In the breeze...

I love a mellow morning with windows open. Curtains billow in the breeze, bird song fills the air, kittens sleep on the porch---and all is fine. Days like this are not taken for granted, but relished. Soon enough a storm may arrive, but for now...the breeze hears my prayers.

Luna, Meadow & Pearl

Here they are....the spring litter.  One month old and now people friendly & learning about the big world. Three grays...from darkest to lightest:  Luna, Meadow & Pearl.

There is just nothing that quite compares to a new litter of kittens.  Watching their proud mom, Hope, teach them about her barn, the goats, the other cats, the big world that is now theirs.  Soon they will climb out of the nesting box in the barn on their own, without my help moving them via the basket system.  But for now, we all welcome them...even the goats come to the fence to greet them, and the older cats touch them nose to nose (all except my Whisper, who will work to like them....but she will become a wonderful big sister).   They are a lesson in innocence that I relish & welcome.

wow....just, wow

I am not often without words, but, my friends....I am.

Hmmm....what can I truly say...

Our 2012 Spring Barn Sale was simply wonderful.

The weather, beautiful.

The people, kinder then kind.

Even the bluebirds joined in by "crossing many paths with happiness".

 

To my dear friends, aka the Barn Cats...my gratitude runs deep, very deep.

(Jani, me, Sarah, Nan)

Without you -- wouldn't be...just wouldn't.

 

Though I was short on picture taking....here is a taste.

Up the stairs to the hayloft is where the sale took place.

"Farmhouse Style" was the theme.

 

This is after a busy morning with hundreds of items already out the door.

  It was fabulous to see so many returning faces...that I now consider my friends.

If you were there & I didn't have a chance to personally greet you or thank you
because of the busy-ness of the moment,
please know how much I appreciate that you were present.   
Many came miles & miles to be here,
and I was honored when I asked what brought folks out,
 and they often said, "the Meadowview Farm Barn Sale". 
 I am so thankful that each of you took time out
of a beautiful Mother's Day weekend to join us.
  

I was so "happy tired" at the end of each day.

So...last night, I turned off the lights in the barn, the kittens slept, the goats grazed....

and I began to dream about the October sale.

Hope to see you then.

P.S.....watch for a door prize announcement in the comment section of this post!

 

you are invited

picture credit

Meadowview Farm Spring Barn Sale

"Sipping Tea"

May 12 & 13, 2012

See all the details (hours, address) in the following post.

Hope to see you there.....

almost time

I am beginning to feel the excitement of the upcoming Spring Barn Sale! 
My dear friends, Jani, Nan & Sarah (aka The Barn Cats) have made their plans to come up to help!
The hayloft is beginning to look full and fun!
I am taking off the days prior to the sale to tweak & primp.

And soon...the blue door at the top of the stairs will open.

Meadowview Farm 2012 Spring Barn Sale

Antiques & Vintage Finds

Saturday, May 12  9-5  (20% off from 2-5)

Sunday, May 13  12-5  (30% off all day)

S13181 County Road R

Augusta, Wisconsin  54722

*Sorry, no early sales*