Autumn Views at The Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe Vermont

View of part of The Trapp Family Lodge on a recent visit.

On a cool, rainy day, here in Vermont, I went on a short visit to Stowe.  I wanted to see the autumn scenery at The Trapp Family Lodge. It is an incredible place with over 2,000 acres. It was acquired by the von Trapp Family in the 1940's.  The family loved the view. It reminded them of their home country in Austria. Originally, there was a small house in poor condition on the farm. Mother-Maria told the family they could always build a house but they could not build the view!  Everyone worked on the house and grounds and made it a lovely place. Over many years it has grown to what it is today. It is a private resort still owned by the decedents of the von Trapp family.  The property has lodging for guests and offers many activities throughout the year. They also welcome day-visitors to come and enjoy the property.

I took a short hike on some of the grounds close to the lodge. I will share a brief tour:

 

A side view of the property as the walking trail begins.

 The rain and clouds brought a dimness to the view, making it extra cozy and beautiful. I had my umbrella out and walked in the cool, windy air.  I was thankful for gloves, a scarf, and a warm coat!

 

The mountains, off in the distance, were stunning.

There were lamps in the windows of the buildings, making it homelike and pleasant.  Soon the woods came into view. There are signposts everywhere showing hikers where to go.  

 

A walkway up towards the Chapel.

It was so nice to be out in the crisp mountain air!  The walk was wonderful. Other guests, some with walking sticks, smiled with a greeting as they went by.  The path was steep at times but worth the effort.

 

The Chapel nestled in the woods.

The Chapel has a traditional bell on the top. There is a long string where one can ring the bell. The sound is beautiful. This is a place of serenity and rest. 

The steep path down the hill.

There are benches scattered along the pathways.  It was so good to stop and rest for a little while. A sign pointed to another path back towards the lodge. It was low and steep, but fun to hike.  As I approached the halfway mark, I heard the sound of the Chapel bell echoing in the air.  Another guest had enjoyed the Chapel!

 

The view as one steps out of the woods.

 

As I stepped out of the woods, I saw such a lovely sight before me!  Everything is so pretty and peaceful.  I can just imagine how much the von Trapp children enjoyed living here!

 

Mrs. White gazing at the view.

I stepped over to the side and looked around. The views were quieting and comforting!   I did not want to leave, but the cold air and rain made me realize it was time to go. As I got closer to the building, I heard the sound of elegant singing. Chamber music was playing so sweetly for visitors in the lodge.

The lodging house and beautiful view.

The walk down the hill was pleasant and lovely. . . I hope to return for another visit someday.

For more information about the von Trapp Family and their lodge in Stowe, Vermont, please see the resources below:  

 

V is for von Trapp

A beautifully illustrated children's book tells a brief story of the family.

 

Christmas with the Trapp Family Singers

The voices of this talented family are calming and lovely on this special Christmas CD.

I hope you enjoyed this little tour as much as I did. 

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives 

Are You a Member? - Mother's Benevolent Society.

Old Fashioned Thrift  - Retirement Planning for the Poor.

The precious joy of taking care of Grandchildren - I hear Angels Crying.

 

 - To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

Mrs. White's special book for homemakers:

 

"Introduction to Home Economics:  Gentle Instruction to Find Joy in Christian Homemaking." 

 

Paperback, 200 pages. 

 

 

Emergency Homemaking

Mrs. White's 1800's pitcher and wash basin at our home in Vermont.

I visited a museum last month and one of the displays was an old fashioned pitcher and wash basin.  It was interesting to see how towels and soap were set out nearby.  These items were kept inside a bedroom, on a low dresser, for easy access.  This was for those days before indoor plumbing was available. It was a convenient and pretty way to have water and such to stay clean and neat. I loved to see the little touches of homemaking from the humble decorations in the room. A homemade quilt on the bed provided warmth and charm.  There was also an oil lamp in the home.  This dim light looked cozy and nostalgic.

In our modern culture, with central heat and air in homes as well as electric lights, we sometimes forget that these are luxuries we are enjoying!  And while we are grateful for modern inventions, it is important to be prepared for the storms in life.  We need to understand the art of emergency homemaking.

I came across an estate sale some weeks ago.  It was set up as a yard sale next to a local business. We stopped to browse on our way home from an errand.  I found two items that would look beautiful in my home but also provide practical resources should there come a need for me to practice emergency homemaking.  The first item was a beautiful pitcher and wash basin from the 1800's. (See the above photograph.) The second item was a lovely oil lamp.  (Shown below.)   The cost was shockingly very little.   I felt blessed to bring them home with me.

 

Mrs. White's oil lamp on the parlour table at our home in Vermont.

In our 1850's house we understand what it is like to struggle to stay warm and to have what we need. There is a great deal of work to do at our property to keep things decently running on a limited income. We do this in a Yankee way, with thrift and a sense of gratefulness for all that we do have.  Yet it is nice to have things look pretty and pleasant.  When the power goes out, we get our flashlights and blankets and make the best of the moments.  We look out the window into the dark night and sense a feeling of quietness and peace.  We know that joy comes in the morning and so does daylight.  In the meantime, we enjoy the beauty of the stars in the sky and the coziness of having shelter to keep us safe.

Last summer when massive flooding happened in our state, our security felt threatened.  We watched as the waters rose and we were nearly helpless in stopping the flooding from damaging our home.  Through it all we had a sense of trust and faith that God would watch over us. We would be okay regardless of the outcome. It is well, as the old hymn goes, with our souls.

We must not panic in difficult times. We may be stunned in the moment with anxiety but then a wave of peace should surround us as we give our troubles to the Lord. We serve the family with picnic style food on hand and we remember to say grace before we eat.  We use our best manners and have a heart of love and service. We do all we can to keep up morale, smile kindly, and get through the hard times together. We clean, we have our routines, and we do them in a way that keeps the heart of homemaking in our midst.  

I came across a portion of my old writings from a few months ago. This was when we were enduring more flooding, here in Vermont. We had walked outside and viewed the ongoing damage that was happening before us. As I re-read these words, I felt that same sense of comfort and faith.  For those who need encouragement today, I hope you find this helpful:

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"In the midst of such somber moments, we reflect on the beauty of our surroundings.  My husband walked with me outside this morning so I could take some pictures.  Just before we reached our playground, I saw a bird sitting on the top of our park bench. It was as if he was surveying the situation before him.  It made me think of how we have this little spot to build our own nest of a home and yard. We manage it with daily labor. We fight off the blizzards in winter and repair damage from hurricanes and storms.  And through it all, the bird sails high above us without a worry in the world.  The Lord feeds him and helps him find his rest.  He will do the same for us."

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Blessings

Mrs. White

 

From the Archives -

The Reality of Getting By - A New England Winter on a Small Income.

A Slow and Peaceful Way of Life - Simplicity of Old Fashioned Homemaking. 

A Lesson in Beautiful Living - The Quiet Kindness of a Titus 2 Mother.

 

- To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

 

Find cleaning inspiration and encouragement in Mrs. White's book, "Gracious House Keeping."

"Gracious House Keeping: Advice, Encouragement, and Cleaning Help for the Christian Housewife."

Complete with Encouragement and Work Charts to cheer you along in your homemaking!

115 pages, paperback.

Feminine Grace

Cheerful flowers on the table at Mrs. White's House.

There is a certain way to behave which presents oneself as a lady.  There is an old-world style of charm and grace which is calming to others.  This is a rare sort of person in our current culture.  If this lady dresses in a gentle manner, with lace at the cuffs and collar, along with soft and feminine colors, she exudes a sweetness as she goes about her day.  If her manners and heart are full of kindness and love, combined with the lovely style of dress, she will send forth a light of inspiration and goodness. She will be a rare and much needed soul as she ministers in her home and community. 

What of those who sneer at her? Yes, there will be many who do not care for old-time feminine grace.  There will be scoffers and gossip-mongers. There always are such people, in every generation, throughout the ages.  This must not trouble her.  There are a great variety of opinions and ways of living.  Why should a lady change to blend in with a crowd when she is doing such great work as a shining light?

Always remember this:  Your happiness doesn't rest in the way others treat you. It rests in a close walk with the Lord.

Let us aspire to be ambassadors of the Lord's work. Keep to the work at hand, tidy the house, cheer up the family, be a peacemaker with a meek and loving heart, and always do your very best to behave like a gracious lady.

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

A Blessed Way of Life - Old Fashioned Duty of a Homemaker.

A Bit of History - Just a Housewife.

We Must Learn -  To Earn and Not to Spend.

 

  - To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

 

For happiness and cheer in the kitchen:

Mrs. White's old fashioned cookbook focuses on serving meals and setting the table in a humble home.

"Serving in the Kitchen: Cookbook with Recipes, Advice, and Encouragement for the Christian Home"

152 pages, paperback

Panic Fueling Fear of Grocery Shortage

LOC: Kitchen table in a Tenement Museum, New York.

Bits of news have been brought to my attention. I am being told that times may get worse financially. Many are suggesting that I need to stock up on food and necessary groceries. "There may be shortages," they say.  Honestly, I would like nothing more than to stock up and be prepared for such emergencies, but I do not have any money to spare.  For the last few weeks this has almost had me in a panic.  I have visions of the pandemic and remembering what it was like to see empty shelves on a regular basis. I dearly want to stock up. I want to do this as a normal part of life, not just out of fear. But the problem comes when there is not any cash available.

This has been an extra difficult month for us financially. We've had a car repair bill as well as a couple of medical trips.  This leaves little money available for food. We have been making the best of things by getting only the most basic items. The price of eggs has soared. I bought less than usual. I also avoided buying things I really wanted.  Yet, I know I am not the only one in such circumstances. 

Regardless of our financial difficulties, we have to find ways to keep up morale. We need to cheer up the family and remain calm.  I have been thinking about the immigrants who bravely came to a new world searching for a better life for their families. Many lived in tenement housing and had little resources. The times in which they lived, the poverty they faced each day, were much worse than what many are going through today.

Each day we need to do the housework. We have food to cook and bake, regardless of the scant supply. We have dishes to wash, laundry to do, floors to sweep, and families to nurture. We can do this with courage and good will. We pray for our daily bread and lean on the Lord through good times and bad. 

The next time we are advised to spend money to stock up for the coming crisis, let us not panic for lack of funds. Don't let fear drag us to despair. I realize that just a few hundred dollars would make a great difference in stocking the kitchen shelves and bring a sense of security, but one can only do what is financially possible. We can work on keeping expenses low. Then we can focus on securing the daily food. There should be a sense of order, rest, peace, and common sense. 

One of the greatest needs of the family has always been to simply put food on the table.  This is the very basic and foundational aspect of home life. There is comfort in enjoying the dinner hour. It is a blessing to have food on the breakfast table. A wonderful lunch is such a gift. Regardless of our resources, we can make home a pleasant and cheerful place to be. Remember the old ways. Serve humble meals with love and gratefulness. Do not worry!  There may not be a lot of food available, but a kind heart and pleasant outlook will bring a beautiful sense of contentment.  

We will get through this. Better days are coming soon.

Blessings

Mrs. White

 From the Archives:

What many of us crave - An Ordinary Life at Home.

Remembering my Childhood - When Television was Special.

Encouragement - How the Old Time Mothers Survived Poverty.

 

 - To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

 

Find Home-keeping Inspiration, in Mrs.White's book:

 - For The Love of Christian Homemaking.  

Paperback, 274 pages.

 

 

A Homestead of Modest Means

A Tea Rose at our property in Vermont.

 

There is much to do at the old home-place.  We gathered the last of the season's strawberries yesterday. The blueberry bushes have finished producing fruit. A little rose bush that was planted in early spring has finally given us a beautiful flower.  The grounds have been carefully mowed and the weeds, throughout the property, have been removed. Inside, I vacuumed and washed floors. I baked and did dishes. The floors have been swept and the beds have been made.  We have enjoyed the company of extended family for quiet visits and happy talks.  Housekeeping is a wonderful occupation.

I did some errands yesterday. As I walked through the markets, I looked at all the inviting products. I saw melons, fresh apples, assorted vegetables, and many wonderful things that were not on my shopping list. I thought how lovely it would be to gather ingredients for a fresh salad.  And even though none of those things made it into my cart, because I only have a small amount of money, I enjoyed looking at everything.  

There is a great cost to housekeeping. Even when the expenses are as low as possible, we must still pay for utilities, insurance, and the cost of the house. It is important to be creative in finding ways to make do and to make things last. This will keep our expenses down.

We find joy in our surroundings. A neat home with homemade touches will bring a sense of rest to the heart.  When the pantry supplies run low and there is little money to fill up the shelves with good food, we may get discouraged. But hard times happen and we have to just wait, to look ahead, knowing things will get better. To cheer ourselves along, we use pretty dishes to serve humble meals.  We brighten our mood with the serving of tea in beautiful tea cups.  

We must remain calm when we don't have much money.  Our purpose in life is not to build up the store, but to build up the home.  This takes time, education in the domestic arts, and a great deal of faith. I have been thinking of ways to bring costs down, here at home, over the next couple of years.   The more we are able to do on our own, the less we will need to rely on the supermarket. 

This is a beautiful time of year in New England. The leaves on the trees are changing. Soon the landscape will nearly take one's breath away because of the stunning display of beauty. Yet this is also a hard time since so many of us have paid our annual property taxes. The cost of food is rising again. Our utility costs have gone up.  At times like this it is helpful to remember how hard things have been, financially, for the previous generations.  Our great-grandmothers have remained at their post, building up the family, caring for the home, and being creative with very little resources. Their example is a shining light of inspiration!  There is a sense of gratefulness to know that a home of modest means can still be a place of peace and beauty.

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

A Precious Lesson! - All of God's Children Have Shoes.

What it Takes - Old Fashioned Duty of a Homemaker.

Encouragement in Duty - Make an Effort.

 - To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

  For Encouragement in Christian Homemaking, order Mrs. White's book,

 "Homemaking for Happiness: Wonderful Days at Home."

You will find essays, articles, and diary entries about life in a Christian home.

Entries are arranged by season, and include:  "Keeping a Frugal Kitchen;" "Missing the Lilacs;" "An Evening Walk in the Garden;" "At Grandmother's House;" and "Chores for Grandchildren."

You will also find a few photographs showing a little of the local landscape.

Paperback, 228 pages.