An Apology

Flowers in a hospital room of a White family Member

A short time ago, a family member was hospitalized for a few days.  I spent a great deal of time there. In the photograph above, you will see some white daisies. I bought these from a local florist shop to brighten the hospital room.  This was my view most days as I sat in a corner chair and read a book while the patient slept nearby.  Things are improving and everyone is back home again.  Illnesses sometimes come out of nowhere but we are grateful for good doctors!  All is well.

During this quiet time I realized how rushed things are here with the blog. I am often writing very short emails in response to very dear letters. Sometimes I will write a post, and without thinking or proofreading enough, I will publish it and get back to my family and home work.   Upon reflection, sometimes weeks, months, or years later, I realize some of what I have written was unclear, not my complete thoughts on a matter, or downright offensive to some. (I am sure all of my books have mistakes in them.)  I apologize for this.

I have stacks of correspondence here at home, with precious letters that have been sitting on my desk, carefully read and appreciated, but no response from me as of yet. I feel guilty about this a great deal of the time.  Please know that I cherish your words and think about them often, even if I don't say very much in return.

In the blogging world, on occasion, I try to leave comments on other blogs I visit. I do not do this nearly enough as I ought to.  There are so many amazing bloggers who write wonderful things and I know they appreciate visits and comments.  It is a way to say, "I have visited and have enjoyed reading your thoughts." Often what they write is very helpful and provides inspiration in one's own life. I feel guilty for not visiting and commenting as much as I should.

I owe many letters, comments, and emails to many dear people.  I often take weeks or months to respond even though I want to respond, and enjoy writing back. I am just so slow.

I recently published a book and have had some glitches with it because I was in such a rush to finish it, and had procrastinated so long, and wanted to just finish and get back to my family, that I disappointed some people. Again, I am so sorry.

I make many mistakes and don't always do, or say, the right thing.  Again, I apologize and hope you will be patient with me.

I do love writing and corresponding and am so grateful for you all.  Even though I enjoy doing this, it is very time consuming and very hard work.  We all have homes and families who need us dearly.  We all have limited time. But it is a blessing to be encouraged and to encourage others!

If we didn't just stop for a few minutes to write and to visit, it would never happen. It is okay to take a break to write.  It is wonderful to visit.  But it is even better when we have grace and patience with each other, knowing we are all flawed (especially me!).

Thank you for being here with me no matter how often I mess things up here. Most likely, everything I do is going to be flawed.  Thank you for being forgiving.  Thank you for your kindness and prayers.  I am so very grateful!

Blessings
Mrs.White


From the Archives -

Making things for Grandbaby - Tea Napkins.

Finding Joy in Homemaking - Poor and Pretty Living.

Marriage - Serving Mister.





Mrs. White's special book for Homemakers - "Mother's Book of Home Economics."





An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email. 

Introduction to Home Economics - My New Book

Cover of Mrs. White's new book.

For the past year, I have been working on a little homemaking course. I had elaborate plans and wanted to share such projects as making a pretty pillowcase (complete with photographs for hand-sewing), tips on cleaning, and working in the kitchen.  But it became so complicated that I gave up!

Eventually, over a period of several months, I realized I could only do something very simple and basic.  I would include a large gathering of my writings from the last 2 years, as well as three easy projects for the reader. 

The book is now published and is available for sale in paperback.

One of the projects includes detailed information about setting up a "House Account." Many have asked me to show a picture of the inside of my financial journal. I created a fictitious one, based on my personal spending.  The picture is inside this book.  I hope the description and instructions will help those who have shown an interest.

There are a total of 72 short "chapters" which contain many writings from my private newsletter. These include daily life as a homemaker and grandmother.  One of my favorites is called "The Little Mother" about my 3 year old granddaughter who is such a delight.  Some of the writings also include many blog posts, from here, over the last 2 years.

The process of doing the book was very time consuming, but I loved picking out some peaceful photographs to share.  These include some I have posted here on the blog recently, such as a covered bridge here in Vermont.  Here is a picture of my binder where the manuscript was kept while I did the editing and proofreading.

Binder notebook for Mrs. White's manuscript.

I enjoyed looking at the cover of the book, which includes a picture of a beautiful teacup given to me by a dear friend.  There is also a teapot and creamer, which was given to me by another dear one.  I printed up the cover-art to place in front of the binder.

Binder containing the manuscript for editing and proofreading of Mrs. White's book.

I am relieved the book is finished.  Here is a description from the back of the book:


"Whether you are currently a homemaker or want training in your future vocation at home, this course will provide a peaceful and pleasant study. There are 3 units with subjects covering life and lessons on:  "Family and Home;" "New England Thrift;"  and "To Be a Lady."     You will also find space provided for a "homemaker's diary."     There are three projects to complete along with each unit. You will learn: How to keep a financial record for the home by setting up a "House Account." How to set up a simple menu plan. How to do a cleaning challenge.    The foundation of the course is found in essays of instruction and encouragement, through reading about the daily life of a New England Homemaker."

Details:

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: The Legacy of Home Press (September 11, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0692189173
• ISBN-13: 978-0692189177
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.5 x 9 inches

The book is called:

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

  It is available for sale at Amazon.   This is just a very plain, basic, simple book. But I hope it encourages you and gives you some ideas for your own home. 

I am not very good at marketing or trying to get the word out. Any help in spreading the word would be very much appreciated.  Thank you so much!

Blessings

Mrs. White

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The Day Room

A Room in Mrs. White's Vermont Home

Many years ago, when we first bought this house, great-grandfather (my Dad) walked into one of the rooms and called it "The Day Room." I had never heard that term. He was an Army Veteran.  He served during the early 1960's.  In those days the soldiers had a bright, sunny room where they could rest and have their break for games and visiting.  It was called "The day room."  Ever since then, this is what we have affectionately called this room in our home.

The room is technically a bedroom and has been used as such throughout the years. But most often it has been used as a living room or a front parlor.   I very often find myself inviting guests out of my kitchen and into this pleasant room. There is an adjoining bedroom on the other side which is used as a playroom. It is full of toys and little beds. It is enjoyed by all the grandchildren whenever they visit.

The rocking chair by the window belonged to my grandmother.  It is charming and delicate.  I have to steer gentlemen away from it, encouraging them to take a seat on the sofa instead. It has been repaired many times and cannot take a great deal of weight. This is why I love to place floral, feminine blankets and pillows on it so they are not quite as likely to choose it for a seat. (gentle smiles)  It seems like in my grandmother's day, chairs were not as comfortable (or sturdy) and were only designed for a brief rest.

The blue sofa on the left is covered with a blue flowered sheet I inherited from my mother.  Pretty floral patterns are not as common as they used to be, so I am delighted to have this. It is well worn but pretty.  The sofa used to belong to my parents.

There is a very pretty, large green couch on the right.  It was given to my son by an elderly lady from an old family Estate.   He was willing to let me have it, quite a few years ago, for fifty dollars.  I was delighted!  I covered it with a floral quilt to match the curtains on the windows.

You will also see a matching curtain in the doorway.  There has never been a door here. We have always used curtains in this spot.  I believe the previous owners, of our humble old 1850's house, may have taken some of the doors with them when we bought it.  The family included an auctioneer who possibly sold them at a nice profit.

There are sheer tan curtains, behind the floral ones, on the front windows.  They used to be in our bedroom upstairs.  I thought they would look better in this room.  I bought them many years ago, from a clearance pile for four dollars each.

Television set in Mrs. White's home

There is a television set in a corner on the other side of the room.  It is built into a piece of furniture.  We paid twenty dollars for it at some kind of flea market sale.  It is lovely and old fashioned. It works perfectly with a DVD player.  In the photograph above, you will see an old radio on top of the television. This belonged to great-grandfather.

A gold lamp with a cream colored shade, by the window, belonged to my Aunt.  There is another one on the other side of the room.  I love the cozy look of pretty lamplight in a pleasant room.

Back behind the lamp is a wooden TV stand holder.  I often set up one of the tables for my computer in this room. I will sit on the couch and do some writing.  At other times, I will just rest on the couch and watch an old black-and-white movie on a cold winter afternoon.

But most often, I will look into this pretty "day room" and sigh, with a prayer of gratefulness, for a peaceful place to sit and visit.


Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Essential - The Privacy of Home Life.

Finances - Retirement Planning for the Poor.

It is okay to be - Just a Housewife.





Mrs. White's special book for Homemakers - "Mother's Book of Home Economics."





An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email. 

The Exercise Room

The Exercise Room in Mrs. White's Vermont home

A few years ago, when Mister White had his disabling accident, the doctor required him to walk for part of his physical therapy.  His blood pressure was high and he was having a great many trials because of his lack of ability to move around much.  But it was impossible for him to walk outdoors with our long winters full of ice and snow.  It was necessary for him to have a treadmill.  He could walk, as he was able each day, on that machine. It has been a great help for his overall health.

In the past few months, I wanted to start walking as well. Our grown sons moved the treadmill into a side room for me.  This room has concrete floors and is difficult to heat in winter. But I hope the wood stove, in an adjoining room, will keep it warm enough through the cold season.

On the other end of this room is a stationary bike.  Someone gave this to one of our sons, years ago.  He cleaned it up and gave it to us.  I had the boys move the bike into our exercise room as well.

There is a fan near a back window for hot summer mornings. We also have a DVD player attached to a television on the side of the room. (We do not have cable.)

In the early morning, before anyone else is awake, I find a sermon on DVD by Charles Stanley. This is what I watch while I do my workout.  In Touch ministry has offered some for free, on occasion, over the last couple of years. I am slowing building up a collection and am very grateful for these wonderful messages.

On a recent morning, I got distracted and thought I would just get on the computer and check emails and such before I started my workout.  By the time I turned on the sermon and started my routine, my mind was so distracted, I had a difficult time getting any benefit out of the pastor's message.  I have made it a rule for myself that I will not do anything else until I have heard the wonderful sermon. I give it my full attention as I do my exercises.  This has brought me a great deal of peace as well as spiritual and physical health.

French curtains in Mrs. White's exercise room

I have such a lovely view in this room.  A set of white lace curtains were given to me, some years ago, by a kind and dear friend.  The package they came in said they were made in France.  I had these put on our glass doors to add a peaceful touch to our workout room.  I can look out onto our front porch, and the front grounds beyond.  Sometimes I hear the morning birds chirping sweetly as they start their day.

blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Mister is not Able to work - The Shabby Garden.

Making the Best of things - Poor and Pretty Living.

Homemade Lessons from My Childhood - Manners Learned at the Finishing School.




Mrs. White's special book for Homemakers - "Mother's Book of Home Economics."





An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email. 

The Housekeeper's Budget

Library of Congress: Husband and Wife going over House Account in 1941 Minnesota

As another month draws to an end, it is time to reflect on the household budget. I am ready to close out this month's account.  This is where I add up all the bills that were paid, the money I spent, and the money I gave away.  Every dollar and dime are accounted for because I write it in a book. This helps me see what I am doing wrong, or how I can fix things for the coming months.  It also keeps a record (or a history) of our home expenses.

A good housekeeper must be a good manager. One of the biggest goals she should have is to live on a budget.  She must learn to live within the income the house is provided with. This takes time and effort. It even takes a great deal of wisdom and logic to avoid the traps and temptations of the advertising world around us.

We are taught, in our modern world, to save money by spending it.  This is a genius advertising method to get us to spend as much money as possible.   There are many ways to save money and we must learn to be creative and find what works in our own situation. For instance, I can tell you how to save money on winter heat here in Vermont. But it will not help someone living in Florida. We can share ideas on how to save, but we must take only the advice which works for our own family.

We had a couple of high bills outside of our budget recently. A car repair bill (which I consider to be part of a yearly expense) was more than I expected.  There were also a few emergency trips which cost extra money in gas and charity.  This put me over my spending.  Since we live on a fixed income, I had to take the extra money out of a small savings account to make up the difference.  This is not good because that savings cannot be replaced.  So next month I have readjusted my expenses to keep my spending low.  One of the biggest ways I did this was to cut my gas and grocery money.  This means I will have to work much harder in making homemade meals and to stay home as much as possible.  These are not difficult things to do, but they do take time and effort. They also require some sacrifice on my part. I am willing to do this because it will help our family and home for the long term.

I could either be wasteful and foolish or I can be frugal and careful. I choose to work here at home, doing my part, to keep us out of the poor house. Every housekeeper ought to have that same attitude.  The lady of the house can spend her family into poverty or she can manage the money well and bring peace and security into her home for many years. The stability of a home depends on how well the household funds are managed.

Does it matter if you are poor or rich?  In other words, is it okay to be careless and carefree and wasteful in our management of money just because we have plenty?  Being frugal and a good manager of one's income is something every single household should practice.  No business will last long if they spend more than they make.  No household will stay out of the poor house if they spend more than they make. One should not make a habit of spending out of the savings account or of getting into debt to get through the month.  All of us have to live within our income.

 I want to explain the importance of little savings.  We can earn a few pennies in a savings account.  We may look at our bank statement and think it is a paltry, insignificant income.  However, if you think about that interest earned in a new way - you may be more likely to appreciate every little dime.

1. I have been paying my electric bill over the phone with a check (or debit card) for over a year.  There is no fee. There is no cost.  This has saved me one stamp per month.  That is like earning 48 cents in interest for the month.

2. I just learned that I can also do this with my phone bill.  This will save me another stamp and earn me another 48 cents.

In these two items I have earned almost a dollar by doing something different. That is 12 dollars a year which could buy a gift for someone's birthday.  It is by being creative and by being careful with money that we can be successful managers.  Can we face most all things in our financial life in a similar way? Could we try to spend less in every aspect of our household without really changing our quality of life?

The housekeeper's budget is just a simple notebook listing all the fixed expenses like the rent or mortgage. It includes the electric bill, the phone bill, and the cost of insurance.  There is an amount for groceries and gas and any other expense that is required to run one's home.

Another book could be the "house account" book where all the money that is spent is recorded as they happen throughout the month.  This is where we see the truth of how the budget is working.  We can see any mistakes we make or any changes that are necessary. It takes a bit of thought and time to keep household financial books, but they are an important part of managing a home with care and wisdom.

Blessings
Mrs. White


For details on keeping track of spending - House Account - A Prudent Homemaker.



From the Archives -

A 12 Week Challenge - Economy for the Christian Home.

Simple Living - Retirement Planning for the Poor.

The precious joy of Grandchildren - I hear Angels Crying.







Mrs. White's special book for Homemakers - "Mother's Book of Home Economics."





An Invitation - Subscribe to The Legacy of Home and have it delivered directly to your email.