Tending the Property

United States Department of Agriculture, 1917 poster. (LOC)

 

It is very cool here in the mountains of Vermont.  The last fear of frost has passed. We were able to get our seeds planted in the gardens in the early part of this month.  We have assorted lettuce planted in 3 different patches in the front and back grounds.  We have peas, cucumbers, and tomato seeds all settled in the soil.  There are a few more scattered items in pots waiting for a more permanent place for the summer months.

Seeds planted with labels in the back yard. 

I have been pruning, walking, and checking on all the fruit trees, blueberry bushes, and our strawberry garden.

Our strawberry garden with a few pinwheels.

There were a few warm days, which were beautiful as I walked all over the grounds of our humble 2-acre estate.  A cool breeze spread a scent of lilacs over the property.  I have already taken in 3 cuttings of fresh lilacs for the parlour table.  The birds and butterflies are enjoying the flowers.  My sister sent me a packet of assorted flower seeds that pollinators will like. We have planted these in a designated spot near the fruit trees and bushes. 

Our garden patch of flower seeds. 

I have come to appreciate the need for a large amount of flowers to keep the pollinators happy.  We have seen bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.  These visitors should be encouraged as that is how the vegetables and fruits are helped to grow and produce a harvest.

It has taken me years to understand the need for making it a priority to have a garden, even though I have much to learn. It is best if we do this at our own pace, in our own time, in our own way, without pressure or worry.   I used to think it was not worth the trouble of trying to garden when so many others were far more experienced than I was. I have come to realize that no garden has to look the same. We will develop a love for gardening if we are not comparing what we have with others.   It is lovely to simply plant and enjoy the land we have been given to tend. Time will bring experience and a reward for our hard work. 

Pacing myself has always been a problem. On a recent warm day, as I tended rose bushes, cut lilacs, and checked on our assortment of gardens, I became very weary.  I went indoors for the day to read and do some housework. I did not realize how exhausted I was, and possibly dehydrated, until the end of the day when something happened. I was standing in the living room letting the family know I was going to get ready for bed.  All of a sudden, I collapsed in a heap on the floor.  We were stunned!  I was quickly ushered off to bed and had to rest and take it easier for a few days.

We came up with a solution that might help. We scraped up $20 and bought a little pool.  I now take a few breaks, when outdoors, to sit and rest by the pool. It is set up on the back of the property in an area that looks like a little campsite.

A seat by the pool for my gardening breaks. 

I am amazed at how nice it is to just sit in a comfortable chair and put my feet in the water.  I hear the sound of the birds, the rushing of the river beyond, and enjoy a quiet rest. It is refreshing and helpful!

It is such a blessing to enjoy this lovely season and delight in the beauty of nature!

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives - 

My Mother's Example - A Home Without Clutter.

What happened when I rushed ahead - Waiting for the Door to Be Opened.

Taking Care of a family of 4 generations in one house - Gracious Homemaking.

  - 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.

Bringing Cheer to the Hospital

A garden walkway in New York, 1922. (LOC)

 

I cannot count the number of visits we have made to the hospital in the past few years.  We have learned to enjoy the view, see the good, and to smile along a necessary path we would not have chosen for ourselves.   

In waiting rooms, it is common for some to worry and feel anxious. As we notice those around us, coping with their own struggles, it is comforting to share a pleasant smile with a sense of reticence, knowing we must not intrude in the lives of strangers. 

I was walking outdoors with our patient. The landscaping was lovely and peaceful. There were walking paths all around the hospital. We enjoyed the fresh air while waiting for a procedure to begin. Even though we only had 10 minutes to spare, I wanted to fit in a restful walk to enjoy the beauty and serenity of nature.

Soon we were back inside, walking the halls. It was early in the morning, a quiet part of the day, as we went along.

Walking through hallways in a New England hospital.

At the main reception desk, I paused to see an assortment of complimentary items for guests. I selected a word-search puzzle, a coloring paper, and a package of crayons.   Our patient (who is nearly a foot taller than I am) looked at the crayons and thought I was going to color. "No," I told him. "This is for the little girl I noticed in the waiting room. Her mother is a patient."  When we got back to our designated seating area, I stopped to ask the girl's father if she would like the crayons and coloring page. He nodded thankfully as the little one hopped up and gratefully accepted the items.  Soon we were back to our walk, going down the quiet halls and just waiting to be called.

After a short time, I was alone in the hallway, sitting in a comfortable chair and saying little prayers. Time always passes so slowly. People come and go.  Names are called and there is more waiting. 

The hospital becomes dreary and one longs to get out in nature, to find peace, to find rest. But we must not worry or fret. We must try to bring cheer and goodness in whatever place we are called to occupy.

In such places, we cannot help overhearing the conversations around us. An elderly gentleman answered his cell phone.  It seemed his wife was in recovery, and they wanted him to come.  He sounded relieved and grateful.  After he left, our patient appeared. He was unstable on his feet and weary, but ready to go.  As I walked toward him, I noticed a beautiful red leather bag in front of a chair. It was clearly abandoned. Then I thought of the elderly man. In his haste to rejoin his wife, he must have forgotten he had been put in charge of her belongings.  There wasn't anyone else around. Nobody else would have known the circumstances.  I asked our patient to wait for a few minutes and went to the reception desk to explain what I heard and give them the red bag.  As I walked away, I could hear them talking about the patient. I knew they would get it back to her before she even noticed it was missing. What a relief that would be to the elderly husband!

We started to walk back through the hospital. I was told that our patient refused a wheelchair. I smiled. He wanted to walk out of that place himself! 

How very grateful we are to be finished with another one of our hospital visits!  It is wonderful to be home. 

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

For detailed help in caring for the ill, from my Mother's example - A Comforting Sick Room.

A Blessing - The Light in a Messy House.

Unwanted Advice for the Family - Quieting Myself for the Good of Others.

 

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

Now Available from The Legacy of Home Press:

Old Fashioned Homemaking: Essays and Encouragement from a New England Housewife by Mrs. White

176 pages, paperback

ISBN: 978-1-956616-38-5

A Garden Walk

Lilac bushes in front of our house in Vermont.

 

On this beautiful spring afternoon, I looked out the front window and noticed the lilacs were in bloom. I wanted to just stand beside them and enjoy their delightful scent amidst the gentle scenery over the landscape. 

Before I reached the front grounds, I had to do some work around the property.  I have a little basket with garden tools that I carry around with me.  I also use a small hoe. (The normal size one is too heavy for me.)  These items are stored in the garage, just inside the doorway. I will ask my husband, "will you get the baby-hoe for me?"  He just smiles as he hands me the tools. 

Garden tools and "baby-hoe" by the rock garden. 

I cleaned up the weeds around our Sweet William plants, in anticipation of the lovely flowers they will soon bring forth. 

There is a tiny rose plant in front of the house. I cleaned up the weeds and grass around the base to give it some room.

Tiny rose plant in front of our house.

I checked the large rose plants to see that they didn't need any help from me today. Then I quietly walked across the grounds to the back gardens.

There is a fenced-in area for our strawberries. I used the baby-hoe to remove the tiny weeds as I walked through the little rows.  The blueberry plants have signs of delicate flowers beginning to appear.

Strawberry and blueberry gardens on the back grounds.

The river, which borders our property, has a peaceful, rushing sound.  There is a row of peonies planted by this river.  I can see a few buds forming. I can't wait to see them grow!

Row of peony plants by the back river.

After I finished my walk, I went to the lilac bushes. I had a pretty vase of water with me. I selected several branches and arranged them in the vase to bring indoors. It will provide the front parlour with homemade beauty and a lovely scent. 

Many years ago, whenever the lilacs were in bloom, my mother would say, "you better get some for the house. They will not last!"  She and Father lived here with us, in this old 1800's house for nearly 10 years before they went home to Heaven.  I still think of my Mother's sweet voice as I go about the work of taking care of the gardens, walking the grounds, and enjoying the flowers. 

Blessings

Mrs. White

PS - We are getting ready to leave on our medical trip. I hope to write again very soon.

From the Archives -

My Mother's Example - Housekeeping All Day.  

A Blessing to Be - Just a Housewife. (With a little history)

Four Generations in the same house - In Pursuit of Christian Duty.

- 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.

Slow and Steady at Home

The Ashley Family at home in Maryland, 1937 (LOC). 

 

The wood stove has been such a comfort these last few mornings. We have had a frost warning, with some cold wind.  The warmth from the stove has been such a blessing. It is nice to be at home.

There have been many appointments and activities. I have been babysitting grandchildren and going to their school events.  There has been a need for many errands which take me away from home more than I would like. It is difficult to get enough rest.  Yet, through it all, being with the family is wonderful.

Being with one's own family, having quality time, is like taking a break from the world and getting a good rest. To talk and visit and share a meal brings such encouragement and refreshment.  I have to remind myself to stop worrying about problems and just enjoy the moments before me.  

Whether sitting quietly by the wood stove drinking tea or surrounded by children at the table, nothing else really matters.  Life is a precious gift.  It is best to enjoy every moment.

I need to get busy with baking, cooking, and housekeeping. This type of labor is what brings joy to the household.  This is done at a steady pace with many breaks. The breaks and the rest are the secret of a peaceful heart.

When taking care of the home and family, it is important to minimize stress and unrealistic goals. When we are doing too much, we may lose our patience, become grumpy, and be unpleasant to everyone around us. Overworking only brings burnout.  It is important to remember that one cannot do anything without the dear Lord.  When we rest in Him, we are reminded of the frailty of life. We are not to be burdened with too much work.  With this realization, we learn to do things in an unhurried manner.  This is like a light of goodness, inspiring others as we go about our duties. We may be doing less, but we can do it beautifully.  

Doing things slowly, with a greater focus and care, is a gracious method of life - we quietly trust the Lord as we calmly go about the day's work. Regardless of the stresses of life or the behavior of others, there is a sense of quietness for the mind.  It should be no surprise that trouble and difficulties are mixed in with the good.  With this understanding, we are able to appreciate, and enjoy, the precious time we have with family. 

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Advice for a Happy Home - Peaceful Living by Rules.

Careful thrift in the Home - Reducing Expenses.

Always Remember To - Make an Effort. 

Old Time Manners - Waiting for the Door to Be Opened.  

- 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."

In this book, 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, 307 pages.

Getting Ready for Hard Times

World War I (Canadian) poster, around 1918, LOC.

 

It should be no surprise that hard times are often on the horizon. There is a great deal of work to do to manage one's home as well as one's finances.  Yet, despite all this work and preparation there must be a beautiful way of life which provides good memories, plenty of smiles, and a lot of gentle kindness.

As I was walking the grounds of our property these last few days, I noticed the growth of our fruit trees and berry bushes. Even though I have longed to enjoy the warmth of spring and the delight of the season, I know how short the summer will be.  I have a great deal of work to do to get ready for a bitterly cold winter season, here in Vermont.  Yet, this walk, among the peacefulness of nature, calmed my nerves. It filled me with a sense of gratefulness. 

Flowering cherry bush at our home.

I have been saving money for several months to pay for our annual order of wood pellets.  Each year, if we order enough for the next winter, by the end of May, we receive a discount.  Since prices have been so high with food and gas and utilities, I am hesitant to part with this money.  It almost feels like I have some security to have this money put aside. But it is for a purpose, and that purpose is to pay some of our heating costs for next year.  I will have to place the order soon. Once this happens, and that money is gone, I must remember to find joy and peace and contentment in our way of life, rather than from having my security in money. I must trust my Heavenly Father.

There are good times that provide a quality of life with little cost. Our family got together and helped provide a way for us to visit our relatives in Massachusetts. Some of the grandchildren, along with their mother, wanted to go with us.  The little ones had never seen the ocean. We took this short trip last week. 

My view of the ocean from last week.

In order to make this trip cost as little as possible, it was scheduled at an off-season time of year.  There were no tourists crowding the beach.  There was no cost for parking. The expenses were very low.  However, we had to endure the cold, the ocean wind, and the rain as we walked along the shore.  I took some pictures and a few video clips, but the wind was very intense, making it an almost humorous endeavor. 

The children ran along the beach, enjoyed the seagulls, and were enamored by the crashing of the waves.  Since they are used to freezing Vermont temperatures, they didn't mind the cold spring days by the sea!

A view of the water at the Yacht Club in Massachusetts.

We packed nearly all of our food from home. We had sandwiches, salads, fruit, and homemade baked goods. We enjoyed visiting relatives in their 80's and 90's.  We went to the cemetery to say a prayer and leave flowers for my grandparents, aunts, and others in the family who have gone ahead to their eternal rest.

Benches by the ocean in Massachusetts. 

Now that we are back home, I am trying to find ways to manage a limited budget to pay for groceries.  The cost of living keeps increasing, making it necessary for me to get creative and to work harder at home.  I will be enjoying homegrown salads and fruit from our gardens, once these begin to grow on our property. This will save money but also give us joy as we gather the harvest with thankful hearts.

It is important to conserve, avoid waste, and to make do. But this must not be a harsh life of deprivation. There is joy in observing nature, being kind to others, and making life comfortable and pleasant for the family. 

There may be many hard days ahead. There may be financial struggles or trials with health.  Through it all, it is important to take time to have devotions, pray, attend church, and focus on getting our strength from the Lord. I want to spend my life walking with the Lord, staying close to Him, and doing His will. The result of all this will bring a light of happiness and cheer that will encourage everyone we meet, in good times and bad, every day of our lives.

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

An encouraging example - My Mother's Chores.

Finding Genuine Happiness at Home - Peace be Upon This House.  

Practical help - How the Old Time Mothers Survived Poverty.

Ration Books from 1942 and helpful advice - Adapting to the High Cost of Living.

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

 Help for hard times at home - 

House Keeping in Hard Times: Essays and Encouragement from a Christian Housewife

 Paperback, 180 pages

 As you read the entries, you will get a sense of what it is like as a Christian housewife through the ups and downs of life.  Topics include motherhood, marriage, taking care of children, cleaning, living on a low income, saving money, and building up the family with faith as the foundation.