Outdoor Homemaking Chores

 Our tulips in the sunlight.

 

As soon as the weather became warm and inviting, we went outdoors to start our homemaking chores.  This is the spring work we do just after the Vermont snow has finally melted away.

We spent a few afternoons picking up sticks.  After being indoors, mostly, all winter, I did not have much energy for the work. Then I thought about Mrs. Elizabeth Prentiss (from the 1800's.)  She and her family were setting up a summer cottage on their own land in Dorset, Vermont.  In her writings, she talks about laboring over the flower gardens and picking up brush and clearing the grounds. She describes her daily walks and her joy in the outdoors. Even though her health was frail, she still did as much work as she could, and she delighted in the labor!

We raked our strawberry garden.  Then we raked out the tulip bed.  We cleared away the leaves while carefully avoiding causing harm to our beautiful plants. I wore my prettiest apron over a long skirt. I worked slowly and carefully as I enjoyed the landscape around me.

Then we walked the property.  We delighted in seeing spring come to life in all the trees, plants, and flowers.  Soon we will have lilacs in bloom!  

I received a new tea rose plant.  We found just the right place for it and then got it planted on the front grounds. 

Our new rose plant to the left of a tree stump.

 

 In the photograph above, you will see a tree stump. It is partially hidden from view by the grass.  I wanted the grass to grow up around it.  Throughout the summer season, wildflowers will thrive beside it, making an otherwise unattractive spot into something beautiful. 

Off in the distance, in this picture, you may see a pile of leaves that we raked out of the tulip bed.   These had been used to cover the plants, protecting them over the cold winter months, here in Vermont.

After all this work, I wanted to take a little rest. We walked to the back grounds and enjoyed a sense of calmness as we watched the river.  It is like a respite from all of our work to the see beauty in nature around us.  

We have a video of the river. It is about 15 minutes long. You will hear the sounds of the water rushing over the rocks. You will also hear the sweet sound of chirping birds.  

Here is a direct link to the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BYVW5Ucct4

 

I hope you are enjoying the spring work at your place.

Blessings

Mrs. White

 

From the Archives -

It is all I ever want to be - Secretary to the Master. 

Peaceful, quiet Living - Sunday Driver. 

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. -

 "At Mother's House" by Mrs. White:

  

For Encouragement in Homemaking, order Mrs. White's book, from 2016, "At Mother's House: The Blessing of Being a Christian Housewife."

In this book, you will find essays, articles, and diary entries about life in a Christian home.

There are 40 entries which include:  "Poor and Pretty Living;" "A Home Without Clutter;" "The Money Packets;" "A Church Diet for the Family;" "Bringing Home Baby;" "The Children's Prayers;" "The Shabby Garden:" and "Just a Housewife."

Those who are seeking a peaceful home, with the Lord as the foundation, will find encouragement. (Paperback, 122 pages.)