Thursday, September 25, 2025

An Autumn Visit

September view of Plymouth Notch, Vermont.

I was needed to babysit at the home of one of my daughters. I always bring special things when I go over there.  I pack my slippers and house-robe, so I can be comfortable. I also bring a pretty sheet (with a delicate floral pattern), along with a small decorative pillow, for the couch. When I arrived at the grandchildren's house, I began to unpack my little bag.  One of the boys watched me carefully place the floral sheet over the couch. I tucked it in neatly. Then I placed my pillow on the side. I stood back to look at it.  Grandson, standing next to me, observed the scene before him and smiled. He said, "It looks like Me`me's house!"  

I enjoyed helping the children with housekeeping, tidying rooms, doing the dishes, setting the table, and serving snacks. We did a great deal of resting as well. There are no worries when the children are around. We are always about the business of taking care of the family. We are not thinking about the troubles of the outside world. I always enjoy my visits to the homes of my grandbabies.

This month, we had two medical trips.  We were able to see the coming of autumn as we drove along the interstate throughout a couple of the states here in New England. The scenery is lovely and peaceful. 

View from the steps of the post office in Plymouth Notch. 

Now we are sensing the approach of cold winter weather.  We need to be safe and cozy at home.  There is a need for the stocking up of food and general groceries. We need a supply of kerosene for the heat. We need to get winter tires on the car. There is plenty to do to prepare the home and family for the coming season. We have to keep doing the daily work without letting the troubles of life slow us down.

There will always be struggles, hardship, and worries. The world will always provide us with devastating news. But we must not pause the step, forget to pray, or become frozen with fear.  There must be lights in the world. Bright lights of goodness and holiness and cheer should keep coming from all the loving homes of faithful workers. 

Each day we will stop to sing hymns, read the Bible, and to pray. This brings us joy and rest. It also gives us courage to keep going. We need to be brave and stable and calm. These traits will help us maintain order and routine as we keep house, make the beds, prepare dinner, and take care of the family.  One of the most important things a mother can do is to provide a restful home with a sense of love and security.

Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

A Peaceful Routine - The Four Little Tasks of Home.

 A Faithful, Virtuous Mother - Amazing Dedication.

The Reality - Retirement Planning for the Poor.


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Now Available from The Legacy of Home Press:


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

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ISBN: 978-1-956616-38-5



7 comments:

Mrs. K. Hagema said...

We are also seeing plenty of fall in Wisconsin. I’ve started filling my jars with grains and dried beans as I see good prices. 5lbs of white rice was $3.63 at our Dollar General. It’s almost cool enough to put the oven on for longer periods. I’m looking forward to baking Eziekiel bread! We love it for breakfast. Soon, I will head to our local Mennonite bulk store to fill in the gaps. They play beautiful hymns in the overhead music, making the visit so wonderful. We could get large snows like you, so from November to March, I need to always have meals ready to go. We eat a lot of bean and grain bowls with kale I have frozen, which helps keeps my costs down. Hope this finds you feeling well:).

Anonymous said...

Beautiful pictures Mrs. White! Autumn is my favorite season! Your family is in my prayers as you prepare for Winter.

Elizabethd said...

It is very satisfying to be able to provide a level of calm and security in our homes. A lovely post, Mrs White. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Nice post! Is the floral sheet on the couch a gift or decoration? Napping?

Anonymous said...

I whole heartedly agree that the most important thing a wife, Mum and Grandma can do is make home a restful, comfortable, beautiful and secure place to be. I know that my never ending efforts over 27 years and 27 house moves has paid dividends. My family feel the love and care. The Autumnal view from the Plymouth verandah was so lovely. Here in Australia, I can see green paddocks and lots of spring life - birds and the trees and gardens, even the bush, bursting into life again.

barbaradougherty126 said...

I am in FL and do not ever see fall, lol. But this year, I am going to VA for a little cabin retreat for a week and visiting my sisters in NC for another week. That should do me for a little bit. I love fall and winter. It is hard not to when you live in the devils arm pit for the rest of the year. :)
What a nice post to remember the little things. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Lovely post! Thank you and God bless y'all.