Housekeeping in New England

Mountains in the background, here in Vermont, this month.

 

A chill is settling in the air, here in New England. The leaves are falling like snow. The colors are vivid and beautiful in the sunlight.  Our garden is nearly forgotten. A few tomatoes are still on the vines, but I am no longer taking my daily walks to check on all the flowers, trees, and garden spots. I am settling myself indoors as much as possible.

Benches by the lake, not far from our home. 

There is still much to do to prepare for a cold winter.  I am working on getting rid of excess items to make room for easy cleaning throughout the cold months.  Our first kerosene delivery arrived a few days ago.  I need to save a great deal of money to keep this house warm this season. 

We have not been able to do very much stocking up of winter groceries, canned goods, coffee, tea, sugar, baking items, etc.  It has been a struggle to manage it all. As long as I can bake bread and other homemade food, and make things last, we can do our best to keep costs low in order to buy some necessary things.

The scenery all around us has brought a sense of awe and quietness. If I focus on that which is good, seek nourishment from the Psalms and prayer, find comfort in old fashioned hymns, and remember to trust the Lord, it will not be possible to worry. 

One day last month, we drove by a beautiful red covered bridge, here in Vermont. It reminds one of old-fashioned days, when the horse and buggy were the only form of travel. In a time before cars were invented, outings were much more involved. Going out, away from home, did not happen as often. I wonder if this kept the heart calm and the beauty of each day more vivid in the mind.

A red covered bridge, here in Vermont.

The work of homemaking will go on this week. I will do the laundry, the mending, the dishes, and the cleaning. I will bake and cook and putter about the house each day. I will be about the business of making home a restful place for the family. And every so often, I will take a little walk to see the beauty of nature all around me. It will bring me a sense of gratefulness and rest.

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Always Remember this - The House Comes First.

Overcoming Worries and Troubles - Reviving the Prayer Journal.

Wisdom from Colonial Days - To Earn and Not to Spend.

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

Now Available from the Legacy of Home Press:

Household Planner: Perpetual Calendar to Organize Daily Life for the Home and Family by Mrs. White

224 pages, paperback

Includes monthly budgets and financial planning forms, daily calendar for appointments and notes, and much more.