This is the new Thistle Cove Farm logo; Gina made this wonderful work and Anita gave input. I am over the moon happy; thank you, thank you, thank you! I thought about centering it, in the header, then decided (1) I didn’t know how and (2) I really, really like it off-center. Just like me, eh? /grin/ The WordPress blog is in process; keep the faith.
It’s been a year! No, really. It’s been a year since I moved to the new to me farm. I’ve experienced all four seasons and decided I like winter best. Summer here is hotter than the hinges of Hades and, as far as I’m concerned, may exit now and stay gone a few decades. Or centuries. I’m good with either. The animals are all doing well, as am I and God may be thanked for it.
The boxes to be unpacked are down to fifty. Maybe. I’m still giving stuff away (household goods, books, pictures, clothes, etc.) but need help to hang things on walls; things like mirrors that are so heavy, it’ll take a couple of strong men with me as supervisor.
A white crane has been fishing at the pond; Sam P. Spade, Secret Agent, isn’t at all happy and barks fiercely (from this far side) to let the crane know he’s not welcome. The Canada geese haven’t yet arrived but I look for them any day now and the blue heron still visits occasionally.
Mom and Daddy were recently interviewed for the Southside Electric Cooperative member magazine; when available, I’ll brag about it again -grin.
Last Sunday the family gathered here for supper (as country folks call it because lunch is dinner) and a great time was had by all. Twelve sat, comfortably, around the table while Dustin and his oldest daughter, held up the island. There’s no “fine dining” at my place; we practice boarding house reach with a lot of noise, laughter, conversation, dishes hitting against each other, cutlery scraping away at plates. No, we’ll never be contenders as Downton Abbey guests but they’ll never match us for sheer exuberance and love.
Before the day got away from us, the obligatory photo session with grandparents, grandsons and great-grandchildren.
For the photo from last year, click here for that post (and yes, I’m still happy!).
This is the backyard picnic, fire pit, relaxing area. It’s still too warm for a fire but it is getting cooler and the Farm Dedication is planned for September. When Dave and I bought the other farm, I walked the land and prayed God would use it for His glory and purpose and it happened! God and Dave took me to amazing places and I saw and did things I couldn’t begin to dream of doing. After Dave died, God and I continued on that journey and I’ve made friends in far flung places and near. It’s not been easy but it has been worth the ticket and I’m excited to see what God has in store for me and this farm. So, toward that end, a formal Farm Dedication will take place in September; we’ll play horse shoes, corn hole, blow bubbles and talk of God’s goodness to us all. Autumn always offers a lot of wonderful things.
I look around and see what has been accomplished, what needs to be accomplished and, frankly, it’s still overwhelming but I’m moving forward, one step at a time, every day, and I’m content.
What about you; any big plans for Autumn?
Ponder this ~
Sandra Bennett says
September 4, 2018 at 1:12 pmHello and Welcome Goatldi! Yes, it's been a while and I am so sorry about your blog. I hired someone to re-design my blog and am so happy with the results. She's not finished but it's looking wonderful. Changes all around, eh? The article on Mom/Daddy is in process…not sure when but writer just finished and submitted for publication so, perhaps, before Christmas. I'll let everyone know, never fear! I love the new logo as well…Gina did a wonderful job…now to have stationary and business cards printed…yes!
Goatldi says
September 3, 2018 at 9:11 pmHi Sandra I have missed your blog as when I tried to fancy up my blog I lost my blog list. But I have found you and here I am . Can't believe a year has passed. I love the new logo and the house and the land. I enjoyed the article about the lavender lady in the co-op magazine but didn't find your parents. In the September issue?
Enjoyed the supper/dinner distinction. In our house growing up it was supper. I believe that came from my Mama's side as she was a Midwestern farm girl and my Daddy was from the south side of Chicago. To me that makes sense as the terms dinner and supper were interchangeable to him.
Glad to see all the critters have adapted well and you are most certainly blooming where He has planted you.
Sandra Bennett says
September 4, 2018 at 1:15 pmo good grief! I meant to "reply" and didn't…my apologies but my response is below. sheesh. I should stick to churning butter! lol
Lisa Richards says
August 24, 2018 at 8:52 pmYup, breakfast, dinner, supper. 😉
At least you can count your boxes now!
That's my kind of family meal.
Don't you just love cranes and herons? They're so graceful and awesome! 🙂
Happy farm dedication!
Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farm says
August 24, 2018 at 11:55 pmLisa, sounds like, "I don't care what you call me, just don't call me late for supper", eh? lol The box count is a guesstimate; probably on the shy side.
Gumbo Lily says
August 24, 2018 at 5:57 pmThank you for saying "supper." That's what we have for our evening meal. Looks your gang had a great time together.
Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farm says
August 24, 2018 at 11:54 pmYou're welcome, Miss J. I wonder when supper came into disuse?
Sandra Bennett says
August 24, 2018 at 4:25 pmMichelle, the heat has been *brutal* but normal for this part of Virginia. For almost quarter century, I lived in the mountains and my body does not like hot. My brother is the same way, only he lived in the mountains for half dozen years. He just bought a farm in WV, will live there summers and here winters. I am SO jealous! lol
Michelle says
August 24, 2018 at 2:41 pmLovely post, lovely place (from afar. I couldn't handle that heat! Not that it's been a nice summer here by any definition, thanks to the smoke.)
Elizabethd says
August 23, 2018 at 5:27 pmPretty , gentle logo.
Lovely family times,,who cares about Downton abbey?!
Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farm says
August 23, 2018 at 10:47 pmYou're so right Elizabeth! Being prim and proper has its place but not on my farm! lol
Linda Sue McKinney says
August 23, 2018 at 4:05 pmLike the logo very much, slightly off plumb or center is my goal in life dear friend. Your home is just the right gathering spot for family and friends.
Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farm says
August 23, 2018 at 10:47 pmYou bet, Linda Sue, slightly off plumb! giggle
The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen says
August 23, 2018 at 3:25 pmSandra, your post about the love of family is wonderful! What greater blessing than that, I do not know! Your home looks warm and inviting and just what we all need. Great photos of the farm and I adore your new header! Enjoy the cooler day I hope you have as well as we do. ♥
Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farm says
August 23, 2018 at 10:46 pmHi Martha Ellen, we had such a great time and looking forward to when the youngest nephew moves his family closer. He's finished Air Force service and now at Uni so it's count down time! YES, weren't those lower temps heavenly today? Oh My…what a GIFT!
Sherry says
August 23, 2018 at 1:43 pmlove the new logo, sandra. ♥
.. and i especially love the *real*
way you live & love those close to you.
when the hubs and i are on our grand
adventure (yet to be timed) i'd love
to camp out in the pasture of your property
for a day or two. wink.
Sandra at Thistle Cove Farm says
August 23, 2018 at 1:56 pmYES, Sherry…COME! You're always welcome here. The new logo is fabulous, I agree, and am grateful to have it.
Deanna says
August 23, 2018 at 1:02 pmBeautiful logo!
Happy thoughts,
d
Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farm says
August 23, 2018 at 1:12 pmThank you Deanna; have a God filled day.
FlowerLady Lorraine says
August 23, 2018 at 10:29 amI love your new logo Sandra.
It looks like you all had a wonderful supper time together.
Your Sept. farm dedication sounds like a lovely idea. You've inspired me in so many ways.
God's continued blessings on you as you be a light to all around you.
Love, hugs & prayers ~ FlowerLady
Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farm says
August 23, 2018 at 1:11 pmOh Rainey, thank you! Last night, as I sat in my bedroom chair, God brought you to mind and you were tucked in prayer. Yes, the family gathering was wonderful…good words, good feelings, lots of laughter. We also celebrated my brother's 64th birthday. I bought a cake decorated with a John Deere tractor and we all sang Happy Birthday. His only comment: "I guess I have to give my tractor to Mason." Mason is our grand-nephew and yes, the tractor went to Mason! lol
Anonymous says
August 23, 2018 at 10:00 amThe new logo is lovely! Family photos at the new-to-you farm are filled with the energy of joy and happiness! I have read your posts from past years and your life today is such a testimony of God's love and faithfulness. Thank you for sharing and keepin it real! I look forward to your posts!
Charlene H
Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farm says
August 23, 2018 at 1:09 pmThank you Charlene for both your comment and reading my blog. How little any of us know the impact we've had on others. Bless you for saying mine has been good!
affectioknit says
August 23, 2018 at 12:52 amI love the logo…so pretty!
~Have a lovely day!
Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farm says
August 23, 2018 at 1:08 pmThank you so much Mrs. T!
ellen b. says
August 23, 2018 at 12:42 amI like that new logo for sure. A year gone by already. Soon I'll be thrust into the emptying boxes stage of our long move, too. Summer is not my favorite season…
Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farm says
August 23, 2018 at 1:08 pmEllen, surely I hope you're unpacking goes more quickly than mine. When I want to become discouraged, I remember how much there is to do, how much I've done and there's only me. (Sometimes it help…smile.)
Carol OurSearsKitHome says
August 22, 2018 at 11:52 pmOh Sandra, you are such a blessing to me. I have the WordPress blog bookmarked and check it hopefully and regularly.
Your new logo is lovely and I am soooo happy for your new blessed home. Thank you for your blog posts and for YOU.
Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farm says
August 23, 2018 at 1:07 pmCarol, When I'm feeling a bit of ennui, God sends someone to life me. Today, that's you and Mags. I have hired a web designer and we're working together to bring the new blog up to date.
M.K. says
August 22, 2018 at 11:13 pmLovely new logo – that's some very pretty art! I hope your party in September is grand!
Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farm says
August 23, 2018 at 1:05 pmThanks MK; Gina did an amazing job. Plans are underway for the Sept party…exciting!
magsmcc says
August 22, 2018 at 10:54 pmOh my- you're so funny! You took me to me- actually, you very often do that! This time last year you were emailing me words of life that kept me going for months. So this Autumn I want to practise lots of your thankfulness and joy. I love love love these pictures of your family- your dad looks well. Some day we'll sit at that fire pit- and if there are any things still to be hung, there'll be three strong men to lift x
Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farm says
August 23, 2018 at 1:04 pmMags, bring those three strong men SOON; with breathless anticipation I wait! Daddy will be 90 in a few weeks, part of the Farm Dedication is birthday celebration for he and Mom (she'll be 84 in Oct) and for their 66th wedding anniversary. There are 3 women at church who have all reached 90 or 91; we'll celebrate them as well. It's going to be a free for all PARTY!
Dewena says
August 22, 2018 at 9:50 pmI would be miserable at the Downton Abbey table but right at home at yours. Best possible world. Your new logo is lovely, Sandra! I'm sure the circle has significance to you. I guess I hadn't realized that you were on the water there. A river? Wonderful spot to gather and eat and talk. Happy almost one year to you!
Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farm says
August 23, 2018 at 1:01 pmDewena, you're always welcome at my table! The water is my 2.5 acre pond. The weeds need to be cut or, using my new propane flame thrower, burnt. I have to wait until someone is here; dare not use it by myself . Gina's first logo had the circle "boxed in" with similar thistles in all four corners and no tag line. After considerable consideration and with input from Anita, I decided I wanted the tag line inside the circle and dismissed the corners. The result is rather stunning, imho .