January's Wish

Oh, winter-grey landscape....... grant me a tiny spot of brightness and a glimmer of hope that more colorful days are forthcoming, when the icy grip of the frozen landscape will burst forth with spring's abundance.

Until then, thank you for the brilliant spot of crimson red to banish this season's grey and blue.

Simply Live

I tend to ease into things slowly, feeling my way, testing the waters until I feel comfortable enough to immerse myself fully into whatever adventure awaits. The New Year is a prime example. I don't know what is ahead, which directions I will take, what roads I will travel, but,
the journey is always just as fantastical (sometimes more) than the destination.
My approach is naturally slow and deliberate because I want to experience each moment fully, with eyes wide open and senses poised. To be fully aware and not waste a precious second of this life I have been given. And so it has begun.

A Season of Keeping

A Peaceful Christmastide was Kept by All at Turnberry Croft....

A Time of Candlelight, Warmth and the

Blessings of Love, to Hold Close

In My Heart

Throughout the New Year.

My Christmas Mantle

The fireplace mantle is my favorite spot to decorate for all the seasons of the year but, Christmas time is best. "Less is more" doesn't apply to me...I'm more of an "over the top" decorator.
This will be the backdrop for our Christmas dinner and it looks quite lovely when the winter dusk falls and the soft lights glow. A peaceful end to Christmas day, enjoying the company of family, eating a fabulous meal and contemplating our many blessings.

Christmas Trimmings

It's time once again to bedeck my wee house in all it's Christmas finery. This is no small feat (even living in a wee house) as I have been making and collecting holiday decorations since childhood. I normally spend the entire month trimming trees (2 large ones), stringing lights, rearranging vignettes and displays and making sure no corner misses some holiday cheer. My husband absolutely refuses to help...( I am "too picky" and he has better things to do for a month)....however, he redeems himself by doing all the outdoor lights and decorations...in our extreme Wisconsin weather, so I will cut him a break. Besides, he helps me take everything down after all the festivities are over.
I love the smells, the colors, the sparkle and the transformation of everyday living into a Christmas wonderland. I can't think of another activity that I would rather be doing for a month than creating the wonder and spirit of this precious season of joy.

Saving Flower Seeds

The harvest season at Turnberry Croft lasts well into November
and includes more than fruits and vegetables. When the flower
gardens have succumbed to frost, the time is ripe for gathering the
bounty of seeds from my annuals. This saves money next spring
as the cost of seed seems to rise every year and you get less seed
for your money. With flower beds as large as mine, I need vast quantities
of seed to produce the amount of plants I need.

This fall, I collected seed from my Cosmos, both the single and double,
Burgundy Bachelor Buttons, (the dark maroon color is especially
intriguing) and of course, the old standby of Marigolds, both small
and the taller varieties. Each dead blossom holds a wealth of seed,
so you get hundreds of them (which translates into plants) virtually for
free! I always leave some seed heads for the birds. It's such fun watching them perch o them perch on the spindly stems and feast on something that brings such
beauty beauty into my life and ultimately helps the local wildlife survive the long, harsh harsh winters of Wisconsin .

Halloween Night

Halloween was a great success! A spooky time was had by
by all our trick or treaters.......over one hundred little ghosties
and goblins showed up at my door. The October wind was
howling and the air was as crisp as the fallen leaves scattered
on the ground. The perfect background for the graveyard and
other frightening spectacles awaiting the costumed travelers who
dared to venture out on the scariest night of the year.