Thank you Dan – what a great idea that each year should simply be better than the one before! And with “advancing age” certainly comes wisdom…your short & to the point goal is one we can all learn from, thanks for sharing!

Lori, this is a terrific plan for the new year and I think something we all can do! Thank you so much for jotting it all down for us…and putting a mark on the calendar or in a journal really does help. I’m a list-maker/calendar marker and your idea is one that’s just perfect for me…it let’s me see my progress (or lack of so I can pick up the pace before the day is over!) And I really appreciate that each letter can be “anything” that fits…that’s such a good idea, than’s for inspiring us to make a PACT!

Hi Dori – oh yes, list-making can be addictive for me, it absolutely have to do it to keep myself on track! And you’re so right, checking things off makes me smile…but I’m also guilty of moving thing to the next day! Glad you like the photos…it’s a very frosty day here today -1, brrr! Keep warm and take care, Mary

Hi Robin, hope all is warm & cozy in Nod! And yes, giving ourselves Grace can be difficult, at least for me. I have that endless list in front of me, and you know what, I do move somethings to tomorrow’s list…who needs all that stress? I don’t think you can give yourself too much Grace…you know YOU best…what works for you, how you’re feeling a particular day, what is happening around you. Oh violin lessons…yay, another kindred spirit (so jealous, this learning at an “older” age is not easy.) Maybe you can connect with family and find that old fiddle…wouldn’t that be amazing?! Keep me posted, and keep warm!

Oh you’re more than welcome, thank you for stopping by on your Christmas Eve…I hope you had a lovely Christmas, and now, on to a new year! Have a happy, happy 2025!

Thanks for taking the time to visit on Christmas Eve, Kathy. Sending my heartfelt wishes to you…I’m sure this season will have it’s share of bittersweet moments. I hope you find time for quiet reflection and also time with family and friends to help ease into a new year. May it be filled with blessings for you. Mary

Yay, another radio fan! I have my favorites, and can definitely get lost in those timeless episodes. I usually put on my headphones when it’s cleaning time…chasing dust bunnies is just so much easier with Fibber McGee or Our Miss Brooks! Hope all is well in Oregon, Happy New Year!

I appreciate you taking the time to come by here on Christmas Day, Kim…thank you for dropping me a note. Happy New Year to you, sending best wishes!

Daisy you’re always so nice with your encouraging comments…I’m very glad you found something in this post to enjoy; the quote, to me, will always be timeless. I hope all is well, Happy New Year in The Piedmont!

Thank you for visiting Tami…always cheering me on. I hope that the New Year is full of joy for you!

Awww, thanks Billie Jo for your kind words. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving – now we’re heading toward Christmas! Enjoy it all – Mary

Thank you Jules – it’s so easy for there to be a frenzied feeling, I just felt the need to slow everything down where I could. I will be following your lead and taking in as much of nature as possible this month!

Robin you always say the kindest things…thank you so much! I’m right there with you…swirling by is a perfect description, some days I’m floored as to where the day’s hours have gone. Oh I really love the idea of a family soup potluck…it’s perfect for these chilly nights, and one person doesn’t have to do all the prep work. And board games need to be brought back (in my humble opinion) a simple, fun way to pass an evening with family & friends. Always appreciate you visiting, Robin…so glad to have “met” you. Settle in and keep cozy!

Hi Ginny, it’s great to meet you! Thanks for your kind words…I definitely didn’t learn all this overnight, it’s taken a few years and I had some terrific teachers along the way. If you’re thinking you’d like to “put by” a few things, start by keeping it easy: setting aside boxes of pasta and rice is a great way to begin, tossing a few extra items in the freezer, and stocking up when markets have sales are good ways to be ready for power outages or if bad weather keeps trucks from making grocery store deliveries. Keep it simple and make it work for you! Thanks again for your kind words, Ginny, let me know how you’re coming along! Mary

Hi Robin, always love seeing you stop by! I agree…it was great to see the kids love to spend time gardening (even in this summers horrid heat) and my son was having a good time as well – and cooking with what they’d grown was terrific for them all! No, I wish it was! The pantry is in a local living history farmhouse…I LOVE it and could move right in! I’ll show you mine soon…it’s similar (those old wooden shelves in a cellar must be the norm for 19th century houses) but it’s inspired me to fill my shelves up! Yes, those zinc lids-sigh! It was 43 here the other night…I’m hoping for a long fall…always my favorite season! Catch up with you soon, Mary

Janice – thanks so much…I’m so impressed by the youth, and watching them chat with people at the Farmers’ Market was great too…spreading the word through their excitement. They can be so proud! Canning is in full swing here…and absolutely, money saving, and we know exactly what’s in those jars! Hope the bad weather has passed, we must be headed to cool, beautiful autumn days soon. Take care, Mary

Good morning! You’re so right – fresh is always so nice…and drying them is really easy. The weaving is fun to make with a group of girlfriends…one gal I know used a tall, skinny frame and it was a perfect fit for her old chimney cupboard! Thanks for stopping by to visit, Mary

I hope you like the recipe, Jules…be sure to let me know. It’s simple to make the ingredient amounts however you like so it’s just right for you – add or delete anything you please. I’m thinking I may try and cook it down just a little in a Dutch oven to make it thicker for pizza sauce…something we always need around here! Thanks to visiting, Mary

Hi Staci, thanks so much! I’m so grateful for the lady who taught me to make an herb weaving ages ago…she sparked an interest in herbs for a 20-something girl that’s stayed with me for decades. I’m hoping I can share her ideas and pass that love along to someone else. Mary

Hi Joan, I’m glad you liked the ideas…I hope you found something you can use. Thanks a bunch for visiting!

Welcome Donna, we’re so glad you’ve joined us! The stone farmhouse sounds wonderful…don’t you just love the history and workmanship that come with an old house? And I couldn’t agree more; learning about the past is heartwarming (a terrific word, thank you!) in these fast-paced times. Again, so happy you’re here!

Hi Jules…the words are silly I know, my daughter and I made them up (at least I’ve never heard them before) just to describe all the “things” that seem to need a new purpose. So glad you like the potato masher – I’ve seen old metal teapots and tin measuring cups used as well…I think anything is a windchime possibility!

A canning ring wind chime is a clever idea, Daisy…I love it, and the more rust, the better! Thank you..the cabinet was free and it only took some spray paint and two supports for the ribbon garland to spruce it up – so easy. Since that picture was taken, I made a platform with wheels to help move it around easier – that’s the hardest part, keeping it upright as it bumps along on the gravel! Happy summer wishes to you, too – thanks for stopping here to visit.

Thanks so much, Staci! It’s amazing what can be found for free…and a little spray paint makes all the difference. I did keep the sink that was with it…someday it will be in my “dream” kitchen. It’s like the clawfoot tub that was tucked in the dark recesses of our basement. I refuse to give up…somehow I will restore it and haul it up two flights of stairs to the bathroom!

Oh Robin, you say the nicest things…I’d love to have you as a “way-to-frequent” visitor! Hmmm, take a look around next time you’re out and see if there’s not a little produce stand nearby, it might be just off a main road and a little hard to spot. I hope you can find one. And I agree…I’m drawn to those sweet, simple ways as well – kindred spirits!

Hi Debbie – thank you for stopping by! I have a friend who grew up on a dairy farm, so it was terrific to have her nearby to answer questions about items I found in the milkhouse. And I love that saying: “sit a spell” we don’t hear that nearly enough, and it’s something that we could all do more often… a good, old-fashioned stress reliever! Thanks for the reminder.

Hi Lynette – double-check your local guidelines, some farm stands are set up in suburban areas, too! Think of it like an old-fashioned lemonade stand, only with your extra veggies, Mason jars of flowers, or baked goods. It’s always best to see what the local restrictions are, but I see little tables set up along the sidewalk in town with loaves of bread, tomatoes, and even mini pies for sale. No matter where we live, we can bring some of the country right to our own front yard!

Staci, thank you so much for stopping by…truly, I’m always learning from you! There were days last year the “not shop” was quiet, but I’m hoping I learned what neighbors like best, and to focus on those items this year. Until then, the recipe testing continues…which is not the best thing for my waistline!

Agreed! I love the scent, and it passes all too soon. I’m thinking I’ll plant some that bloom at different times so I can hold onto that fragrance just a little longer! Isn’t it amazing the memories lilacs can bring back? I have similar childhood memories that are close to my heart. Thanks for the tip about the vinegar/orange spray, let me know if it works for you! Thank you so much – the 9-patch quilt pattern is my favorite, but no, I didn’t make this one. I was lucky to find it at a local vintage shop and I just felt like it needed to come home with me!

Thanks so much for stopping by,
Mary

Hi Krista, so glad to hear from you…I’ve been wanting to tell you how lovely the card was you sent for membership renewal…love the vintage look!

That’s okay…some days are better than others when it comes to the To-Do List, the days can get busy and they fly by. And passing your shirts on to a friend is a great start! If you try the laundry soap, drop me a note…truly, you’ll do just fine, the “hardest” part is finding a bowl big enough to stir it all up in!

Mary

Hi Billie Jo,
you’re so kind…thank you! Yes, start small on the natural cleaning products. The laundry soap is oh-so simple to make and you can make it just the way you want it with soap and scent bead fragrances. And we think alike…crisp, cool, fresh sheets to fall into after a long day – absolutely perfect! Thanks for stopping by…I appreciate it!