Cabin Creek Farm

Merry Christmas

2011-12-22T18:19:00.000-05:00

I know it's been 6 mos since my last post. I have thought about so many of you. I hope you are all doing well.

I wanted to stop in today to wish you all a Very Blessed Christmas!

I wish you much love, laughter and joy in the New Year.

I hope you are surrounded by your family and good friends.

~~~~~~~~~~~

oxox

Our Graduate 2011!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-06-07T11:07:00.000-04:00

How did our little girl go from this to this so quickly?!

waiting in line to receive diploma

Marc, JessicaRose, Me ~ Graduation day!

We are so proud of you JessicaRose!!! Our first born our first everything.

I know it's been hard at times but you made it through and you did it with a BANG!

Remember this quote from one of your favorites......

"If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together.. there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart.. I’ll always be with you.

-- Winnie the Pooh

Gone but Not Forgotten

2011-05-29T13:21:00.001-04:00

In Remembrance for all those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice

for each and everyone of us.

Prom

2011-05-17T13:42:00.000-04:00

This is my oldest daughter JessicaRose. I took this while she was getting ready for Prom. Her prom was in April and I am just getting the pics now. I am so bad! She looked stunning and so grown up. It's hard to believe that she will be graduating in just a few weeks. I look at her and see my little girl but I know she is a young lady now and with that come new challenges ahead as her life is just beginning. I wish her so much fun on this journey we call LIFE. If I could only protect her from the hard world and keep her safe wouldn't that be a mother's dream?!

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-07T10:49:00.002-04:00

All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.

~Abraham Lincoln

The sweetest sounds to mortals given

Are heard in Mother, Home, and Heaven.

~William Goldsmith Brown

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A mother is a mother still,

The holiest thing alive.

~Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Happy May!!

2011-05-04T17:07:00.000-04:00

Sharing just a few of my favorite spring photos from various country magazines. Don't you all love Spring?! We sit out almost every night to eat dinner. Such a beautiful time of year and we really try to enjoy being out side as much as possible. Soon it will be so hot and humid we won't be able to tolerate the heat.

Shrimp Scampi

2011-04-28T11:43:00.000-04:00

With the summer temps we've been having I wanted to make a quick easy and light dinner. It doesn't get any easier than Shrimp Scampi! Make sure you get some Italian bread to dip in all that yummy sauce. I serve mine over pasta but some like it over rice. Enjoy!

1 lb of linguine ( save about a cup of pasta water )
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 large shallot, finely diced
5 cloves garlic, sliced
Pinch red pepper flakes, optional
20 large shrimp, about 1 pound, peeled and deveined, tail on
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 lemon, juiced

1/4 cup finely chopped parsley leaves melt 2 tablespoons butter in 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat.

Saute the shallots, garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) until the shallots are translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Season the shrimp with salt and pepper; add them to the pan and cook until they have turned pink, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Remove the shrimp from the pan; set aside and keep warm.

Add wine and lemon juice and bring to a boil.

Add 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons oil.

When the butter has melted, return the shrimp to the pan along with the parsley and cooked pasta and some of the reserved pasta water. Stir well and season with salt and pepper.

Drizzle over a bit more olive oil and serve immediately.

Happy Spring

2011-03-21T18:12:00.000-04:00

Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers to-day;

And give us not to think so far away

As the uncertain harvest; keep us here

All simply in the springing of the year.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Oh, give us pleasure in the orchard white,

Like nothing else by day, like ghosts by night;

And make us happy in the happy bees,

The swarm dilating round the perfect trees.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And make us happy in the darting bird

That suddenly above the bees is heard,

The meteor that thrusts in with needle bill,

And off a blossom in mid air stands still.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For this is love and nothing else is love,

The which it is reserved for God above

To sanctify to what far ends He will,

But which it only needs that we fulfil.

~Robert Frost

Nothing is so beautiful as spring—

When weeds, in wheels, shoot long and lovely and lush;

Thrush’s eggs look little low heavens, and thrush

Through the echoing timber does so rinse and wring

The ear, it strikes like lightnings to hear him sing;

The glassy peartree leaves and blooms, they brush

The descending blue; that blue is all in a rush

With richness; the racing lambs too have fair their fling.

~ Gerard Manley Hopkins

Kathy can you hear me

2011-03-17T08:56:00.002-04:00

Kathy & her 3 beautiful children

My big sister, I look up to you as though you were Divine.

All the angels above

Every stunning white dove

Could never be as beautiful

As you To me.

Whether it's bandaging a scraped knee

Or getting kitty from our tree

Always perfect in solving a problem

Always perfect In my eyes

Reading me a bedtime story

Tucking me in at night

Turning out the light

Being mom When mom Couldn't be

Big sister of mine

You'll always be there to shine

Shine down upon me

Being the sun

When the sun Can't be.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It's hard to believe it's been 7 yrs ago that my big sister, only 38 passed away.

You left us too young. I know the Lord needed you. I know you are at peace, no more pain.

Happy Birthday in Heaven. I Hope you are dancing!!!

A Wish for My Friends....

2011-03-10T12:38:00.000-05:00

Wishing you always...

Walls for the wind,

A roof for the rain

And tea beside the fire.

Laughter to cheer you,

Those you love near you,

And all that your heart may desire

~~~~~~

Wishing you a rainbow

For sunlight after showers—

Miles and miles of Irish smiles

For golden happy hours—

Shamrocks at your doorway

For luck and laughter too,

And a host of friends that never ends

Each day your whole life through!

Frankie's snowman

2011-01-31T08:42:00.000-05:00

We didn't get much snow this time around but just enough so that the girls were out enjoying

themselves. Frankie and her friend built a snowman, actually they built quite a few of them. I think this is the best snowman I have ever seen :)

Italian Sausage & Peppers

2011-01-13T18:54:00.000-05:00

I am so blessed to be from NYC. There is no other place in the world where you can get such incredible food. We go back up a lot but not enough. On our recent trip back in October we stocked up on Joe's Italian skinny sausage, bresciola, capicaola and dried salamis in hot and sweet. It is never enough. They have been there for many years, since 1957. and it is sad to say there are not many shops like this left.

Tonight I made Sausage and Peppers........it was heaven!!!! I used skinny sausage which I prefer but you can use the fat sausage that you find in most supermarkets. I fried them up in a heavy skillet til cooked, remove. Then I cut up some sweet Italian peppers, onions and garlic...add to skillet with olive oil and cook up til your likeness. I like my peppers nice and soft. Add some balsamic vinegar the last few minutes and then put back the sausage and let simmer for a while. Get some good CRusty Italian bread and serve!!! Enjoy.

Now I know this isn't the best recipe and I know everyone has there own but this is how we like it.

oxoxo

Felice Anno Nouvo ~ Happy New Year

2010-12-31T10:16:00.000-05:00

Wishing you all a Wonderful New Year.

The Beauty of Mathematics

2010-12-21T09:23:00.000-05:00

I don't care what the critics say about this video. It touched me deeply and I wanted to share it with you. Merry Christmas to one and all.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h60r2HPsiuM&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Oreo Truffles

2010-12-19T19:19:00.000-05:00

We make these every Christmas...actually I don't even make them anymore my youngest who is 10 has been making them the last few Christmas' . I pretty much watch her and help lick the spoons :) So easy and oh so yummy. Enjoy!

Oreo Truffles

Ingredients

1 package Oreos

8 oz cream cheese

2 bags chocolate chips (semi-sweet or white or both)

2 Tbsp vegetable shortening

Directions
1. Add Oreos and cream cheese to food processor. ( reserve some crumbs for sprinkling on top of cookies after dipping in chocolate).

Pulse 2-3 minutes until sticky and shiny or put in a ziploc bag and crush using your rolling pin until crumbly.

2.Refrigerate for 1 hour to harden.

3.Roll into ~1-inch balls. You can stop here they are so good even with out dipping in chocolate!

4.Melt chocolate chips as directed on package. stirring constantly until smooth. Add vegetable shortening if chocolate is too thick (2 Tbsp of shortening / 12 oz of chips).

5.Coat Oreo balls in chocolate, place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and refrigerate until ready to serve. (For additional decoration, drizzle white chocolate over top or use some of the reserved cookie crumbs and sprinkle on top.)

As I faced My Maker.........

2010-12-14T11:36:00.001-05:00

I shared these beautiful words here several years ago and wanted to share it again. I do not know who the author is but I do know no matter how many times I read it I am so deeply touched by it & I think you will be too.

My Maker

~As I Faced My Maker~

As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls. Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life.

But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in every day life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all.

I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened.

My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air.

Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose; each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been.

My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise. My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again.

I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.

And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was. I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes.

Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, 'Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles.

Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.'

May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through! God determines who walks into your life....it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go.'

Oh Christmas Tree..........

2010-12-08T11:27:00.000-05:00

I love bottle brush trees, goose feather trees, white trees, green trees even the prim brown trees.

I need to get some fake snow too as shown here from Country Living. Don't you love looking through your

old magazines to get ideas. I have gathered many through the years. Here are just a few shots of some of my favorites.

I love how these are shown in galvanized wash bins and buckets.

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T12:19:00.000-05:00

A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all other virtues.

-- Cicero

He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.

-- Epictetus

Rosemary & Lemon....good thing.

2010-11-21T19:19:00.001-05:00

Two of my most favorite things are lemons and rosemary.

This is a great chicken dinner. I hope you try it.

I even tuck some rosemary in the skin of my turkey for Thanksgiving. I love it. If you prefer to cook a whole chicken insert halved lemons, garlic and rosemary in the cavity for a moist and scrumptious chicken.

• 1 fryer chicken (3 - 3 1/2 pounds), cut in half

• Salt, to taste

• Pepper, to taste

• 4 lemons, divided

• 8 cloves garlic, peeled, quartered and divided

• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary

• Paprika, to taste

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 3 tablespoons brown sugar

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon honey mustard

PREPARATION: Rinse chicken under cold running water; drain and pat dry with paper towel. Season with salt and pepper. Place skin-side up in 9-by-13-inch roasting pan.

Slice 2 of the lemons. Using your fingers, loosen skin from breast and thigh meat. Tuck half of the lemon slices, half of the garlic and half of the rosemary sprigs under the skin above the meat. Sprinkle chicken with paprika. Lay any remaining lemon slices on top of chicken.

Cut remaining lemons in half and squeeze juice into a small bowl. Add remaining garlic, the chicken broth, brown sugar, olive oil and mustard; mix well. Pour mixture evenly over the chicken. Place 2 remaining rosemary sprigs in pan with chicken.

Roast, uncovered, at 375 degrees for 1 hour or 70 minutes, or until a thermometer in breast registers 180 degrees and juices run clear when chicken is pierced with a fork. Let stand for 10 minutes before carving.

Serve with pan juices and garnish with fresh rosemary. So Yummy!!!

Lemonade with Honey and Cinnamon

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade...consider serving it hot as well as cold. Prepared with honey and spices, it tastes delicious--but because it's so rich in vitamin C, it can also serve as a home remedy for a cold.

TO PREPARE bring 2 cups of water, a scant 1/2 cup of sugar, and 4 cloves to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in 3/4 cup of strained lemon juice, remove from the heat, and serve in mugs. (Remove the cloves first.) You can substitute different spices, such as a stick or two of cinnamon, whole allspice (3), or star anise (1).

A few of my favorite things.........

2010-11-18T14:18:00.002-05:00

I have had so many great pictures saved over the years from old country books and magazines.

I think I shared some of these in the past with you but I know I never tire seeing them again and again.

Here a just a few of my favorite things.

Enjoy.

My Sweet Boy

2010-10-28T14:31:00.000-04:00

This is our sweet boy Chancellor. He will be 6 next week.

He couldn't resist laying out in the warm sunshine

on this beautiful warm October day.

A beautiful Sunday evening.....

2010-09-12T20:39:00.000-04:00

Hello friends. It's been such a long time since I have been here. I hope you all have not forgotten me.

I apologize for not posting more and checking in to your wonderful blogs.

I have tried to stay off the computer and spend more time with my family.

I have missed you all. I hope you all had a wonderful summer.

Marc and FRankie were riding the ATV this evening. They had so much fun.

The weather is changing and we are certainly enjoying it.

Much work to do outside this time of year and I am actually looking forward to it.

Enjoy your Sunday night. We will talk soon.

oxoxo

Happy Memorial Day

2010-05-29T12:06:00.001-04:00

Wishing you all a very happy and safe Memorial day weekend.

Stay safe and let's remember why this day is so special.

God Bless all who have served and who are serving us all today.

We honor each and every one of you.

Spending time with my family

2010-05-26T10:15:00.000-04:00

Spending time with my family and working in the gardens.

I hope you are all doing well and enjoying this most beautiful time of year.

Isn't this blue cupboard beautiful. I hope to have one like it one day.

Here are some of my favorite gardening pics. Hope you enjoy them.

Gardening is a way of showing that you believe in tomorrow

"Earth laughs in flower."-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

"In joy or sadness, flowers are our constant friends." -- Kozuko Okakura

"If you have a mind at peace, a heart that cannot harden, go find a door that opens wide upon a lovely garden."

You can bury a lot of troubles digging in the dirt."

Cherry Blossoms

2010-03-26T14:28:00.000-04:00

Cherry Blossom Festival starts tomorrow. Here in DC it is an incredible site to see. These trees are so beautiful and just breathtaking.

So many communities around here in Virgnina are lined with them and they are all blooming. It really is a gorgeous site. Even on a bad day seeing these gorgeous trees, you can't help but smile. The lord certainly surrounded us with so much beauty!!

~~~~~~~~

Spring shows what God can do with a drab and dirty world. ~Virgil A. Kraft

It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so! ~Mark Twain

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome. ~Anne Bradstreet

In Loving Memory

2010-03-17T12:43:00.000-04:00

Kathy McCabe - Dennis 3/17/66 - 9/29/03

God looked around His garden

and found an empty space,

Then He looked down upon earth

and saw your tired face.

He placed His arms around you,

and lifted you to rest.

God's garden must be beautiful,

for He only takes the Best.

He knew you were suffering

He knew you were in pain,

He saw the road was getting rough

and the hills were hard to climb,

So He closed your eyes and whispered

"Peace be Thine"

It broke our hearts to lose you,

but you did not go alone,

A part of us went with you,

the day God called you home.

If love would have saved you,

you never would have died.

oxoxoxo

My Beloved Father, My Beloved Sister

2010-03-16T09:02:00.005-04:00

12/26/40 - 3/14/81

I lost my father, Frances Joseph Anthony McCabe, when I was just 13 yrs old, he was just 40 yrs old. My sisters were 14 and 15. My oldest sister, my beloved Kathy's bday was in a few days, Kathy would turn 16 on March 17th.

March is a very difficult month for my family.

Growing up in an Irish/Italian family, March 17th was a very special day in our home, not only was it Kathy's bday, my fathers favorite holiday it was a day to celebrate big.

Growing up in NYC going to the St. Patrick's day parade, it was such a fun day for all of us.

I find it now to be difficult even though I have wonderful memories of this time, my heart can't help but think of these two beautiful people in my life who I miss dearly.

Losing a parent at this age was not easy, there were many struggles along the way.

My mom raised us the best she could, what a strong woman!

Raising 3 teenagers all alone. Dealing with her own loss and dealing with our pain too.

It must have been so hard for her.

For years I feared that I would never make it to 40. Something I never shared with anyone until this year when I turned 41.

I think when we lost Kathy at just 38 I really feared that. It wasn't something I thought about every single day or dwelled on or lived in fear about, it was just a feeling I always had, a bad feeling. I am 41 now with 3 beautiful daughters, a wonderful husband, a very special mother, gorgeous sister and new brother in law & of course Kathy's very dear children.

Life goes on it doesn't wait for any of us. We have to make the best of what is given to us no matter how hard it is. I know that.... But there is always a sadness when we think of those we lost so young. It is sad and it is hard. Certain dates bring it all back to us. I just wanted to share that with you. I hope in some way when I speak of my father, my sister I am bringing them back in some way. Two beautiful people who I miss so much. Who left this world way too young.

For you daddy, for you Kathy.

Always in my heart.

Spring is in the air

2010-03-06T15:13:00.000-05:00

I know you are all ready for Spring just as I am.

Cherry Blossom Festival will be here in a few weeks too.

I can't wait.

I dislocated my verterbra and have been in so much pain.

I just want to get better so I can go visit Jill in Ga for the braiding class.

I look forward to warmer temps and to start working outside

preparing and cleaning all the flower beds. We lost a lot of plants from so much snow

so there is much work to be done.

Enjoy this beautiful weekend. We are hitting 60 tomorrow :) Woohoo!!

Rug in progress

2010-02-27T13:28:00.001-05:00

I started hooking this small rug up last week for a Kris McDermet class I will be taking in Ga in just a few weeks. I am flying down to my friend Jill's home. I have known Jill for many years and we see each other every once in a while. This is such a treat for me to be able to get a way and spend time with a dear friend. I will also be learning how to braid around hooked rugs. I am so excited!! Now I need to get off of here and finish up this rug so it is ready for class :)

Birds of a Feather.....

2010-02-23T14:42:00.000-05:00

My sister forwarded this to me earlier today and I wanted to share it with you.

Don't spend major time with minor people. If there are people in your life that continually disappoint you, break promises, stomp on your dreams, too judgmental, have different values and don't give their backing during difficult times...that is not a friend.

To have a friend, be a friend. Sometimes in life as you grow, your friends will either grow or go. Surround yourself with people who reflect values, goals interests and lifestyle.

When I think of any of my successes, I am thankful to GOD from whom all blessings flow, and to my family and friends that enrich my life.

Over the years my phone book has changed because I changed for the better. At first you think you're going to be alone, but after a while new people show up in your life that make your life so much sweeter and easier to endure.

Remember what your elders used to say, 'Birds of a feather flock together.

If you're an eagle, don't hang around chickens: Chickens Can't Fly!

Be Positive - Be Progressive - Take the time to make a positive difference in someone's life by sharing this with them like I shared it with you.

Walk by faith Not by sight

"The Will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you"....

The Great Storm of 2010

2010-02-10T11:03:00.000-05:00

What a storm we had a few days ago and now for the second round! I know so many of you are dealing with this as well.

Stay warm and stay safe.

Let's do what we can

2010-01-21T09:21:00.002-05:00

There are so many ways we can help out in Haiti. I know many of us do not have any extra cash during these difficult times. There are so many great foundations out there that are making it easy to donate. Here is one that my daughters will be contributing to. Teens for Jeans

Here is a little bit more information. Click on the link above that says Teen for Jeans.

Welcome to the third annual Teens for Jeans drive, the campaign that empowers YOU to collect jeans for homeless teens.

Just drop off any pair of your gently worn jeans to any Aéropostale store between January 19th and February 14th and we'll make sure they get donated to a local homeless shelter or charity.

To say thanks, Aéropostale will give you an additional 25% off your next pair of jeans.

Last year you helped us collect over 200,000 pairs and this year we want to top that, so start collecting today!

Happy New Year

2010-01-05T13:24:00.001-05:00

We have been so busy with the holidays and time with family and friends.

I want to wish you all a Happy New Year!! To good health and a prosperous 2010 to all. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and a fun Happy New Year.

I have been cleaning up the house, gathering all the decorations to box up later today and tomorrow.

I really want to freshen things up a bit at home. To a New Year filled with good things and time spent with those who make your heart smile :)

oxoxoxo

Here is a pic of Marc reading The Night Before Christmas to the girls. Something he does every year. He was so funny that night, very animated the kids and I laughed through the entire story.

My mom sent me this and I wanted to share with you :)

My Wish for You in 2010

May peace break into your home and may thieves come to steal your debts.

May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet for $100 bills.

May love stick to your face like Vaseline and may laughter assault your lips!

May happiness slap you across the face and may your tears be that of joy

May the problems you had, forget your home address!

In simple words ............

May 2010 be the best year

of your life!!!

Mother & Child

2009-12-23T11:31:00.001-05:00

A mother cradling her child, a loving family.

It is a universal emotion: the fundamental one.

No other image no matter where you are from

envokes such a feeling of hope and love.

My family and I wish you A Very Merry Christmas

filled with the warmth of your family and all those

you love.

Snowed in

2009-12-21T08:50:00.000-05:00

We've been snowed in for 2 days.

I have more pics to show later when my daughters camera is charged.

I hope we can get out today, I still have a few things to do before Christmas.

It was so beautiful out there, a Winter Wonderland.

My back is killing me from shoveling both cars out.

Marc worked the road with the plow on the ATV all day yesterday, the sun was shining

so that helped too.

We have a very long drive way with a killer hill.

I hope we can get up it today.

We will have a White Christmas for sure this year :)

Well hello dolly....

2009-12-17T14:15:00.000-05:00

that's hello dolly cookie bars that is ;) Are you all getting your baking done too?

Well I have and boy has it been hard not to eat them all!! LOL

The house just smells so sweet it is hard to resist.

I baked and then baked some more while listening to Frank, Tony & Dean on the radio.

It is such a wonderful feeling and brings back so many great memories.

We dipped our pretzels in chocolate, made our Italian cookies, struvella and wandas. This is only the beginning. Going to layer some pretzels and nuts in white chocolate and break like bark. I think these will make some great teacher gifts :)

Of course there will be more to do as we get closer to Christmas but we are off to a geat start. If I can just stop eating as I bake!!

I Hope you are enjoying this time of year.

~Merry Christmas~

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2009-12-05T18:07:00.001-05:00

This is what we woke up to this morning and it is just keeps on snowing. We were only expecting a light dusting but it has not stopped since early this morning. I am not ready for snow I haven't even racked or blown the leaves yet!!!

Goes with out saying my girls are very happy about the first snowfall of the year.

Ok I will admit there is something magical about snow everything looks beautiful.

And I am finally pulling out some decorations. I usually have it all done by now

this year I am doing it very slowly.

Eat, Drink, Be Merry

2009-11-24T15:30:00.001-05:00

For each new morning with its light,

For rest and shelter of the night,

For health and food, for love and friends,

For everything Thy goodness sends.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

*******

Wishing you such goodness this Thanksgiving.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

From our home to yours

oxoxox

Fireplaces

2009-11-19T09:54:00.000-05:00

There is something so comforting and so relaxing about a fireplace.

It is a great place to unwind after a long day, a place to gather with your family and talk.

I like to cozy up and read a book or my latest magazine. I especially love to hook a rug while the fire is burning.

We are lucky to have one outside too and this is the perfect time of year to sit

outside with the kids making smores.

Marc and I like to sit outside at night with a glass of wine

listening to Frank Sinatra or Tony Bennett.

A fireplace adds warmth to your home & creates an inviting space.

It also adds so much charm during the holidays.

These are some of my favorite fire places from magazines I have gathered through the years.

Thank our Troops this Thanksgiving

2009-11-18T13:26:00.000-05:00

What a great way to Thank our troops for all they do for us.

Xerox is giving us all an opportunity to send a card

to thank our Military who are stationed overseas.

It only takes a few minutes to go to

Let's Say Thanks to our Military

Once there you can pick one of many cards that children have drawn up and Xerox will print it and send it for you. It's free!

Please let all those you know about this.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if all our military received many cards this Thanksgiving letting them know how much we all appreciate everything they are doing!!

Getting ready for Thankgiving.....

2009-11-14T14:10:00.001-05:00

I am thinking of the dishes I will make this year...there are so many to choose from.

We are having a traditional dinner I bought a 20 pounder yesterday.

Will make stuffing, sweet potato souffle, cranberry apple sauce, biscuits...haven't decided on the green veg. just yet.

Of course pies galore........can't have Thanksgiving with out pumpkin pie and coconut custard pie. YUMMY!

No matter where you are this year for Thanksgiving I do hope you are surrounded by family and friends building great memories together.
Good food, good drink, good friends & family.

Salute!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Veterans Day Tribute

2009-11-11T16:14:00.001-05:00

My grandfather Angelo Delio & his brother Carmine Delio in WWII

My grandfather in Italy during WWII with fellow soldiers.

God Bless my grandfather and uncle for their service &
Marc Argenzio my husband. We have so many family members who have served too.
For all they sacrificed for us.
To all our military then and now...thank you for all you have given us!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Veteran’s Day Tribute

When America had an urgent need,

These brave ones raised a hand;

No hesitation held them back;

They were proud to take a stand.

They left their friends and family;

They gave up normal life;

To serve their country and their God,

They plowed into the strife.

They fought for freedom and for peace

On strange and foreign shores;

Some lost new friends; some lost their lives

In long and brutal wars.

Rug finished

2009-11-08T14:51:00.000-05:00

I am finally finished hooking this horse rug. It appears much brighter than it really is.

It's a rug I started years ago and then put it away. I was never really happy with the colors.

I think the blue was not the blue I wanted to use but every other color I used I took out. So this blue it was I returned back to. I haven't made up my mind where it's going yet. I was going to keep it on the floor but Marc likes me to hang them :)

It's all ready now and I am so glad to be able to move on now to another antique reprodution. I have no more Unfinished Projects...feels good!!!!!!!!

Wonderful bday surprises

2009-11-07T11:42:00.002-05:00

I received some beautiful gifts for my bday from a group I blong to USAPRIM on ebay.

This picture is of a np pillow, bird on cloth covered box
Chris MysticalPrimitives made for me. I also got a beautiful calender.

Chris hand work is incredible, pics do not do it justice.

I feel so blessed to have her work in my home.

In the next pic is another box of goodies from Rhonda.

Rhonda sends the best stuff everytime. I was blessed to be have her last year for a Christmas swap we did.

The wool is a beautiful autumn color, the candle smells divine.
Have to find out where she bought this one. It's cranberry and cinnamon...how can you not love that combination!?! Those chocolates melt in your mouth. A sweet lil cloth covered box too :)

This next pic is from Jo CottoneyedJo. I received more wools...great earth colors, fun Santa socks.

My daughter took those. One of them was filled up with some yummy chocolates...the girls devoured them all!

Sweet thread holder, some beautiful silky thread and a Christmas candle.

Thanks girls for making my bday extra special :)

I also received my box from Jen over at Taylor's Farmhouse Attic.

I was the winner of a giveaway. So it was like getting another bday gift, perfect timing Jen. Love both samplers.

oxoxox

A beautiful November morning

2009-11-05T10:39:00.002-05:00

Although a cold morning indeed it was such a beautiful morning.

Chance and I took a nice walk up our road and through the battlefield.

He enjoyed chasing many squirrels.

I enjoyed the sound of leaves under foot, the fresh cool air blowing,

watching the leaves dancing through the air.

I am so thankful for this day.

November

2009-11-03T16:06:00.002-05:00

"November comes

And November goes,

With the last red berries

And the first white snows.

With night coming early,

And dawn coming late,

And ice in the bucket

And frost by the gate.

The fires burn

And the kettles sing,

And earth sinks to rest

Until next spring."

- Clyde Watson

"When the trees their summer splendor

Change to raiment red and gold,
When the summer moon turns mellow,
And the nights are getting cold;
When the squirrels hide their acorns,
And the woodchucks disappear;
Then we know that it is autumn,
Loveliest season of the year."

- Carol L. Riser, Autumn

Trick or Treat

2009-10-31T18:25:00.000-04:00

Here is our trick or treater....Frankie Kristina. She is the only one left who goes out on Halloween. My other two are too "old" now. Frankie wasn't too happy about me taking her pic.

Hope you are all enjoying this fun day with your kids.

Happy Halloween

Road to Cabin Creek Farm

2009-10-28T12:02:00.000-04:00

A woodland in full color is awesome as a forest fire, in magnitude at least, but a single tree is like a dancing tongue of flame to warm the heart.

~Hal Borland

It's Friday :)

2009-10-23T16:17:00.002-04:00

Hi Everyone - Jess is feeling better. It's Friday and it is gorgeous outside. I took these two shots of our front porch earlier today.

It was snowing leaves today...a beautiful golden day. I could have sat out on my porch all day.

Have a great weekend.

Jessica is sick :(

2009-10-16T09:11:00.000-04:00

She's been home for 4 days now, has been on antiobitics for 3 days but woke up wheezing and coughing. So we are off to doctor's again!

She has had high fever, body aches, headaches, dizziness and even an earache.

Say a lil prayer that she is feeling better. There is so much going around and with all this news with the swine flu you can't help but get nervous and worry.

Thank you.

Some more Autumn eye candy :)

2009-10-11T13:16:00.000-04:00

Pumpkin Bars

2009-10-07T09:01:00.001-04:00

Pumpkin Bar Recipe - a staple in our home during the Fall. Enjoy!!

Ingredients

Bars:
4 eggs
1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
15-ounce can pumpkin
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda

Icing:
8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Using an electric mixer at medium speed, combine the eggs, sugar, oil and pumpkin until light and fluffy. Stir together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and baking soda. Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and mix at low speed until thoroughly combined and the batter is smooth. Spread the batter into a greased 13 by 10-inch baking pan. Bake for 30 minutes. Let cool completely before frosting.
Cut into bars.

To make the icing: Combine the cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the sugar and mix at low speed until combined. Stir in the vanilla and mix again. Spread on cooled pumpkin bars.

Look at these woolies..............

2009-10-05T10:32:00.000-04:00

Kelley from Kankerdoodle sent me these scrumptious woolies from a swap we had. In my box of woolies were some other incredible suprises like this gorgeous penny wool mat. I love everything about it. Kelley has a way of making her items look so early. I also received a great prim candle and a primitive looking towel to boot. Please go to Kelley's blog to see a preview of her new pattern booklet!!! You don't want to miss this.

Thanks again Kelley :)

Autumn Beauty

2009-10-01T10:58:00.000-04:00

For My Beloved Kathy.........the dash

2009-09-28T09:50:00.001-04:00

The Dash

Kathy 3/17/66 - 9/29/03
I miss you so much.

September days

2009-09-21T14:33:00.000-04:00

"By all these lovely tokens

September days are here,

With summer’s best of weather

And autumn’s best of cheer."

- Helen Hunt Jackson

"The golden-rod is yellow;

The corn is turning brown;

The trees in apple orchards

With fruit are bending down.

The gentian's bluest fringes

Are curling in the sun;

In dusty pods the milkweed

Its hidden silk has spun.

The sedges flaunt their harvest,

In every meadow nook;

And asters by the brook-side

Make asters in the brook,

From dewy lanes at morning

The grapes' sweet odors rise;

At noon the roads all flutter

With yellow butterflies.

By all these lovely tokens

September days are here,

With summer's best of weather,

And autumn's best of cheer.

But none of all this beauty

Which floods the earth and air

Is unto me the secret

Which makes September fair.

T'is a thing which I remember;

To name it thrills me yet:

One day of one September

I never can forget."

- Helen Hunt Jackson

More of my favorite books

2009-09-10T11:04:00.001-04:00

I have had these in my favorites for a long time. I think this it.

I do not remember the names of each book but most of them are from Mary Emmerling & some are country home books.

I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

What a great idea!

I'd love to have my walk in pantry look like this.

Front porches

2009-09-07T17:16:00.007-04:00

I love front porches, don't you?!

I especially love sleeping porches.

These are some of my favorites!

I certainly would love to put a farm table out on my porch!

Summers End

2009-09-01T14:59:00.007-04:00

Summer is coming to an end you can feel it in the cool mornings & evenings.

The leaves are starting to turn and there is a change in the air.

There is so much to look forward to as summer ends...the start of Autumn!

My favorite things are found in Autumn.

Few of them are pumpkins, gourds, indian corn:)

Nature puts on a beautiful show of color for us as the leaves transform into rich vibrant hues.

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. ~Albert Camus

Delicious autumn!

My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns. ~George Eliot

Favorite books..........

2009-08-29T12:40:00.009-04:00

It's always inspiring to go through my collection of books. I can sit here for hours going over these old primitive homes. I love to see how others put things together and these books certainly give some great ideas.

Not only for the inside of my home but for the outside too!

I am always amazed at how people keep such beautiful gardens and grounds. It is very hard work and takes commitment to keep it all looking so beautiful. Here are a few pics from some of my favorite books.

Family

2009-08-26T13:57:00.006-04:00

This summer our nieces and nephew visited with us again. We do not get to see them very often, we look so forward to our summer visit with them.

These are my beloved sister Kathy's children.

They are so dear to my heart, I love them like my own kids. Our children are very close and they miss each other so much. I wanted to share with you these beautiful kids. When they are here with us it is magical. It's like we are all complete.

(My youngest with Kathy's youngest)

Kathy's oldest with me

Happy Birthday Mommy

2009-08-21T10:20:00.003-04:00

I love this picture of you mommy.

To see you smiling again!

I wish for you that happiness fills your heart.

WE all love you so much!!!!!

My Home Town through Tony's Eyes.........

2009-08-18T12:34:00.004-04:00

Tony Bennett never left Astoria, NY behind..........Tony Bennett at a window covered with the names of entertainers at the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Astoria, Queens.

“The finest place to live,” Mr. Bennett, 82, said as he showed a reporter his favorite haunts. “I’ve been all over the world — Paris and Florence and Capri — and yet I come back here and I like this better than any place I’ve ever lived.”
Mr. Bennett lives on West 57th Street in Manhattan now, but visits his old neighborhood regularly, and it seems to transport him back in time to when he’d stare longingly at the shimmering skyline of Manhattan across the East River. It is only a 15-minute subway ride away, but to a young Anthony Dominick Benedetto, the son of an Italian immigrant grocer, it loomed large and distant like Oz.
“When you’d see this big city, you’d say, ‘Boy, someday wouldn’t it be great to become famous in that great city there?” he said, standing where Astoria Park meets the East River and overlooks the skyline. Heading back down 21st Street, he pointed out Riccardo’s by the Bridge catering hall and said, “I worked as a singing waiter there.”
He had come on this drizzly afternoon to tour a sleek new building that, in September, will become the new home of the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, a public school of 640 students that has been operating in nearby Long Island City since 2001.
Mr. Bennett, his wife, Susan, and their Exploring the Arts foundation helped open the Sinatra school, using his Astoria connections — Peter F. Vallone Sr., who also grew up in the neighborhood, was then the speaker of the New York City Council, and George Kaufman, of Kaufman Astoria Studios, donated the land. On a lovely rooftop area in the new building that connects through sliding glass doors to the student cafeteria, Mr. Bennett spoke of his own education at the High School of Industrial Arts in Manhattan: Great school, crummy building.
“We went to lunch and the ceiling fell down on the desks,” he said. “We would have been smashed — that’s how terrible the building was.” He surveyed the space with a satisfied look and announced, “That won’t happen here.”
Although Sinatra’s Class of 2009 attended classes in less impressive spaces, their commencement on Friday will be in the new building — in the Tony Bennett Concert Hall, where Mr. Bennett will sing for the students. Bruce Willis is the keynote speaker (previous commencement headliners have included Jerry Seinfeld, Kevin Spacey, Wynton Marsalis, Harry Belafonte and Mario M. Cuomo).
On Wednesday, Mr. Bennett tested the acoustics in the impressive space, which were designed with the help of Tom Young, a longtime sound engineer for both himself and Sinatra. From the stage, Mr. Bennett barked a husky note — “Bah!” — out into the empty theater. Then he clapped his hands repeatedly to show how the notes leap out into the space but do not echo and linger long.
“It’s a perfect concert hall,” he pronounced.
The school offers drama, dance, music, film and fine arts programs, selecting students through highly competitive auditions; many of them are destined for elite colleges, conservatories or art schools. The sleek new five-story building, designed by the prominent Polshek Partnership architecture firm, has state-of-the-art classrooms, a media center with film editing equipment, two dance studios and music studios with a recording booth.
Touring the school, Mr. Bennett greeted construction workers, cleaners and painters putting on finishing touches. He shook hands and signed a hard hat. He scuffed his loafers across the floor of the two black-box theaters. He constantly pulled out his camera to take pictures.
He stopped in at the sculpture studio, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Astoria rooftops toward where Mr. Bennett grew up in a meager two-story house on 32nd Street near Ditmars Boulevard during the Great Depression.
Young Anthony, who had two siblings — one died when he was 10 — raised pigeons on the roof and played in Astoria Pool, where synchronized swimmers would perform to the Glenn Miller Orchestra’s “Moonlight Serenade.” Even as a child, he sang whenever and wherever he could, including next to Mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia during the 1936 opening ceremony for the Triborough Bridge.
He worked Astoria clubs and, after serving in World War II in Europe, studied vocal technique on the G.I. Bill and began performing at small settings in Manhattan, where he was discovered by Bob Hope, who suggested that he use the name “Tony Bennett.” Among his many albums is “Astoria: Portrait of the Artist,” a 1990 retrospective.
On Wednesday, Mr. Bennett drove past the quaint row houses and headed down Steinway Street, then made a left on 28th Avenue and stopped in for lunch at Piccola Venezia, a mainstay here for 36 years. Ezio Vlacich, the restaurant’s gregarious owner, hugged Mr. Bennett and the bar crowd turned to say hello. Mr. Bennett took his usual corner table, marked with a shiny metal plate that says “Tony Bennett Corner.”
Luke Gasparre, 85, a bar patron who lives around the corner, brought in a class photo from Steinway Junior High School’s class of 1942, with a smiling Anthony Benedetto on the far left. He recalled working with Mr. Bennett in a local nightclub when they were teenagers.
“Right under the El,” he said. “I tap-danced and you sang.”

Reading this story touched my heart. To hear about the place I was born and raised from Tony's eyes brought back so many fond memories of my home town.

Look at this beautiful Sampler

2009-08-14T17:42:00.004-04:00

I wanted to share with all of you this beautiful sampler I won from Sherry of Blair Creek Cabin.

Sherry was naming her new chart business and I was the lucky winner.

This chart is on Sherry's blog it honors all breast cancer survivors, and is in memory of those lost.

This particular chart is dedicated to my beloved Sister Kathy McCabe. I am so touched by the kindness and love Sherry shows my family and I.

If you have never seen Sherry's new sampler charts I urge you to go and see them. They are beautiful as is she!! I know you will fall in love with her. I so enjoy her blog, it is one of my favorites. Thank you Sherry. I love you!!!

Outer Banks, NC

2009-08-06T17:37:00.005-04:00

I know I am so behind posting these pics from a few weeks ago from our trip down to the beach. We really had a wonderful time just the 5 of us. The beach was beautiful, the girls really enjoyed the waves!! They haven't been on the beach in a very long time. My youngest I don't think has ever been to the beach so this was a real treat for her.

For Marc & I it brought back many great memories from our day trips to the beach when we lived in NY.

Jess and Frankie having fun with the DJ, they won best hoola hoopers!!!!

How sweet is my hubby?! Made me feel like a kid in love :)

Hope you enjoy a few pics of the girls having fun in the sun :)

Happy Sisters Day

2009-08-05T12:10:00.007-04:00

Kathy, Kim (me) & Keli

I received such a beautiful card from my mother this morning. I didn't even know it was sisters day today. Mom sent it to me and my sister Keli and of course in memory of our beloved sister Kathy.

I wanted to share some pictures of us through the years with you.

Kathy, Keli & me (birth order) I'm the baby :)

Kathy, me and Keli sitting.

Me, Keli and Kathy (right before she got sick)

I miss her so much, my best friend!

What a brave woman! Losing her hair was the least of her worries.

Happy Sister Day to all you sisters out there.

oxoxox

Kim

Claude Moore Colonial Farm

2009-07-28T10:33:00.010-04:00

A few weeks ago we spent the day back in time at a nearby Colonial Farm, the year was 1771! We visited this 18th Century working family farm listened to the reenactors tell us how they live each day

We ate rosemary chicken, sausage with sweet cakes and buttered biscuits. The kids enjoyed rock candy, fresh lemonade and they played games that the children would play in the 18th Century.

I loved watching the seamstress, stationer, blacksmith & spinner and of course the turkeys and pigs were fun too :)

The weather was perfect too for July, no humidity low 80's....we couldn't have asked for a better day.

************************

~~ Last week we went down to the outer banks I am a bit behind posting but I will add some of those pics later this week. Have a wonderful day!!!

I hope you are all enjoying your summer. We have certainly had some memorable ones this year. ~~

Summer Concerts..........

2009-07-21T14:35:00.003-04:00

What a night we had seeing an American Classic ~ Tony Bennett. He can certainly put on a great show and at 82 he still has so much energy. I can see him again and again. Don't miss seeing him during his summer concert series, it is one you just can not miss!!!!

Sweet 16

2009-07-01T10:21:00.003-04:00

JessicaRose 1 years old.JessicaRose 16!!!! My oldest daughter is 16. Yes I know still so young, so much to learn, to experience but my goodness how did this happen already?! I remember the first time I held this precious child in my arms. Her first word, her first step and her first tear her first day at school.....now she is 16!!
Here she is in NYC with her cousin Lauren Taylor, spending 3 weeks with my sister working! 16 is certainly very different today then when I was 16. I miss her but I know she is having a great time. She is very fortunate to be able to go to work with my sister and have this time in NYC. Life in the city is very different from where we live. I grew up there so I know first hand what a great experience this will be for her.
I hope you are all having a great summer so far!!!

Happy Flag Day

2009-06-12T13:00:00.002-04:00

June 14th is flag day. God Bless America!!

Twist on Bruschetta.......

2009-06-11T10:52:00.004-04:00

This is such a delicious recipe. I know so many of you are growing tomatoes and herbs. I hope you will give this a try. I love it!!!

1 long sour dough baguette or plan baguette

1 1/2 pounds tomatoes, seeded and diced pretty small (cut in half and give a squeeze over the sink to get rid of some of the juices and then dice)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 bunch cilantro, chopped fine

6 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons red pepper flakes

3/4 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
Heat broiler. Slice baguette down the middle and brown ever-so-slightly under the broiler.
In a bowl, mix tomatoes, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, red pepper and cheese.
Cover cut side of bread with tomato mixture. Place under broiler until the whole things begins to brown and the cheese begins to melt—about 2 minutes.
Remove and slice into serving pieces.
Makes 16 to 20 pieces.

~ recipe from Just cook this

Enjoy!

Memorial Day

2009-05-21T09:23:00.002-04:00

In April 1863, an elderly woman visited a cemetery in Columbus, Mississippi to decorate the graves of her two sons who had served as Confederate soldiers in the Civil War. Afterwards, she decorated two mounds at the corner of the cemetery as well. An observer asked, “What are you doing?
These are the graves of two Union soldiers.”

She replied, “I know. I also know that somewhere in the North, a mother or a young wife mourns for these men.”

As time passed, more mothers, daughters and widows began to follow in her footsteps. They would march to the cemeteries together to decorate all of the soldiers’ graves.

These ladies set in motion what eventually would become Memorial Day.

Memorial Day is a United States Federal Holiday that is observed on the last Monday of May (observed in 2009 on May 25). It was formerly known as Decoration Day. This holiday commemorates U.S. men and women who have died in military service to their country. It began first to honor Union soldiers who died during the American Civil War. After World War I, it was expanded to include those who died in any war or military action.

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-08T10:29:00.002-04:00

~~~To my beautiful mother

thank you for all you have done & have sacrificed for your children.

For being mother and father to my sisters and I.

For your guidance and unconditional love.

For your support and advice

and for always being there no matter what.

You gave with out question and you still do.

You give of yourself with out expecting anything in return.

Mother of Mine...you are all that is beautiful in life.

You are the shining star, that glitter of hope

You have instilled in us what good is and what love is.

You have shown with not only words but how you have lived your life.

If I can be to my girls what you have been to us

Then I am on my way....still I will watch you and learn from you

as you love your grand children... as you love your children.

With all the pain in your life you still show your family what strength is

you continue to teach us all what family means

and what family does.

I love you so much Mom.

~Kim Argenzio

Happy Easter

2009-04-10T12:16:00.003-04:00

Wishing you all a Happy Easter. I hope you have a great day with your family and friends.Tomorrow I will start baking my Italian Easter pies and make my Ricotta cheesecake. Both recipes are from my mother in law. They are scrumptious and are now a tradition in my family. I still didn't decide whether to make a ham which we always cook for Easter. I am thinking about a pork roast instead & scalloped potatos and asparugus. What great dishes do you make for your Easter feast?

Til the Last Shots Fired....

2009-04-06T12:15:00.003-04:00

My mom sent me this youtube video this morning and it brought tears to my eyes. I felt sick all over thinking of what our boys and girls are going through over there. Let's pray for each and every one of them.

Like the young soldier said last night on the Country Awards show

- It's not about the War it's about the Warrior.

Please click on this link to see this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0mm4u2VzDs&feature=email

I was there in the winter of '64

When we camped in the ice at Nashville's doors

Three hundred miles our trail had led

We barely had time to bury our dead

When the Yankees charged and the colors fell

Overton hill was a living hell

When we called retreat it was almost dark

I died with a grapeshot in my heart

Say a prayer for peace

For every fallen son

Set my spirit free

Let me lay down my gun

Sweet mother Mary I'm so tired

But I can't come home 'tilthe last shot's fired

In June of 1944

I waited in the blood of Omaha's shores

Twenty-one and scared to death

My heart poundin' in my chest

I almost made the first seawall

When my friends turned and saw me fall

I still smell the smoke, I can taste the mud

As I lay there dying from a loss of blood

Say a prayer for peace

For every fallen son

Set my spirit free

Let me lay down my gun

Sweet mother Mary

I'm so tired

But I can't come home 'til the last shot's fired

I'm in the fields of Vietnam,

The mountains of Afghanistan

And I'm still hopin', waitin', prayin'

I did not die in vain

Say a prayer for peace

For every fallen son Set our spirits free

Let us lay down our guns Sweet mother Mary

we're so tired

But we can't come home 'til the last shot's fired'

Say a prayer for peace

For our daughters and our sons

2009-04-01T11:22:00.005-04:00

Hello everyone & Happy Spring!! Spring is a time to refresh, rejuvinate & redemption. It is a time for renewal and for rebirth. Budding trees, daffodils & crocus, tulips poking their heads up from the ground. There is so much to be excited about.....new beginnings & endless possibilities!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And Spring arose on the garden fair,

Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere;

And each flower and herb on Earth's dark breast

rose from the dreams of its wintry rest.
—Percy Bysshe Shelley

~~~~~~~~~~~

'Tis like the birthday of the world, When earth was born in bloom;

The light is made of many dyes, The air is all perfume:

There's crimson buds, and white and blue, The very rainbow showers

Have turned to blossoms where they fell, And sown the earth with flowers.
—Thomas Hood

Can I ask for another prayer............

2009-03-20T10:21:00.002-04:00

for my husband? He is traveling to the Middle East and I am so worried. Please pray for his safe return home and for peace for my girls and me. I know I have asked for many prayers this past week. It's been one tough week. My dear friend Sherry reminded me that the Lord's hand is on Marc. That brings much peace to me knowing that.
I hope you are all having a good and productive day. Today is the first day of Spring. I hope the sun is shining wherever you are.

My beloved sister Kathy.....

2009-03-17T09:53:00.005-04:00

My big sister, I look up to you as though you were Divine.

All the angels above

Every stunning white dove

Could never be as beautiful

As you To me.

Whether it's bandaging a scraped knee

Or getting kitty from our tree

Always perfect in solving a problem

Always perfect In my eyes

Reading me a bedtime story

Tucking me in at night

Turning out the light

Being mom When mom Couldn't be

Big sister of mine

You'll always be there to shine

Shine down upon me

Being the sun

When the sun Can't be

Kathy would have been 43 today....she is missed so much.

She touched so many people's lives, she truly cared about others.

Kathy loved life, she found good in everything.

Never complained just smiled and tried to make the best of it.

My big sister played a huge part in my life. We had a hard life growing up and my sisters kept me alive. We saw things no child should ever see. I will always be grateful for the good memories that my sisters and I shared.

I know how truly blessed I am that I have sisters. They have taught me so much.

I miss you so much Kathy. You will live in my heart, mommy's heart, your children's hearts.

You left us too young. I know the Lord needed you. I know you are at peace, no more pain.

Happy Birthday in Heaven. I Hope you are dancing!!!

For Joey........

2009-03-16T13:35:00.003-04:00

Into your hands,

O Lord we humble entrust our brother Joseph.

In this life you embraced him with your tender love;

deliver him now from every evil and bid him enter eternal rest.
The old order has passed away:

welcome him then into paradise,

where there will be no sorrow,

no weeping nor pain,

but the fullness of peace and joy

with your Son and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever.
Amen.

Rest in Peace Joey. We love you & miss you.

Please pray for my bil Joseph who we just lost on 3/12 at 45 yrs old.

Pray for our family.

A Bronx Tale on Broadway

2009-03-11T09:46:00.004-04:00

Marc and I went to see this one man show this past weekend in DC. We had a wonderful night. It was a fantastic show. Chazz Palminteri did a phenomonal job. If you enjoyed the movie A Bronx Tale you will certainly love this show. He is traveling through out the year so you just might want to check out his website for a theater near you. http://www.chazzpalminteri.net/bronx_tale.htm

We could not have asked for a better night out. The temps were in the high 70's and we arrived a bit early for the show. So we walked around DC a bit, ate at a great Italian Restaurant and did a bit more walking. The streets were filled with people enjoying the beautiful evening.

In Like A Lion.....

2009-03-03T11:40:00.006-05:00

March certainly came in like a Lion!
My girls were thrilled because they have been home for two days now.
My older two couldn't be bothered sledding or making snow angels but Frankie sure had a ball as did Chancellor.
It was a winter wonderland here at Cabin Creek Farm. I am okay with that because we know Spring will be here shortly and there will be plenty of work to be done here. So for now we wil enjoy it before it's all gone.

To My Girlfriends & Sisters

2009-02-27T09:26:00.003-05:00

Life is too short to wake up with regrets.

So love the people who treat you right. Love the ones who don't just because you can.

Believe everything happens for a reason.

If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands.

If it changes your life, let it.

Kiss slowly.

Forgive quickly.

God never said life would be easy.

He just promised it would be worth it.

Irish Blessings...these things I wish for you.....

2009-02-23T12:50:00.005-05:00

I-rish you a very nice place to live,I-rish God's greatest gifts he'll give.

I-rish you health, and wealth, and more--

I-rish your smilin' face were at my door!

~~~~~~~~~
May you have:

A world of wishes at your command.

God and his angels close to hand.

Friends and family their love impart,

and Irish blessings in your heart!

~~~~~~~~~
May you alway walk in sunshine.

May you never want for more.

May Irish angels rest their wings right beside your door.

~~~~~~~~~

May God grant you many years to live,

For sure he must be knowing.

The earth has angels all too few.

And heaven is overflowing.

~~~~~~~~~~
May you have the hindsight to know where you've been

the foresight to know where you're going

and the insight to know when you're going too far.

~~~~~~~~~~
May God grant you always...A sunbeam to warm you,

A moonbeam to charm you,

A sheltering angel, so nothing can harm you.

~~~~~~~~~~
May you have warm words on a cold evening,

a full moon on a dark night,

and the road downhill all the way to your door.

~~~~~~~~~~

May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light.

May good luck pursue you each morning and night.

~~~~~~~

May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow.

May the soft winds freshen your spirit.

May the sunshine brighten your heart

May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you.

And may God enfold you in the mantle of His love.

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-13T10:20:00.000-05:00

We will be having our sil and her daughter coming down from NY. I can't think of a better way to spend this day then with our family.

Wishing you all a day of love and happiness. Whether you share this day with your partner, family or friends I hope your heart is filled with all the love and laughter it can hold.

No matter what you do I hope you are surrounded by love.

Happy Valentine's day my friends.

oxoxox

Snow day

2009-02-03T14:30:00.000-05:00

Road to Cabin Creek Farm with a dusting of snow this morning. Kids had a two hour delay. They loved snuggling in their beds this morning and going in late to school. I loved having them home with me for just a few extra hours :)

Congratulations Steelers! What a game!!

2009-02-02T09:10:00.000-05:00

What a game!!! If you didn't watch this game you missed one of the most amazing and thrilling finishes ever in Super Bowl history! I am so happy for my husbands team. Go STEELERS!!!
Big Congratulations to this great team. It was one heck of a game.

Taking Chance

2009-01-22T10:46:00.001-05:00

There are just some movies that are must see's and this is one you do not want to miss!

Please click on HBO's trailer of Taking Chance feature Kevin Bacon. This is based on a TRUE story. I cried watching this trailer. God Bless our military and God Bless America.

Baby It's Cold Outside!!!

2009-01-17T12:55:00.000-05:00

BRrrr what a cold morning my friends....thank goodness Marc had the fire ready for me when I woke. What a beautiful way to start the day. We are staying in today and staying warm. We've been chinking the cabin for the past few months. Not a hard task but tedious and this is not a small cabin either. We are almost done with the top floor just have to do my bedroom now. With high ceilings (14ft) it can get tiring working up there. It has definitly made a difference keeping the cold out.

We are going to be going out tonight we are meeting our good friends and going out to a local British Pub that just opened up. Should be fun :) I love when we come home after a night out and we put on our Frank Sinatra & Dean Martin Cd's and sit by the fire. We love those old classics, Tony Bennet. Louis Prima too. Great music.

Marc and I try to go out once or twice a month on a date. We always have a great time whether it is just the two of us or meeting friends.

I hope you are all staying warm and cozy and sharing time with your good friends too.

Have a great weekend....

2009-01-09T17:14:00.000-05:00

Hello my friends I just wanted to wish you all a great weekend. I hope you get a chance to relax, spend time with your friends and family and take some time for YOU. I know we all get caught up in our busy lives and it is hard to find time to just relax. We are better at everything when we take some time for ourselves. Even if you pull out that book you've been wanting to read or take a hot bath. Gather your magazines that have been piling up and spend a few hours going through them. Pull out all those unfinished projects and stitch or hook a bit if that is what relaxes you. Whatever it is that makes you feel good make sure you find some time to do that this weekend. I hope you stay warm and cozy and your heart is smiling :)
With Love.

Wishing you all great things in 2009

2009-01-03T12:41:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year everyone. Here's to a great 2009!!

Just stopping in.........

2008-12-29T08:53:00.000-05:00

and letting you all know that we had a wonderful Christmas. I know I have not been posting much this past week as we have had family in all week. We celebrated our Anniv on 12/26 which is also my beloved father's birthday! I am so thankful for my family and for my sweet husband, my best friend.

This is a pic of my youngest daughter with our sweet Chancellor boy. He is such a good boy and helped play Santa for Christmas too :)

been home with a sick one.....

2008-12-20T10:40:00.000-05:00

There she is my oldest daughter before she was struck with a horrible stomach virus. She's been out of it since Tuesday, poor thing is white as a ghost, shaking, vomitting...you name it she has it. Took her in to the dr and they gave her a shot so she will stop getting so sick. She said teens and adults are coming in with this stomach virus and it is lasting 7 days. After the shot we came home I made her some chicken noodle soup and she slept for 3 hours. She is looking better this morning as she lays in bed all snuggled. I was going to take a pic of her sleeping but I knew she'd be so mad at me! LOL

Let's hope she is much better before Christmas and no one else gets it. We have family coming down very early Christmas eve morning. Good thing is I am done with all my shopping. Gifts are wrapped. Just have to mail out gift cards today to my nieces and nephew. Now I can concentrate on the menu and what fish we will be making for our Christmas eve feast.

I hope you are all cozy and warm wherever you are :)

Christmas time

2008-12-14T15:19:00.000-05:00

There's nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child."

~ Erma Bombeck

Remember, if Christmas isn't found in your heart, you won't find it under a tree."

~ Charlotte Carpenter

Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance.

To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect."

~ Oren Arnold

Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love."

~ Hamilton Wright Mabie

My Maker

2008-12-04T12:45:00.000-05:00

~As I Faced My Maker~

As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls. Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life.
But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in every day life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all.
I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened.
My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air.
Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose; each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been.
My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise. My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again.

I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.
And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was. I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light. An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes.
Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, 'Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles.
Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you.'
May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through! God determines who walks into your life....it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go.'

We're home

2008-11-30T18:58:00.001-05:00

Hello dear friends ~ I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your loves and hope you didn't eat too much ;) We sure did!!

Oh what a wonderful time we had in NY.

We traveled like vagabonds spending each night at a different home.

We had the most fun hopping from home to home visiting with our families.

We spent one day in Manhattan and that was so much fun.

We went to Central Park and took a horse and carraige ride so relaxing after a day of walking. We went to eat at Carnegie Deli what fun that was and talk about eating too much...wow you have to go just to see the size of these sandwiches. Marc and I had the pastrami, it melts in your mouth. My daughters were up for dessert and ordered the cheesecake, one piece was enough for the 5 of us. It felt good tosit again but no sooner were we done my oldest daughter had to visit Juicy Couture, she loves the parfum, me too.

Then off to Tiffany's, Disney Store, Gap & Trump Tower....and so many more...so much to see and do. This time of year NY is the most beautiful city.

I think my other two daughters favorite spot was FAO Schwartz, what a fun toy store.

Thanksgiving day was wonderful we spent the day with my sister and my mom. My sister set a beautiful table and cooked some delicious dishes. We certainly ate too much again. Each day we visited a different family member building wonderful memories and of course ate way too much. LOL

It is good to be home getting back to our routine but I sure do miss our family. I can't wait for Christmas to see them again.

Happy Veteran's Day

2008-11-11T11:07:00.000-05:00

May God Bless all the men and women who are serving our Country.

Let's remember those who have served before by taking a moment in prayer today & remembering all that have done for our freedoms.

We are so grateful for all that you sacrifice for us each & every day.

May God Bless America!

Gobble gobble......

2008-11-08T11:56:00.001-05:00

Can you believe Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away?! Here in Virginia the weather has been more like Spring this past week than Fall. My family and I are going back home to New York City for Thanksgiving. We will celebrate at my sisters apt in Riverdale. It is so beautiful up there and still one of the most desired places to live in NYC. Many old stone houses line the streets and trees are everywhere. There are great Italian Markets & Restaurants and the best bagels too! There just isn't quite anything like being able to walk out of your home to the corner butcher, market or bakery. When my mom visits she travels like a food gypsy with a cooler full of fresh mozzarella, brescola and Italian cut meats that you just can't find here. So as you can imagine we are looking so forward to spending time with our families, eating well and making great memories. I would love to hear how you will be spending your Thanksgiving.

2008-10-31T13:21:00.000-04:00

The Hag is astride,

This night for to ride;

The Devill and shee together:

Through thick, and through thin,

Now out, and then in,

Though ne’r so foule be the weather.

A Thorn or a Burr

She takes for a Spurre:

With a lash of a Bramble she rides now,

Through Brakes and through Bryars,

O’re Ditches, and Mires,

She followes the Spirit that guides now.

No Beast, for his food,

Dares now range the wood;

But husht in his laire he lies lurking:

While mischiefs, by these,

On Land and on Seas,

At noone of Night are working,

The storme will arise,

And trouble the skies;

This night, and more for the wonder,

The ghost from the Tomb

Affrighted shall come,

Cal’d out by the clap of the Thunder

+++Robert Herrick 1648+++

Apple Pie Cider

2008-10-23T14:20:00.000-04:00

1 1/4 quarts apple cider
3 tablespoons firmly packed light-brown sugar
7 whole cinnamon sticks, 1 for the pot, 6 for garnishing cups
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
Ground cloves
Freshly grated nutmeg
Salt
1/2 cup brandy (optional)

Mix all in a pot with a whisk til heated then add brandy. Pour through sieve.

Serve in mug with a cinnamon stick. Hubby likes a scoop of cool whip on top with more spices :)

What a wonderful way to take off the chill on this crisp Autumn evening.

Miles for the Cure

2008-10-22T19:20:00.000-04:00

I just received this email from Susan G. Komen for the cure. I was excited to see Inflammatory Breast Cancer being mentioned and even more importantly that money is being raised to do such needed research for IBC. http://cms.komen.org/Komen/Donations/WaystoDonate/MilesfortheCureDonateOnline/index.htm
"We would like to thank American Airlines and their employees as we welcome them as our first-ever Lifetime Promise Partner. Building on its 20-year history as the official airline of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, American Airlines has pledged to raise $8 million over the next eight years to fund Komen’s first Promise Grant, a study of inflammatory breast cancer at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center"

I just had to share this with all of you.

Hoping you are all having a wonderful evening with your families.