Getting ready for Waterford Fair in ....Waterford Virginia! This year I'll be volunteer demonstrating the art of needle felting. I also have several wreaths and tons of flora in the Dried Floral Barn. Sunday I'll be selling raffle tickets. This is what I've been working on all Spring and Summer. When all is done, I'll get back to blogging and post the updated photo's of the gardens.

GARDEN GABBING

This past week has flown by. With the weather being in the 60's and 70's, many a task was accomplished . The potting shed now has framed windows. Hoot! Since they are pressure treated, I must wait at minimum, two months before they can be painted. Rats! On the inside, however, another shelf was added to the storage area. All the windows have brass hooks and eyes, so the windows may be secured. The armoire/desk, which was damaged due to the old leaking roof, has been repaired. I put a new top and back on the piece, and all that is left to do is repair the left door. I brought the antique green table from the back porch into the shed. It is seven feet long, so it fits nicely under the South wall's window. The table started a slew of decorating idea's. More on that to follow, with photo's.

This is the time of the year when Bluebirds look for real estate. They prefer a Southern exposure, with the edge of a forest close. A perch mounted on a pole, and places nearby in which the chicks may fledge, makes for the best situs. I will be placing dryer lint on a lilac shrub, so the birds will have soft nesting material. A feeder with blueberries and meal worms should entice a nice young couple to take a serious gander at one of my boxes. If I'm fortunate the pair will take up residence and I'll get to watch and enjoy their presence !

One year, when living back in Fairfax County, I moved the direction of a nesting box. I had grown weary of couples looking at the property, yet not finding it adequate for their needs of rearing a family. It proved to be the right decision, for it was facing North, and I turned it to face South. A pair of Chick-a-dees had decided to take advantage. These tenants promptly built a nest and layed four eggs. The eggs hatched and four nestlings were brought into the world. I noticed within a day or two, a pair of Bluebirds checking out the box. To my surprise, they swept in, removed the brood, and made their nest upon the old Chick-a-dee's nest! I was horrified and started to research. I thought I had murderous birds on hand! Apparently, if the real estate is prime, the Bluebirds will do this and it is not uncommon.
Lesson learned, face the house South!
Another bird I'm particularly found of is the Goldfinch. When I see a swarm of the males, it takes my breath away. I've mounted a thistle feeder on the back corner of the potting shed. Now that I have the huge back window, it allows for great birding and if I'm lucky, I'll get to observe the male goldfinches as they turn from a dull mustard to a bright neon yellow. I will be planting Echinacea ( coneflowers ) and Rudbeckia ( black eyed Susans ) to entice these vibrant beauties. If you are in the Atlantic Corridor, these flowers do very well. As for the Echinacea, many delightful new cultivars have been created. Raspberry is not the only color, the shades are quite abundant and run from apricot to green, even varigated!

Along with the work on the shed, I was allowed a late Winters treat. I actually was permitted to start planting. Here in the Mid Atlantic region , cold weather crops may be planted. I jumped at the chance to get dirty. Lettuce, broccoli, brussel sprouts, and spinach were the crops of choice. I also managed to plant a sour cherry tree which had a great root system. Photo's to follow.

VICTORIA'S PASTYME :More Primitives

My Birdie girl, sitting on a Victorian potty chair. A pillow fills the seat and a woven dish towel is used for ease of cleaning. Chairs like this truly make adorable small dog beds. For point of reference, she is only 5 pounds! This is on my kitchen hearth, in my kitchen not the store. :]








As one can see the primitive antiques are quite plentiful in this quaint store. Along with these yummies,one may also find American made bed linens, loom woven towels, and table toppers. This store is filled with the best candles around. They go fast so I collect as soon as the boxes are delivered. That's it for the store on Colonial Highway. Victoria does have another store open in the downtown Purcellville area. Back to painting the shed, it is s l o wly coming along. TTFN

VICTORIA'S PASTYME:primitives

With my workout at the gym over, I am now showered fresh and ready for a
day of work at the best antiques store in Loudoun County Virginia.

Today I had fun photographing Victoria's Pastyme,
the wonderful store I wrote about yesterday. So many
yummy antiques. At present I'm burning one of the several
choices of candles in the store. This one is "Sweet Herbs" a fresh herbal
bouquet with a hint of lime. Fresh yet not too sweet. It definetly
has a nice warm throw and fills the room with its fragrance.

Earlier at the store it was a bit slow, so I took a few photo's of vignettes between helping customers. I hope you enjoy them. The store is as cozy as it
looks in the shots. I chose primitive antiques to shoot
even though Victoria carries American made reproductions as
well. The Farm table above is the exception. Note the hand planing in the
close up. I love running my hands over the ripples and feeling the
soft finish of the artisans work.


Enjoy browsing, and come visit Victoria's Pastyme

in Purcellville, VA.

1800's primitive wood box with original paint

Primitive child's potty chair with original paint>
(these are great for toy sized dog beds, just place a pillow in the center and, voila, instant primitive dog bed!) These are also great with potted geraniums.


Early 20TH Century child sized wheelbarrow



















< Extra large dove tailed dough box , being used as a desk

VICTORIA'S PASTYME : introduction and a chowdah recipe

Tomorrow I'll be busy in my friends wonderful stores. I am going to work part time for her again. The store? Victoria's Pastyme of Purcellville, VA. She is on the net and takes credit cards!

I am going to be in the newest store she has opened. This store has the most fantastic candles, primitives, baskets, and beautiful linens! She finds fantastic florals and has signs made by American folk artists. If you are a teddy bear enthusiast, she carries Lori Baker, Pat Murphy, and others. For those who appreciate Debbie Thibault, she has new and retired pieces! Since tomorrow is going to be colder and possibly rainy, I can't imagine a cozier place in which to be. I'll post photo's of the shop so all may enjoy. Until then here is a recipe a good friend gave me many moons ago. It just happens to be in my Southern Living Cook book. I call it:


" Harvest Cheddar Chowder "

• 3 cups chicken stock
• 4 medium potatoes, with or without skin, diced
• 1 medium onion, sliced (for this, a mandolin is perfect )
• 1 cup thinly sliced carrots or cheat and use a pkg of shredded
• 1/2 cup diced green pepper

• 1/3 cup all purpose flour
• 31/2 cups milk, whole or two percent
• 4 cups (1 pound) shredded Cheddar cheese ( the better the Cheddar, the better...)
• 1 (2 ounce ) jar pimiento, drained
• 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce ( optional ) I prefer Tobasco Sauce

Pour stock into a Dutch oven; bring to a boil. Add veggies;cover and simmer 12 minutes or until veggies are fork tender.
Melt butter in a heavy saucepan; whisk flour 1 minute. Gradually add milk; cook over medium heat until thickened, whisking constantly. Add cheese, stirring until melted.*
Stir cheese sauce, pimiento, and optional hot sauce, into vegetable mixture. Cook over low heat until thoroughly heated. Yield: 8 to 10 servings.
* Do not allow it to boil

This is a decadent chowder and served with a baguette, and white wine...(sigh)

For those of you doing weight watchers, one cup is 8 points. But well worth it!

Off to get my daughter!

GARDEN GABBING: Spring is soon coming!

Nature's Nosegay

Basking in the February sun.







Snowdrops boldly foretelling the Spring season.












This time of year is so bittersweet. I do look forward to seeing the dainty flowers, even though it is but a brief moment in the sun. I'm getting antsy for more of this warm weather. It seems just as these little flowers poke their heads up, another blast of cold weather follows, leaving them curled up clinging to life. I do not wish away time, but I am longing to get my hands dirty once more.
Soon the happy daffodils will push their cup and saucers up through the earth, and the yard will be one big tea party! Hyacinth, anemones, tulips, lilacs
and iris will gaily come to join the party and Spring will be here! Meanwhile, I must complete the shed, for as soon as warmer weather is consistent, the outside of the shed must be tackled. High ho, high ho, it's off to work I go!

TUTORIAL :Un Peat Pots

Here are the directions to the little bio-degradable pots I mentioned earlier.


Take four sheets of newspaper and cut into 7X7 inch stacked squares.
Fold into thirds.
Open the folds and turn a quarter turn, fold into thirds again.

When done unfold and you should have a grid. The center square will be the bottom of the pot. Start with any corner and fold towards the left.



Staple the triangle at the top to hold fold.



Continue 'til complete.
The final pot, ready for soil and seed. When seedling is ready to plant, just plant the whole pot. This will keep the tender roots from being disturbed. I put a collection in a tray to keep stable and water from the bottom. It helps if your soil is moistened prior to placing in pots.

GARDEN GABBING:Potting shed/ Green house in process

New back wall with new "old" window.


The part of the bunk beds I saved for use as storage.
Note the new green house roof.
A tinted taupe color, for UV protection.
Green wardrobe ( another project )for use as a desk,
storage of planning materials,
seeds, and such.



Inside the shed, front wall with new "old" window,
painting to come


The back wall almost complete! Hoot!
Will build a potting table under window



A view out of the first completed East wall
Pergola in the background

DIY newspaper pots to follow!
<

GARDEN GABBING: Tuesday, Tuesday

A sunny day is always welcome in February. I am still painting the shed. I feel as though it will never be completed. Perhaps I'll photograph it, if I can find my camera, urrrgh. I have been making it cozy, by burning a wonderfully scented candle and running the heater. In doing this, I hope to make the task a little less arduous.
My two flats of seeds are sprouting and soon I'll be able to bring the delphinium flat out of the fridge. I really hope they will transplant and take. I have not had any success with delphiniums and I believe this will be my last attempt. Larkspur will be tested this season as well.
In the evenings, I have been making little bio-degradable pots to use instead of peat pots and plugs. These should be a money saving and root preserving way of planting in my beds. See photo's above( later on this eve ) for how to D.I.Y. Must scoot to pick up my daughter, and have our ice cream run! TTFN

GARDEN GABBING: Ahhhh Saturday

I'm sitting in one of my early morning favorite spots. As I look down and outside my window I can hear my sassy doglet, MacGreggor, telling the birds, neighbors, and anyone who won't throw a shoe, of his royal presence. He is one of the four dog wannabes the Glidden family have the privilege of cleaning up after. Bugs, as we sometimes refer to him, is a six pound Yorkshire, with a fifty pound personality. The sun is shining...YAY! The birds are singing...YAY! It is not as brutally cold as it could be on a late February morning. My daughter had an overnight and will be returning after driver's ed, this afternoon. I get to work on my potting shed/ greenhouse all day, if I wish. I do wish and shall.
The shed is an old friend. It was constructed when my two goils were young and built on site at our first house of fifteen years. Then it was known as Scribblers Cottage. The girls would each have two walls on which they could write. Their friends would sign in and write as well. It also had two huge bunk beds built on the West wall, so they could have sleepovers or slumber parties. The shed has moved with us two times. It is now about twelve years down the road,around the corner,and in the next county. Since the girls are now sixteen and soon to be twenty two,I figured it was time to let go. I am having extraordinary fun turning it into my greenhouse.
Last week, I paid to have my fantastic Handy Guy, Steven, rip off half a roof, back wall and two windows! My neighbor had given me two fantastic huge windows, with muntins and mullions. Their size 5.5 X 3.5! I had them placed on the East and South walls. The two other windows I had salvaged were smaller, so they went on the North East and West walls. At present I have been taping and cleaning the windows and walls so I may paint the inside pure white. White will reflect the sun best and warm the house. My plans are to start a small hobby flower farm.

We live on a flat one and a half acre sunny parcel of land. The house is one hundred and sixty nine years young! This too, is a hobby of mine ( antique homes ). Anyhoo, last Summer I bought my first tiller and built a 30 X 30 garden. I also started a small patch of raspberries, and high bush blue berries. In mid August I tilled a one hundred foot row, to see how late I could successfully plant and harvest a crop of sunflowers. I was selling them throughout the month of October!
My current goal is to till several more rows and plant plenty of annuals and a small mixture of perennials. Adding every year. When we retire, this would be my business and we could stay put. At present I have several flats of seeds started and I paint the shed, while it is still frigid outside.
Since moving to Loudoun County I have soft- scaped the front of our home, and created many beds off the kitchen/back porch. It is so nice to just walk out the door and snip an herb or take in the morning amongst the birds and flowers. I'll try and post some photo's, I need to title them so I have easier access. Jpg just doesn't allow for a descriptive way of telling me of what I am searching or trying to post. I'm still a student of all the ins and outs of using the lap top. At forty eight, I may be a life long student.

INTRODUCTION: A Few photo's

Me in car, outside the best primitive shop in Purcellville, VA. Just got my new Ignatious hat! The best milliners ever! Two guys in Petersburg VA











MacGreggor Lil' Hazzard, aka Buggs,Bugaboo, Sir Agile Cockey Tail, Magoogs
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This is the side of the shed prior to ripping out the window. Summer '08.

INTRODUCTION

Greetings from the Marvelous Mad Madame Mom. This is just a quick introduction to the world in which I participate.The above photo is one of my needle felted teddy bears, my particular favorite. She is my alter ego and quite shy. I am completely new at blogging so please be patient while I learn the formatting, fonts, and final draft. As usual I have not thought about the time, so I have to dash off to pick up my daughter from her Drivers Ed. class. I'll return to introduce myself and share my interests. Hopefully there will be others as insane,and mainstreamed, as I. TTFN!