Kingfisher Farm

Farewell Father

2012-01-22T17:34:00.000-08:00

Rest in peace dad.

New Years Meal

2012-01-08T13:02:00.001-08:00

Smashed garlic potatoes, purée of concombre, Salmon with thyme, and carmelized onions. It was tasty.

Bonjour, Salut 2012

2012-01-01T15:06:00.000-08:00

I went a little crazy with the cuphooks. But I love how it all looks. The tiny teddy was one the the first I made 15 years ago.

The little green bear was made by a japanese artist who used to sell on Etsy. She hasn't listed anything since before the tsunami. A french artist named Marion made the little white bear in the cone.

I rang in the new year by organizing my bedroom. I reworked a jewelry holder I DIY'ed from an old picture frame I scored for a buck at the thrift and wire mesh found on the curb. Some uber cool chicks, way craftier than me post some of their earring racks on Pinterest. They used eyebolts to hold earrings. One uber cool chick complained how bad her fingers hurt from screwing in umpteen eyebolts for her earrings. Really? What about drilling pilot holes? And I used cuphooks so that I could hang necklaces too.

Using wire and needlenose pliers, I added extra hooks to the wire mesh in order to hold more earrings. French wire backs slip onto the mesh, but the other kinds need the hooks. I screwed the cuphooks around the outside of the frame, eyeballing a symmetrical layout.

Next I tackled my messy dresser. UGH! It was getting really out of hand. I admit to not taking a before shot. It was horrible, trust me.

And this is midway. Obviously the Christmas bling needs to go away again for 11 months, sniff sniff.

And who wants to look at that messy victorian glass deer sculpture? The cat destroyed the dome that protected it, and now it keeps getting more breaks. Time to stash it or get rid of it.

I made the dresser scarf from a dress that looked like a sack, none too flattering, but I loved the little putti on it. So I spent an hour ripping out the seams to harvest the panels. Because in the DIY world cheap is in. And you must constantly brag about how little you spend when you are redoing your rooms. Next time I will just buy the pricy stuff I wanted. Drilling pilot holes was easier!

I love how it looks now! This glass tray is cracked, but I don't care. I've had it too many years to count. The little water baby is the perfect place for my starfish earrings. The bracelet was made by a local lady, and I wore in it Paris in 2010. A woman on the 72 bus said, "C'est très jolie, ça!" We struck up a conversation, and we chatted all the way to the Hotel de Ville. She pretended not to notice my American accent.

And finally the finished look. I love it! Are you organizing your spaces? It's worth the effort. Every time I walk into my room, I think I'm in some chic little boutique.

Goodbye 2011

2011-12-30T05:50:00.000-08:00

December went by in a blur!
I had a birthday, spent some precious hours with the grand babies,
decorated for the holidays,
cooked some paneer for family and friends,
enjoyed the tree,
and realized how fortunate I am. I wish you all a very healthy, Happy New Year!

Tis the Season

2011-11-25T09:02:00.000-08:00

To do good. Here is Leah, doing her part! Great weather for it too.

Went to Third Sunday

2011-11-05T21:14:00.000-07:00

I miss doing shows. Maybe next year I will do a few but for now, I have no time. I went to the Third Sunday Market in Bloomington to see a fellow artist whose creations I adore.

I bought the Merry Christmas picket and the little witch on the post seen below Kristy.

I loved this witch in the Crayola tin. I have one of these tins. It's such a lovely fall color combination, blackish green and gold.

Kristy holding my witch alongside a happy customer. It was a lovely day for the last market of the year.

I know I've been scarce around here.

2011-09-29T16:17:00.001-07:00

This is the last batch of beans I bought a while ago. They are out of season now. I took a lot of photos intending to blog about how much I love these!

Add some fresh garlic.
I gathered them up and cut them to a uniform length.
They are looooooooooooooooooooooooog in length and their flavor is good too.

I have taken so many photos but my career takes up all my time. My garden is sadly neglected again as well. But that is a different post for another day.

Slow Food Vegan Sunday

2011-07-31T20:38:00.000-07:00

Slow Food Sunday. Amaranth, artisan baked breads, roasted sweet potatoes, roasted corn on the cob. Yard long beans, simmered in garlic and fresh tomatoes. Throw it all in a pan with spices, experiment, and you have dinner. The Farmer's market on Saturday is something to look forward to every week, since these folks grow and harvest their own produce. Buying veggies to the sounds of live Jazz music puts a smile on every mug there.

An Elegant Pond

2011-07-17T19:45:00.000-07:00

This lovely pond was for sale, along with the house, for a cool $375,000. It was viewable from the sun porch. The homeowner provided lemonade. It was a welcome treat on such a hot day.

Parade of Ponds

2011-07-17T08:45:00.000-07:00

Oh this was so fun. There were eleven ponds and we only made it to the first nine. Actually I went with my daughter to the first 7 and my friend Sue and I went to the last two. It was overcast and warm and although it was a bit sticky the lighting was good for photos.

Happy Independence Day

2011-07-04T09:34:00.000-07:00

"Land of the Free, BECAUSE of the Brave" is a quote from a sign in my neighbor's yard. Very true. Our forefathers were brave, and our veterans and armed forces sacrifice for our freedoms. Thank you!

Gardening, with my brawny helper

2011-07-03T08:36:00.000-07:00

I love stone edging, and stone paths. However, it gets pricy! This is a neighbor's garden entry, so lush and lovely with water grass, sedge, and statuary.
My hubby is helping me with the brick edging I started. It's a great workout, and neighbors are dropping by to see the progress.

My little bear

Garden Walk

2011-06-20T06:52:00.000-07:00

This is a tiny little Bee Balm! Who knew Monarda could be compact and cute??
This gardener has made a raised bed with a simple concrete formed wall, and tucked their tools behind an unassuming board fence.

I loved the brick edging of the patio.

I want to make this project, little concrete mosaics. The tiny tiles and stones and shells, marbles and buttons were so cute. Using the rectangular tile to write flower names was genius, and the markers won't budge.

I want to make these steps and replace a rotting wooden step here at home. Simple flag paths were great, I wonder who pulled all the weeds? Preen would be necessary, it was such a large garden, and the owners no doubt spent hours outside weeding.
I loved this old stove. You would added wood to heat it. It was even wired for lighting. Now, I couldn't help thinking what a great potting table it would make, or even to display potted shade plants. Of course, in winter where would you store the plants?

Summer blooms in my outdoor garden room

2011-06-14T08:48:00.001-07:00

Patio Container Garden

2011-05-30T20:14:00.000-07:00

Old pieces of French and Czech enamelware give wonderful textures and shapes in this corner.

I have had this lady for many years, too many to count. I bought her from a place called Hahn Industries. The company is a family run business that is still making garden ornaments. My lady has been in my garden or on my deck each summer. She made the trek to Michigan and back to Illinois again. She has outlasted several concrete bases. This time she has a tin wash tub. This is much more economical, and easier to move inside for the winter.

Peter has gone to stand by the antique iron gate.

A birdbath was made from a farm drainage tile and a plant saucer.

I have used the old coal scuttle for a planter. There is no fireplace in this house anyway! The washtub got me in a bit of hot water at first, since it was $6 (new ones are around $20 at the hardware store). I knew as soon as I saw it what I would do with it. Hubby plumbed my lady fountain statue, and then her put the tub on bricks. The aquatic plant was a gift from Kim, another of her perennials from her garden, this one was in her pond.

Ok this is getting to be addicting. I can't stop tweaking this little corner of my world!

Looking back to my Kingfisher Farm gardens

2011-05-28T19:27:00.001-07:00

Made in the Shade with a lot of help from a friend

2011-05-27T14:25:00.000-07:00

A wheelbarrow is a gardener's necessity!

A little vignette, created with items on hand, a vintage toy push mower, a french wash tub, and a few odds and ends.

Above: the pesky fittings for the fountain pump, I want to design a universal fitting, made out of a magical flexible substance.

I have been working on a shade garden under the maple trees. And fiddling around with a pesky fountain. My dear old lady that pours a jug into a basin has lost much of her original tubing, and what remains is hard and no longer pliable. I have made three trips to the hardware store to plumb her but so far its an epic failure!

The ghostlike bag is one of my rose nurseries, containing a precious cutting of my beloved "Constance" from Kingfisher Farm. You can see coral bells and ferns, as well as the magnificent hostas from my neighbor's garden beyond the chain link fence.

The slope down from the concrete deck is a challenging place to garden, and I would like to terrace it with limestone.

Kim points out a place to plant a few more perennials.

With the generosity of my friend Kim, I have been expanding the area under the trees, and she not only gifted me with lovely ferns and shade plants, she insisted on helping me dig them and plant them in my garden. Her own garden is quite simply a little Eden.

A pond and borders with delightful fountains and gecko sculptures make it a whimsical place. Her knack for mixing flowers and foliage in the earth as well as water are exemplary. After being in her creation, you walk away inspired and uplifted. Kim has many "memory" plants, starts from dear departed friends and relatives, and her belief is that gardens and plants are to be shared. Here she is designing a pocket garden using my iron gate as a focal point.

I designed my own rose nursery made from tomato cage and dry cleaner bag. I used what I had on hand, and dipped the stems in rooting hormone and tucked them into potting soil. In case one location fails, I have 2 separate sites. So far so good, we have had a lot of rain and cool weather which is ideal for starting roses and transplanting plants.

Kim still smiles after hours of transplanting flowers and removing turf. She's the energizer bunny!

Baby Steps

2011-05-19T08:49:00.000-07:00

Au Jardin chez moi!

I am planting things, even in the shade and added a birdhouse I bought from the Antique Market. Hubby says it looks like the Beverly Hillbillies moved in! I need a birdbath, I was loathe to leave the one I made myself behind, but it was so enormous and heavy. But the birds really liked it. I just saw an Oriole in my backyard! A family of chickadees have moved into the birdhouse I hung from the Maple tree. I'm not sure I can get a photo, they are so quick!

Antique Market

2011-05-16T14:28:00.001-07:00

This bucket stand would be great for display of anything, but dolls and teddies would be delightful.
A rugged old cupboard and ironstone china make a perfect combination.
The tiny little buckboard seat was hard to pass up, but I did. Sad face!
This was titled "The Hunter."
Taxidermy is all the rage now, but it's so creepy. Early naturalists killed first and studied later.
The punch tin pie safe with unusual tins was already sold. The tins were a variety, and there were even tins on the back, which is very unusual. No doubt the buyer was thrilled to get it.

Hello Dear Spring

2011-04-02T06:02:00.001-07:00

I am so happy to see you. I've been waiting for you.

Joyeux Mardi Gras!

2011-03-06T18:00:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T10:49:00.000-08:00

And down came the snow

2011-02-02T09:32:00.000-08:00

Snow has fallen so deep! School has been closed for 2 days already. Hopefully tomorrow things will be back to normal. As dangerous and inconvenient as it is, it is lovely. We made a pot of veggie soup and are staying warm.

It's hard to see the squirrel and all the robins in this tree, eating the berries. We never have robins in winter, everyone is talking about how bizarre this is.

We had to dig my heated birdbath out of the snow! The robins immediately came for a drink.

the pets wanted to eat the birdy smorgasboard!

2011-02-01T08:51:00.000-08:00

Leah was so cute when she was a baby. She looks as if she is about to do something mischievous, and this was usually the case.

New birdbath

2011-01-06T07:47:00.000-08:00

Hey at least it's getting some use.

Christmas Day

2010-12-26T17:36:00.000-08:00

It snowed and snowed. Would it ever end? Not until we were well covered in a thick eiderdown of the fluffy white stuff did the snow slack off, and even then it continued to fall in a sifting of powder like sugar. It was the perfect day to be snowed in however, as the stores are closed anyway, and I had all the fixings for samosas. So the kitchen was a whir of activity. And the smell of all the fresh indian spices, ginger and garlic made the house smell like a pungent spice box. Hot and spicy inside and cold and crisp outside, what a Christmas we had. I hope yours was special too.

Merry Christmas, Joyeux Noël

2010-12-18T09:37:00.001-08:00

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday. Enjoy the simple things, even if they are not perfect, because things seldom are. I am feeding the birds, and the squirrels are getting the lion's share.

So I bought them a special Droll Yankee feeder. So far I haven't seen any squirrel attempts.

Sweet song

2010-12-12T20:38:00.001-08:00

My beautiful violinist.

When she saw this picture she excitedly said," Oh wow, look at that form! Ms. Bock would be so proud of me! Her bow is perfectly parallel to the bridge.

We have a debutante in the family, debutante violinist. It is quite exciting to hear her progress. I am actually quite in awe of this. She gave up her wonderful choir at Millikin University and her piano teacher. I am not sure from where the inspiration came to try something completely different, but I am pleased with how devoted she is to practice. Here below is her first month, before the new chic haircut:

And one more thing, the violin is a she, and her name is Beyoncé. Thought you'd get a kick out of that! Did you play an instrument as a kid? If so did you regret quitting? Or do you still play?

I'm worried

2010-12-09T12:35:00.000-08:00

This is the famous Moulin Rouge. This is LouLou.

He and his owner Teddy, live here in the street, panhandling or "faire la manche" to make a living. LouLou's owner lost his foot to cancer when he was a boy, so in order to be independant and have a dog, he choses to live in the street. In order to be cared for in France, a handicapped person is not allowed to have a pet. I imagine it is the same here. Teddy explained that he found LouLou in "une poubelle" or a trash can. It is hard to say who saved who. Teddy gets around in an old fashioned style wheel chair, and it seemed to me that everyone knew him. He always thanked people who gave him a few Euros. I know that cynics will say that the dog is a draw, a way to get attention, but I noticed a lot of people who begged had dogs. I am certain it is the companionship that is most important. An old woman had a dog, and she was cuddling it under an umbrella, as rain poured down, her legs protected by a plastic bag as she sought refuge under a doorway. But where are Teddy and LouLou teddy today?

This is Paris today:

(photo credit: Reuters)

As night falls in Paris, a record snowfall has hit Île de France and the temperatures have plummeted. Even the Eiffel Tower was closed today. I hope these two are safe and warm, with something to eat. And for that matter I hope all the homeless everywhere find refuge this bitter cold season.

Ghosts of Christmas past

2010-12-03T18:17:00.000-08:00

Fall decorating

2010-10-19T08:56:00.001-07:00

I love the little Molly in the tub, a Steiff from the 1940's. The tub is old ironstone china.
Karen O'Brien made the wall teddies. I love my tiny Dutch shoes. I have fun finding just the right thing for my old bedraggled teddies, sometimes in the most unlikely of places. The little red white and blue bow on the stick teddy in the drawer came in a button box full of dirty old buttons.
See the little green Schuco monkey below? He went all the way to Paris and back with me. He whispered in my ear, "Don't leave me here! They don't understand me, I don't understand them! And they mock my green fur!" So my little fellow went to Spain, and then home again. I'm so glad I didn't leave him there.

Fall decorating is making me happy. I am just getting settled in the new house here in the Maple Woods, and I miss my fireplace. So I am finding other ways of making the house cozy.

Autumn chez moi

2010-10-17T08:43:00.001-07:00

Bindi and Sparki survey the yard looking for squirrels. The neighbor behind us has a group of koi ponds and a little bridge.
The view from the patio, and my neighbor's lush shade garden.
The maple tree was so pretty last week, yesterday, below, it is drying out and shedding a lot of leaves.
My daughter found this bearded hedgehog mushroom, which is edible. People also call them lion's head, and in the Orient it is called a "monkey's head" and is known for it's antioxidant properties. We are just going to sautée it and add a sauce and pasta.

Paris, pretty Paris

2010-10-01T07:13:00.001-07:00

The flowers were lovely in August in Paris, and the public gardens are quite lovely. And they are free to all who enter.
A boy plays with his sailboat in the pond at the garden of Luxembourg.
Rope topiaries along a basin. In this basin a goldfish had gotten trapped in a plastic bag, and I watched it for quite some time, until it managed to free itself.
A house in the seizième, it is an apartment building. I imagine you would be quite wealthy if you lived here, it is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Paris.

Parisian Problem

2010-09-25T07:43:00.000-07:00

There is a problem in Paris. A lot of people do not take care of their dogs. People walk them, and even in some of the most elegant quarters, one has to take care where one steps due to the piles of you know what. There is also a huge stigma in France, they just think it is somehow wrong to spay or neuter their pets. So, just as there is a problem with feral dogs and cats here, there is one also in France. So the city of Paris is trying to get people to change their ways, and be responsible for their furry friends. I loved these small billboards, and the Eiffel Tower on the dog's head. Too cute. But I can tell you that on residential side streets people are just not picking up the piles. It was pretty disgusting. Imagine trying to look up at all the architecture and at the same time dodge piles of stink. I think that they are going to have to start giving out tickets to make people start feeling the pinch in their wallets. A program for school children wouldn't be a bad idea also.

If you see your face here.....

2010-09-24T16:33:00.000-07:00

It means I am missing you!

Fall!

2010-09-23T19:27:00.000-07:00

Starting over a new leaf today. I am devoting time to working with children who are learning English as a second language, and I am really enjoying it. Kids don't care what mistakes you have made in the past, or whether or not your hair is dyed or your clothes fashionable. They live in the moment. They are honest. They are appreciative. When a child grabs your hand, and wants you to be homework buddy day after day, you know you have done something right. I don't do their work for them, I try to support their efforts, encourage them, and give praise when they do well. It seems to be working, and this is giving me a lot of pleasure.
Live in the moment. Do not indulge in past mistakes, rather, strike off again, and redirect all energy towards positive ends. ( I took the above photo in Madrid, Spain last month in the city garden. There were a lot of feral cats there, and I wondered how they found food. They seemed wary and alert, and did not allow humans or dogs to get too close.)

3 Amigos

2010-09-21T20:53:00.000-07:00

2010-08-10T23:10:00.000-07:00

My host family, with guest Jung Yun and Etiènne at the far right, who works with Thierry, the dad.

I love the countryside here in Isère; I even found some horses. I have no idea what kind they are.

Kiosk at Voiron

Today I take the train to Lyon and then to Paris. I am going to miss my family here in Beaucroissant. I'm homesick for the farm, but by the time I get home she will belong to someone else. I hope they are as happy there as I was.

Yesterday and today in Isère

2010-08-10T02:46:00.001-07:00

The niche in Pascale's chambre

A huge house

Chez Maxi zoo, a petstore

I love the gaiety of the colors in the display.

More Images from France

2010-08-10T00:50:00.000-07:00

An old car in front of you guess..............but no we didn't stop. Perhaps it is for the best!

Me and Virginie

We ate the Andine Cornue! Oh gosh they were good, Pascale added mozzarella and fresh basil.

lunch!

Everywhere I look there is a photo op even if the conditions are't
the best. I love these stone buildings.

Annecy

2010-08-09T10:38:00.001-07:00

The amazing gateau de Pascale, with cheese and zucchini

The fountain where a man was giving his little doggy a drink; everyone is on vacation and dogs go everywhere in France, even the grocery store.

Inside a private gate in a house in Annecy

Le lac, the lake at Annecy

Everyone rides velo [bikes] in France, rarely is anyone obese

We went to Annecy, it's a lovely place in the mountains, and water canals with cystal clear cool water fland flows next to the streets, and there are swans. Unfortunately I forgot to snap a pic of cygnes.

Images of Isère France

2010-08-06T10:15:00.000-07:00

This last photo is the view from my chambre, très jolie, n'est-ce-pas?

Beaucroissant is a lovely place

2010-08-06T00:48:00.000-07:00

In the mountains, the Alps; I think! It is so pretty here, it gets chilly at night. I had to buy a gilet or sweater. Everything seems to smell better here, the soap, the shampoo, and of course the food! I am totally off drinking diet pepsi because no one drinks it all the time, and even though I eat well I think I'm losing weight. I went to work with Pascale yesterday, she is the manager of a building in the process of being renovated for parties, receptions etc. It looks like a place where Renoir would have painted people eating and enjoying themselves, it has an amazing glass conservatory which leads to a garden. Afterwards she surprised me by taking me to the local equestrian center, to arrange for a riding session.

Hello from France

2010-08-04T00:00:00.001-07:00

HI all, I'm in Grenoble France and it is amazing; there is nothing that resembles the usa here, and the daily family life is so different. Meals together are important, and everyone helps out; food is prepared daily each meal, but breakfast is bread and chocolate milk, hot of course. I hiked 4 hours with my host family and the views were amazing! I am going to post pics when I can, Salut!

Baby Stuart for share

2010-06-23T08:44:00.000-07:00

This is a Mother's Congress Doll that I have decided to keep!!

2010-06-17T02:07:00.000-07:00

Hannah is an all original 1880's Hertwig China I am rehoming via eBay. Isn't she sweet?

Her auction ends Sunday so hurry and bid if you want her.

SFBJ dolly on eBay tonight

2010-06-13T11:10:00.001-07:00

This pretty little girl goes up for sale tonight in a 7 day auction. She has a wonderful micro gingham dress and custom "chaussures."

Dolly things for sale on eBay

2010-06-08T01:23:00.001-07:00

I have a few old dolly things on eBay, actually, genuine antiques! The pinafore apron is all whitework, circa mid 19th century and very fine, all hand worked. The auctions end Saturday, but keep watching as I am adding more items soon.

PFATT Ebay fun!

2010-05-15T06:28:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday my fellow Pfatties are having a a special auction theme, "Mother Goose." All you have to do is type PFATT into the ebay search box and you will find the offerings. Stop by Tuesday for some fun!

Memories

2010-05-10T06:46:00.000-07:00

My darling Lacey.

My darling Leah.

Mr. Becker's oat sowing wagon.

A wattle fence.

Luteal, a bantam rooster.

Chickens on the sidewalk.

I am leaving the farm behind, but take with me all this, my memory of Kingfisher Farm is one with so many pleasant things.

2010-04-10T13:56:00.000-07:00

The original homesteaders of Kingfisher Farm, the Kiick family.
peeper frog

Spring, my favorite season

2010-03-27T06:37:00.000-07:00

Early morning art show!

On my lap, my cuddle buddies.

Spring is here on the farm, and we have many visitors. Several families have expressed interest in purchasing the farm to make it theirs, and we are moving. My heart is heavy as my horses cannot go with me, but I want to enjoy this last spring here. It is the place that will forever be dear in my heart, my daughter grew up in this house. Change is hard, and where I will be in the future is not certain.

Leah was 7th out of 25 kids at the regional spelling bee, and Dr. Ollie Taylor, one of the judges told her she had never seen a more gracious competitor. She also told her she knew she would go on to do good things, and be a good citizen. I'm so proud of Leah, her spelling bees were so fun. I spend my time doing homework and not gardening or riding, and I miss creating.

I don't know when I will post again, I have a term paper in French to write and a lot of other papers and projects due this next month. See you when I can!

PS to Penny in heaven, I will wear red and think of you often, and your spirit lingers here, and gives me a force.

Golden Dress Hunter breeches

2010-03-08T14:17:00.000-08:00

These are in good condition, knee pads, microfiber breeches, tall, 34 but fit more like 32. $10 email me to purchase, you pay shipping.

The Champion!

2010-01-15T07:35:00.001-08:00

Leah was the Champion of this year's spelling bee! We are so proud of her. Next she goes on to the county bee, where she placed 2nd last year. I hope I can sneak away from my classes to go see her since this is her last year and I have never missed a bee!

Farewell 2009

2009-12-31T18:39:00.001-08:00

Here is this year's snowman, who will live on into the New Year. Notice the snow dog, tradition is here at Kingfisher Farm that there must be a dog to accompany the man.
Happy New Year and see you in 2010!

Fuzzibax sale

2009-12-28T09:13:00.000-08:00

I am having a sale over at Fuzzibax, my Etsy shoppe. I have marked down prices on everything. Happy New Year!
This little bluebird pinkeeper is on sale too!

Christmas eats!

2009-12-26T07:49:00.001-08:00

Making mousse au chocolat.

When you are 13 it is important to write your name in the melting chocolate.

Voila! So pretty in my antique pressed glass sherberts!

Ho Ho HO!

2009-12-23T11:14:00.001-08:00

Here he is and not a second too soon, in my ETSY shoppe! Merry Christmas. If you want free shipping just ask!

Le Sapin de Noel

2009-12-19T21:20:00.000-08:00

Here is our Christmas tree or sapin de Noel for this year. We haven't gotten a lot of snow. Just some dusting of it, and I am ok with that. A bit that looks like a dusting of confectioner's sugar is pretty enough and deep enough for me.

Snow on Frozen Pond

2009-12-07T06:57:00.000-08:00

It is the strangest thing, seeing farmers trying to bring in their corn in the snow. This year has been so wet, they couldn't get in the fields for harvest. Now they are trying to beat the snow. It must be a real drag to have to work outside in these conditions. Me I am so happy for the space heater at my feet while I study for my finals. Hopefully I'll get a few things done before Christmas for Ebay or Etsy. Here is what it looks like at Kingfisher Farm today.
The squirrels are still running around like crazy, frolicking, They don't seem to mind the snow a bit, and have made a new nest in the Hackberry next to the house. Well I had better get back to my French.
Je bosse!

Je m'en debrouille

2009-11-27T19:20:00.000-08:00

I speak french. Seriously. I speak it every day to anyone who will listen. I watch films. Today we watched Les Choristes. It has english subtitles, but don't let this keep you from renting it. It has the most haunting voice I have ever heard, the child actor is really singing. I think tomorrow before I send it back, I will watch for a third time. C'est si bon!

I was not alone

2009-11-09T06:05:00.001-08:00

Ever get the feeling you are being watched? It happened to me today. I had no idea, however, just how small the eyes watching me would be!

Sauve-toi!
Scram!

Remembering Red with an open letter

2009-10-31T06:28:00.000-07:00

Where are you now ole buddy? Are you enjoying the wet fall mud under your feet? Are you well fed? Where do you sleep? What do you eat? I hope you have someone to throw you a frisbee. Red I just want you to know I still love you and miss you, and if you should come home, it would be a glorious day, Love, Pam

Halloween 09

2009-10-25T18:40:00.001-07:00

Ok guess this picture is sideways, thank you Imac!

Chicken Mushrooms! WOw these were good!

A Miracle!

2009-10-21T05:28:00.000-07:00

Last night, after a week of sleepless nights, posting flyers with my contact info (which were pulled down by the next class periods) I got a call from a professor that he had my flash! I am so relieved. As soon as I get it I am uploading all the photos to photobucket and our new portable hard drive. He apologized, saying, it seems I have put you through some distress! He said he realized when he saw my flyers that it was mine. So my efforts did pay off eventually. So many people thought that I wouldn't get it back, and that my photos had already been deleted, and the flash drive put in to use by the "thief." I am so relieved. I think I said that twice. Ok THIRD time...

I AM SO RELIEVED!!!! The above photo was taken at the Great pumpkin patch in Arthur Illinois, long before Martha Stewart was aware of it. If you are in Illinois, you must go there, take the kiddies, it's a blast.

Riding ahead

2009-10-20T08:30:00.000-07:00

To the future with what I have, a lovely child, sweet memories, and a bright future.

It's fall, y'all!

2009-10-04T05:14:00.000-07:00

Here's this years hen of the woods mushroom. Not so big, but oh so tasty! I haven't had much time to go mushrooming. School has kept me busy. I did substitute teach last Friday for the first time this fall, and it's soooooo much easier being a teacher than a student!

Here are some photos of my last foray. I don't know what these are.

This is the path, and it is very steep, and the large root is a step up, although it isn't too obvious from this picture.

Another view of the trail.

These tiny pearls are mushrooms! So incredibly lovely! Pearls of the forest!

American slippery caps in my yard. These went into the frying pan and then into veggie lasagna with white sauce. It was pretty tasty, but I wish I had had some asparagus to put in it.

PFATT Marketplace is open late tonight!

2009-09-09T17:30:00.000-07:00

Come and see my little Bewitching Ella Soynt!

Chanterelles!

2009-08-22T09:21:00.001-07:00

After looking for these for some time we got some rains. I finally found some today. Hubby let the dogs off the leashes and they took off. I don't recommend mushroom hunting with husbands or dogs. They don't find mushrooms. They are, however guaranteed to raise your blood pressure to unhealthy levels. After searching and sliding down slopes I found Sparky and Bindi was excited. Hubby decided to let Bindi off leash again. It made for a very futile hunt. I am glad to be back home and have tons of reading and homework to do.

I might not share my chantys. I'm that mad about it.

Mushroom Hunting

2009-08-15T10:31:00.001-07:00

We went to an enchanting forest, with hopes of finding some edibles. Alas, there weren't any.

Bindi was pretty excited to go! She got out of the car and ran around the parking lot. After a few calls she came back and had to wear a leash until she calmed down. It's park rules to have dogs leashed. But since we didn't see any other people or dogs, we bent the rules a bit, since ours are pretty well behaved.

This must be where the king of the forest holds court with the faeries and other magical forest residents!

One of my hobbies is to find edible mushrooms, if you read this blog you know I'm a total mushroom aficionado. With what groceries are these days, free food tastes even sweeter, and our recreational activities revolve around what our tax dollars already supply. We have some nice parks and reserves, although you aren't able to collect in reserves and preserves, state parks are fair game. I have had really good luck finding edibles right here at home. Don't worry about me dying folks, if I were really dumb I'd have wiped out my whole family by now. Taxonomy is the way to survive. It's my mantra, be sure of what it is, then eat. And cook thoroughly!

This little mushroom may be a Cavalier, or Man on Horseback, found under white pines and apple trees. I might cook a tiny piece and try it, since I am almost certain it is that. If you don't hear from me I am in mushroom heaven!! HA! Bon Weekend!

Pam

Baby love

2009-08-12T07:59:00.000-07:00

Meet Carys, hubby's first grandchild. Pretty Sweet!

Mushrooms again

2009-08-09T11:45:00.001-07:00

I don't think these are chanterelles. Darn. I think they might even be poisonous, so I asked an expert and am waiting for a response. Some people are getting a lot of mushrooms already. The fall season is underway and it's still late summer!

I rode my pony today, so hot! Poor Jezzy didn't want to move. In the barn there was a surprise. The nest that a bird built on the radio that hangs on Jezabelle's stall is a Carolina wren! The babies are now opening their mouths wide.

Apples are falling to the ground now in all the heat, and tomatoes are finally happy! I have new things coming up on Ebay tonight and new things tomorrow on PFATT Marketplace.

'SHROOM UPDATE: These are russula's, very acrid and bitter. So not edible. Not thought to be toxic but not good to eat.

October Create and Decorate

2009-08-05T16:37:00.001-07:00

My Lumina Pumpkin Pincushion Man is in the newest fall issue!

Hurry and buy one today. It's full of fun things to make.

2009-08-04T12:20:00.000-07:00

I have the sweetest Panda on eBay. I also have some folk art listed. Take a peek. I tinkered with my auction template. I know it's amateurish but I did it with my own 2 little hands!

Mornings with Jezabelle

2009-07-30T05:34:00.000-07:00

Kiddo enjoys a snack from last years hay, moved to the end of the arena to make way for this years fresh hay.

I have been put under strict orders by my hubby to sell or re-home the horses. I haven't ridden much. Kiddo my horse is 19 years old and he deserves a good retirement with lots of pampering. He just wants to plod around with kids on his back at a poky walk. I can't sell him. He's just too old. Jezabelle, on the other hand, is still in her prime. However since she hasn't been ridden much she is tubby and out of shape, and picked up a few annoying habits such as pulling on the reins, and falling to the inside of a circle. So I went back to square one with her, lunging her in side-reins and then riding her afterwards. When you lunge a horse, you put them in side-reins, tack them up and let them work in a circle without a rider. You the lunger, have the horse on a lunge line a and stand in the center of the circle. This way the horse regains balance and form without having a rider aboard, nor do they have a pair of hands to pull against, if they pull they are merely pulling themselves.

Well little Jezabelle is one sharp cookie. She figured this out after only a few days and stopped pulling. At least for the most part. When a horse tries to run off on you it usually means one of two things:

A wolf is pursuing and going to eat them or they have no self carriage or balance and are trying to avoid this discomfort!

Since there is no wolf in my indoor riding arena we can assume it is the latter.

After lunging and riding for a few weeks my little pony is really coming along nicely and has lost a few pounds. The poor girl is a lot like the rest of us in middle age, weight comes on instantly but falls off at a snail's pace!

She is cantering wonderfully, responding to half halts, and has stopped pulling. Her self carriage is returning. She walks trots canters, slows gait and halts with voice commands from the ground or the saddle.

I look forward to spending my time with her in the morning. I take cut up pieces of apple for bribery. Or carrots. And of course sugar cubes. The plan is to get her weight down another 50 pounds and start lunging her over small jumps without a rider for a while, then start her jumping under saddle. I used to jump her 2 feet. I am looking forward to this. I am not, however, looking forward to mornings without her.

Notice the snack hanging out of one side of her mouth, swiped from the hay pallets!

I return to college full time in the fall to work towards my teaching certificate. This is the reasoning behind all this, as I will have less time and certainly less money to put towards the horses upkeep. Hay is really expensive. Last year it was 4.50 a bale. This year it was a little better, being 4.00 a bale. This is just the bare minimum of what is needed. Horses need grain. The cost of it has soared from $7 bucks a bag to $13. You also need salt blocks, farrier, fly spray, yearly teeth floating, vaccinations, Coggin's test and you have to be there every day! There are no vacations from horses. But I love looking out the window and seeing my beloved horses. I love the smell of horses. I love the sound of horses, the hoof beats, the whinnies, but best of all the soft nickers they give you as a greeting, it's like a cat purr.

Pure happiness.

PFatt FRIDAY!!!

2009-07-10T11:14:00.001-07:00

This shy little guy is for sale uber cheap on my etsy site!
Now on EBAY
Here is a happy-to-be-living in the country bird, "My Country home" is stitched to the side, as if done 200 years ago. Her wings are jointed with 100 yr old rusty overall buttons, the kind found on child's clothing.

Now on Ebay!!!The federal style house was stitched like so many were in days gone by, and you can see this house stitched into linen samplers in the book, "Girlhood Embroidery".

This sweet little bird is actually a pin, but you can hang her on the wall too.

The newest edition of PFATT Marketplace is up!

Take a Peek!

Pin Keeps on eBay

2009-07-07T12:57:00.000-07:00

~Sold~

Pin Keeps galore on eBay now! And a cute little old bear in my etsy shoppe!

Jenny Wren

2009-07-06T09:04:00.000-07:00

~SOLD~

Jenny Wren sits on her rusty wire nest, farm archaeology at its best, found object base with lots of rust and patina. I love using old objects. The character they have cannot be duplicated. They have an honest raw beauty. There is a pocket in my pin keeper, also a Fuzzibax invention which contains a genuine antique bird call! This pin keeper has a wire holder, in which I have tucked an antique photo of 2 school girls. It is really beautiful as a sculpture however you can use it to hold pins and needles. Wren spins on top. Overall height is 9 inches. From her humble nest she learned to fly....
This could be the most powerful statement made, nothing from nothing? No something from effort and innovation! Fly! See her in my Etsy shop. She was featured in Stuffed magazine's premiere issue.

Thunder has new wings and a tree

2009-07-05T18:10:00.000-07:00

Thunder is now SOLD with a few revisions. He has new mohair jointed and wire armature wings, and a woolen twig.

Wednesday's thoughts and a score!

2009-07-01T14:03:00.001-07:00

My "poulette" ( french for baby chicken ) went thrifting. This is what I found. Can you guess what it is? I will put all good guesses in a hat and pull a winner, who shall receive a prize! I thought it fitting to find a piece of Americana for the Fourth of July!

I just scored an antique heavy salt glaze pottery item at the thrift. I never get much at the thrift anymore, the new manager raised prices and got rid of the volunteers that used to give me deals! When something is old she knows it and marks it way up, mostly way more than it's worth. But this time she just knew it was old and put it in the case. For giggles I asked to see it. I about died. I kept looking at it in disbelief that it was what it was and how cheap! It has a modern simplistic circular design and is very heavy.

We had the 7 layer taco bell nachos. YUM! Last night Mr. Kingfisher kept telling me not to eat the mushrooms and forbade Leah from eating them. They are among the "safe 6" easily identifiable. I've not seen them here on the farm before. I'm still alive and gosh they were good! I'm going back out for more, there were some little ones coming up.

My horses always entertain me.
I made their pasture bigger the other night. Jezabelle is so smart. She saw me out pounding posts and started to get very excited and running around, she KNEW what I was doing! When I opened the gate and she and Kiddo flew by me. It was so fun. I hung all the laundry out to dry that day. The wind blew it dry in a jiffy. Today is cool. Good sleeping weather! We've had a scorching heat here in the Midwest, so it is a welcome respite. Happy Fourth Everyone!

Nature Nurture

2009-06-30T18:53:00.000-07:00

Its about time for another wild mushroom post! I found these inky caps today. They are now in my stomach!
Here's what they look like before washing:

Here below is proof positive of inky caps. The water you soak them in turns to ink!
I soaked the mushrooms in salt water to rid them of the inhabitants.

Now here they are in the fry pan with butter, saute for 20 min.

They were absolutely delicious. Incidentally, the plant in the photo above is Burdock, whose root is also edible, as are the flower buds. For more information on foraging safely check out "Wildman" Steve Brill. He has a lovely vegetarian cookbook out. He was once arrested for eating a dandelion, and gives tours in parks to anyone who wishes to know how to forage. He's quite a character, having been interviewed by everyone from Al Roker (twice) to David Letterman.

At last

2009-06-29T12:38:00.000-07:00

Some bears I made a few years ago.

My pink water lily is blooming again.

Today our regular internet came back on. We had to buy a new el cheapo(but what's cheap these days isn't really) computer to get MIFI internet from Verizon, which costs you by the minute like a cell phone. Of course this wasn't fully disclosed by the dealer (mega box store) since they just started carrying it a few days ago. Now Mr Kingfisher suggests we cancel that and take back the new hardware. But gee its so pretty. I think we should keep it and just delete Vista off of it and put all the stuff from our old computer on the new one. Anyone know how to do that??

Dear Red

2009-06-29T06:15:00.000-07:00

When it is hot may you have a drink of cool water and a shady tree.
When it is cold may you have a warm fire.
When you are hungry may you have a meal.
When you are lonely (which is all the time) may there be a gentle hand scratching your thick skull.
You have broken my heart in running away. But where ever you are, may you be safe and much loved.

Camping out week 2

2009-06-25T15:07:00.000-07:00

It's about time for desperate measures. Mr Kingfisher is looking at alternate internet. I said don't cut ties what about all the email trapped in our inbox??

No internet at home

2009-06-23T11:51:00.000-07:00

Thunder storms knocked out our provider's tower at 5:30 am last Thursday. So I cannot access my kingfisher farm email from my site, so please use kingfisherfarmprims@yahoo.com.
Red has not returned home. I am done with my summer college courses. No Internet for 5 days is getting old. It's sad how addicted I am to the net, but it's been tricky trying to take quizzes for college at public library instead of home sweet home. Hopefully Red will come home and the tower gets fixed soon!

Thunder is on eBay!

2009-06-14T15:59:00.000-07:00

Thunder makes his eBay debut! He is listed tonight, Sunday, and ends next Sunday the 21st, on Father's Day. Red is still missing. I am beside myself. He is microchipped. I hope that helps!

Dolls.

2009-06-14T10:18:00.000-07:00

I can't get enough of images of dolls.

Old ones. Good ones!

Pretty, tattered, pretty, battered.

Please me with your frocks of old,

your lucid eyes and locks of gold.

Shredded petticoat let them come, I'll dote!

Baby COME HOME

2009-06-13T04:57:00.001-07:00

Red please come home. Today. We miss you.

Girls just wanna have fun!

2009-06-01T20:37:00.001-07:00

Marisa rides the Kid.

First time in the saddle for Vivi, and a natural talent. Definately not her last ride!

Jezabelle gets spoiled.

Mrs O and Vivi.

New friends. Sneaky the snake with Marisa, Leah and Vivi.

Girls just wanna ride! My student and her study buddy and friend came and rode the ponies, ate some snacks, scooped up tadpoles and cuddled some critters. It was a glorious break from studying. Now back to term papers. I have too many of those to count. (obvious sighhhhhhhh)

My Garden of Weeds, Garden of Knowledge blooms.

2009-05-25T08:16:00.000-07:00

I am not pulling weeds, I am writing papers and taking tests and quizzes and observing classes. My creative life is on hold for a bit. But here are some images I snapped last week of my flowers. My mini pond is about overun with honeysuckle and iris. The big pond is teeming with tadpoles.

I am commuting several days a week to university and have a lot of stress. As the oldest student I feel I have a lot to lose if I fail! I mean, my life may be over half over, but I am determined to be productive. I have a long road ahead of me. I must in order to teach French, pass the OPI or oral proficiency interview. But now my head is all Spanish, and I don't have the c0ursework to graduate in that, it would take years more schooling. Alternate certification programs dont exist in foreign language these days. So this summer I have embarked on a new journey. I do miss creating. But my studio is not as enticing as the barn. Gotta go ride and burn off some stress! Happy Trails and hope you enjoyed my garden. Pam

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-08T20:14:00.001-07:00

This little baby makes his mama very happy. He is in a zoo somewhere in eastern europe. I forget where! My love affair with rhinos continues. Adorable.
Have a great Mother's Day. I will have a bunch of new things up for sale on PFATT Marketplace on Sunday. Take a peek! Pam

New things in my Etsy shop!

2009-05-02T07:32:00.000-07:00

I will be adding new things this weekend to my ETSY shop. These 2 little birdies are already there! (Owlet is SOLD but birdie is still available.)

It's a dog's life

2009-04-26T15:36:00.001-07:00

This new dolly pocket is available on my penny doll blog.

A loyal friend, a doll and a cello. Oh, and a pesky little sister!

Inhale. Slowly. Hold. Now exhale!

A nap after a cross country mud run.

Gee boss, your breakfast smells better than mine!!

Free Free Roxana Saberi

2009-04-18T07:59:00.000-07:00

http://roxanasaberi.com/

There is a great injustice being served to a hard working and courageous young woman. Please go to the site above and post a message of support, and read about her. So many people are without freedom and justice. Roxana is their voice. I pray that she is given her freedom immediately.
Update 4/20/09: This article tells the real reason she is being held, she is, as I suspected, being used as a political pawn:

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1892488,00.html?xid=rss-world-yahoo

Tweedles goes to VEGAS!!

2009-04-16T20:03:00.000-07:00

So long little buddy! Have fun! Maybe you'll see the glitteratti on the Vegas strip! UH oh, he's a little blurry, he's moving a bit fast. Don't blink, wait, he's GONE!! Be careful for goodness sake!

Exciting news on my Penny Wooden blog!

2009-04-13T11:06:00.001-07:00

http://pennywoodendolls.blogspot.com/

Favorite time of year

2009-04-10T08:03:00.000-07:00

This little bird has a special price on PFATT Marketplace!

These owls are on sale too, if you are interested please email me.

Here is my new etsy banner made by Sandy of Samiamcreations!

This little owl is on sale too, he is in my ETSY shoppe.

I love this time of year. The frogs are singing, birds returning. As in, Meadowlarks and Blue Heron and Robin red breast.

We had the roof on the porch and house repaired, and that is a huge relief. And a new metal roof to the garage to match the green barn doors.

I have been so busy at school, translating for my Spanish speaker and taking an accelerated Speech course. Glad that's over. Now I can perhaps find time for some pleasurable things again, like cooking and sewing!

Hope your longer days are happy. Pam

A Heroine of Mine

2009-03-28T18:49:00.000-07:00

Anita Roddick was and still is an inspiration to me. She founded The Body Shop. There are copycats to her business, just look in your local mall, but they can not take what she had. She was an activist and a businesswoman second. When I think I cannot do something, I think of her and I get empowered and inspired. She valued diversity and culture. She would not lower her moral and ethical standards to make a buck, in fact, those qualities were the keys to her success. Anita, in heaven, I salute you.

Revealed!

2009-03-16T16:14:00.001-07:00

Here he is, my tiny little Buddha bear! He came to me completely by surprise. You can find cousins to adopt here.

Ah that's better. Cooling my posterior in the famed Kingfisher Farm Moss! Delightful.

Thank you Peng Peng for my delightful little fellow. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

PFATT Marketplace Tuesday March 1Oth

2009-03-09T19:48:00.000-07:00

I have new work available on PFATT Marketplace! Be sure to visit. It's fresh and fun! You'll never guess what this shoe contains, ok, I'll tell you, my first RHINO!! Go take a look Tuesday March 10th.