We hosted a baby shower recently to welcome our fourth grandchild, so it was time to do some cleanup and fixing up around the farm.
February is the worst month to visit us, usually, because nothing is blooming, and it’s often cold. But we made the best of it by robbing all the magnolia trees we could find, and using a great theme – “A New Chapter”, which allowed us to use the thing we have the most of: books!
Mother nature decided to add some extra work for us in the form of the ice storm, so in addition to getting the house ready for visitors, we cleaned up sticks, fallen trees, and branches for a couple of weeks, too. We burned one debris pile for three days.
I painted the front door twice, and it’s still taking some getting used to. I just couldn’t buy a dark enough blue or green to be as subtle as I dreamed. But I am done with the door for a couple of years!
Our 1912 farmhouse has this wonderful porch. It’s really another living area for the family, and has been forever! I like to call it our own “Cracker Barrel” style – but it’s mostly all our own things. If you have questions about any pieces, I’m glad to answer. The star over the door was made by my son Connor. He crafted it in his workshop days while still in high school. He’s moved on to designing and 3D printing sports cars and military hardware, now!
Bottle trees were washed and refreshed – you can always count on them to be “blooming”. We were blessed with the winter honeysuckle giving a show and smelling heavenly. It’s the easiest plant, and such a great surprise when it blooms in about January/February.
I love this little birdhouse we bought in Ellijay, Georgia over New Year’s. I’ve had the wigglebutts sign as long as we have had Rosie, and she is 7!
It feels so good to have something to “get ready for,” when it comes to a spring refresh! So welcoming and nice to look forward to coming home to!
Deerhound Dilsey agrees it’s all nice. But she is ready for me to bring back out their beds that usually are on the front porch!
This direction sign mirrors one in the back garden. It’s supposed to be temporary for the party, but I sure do love it’s wonkiness and fun colors! I hand painted the signs, and we used one of the little pines that fell during the ice storm for a post!
