summer vacation #2

The farm.

This is the home of my husband's mom. She's lived here I think for about 23 years. She raises sheep and cattle on a small scale and always has a huge vegetable garden. I love to roam the garden. It's quiet and beautiful, and I love to see food growing as opposed to how I see it most of the time--in the produce section of the market. I am so fond of vegetable gardens, big or small. The sights the sounds, it just seems so right.

We actually lived next-door to her here, on a piece of property she gave us for about 3 years. Hannah was born at home right there out in the country. Those were 3 special years and we have so many fond memories. The 3 boys were in heaven with 16 acres to roam and dig (little boys love to dig you know, all the way to China if they could) and a swimming hole just across the road. Mark's brother now lives on that piece of property running his nursery business. It's good to have it in the family still and that's how it will stay for a very long time.

Inner tubes waiting for the creek.

Feeding time for the cows. Grandma has named each one of them :)

One of my favorite gates that the grape vine has taken over. I still went through it, hunched over and all.

I took pictures of all the gates around the house and garden. I feel sentimental about them I guess. Going in and out so many times, the endless times of reminding the kids to close them, the familiar and different squeaks each one makes. They seem like part of the family.

I forgot to ask grandma what this was, but who could resist taking a picture of it with that gorgeous color and curious vine meandering it's way through? Not I. 

Farm, I will always love you...xo.

Comments

[Tara]

My grandparents' screen door has a distinctive sound that will always remind me of them. I told them when they passed, I want the door. They think I'm nuts but that door is love for me.

[madmommy]

Your post gives me that wonderful tight feeling in my chest that makes me feel the same as when I visit my mom's house, with her beautiful wildflower gardens, nestled in the woods in northern Wisconsin. Aren't family homes wonderful places?

[amanda]

i loved reading this. loved the pictures as well. we're currently in the process of looking for a place like that, a place our kids will always want to come home too.

[strikkelise]

A lovely post.
It's been a long time since I saw those inner tubes, it seems everyone here uses something bright in plastic these days.

[Laura]

Love. Oh love love love this post.

The last item - ideas: corn sheller, wheat or oat thrasher? It looks like a seperator sort of tool but it's hard to tell from here. Sort of looks like a clothes wringer but... not exactly. Your husband doesn't know what it is?

My grandparents grew popcorn and called their tool for removing the kernels from the cob a "corn sheller".

[Kristy]

Such a lovely place.Have you been getting tips from Micah?Those photos are just beautiful xxx

[Zeynep]

I loved your mother in law's garden.And my mum wants to have one.but we live in İstanbul.if you come here you know how it is crowded and to have a big garden is impossible here.My mum wants to go mediterrenian side.She wants some silence.But she has to work here.She is ornament organiser.She loved this garden and sighed and said"Am ı gonna have this one day?"I sais yes but when.because ı am in university maybe when ı graduate she will have.But your mother in law has taken care it very much.ıt is wonderful in a few words.and your web page is also wonderful.

[Mama Urchin]

What a nice post. Thanks for sharing the farm with us.

[Stacey]

What a wonderful place - it reminds me of where I grew up and how much country living has changed - the city is migrating into it - eek! What gorgeous pictures - thank you for the trip down memory lane.

[Tracy]

Beautiful place...can see why you love it so!

[Lea]

We have gates here too at End of the Road! They are like family...they are what take you from the safeness inside to the big world out...sort of like stepping through the looking glass at times don't you think?

....the curious vine..um... leaves of three let it be!!

[Rennagayle]

My grandma didn't live on a farm, at least not in her latter years when I 'knew' her. Though she was widowed and living in town by the time I came along, the farm girl was still in her. She grew a huge vegetable garden beside her house each year, right up to the day she died at 80, from a wheelchair, no less! They were a heartier breed back then, I think. ;-)

What made me think of my grandma is your mil's house. It could BE my Nanny's old house. With the exception of Nanny's house having only one window upstairs (the area to the right was attic), it looks exactly like her old house. I spent many hours with my cousins, swinging on the porch swing under the covered porch. We loved visiting there!

Thank you for resurrecting fond memories today. :-)

[Diane Duda]

Gorgeous photos! Looks like the perfect vacation. :)

[Kathe Kramer]

Vacation agrees with you. Thank you for taking the time to treat us to all you share.

[Valerie]

amazingly beautiful - makes my eyes wet...

[Jude]

I want to come over!

[Rebecca F.]

What a wonderful set of photos! I see where your son's talents come from.

Hugs to you.

R/

[mgm]

awww t:) you've just taken me home to my grandpa's farm here in WI and inner tubes ??? well I've seen my share of those right in my backyard. I love to come here when I'm veging out it's about the most relaxing place to be on the net..enjoy your family homestead..I think you know who this is:) xoxo

[tea time and roses]

Toni how beautiful, it all reminds me of my Grandma's farm with all the sights and sounds... It brought back memories looking at the grapevine. Grandma had one on an old fence that ran along side the house. We children would sneak and pick a few grapes before they were ripe. I still remember how small and hard they were and just how they made our faces frown because of the sourness! I love the country... So glad you had a beautiful time.

Smiles...

Beverly

[emily]

what an awesome farm- i had no idea it was so beautiful out there- reminds me a bit of my grandparents farm near auburn- ping pong table in the barn, and my grandpas pottery wheel. did seth and vanessa go with you guys? i thought i saw him feeding the cows. i've seen micah around here and there- starbucks, cuesta swimming pool- such a grown up boy now. we're at my brohters house today, gonna pick my mom up at the airport this afternoon- having lots of fun, and finding time for some scrabble games- can't wait to see you soon! love em

[victoria]

What lovely photos! They would lend themselves to framing or on greeting cards. Absolutely beautiful...

[~vicki]

Beautiful pix and post! Next time I want to visit YOU at the farm...looks like a wonderful peaceful place. xox

[Mia]

I love the photos. And that looks like an old time washing machine to me. But I could be wrong. The farm looks like it would be a great place not just to visit but live.

[amandajean]

love all the farm photos. :) farms are great places-to visit...hee hee hee...otherwise they are a LOT of work!

[AnnieElf]

Such a beautiful place made even more beautiful because of the happy memories that live there.