Luv your speckle enamelware bird feeder…
We have been having Geese passing through, I love hearing them honk… no bluebirds or meadowlarks yet… but the magpies are busy grubbing. Yep, Spring is almost here!

Had a mama deer & her 2 toddlers feed on the apples/hay & corn we put out in the trough.. luv watching them as they cross between our home & barn… See, Spring is in the air! :>)

I smiled all the way through your post. I don’t have any, but chickens have always looked like pure fun to me. Hearing your descriptions and seeing your pictures makes me feel like I get to be part of your lifestyle. Thank you! I have a new goal now. They always say try to be as good as your dog, but now I will add trying to be as happy as a chicken!

My heart aches for you. What a beautiful creature and a touching story. How lucky to have had two wonderful souls in your life. God Bless you, until you meet again.

Oh Shery … Yet another beautiful tribute to your beloved horse. I am SO sorry for your double loss but you have a wonderful attitude and with time, your aching heart will heal. Your tribute made me cry. God Bless … Carol

I feel your pain. I am so blessed that you choose to share your feelings with us. I know it was hard. I too have to believe that there is a Rainbow Bridge. It would be to hard not to believe.

OH Sherry, I am SO sorry. You & Bluebell have been in my thoughts lately; now I know why… your writings are so interesting, emotional, & filled with LOVE. From one animal lover to another; Prayers are with you, jonna

Oh Shery,

There just aren’t words to convey to you how very sorry I am. What a terrible blow to lose both your dear ones so close to one another. But I believe you are right that she couldn’t imagine living without her friend. I once again send you love and warm wishes and an understanding hug. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

While I have only raised 4 Old English sheep Dogs I have lost them all. Your heart is in threads at each loss. It’s hard to tell people who don’t know that kind of love how wonderful it is. you are in my thoughts and prayers

Great tribute to some fine animal friends….sigh…ya gotta quit makin’ my eyes leak though…. (:

Sherry: I am crying with you, I know what a good horse, best friend, worker and pal can mean to you. But I am laughing with you too. That last sign about shrinking in the dryer is a hoot! God Bless and live free with your new steed.

Oh Sheri, My heart goes out to you. I am writing this with tears in my eyes. Although I have never owned or been close to a horse, I have had other animals who have been dear to me and my family. And when you lose one it is just like a part of your heart being torn out, as you said. How wonderful for you to have so many memories and photos of those precious days with your two amazing horses! Thank you for sharing both your joy and pain with us. God bless and keep the faith!

Wow…what a wonderful story! I have to agree that Morgan horses are very special. My daughter had an old style Morgan from New England who was as smart as a whip and as sweet as pie. I am so glad that you are getting to raise another one. Thank you for sharing the promise that we will get to see our furry friends in Heaven some day. They are like family, and our God knows the desires of our heart.

Thank you for sharing your most beautiful story of love. Peace

Soft hugs to you. Love reading your post each and every one.
I so believe there will be animals in heaven, I will be waiting for my sweet rosebud (my dog)and my sweet horse holly, they were my very best friends.
Donna

Once again, dear Shery, you have outdone yourself. I wanted to let you know that I saved a couple of ‘Dolly Cam’ pictures on my computer from one of your previous blogs. I ran across them the other day and as always, they made me smile. How much closer to heaven can you get, than spending time with your dear friend?
Large hugs to you!

Shery, as I read about your loss of Bluebelle, then the loss of beloved Dolly, I have the biggest lump in my throat and tears streaming down my face wanting to give you the biggest ‘Hug" ever. It is such a hard loss (but the twice), we go on remembering the wonderful joy they brought to us in the time they graced us in their life time. Warm embrace to you!

Such a beautiful story. Last year I lost what I call my heart dog. A dog that helped me though the unexpected passing of my sister. Her beautiful spirit was there when I needed her to come and rest her head on my lap when my heart was breaking. Just a short time after my sister passed away my beautiful Bella became ill and one month to the day of diagnosis she was gone. My heart broke. Just recently, last month, my husband of 40 years suddenly passed away. My heart is broken once again. We planned a trip out west which now we will never to do. I have a void in my heart that is so large. I too hope that someday I will find another heart dog that will be there by my side, my best friend. I hope you have much joy with your new journey. I too hope someday that my heat will sing again with joy…….

Oh Shery……how my heart breaks for you. I do understand what you are going through. I have lost horses, cows (a Jersey milk cow that was MY baby), a mule and many doggies. The last episode was so hard, I truly felt I could not go through it again. It’s just too hard. Good Lord, I still had a wad of tissue here by my computer left over from your last post! Once again, I cried my eyes out for what you are going through. I tried to share with my husband, but just couldn’t get the words out. Gosh darn, life can be tough. I’m sending prayers to my Wyo sis and just wish I were there to give you a hug to squeeze the stuffin’s outta ya!! Love from your SoCal sister, Vikki

So sorry for your loss. Our 4 legged family members are so stitched into our soul that the grieving is all-consuming. Your beautiful horses knew that and you are the now the warrior to send them off in love for happy trails until reunited again with them. Life is so short that only the loving and giving to other equine (all animals)will give us love and guidance to follow our path and make a difference while we are here.

Oh how I cried for you. Putting down a loved one when you know it is the best thing for them is the hardest and losing two loved ones so close together…..my heart is heavy for you. I know getting another loved one helps but it doesn’t take away the intense sadness. We put our beloved dog down and I stayed with him till the complete end and i am glad I did but it was so very hard. We got another rescue within weeks and it helped to have a new love to take care of but the saddness was still there and still is even now upon occasion. when I love, I love deep and Shortie will always be my boy. And I am grateful for him being in my life and grateful to have spent that time with him. Now I know he is in heaven eating all that he wants and playing all that he wants. Love takes care of all.

A beautiful tribute that brought tears to my soul & heart!
I had to have my 11 year old daughter BAILEY who owns her own
gelding Pony of America 14.2 hand horse named "DANDY" read the rest as
her Mom was so choked up reading:(
My daughters #1 Love is her boy!
Thank you for a most fascinating story of your lives.
As a mom who dreamt of having horses be my world young, I was unable to until my daughter
got the bug @ age 4! Now I’m turning 49 & just going to start riding for first to my daughters desire
I join & have this love shared as a bonding unity.
Thank you, Christy &Bailey

A tribute as beautiful as she was. Why are ‘great horses’ buried in that fashion?

Kristy asked: Why are "great Horses" buried in that fashion?

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I answered: Thank you **EVERYONE** for your kind thoughts and tender words of comfort :o) Thank you so much.

Actually, many humans are buried like this too…some vertical and some laid down. It began with humans. The idea behind it comes from this Bible promise: Believers in Jesus will be raised/resurrected when the Lord Jesus appears in the sky … having come for believers at the Rapture (not to be confused with His 2nd coming). The Rapture is not THE 2nd return; the Rapture happens *before* His 2nd return. Described in scripture this way: "Those who are dead shall be raised first and then those of us who are alive at that time will changed in the blink of an eye." It will be a rescue, an evacuation, believers shall be taken to the Heavenly’ refuge’ before the Great Tribulation begins – spoken of in the book of Revelation. SOoo, with all of that in mind, people (those who believe in Jesus) wanted to be buried and to bury their loved ones facing the East as a loving reminder that they will be facing east, which scripture describes this way: Christ brilliantly appears in the east like the rising sun. Now, somewhere in time, it also became customary to bury a beloved horse in like manner – namely war horses who gave their all on the battlefield and who were beloved by their riders. From there it spread to other horse lovers … and especially cowboys. Many Christians believe in the resurrection of *ALL* life – not just human life. One verse describes it this way, "All Creation travaileth, groaning, waiting for our deliverance" — as in collective living beings. Many, many, many Bible scholars (of old and recent experts too) support this belief which is a great comfort to believers who dearly love their animals because … "All things bright & beautiful, all things great & small, all things wise & wonderful, the Lord God made them all."     – Shery J

Oh Shery,
I am so very sorry for your loss. It will take a long time for the pain to ease, but it will, and then when you think of your lovely Bluebelle you will smile with a heart full of memories. I lost my beloved 12 year old St Bernard just before Christmas and I truly thought that my heart might never sing again. But it has become somewhat easier with the passage of time, and I assure you it will for you too. What a wonderful life she had , and the memories of her will comfort you in the days ahead. I promise. My thoughts and prayers are with you. And they come with a warm hug of understanding.

So very sorry for your loss. Bluebelle was an extraordinary being and I thank you for providing a glimpse into her life. Once in a lifetime, if we’re lucky, we are graced by an angel in the form of a loving animal who possesses an uncanny grace, intuition and intelligence as Bluebelle did. Anyone whose life has been touched by such an incredible and devoted friend feels your pain and cries with you. I know I am. May the passage of time ease the pain of your loss.

Shery
Will pray for you. I know how your heart aches.
I lost 2 such horses in my life time so far.
My first pony who would wait at the door while I changed from school clothes to play.
The other was my quarter horse who was the dearest horse. I’m thankful to say she gave me 2 foals which we still have.
Freedom is the air we feel blowing between the ears of the horse we ride.
Ann

My heart and thoughts are with you Shery. You wrote a beautiful tribute to your loyal and steadfast friend. I am with you in spirit. Peace and blessings to you.

Shery: I am crying with you. I had a morgan horse once. He was wonderful. I still miss him. Belle blessed you in so many ways. Be glad you had her for so long. I wish I was there to give you farmgirl hugs. God Bless.

What a beautiful tribute to one of God’s most regal of His creations. Now, that the tears stopped their flow, I feel your joy of having had her in your life. You were truely blessed. And, as well, she to have you. She is not gone….she is just away….

What a lovely eulogy for a beloved member of your family. I’m sure she knew she was cherished and shared the affection. Thank you for telling her story.

Shery, My heart is broken for you . I have been in your shoes and they are not comfortable. You were right about Bluebelle giving you such a gift to go quietly on her own- we arent usually that fortunate, are we? She will remain in your heart forever, and you will meet again, I am sure of it. Love, Meredith

Shery,

Losing a horse is like no other pain. You have done a great justice to your dear Bluebelle with these caring words. She sounds like, as you say, a great horse. The adventures shared in your blog are something most people will never know. I’ll never ever forget the morning I discovered that my beloved Mohawk had passed during the night. He was 26 years old and we had been together for 20 years and 360 days. It still hurts but there are three wonderful, nickering horses waiting in their stalls right now for me to slog my way through this spring time blizzard to give them hay and water before bedtime. My sympathies to you and thank you for sharing. -Kim

Shery, I am so sorry for your loss of Bluebelle, What a lovely memorial to her life. She was a very special horse for sure! How blessed you were to have had her in your life. I remember when my very dear mare passed away, I was heart broken for a very long time. Horses are one of the most wonderful of God’s creatures.
I love the picture of the little lamb with the doggie coat on, so cute!!
My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Shery, condolences on your physical loss but your memories will live forever. You were blessed with a most precious ‘love’ and she was blessed by having you in her life. God Bless.

Shery,
Thank you for this beautiful post and a good cry. I am so sorry for your loss. Bluebelle was an amazing soul. Run free with the wind, Bluebelle.

Shery,
So very sorry for your loss. Wishing you peace,
Janet

Dear Shery,
I’m sitting here crying my eyes out and grabbing at the tissues…oh my, I can relate. I’ve lost beloved horses, mules, cows and dogs in my life. It just hurts sooo bad and although time does heal, a sweet story like what you have been so gracious to share, brings all of those memories streaming back like a strong tide. So, I cry. But like you, I am confident that someday we will be reunited with those loved ones once again. Oh happy day! Thank you for sharing such a precious experience. Bless your heart.

Shery, I was also moved by your tribute to "BlueBelle". My own horse from 40 years ago "Smokey Joe" was part morgan and so much fun but you could put a child on him and he just tippee toed around. Many times when I am stressed or tired I just close my eyes and take a ride on him thru the Nebraska pastures we rode in stopping on top of the highest points looking out at the sights. It is still just a vivid today as it was in the 1960’s. Bluebelle will always be with you in mind a spirit just as Smokey is with me.

Enjoy your spring it will be here soon.

Hi Shery,
I just read your blog. I thought I was the only one with horses like that…identical. Chico…my 1956 Montana mare,Chico, a Morgan out of the remounts of Miles City Montana…I had her from the time she was 4 unti she was 27 and died in my arms during the night. Buried in Utah my old place. My best friend. I’m bawling my eyes out writing this…it’s very hard.
Her daughter, Pica (means little girl in Norwegian), she lived till the ripe ole age of 34, she’s buried in Washington, our last station. My heart breaks in a million pieces because my Air Force heritage does not allow us to stay in one place too long, at least until now. those two horses took me across the wheat fields of Montana and into the cutting arenas on the intermountain circuit. Chico took me to high school and college rodeo, Great Falls and Bozeman MT, my $109 horse was never out of the finals and I have a precious buckle. I just lost her granddaughter two years ago April. Sophie was 25. I always have a big enough horse trailer to get them all to wherever in one trip. Been up to a 6 horse but today am down to a 3 horse..that’s how many girls I have now. And they all look just like yours. Except for Chico, the first one. She was an honest to God blood bay, the color of merlot wine. Pica would get a touch on her neck during the winter but closer to your girls once she shed off. I still have my bays, silly me. they are quarter horses but to be totally honest if I could find those morgan horses like you have had I would be on the road so fast you wouldn’t see daylight. I would give it all to have those two girls back again. If you have a person who could connect me, I’m ready! I’m pushing 67 this year and finally building the last homestead!! I’m 32 miles short of the Idaho border in northern Utah, we planted alfalfa last late summer…our first crop and my fingers are crossed. this summer the barn and the house go in and I retire from the Air Force. I have had a long and wonderful life with them but it’s time to land the plane and pop the canopy. Still have my original saddle that came with Chico, it was made out of one hide from a family saddlery in Georgia. I’m still riding that and the one I bought in 71…great cutting, roping and stuff saddle. I’d love to meet you, we could trade some great tales about our girls.
It does my heart good to know that you had that same closeness…there is nothing like it. My best to you and live long!! Amy I Meighan

Well said Shery, I just wanted you to know I agree with you wholeheartedly!!! I truly believe this is our time, time to take a stand for our country, our flag and all that they represent!!!

What you may consider wrong in our country, I may consider right. I believe in a country of diversity and an acceptance of everyone no matter their color, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, or what language they speak. I believe human beings should not be labeled ‘legal’ or ‘illegal’ and that we should welcome all. I believe we have a moral obligation to make sure that everyone should have equal education, healthcare, food and shelter despite their circumstances and that we have no right to judge whether someone should be cared for or not. I know that 2nd amendment rights are not being taken away and that we definitely need to remove assault weapons and that is the only thing being planned. I think we have the best President we have had in the history of our country. I believe that the symbol of our flag is stronger than ever.

Thank you Shery.
Very well put. Unfortunately taking America away from us started long ago.
But you are right it is never too late to fight for our Freedom!
May we wake soon before we find our beloved country taken from us.
God please not just bless America but heal her and bring our hearts back to You where we belong!
Praying
Ann
Matthew 6:33

WOW, you have touched my inner self. You write so poetic and so perfect to understand. I am an immigrant who came to this country when I was ten years old. I’m sixty now and I have embraced every aspect of the American life and would not know any other lifestyle or belief. You are so correct in all the points you make. We are at a turning point and we will not let our guard down so that OUR COUNTRY, our nation continues under GOD, we were founded under GOD and I personally commit myself to hold those high standards that we were brought up with. I hope that all who read your blog understand the importance of your message. Thank you, Maria

Well said, thank you for your prayers, feelings, your belief and steadfast love for our country. As the daughter of America, my father, grandfathers, great-grandfathers, brother, nephews, cousins etc all the way back to before this country was a country have fought and served, many gave their life and are buried in far away countries. I fly Old Glory with with pride, dedication to my country, the country where I was born, Ft. Leonard Wood, MO to be exact. We must take a stand, personally as well as collectively, to stand for our rights, the founding fathers may not have had everything perfect, as they were/are human too, however the principles stand to this day as our foundation. Long may Old Glory wave, God Bless our troops past and present, may those who died for their country rest in peace until we meet again.

Your sphere of influence is not as small as you think. That was beautifully presented.

Hear! Hear! Well said!

Shery,
Your post really rings true in every word. Our country is being undermined at the very highest levels of our government. Corruption, greed, and self interest have taken hold and common sense and decency are no longer fashionable. If we do not stand strong for what is right we will be silenced by those who want to take this country down. Lying, cheating, philandering are now commonplace and acceptable ways of living ones life in America. Heaven forbid anyone holds people accountable for their actions, now doing wrong is celebrated. I worry too that the country I grew up in is long gone. It is only through calling attention to what is happening that we will wake up, do the right thing, and keep America strong. We must stand together.

Dear Shery~~~All I can say is you are exactly right & I agree with everything you have said!! Thank you for speaking out & encouraging us to do the same. I will wave my flag proudly next to yours & pray for God’s mercy on us all.
XO, Linda
Farmgirl Sister #971

Thank you Shery for putting IT so well!!!! Your words should be printed in each and every news paper, magazine and Facebook page. God Bless you and God Bless the USA.

Shery, I loved your blog. And I agree whole heartedly that were losing our roots for what America used to stand for. I read an interesting story told by John McCain about when he was a POW, and what a certain young man did with the flag while in captivity. It puts tears in your eyes as to how important the flag and the pledge of allegiance was to he and his fellows prisoners. If you’d like to read it just google…"John McCain’s remarks about the pledge of allegiance" and you’ll have a new understanding and appreciation for our country, the flag and what it stands for. Hats off to you Shery for being bold enough to address a real and frightening issue this country is facing.

Amen amen —

the wait was worth it. Loved it all. So many treasures. enjoy!

Shery … Your porch is magnificent. You should be so proud of all the hard work you and Lynn did to make it all come together. What a pretty place to have a party. I was especially touched by the typewriter … I made my living as a school secretary, starting in the early 1970’s with an electric typewriter and, of course, ending my career using computers! Thanks for sharing your beautiful place … and Happy, Healthy NEW YEAR! God Bless … Carol

Love your new porch and all the lovely furniture. So nice and country like. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AND ALL YOUR FRIENDS. God Bless you.

Thank you for the beautiful New Year’s gift!
What a treat to see your new porch, homemade and so sweet!
Too beautiful for words, and so inspiring to create new cozy spaces!
"Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, ANYONE can start from NOW and make a brand new ending…….Carl Bard
Happy New Years From Diana in Noel Mo!

You’ve done yourself proud Shery my friend. Have a blessed 2013.

Shery…
What a beautiful place to enjoy a Christmas! Love the finished porch and I’m sure it will give you grand memories.
The dance looks like a superb time was had by all. Small community get togethers just can’t be beat. The rodeo ball was truly a western way of greetin’ the New Year.
Thanks for sharin’!
Kim M

Shery,
Your porch is beautiful! You really have the touch when it comes to decorating. I’m saving this post for inspiration for some of my own projects. Thanks for sharing. Happy New Year!
Jeanette

Simply WONDERFUL…You amaze me with your creative abilities and your ability to visualize and plan your projects! I think that it’s good for us to see what you do and to give us that added PUSH to accomplish something wonderful in our own domain! I have been waiting for the unveiling of your porch room…Thank you for sharing!

It is because of YOU that we are working on a vintage travel trailer this winter. You finally pushed me over the edge and made me commit to a project that I have wanted to do for a long time. I also ran into a ‘spare’ that is plopped out in back for after the ‘Montana Cowboy/Cowgirl’ trailer gets done..

Here’s to many more projects that make life worthwhile! Happy New Year!

Shery your porch is to die for! I love it, and it is in my favorite colors. Red and Blues. You and your husband should be proud of your project and just in time for your Christmas gathering. How perfect. It has been cold here in Michigan but in our area, which is called the snow belt, we have hardly any snow on the ground. Wishing you a very Happy New Year!

And a very Happy New Year to you, Shery. I too, sport a new "porch" which is windows on 3 sides and my sewing things live there. Ah. so sweet.

Oh My Gosh, you are amazing. I am continually inspired by you.
We are working on a home, have been living in a yurt (illegally) for 5 years and I DON’T MISS A SINGLE ONE OF YOUR POSTS…..thank you for a year of inspiration. I follow you on pinterest for even more inspiration too!
Your porch is beautiful, just like you.
Happy New Year,
Terces

Have a peaceful and blessed Christmas my friend!

Oh what a lovely visit we just had – you always encourage, peak ideas and make life a joy. So happy Dove did so well – you did the right thing, they so amaze me with their closeness. What a wonderful ‘cubby’ – hmmmm IDEA!!! So sorry you had that awful cold – do take care so it doesn’t come back on ya and no matter when you get your porch pic’s out – I know it will be worth the wait. I too have a print like your farm girl friends – it always hung in my childhood bed room – I was told ‘like the sheep dog watching over the sheep – God too will watch over me’. Take care, God Bless, Merry Christmas

Ah a kindred spirit who believes in rescuing old furniture and hurt animals, a woman after my own heart. Your porch will still be there. Sometimes we just gotta let it go.
Be healthy and enjoy the Holiday just as it is! We always want perfection, but it’s really overated. Best wishes!

I loved your post. I am like you when it comes to those old pieces. I am forever picking up pieces and dragging them home to ready up for my country kitchen and house. I am very fortunate to have a real Hoosier Cabinet in my kitchen and it has had a number of uses over the years. It now holds my herbs and herbal teas. So happy for the lovey dovies. We have them too. We also have swallows who come in the spring. I have learned that they come 14,000 miles from Argentina to Arizona to raise a few families each year. This past April they flew in and one of them flew into the rail of the front porch and died. It broke my heart. The one was alone for about a week and then disappeared for a while. But pretty soon came back with a new mate and raised several families. Thanks for such a delightful visit.

What a lovely Christmas tree cutting outing you had and now I had one too. We have no snow – so very dry. Your trees look beautiful, I have a table topper this year and am in love with it. Your porch/family room area ideas have sure tickled my fancy, can hardly wait to see it. I wish you and yours a very Happy Christmas!!!

Shery: You guys have the most fun. And with a coating of snow to boot. Have a blessed Christmas.We’ll hear from you soon.

Shery, what a wonderfully spiritual writing – thank you.
A little over 6 yrs. ago my sister and I moved from a large city to a new development on an old ranch – yes sorry the ranch had gone dry years before – but needless to say there are few trees of any consequence – I had put out several feeders to help the birds in this new habitat and all of a sudden one day I saw something moving on the ground – and then it flew to the fence – oh my goodness it was a Collard Dove. I had no idea what it was so I took pictures, as best I could and took them to ‘This Place is for the Birds’ – a wonderful bird feeding shop – on an old ranch, they told me what it was and what to feed it. We now have many of the ‘Peace’ birds, as I call them – what a joy to listen to and watch. Oh, by the way I am the one that had told you I have a huge cage – well now that I know you wanted it for a short time and I never got it to you – I am going to fix it so the ‘Peace’ can use it – yes it is very large – there will be perches, water and protection – not quite sure how I will do that but am thinking of tying some evergreen branches to the cage – just a little respite from the weather. Again thanks for writing. God Bless

——

Hi Joan!! I bet you can just put some branches in the cage and wedge the ends between the bars. I really hope I can turn this dove loose. It is looking that way, she’s flying now … short bursts in the porch. I do NOT like the fantasies my young cat is entertaining. 😉   Shery

We also do not have any doves here on the ranch in Colorado. Just big old black crows. In the winter we have loads of birds coming to the feeders I also have a large bowl on the porch fence that heats the water for them to have a nice warm drink in the winter.

I went to Harvard for my education and I remember the beautiful doves that would coo all day. They were so pretty and gentle looking. I always fed them when I ate my lunch sitting on the grass with my friends. I missed them very much when I graduated and left Cambridge. I also loved the big Red Cardinals (especially at Christmas) they have there and the Seagulls at the seashore.

Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving.
Treese/Colorado Cowgirl
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Back at ya, Treese … may your list of Thanksgiving blessings be long. When I lived in Ohio years back, I thought Cardinals were the most exotic thing I’d ever seen. We just don’t have that kind of color out thisaway. Brilliant red birds in tree branches laden with snow … Magical.   Shery

This is a very thought provoking post, thanks for sharing from your heart. Ah yes, On the Wings of a Snow White Dove…one of my favorites hymns, so comforting!

Shery, thank you so much for sharing this with us. You said so many things that I have been thinking myself these last few weeks. I find the doves coming to your yard very interesting. I have a friend whose husband was diagnosed with cancer this year. Shortly after his finding out he had cancer, a dove showed up in their yard and has stayed all Summer. They truly believe it is a sign from God that he will be with them to love and comfort them. Thanks Again!

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I believe it too and hope that your friend will be victorious!!! A dove also showed up at my sister’s new residence (as one of the items on my list of dovey occurances in and around my life). For her, the single dove visitation served to jolt her awake in an area that she’d not been motivated to explore. I know, I know … some are skeptical. I was too. WAS.  Thank you evryone for your kind words and for sharing here.   ~Shery

Sheri…amen and amen. thank you! Your heart is loverly.

Great information! Thanks so much. I have two true bittersweets that I nurture all year so I can add those lovely branches to my fall arrangements. Again, thanks for the information.

This is wonderful information! If anyone finds out where we can get seeds from please let me know, I would love to plant this, I have creeks and brush winding through my property in BC , and it will make such lovely wreaths! Too bad we couldnt locate seeds and share some amoungst us farmgirl sisters! I will see what I can find…
Thank you~
Ang

Great information and thanks for sharing it Shery! I always love to read your blog!
Smiles, Cyndi

Shery,
I live in California, can I grow Bittersweet here?
I am from Germany, and when I saw the pictures, it reminds me of home, kinder, gentler good old days, with parents and grandparents, now long gone – but never far away, in my heart.

I do want to grow this plant. Thanks so much for your blog, and for sharing.
Ursula

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Hi Ursula, I don’t know, but, all the info I came across claims that it is easy to grow. It does like moisture and decent soil…neither of which I can provide naturally. That is why I’m going to plant it along my garden fence and hope for the best.  Shery

What a fabulous article. I want to grow American Bittersweet but do not know how to obtain seeds or the plants. Can you help me?
Sandy Patzman
Lakeville, Minnesota 55044
sandypatzman@frontier.com

I really enjoyed all the photos. Your young mare, Ribbon, is beautiful. She looks a little like a Rocky Mountain Horse(breed)with her coloring and all those dapples(We have Rockies). I totally love your pink saddle blanket. I am in Missouri and my husband just got our last cutting of hay in tonight before a storm came rolling through. I too love the fall weather with all it’s variety and splendor!

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Barrie,  Yep, I’m familiar with Rockies and the fact that the dark/flaxen is common in the breed. You probably know that Morgans were also used in creating the breed — gaited ones that is. Since Morgan breeders did not look favorably on 5 gaited-ness, they were culled and absorbed into other breeds that WANTED the silky-smooth gaits. In recent years, gaited Morgans became a hot ticket within the breed. Breeders of gaited Morgans are few & far between, but they’re a devoted lot. You get all the fun Morgan virtues AND the gaitedness. I’ve had a handful of Morgans that had/have an extra gait in between the walk and canter. Rack, amble, single-foot etc. Thank you for dropping in!   Shery

Love the photos. Here in California it is in the 90’s still. A mere 3 days ago in the 100’s….sigh. But last night it was utterly perfect and cool…finally! I grew up in the midwest and spent a lot of time on the east coast. After moving out west I had a heck of a time getting used to the really looong summers, sometimes fall and instant winter….if you can call it winter. I mean really, winter, 50 degrees….it still fills like short-sleeve weather to me! At any rate, it was lovely to experience fall vicariously through your lovely prose and photos. Thanks so much.

Hello from Kentucky! It’s a beautiful day here, but the forecast is calling for a cold front and rain to move through tonight. The weekend is supposed to be chilly, and Sunday night is calling for frost. It makes me sad to see the last of the flowers and tomatoes go, but like you, I’m ready to put my garden to bed and focus on some other things for a while. I will have greens, lettuce and cabbage for a while yet, though unless it gets very cold.

I’m keeping my eye out for one of those tin can campers–I want to be a glamper too. Sounds like a great late fall project to me!

I enjoy your blog very much–Happy Fall! 🙂

We had our last day of Indian summer earlier this week – now the weekend is with the wind bringing in the wet and snow, 30ish high tomorrow. As I walked around a bit today, I said ‘see ya next Spring, have a nice season’. Love all your pictures – what a beauty you have in Ribbon – many years of a good life with her. Happy next season to you.

I love your blog. You make me want to move from NC to the middle of the country. I was born a city girl (or really a medium size small town, lol) and when I was young could not understand why anyone would want to live on a farm. As I aged more and more I have come to appreciate all nature has to offer and the hard work of the men and women who raise and produce out food supply. Your blog is so beautiful and I love to read it and see your pictures. I agree with the others. Ribbon is a beautiful horse.

Yup. It’s the truth. The White Mountains have a snow dusting and the leaves are falling. The "peepers" are headed south so the roads won’t be so conjested. ah! This morning John and I went out on the Pinkam B road for a brisk hike up the hill…ended up picking up a few cans left by folks that don’t seem to appreciate the beauty as much as we do. I noticed this early morn that I can once again see the shape of the land as the leaves fall and expose the good earths’ shape. Happy Fall to you.