It’s a gray day here on the farm, and the soft patter of a gentle rain is the only sound to be heard. Well, wait – that’s not exactly true. If I listen closely, I’m sure I’ll hear the contented yawning of sleepy cats, as well as the snoozing of a dog who has wiggled her way beneath a cozy blanket. It just seems that April days like these are made for napping.

Your photos are gorgeous as always, but the two of the skies are just incredibly stunning! (And I’m pretty enamored with the one of chickens too.) I love hearing Mae’s story and so glad she found a good home. You are making me want my own Mae!! I love the extra room for cooling and the pull-out drawers. And double ovens are the icing on the cake! It certainly makes it easier to bake at different temperatures at the same time (I assume you can control each oven separately). I assume also it is gas??? Your baked goods look amazing – tell Mae she did well. And thanks for the cake recipe. I’d seen that somewhere else and thought it sounded good but it was way too much cake for just me. But now I’m thinking I could make a 1/3rd recipe and just have a single layer… Hmmmm…
Hi Robin – aww thanks, I just snapped the photos – right place at the right time, as they say! Yes, two controls for each oven, and she’s electric. Although a gas oven would be terrific – I just think there’s more control with gas. She has a cute little built-in salt and pepper shaker too – maybe I’ll add that photo! Oh yes – please let me know if a single layer works. Lots of times people stopping at the farmers’ market want mini breads or pies – a smaller cake would be ideal! Hope the sun is shining in Nod today!
What a fabulous story! Isn’t it wonderful to know that Mae was waiting for you right down the road? Wishes do come true! Glad you found each other. Happy cooking!
Hi Daisy – it was meant to be! I’m not sure I would’ve hauled her home from a great distance – well, what am I saying? I probably would have! She’ll be busy this weekend with Easter dinner – love it when both “kids” are home! Enjoy your week!
My reverie is writing and researching my blog, “Everyday Ways, Save Your Corner of the World” (https://everydaywaysblog.wordpress.com/). This is my labor of love. It’s about all the things that we can do to make the world a better place. I have been writing for about ten years, and every time I sit down at my computer. I can’t do everything, but it feels good knowing that I can share the knowledge that comes my way, and to know that every post is a step toward making this world a better place.
Hi Cynthia – thanks so much for sharing your reverie! I’ll be sure to toss you name in the hat for the chance to receive the book. And I agree…whatever we can do to brighten the day for someone else, or lighten their load is a wonderful way to spend our time.
Hi Mary, I LOVE Mae! How adorable! Vintage appliances are workhorses, and at the same time, charming! If I did not have a wall oven and cooktop, I would want a vintage stove and oven! (I have a vintage stove, from 1922, but it is a display piece only). We do have a 1940’s refrigerator in the basement – runs beautifully and keeps perfect temperature! As for naming your stove Mae, I love it! Her name fits her! Happy Spring! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole, Suburban Farmgirl
Hi Nicole – oh wow, your fridge must be amazing! I think they have the cutest retro shapes and colors. It must be the lack of all the “bells and whistles” and digital gadgets that keep them running so long. They were meant to last And it’s great you rescued the 1922 stove – it brings a sweet, old-fashioned feel to a home…just like your Hoosier!
I smiled when I read this. I remember when my dad bought my mom a double oven stove. She was so happy! Mom was always cooking and baking, so this made her life easier. The main meal in one part, side dishes fit in the smaller oven. She had cookies in one oven, buns in the other. There were seven of us in the family and she did three meals a day plus the treats for coffee time. We had a lot of people stopping in for coffee, and mom always entertained for the holidays. No one else had an oven like hers, and she was so proud of it sitting in her kitchen, just as she was proud of her family enjoying all her delicious foods. It was a wonderful thing to remember.
Oh Ginger, thank you for sharing your sweet story. I love it! The gal I know who also has an old oven, bought it because it was exactly like the one her mom had. She also remembers all the wonderful times baking together while she was growing up. It’s really true, home-cooked meals and the love that goes into cooking and baking for a family, absolutely make heartfelt memories.
I love that you found Mae! I’ve always had my heart set on an O’Keefe and Merrick stove but they are nigh impossible to find in my price range. If it is meant to be I will have one someday. I just love vintage anything!
Never stop making wishes – it may come your way yet! And I agree, I think all the old things are best. Don’t get me wrong, technology is terrific – it lets me chat with all my Farmgirl sisters! However; there’s just something sweet about the history and memories in anything vintage.
I inquired about a pizza recipe for the picture that appeared in the Oct Nov 24 issue. Have you been able to ferret anything out on that yet??????
Hi Alice, thanks for following up…I’m so sorry there’s no recipe to share – the photo of the pizza was for show only in the “how/why to go organic” article in that issue. It was a photo taken from our archives, but didn’t happen to come with a recipe.
Hi Mary, I had a double oven it was one on top of the stove then one down were they normally are, and it was a harvest gold; not electric. My husband found it in the paper and the woman who owned it ended up bartering with us for it. My husband was a landscaper and she wanted this very long, high hedge trimmed up, lucky he had his tools in the truck. I used that stove for many many years until we became empty nesters, and I thought I would not be baking so much. Then when I sold it months later I regretted it, I missed it so much and at times still do. I have never seen one like yours! I like Mae.
Have a Happy Spring, and fun selling at the farmers market!
Hi Sheila – I know exactly what kind of stove you’re talking about! That’s what was in the first apartment I had after college. It was nice because it didn’t take up a lot of room and I could always just use the small one on top. Keep your eyes open, you never know when someone may still have one they want to get rid of. What a great story-we all need to try to trade and barter more often – we all have different talents and skills – your story inspired us to bring this idea back!