Happy Samhain - And The Winner is........

First off I would like to wish all of you a wonderful All Hallows Eve... It is an absolutely beautiful day here... I have been busy with all sorts of things.... I had to go outside and enjoy the sunshine as well as the warm temperatures.. It is Halloween and I saw wasps, butterflys and ladybugs... wonderful...... My back porch was covered in willow leaves from the days before when the wind blew like winter... of course I had to sweep them off....

I prepared my apples for the cemetary.  I am some distance from any of my relatives to visit them so I decided to go out and give the Wright babies (Jackie Moon story) each a little something this Hallow Eve.  A nice little apple with a marigold tied with a red ribbon.  I don't get many (if any) trick or treaters so I figured I would do this instead. 

I am also busy preparing the food and such for this evening... Roasted corn, acorn squash, Halloween Pie (sheep herders pie with charmed potatoes), and fairy cakes with homemade whip cream... It just all sounds so yummy... I can't wait to eat it....

Also finally got around to carving 2 of my pumpkins... The 2 tall ones from Tennessee.  Also planning on making some roasted pumpkin seeds .  I still don't think I will be able to bring myself to cut the others.... they are just too nice looking... Although eventually I know that the rot will get them... I plan to harvest the seed though and plant them for next season...

Lastly I am sure you are wanting to know who won the giveaway.... I tried to get one of my cats to help with the drawing yet they could not be more interested in such things, so I decided to have my handsome husband help me out.  He was nice enough to lend a hand and pull out a name for me from the all the entries.  I am pleased to say that the winner of my very first giveaway "A Little Tonic Before Bedtime" is  D Suplicki from Whimsical Cottage  .   Shoot me your mailing info and  I will get the package in the mail to you first thing Monday morning... I added lots of extra little goodies so enjoy.  Be sure and also watch for my November giveaway.  I will post all the details on Monday November 2nd.  This one is dear to my heart I am quite excited about it. 

Lastly I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend fill with magic and good times.  Thank you for helping make this a very special October for me.... Blessings

Carmels & Cream

One of my favorite flavors... autumn or otherwise is carmel.  Whether it is warm and soft, covering an apple, chewy between my teeth, or just hanging off the end of my finger... you get the picture... Believe it or not I have never made home made carmel apples except for the wrapple kind which personally I dont think count.  My kids were never really crazy about them and my teeth just are not what they used to be. Yet the desire for that warm rich flavor over took me this fall and I decided to make me some.

After looking at the recipe on the back of the carmel bag I realized that the simplicity of its preperation  was that for me not to do it would just be ridiculous.  Plus I wanted to make it while I was visiting my grand kids so I figured I would try it out at home first.... (Really I just wanted to eat some carmel... warm gooey carmel.. yummm) Sorry got a bit carred away there.

All I did was put the candies in a pan. Pour 2/3 cups of half and half in with it and slowly warm it on the stove, stirring it occasionally, making sure it didn't stick or that it was melting properly.. And did I say taste it.. Yes, I tasted the nice warm carmelly goo several times to make sure that it was melting properly... I tasted it again to make sure the consistency was right.  Of course the first time I tasted it it wasn't so I had to taste it a couple more times.. Well you get the picture. (again!!)

It turned out wonderful and not too bad the many many times I tasted it  before it was finished.  Needless to say this is a treat I will make again.  It worries me though.  Before I was able to keep myself away from my weakness by telling myself it was too much of a bother to prepare... Now that I know how easy it is... I will be sitting in some dark corner in the middle of the night with my finger in the bowl making those funny umm ummm ummmmmmmm sounds.  What can I say.. I Love Carmel..

The Woodman's Garden - Part 4

Grace quickly hurried out the door of her room and down the staircase. She wanted to know who this man in the garden was and why did he look at her so. Even more perplexing than this, why had she dreamt about him in such a vivid manner. She went straight toward the only room in the house she knew, the kitchen. She flung open the hinged door expecting to find Millie, the frail older woman whom she had met earlier. She was surprised that instead a younger woman stood in her place. Her eyes the same green and her hair a bright auburn like her own. “Supper will be ready shortly, the biscuits are finishing in the oven.” She spoke as if answering Grace’s questioning look.

Who is that man in the garden? What is he doing here? Grace spoke abruptly. The young woman smiled “that is my father; he tends the garden for Bayless Manor. Grace returned her cheerful answer with another likewise abrupt question. And who might you be? “I am Faith, daughter of Michael & Millie Calhoun. I help my mother out in the evenings with meals and extra chores.”

About that time laughter could be heard in the hallway and shortly after through the door walked Millie and the man Grace had seen in the garden earlier. ‘Welcome home child.” He said to Grace as he came closer. It is good to finally have you here with us. About that time a young boy, no more than 7 came running thru the door also. He stopped suddenly when he became aware that the room was filled with adults. With his head hung, he took off the hat which was perched on his head and held it solemnly. “Excuse me.” He muttered softly. Faith took the cap he held and ruffled his hair lovingly, “Wash your hands before supper Thomas James and your face also. And be polite and say hello to Grace, she is James’ little sister.

The boy looked at Grace and softly said hello, holding his small hand out to her in friendship. She shook the young boys hand and returned the greeting. She could not help but think he looked like someone she once knew, yet he turned before she could figure out whom and was off to clean up for supper. “He is my son.” Faith said as Thomas left the room. Grace smiled no knowing exactly how to respond. Soon the table was set and it was time to eat. Grace had so many questions buzzing around in her head. Yet as she took her first bite of the warm stew before her she could not see the urgency in any of them at the moment. It was delicious, no it was more than delicious… it was wonderful. She could taste the fresh carrots and potatoes as they mingled together in her mouth. Hints of fresh herbs of thyme, sage, and what she thought was rosemary were also present. And the fresh biscuits, did she mention the biscuits. Her first bite was like biting into a pillow. The taste of fresh butter was evident as well as a touch of chives. She could not help but remark to Millie, “This is absolutely wonderful” she said as she continued to eat. The others smiled as Millie replied, “I thought you would like your favorite meal on your first night home.”

With that said Millie rose from the table and returned with a large platter of sugar cookies. Grace looked at the platter as it sat before her. She reached out taking one of the large cookies. As she took her first bite it melted in her mouth. Remnant of the sugar that covered each cookie remained on her lips and she licked the excess away. “This sugar… it taste different, yet familiar, what is it?” she asked. Millie smiled again, “Lavender sugar dear.” Grace continued eating until she could eat no more. She could not remember the last time she had been privileged to such a grand meal even with its simplicity.

Grace noticed that the old man had watched her intently all through meal time. His eyes were soft and caring. She could not help but feel he was a kind soul. Finally she managed the courage to speak his way. “Faith tells me you are the grounds keeper.” He smiled and nodded. “If that is what you choose to call me. I have many functions at Bayless Manor, yet the upkeep of the grounds is foremost.” I help him; Thomas broke into the conversation and added. He is teaching me all he knows. Someday I will take his place.

Grace smiled. She wondered if they knew of the petitions to tear down the manor and its surroundings. Truly nothing she had seen thus far gave her reason to see why such a thing would need to be done. She wondered why the towns’ people would request such an action. She spoke once more thanking Millie and Faith for the beautiful meal and for all they had done to make her arrival pleasant. She then turned to the old man once more and spoke.

“Would it be possible for you to show me around the manor tomorrow? I have many questions and I feel you are the one to give me all the answers I need.” The expression on his face as he gave his reply seemed to be one of joy, “Of course child, I would be honored.” “Can I come too?” Thomas once again broke in. “Of course you may.” Grace replied. With that being said, she excused herself and retired to her room to prepare for bed. As tomorrow, she felt, would be a busy day.

Marigolds & Gingersnaps

Yesterday proved to be a full day for me... Knowing that I had several outdoor things that needed to be done and that the days to come were going to be either very wet of much colder (and possibly both) I knew this was my only time to put a dent into any of the chores which called me so loudly...

The morning was beautiful.  The sun shone in an absolute beautiful blue sky, something that has not been around much lately.  I was able to fill all my bird feeders (8 to be exact) and clean my marigold bed out.  There were still some flowers  yet with the possibility of a freeze this weekend I decided to go ahead and do it.  I took many of the extra flowers and decorated my willows around my pond... Also some of the heads I worked and tossed for seeds next year.  The rest I hung in the barn for a later time.  The cats enjoyed following me around the yard as I decorated the willows.  It was a beautiful sight. 

Rain clouds blew in a bit early so by noon I was back inside.  Yet I made good use of my time... I have been promising my son some gingersnaps for some time and it was a perfect time to bake... A nice steady rain outdoors... Packaged them up with a nice little note and took them to the post office as soon as they were cool enough to package. 

It has been a grand October thus far... and only 7 days into it.... Makes me wonder what the next 24 days may have in store...

Working Herbs and a Little More

It has been a busy Monday morning.... Although it was a cold and rather damp day I decided it was finally time to work up my herbs... or at least some of them... I realized that I had much more than I thought I did.... I did get some of them put away yet still have all the flower seeds to work and store as well as my wormwood.  Instead of purchasing the expensive darker glass jars, I decided to attempt to glaze some canning jars for my lavendar sugar and rosemary tincture.  By the way thank you Domestic Witch for your recipe. 

I also ventured into town to see if I could find pumpkin in a can.  After the visit with my mother over the weekend she informed me that there was a shortage of it and she was deathly concerned that she would not be able to make her pumpkin pies for holiday.  I assured her that I would find some for her as well as myself as that evening I heard on the news that the pumpkin crop (at least in the northeast) was not too good.  Fortunately I found an ample supply and stocked up for both of us. 

That beautiful pumpkin in the picture... well that is my pride and joy... and the lovely flower was given to me this last weekend by my neice.  All in all it has been a good October day...

The Woodmans Garden - Continued

The smell of flowers and soft sound of music could be heard as she opened her eyes. Violins? She was not sure yet the song sounded familiar as if it was one she had heard before and often, yet she could not place it. She rose and walked to the window. Below the grounds of the manor stretched out before her. Beautiful groomed trees, multicolored flowers, and a labyrinth of pathways throughout the neatly cut hedges of holly & ivy.

The beauty was breathtaking. Then she saw them. At the entrance to the wooded forest stood what appeared to be 4 tree trunks. They had been cut approximately 4 feet from the ground. They stood as if guards to the forest’s entrance and glistened in the sunlight for they were the color of snow. A man suddenly appeared from the forest walking between 2 of the ivory trees. His hair was as white as the trees themselves and came down past his shoulders. It was accompanied by an identical flowing beard. He carried a slender staff in his hand as he walked and wrapped around him was a cloak of grey.

As he made his way through the maze of hedges which eventually led to the opening of the garden, his face rose until his eyes met hers. Although she stared at him from a great distance, she could tell he knew her and that his eyes were fixed directly on her. Just then a small figure appeared, running towards the old man. It appeared to be a young girl. The old man took the small child up into his arms swinging her around. Her auburn curls danced on her head as she allowed herself to spin in his arms, her facial expressions making it quite obvious that she was enjoying herself. As the old man sat her back down to the ground she too turned her face up towards the huge window which Grace stood behind. As Grace returned the little girls gaze she was astonished to realize that she looked very much like herself. Unable to take her eyes off of the child what happened next astounded her even more.

The little girl reached for a necklace which hung around her neck. She took the object hanging from its center in her hand and held it, all along not breaking her gaze with Grace. Then Grace realized that she too was holding tightly to the amulet which hung from her neck.


Grace jerked suddenly, awakening from her slumber and still clutching to the necklace which she wore. She had been dreaming all this time. The sun still shone brightly yet just a bit lower in the sky. She quickly rose and went towards the window she had only previously been gazing out of in her dream.


As she looked down, the trees were not as groomed, the flowers were few and not anywhere near multi-colored, the faint path through the hedges could barely be seen. Yet the 4 white tree trunks which stood in guard of the forest entrance were still solemnly in place. Still they glistened in the sunlight as before. Then just as in her dream only moments before, the old man with white flowing hair and beard and clothed in a grey cloak with staff in hand appeared. And just as before his eyes were fixed on her.

October 2nd.. and all is still well

Besides launching my first giveaway today, I have been busy doing many other things... I did find the perfect pumpkin this afternoon.  It is sitting  in the middle of my 100+ year old dining table...  I sort of like it there... Not sure if I will cut it or not.. It is so perfect that I think I may want to attempt to keep it as long as possible... Thanksgiving? 

Also working in my yard cleaning flower beds and putting up seeds and such... And still there is much to be done.  I found out yesterday that I will be traveling to Tennessee later in the month to spend a few days with my daughter and her family.  I am so excited about getting to spend some time with my grandkids during October... So.. I am sure at least a couple of my entries will include them.  I'm off now to make some banana bread and pumpkin pie.  Going up to see the mom's tomorrow and taking food is a must.  So until tomorrow morning... Take care, sleep well and pleasant dreams...
P.S.  Oh yea I changed my background to a more festive mood...

October 1st & All is Well

Well it is the first day of October and what a wonderful month it has been so far.... I have won 2 wonderful giveaways (Domestic Witch-Queen of Cups and Byrum Art - First Print) and just finished entering 4 more on Mrs. Bs 31 days of Halloween... Eventful to say the least....I am in the process of finishing up my very first giveaway... I am hoping to get it posted this weekend.. so be sure and keep an eye out for it...

Today I promised you the next chapter to my on-going story "The Woodsman Garden". I have really enjoyed writing this and want to thank all of you who have shared in your responses. It means a great deal to me.. Enjoy the story.

The Woodman's Garden - 2nd entry

A soft tinkling sound could be heard as she attempted to unlock the front door which stood before her. The keys she had been given were of an odd nature. Misshapen into forms she had not seen before. From the sounds they made as they fell against one another she wondered if possibly they were made of silver. She could barely recall the last time she had stepped foot into Bayless Manor. She could not have been more than possibly 5. It had been James’ birthday. His 7th to be exact. It had been a grand party. Although it had been a birthday party for a 7 year old boy, few children were in attendance.
The guests were made up of older men dressed in long flowing robes. She had not been allowed to attend the party. She was required to stay in the kitchen area with her mother and the few other women who were present. She remembered not caring to much of the outcome as she was allowed to eat all the sugar cookies and drink all the fresh lemonade she could want. She remembered her mother crying softly in the corner at one time and her grandmother sternly shaking her finger at her. She did not hear what was said to her mother yet as time passed it was an event that she would witness often between the two of them.

Finally the right key was placed into the lock which securely held the world out of Bayless Manor. As she turned the key, she could feel the tumblers inside the lock give way. Slowly she pushed the large door open and stepped into the entrance. Although the many years passed could easily be seen, the beauty was present also. The flowing staircase before her led its way up to the second floor where its’ pattern continued along the railing that circled the entire view. She was not certain, but the color and grain of the wood appeared to be of a like she had not seen before. Sunlight shone through a great cathedral window which was positioned directly above the entry. It broke into fragments, forming prisms of multicolored light which danced across the floor like small fairies.

Sitting her one suitcase on the floor beside her, she was startled by a loud noise. She had assumed the manor was empty as she had not been told otherwise. She grabbed a large candlestick which sat on a table not far from where she had stood and began to walk down the hallway towards the unidentified noise. Again the noise sounded. Frightened yet determined to find its cause, she continued. As she reached the door to where its origin seemed to be she could now hear a more subtle sound and what she thought to be singing. It was a woman’s voice yet the words were unrecognizable to her.

She slowly pushed the door inward, candlestick in hand. Standing at a wooden work table was a frail looking older woman. Her hair was white with slight hints of what used to be red. As she looked up, her eyes of bright green danced like those of a young girl. Flour dust was in the air and covered the table. By her surroundings she assumed she had entered the kitchen.

“Gracie you’ve come home.” The old woman dusted her hand off on her apron and walked towards her at a pace that for her was probably a run. As the old woman embraced her she was confused. This woman knew her, she called her by name, yet Grace did not know who she was. When the woman realized from Grace’s lack of response that she did not know who she was, she quickly pulled back. The old woman’s eyes did not look as young now that she stood before Grace so closely. It was obvious that she was a woman of many years.

“I am sorry.” She spoke. “It has been so long; of course you don’t remember me. It’s Millie; I tended you often when you were a wee child.” Grace smiled although she did not remember any of what the old woman spoke of. The old woman continued, “I tended the manor while James was its keeper and stay still after his passing. It is and always has been my home, I hope you don’t mind.”

Grace was glad to have someone there. She had many questions and it would be helpful to have someone who was familiar with the home to show her around. You must be exhausted, Millie stated as she took Grace by the arm and led her from the kitchen. I have made your room ready for you. Come I will show you where it is. The old woman led Grace up the flowing staircase she had admired earlier. As they reached the top a turn to their right led them to the east wing of the Manor. Stopping at a door not far down the hall, Millie stopped before opening the door and spoke. This was your mother’s favorite room. She loved how it overlooked the garden and how the early morning sun would shine in and wake her each morning. With that said the door opened to reveal a beautiful sun filled room.

 As Grace walked to the center of the room, it felt as if she was inside a moment in time, a moment of the past. Lace curtains fell from the windows which opened up to the garden below, fresh flowers sat in the crystal vase next to the bed, a beautiful tiffany style land sat on the opposite side. The large 4 posted bed between the two stood inviting Grace to rest. I will call you for dinner, Millie said as she closed the door behind her. Grace’s drive had been long and sleep sounded good. She kicked off her shoes and lay on the soft pillows. Her eyes closed and she was gone.