Our Life In The Barn Blog

Golden glow…the sun’s light changes

Shep & Jan — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:05:59 +0000

Sunshine in our garden

I learned to garden from my Dad. He added this skill to a kaleidoscope of other wonderful gifts which have guided and enriched my life. One thing he taught me was to be aware of the rhythm of life which surrounds us. To be outside and experience the rich orchestra of life that surrounds me is bliss. The past three weeks I have become increasingly aware of the message our gardens and the sunlight have been sharing-:change is coming!” The vegetables have become frenzied to produce while they can before the frost arrives and the sunlight’s hot white radiance is now a more golden glow. Fall is on the way!

One of the chores completed yesterday was that of cutting back all the vegetable plants’ top growth. Blossoms at this point in the season are counterproductive to the ripening of the tomatoes and squashes which are currently present. What do you and I need to pay closer attention to in our lives? What needs to be eliminated to allow a relationship, a business, or simply our individual peace of mind to change from good to better…or better to best?

Change is the essence of life. Be willing to surrender what you are for that which you may become.

Where did summer go?

Shep & Jan — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 22:03:02 +0000

It has been an odd growing season this year. Both our tomatoes in the greenhouse and the open garden rows remain green to greenish. The cherry tomatoes are delightful, especially the golden ones. Indomitable zucchini abound, sweet and keeper onions green tops are beginning to topple, potatoes still blossom and the few choice watermelons and Tuscan cantaloupes strain with hope to ripen before the first September frost appears. Hope! That is the central word of this garden.

I love to spend time with the plants and flowers, birds, bees (yes, two hives worth of busy girls), and our critters in the barnyard. They teach me so much. Be flexible. Adapt. Watch. Even…when it is time to DANCE!

“There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven”~Eccles. 3:1

Shep and I at Scent-Sations annual convention-what a great business and what a fun and profitable time we have! http://www.miabellainfo.com

Ladybug, Ladybug…

Shep & Jan — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 13:17:34 +0000

A small speckled visitor
Wearing a crimson cape.
Brighter than a cherry
Smaller than a grape.

A polka-dotted someone
Walking on my wall.
A black-hooded lady
In a scarlet shawl.

© Joan Walsh Anglund

Several days ago I had the joy and blessing of spending a few precious days with Lew, Lisa and Scarlett. How she had grown! The joyous trip was marred only by the fact that Papa (Shep) had to remain home to take care of an acutely ill horse. He recognized that Nana was anxious to spend time with our little granddaughter as it had been several months since we had last been able to travel.

I regaled in being received with much love and happiness…in seeing the ever unfolding changes that come into the life and growth of a toddler. I chuckled at her fussings and laughed with her in her moments of surprise and giggles. I felt the tenderness of her sweet little self and the “butterfly” kisses she sprinkled on my cheeks with her eyelashes.

Somehow I found myself being a thoroughly 21st century Nana. As we explored a few fun videos on the internet, we came across one that was an instant hit. The “Ladybug Song” was viewed and sung, sung without viewing, and whispered quietly and gently at bedtime.

At my parting at the airport, Scarlett was inconsolate. Her sweet pleadings and tears rent my heart and brought tears to my eyes. All the technology in the world cannot take the place of precious and purely given butterfly kisses. It goes without saying that Nana and Papa will, very quickly, fly to their little ladybug and share giggles and smiles-and perhaps a choice bit of candy as well.

It is so good to know that families can be together forever.

Out in the garden

Shep & Jan — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 23:52:59 +0000

I recall that one day, when I was about 9 years old, I complained to my Nana that time was dragging. Her simple reply has echoed in my memory time and time again, “Just wait till you get older. The older you grow the faster time will fly.” This didn’t make any sense to my young mind but, as always, Nana told the truth.
Recently I spent a few days with our youngest son and his young family. I find that being a Nana is more delightful that I could have ever imagined. Being the mother of grown sons, I have emotions at times which flit from delighted to wistful. They grew up too soon…the hours passed by too rapidly…..
Now we are in the season of the year where I get to spend a lot of time in the garden. It is exciting to see the plants that return to fill our garden bed with abundance of color and fragrance. To discover a secret seed that has dropped from a previous year’s squash or tomato and is now emerging from a winter’s rest to announce itself in the midst of my onion row is a treat.
Life is full of joyful surprises.

Welcome to Shep & Jan’s New Blog!!

Shep & Jan — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 01:56:25 +0000

We’re excited about the direction we are now heading in. You’ve caught us just getting all set up – so, thank you for visiting and we appreciate your patience!

In the meantime, please feel free to visit ILoveBeingRetired.com