I absolutely love fizzy and sparkling wines! And, since New Year’s Eve celebrations are fast approaching, I thought it may be fun and helpful to share some information about Champagne and sparkling wines. I’ve also included a few of my favorites. Champagne: First, all that sparkles isn’t Champagne. Sparkling wine can only be called Champagne if it’s from the Champagne […]
It doesn’t quite feel like Christmastime in my community until the Christmas Lighting Ceremony has taken place at the Bedford, Virginia landmark formerly known as the Elks National Home. The Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks is the fraternal organization that has operated the facility for over a century. The Elks National Home was recently sold and the new […]
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! With love from all of us at Green Hill Farm, Scott, Tonya, Maud, Dash, Clementine, Finn, Olive, Honey and all the sheep ********* Thanks so much for following Fourth Generation Farmgirl!
It is my pleasure to share the lovely artwork of a good friend and talented artist, Donna Whitmore Tuten. The first group of paintings features the beloved animals of Green Hill Farm–past and present, and the second group is a small sampling of Donna’s work. I hope you enjoy it. *NOTE: You may click on individual paintings to view a […]
In Italy, gelato is sometimes served with a drizzle of olive oil on top and then a sprinkling of sea salt. It’s a surprising combination: the creamy vanilla gelato accented by the best quality olive oil and the savory enhancement of good sea salt. I first learned of this wonderful combination of ingredients from some friends who had just returned […]
“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” –Charles Dickens “Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.” –Laura Ingalls Wilder I love this time of year–beautiful music, snow, twinkling lights, festive decorations […]
Thank you to Coach Muller, the author of the inspirational blog called Good Time Stories, for awarding me with the Harmony and Peace Award! I am honored to be in such good company. This award was created by the Idealistic Rebel ~IN HER OWN WORDS~ “I created this new award to celebrate all those who promote Harmony & Peace, and who add […]
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” –Anatole France About six weeks ago we were rescued by Dash–a Pointer/ Border Collie mix (we think). Thanks to a compassionate and dedicated volunteer at a local animal shelter, Dash’s picture appeared on Facebook as a dog urgently in need of a family. Since our 15-year-old friend, […]
My name is Tonya, and I grew up on a 300-acre farm in rural Virginia that has been in my family for over 100 years. After graduating from college, receiving my master’s degree in speech and language pathology, and living and working in a small city for six years, I decided to return to the place of my childhood. Here, in this rural area, on this patch of green, where for four generations my family has farmed, gardened, and lived, I, too wanted to be a part of this continuity. As a fourth generation farmgirl, I have many interests that not only include, but also go beyond the basics of farming, gardening, sheep and chicken-keeping. It is all of this and more that I plan on sharing in this blog.
fourth generation farmgirl 