Acrostic poetry by Tonya R. Hengerer “Snow” Softly falling– Not a sound, Only Whirling, whirling to the ground. “Winter” When Icy, cold weather Naturally interrupts The warmth Enjoyed upon Earth Radiated by the sun. “Shovel” Something with which one Heaves snow Out of the way; a Very useful, Everyday tool–mostly Languishing in a shed until winter.
“Tea Time” Traditionally an opportunity to Enjoy a cup of tea Accompanied by dainty sandwiches and Tea cakes, Involving the use of good Manners and proper Etiquette. ~Tonya R. Hengerer “There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” ~Henry James, The Portrait of a Lady
I found this recipe for tea cakes in a cookbook called Southern Cakes. It features some of the most delightful and delicious desserts associated with Southern baking: everything from sweet potato pound cake to red velvet cake. Reading this cookbook and admiring the lovely photographs of beautifully baked cakes so reminded me of Grandma Rieley. My grandma was a wonderful […]
“If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans.” ~James Herriot, All Creatures Great and Small Our beloved Sadie and Scout aren’t with us anymore, but we still think of them and miss them. I love the sequence of pictures below which was taken about three […]
*These quotes are taken from Karen Salmansohn’s book, instant HAPPY. *Photography by Tonya Rieley Hengerer “Trees that endure the stormiest times grow to be the STRONGEST and MOST BEAUTIFUL. Ditto how your stormy times can encourage you to thrive and BLOOM INTO YOUR MIGHTIEST YOU.” “Everything you’ve ever done, every person you’ve ever met, every experience you’ve ever had is […]
I would like to thank Edwina from Edwina’s Episodes for the compliment of having been nominated to participate in a “Tour Through Blogland,” also recognized as “The Virtual Blog Tour Award.” I am happy to accept and appreciate the consideration. It is a privilege to be counted amongst such a distinctive group of nominees. Edwina’s Episodes is one of my […]
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 