Green Hill Farm No more BAAAH HUMBUG…just some BAAAH and a little CLUCK, CLUCK, because the Green Hill Farm Christmas tree is FINALLY up! I’ve been collecting sheep and chicken ornaments for a while now, but I recently have enough to decorate a full length Christmas tree. Oh joy!! 🙂
I LOVE wandering around vintage/antiques stores. You know the kind—where there’s everything from beautiful, old quilts to those tacky Smurf drinking glasses you just had to collect when you were a child. The fun thing is you never know what you may find….treasure or trinkets. But, it’s all good stuff! Well, recently, while enjoying a lazy afternoon in one of these delightful shops, I discovered an item that grabbed my attention…a pillow with small, red bells on the corners and the phrase, “Get Your Jingle On.” I laughed out loud! Anyway, the more I thought about this whimsical pillow, the more I decided that I really needed it. I thought, “What a good reminder of this season of love and goodwill.” So, if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, tired, or stressed-out, put on some festive music, remember your blessings, and think about all the wonderful things you can do to reflect light into our world by offering a kind word, a bright smile, or a helpful hand. Go ahead, “GET YOUR JINGLE ON.” As you can see, Clementine, Dash, and Bizou love the pillow, especially the bells. 🙂 Wishing you a week full of joy and lots of jingles!
“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” –Charles Dickens
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 owner, English Meadows, has promised to continue the Christmas light tradition. Although this icon of Christmas has a new name, to those of us who have passed through those festive gates countless times over the years, it will always be ‘The Elks Home.’ This spectacular presentation of lights and scenery has been a tradition every December except one since 1953. Creating this winter wonderland is a monumental task. Beginning the first week of November, the Home’s maintenance crew as well as residents work many hours to hang tens of thousands of light bulbs and display numerous pieces of scenery. According to the Elks National Home, there are upwards of 20,000 vehicles that pass through the grounds each Christmas Season. Here’s the thing: I wanted to share a Christmas tradition that I’ve delighted in since childhood. I hope you enjoy this little tour through ‘The Elks Home’ winter wonderland, and may your holidays be merry and bright! If you would like to enjoy a bit of festive music while touring the Christmas light display, just click on the link. 🙂 “Winter […]
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! With Love and Thanks, From ALL of us at Green Hill Farm
Just thought I would share some photos of our favorite sheep and chicken themed Christmas tree. And, say a heartfelt thank you to all of you who took time to offer kind, comforting, and encouraging words regarding our dear sheep, Violet. It really meant a lot to Farmguy and me. Many, many thanks. XOXO
Farmgirl with Santa circa 1975 It’s fun looking back at old photographs, especially this time of year. Growing up, my family usually gathered on Christmas Eve at my Grandparents’ house for dinner and gift giving. It was always a joyful occasion getting to visit with all of my aunts, uncles, and many cousins. I have fond memories of […]
I recently read an article on holiday entertaining. It suggested having a “Favorite Things” party, where everyone brings and shares a favorite item with the other partygoers. The gifts don’t have to be expensive– just something you really love: a simple kitchen gadget, a fun nail polish, or a special tea. Well, since my December is already fairly busy, I won’t […]
I always enjoy making this festive snack mix to share with friends and family. It makes a fun party favor or even a lovely hostess gift, especially when presented in a colorful tin. Ingredients: Dried cranberries and mini marshmallows will mix merrily with this snack…use your favorites. 10-1/2 oz. pkg. rice cereal squares 8-oz. pkg. candy-coated chocolates 8-oz. pkg. candy-coated […]
I LOVE wandering around vintage/antiques stores. You know the kind—where there’s everything from beautiful, old quilts to those tacky Smurf drinking glasses you just had to collect when you were a child. The fun thing is you never know what you may find….treasure or trinkets. But, it’s all good stuff! Well, recently, while enjoying a lazy afternoon in one of these […]
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 