Rainbow Over Roanoke, Virginia January 2019 “Have a sincere desire to serve God and mankind, and stop doubting, stop thinking negatively. Simply start living by faith, pray earnestly and humbly, and get into the habit of looking expectantly for the best. ~Norman Vincent Peale It’s hard to believe that just a few days ago we were celebrating St. […]
A Rosé By Any Other Way A sparkling rosé from Veritas Vineyard in Afton, Virginia Vintage floral tablecloth belonging to my beloved grandmother, Lois McManaway Rieley Since Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and sparkling rosé wines are showing up on displays in many grocery stores and wine shops, I thought it would be helpful to share […]
“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” ~Winston Churchill “You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks.” ~Winston Churchill “Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision.” ~Winston Churchill A Very Happy Wednesday!!
Champagne, despite common misconceptions, shouldn’t be reserved as a special occasion-only wine. With its varying levels of acidity and texture, and rich layers of flavor, Champagne is incredibly versatile and pairs perfectly with a wide variety of foods. So, what are the rules when it comes to Champagne pairings? First of all, complimenting the notes and flavors of the Champagne […]
Green Hill Farm This moment is yours—
Every. Single. Night. Bizou and Blanket January 2019 “No, I don’t want to go bathroom. I’m really very comfortable right here.” ~Bizou Wishing everyone a warm and cozy weekend!
Green Hill Farm I often listen to Pandora’s symphonic music station while I’m in my makeshift art studio. It’s relaxing and helps my right brain to engage while I’m working on a painting. Recently, I heard the beautiful “Flower Duet” from Lakmé—a three-act opera composed by Léo Delibes between 1881 and 1882 and based on a novel by Pierre Loti. You’ve probably heard this lovely, ethereal music—either at the opera, or perhaps, you’ll recognize it as the boarding music of British Air. Anyway, I thought it accompanied this peaceful scene from Green Hill Farm perfectly. I hope you enjoy the music and the view! Happy Tuesday!
Clementine Kitty enjoying a sunny spot on the shelf of our hall tree “Keep your face to the sunshine and you will never see the shadows.” ~Helen Keller Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
Green Hill Farm November 2018 “Where there is the greatest love, there are always miracles.” ~Willa Cather “Let nothing disturb you,/ Nothing frighten you–/ All things pass,/ But God never changes.” ~Sainte Thérèse D’Avila “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven […]
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 […]
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 