Basilica di San Lorenzo Chapel of the Princes Florence, Italy “You can turn this world around And bring back all of those happy days Put your troubles down It’s time to celebrate Let love shine And we will find A way to come together And make things better.” ~Madonna *A very special thank you to our good […]
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 […]
Most people have heard of macaroni and cheese, but if you’re Southern, you’ve probably enjoyed this classic on more than one occasion. In the South, mac and cheese is such a popular side dish that some folks might even consider it a vegetable. Growing up, if there was a family get together, then macaroni and cheese was certainly in […]
This recipe for homemade dressing or stuffing has been passed down through the generations of my family: Great-grandmother Rieley, Great Aunt Florence, Grandma Rieley, Mom, and me. My family’s recipe for dressing has been modified minimally over the years and continues to be a favorite part of our Thanksgiving dinner. It’s even better on the second day due to the flavors melding together. The dressing re-heats easily, or just eat it cold–right out of the refrigerator. That’s how I enjoy it best! The Best-Ever Thanksgiving Dressing *Use organic ingredients whenever possible Ingredients: 1 loaf white bread (I use gluten-free) 1 stick salted butter 2 cups finely diced celery 2 cups finely diced yellow onion 3/4 bag of best quality seasoned stuffing mix (Mom uses Pepperidge Farm Herb Seasoned Classic Stuffing; I use Rudi’s Gluten-Free Savory Herb Stuffing) 2 cups of broth (vegetable, turkey or chicken) Method: Tear bread into small pieces and leave out overnight on a baking sheet, loosely covered with foil. Next, broil breadcrumbs for approximately 10-15 minutes, keeping a close check so as not to burn them. Finely dice celery and onion. Place stick of butter in skillet and sauté celery and onion at 300 degrees F. for five minutes; don’t overcook celery and onion, leaving a bit crunchy as they will continue to cook when baked. Add broiled bread crumbs, two cups each of sautéed celery and onion, 3/4 bag of seasoned herb stuffing mix […]
With temperatures finally cooling down around here—24 degrees F. tonight. It’s a good time to stay warm and cozy with loved ones. Wishing you all a very happy weekend! 🙂
With the arrival of fall, thoughts turn to cool, crisp mornings, fields full of pumpkins, the smell of a crackling fire, and the taste of hot apple cider. This time of year often causes us to reflect on happy times. I always find it interesting how our senses ignite memories. Memories that take us back to a single, meaningful experience. The senses of smell and taste, in particular, tend to evoke the strongest memories for me. The smells of freshly cut hay and buckets of Dad’s ripened tomatoes, or the taste of Mom’s homemade Thanksgiving dressing. These smells and tastes take me right back to my childhood. It’s such a visceral experience. I think that’s one reason we enjoy the seasonal routines of planting gardens, visiting a pumpkin patch, or preparing and eating a holiday feast. The sights, smells and tastes associated with these activities bring back a familiar comfort. So, here’s the thing. With the many signs of fall, including pumpkins appearing at the local farmers’ market, I remembered one of my favorite recipes: Spiced pumpkin chocolate chip muffins. I hope you’ll try this recipe and maybe even add it to your fall favorites. Enjoy! Spiced Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins: *Use organic ingredients when possible Ingredients: 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup sugar 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice 1 tablespoon curry 1/4 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt *************** 2 […]
“You are the books you read, the films you watch, the music you listen to, the people you meet, the dreams you have, the conversations you engage in. You are what you take from these. You are the sound of the ocean, the breath of fresh air, the brightest light and the darkest corner. You are a collective of every experience you have had in your life. So drown yourself in a sea of knowledge and existence. Let the words run through your veins and let the colours fill your mind.” ~Jac Vanek
As a child growing up on Green Hill Farm there were two things that I looked forward to the most: visiting with Grandma and Granddaddy Rieley and summer time. The thing I liked best was neither required dressy outfits or shoes. I also relished the freedom of an undetermined day, one without rules or routines. I’d run around the farm sometimes barefoot and still in my pajamas or a mismatched outfit chosen by me; one which usually included an article of clothing made of terry-cloth, a Mork and Mindy tee-shirt, and maybe even knee socks. I probably resembled something akin to a cross between Little Orphan Annie and a peasant. Nevertheless, I didn’t care. I had Grandma to visit, stuff to get into, and I was comfortable–a formula that equalled happiness in my world. Of course, those days are long gone, because I’d never go outside today without at least a pair of flip flops on my feet. I also don’t wear terry cloth shorts or knee-socks anymore, either–at least, not together. However, I still prefer jeans and tee-shirts to dressy outfits, and I’m known to wear my pajamas outside the house on occasion (but never off the farm). As for those undetermined days, well, I still love them, because you just never know who you may meet or what you might learn. It was a glorious summer day like the ones depicted in those old Country Time Lemonade commercials: […]
If our old house could talk, I’m sure it would have lots to say, especially the front porch. Our home has been in my family for 105 years. Many folks, including great-grandparents, grandparents, parents, (great) aunts and uncles, cousins, and friends have passed the time of day in this simple but sacred space: talking and visiting, taking a rest after […]
What could be more fun than hanging out with cousins…and a cute piglet? Farmgirl (far left) with cousins and baby pig circa 1975
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 