Happy New Year ~~

Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors,

and let each new year find you a better man. ~ Benjamin Franklin

Here at the Cabin New Years Eve is a quiet peaceful evening.....filled

with good food, a bottle of wine and hubby & me beside the fire.

We rarely make midnight anymore preferring to turn in early so as

to start the New Year off rested and ready for what ever may come ~~

Wishing You All a Wonderful Happy New Year filled with
Peace, Prosperity, Good Health, Love, & Happiness ~~

Sending Warm Winter Hugs from Connecticut ~~ Connie xox

Is it Winter or Spring ??

Good Afternoon Friends ~~
Hope all is well, and the day finds
you relaxing and enjoying some down time.
It was sixty degrees, and gray here at the Cabin
today. All the snow has melted and the stream, and
brooks that surround us have the same
rushing sound we hear at Spring Thaw.
I know this wont last, and more cold and snow
will come our way...but for today it was nice to get
outside without the fear of slipping on something
frozen...we may even grill tonight for supper.
The photo up top was just taken off my back deck,
what a Beautiful Sky ~~
Wishing You a Lovely Evening ~~

Hugs ~ Connie xox

Merry Christmas ~~

God Bless Your Heart ~~ This Christmas Day;
God Bless Your Home ~~ With Joys That Stay;
God Bless Your Friends ~~ And Loved Ones Dear;
God Bless and Keep You All New Year
Wishing Everyone a Blessed Merry Christmas
Filled with Love, Laughter, & Joy
May You be Surrounded by Those You Love
&
May Your Heart & Home Be Filled with the True Spirit of Christmas
Sending Warm Winter Hugs from the Cabin ~ Connie xox

SnoW ~ SnoW ~ SnoW

Sunday Update ~~The snow continues to fall....it is Breathtakingly Beautiful. Fresh, Clean, and Light as a Feather. My hubby is out plowing and sanding (our income for the winter months), my son Tommy is on his way to VT for three days of snowboarding with Friends. I'm here keeping the home fires burning, and baking cheese cakes.
Its a Wonderful Life !!! Hope everyone is warm and safe.
Sending Christmas Hugs ~ Connie xox

Every Single Evening ~~

Every single evening ~~ As I'm lying here in my bed, ~~
This Tiny Little Prayer keeps running through my head: ~~
God bless all my Family .....
Wherever they may be, Keep them warm, and safe from
harm for they're so very dear to me. ~~
And God, there is one more thing I wish that you could do; ~~
Hope you don't mind me asking, Please Bless my computer too.
Now I know that it's unusual To Bless a motherboard, ~~
But listen just a second while I explain it to you, Oh Lord. ~~
You see, that little metal box holds more than odds and ends; ~~
Inside those small compartments rest so many of my friends. ~~
I know so much about them by the kindness that they give, ~~
and this little scrap of metal takes me in to where they live. ~~

By faith is how I know them much the same as I know You. ~~
We share in what life brings us and from that our friendships grew. ~~
Please take an extra minute from your duties up above, ~~
To Bless those in my Blogger World that's filled with so much love. ~~
Wherever else this prayer may reach to each and every Friend, ~~
Bless each at their computer and each person who hits 'send'. ~~

When you update your Heavenly list On your own Great CD-ROM,
Bless everyone who says this prayer Sent up to GOD.com ~~

Blessings and Merry Christmas to All My Friends & Family ~~
Sending Warm Connecticut Hugs ~ Connie xox

Baby its Cold Outside !!!!

Baby its Cold Outside !!!!
Today is not as cold as yesterday......Thank Goodness ~~
We have been trying to keep the Cabin heated this year with only our wood stove, and fireplace. Its been a challenge these last few days when the temperature has dropped so low. It has definitely had me running, first outside to cart in the wood and then back and forth feeding both fires. Yikes takes alot of wood to keep them going, I'm not complaining exactly (lol) I'm grateful that we have the wood and that my husband did a wonderful job of splitting and stacking it up close to the house...makes it a short distance to retrieve it. It has certainly added and old fashion charm and Christmas feel .... here at the Cabin. Inside with the lights in the windows, trees softly glowing, the smell of fresh pine and fresh baked cookies you can tell Christmas is not far off. Add the sound of Christmas carols playing in the background and the very welcomed warmth of the fires it almost seems like something out of a movie.

I say ALMOST....that is till you roam away from the fire.....lol I quickly realize all activities must be planned around the source of heat.... just the way it was in days of old. So for now I'm signing off......because the heat does not extend into the office where the computer is. Going to make a cup of tea and
do some wrapping ~~
Hoping these days find you happy, warm and snug ~~
Sending Christmas Hugs from Connecticut ~ Connie xox

Finding a Quiet Spot ~~

Thank You All for your Sweet Comments ~~ I did have a wonderful day in the woods with the girls on Saturday, came back with baskets loaded with greens and precious memories. Found our little charlie brown tree will take a few photos when I get a minute.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
At this time of year.....I find I go about things quickly...sometimes too quickly not really absorbing what I am doing...or how much fun the process is. There is so much packed into a short amount of time. I am trying to take time out every few days to find a quiet place to rethink...refresh...and reflect, on all I have accomplished, and all I want to accomplish in the coming days. Some days my list is small .... some days its great either way I am thankful for all Ive been given, and for the ability to create, sustain, and maintain our simple life here at the Cabin. We have been truly blessed with much joy and love in our lives....and I never want to get too busy to remember that, savor the fact and give thanks.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hope you can take a few minutes to relax, and reflect on the joys in your life especially at this most Wonderful Time of the Year ~~
Sending Warm Winter Hugs from Connecticut ~ Connie xox

So Much to Do ~ So Little Time ~

I got so Nervous......I forgot to post anything. LOL I cant believe there are only Three Weeks till Christmas.....I'm in a Panic !!! I love when Thanksgiving comes late in November....gives me more "Fall Time". But now there is So Much To Do and So Little Time !!! Tomorrow I will go back in the woods and search for all the fresh greens I will need to make swags and sprays to place around the Cabin. My Granddaughters will come and spend the day with me they love to forage in the woods, we will make a few things for them to take home as a surprise for their MoM & DaD. We will also try to find our way back to the small little pine sapling that I found a month ago...it would make the cutest tree for one of the upstairs bedrooms or maybe placed on the front porch. These are the days I treasure....making memories that I hope the girls will carry with them forever. Its a Blessing and it warms my heart to repeat the things I did with their Father and their Uncle when they were growing up.
Its a pleasure and a gift to myself to have the house fully decorated..... before I start my shopping, that way when I come home with gifts, or I spend the whole day wrapping or baking cookies, with the music on.........there is Christmas in every little corner.
Hope you are right on scheduled with all your Holiday Preparations !!
Sending Warm Connecticut Hugs ~ Connie xox

Happy Thanksgiving ~~

Here at the cabin we are busy cleaning, cooking and baking.
We know we are fortunate to have most our family
located close by so that we are able to share the day together.
This is my favorite Holiday the one that speaks most of Family,
Hearth and Home. There are a few loved ones who cant travel to
join us here at our table,but they are in our thoughts and hearts,
as are the ones we have lost in previous years all will be lovingly
remembered as we give Thanks for our Abundant Blessings.
May the day find you,. Surrounded by those You Love,
Making Memories, Sharing Good Food & Good Times.
Wishing You and Yours A Blessed Happy Thanksgiving !!!!
Warm Connecticut Hugs ~ Connie xox

Tuesday Morning Flurries ~~~

What a treat to wake up early this morning
and see the first real flurries of the season.
It looked so pretty and put me in the mood.

I started yesterday to put out a little Christmas

wish I could continue but have previous plans.

Going to visit a friend who's in desperate need of a

little "girl time"... she has a few decorating dilemmas,

and we will see if together we can come up with a solution.

The whole time we will be laughing and sharing as only
good friends can. To quote another dear friend there
are only so many...."Peas in the Pod" so relish the time
you get to spend with them. (((hugs))) Amy ~~
Hope Everyone is Keeping Warm & Cozy ~

EnJoy your Day !!!

Sending Warm Connecticut Hugs ~ Connie xox

Good Friday Morning ~~

Good Morning .......I'm here at the cabin tea in hand, deciding what
I'm going to try and accomplish today. Its raining and chilly out
so it will definitely be something indoors by the warmth of the fire.
I know I'm blessed to be able to be home most days, picking and
choosing what I feel like doing. Most everything connected to

Hearth and Home is what I enjoy. I've just finished posting pictures

of items I have for sale. If you have any time please stop by my

Picture Trail.....and see what I have listed.

Thanks, and I Hope Where Ever You are .... You and Yours are

Toasty Warm, Happy, and Healthy ~~ Have a Wonderful Day !!
Warm Connecticut Hugs ~ Connie xox

Happy Veteran's Day !!!

Happy Veteran's Day !!!
To the Men and Women in uniform here and,
all around the world...Thank You and Your Family,
for the sacrifice you make on our behalf.
And May God Bless You & God Bless America ~~

I'm Home ~~

Hi All ~~ I'm back home .... had a wonderful time, The Tessier's are the sweetest people and most gracious hosts. The store looked beautiful, and smelt even nicer when all was said and done. Jerrie is a master decorator with a wonderful eye. Sometimes Christmas can get a little overdone in my opinion but she has the knack of keeping it just right........the look and the spirit is there, but it turns out restrained and classy. Not an easy feat to pull off.....one that takes lots and lots of hard work. I know her customers appreciate all her hard work and effort ... and look forward to this Christmas Event each and every year. If your in the area, please stop in and visit, you'll be welcomed like old friends.
Below are a few shots of the shop ~~
Warm Connecticut Hugs ~~ Connie xox
*******************************************************************
Tessier's Changes of Thyme ~~ 40 West Street ~~

Bolton, CT 06040 ~~ 860-646-3331 ~~

~~ Christmas in Connecticut ~~

Tonight I pack my bags...for in the morning I head off to make

Christmas in Connecticut.

I am going to a friends store....Tessier's Changes of Thyme. Its a beautiful shop located in B0lton, CT .... I will be staying with the owners, Norman and Jerrie Tessier in their c1700's historic home, located right next door to the shop. During the day Jerrie and, I with the help of Norm, will work merrily to turn the shop from Harvest to Christmas. When each day is done and we return to Jerrie's lovely old home, we will sit in her room of choice, lit by candles, surrounded by her beautiful furnishings and antiques. We will keep warm by a roaring fire, good food, wine and wonderful fellowship. Hopefully we wont stay up too late talking....for tomorrow is another day. On and on we will go till the appropriate time when we open the doors to Old and New Friends alike ..... and usher them in to see Christmas in Olde New England ~~ I'm excited and blessed to be going to ..... create, and experience some Connecticut Christmas Magic ~~

November 7th *** 5:00pm to 9:00pm ***

All day Saturday and Sunday ~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To All My Friends **** Having their "Christmas Open House"

this week or weekend ~

I wish You All Good Times and Good Sales ~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Warm Connecticut Hugs ~~ Connie xox

~~~ Happy Halloween ~~~

From Ghoulies and Ghosties, and
Long Legged Beasties, and
Things that go Bump in the Night;
..........The Good Lord Deliver Us.
++++ HaPpY HaLLoWeeN ++++
+++++++ OcToBeR 31st +++++++

The Old Log Cabin ~~

The Old Log Cabin ~~~ the Swallows Nook.

With Thoughtful care Bestowed;

The Rustic Bridge, The Babbling Brook,

The Pen-Stock by the Road;

The Maple Trees where every Morn.
The Birds sang o'er and o'er;

The Golden ears of Ripened Corn,

That hung beside the Door.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

May Peace and Love Reside

Wherever You Call Home ~~

A Walk in the Woods ~~

Took an early morning walk today looking for
bittersweet and rose-hips. Love to forage
in the woods......never know what you will
come home with. Learned my lesson years
ago and now dress properly for the outing.
Head to Toe I'm cover up, and I always wear a
good pair of gloves. I'm delighted with today's
finds, I also spotted a couple of small pine
trees that could possibly be used in the Cabin
this Christmas Season, hope I can find my way
back to them. Came inside poured a nice cup of

tea then proceeded to fill a basket, and hanging

pouch with the hips ..... filled a huge box with the

unopened bittersweet and set it on top of my

tv cabinet ....... a little messy but it looks good.

Now off to vacuum up the remnants.
Wishing Everyone a Wonderful, Warm, and Cozy
Week-End !! xox

PA Pumpkins ~~

An assortment of PumpKins sitting on my front porch. They were all purchased in Pennsylvania during my last visit ~~

Come Sit and Have Some Tea ~~

Afternoon ~~ Went to Salinger's Orchard
which is just over the state line, into NY and
brought home a bushel of apples.
Decided this would be a good day for baking.
Its chilly and windy out but ever so cozy
here in the cabin. I have my candles lit and some
very sweet music on.
My Apple Pie recipe is quite old and the recipe card
is a little dog eared but it makes a delicious pie...one
my family really loves !! (French Apple)
The Orchard was overflowing with Pumpkins, Mums,
and Gourds such a pretty sight to see.
They also have fresh baked cinnamon donuts, which I
couldnt resist, enjoyed it with a cup of Tea. YUM !!!
The Bounty and Blessings of Fall ~~
Hope You are Warm, Cozy, and can EnJoy
Some Simple Pleasure Today ~~ xox

Monday Wash Day

Good Morning ~~
Got home last night from our Vermont Fall Foliage Trip,
the house was cold.....but it didn't take long for the wood stove to warm us up. The weather up North was chilly just the way we remember it being. The colors were brilliant and the landscape beautiful. Still so much farm land and open space...breathtaking to behold. No stores to speak of, at least not the kind I like to peek around in...antiques shops....country stores. It was our last time out in the camper for this year, its now time to winterize and store it away till next Spring. : - (Today being Monday its "Wash Day" here at the Cabin, and I have lots and lots of laundry to wash, dry, fold, and put away.....its a humble job made easy by all our modern conveniences one I enjoy doing and when its done I always feel I've accomplished something.Hope where ever you are, and what ever you are doing, you are .... Warm .... Cozy,... and Content on this Beautiful Monday !!!!

Off To Vermont ~~

Off to VT for a four day....... Peek at the Leaves Trip.
The camper is all packed up.....I have my camera
hoping for some great shots of the beautiful foliage.
Have my cell phone in case my lovely granddaughters
have a need to talk to their Nan. Have my latest
Beverly Lewis book (thanks barb) so I guess I'm all
set. Oh yes I did pack a few thing my hubby might like....
food, snacks, dvd's, clothes...whatnot's. lol
Have a Wonderful Autumn Week-End !!

Friends

Well I'm pleased as can be.....spent some
quality time this afternoon with my friend,
and my blog looks soooo much better.
Thank You Miss Judy..... (Cinnamon Stick)
there are so many things you are good at.....
and your a sweetie to share your knowledge.
I may just get the hang of this yet.
Its a little early.....but in a while I'm going to
celebrate with a glass of wine !!!! : - )

Early Morning Dreaming

Just inside from my morning chores.....
took a little time today to tidy up my
shed.....did more dreaming than cleaning.
Love the cozy little building.....and sometimes
picture me turning it in to a week-end shop.
I dare say I think more and more of this......
would give me more of a reason to collect,
and a place to sell off my extras.
Well maybe some day ~~
Hope everyone is well and happy in their
little corner of the world.