2003
Holiday
Holiday Greetings from our farm to you!
Rubi and Erin dreaming in Erin's bed.
Preston dozing in front of the wood stove at 1 AM when I got home from work. He had his feet up on the warm bricks.
Adventures From Black Pond Farm
Seasons Greetings to all our honorary farmhands from Black Pond Farm!
Whatever path this year leads you upon...
We wish you magic, silliness, joy, love and a giggle or two in the upcoming year.
We have had a full year here on the farm. Tim is still home after resigning from his job to enjoy a summer on the property. The projects accomplished far out-number the stress-filled days he would have been stuck in an office building. He's dropped a few inches off his waistline and gained a good 10 years to his life in the process.
Tim and I have spent many summer evenings sitting by the campfire enjoying each other's company. The cobwebs and dust bunnies have really taken over in the cabin...but we've had fun. On occasion, we've been able to share this special time with our family and friends. We actually had to be REMINDED to invite our loved ones to the farm, because we got so caught up in it and lost track of time.
Erin and Preston continue to amaze us every day. Erin began kindergarten this year. Being home on the farm with "Mommy" is much different than being in a classroom. I can't think of even ONCE that we waited IN LINE to collect eggs in the chicken coop, or had to "pay attention" when picking berries and exploring our 15-acres. It baffles her teacher that the same child tested in the top of her class and is already reading.
Preston turned four in November. He is his Mommy's lil' guy. Still doesn't sleep through the night, waking up between 1-2 AM to make sure he knows where I am. He's CRAZY about tractors, excavators and diesel trucks! Even a large rock can be transformed into an excavator -- complete with sound effects.
This holiday season Tim told me to "go talk to grown ups". After 6 years of raising babies, I was so excited to take a job selling china, silver and crystal at The Bon-Macy's, (which is about a 45 minute drive from our farm). I started just before Thanksgiving, working many shifts where I didn't arrive home until after 1AM in the morning. We are actually losing money on the deal, but I have had so much fun! I ended up using my employee discount for shopping during Christmas and it's been good for Tim and the kids to spend time together.
I began restoring and selling vintage wedding gowns from the 1930's through 1960's back around Easter. To date, I've sold over two dozen, mostly to shops for resale. Three or four went to the UK, where they look for authentic AMERICAN gowns from the mid century. Approximately five went to brides. I have kept about a dozen on-hand at all times. In February I will attend my first bridal show with a fashion show, the next one in March.