"With Pomp, Power & Glory the world beckons vainly, In chase of such vanities why should I roam?While Peace & Content bless my little thatched cottage,And warm my own hearth with the Treasures of Home."*Beatrix Potter

Monday 2 February 2015

Early February


Rooks are back in the rookery at the end of our cottage garden.
We have a lovely little spinney of fir trees where they nest each year, I love the noise & business of the birds making their nests.
They are such a chatty bunch, it is almost like they are having a good gossip while doing their work.
The garden is slowly coming back to life, the little blue tits are hopping about giving much amusement to George through the window.
One little animal has disappeared from the garden, all the squirrels must be nestled down somewhere warm.
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Ginger Snap Biscuits to take with us to a friend for afternoon tea.
Kitty & I had a lovely morning making them, she does like to bake.
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These are the girls favourite biscuits.
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George wanting to come with us shopping.
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Some fabric for patchwork.
I am working on some little Easter gifts for the twins.
We have bought the girls their first little set of knitting needles, some pretty rainbow wool & a learn to knit Ladybird book so I am making little knitting bags for them.
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Tomato Relish.
I made the relish that Rhonda made on Down to Earth , the recipe was simple to make & smelt wonderful.
Instead of the curry powder & chilli I added paprika & mustard powder, the little ones do not like strong flavours. This way we will use it instead of Tomato Sauce, it has so much less sugar.
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Six lovely jars for the pantry shelves.
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Making a birthday card for someone special.
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The pans in there new home.
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The girls love making & decorating cakes.
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Making Date Bread.
This is just a variation to the Tea Bread  recipe but with all dates.
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Studying The Diary of an Edwardian Lady for home school.
The month of January.
Kitty painting Blue Tits & Great Tits.
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Tuesday was a beautiful crisp day.
We took a short walk around the church yard, it was so sunny & warm on the face.
These are the graves that back on to our garden. They are very old graves so not visited which makes it a wonderful place for wildlife, we can often hear the pheasants calling.
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The sun was so beautiful.
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Flowers appearing, there are so many signs that Spring is on it's way.
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Snowdrops on the edge of the church yard.
The church & our garden are full of them.
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This is the old vicarage next to the church which you can see peeping out from behind the tall fir tree.
I do feel a little like Miss Marple some days with our garden hedge next to the church & the Vicarage next door.
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Another pretty Spring flower.
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The first crocus we have seen.
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An old cast drain pipe added t the church in 1876
The church has so many beautiful features.
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The side gate from the church in to the old vicarage.
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This is the side door to the church which faces our cottage.
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More early flowers.
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Catkins in our garden.
They are so pretty with a silvery sheen.
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Some of the hens enjoying the sunny day.
They have started laying a couple more eggs a day, sunshine is a wonderful thing.
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The girls with their finished bow scarves.
I made myself one in a lovely teal colour which was slightly larger than the pattern. The pattern came up small around the neck so I made another navy blue one.
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Victoria Sponge Cake for tea.
A family favourite.
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Thank you dear readers for all your lovely comments.
I really enjoy reading them & hearing from you.
Fondly Michelle
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63 comments:

  1. Hi Michele .. As always I look forward to your posts.. I love where you put your copper.. Is that your kitchen or a pantry or ??? smile.. Love the room whatever one it is.. Your floors are awesome and the church is beautiful.. I look forward to Spring but it is a bit away from us here yet.. Save me a piece of cake.. grin.. God bless..

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    1. HelloFaye,
      The room is our scullery. In old houses you have the scullery for washing & then the kitchen for cooking & eating, I think it is an English thing.
      There will always be a piece of cake for you.
      Fondly Michelle

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  2. Your home is absolutely beautiful. I am a new reader of your blog. Your photos are so beautiful. Ann

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    1. Welcome Ann,
      Thank you for your kind comment.
      Fondly Michelle

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  3. I found your blog via frugalinsuffolk. I love reading about a more simple way of living. Some of your previous posts bought memories flooding back from things that my mother used, tins and books that she had. Many thanks for sharing. Fliss.

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    1. Hello Felicity,
      So glad you have some wonderful memories, many of my things bring back lovely memories of my Grandparents.
      Thank you for your lovely comment.
      Fondly Michelle

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  4. What a lovely post, Michelle! Love your Brown Betty ~ the only kind of pot for making tea.:-) The bow scarves look like my Miss Marple Scarf. They are so cute! Very warm too. Lovely fabric for the twins knitting bags. George is so cute ~ cats love to get into the smallest places! :-)
    Have a nice evening,
    Anne ♥

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    1. I do love brown betty's, I have two.
      Thank you for your lovely comment.
      Fondly Michelle

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  5. Thank you for your lovely pictures again. I hope your girls have fun learning to knit. I'm limited to knitting dishcloths! as I never learned as a child.
    Lots of people seem to have found your blog via mine, this blogging is great fun and joins people together all around the world.

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    1. I only started knitting a few years ago, just learning as I go along & enjoying it. Plus old patterns knitted up are so expensive so that pushed me to have a go.
      Yes blogging is fun.
      Fondly Michelle

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  6. Hi Michelle, love the scarves. I just finished one for myself.I too love seeing those first flowers coming up. We have snowdrops and daffodils. We had Victoria sponge too for Sunday tea!! I have ordered some books from your DVD and book list as all of them I have seen on tv and are my favourites too but never thought of reading them so cranford and larkrise to candleford are now on my bookshelf and next to be read.I look forward to your next post.

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    1. So glad you are going to enjoy the books, I am reading another Flora Thompson one now.
      Lovely to hear from you.
      Fondly Michelle

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  7. I have never heard of a bow scarf - where did you find a pattern and could it be woven instead of knitted / sewn?

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    1. Hello Dani,
      I bought the pattern on Ebay under vintage bow scarf pattern, hope you find it.
      Fondly Michelle

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  8. Hello sweet Michelle! Your posts are always a delight and today's was such a joy. Your pictures and words make me want to drop in for a visit - everything is so calm and beautiful.

    And isn't George simply adorable! Hugs to you!

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    1. Oh yes Stephanie George is adorable but he does get in to things he shouldn't, bless him. Today he decided he fancied dipping his paw in to the flower vase & flicking it all over the table.
      Thank you for your lovely comment.
      Fondly Michelle

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    2. Oh how funny! Maybe George wanted to cook.... :) Thank you, sweet friend, for sharing this post at Roses of Inspiration. Hugs to you!

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  9. Dear Michelle, I have liked to do very much the tour about his cabin, it is a charming lugaraje. As he says, they like the paprika, here in Spain, there is a zone in Estremadura that is named The Side, I was born in this region, and it is a very nice zone and is where the best paprika is done, I would like to be able to send it in order that you and your family you would like provaseis much. Kitty a great painter goes away to combertir one, and I am charmed with George got into the basket! .Hasta the next post. An embrace. Mari Carmen.

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    1. Thank you Mari for your sweet comment.
      It is so interesting hearing about Spain.
      Fondly Michelle

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  10. Dear Michelle. I found your blog via frugalinsuffolk. What a rare treat. Your blog is just wonderful, I find myself so looking forward to your next post!! One question: I am considering homeschooling my two, do you have any tips? I would REALLY appreciate a blogpost on your homeschooling days if that is at all possible? I have bought and am reading Cranford after your recommendation and have started baking again after reading your blog !!Fondest regards,AA

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    1. Welcome,
      I am so pleased to hear you have started baking again.
      We do a little of both with school, I wasn't brave enough to do it with the older ones & with the internet have learned a lot. We do two days of home school & three of primary school, it works well for us. We do a lot of painting, crafting & baking. Also writing, maths, history etc plus wonderful days out learning. Something you can join a group, we do not have any near us sadly. We are now wondering if we carry on as we are or do home school full time, they do prefer being at home.
      Good luck, I would love to hear more from you.
      Fondly Michelle

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    2. Hello again! I did the same as you do with my 4 year old (Reception age) until Christmas but have been coerced by the school to send him full time. He seems so young!! They will not consider flexi schooling! I am not surprised the twins love homeschool, how special to be in such an enriching environment. That is priceless. I have sought inspiration from homeschooling blogs too. There are some great ones. I wish my husband was more pro homeschool (he is actually a teacher!!). Fondest, Anna

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    3. Good Morning Anna,
      We were lucky & had a wonderful head teacher who sadly left last year. We knew they just were not ready for full time & also I wanted to do Home Education so we had a talk with him & this is what he suggested & it has worked out so well. We are just taking each month as it comes & it has been such a wonderful time for us all, this way you have so much more control over what they turn.
      There are some wonderful ideas out there, our home school just follows on to the weekend as they so want to learn all the time.
      They have colds this week so we have a whole week of home school, wonderful.
      You just do what you think is best.
      Where about's do you live.
      Fondly Michelle

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    4. Hello and thank you for the reply! How lovely for the Headteacher to suggest that. I am so happy that it has been a good thing for you and the girls. Well done to you for being different to the rest, that takes courage. I feel now actually that my son would benefit from another year in Reception, formal school begins much to early doesn't it! Are your twins in Reception? My two are only 13 months apart but get on quite well after a few stormy years. We live in a market town near Woodbridge in Suffolk and about 35mins from Aldeburgh and Southwold. We love it! I imagine it is not dissimilar to Lincolnshire (flat, rural etc). Have a lovely day. xx

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    5. Thank you Anna for your lovely words.
      You know you do not have to legally send your child to school until their fifth birthday, that is when we had to let the council know that they did flexi schooling, mind we did not hear anything back.
      We went to Woodbridge many years ago, it is lovely. Andy has a cousin in Baylham which is so pretty & yes very like the Lincolnshire Wolds. The girls will be six next month so are in year one.
      We do start them very early, I didnt go until I was five. In Denmark they start at 7 I think which is so much better, more time with Mother.
      Enjoy the rest of your day.
      Fondly Michelle

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    6. Sadly the Scandinavian school starting age of 7 is really irrelevant. The majority of children spend up to 40 hours a week in daycare from age 12 months when maternity leave is over. They then attend primary school with pre and post school care from 7.00am (bring your own breakfast and a packed lunch) until 5:00pm. Children may go home alone after school ends at 1.00 instead if their parents want, but almost nobody does. Mother is almost certainly not at home! I am the only at home mother we know, and my children are now 11, 14 and 16.

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    7. That is so sad, the early years are so precious & go so fast.
      We have been very lucky for me to be with the children, there are so many things you do not need, we just do not have many material things.
      Fondly Michelle

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  11. Michelle, I recognize Kitty's drawing! It's the one I partially drew and painted. I'd say she's doing great especially compared to mine. I love seeing all your flowers. I had no idea that England's winter is so short. We have at least 6 more weeks here before we see things poking their heads above ground--I haven't heard yet whether the Groundhog saw his shadow today (our predictor of when Spring arrives here). The Sun was out for awhile this afternoon--felt so good with the wind we're having. Did you know there is a cookery book with Edith Holden's drawings. I found one at a local used book store last week. The recipes are very British so I don't think I'll be making very many of them (kidney, pheasants, eel, etc.)

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    1. Oh we love pheasant but have never fancied eel. The book sounds wonderful, I bet the pictures are pretty in it.
      We still can get snow until March here but that will not stop the early flowers.
      Thank you for your lovely comment Cathy.
      Fondly Michelle

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  12. Hi Michelle. Such a joy to read about your flowers and birds as we are getting started on another blizzard, our second in a week with 30 cm of snow in between. The girl's bowtie scarves are so cute and they are very talented artists. I love old graveyards and churches so really enjoyed your photos. That little George could not be any cuter. Enjoy your sponge. It looks yummy!
    Mary

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  13. So glad you enjoyed the walk around our little church Mary, there is so much history there.
    That is a lot of snow, you need to take the 0 off for us, just 3 cm.
    Have a wonderful day.
    Fondly Michelle

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  14. Michelle,

    Your posts are always such a treat! I love your peaceful photos and sweet day to day life. I am sure your daughters will be delighted with the surprise you are making them. The fabrics are so very pretty.

    -Sarah

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    1. Thank you Sarah for your sweet words, I can't wait to start the little bags.
      Fondly Michelle

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  15. Hi Michelle, I have only just found your blog and I love it! I love reading about what you and your family do each day, and looking around your beautiful home! I admire how you are trying to live a more simple life, you are quite an inspiration.

    Like you I am a fan of Lark Rise To Candleford, and book and tv series. Have you read the unabridged version of LRTC? I too have the illustrated version but it is very condensed, the unabridged version is wonderful, a really good read. Also did you know there is a LRTC cookbook, it is really good!

    Many of the books you mention I own and love, even the Ruth Mott cookbook, I love watching her cook on Victorian Kitchen!

    Have you ever read any Miss Read books? They're so cosy, homely and the descriptions of the country side in them is beautiful

    Anyway, I hope you are having a nice day x

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    1. Hello Melanie,
      Thank you for your lovely comment & your kind words.
      I love watching Ruth Mott too & Harry Dobson, I would love t be able to get a wartime Kitchen & Garden on dvd but I do not think they released it.
      The Miss Read books are on my list of books to read, I never get enough time for reading.
      Fondly Michelle

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    2. Hi Michelle,
      I know, I would too, I keep checking the tv guide incase it is on telly as it was on the channel Yesterday a while a go. I think some of the episodes are on YouTube?

      Yes, the Miss Read books really are wonderful, and in them, the character Miss Read mentions her love of Lark Rise To Candleford, A Country Calendar and Flora Thompson a few times!

      Have you read any of Alison Uttley's memoirs? They're wonderful!

      Take care
      Melanie x

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    3. Thank you Melanie I will look up those books.
      Did you know there was a Ruth Mott Country Christmas programme too but it never seems to air.
      Fondly Michelle

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    4. I saw it once on telly a few Christmases ago, one of the food channels showed it, but I've never seen it since, it's not out on dvd either which is a shame.
      If I ever see any Ruth Mott programme advertised to be on telly I'll let you know.

      I'm sure you'll love Alison Uttleys memories, they're wonderful! X

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  16. Dear Michelle,
    Thank you for the photos and description of the old church and cemetery and vicarage. It seems so quiet and peaceful. I love learning about history and old architecture.
    How nice that you already have spring flowers popping up. We don't have that yet, but so nice to see your photos. Very cheering! I am glad your girls enjoy drawing and painting. Such a valuable pastime. And I am glad you enjoy having your girls at home with you. We have always homeschooled full time (25+ years,) and I can't imagine doing otherwise. It is such a blessing!
    I also love reading Flora Thompson books. Another one of your readers mentioned the "Miss Read" books. I LOVE those too! Have you ever read the "Little House" books by Laura Ingalls Wilder? Maybe not, because she is American. But I think your girls would like the books. They are about little girls growing up on the American prairie in the late 1800s. Very sweet books. I have started a new book that was just released called "Pioneer Girl," which is an autobiography of sorts, made up of Wilder's letters and other writings. It is very good!
    Your home is really lovely, and if I didn't live so far, I would love to come for a visit. I think we would have a lovely chat. :-)
    Thank you for taking the time to post your photos and inspiring words. God bless!

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    1. Thank you Jennifer for your lovely comment.
      Yes we have all the Little House books & some children's one's that were Daisy's & now the twins enjoy them & me too.
      Yes teaching your children is a wonderful experience, it is not as popular here in England as it is in America, the internet showed me I could do it. We do so many things that the days just fly by. They teach me just to enjoy the simple things, to be a five year old is wonderful.
      Fondly Michelle

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  17. What an adorable kitty in a basket. And so nice to see the girls around the kitchen table creating.
    Jean x

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    1. Hello Jean,
      The girls love being busy at the table, it is a well used table.
      Fondly Michelle

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  18. Oh, what a cozy home and kitchen! I cant believe how much green you already have--- and flowers blooming already! Everything is still sleeping its winter sleep here on the prairie. Love the girls in their matching scarves!

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    1. Hello Heather,
      yes it is so nice to see the little bits of green popping up.
      Fondly Michelle

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  19. What a lovely blog you've created. I so enjoyed visiting. So refreshing and the girls are lovely. The breads and cookies and everything sounds so delicious. :)

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    1. Welcome,
      So glad you enjoyed your visit.
      Fondly Michelle

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  20. What lovely post. Your house is in a beautiful place, I think I would be a Miss Marple if I lived there.
    Julie xxxxxxxxx

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    1. Thank you for your lovely comment.
      It would have to be Joan Hickson for me.
      Fondly Michelle

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  21. Lovely read as always this is always a real treat x

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  22. how wonderful to find your blog, I truly enjoyed my first time here!

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    1. So glad you enjoyed your visit Annie.
      Fondly Michelle

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  23. Hello Michelle

    How lovely to meet you ate Stephanie's party.
    You write beautifully and I've enjoyed reading your post.
    What a busy person you must be with eight children, yet I feel great calm within your home.
    The girls are gorgeous and so proud of their pretty navy scarves - a clever pattern.

    I'm following you now and thank you for your kind comment and for following me!

    Hugs
    Shane

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    1. Thank you so much Shane for your lovely comment, I am so glad you enjoyed the post.
      Fondly Michelle

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  24. Hello Michelle!
    Sigh... every image and thought delights my heart from the inside out!!
    SUCH a PLEASURE to come to visit you!!!
    Many Many Blessings and warmth Linnie

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    1. So glad you enjoyed your visit Linnie.
      Warm wishes to you too
      Fondly Michelle

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  25. Hello Michelle ~ running late {computer problems again} but have so enjoyed my visit to your kitchen which must smell heavenly, followed by a stolen moment strolling around your country churchyard. ~~~Deb

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    1. Hello Deborah,
      We have computer problems here too, it has not been the same since the lightening strikes last year.
      So glad you enjoyed your visit.
      Fondly Michelle

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    2. Hello Deborah,
      We have computer problems here too, it has not been the same since the lightening strikes last year.
      So glad you enjoyed your visit.
      Fondly Michelle

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  26. What a wonderful blog you have! I am a follower of Faye, from The Blessed Hearth, and just happened along a pin she pinned that led me to you. I live in Northern Maine. I love your home, and your church is just breathtaking. Thank you for the wonderful tour. I enjoyed it very much!

    Blessings,
    Julie
    www.ourlittleredsaltbox.blogspot.com

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  27. Hello Julie,
    Thank you for your lovely comment, so glad you enjoyed the blog.
    Fondly Michelle

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  28. You live in a beautiful home, Michelle, and what a lovely area outside your back door! I'd love to stroll around there and return home for afternoon tea. Just lovely! Good to see you making some relish too.

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    1. Thank you Rhonda for your lovely comment.
      Your relish is a hit with the children so I will be making more, thank you for the recipe.
      Fondly Michelle

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