Rise N' Shine

Good morning, farm friends. We thought it would be nice to share our dependable alarm clock with you.  That's right, our chickens do wake us up each and every day. As early as they rise, we wouldn't have it any other way. Hope you enjoy some of our beautiful birds. Check out our Bantam page while you're at it.

Today we are linking with Mary over at Little Red House for Mosaic Monday. Check out Mary's beautiful fall mosaic and all the other wonderful mosaics shared there.

Cock-a-doodle-doo,

Donkey Days

The blue skies and abundant sunshine this past week provided some quality outdoor time for the donkeys who altered their usual habit of feeding in the lower pasture, for a day in the vegetable garden--the last vestige of summer, and in its current condition, a harbinger of winter. It's a win-win situation. The donkeys will eat the garden remains and simultaneously help clear it for the winter. 

Elmer and Cherry Cola
I'm pretty sure they weren't thinking anything of the sort when the forbidden garden gate was opened, cautiously approaching it, as if they couldn't believe their eyes. "The gate is open. Is this for real?" 

Andy enjoying weeds and withering zinnias

They wiped out two rows of corn this year when the garden gate was mistakenly left open. And the husband was none too happy about it when he returned and found them having a field day, lazily munching on the corn and stomping tomato plants. As Samuel Donkey and his cohorts were rushed from the garden, that day, Sam was caught leaving with a corn stalk in his mouth. Nothing like take-out. Corn stalks to go. 

Otis enjoying a donkey salad

Samuel Donkey, does that taste good?

Does anyone see Cherry Cola?

It was a great day for the donkeys and a great day for us.  They got to enjoy the leftovers while doing the lion's share of the work and we got lots of donkey love and great pictures.

They ate until late in the evening and went to sleep that night with full bellies and happy hearts.

Today we are linking with Angela at  West Virginia Treasures.  Check out all the wonderful animals shared on her Tuesday Show and Tail.  She has a wonderful blog about a Wild and Wonderful State.

Hee Haw, 

Getting in gear for the holidays

It's that time of year when all the wonderful shops have Christmas Open Houses.  Shop owners spend hours and hours decking the halls, ceilings and every nook and cranny with holiday wares. The specialty shops glisten, twinkle and seem to wink, as if Santa's elves scattered fairy dust over everything. My friend and I were lucky enough to attend a few open houses, as an early kick-off to the holiday season, and they did not disappoint.

Check out the wall covering-pages from old books

We began the holidays with a day trip to Lexington, Kentucky for House extravaganza. The surprisingly tiny house was packed with color, classic styles and unique items for any decor with lots of traditional wreathes, swags and trees interspersed with handmade creations in the vein of trendy magazine items at a lower price.  My favorite purchase of the day was a small 1940s style television with a Christmas village scene inside.  You turn the TV on and the village comes to life with lights and movement. I just couldn't pass it up.  My friend had to have one too, hers included a train scene.

Loved this great chandelier

The next shop we found was Cowgirl Attic, an eclectic pop of personality--colorful scarecrows, and metal horses seemed to welcome us before we even entered the shop. The shop, which features antiques, vintage garden decor and lots of rusty, metal art, has a decidedly western vibe, from the the Naugahyde furniture to the wild boar head mounted on the wall. All in all, Cowgirl Attic is a great place for rooting out antique balusters, mantles or  windows. I could spend countless hours sorting through this neat shop. 

Our trip ended at My Favorite Things, and it was the best. Everything imaginable for holiday needs could be found here.  The displays were staged perfectly and included everything from cute Santa and snowman trees, to elegant, detailed nativity scenes. My head was spinning as I attempted to find just the right things at such an early date. While racking my brain trying to remember what might enhance my trees or table settings, I began to get  a headache and I ended up leaving with only a wonderful room spray and candle.

Loved this cute turkey and the Thanksgiving dishes

I made it home with a few great finds. And, I was actually proud of myself for not falling victim to impulse buying, which I so often do. However, on the other hand, I could have gotten a great start on my holiday shopping if I had prepared, made a list, checked it twice...you get the idea. At the end of the day, I was spiritually full, but as far as practicality goes, I blew a great chance to score some unique gifts. I came home empty-handed. I am going to spend some time this weekend devising a decorating game plan, and a shopping list, And then, game on, Christmas 2010!

My candle with the pretty jeweled lid and the TV with the village scene were two of my favorites

Have you started your shopping?  Are you finished already?  Do you put up your tree before or after Thanksgiving?  What's your game plan this year?

Farewell October

October 2010 brought many surprises here at Verde Farm and the weather was one of the best.  We are hard pressed to remember a late October where roses were blooming and we were able to sit on the porch and enjoy the day.  Beauty was abundant and in many forms.  We wanted to share a few of our surprises with you here. Farewell October.

"On such a day each road is planned
To lead to some enchanted land;
Each turning meets expectancy.
The signs I read on every hand.
I know by autumn's wizardry
On such a day the world can be
Only a great glad dream for me--
Only a great glad dream for me!"

-   Eleanor Myers Jewett, An Autumn Day

Today we are linking with Mary over at Little Red House for Mosaic Monday. Check out Mary's beautiful Red Transferware and all the other wonderful mosaics shared there.