Bacon Square Farm

Get the Look: Modern History

2011-04-22T10:48:00.005-05:00

Cobalt blue foyer table featured in get the look from Etsy.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/68334016/entryway-or-foyer-table-cottage-beach

http://www.etsy.com/storque/shop/get-the-look-decor-modern-history-12618/

Bring Us A Little Sunshine ;) on Etsy.com

2011-03-24T08:18:00.000-05:00

Shabby Chic Farmhouse ~ Stylish Home's Weekly Etsy Finds

2011-03-01T20:36:00.001-06:00

We are honored to be featured in Stylish Home's weekly Etsy finds with our Farmhouse Candleholder.

http://www.stylishhome.com/Community/StylishHome-Current/Shabby-Chic-Farmhouse-StylishHomes-Weekly-Etsy-Finds

Itsy Bitsy Paper: Fun Friday Finds-Honeysuckle

2011-02-25T11:01:00.001-06:00

Itsy Bitsy Paper: Fun Friday Finds-Honeysuckle: "Pantone says that Honeysuckle is the Color of 2011! Today's Fun Friday Finds is dedicated to Honeysuckle and Etsy. Every item on..."

Etsy Finds: Please Pass the Mustard

2011-01-25T15:51:00.003-06:00

Our dandelion yellow elevated pet feeder was included in the finds....
Click link below to see all the etsy finds featuring mustard yellow.....

http://app.bronto.com/public/?q=preview_message&fn=Link&t=1&ssid=12675&id=j31d6pfeiob7r8kfgbw1ll5zlsclg&messageversion_id=aawwistolkmkuzuyhflwqcvbzqnrbbp

How - Tuesday: Straight Razor Shave

2011-01-14T16:44:00.002-06:00

Yellow Insulator Birdhouse featured in Strawberry Couture Blog

2011-01-14T16:35:00.003-06:00

Click link to see the blog: http://strawberrycouture.blogspot.com/

Red Chalkboard Frame~Featured in Artful Living

2011-01-04T19:49:00.012-06:00

Click this link to see the Feature: http://paper.li/ItayaArt

They Call Me Mellow Yellow

2010-12-18T17:39:00.002-06:00

Our large yellow shelf was featured in the blog " Addicted to Etsy " follow the link listed below to check it out for more outstanding designs from various artists.

http://www.addicted2etsy.com/2010/12/they-call-me-mellow-yellow.html

Get the Look Decor: Deck the Halls

2010-12-05T22:28:00.002-06:00

Check out our red wagon we are honored to be selected in the Etsy finds.

http://www.etsy.com/storque/spotlight/get-the-look-decor-deck-the-halls-11310/?ref=fp_blog_title

Etsy Finds Decor Get the Look: Down Memory Lane

2010-10-10T20:51:00.005-05:00

We are honored to have our pink wall planter wagon featured on Etsy's finds decor "Get the Look" thanks Christine~!

http://www.etsy.com/storque/spotlight/get-the-look-decor-memory-lane-10885/

Bacon Square Farm at Minnesota State Fair

2010-08-19T15:24:00.006-05:00

We'll have a booth at the State Fair St Paul Mn that begins Thursday, August 26th and runs through Labor Day, Monday September 6th.

Our booth is located in the lower level of the Grand Stand and we'll be there from 9am to 9pm each day.

We hope you stop by and see us, mention this blog and receive 10% off a purchase, we have new products just for the Fair.

Check out the State Fair official website at http://www.mnstatefair.org/ for more info about events and concerts, the fabulous food on a stick.

See ya there at "The Great Minnesota Get-Together"

Black Hills of South Dakota

2010-07-08T10:33:00.015-05:00

Presidents faces in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Great Faces - Great Places abound in South Dakota - wonderful area for relaxing, hiking, shopping, viewing nature at it's finest, perfect vacation area.

Yes, these are black angus cows on the road heading to our friends house located in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Pappa Buffalo

Critters on the road so cute

Donkeys on the road plus up close and personal with Mr Jack~!

Presidents faces at dusk with vistors center in forefround. Awesome sight to behold.One of several tunnels in the Black Hills

Countryside in the Black Hills area of South Dakota

Cruising down Interstate 90 on our way home from the Black Hills of South Dakota July 4th weekend of 2009 my birthday mini vacation with our family.

Farmhouse Simplicity Etsy Finds Decor

2010-06-19T15:14:00.003-05:00

Our iron wall chandelier is featured in Etsy's " Get The Look " series and inspired by the New Hampshire farmhouse of Liane Tryrell whose Etsy shop is named Enhabiten article written by admin Christine of Etsy.

Link below to Etsy Blog Post:

http://www.etsy.com/storque/spotlight/etsy-finds-decor-farmhouse-simplicity-8811/

Waiting to Plant Soybeans

2010-05-17T13:27:00.002-05:00

Waiting to plant soybeans~ it's been wet the past few weeks so machinery hangs out on the farm yard. John Deere 24 row planter 20" spacing and trac John Deere Tractor

John Deere Combine

2010-04-24T18:48:00.004-05:00

Close up of John Deere Combine largest made by Deere with Graco corn head 24 row header with 20" spacing which means it's 40 ft wide. The Graco corn head chops stalks after the ear corn has been pulled off. Needless to say this machine is very hungry and eats copious amounts of grain ie corn for breakfast. lol.

John Deere Trac Tractor pulling a Kinze Grain Cart which holds 1100 bushels of corn or soybeans and safely fills a semi trailer which handles 800 to 900 bushels of crop allowing the combine to not stop on the ends to unload.

Soybean crop head carrier 35ft long used to transport the head on highways and rural back roads, safety is most important.

John Deere mean green machine notice the size of this combine compared to the old machine shed that once housed all of Pete's fathers machinery back in the 1940's thru 1960's. The size of implements has tripled.

Rusting Au Natural

2010-04-13T09:53:00.001-05:00

Pete mixes up his special rusting brew and allows mother nature to finish the process, they sunbath near the barn or on top of the old silo, people think we are crazy when they see all these rusting objects and we are. lol.

Miss Pepper Our New Border Collie

2009-10-25T16:28:00.006-05:00

Hello~ my name is Miss Pepper I'm a 5 year old Border Collie female and I'm so thankful that Pete and Tanya rescued me from the Human Society. I love living on the farm where I can roam, romp and play ball with my new family who loves me uncondionally. They tell me I've brought them love and laughter~!

Just give me sticks and I'm happy~

Kinda like this white stuff humans call snow~!

Colonial Charm Birdhouse Featured in October 2009 Issue of ~This Old House Magazine~

2009-10-06T22:18:00.005-05:00

We were contacted by This Old House Magazine this past summer, they wanted one of our birdhouses for the October 2009 issue of there magazine. Needless to say we were honored to have been chosen.

Garter Snake by "MY" Picture Taking Tree~ How dare Him.....

2009-08-04T18:20:00.007-05:00

Yes the snake is harmless, garter species but~ doesn't he know it's My backyard and MY tree for picture taking for Etsy, geez, lol. Got the pictures taken of our new style birdhouse for Etsy.

Our new rustic birdhouse with handcut metal art flower~

Wrens do love our birdhouses~ have to control myself tho, I want to push in the sticks hanging out the opening, we enjoy watching them from the kitchen window. Love birds and nature.

Young Visitor at the Farm Today

2009-07-30T17:10:00.007-05:00

Taking pictures of birdhouses to list on Etsy, Ellie our border collie-lab begins barking like a crazy woman~I look around to see why. A little bambi was in our yard, they are sooo adorable & sweet when they are young. Since this picture was taken this lil guy has been in our yard numerous times.

My Flowers Wish I Had a Green Thumb~!

2009-07-22T20:04:00.014-05:00

They were lovely until we did our 1st show of the summer season in June, had to over water so they would survive us being gone. Glad I took these photos so at least I can come to the blog to see them.

We've Got Snow on the Farm

2009-06-18T00:04:00.007-05:00

Yes it was snowing last week here at the farm but from the huge cottonwood tree located in our yard. For several days the cotton is blowing similiar to snow in the winter.

I'd not noticed the tree before full of cotton on the branches, nature is beautiful. Every Spring we have the snow for a few days but in my hurry up world had not stopped to observe.

So think there is a lesson for myself and maybe anyone who reads this, we really need to stop~ look~ and listen when we are outside.

Planting Corn on the Farm 2009 ~ It's peeping up already~!

2009-05-08T14:38:00.018-05:00

Beautiful site to behold~ the planting of 2009's corn crop. Perfect conditions this year~ The soil was dry on top with plenty of moisture below the surface, a perfect seed bed.

Now if we are blessed with timely rains, plus heat units from the Sun, humidity as well~ combine these factors all together to make an excellent corn crop.

Pete and I love walking down the lane between the cornfield, listening to the rustling of the leaves, nature at it's finest. You can hear it grow~

Huge mighty John Deere Track Tractor pulling the 90 ft planter. Long way from horses.

Big Green Machine John Deere 54 row 20 inch planter.

Cloud of dust~ super dry conditions when the corn was planted, put a perfect seed bed for the plants. Finished planting on a Saturday, blessed with spring rain on Sunday~ God does provide.

I can barely back up a car or park in small spaces image backing up this 90 ft planter in tight corners of fields. Good thing I'm not driving. lol~

Off to the races to plant the corn~ This is a John Deere planter 90 feet long~ Imagine the span of steel

This picture is south of our house, you can see the Coop in the background and the tiny hamlet or town we live near.
The tiny corn plant as emerged above the ground, tender tiny plant that will grow to over 6ft tall and produce 2 or 3 ears of corn depending on rain and sun.

Spring at the Farm

2009-04-25T14:37:00.014-05:00

The old farmhouse at bacon square~ she looks bare now, can't wait till the trees bear leaves and flowers and shrubs bloom then there's life on the farm once again.

Up close pictures of last years corn after fall tillage. In a few days they will use a digger to prepare the seed bed for this years corn. So check back later as I'll have pictures to share.

This picture is south of our home showing the corn stalks from last year, the tillage was a deep chisal plow, the deep frosts of Minnesota break up the soil to make a perfect seed bed for the new crop for 2009.

We'll soon be mowing the yard~ I need my farmer tan from the lawnmowers job. lol. Takes us between 6 to 7 hours to mow around all the building site. This picture is the same location as the winter one with all the snow, quite a difference.

Ellie, our border collie - lab rescue dog from the pound, soon to be 17~ the most awesome and loving dog we've owned. She's my buddy when I paint in the studio and watches Pete in the wood or metal shop too. She's the real boss of Bacon Square Farm~!

Strange appearance in our yard, notice the darker shade of green grass, Pete says this is from our garter snake runs, we find them sunning themselves on warm days. Much to my dislike.

Pete told me when we got married snakes couldn't survive the cold winters of Minnesota, ha ha. He forgot about garter snakes. Too us woman a snake is a snake, big or small.

" Come as you are Celebration on Etsy "

2009-04-16T14:02:00.014-05:00

We had our 2 year selling anniversary on Etsy beginning April 16th and ending April 20th. We offered a special discount as a appreciation and celebration.

Listed below are some of the latest designs from us here at the farm.

Have a great Spring everyone and birdhouses make a Awesome Mother's Day gift ~ or maybe start a collection for yourself, you'll get hooked on collecting them, plus enjoy watching the birds as well.

April fools day joke on me~ crooked Red painted birdhouse with splashes of Yellow~ Vintage Yellow faucet too!
Designer Red Oriole Bird Feeder with Yellow Ceramic Bowls

Reclaimed black old door knob Birdhouse~ Rusty steel roof~ Metal Flower so Awesome~!

Abstract Metal Art design with Black Wood Frame~!

Metal Art Abstract Design - Modern Cottage - Wall Decor

On the Road~ Historic Champ Clark Home

2009-03-26T20:06:00.005-05:00

Pete and I both enjoy history~ which means we explore the back roads, getting off the main highway to check out landmarks, even cemeterys, they are full of history.

Coming home from a mini weekend in Kentucky the drive home took us thru Missouri. As we approched Bowling Green a roadside sign said: Historical home of Champ Clark.

My dad had told me my grand father's nick name was Champ, so we drove into town to check out this historical home and read about the politican from Missouri.

Love lil mini trips with no particular place or destination, stopping on a whim to explore an area.

Posted the link to the website at the bottom of the pictures. Interesting read if you love history.

Link to the Champ Clark History:

http://www.pikecountytourism.com/Honeyshuck.htm

Fridays Finds~ The WaterRose ~ On Etsy

2009-03-20T14:12:00.009-05:00

One of my favorite shops on Etsy is the Waterrose~ Her workmanship with textiles and embroidery is outstanding. Love how she combines old school with a new twist-look. She's created her own unique style, calling them handcrafted obsessions. Go check out her shop, you won't be dissapointed.

Sheet Music Cuff Hand Embroidery

Pansy Appliqued Wool Felt Cuff

Queen Annes Lace Earrings

Queen Annes Lace Necklace

Check out her shop:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5671195&ga_search_query=waterrose&ga_search_type=seller_usernames

3000 Hearts Give-a-Way on Etsy

2009-03-12T14:06:00.007-05:00

We had a secret contest going~ The person who gave us our 3000th heart would win a free gift from us. So today I'm sending out this birdhouse with stainless steel rod to the winner from New Jersey.

This is the beginning of more such secret contests for our blog, love paying it forward so to speak. Hopefully this birdhouse will bring a smile to it's new owner.

Crash of our Computer~

2009-03-01T08:37:00.014-06:00

One can survive these days enduring the crash or breakdown of a home computer with the help of public library's. I could get my daily fix perusing Etsy, keeping up with emails, and other general info. I've driven many miles to 4 nearby towns to use there public library this past week, and found them incredible.

Two of them were only a couple of years old, another has been around 50 plus years, the closest to our farm home is the smallest and open only a couple of hours 3 times a week. We are lucky to have this library which shares a tiny structure with the city snow truck, now boasts 2 computers, storytime for children, a reading area, newspapers, magazines, movie rentals, and you can request a book, all of this in a town of 128 people. It's a happening place during those two hours.

I've missed a unique world by not checking out library's, it's not a boring place, we need to continue to support them so they don't become extinct. My humble suggestion this week, peruse a library~

Computer Code Crashed Chenille Baby Bib

Check out her shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5054932&ga_search_query=colbylanedesigns&ga_search_type=seller_usernames

Carrie Bradshaw's Quotes Computer Crash
Check out her shop: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15467513

Mini - Wall Art - Arbitrary Word = Crashed
Check out this shop: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18845770

Computer Epic Fail Vinly Decal

Check out the shop: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20350861

The Challenge Man vs Steel

2009-02-19T10:33:00.008-06:00

Pete made this fireplace hood for friends of ours who built a new home in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The legs will be attached to a raised brick firepit inside there great room.

You can walk around it, there will be chairs, people can kick back and relax in front of the fire. Roast marshmellows, make smores, hot dogs whatever??? Think of all the stories that will be shared when they entertain guests.

The stainless steel legs attach to a raised brick firepit in a the center of a home. Once again I call Pete a master artist working with steel. He has the God given talent to see a raw sheet of iron and invision a completed object.

Yes it looks like a space ship ready for take off~ but I'm actually the hood for a fireplace.

Fireplace hood constructed of stainless steel~ 4ft square in size with tapered top.

Stainless steel squared 10ft long pipe with smaller internal insert. This pipe goes up to the roof, pete made flanges for inside and outside on the roof~ Internal insert keeps heat inside so you don't get burned if you touch the pipe and prevents fires.

Saturday Finds~ " Talula " on Etsy

2009-02-14T09:18:00.006-06:00

Vintage trinkets and forgotten treasures describes the Etsy shop of Talula. Most of her designs are One of a Kind~ so if you see something that strikes your fancy~ I'd not wait to purchase as it may be gone~!

She recycles, revampes, restyles, unwanted items into incredible fabulous new jewelry. Think of all the items in your Grandmothers box that every passes by but~

Talula see's them as treasures to be reborn into unique heirlooms for the next generations to come. Go peruse her shop today~ you'll enjoy your visit~!

No. 090b Threadbare Gypsy Gold

No, 085b One Way or Another Bracelet

No. 292e Deadly Nightshade Earrings

No. 605 The Traveler Necklace Come visit Talula's Etsy Shop:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5057968&ga_search_query=talula&ga_search_type=seller_usernames

Saturday Shopping~ Girls Weekend Out

2009-02-10T15:19:00.014-06:00

Hmmm~ missed my Saturday finds, but, had a girls weekend shopping in Minneapolis with our daughter~

What a grand day we enjoyed, shopped till we dropped, the temps were milder, so lots of people out perusing the shops~!

Enjoyed the shops at 50th and France in Edina~ what an experience, enjoyed a leisurely lunch, at Salut, laughing telling stories too~!

Checked out antique shops~ Hunt and Gather~ ended at the Mall of America, then called it a day.

Check out the shops in the 50th and France area:

http://www.50thandfrance.com/

Saturday finds will be back Valentines Day~

Saturday Finds~ Carriers Cozy Cottage on Etsy

2009-01-31T10:01:00.008-06:00

Please take a stroll down memory lane and peruse the shop of Carriers cozy Cottage on Etsy~ Lovely vintage treasures and cozy cottage creations~!

Vintage appreciates and ages gracefully in time, in my humble opinion every needs a bit of vintage in there life. So enjoy this lovely vintage shop on Etsy you won't be disappointed~!

Vintage Hollycraft Parure Set ~ COPR 1950

Vintage Sugar Bowl Pin Cushion

Vintage 3 Strand Fuchsia Pearlized Beads with Rhinestone Clasp Choker

Vintage 14 Karat Gold Love Knot Brooch~ Italy

Vintage Red Cabochon Cuff Links

Vintage Cowboy

Check out her shop:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5893224&ga_search_query=carrierscozycottage&ga_search_type=seller_usernames

Frozen Tundra on the Prairie of Minnesota January 2009~

2009-01-27T12:54:00.011-06:00

Farm house in winter~ after I took this picture walked along the huge frozen drift that is in our yard~ can't tell in these pictures how far off the ground I am walking on the drift~

Snow pile by the barn~ Perfect for King of the Mountain~!

Huge snowpile by the machine shed~ this is one of 4 huge piles of snow~ I'm thankful we have a tractor with huge loader bucket and a large 4 auger snowblower.

This is the huge drift I must face going up and down our driveway, the least bit of wind and we are snowbound once again~!

Frozen tundra~ winter landscape view west of our home looking across the road~ the land is resting in preparation for spring planting~

Saturday Finds~The Peach Tree on Etsy

2009-01-24T15:48:00.022-06:00

Hmmm, what can I say, but~ love the style and flair of "The Peach Tree" on Etsy. Amy designs beautiful earrings~necklaces~bracelets that are vibrant yet subtle, she just has her own unique style...simple. I'm drawn to her work~ Please check out her shop on Etsy, you'll love it too~!

On the Etsy Blog entitled: Season of Love~ "How do YOU Say Love"~ sellers were chosen by there items that embody the spirit of the Season~ "The Peach Tree's" earrings named "Shirley" a stunning garnet quartz was selected by Admin Check out the Etsy Blog and vote~!

Firefox Red

Halcyon Pearl white

Midnight Blue

Mandellin Necklace

Check out her shop on Etsy:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5532153

Etsy Front Page 1/23/09 Admin

2009-01-24T08:04:00.004-06:00

Thanks Etsy Admin for choosing one of our hanging candelabra candleholders for a front page treasury~!

Etsy Front Page 1/23/09 Admin
Originally uploaded by Etsy Front Pagers

Saturday Finds~ Humblebea~ Check out her shop on Etsy

2009-01-17T14:37:00.010-06:00

My Saturday finds this week is a shop by Humblebea on Etsy~ Love all her designs and creations~ multi talented young woman. She offers quality handmade clothing for children.

Her shop is never boring or ho-hum always something new happening over at Humblebea's. Love her latest twist~ fairy or garden gnome houses very whimsical and cute~ so take a few minutes and check out her shop on Etsy you won't be disappointed~

When you are in need of a baby shower gift, Easter outfit, special occasion dress think of Humblebea, she offers gift wrapping, excellent packaging with care and wonderful customer service~plus, high quality of workmanship.

Handmade Hopscotch Pinafore~ notice the matching bobby pin yo-yo's~!

Button Socks~ Simply adorable~ all little girls need a pair of these~!

Handmade Black-Gray-White Pinafore with Buttons~ Designer Quality~!

Handmade Felt Mary Janes~ how cute are these for that little one~

Handmade Black and White Lounge Set~ Love this so striking~!

Love Shack~ " Obama" made from polymer clay, these may house a fairy or garden gnome, whimsical and cute~! Check them out various styles to choose from~!

Check out her Etsy shop:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5131631

Vignettes..Scenes of our Booth...Future Etsy Items

2009-01-13T12:03:00.006-06:00

Snipets of our booth~modern magnetic board with pete's handcut metal art flower with vintage door knob center~original design by us.

Metal art flower sign with 4 handcut flowers~! unique and original design by us~

Hanging flower boxes or tissue holders with handcut 3-d flowers~

Black modern-cottage table.

Items coming soon to Etsy~ if you would like to know when they arrive send a convo to be added to our mailing list for specials~Have a grand day~!

Shabby cottage cream long shelf with vintage brown porcelain knob~ magnetic and chalkboard vintage frames~ 3-d long flower sign~ Coming to Etsy, be watching~!

Vintage door knob~ picture frame style~rustic magnetic board with rustic magnets~ This handmade design by us will be coming to Etsy soon~! Various styles of magnetic boards they are awesome~!

Saturday Finds~ "Neawear" Jewelry & Wall Wear on Etsy

2009-01-10T14:42:00.012-06:00

Adorn yourself~ Adorn your Walls~ this is Neawear on Etsy. She's a brilliant artist designer and thinks outside the box. Combines her needlework with a twist of urban retro flair.

Needlework has been around for ages, grandma's passing down this art to there grandchildren, but Nea goes beyond this box, designing unique, vibrant, bold, whimsical Art for your walls or yourself. I find her work very refreshing~

I love perusing her shop to see what's the latest creation from her hands, wondering as well, does she ever sleep?~ her creative mind must race at a 220 voltage speed.

Check out her shop on Etsy you won't be disappointed, like myself will peruse and wall eye candy from Nea's shop.

Pink Poppy Wall Wear

Red Stiletto Necklace

Flora Wall Wear #18

Brelok Neclace #7

Check out her shop:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=57939

Saturday Finds~ Star of the East on Etsy

2009-01-03T09:30:00.020-06:00

One of my favorite shops to explore on Etsy~love her style. Baroque, Eclectic, Exotic anything but boring~! Wonderful designs for the bride as well. Bracelets, rings, earrings too~!

They pay great attention to details, so many of her pieces include a matching bracelet, earrings or both~

Free Shipping is awesome~! who doesn't love that~

So check out Star's shop, you'll fall in love with it too~

~Day Dreams~

~The Cutest Bag~

Link to her shop on Etsy:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5203404

Vignettes...scenes from our booth

2009-01-02T09:44:00.005-06:00

Birdhouses in vibrant oranges and limes~ Pete's metalart flower signs too~ These are huge hit with our customers. Some of these items coming soon to Etsy so be watching~!

Large black wall wooden flower sign with Pete's hand sculptured metalwork leaves and stems~ center of the flower is iron piece too~!

Snipets....On the Road Again

2008-12-30T13:37:00.012-06:00

Tulip Tree located on the grounds at Shakertown Kentucky

Stone Fence...Shakertown Kentucky...so beautiful

Sheep Shearing...Shakertown Kentucky

" Going " He handles me with such love and care.

" GONE " boy do I feel nekkid.

Cemetery...Shakertown

Shakertown Kentucky...Brick Building

Shakertown Kentucky...Horse Barn

Saturday Finds~ Two Left Hands on Etsy

2008-12-27T15:28:00.026-06:00

Love all the mossies, petal pillows, necktie lady pillows from twolefthands shop on Etsy. Notice all the detail in there faces, the colorful designs, very artistic, I'm drawn to there beauty.

Check out her shop on Etsy:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5125950

June 2008 Street Fair Pictures

2008-12-18T09:41:00.009-06:00

~Love this large Cabinet Mr. Pete made for us to sell at our shows. I drew out the plans sitting in church one Sunday morning~ don't tell the pastor I was not listening to his sermon, ok~

~Pictured are various styles of birdhouses, a primitive cupboard, old dolls, a primitive bench, perfect for display.

~Pete's version of a Antique Crock Bench~ more pictures of shelves and birdhouses~

~Birdhouses~ Primitive Cupboard~Early Lighting~ Prairie Dolls~

Osage Clayworks of Osage Arkansas

2008-12-10T20:34:00.005-06:00

Picture of Newt outside of his Shop in Osage Arkansas

Pete and I enjoy meeting other artists-designers during our art show schedule~ after all you do spend many hours together and friendships are made~

We've had the privilege to meet Newt Lale~ potter extraordinaire of Osage Arkansas.

He's a vendor at War Eagle Fair as well, Pete and the other gentlemen spend hours visiting, sharing story's, laughing alot~!

We visited his store on our way home~ being the history buff I enjoyed every minute in his shop, full of eye candy and history.

Check out his shop if you are near Branson Missouri or Eureka Springs Arkansas he's just a tad south~

Link to his shop:

http://www.osageclayworks.com/index.html

Dapper Dan the Snowman's Kid Brother

2008-12-03T19:38:00.004-06:00

Well, really I'm the kid brother to the original Dapper Dan~ I'm just a bit smaller that's all~

Sporting the same top hat, bow tie, and carrot nose~ Both of us are made from stainless steel~

I'll be coming to Etsy very soon~ been to cold to take pictures of me in the snow among the pine trees.

War Eagle 2008

2008-12-02T19:40:00.026-06:00

View from our motel-cabin on Beaver Lake.

The house and barn on the original War Eagle site.

The War Eagle craft show began in 1954 with local artists only then added the states that bordered Arkansas, today they come from all over the United States. Four large tents are erected along with a barn to house the artists~ Concessions with homemade food abound. The middle picture is " Sherman " he pulls our cargo trailer, he loves to hang out along the fence in the shade.

Huge tents filled with artists from around the country
" sherman " hanging out along the fence line~ he pulls our trailer
Vendors tents along the war eagle river

The war eagle mill was constructed in 1830 by Sylvanus Blackburn~ flood washed it away and it was rebuilt. The Union and Confederate Army's used this during the early years of the civil war--it was burned during the end of the war and not replaced until 1873. Today's structure is a reproduction of the 3rd mill constructed in 1973.

It's an active mill grinding mill today, you can purchase items from there gift shops or dine upstairs on the 3rd floor~ Another step back in history moment as you walk inside the mill.

War Eagle Mill and Wooden Bridge

War Eagle Mill

Peaceful and serene river~ simple beauty.

Peaceful and serene is how to describe the war eagle area, love walking along the river or standing on the one lane wooden bridge gazing at the geese-ducks or children playing in the water, fishing too~! A step back in time when life was simple.

View of the River with tents in the background

Looking down over the War Eagle River from the road~ awesome~!

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Love traveling the road to War Eagle Arkansas~ a fascinating and nostalgic historic site nestled in the rolling Ozark hills of NW Arkansas. Home of the Mill a most picturesque place in the natural state.

Fall is beautiful in Arkansas~ Love doing the craft show at War Eagle a working mini vacation for us.

In the splendor of Autumn...
Warm days, cool nights, colorful scenery- that's typical of War Eagle in October. Famous fried chicken or barbeque dinners eaten picnic-style along a mill pond reflecting the flamming fall revue and azure sky; that's the stuff of which memories are made.

~Historic War Eagle River One Lane Wooden Bridge~
~ Road to War Eagle~ love this part of the drive~ so beautiful~

Harvest on the Farm 2008

2008-11-24T16:40:00.005-06:00

Fall is a beautiful time of year~ the temps in Minnesota are still on the mild side, the trees are various shades of reds~orange~golden~ mixed with browns n greens to create a most awesome sight.

It's also time for the corn and soybean harvest, the fruits of the farmer toiling the soil.

Pictured are the semi trucks waiting to haul the corn to the storage bin site, the large blue grain cart unloads the corn into the semi's, so the combine does not have to stop to unload the grain, like in the old days of farming. These carts move along side the combine when they are full they unload in the semi trailer. This is modern day farming at it's best, so the farmer can continue to harvest, thus less time in the field, saving money in fuel.

The massive combine is a John Deere 30 ft corn head which combines 18 rows of corn at a time, it gives the moisture of the corn, plus yield~ it's an amazing machine. The grain cart is pulled by a Cat track tractor.

Gone are the days of walking the soybean fields pulling and hoeing the weeds by hand, Pete and I enjoyed this time together with nature and the earth, listening to the wind talking thru the soybeans, rustling the trees near the creek, a deer drinking water, unseen by man except in the soybean field. I got a great farmer tan~!

Today at coffee the older men were reminiscing about the past, last time horses were used to plant or plow the prairies in our area, during the 1940's the work horse era seized to exist, tractors had arrived.

The old truck in the picture we call Chet~ after my grandfather~ it was his farm truck. We use him to haul the completed wood or metal art from the woodshed/metal shop to the house. We love chet, he's a good old truck. My grandfather lived to be 102, was a farmer and blacksmith so it's fitting that Chet the truck has a new home here at the farm. I call Pete the modern day blacksmith.

I'm going thru old photo's from my mother in law with more pictures from the past on the farm so come again to reminisce about the good old times when life was simple.

Sneak Peek of a New Birdhouse

2008-11-02T19:04:00.005-06:00

Yesterday in Minnesota was beautiful here on the prairie, no wind, mild temps. rare~!
So I was busy taking pictures of our new items to list on Etsy.

Later in the evening tryed to download them into our computer, no disk found. grrrrrr. Hello there mr puter it's in there~ can't you sense it, nothing has changed from the day before.

I'm thinking to myself, give me back my old digital camera with the floppy disk~ so simple, never had issues. Someone decided they were outdated, must continue to make things better, I understand that way of thinking,but sometimes old items work fine. The old saying, "If it's not broken don't fix it" is very true.

Oh guess I began rambling again, do this from time to time. Sorry. :) Anyways, we call this new birdhouse "Limeaide with a twist of Pink." She'll be available in numerous color combinations, in my glory playing with paint palettes.

Still to come, Harvest pictures from the farm, War Eagle show in Arkansas, mini trip to Kentucky and more story's about farm life.

Till next time~ have a grand week~!

Happenings on the Farm summer 2008

2008-10-26T19:49:00.012-05:00

I'm outside taking pictures of items to list on Etsy~ but earlier I'd ventured into the machine shed, never know what treasures you'll find in that building. Tucked n wrapped laying on a flat bed trailer were mini birdhouses on a stick, hmmmm. What are they doing there? Mr Pete, these are to cute to be hidden, was my thought so up to the house they came, layed them on the brick ledge and resumed by picture taking, looked up and there was a baby bird sitting on these mini birdhouses. What a site not seen often, he was so cute. Lucky I had my camera so I could catch this moment. Looked away and it was gone, poof~ another baby bird had left the nest.

We tiled out a mud hole this summer~ this is a big deal~ With heavy rain water sits in the lowest area, thus drowning out the soybeans or corn, hence you loose yields.

Yes we have city water too, even in the boonies~ years ago a rural tower was erected 20 miles away to serve the farming community and a few smaller towns around the area. Ours sprang a leak, the two of us were using between 40 to 50 thousand gallons a month...ouch~! I took pics of the machine~ so these are a few glimpses from the summer of 2008 on the farm.

The corn is growing rapidly, very lush and green, perfect amount of rain. I loved to sit and listen to the old farmers talk at the coffee shop in the mornings. One man would say: " you can hear the corn growing at night, if you listen to those ears ". The dog days of summer, helps produce dew, for the corn and soybeans, there leaves soak up the moisture to survive the heat of the day.

Taking a few pictures of the corn drying down I noticed an ear of corn with a few kernals laying beside it. Mr squirrel is dining today on corn and stashing it away for the winter.

Come back again as I'll show pictures of the harvest.

Farmhouse Story Continued

2008-10-26T10:08:00.006-05:00

Can you hear the sounds of kids playing in the yard? Baseball or volleyball games, hide n seek, kick the can, and many more~!

Oh by the way, this is Pete's childhood home, oh the stories he could tell being the middle child of 12~ 7 boys and 5 girls. Shhhh~ Don't tell him I told you all this story, ok lol~!

The old saying boys will be boys is true~ Pete and his brother found a book of matches, a bunch of sticks--rags and built a fire under the front porch~ his mom could smell the smoke and came running out of the house to investigate.

They heard her coming and knew there gooses were cooked. In major trouble. Trying to put out the fire, as best they could, choking from the smoke as well. I asked Pete why he and his brother started the fire, his reply, facination with fire and flames~ bet alot of us feel the same way~ When we all gather his mom still tells that story.

When Pete and I were married we removed the old porch, sad to see her go since many a child played hide n seek beneath there, great napping place for the family dog as well~ Well nuff said about some of the farm stories. Don't want to bore anyone.

The Old Farmhouse circa 1915

2008-10-25T19:19:00.005-05:00

She's a grand old farmhouse resting atop a slight hill~ built with lumber that was transported by train from the east coast. Imagine one of the 1st farm homes in our area, the prairie, with electricity and a bathroom, complete with claw foot tub. How wonderful was that.

Pete's dad told him this house cost a little over $6000.00 dollars in 1915 to build. These folks almost lost everything, the land and livestock, they had a good banker. There only son died of a pneumonia as a young man, this is why Pete's father was able to purchase the farm place.

Remembered another story~ a plague struck just after the turn of the century, many people died, they were buried immediately to help control the disease. In the deed records you can read the history of the land, purchased from the railroad. 2 children are buried in the large grove of trees on the east of the house. Neighbors to the northwest of us have children buried in there barn. Life was harsh on the prairie.

Enough of my ramblings~