Friday, April 1, 2011

Sparky!! The Shop Dog ~

The newest member of the Speckled Hen family...

My sister Gayle called me a couple of weeks ago and said,
"I have an early birthday present for you, I'm on my way to the shop!"

about 1/2 hour later here she comes with a wiggly ball of golden fur...
A 10 week old puppy!  He is 1/2 pomeranian & 1/2 dachsaund so we decided he is a...

"Pommerweinian"

The cute thing is, I had told Gayle I really missed having a dog,
but my problem was I wanted a golden retriever the size of a weinie dog. 
Doesn't he look just like a tiny golden?

Brookie named him Sparky, and he really is a spark!

I say he is learning to be a shop dog, but really I am learning to have a shop dog:)

I hope you pop in soon to meet the little guy~
he will make you smile and if he could talk
I know he would say

"Bark Less ~ Wag More"

Blessings to you all,
Happy April!!!

Lynda


Friday, March 4, 2011

The Bluebirds are back!

Could it be Spring?

Enjoying my morning coffee,
I stood at my window happy to see the sun coming up over the Cascades. 
It has been a wild and woolly couple of weeks, weather wise~
snow, sleet, hail, rain, wind...everything but the kitchen sink came out of the sky!
The sun coming up is a gift from God, and I say "Thank You"!
Just as I am giving my little thank you prayer, I receive another wonderful gift...

The Bluebirds Are Back!

This is the third year that they have visited my yard and investigated my housing options. 
I have watched them sit on the fence, peek in the little round hole, perch on the roof top...
so far every year they have continued on their journey after a brief stop.
I have my fingers crossed that this will be the year they call our friendly farm home!
My connection to this darling bird goes way back to my days as a Bluebird in Campfire. 
I loved my blue vest and hat with the cute bluebird logo. 
I loved my adventures at Camp Killoquoa on Crabapple Lake.
As soon as Kaysie was old enough, I became a bluebird leader and led my own darling flock!
There is something so sweet and simple about this brilliant harbinger of spring.
When the kids were young, we would make a trip to Bickleton, WA...
The Bluebird Capital of the Northwest (maybe the world!)
Where there are bluebird houses nailed to weathered fence posts all along the roads leading to town.
This is the authentic Bickleton Bluebird house I brought home so many years ago. 
It's bright blue roof has faded to lichen gray,
but the 'specs' are still just right for a little bird to call home!

I will have to be patient to see if my friends decide to stay.
If they do, I will keep you posted on their time here at Still Mountain Farm.
Wouldn't it be wonderful to watch a sweet blue family grow?

Going my way?

As we March along remember this,

"The wells of Providence are deep,
It's the buckets we bring to it that are small."
*Mary Webb

Have a super weekend my dear Speckled Friends,

Blessings to you,
Lynda

Thursday, February 17, 2011

A Primitive Place ~


It's Here!

The spring edition of A Primitive Place!
Chock full of decorating ideas for your primitive home
as well as recipes and projects to whet your creative appetite!
This issue is extra special to me as it features
the lovely home of my friends
Roger & Charleen Boisvert of Fitchbug, MA.
Tour their home and glean ideas for your own cozy nest!

Hurry in the the Speckled Hen and pick up your copy today!

See you soon~
Lynda


Sunday, February 13, 2011

Happy Valentine's Day


It's Valentine's Day ~ seems like the perfect time to share the recipe for Blissful Bars. 
My son~in~law loves these so much,
Kaysie says he actually hides them in the garage when I send a plate home for him!

Maybe I will re-name them...

Todd's Blissful Bars

1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar
1 cup butter (softened)
2 extra large eggs
3 teaspoons vanilla
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups white chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups craisins
1 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Butter 11 x 15 glass baking dish.
Cream sugar, butter, eggs and vanilla.
Beat in flour, baking powder & salt.
Stir in chips, craisins & nuts.

Spread evenly in prepared pan.  Bake until golden brown, 20 ~ 22 minutes.
(if you use a 9 x 13 it takes about 30 minutes)

Be careful not to overbake, you want them to be moist and chewy.

When they have cooled, frost them with

Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz. cream cheese
1/4 cup butter (softened)
1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla

Cream ingredients together until smooth.  If it's too stiff,
add a few drops of milk to make it spreadable.

Sprinkle some chopped nuts on top, cut into squares & enjoy!

...Just don't let Todd know you made them:)


Have a very, vonderful Valentine's Day~

Lynda

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

City Wide Antique Sale!


Annual City Wide Antique Sale

February 11, 12 & 13

It's that time again! 
Time for the treasure hunt of the year, when
Historic Downtown Snohomish
antique dealers roll out the welcome mat
and mark down prices.

You already know if you are looking for the perfect antique
or vintage accessory you need look no further than 
Historic Downtown Snohomish 
so make your wish list & plan your trip...
The hunt is on!

We are excited here at the Speckled Hen to join the fun as
we offer 10% off all of our vintage treasures! 
We've been adding to our inventory of
antiques every chance we get 
 so hurry in to see what "old stuff" is new!

Regular Shop Hours
Friday & Saturday 11:00 ~ 5:00
Sunday Noon ~ 4:00

And don't forget Thursday February 10 from 6pm ~ 8pm

Local Harpist
Bronn Journey

With thanks to our loyal customers we offer this gift of music.
Please come and enjoy sips, sweets & music while you browse!

Blessings to you~
Lynda


Thursday, February 3, 2011

Bronn Journey in Concert

Bronn Journey 

It's February!  The month of Groundhogs & Valentines~
Dreams of spring and thoughts of Love!
 In celebration of both

(and what is more lovely than love in springtime?)

We invite you to an evening concert...

Thursday, February 10, 2011
6:00 pm

Bronn will offer his gift of music, we will offer sips and sweets~
& promise you an evening to remember!

So mark your calendar and make your date,
we'll make you kindly welcome!

  Hearts and Doorways open Wide~
Love all around... Peace inside 

Blessings to you~
Lynda


Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Edgar Guest



Write it down, when I have perished;
Here is everything I've cherished;
That these walls should glow with beauty,
Spurred my lagging soul to duty;
That there should be gladness here,
Kept me toiling year by year...
Every thought and every act,
Were to keep this home in tact.

*Edgar Guest

Blessings to you as you continue this journey in the New Year!

Lynda