A Haven for Vee

Monday, October 17, 2016

All Around Robin Hood's Barn

Is it time for a chatty post yet? You have no idea how difficult it is for me to let my words be few. If I were talking about politics, I'd fail. Trust me. Blessed you! I am not talking about politics...today. I'm chatting about chilly mornings, basil harvesting, window washing, The Ponderosa, and missing John, in that order.


~the woodsmoke smells so good~


My! The mornings have become chilly. I check my weather app every night deciding if I need to cover flowers or bring them in. Some nights, like last night, I take my chances as the temps did not go below 50°F. 


The photo above is of my sister and her husband's wood boiler shed. It's also my answer to prayer as I have so many papers that need destroying. I save as many of John's papers as I can, but bills and receipts saved from the beginning of time come here. Tomorrow, I hope to share more of the projects going on at Kim's so come back if you were one of those who wished to see more after the post on her new pantry.


~flowers going strong~

A few weeks ago I was reading this post at Mama's Mercantile where she showed how she was drying basil. Now I have had lots and lots of basil and have already mentioned basil bombs. I didn't want to waste these herbs that have blessed me by growing prolifically all summer and fall long. 





The basil has been cut way back.







The lunch bags finally purchased.








The basil got a nice bath.








The  holes got punched.






The basil drying






and drying...

Not sure how much I'll get and can't remember how long it must dry... Must check the link.


Over the weekend, I tackled the windows, which has always been a joint venture with John on the outside and me on the inside. We could usually turn a tedious job into a fun time. With no one to grin at through the glass, it was back to tedious.




Well I did grin at the camera straps looking like suspenders. 


My time at The Ponderosa is drawing to a close. Mary (John's sister) and I pushed hard last week because I had rented a dumpster. We had it for a week. On the last night that it would be there, a friend of Mary's climbed up into the loft to haul out a twin mattress set. It was all very exciting. Alas, Mary took a tumble from the third step of the ladder and now has a compression fracture in her spine. Please pray for her. She is an active gal and does not much like being laid up. We are grateful that it is not worse, but it is a rough way to end the time there. 


My grandson spent some time with me a week ago. It's always good to have someone here. He found no cookies in the cookie can. Never good. He told me very honestly that he didn't like my house very much now that John isn't here. Can't argue with that. I don't either. It isn't the same and can never be again. Then he asked me the question that most people avoid, "So how is it here for you all alone?"
 

I hope that I didn't look too startled. I told him that I do get lonely, but that even when I am feeling lonely, I am not really alone because God is with me and, when I feel sad, I ask Him to help me and He does. He nodded his head thoughtfully and seemed satisfied with the answer. That may be too simplistic, but is true. I know that my grieving time is coming through the long, cold winter when I have time to devote to that work, which is one of the reasons why you have seen so much of me lately. I am trying to hold my bloggy footprint so that I have something else to focus on besides pain and loss.
 

Don't forget to come back tomorrow for a few pics from Kim's place. Wonder if she has a name for her home...  Do you have a name for your home? What is it?



41 comments:

  1. Sending you a hug my dear. You are never alone in blogland either. xx

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  2. What fun drying basil. The only herb I've successfully grown is mint. Now, please keep in mind, mint is one of those things you cannot kill if you wanted to. Plants and me . . . well let's just say they don't last long. I notice you have a cropadile (the thing that punches the holes), I have one too. My home is called "The Parsonage". - Love to you my friend Vee. ~ Abby

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  3. Hi Vee, I have never lost a spouse but I grieved for many years with the passing of my mother, as we were together 24/7 for many years. The winter months were always the hardest for me. I remember all the "firsts"....just like you cleaning windows for the first time w/o John. I am so sorry for your loss and I hope you know there are many of us praying for you. As for basil, I love the fragrance. My John's brother is a chef at a university and once we visited his home, he was making pesto. OHHHHH, the fragrance when we entered was magnificent! So sorry about Mary's accident and will say a prayer for her. I look forward to you sharing more from Kim. Blessings to you today. xo

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  4. I know that so many go through this transition in life Vee. You sound very brave and have a strong faith! How sweet to have your grandson visit...so please fill the cookie jar! How lovely those fall mornings are in Maine! Have a lovely week...sending you a big Texas hug!

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  5. I enjoyed your fall colours in Sunday's post Vee and seeing your 'million bells' still blooming is wonderful. My tender fuchsia is still blooming, which says a lot for our lovely mild fall weather so far, and I'll not toss it until the black frost gets it. Interesting way to dry basil, which I love added to so many things when fresh in the summer, and I buy the dried just because I can't be bothered with the process of drying it. :) I'm so sorry to hear of Mary's bad fall. What a shame! I hope she rests and recovers soon. Thinking of you my friend as you get through the lonely hours. Blessings and hugs. Pam

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  6. Good morning dear Friend, I have decided it is time to resume my blogging and what better place to start than here at "Haven"! We have a saying here in the south, "if one's nose itches, someone is either talking or thinking about you."Sooo, has your nose been twitching lately as I have certainly been thing about you, and John! Having seen my mother and sister lose their husbands, I have a very slim idea of the pain and heartache you are feeling! Like them, you know "Who" is the source of your strength! God alone will continue to carry you! I am reminded of the Poem, "Foot Prints In the Sand"!
    Oh how I am looking forward to cool brisk, mornings here in our neck of the woods, especially after having the hurricane go smack through our community ten days ago! I love the smell of wood smoke, as the burning of leaves too!
    And that adorable grandson of yours, not only will keep you on your toes, but will also bring much needed joy and smiles to your sweet face! Isn't our heavenly Father, so awesome, in how He helps us with our healing whether it be physical, emotional or spiritual! Vee, I am so glad for His ever presence in my life, as I know you are too!.!
    Mary's friend is now on my prayer list!
    What a joy to visit with you this morning, I will try and come back tonight to catch up, and I am so happy that you are posting more often! Once again I apologize for this letter, as i know this is a comment section,
    all my love,
    Sue

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  7. You are not alone -- ever. And, so many of us have been and are going through what you are. It is a journey. Give yourself a big hug......

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  8. How generous of you to mention my humble blog. My home is called St Trinian's as we have three daughters, it is a film based on a boarding school for girls. Looking forward to your next post, about Kim's place. Sounds like a lovely visit from your Grandson and lovely that he was so honest, he is obviously missing John too. Take care.

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  9. I never thought to dry basil. What a great idea. I know how much you miss John. Sending you hugs.

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  10. Sending you hugs and prayers from Ohio, dear Vee....They always say that basil doesn't dry with all its flavor and suggest blending it with water and making basil ice cubes. That's what I do, so I've never tried drying it and am curious about what you will decided about that. Sometimes incorrect information gets passed on for years by people who haven't actually tried what they are talking about. But I do like throwing a basil icecube into sauce or a stew. I'm glad you huge Ponderosa work is getting close to accomplished, but so sorry that your friend has injured herself. May she be well, and recover fully and soon.

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  11. I saw that on Mammasmercantile blog also about the basil and said I needed to try it! Lovely photos of fall... my heart goes out to you as you go through the changes of adjusting without John... big hugs. Have a great week.

    Blessings,
    Jill

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  12. Vee, giving you a big old hug right now girl! I must say that those fall leaves are absolutely beautiful! WOW! WOW, never have I heard about using a paper lunch bag to dry out basil. What a great idea. Hoping you have a good week Vee. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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  13. To answer your question, which you probably already assumed, my home is The Brown Bungalow (because it is a craftsman-style one-level home with a full basement). Love the homeyness of the name.

    This was a good blog. They say that writing things out helps us to clarify our thoughts and feelings. Blogging is one way to do that. Your readers are walking with you through this time. You are teaching us how to go through it.

    You continue to be in my prayers, and it is clear that the Lord is helping you.

    Your photos are great!

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  14. Something else. I have rented dumpsters several times and have always been surprised how low the cost is to extend it - around here only $5.00 a day which is little compared to the large price to rent it at all...

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    1. Yes, that is true here as well...only $3 for each additional day; however, we were coming into days of rain and I didn't want to deal with that.

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  15. How dear of your grandson for asking the question. I have 4 friends one of them being my sister and including you who lost a spouse this last year and I pray for the four of you often. Vee, Vera, Beth and Carol. I'll pray right now for Mary and her spine. Ouch. Mostly we call our house "This old House".

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  16. Poor Mary....Praying she heals quickly.
    I have observed that there are as many ways to deal with the passing of your best friend as there are people. I think your answer was perfect...and your plan to work through the grief is also a good one. My mom found grief share to be very helpful, Georgia not so much. Just throwing that out there in case you wanted to check into the options near you.
    I'm imagining that basil....smelling delicious.

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  17. That is an interesting way to dry the basil. I am so sorry to hear about Mary. I will keep her in my prayers. I love the plates on the fence in your header photo. Take care.

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  18. Hello, dear Vee. You are an amazing woman to be able to answer your sweet grandson's thoughts. I can't imagine how hard these times are for you, but yes dear one, God is always with you. From here, I stand in amazement of your strength and courage.
    I'm so sorry to hear about Mary's injury. I was hoping you were leading up to her falling on the twin mattress and not hurting herself.
    I so enjoyed seeing your photos yesterday of the beautiful trees in your area. Have a nice week, my friend. ♥

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  19. Hmm, never thought about drying my basil; I turned mine all into pesto that is frozen in the freezer. Wishing you luck with yours - I love this herb.
    A fall off a ladder is never a good thing - prayers for Mary.
    There's a sign at our front door that says, what else - Lavender Cottage.

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  20. Our house is named Creekside Cottage - that's where the blog got its name!

    Poor Mary - praying for her. You and your grand are speaking honestly about a very hard thing. You handled it beautifully and it will allow him to continue to share his grief with you.

    One of my precious new grandbabies moves 10 hours away tomorrow. When I am missing her and her parents of course, I will think of you missing John and I will pray. You can do the same for me, okay?

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  21. An insightful grandson. Kids ask such good questions. I continue to pray for you.

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  22. I love the answer you gave your sweet grand boy. It doesn't get much simpler, sweeter or truer (is that a word?) than that...still keeping you in my prayers. So sorry Mary had this tumble...I pray she heals quickly as well. Hugs!!

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  23. Hi Vee- and just for the record: I always love your chatty posts because it feels as though we're sitting together sipping something wonderful and just enjoying our time together. It's my favorite kind of blog - well I love the decor ones, as long as they are my tastes and sincere - which is becoming more and more infrequent. But the posts from FRIENDS just saying how life is for them is my favorite.

    I am so sorry she took a tumble, and will include her in my daily prayers - as well as continued prayer for you, too. Grief never goes away. Your grandson is astute.

    Hugs. ♥

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  24. Oh ! Vee that was a very good answer and a true one. Love reading your blog so keep us informed.
    Hugs

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  25. I'm so sorry you're tackling things on your own without your John, but proud that you have mustard the strength to do it. My heart is with you during the holidays although I know you have your loving family around to keep you going. Happy Fall my friend, XOXO

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  26. Oh so sorry to hear of Mary's fall. For sure I'll add her to my prayers. Good answer that you gave your grandson. I pray for you often Vee.

    My step-dad's sister Betty died suddenly yesterday. She now joins her brother in heaven. Ken lead her to the Lord just this past May.

    I'd prefer to hang up more of my clothes in the closet too, but my closet is pretty small!!

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  27. I like your new photo with John, Vee. It's really a great testimony to John's life that he is so missed. I'm sure it's hard for the little fellow as well as for you. When you spoke of your reliance on Our Saviour, the song 'Where could I go but to The Lord' comes to mind.
    You are I my prayers and Mary also.

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    1. ? Oh you mean from the Featured Post? That's a pretty old pic actually, but I like it even if I did lop my chin off.

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  28. We will never stop missing our beloved husbands, Vee. I truly loved your answer to your grandson. I certainly admire you for getting through so much of the work with the ponderosa. Poor dear Mary! Hopefully she'll heal quickly and not be down for long.
    I loved seeing your October pics and Laurel's birthday celebration. I'll be back tomorrow to see more of Kim's pantry. Take care, Vee and big hugs are sent to you!

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    1. No more pantry...there is no more to see there! 🙂

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  29. So sweet of your grandson to ask how you are faring...alone. And such a good response. Praying for you as you tie up all the loose ends and handle things like 'cleaning windows' on your own.

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  30. I am sure that there are multitudes of things that you miss about a person when they are no longer there...from the big things like holidays and traditions (like cleaning the windows) to the mundane. My heart aches as you speak of loneliness, for I see just a glimpse of what it is like for you there without your beloved John. How insightful and precious of your dear grandson to ask the obvious (but often unspoken) question. And I love your answer. God meets us in our lonely places.

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  31. Don't know how I missed this post yesterday. Basil harvesting is on my to do list for today. Our weather has turned somewhat summery again. I did dry some basil last year. I think I did it in a low oven as I had seen P Allen Smith do.
    Your photo of the flowers hanging in the arbor with the fall leaves in the background is so pretty.
    Such a sweet conversation you had with your grandson. Your answer to his question was so good and, I suspect, would be very comforting to him.
    My heart goes out to Mary. I pray that her recovery will be smooth and swift.

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  32. What a great way to harvest basil. I hope to remember that when I need it next year. ~ I'm glad your grandson asked the question. Actually, it's one you probably need to hear. I know as a reader of your blog, I miss John. I think of you often. ~ I'll say a prayer for John's sister right now!

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  33. What a wonderful way to dry the basil. I usually just turn it into pesto and freeze it flat in little ziplock bags.

    Poor Mary ... I feel her pain, having tumbled down the cellar stairs a month or so ago. My mother got compression fractures a number of times, from just something as simple as moving in just the wrong way. If I recall there is nothing that can be done for them. Just pain relief.

    Your dear grandson ... how sweet and thoughtful of him to ask that hard question. Your answer was just right. Honest and yet hopeful. How important it is for our grands to see our unswerving reliance on the Lord and the comfort and strength we receive from Him.

    Our house does not have a name, though I have long wanted to give it one. If I were to choose a name, it would be something like "Evergreen Lodge" -- speaking of our woods, of spiritual growth, and of a place of sanctuary and rustic comfort.

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  34. Naming a house is a charming thing. We've never been able to come up with one that doesn't sound silly. I so enjoyed seeing so many homes in England with names attached.

    I'm so sorry for Mary. Falls can be painful and take awhile to recover from. (oops, ended with a preposition there).

    And you, dear Vee, missing John. What an insightful grandson you have. Such a hard time to go through. You are in my prayers.

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  35. Oh that picture of the garden! So beautiful. My hanging baskets are barely holding on, and the basil suffered terribly from a droughty, hot summer. I had to pull it up around August 1. I have never seen basil dried that way, I hope you give us an update on how it worked for you!
    I am so sorry Mary hurt herself, prayers said for her recovery. I pray also, that God continues to help you through this time of grieving. I have always found that my blogging helps me through tough times.

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  36. What a precious post. So sorry about Mary, and you were just saying how brave and agile she was climbing up into the loft. I am glad it was three steps and not the top of the loft! Hope she recovers quickly. As for your sweet little fellow's question, what better answer could there be? By answering as you did, you are laying that foundation of faith for him, too.

    I am loving the FALL pictures. Not so much color down around these parts.

    Blessings,
    Christi

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  37. I think of you nearly every day.....I am still struggling with knowing John is not there with you. I struggle when I think of the elections and wonder what JOHN is thinking and then remember he is no longer here. I struggled when Kailey had her open heart surgery and knew John was not here to pray for her.
    At the same time......I celebrate YOU! Your strength and determination. Your faith and your peace. YOU are still YOU! I am so sorry you did not get to keep John for longer years. Still, I have to trust God's plan for you and I continue to pray for his perfect will in your life. You are such a blessing to so many...never forget how much we all love you!

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  38. What a sweet caring grandson you have to ask you the hard questions about missing John. I love that he expressed his own sadness at your home feeling different. Sending you a hug now. Praying right now that the Lord wraps his loving arms around you while you sleep tonight.

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