(first of all my most sincere apologies for my lack of post this month.... between my laptop quitting on me early in the month and the tedious process of finding a new one, and the m.e.a.n. cold that has attached itself to me I'm been very lacking in the blogging department.
...my apologies)
I didn't want to let this season pass by without wishing you a very Happy Holiday.
I also wanted to tell you how grateful I am that you are here visiting, and that you are interested in the stories of our farmhouse.
Your presence here is a gift, and I thank you.The antique brass tray on the living room coffee table was originally silver-plated. When we found the tray many years ago all but hints of silver remained.
It's a favorite of mine and I like to bring it out at Christmas, as it is marked:
MA
from
Mary and Nannie
Christmas
1881
Over the years I have spent hours wondering who was MA?, who were Mary and Nannie?, what was their Christmas like the year this beautiful tray was given as a gift?, where did they live?, and on and on...
Just as I wonder about these three people whose names are engraved on an antique tray that has a presence in my home, I also wonder about you, who also have a presence here.
Some of you I know, as you leave me dear comments or send me emails....but others of you remain a mystery. On my site meter I get repeat visits from places that are near and dear to us, and places that are far away and magical. Dan and I always talk about and wonder who you are!
(for example we get a regular visit from someone in tiny
Lebanon, Oregon...
Dan's father is buried in a cemetery there and we would love to know who this person is!)
That you visit from as far away as India, China, Russia, Singapore, Norway, New Zealand, Australia, Brazil, Canada, and as close as Kentucky, Tennessee, Utah, Texas and that you all obviously have a love for houses just makes the world seem that much smaller.
I love that!
As was the custom in the period of this Victorian tray people would leave their printed "calling cards" in trays at the homes they visited. (to see images click here)
Dan and I are hoping that in the spirit of the holidays that you, too, will drop your "calling card" in the tray and tell us who you are and where you live, and anything else about yourself that you wish to share. If you have a blog, please mention it and hopefully others will then come to visit, and leave a calling card for you!
Some of you I know, as you leave me dear comments or send me emails....but others of you remain a mystery. On my site meter I get repeat visits from places that are near and dear to us, and places that are far away and magical. Dan and I always talk about and wonder who you are!
(for example we get a regular visit from someone in tiny
Lebanon, Oregon...
Dan's father is buried in a cemetery there and we would love to know who this person is!)
That you visit from as far away as India, China, Russia, Singapore, Norway, New Zealand, Australia, Brazil, Canada, and as close as Kentucky, Tennessee, Utah, Texas and that you all obviously have a love for houses just makes the world seem that much smaller.
I love that!
As was the custom in the period of this Victorian tray people would leave their printed "calling cards" in trays at the homes they visited. (to see images click here)
Dan and I are hoping that in the spirit of the holidays that you, too, will drop your "calling card" in the tray and tell us who you are and where you live, and anything else about yourself that you wish to share. If you have a blog, please mention it and hopefully others will then come to visit, and leave a calling card for you!
joan, dan and ella Wishing you and yours a wonderful Holiday.
Happy Holiday Joan and Dan,Claire and Bruce K.
ReplyDeletewhat an absolutely beautiful post, Joan. It's just an example of why we all love so much to come here. You and your blog are treasures indeed. I am wishing you and yours a wonderful Christmas. Your friend, Donna (in SC)
ReplyDeleteWishing you the gift of peace and love.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful story--and tray!
My cat was so happy to be featured on my new calling card, I think I'll let her share it with you all!
http://thecatnadine.blogspot.com/2010/11/new-business-cards_13.html
hi joan, dan and ella,
ReplyDeleteyou already know too much about me but i'd like to wish you all a very merry christmas!
xo
janet
Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteSarah
Taylor Mill, KY
Best of all Good Wishes for a Bright and Festive Yule Season and -- of course -- All of the Best in the New Year too! I just adore your wonderful blog and all of your stories about your home! Many, many thanks for sharing it all with us!
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Jan at Rosemary Cottage
I visit your blog from Michigan. I am fascinated by historical homes, in particular those in the New England area. I don't even remember now how I found your blog, but am very happy that I did! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, Joan, Dan and Ella
ReplyDeleteLove,
Mary and Nannie
Heaven
Joan and Dan and Ella,
ReplyDeleteI hope your Christmas and New Year are wonderful. It's such a fun time of year.
By the way, that's an adorable photo of Ella on the sidebar.
Kathleen
Happy Holidays to you and Dan!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely idea! And I love your special tray. :)
Kara
Des Moines, IA
Living in the Moment (karamayblog.blogspot.com)
Love reading your posts and finding inspiration in your adventures. Waiting to start our own at
ReplyDeletehttp://shadygrovefarmwi.blogspot.com/
My husband and I have been trying to buy our dream farm for 7 months now, I have designed and redesigned the house around a thousand times already. Waiting to get in and wait for the house angels to guide me.
Katie
Bev from Dallas. Born and raised in Mississippi, but moved to Boston for a very cold, but fun year in the early 90's. While I was there, I continued my subscription to Southern Living magazine...probably the only one there that received it! I loved the beautiful fall and snow of the northeast...right up until the holidays were over in January, when I realized that even though I was through with the snow, the snow was not nearly through with us! It snowed on Easter that year. We were transferred back to Dallas after that year, but we remember our time in MA fondly. I love the architecture and the history of New England. I can understand how you fell in love with it.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
My name is Denise and I live in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada with my two incredible kitties, Chatter and Squeak. I live in a beautiful new “old” house (in the Victorian style) that I love almost as much as I love my kitties. It is filled with painted French furniture, seashells, coral, minerals, books, orchids, an olive tree, and numerous other collections that make me smile.
ReplyDeleteHappy holidays!
Happy Holidays
ReplyDeleteJoan, Your tray is such a treasure. I love imagining where these items came from and how they ended up in our homes. My card would say..Sherry from Virginia with a love of home and all things unique.
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays to you and your family.
Sherry
Happy Holidays from Eastern Shore of Maryland. We have our own farmhouse that we started renovating recently. I love old houses and I love seeing what you are doing to yours.
ReplyDeleteJessie
I, too, live in an old New England farm house. Bunny Williams book "An Affair with a House" is a favorite of mine (yours too, I believe). Your stories of life in New England and the treasures found there seem to resonate with me. Perhaps our paths will cross in the future? Happy holidays to you and yours - Yvonne from Lynnfield, MA
ReplyDelete...it is always such a treat to see a new post from you...thank you for sharing your wonderful home with us through the seasons of this past year...i leave you my calling card of peace love and joy...this christmas day...and every day of the new year ahead...
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas! My name is Lynne, and I live in Kansas. I don't remember how I stumbled upon your blog, but I love it! I love everything you have done to your home. I love to work on making our house a home. I don't think I'll ever be done, because there is always another idea. I don't have a neat old home, mine is a tri- level home built in the late 80's. We've done lots of updates and loved it back to life! I wIsh I had a friend that loved all things home, like me. Most of my friends think I'm crazy because I'm always changing something! I'm 47, have been married for almost 28 years, have three kids and three beautiful grandchildren. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas, and may you be blessed in the new year with good health and happiness!
ReplyDeleteJoan, Dan, and Ella...I hope you all have the happiest of holidays and a wonderful New Year! Your tray is gorgeous, as is your home...the engraving has me wondering too. That's why I love antiques. So many possible stories behind each piece! I am in PA by the way. Moved here recently from NY.:)
ReplyDeleteH.H.
Dear Joan- I've so enjoyed your blog, one case in point being your post on tortoiseshell mirrors. Achingly beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI have my own share of Victorian items, and would peg your tray to be Aesthetic Period, which is a few years earlier than the engraved date. It's a beauty! Thank you for sharing your house and your love with us.
Wishing you a Wonderful Holiday Season! Daniel
Hi Joan, Dan and Ella ~
ReplyDeleteI love your calling card idea! I hope you know by all my drooling and gushing everytime you do a post, that I really have enjoyed visiting you over this past year. I really feel blessed to have come across some really spectacular people like yourself through blogging.
If you're ever in Nebraska make sure you let me know! I would love for you to visit my yellow house. :)
I wish you all the very best Christmas full of blessings and happiness ~
Sarah
Dear Joan,
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays to you and what a beautiful tray and sentiment. I am tough to catagorize, having moved from Oakville, Ontario to Miami, FL and now to St Louis since I began following your blog! And my dear sister lives in Celina, TX. Wishing you and Dan a happy, healthy new year. LA
What a lovely post. I love to read about you, Dan & Ella and your adventures. I live in the suburbs near Vancouver, BC and am passionate about houses.
ReplyDeleteAllison
Greetings from Dover, NH. I have enjoyed your blog very much, what a fun adventure to renovate an old house, and I am excited you are in the same state. Isn't our state a great place to live!!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter and I have a business, Little girl clothing and accessories, our blog address is:
bumblebee-and-sophie.blogspot.com
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Cindy
I wanted to start by telling you the tray is such a great find, I would love to have a piece like that for my house. I couldn't even tell you how I found your blog, I stumble on so many all the time. I loved following the reno. As for me, I live in Haverford, PA but don't have a blog. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. MB
ReplyDeletehi joan! it's me, kara, in florida. we've been emailing back and forth about towns in NH. ;)
ReplyDeletemerry christmas to you, dan and ella! i have a blog but have had a hard time getting into posting...i have a few posts though, check us out :)
www.saltytots.blogspot.com
kara
I love Christmas things that aren't really Christmas things and the tray is a perfect example of that. I love to sit and dream about the people that may have owned this tray or given it as a gift.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, Joan, Dan, and Ella! I have so enjoyed your blog and look forward to many more entries in 2011! As you know, I live in a small town in MA, raised in NH, married and moved to GA, MA, NH again, MI, and back to MA. Mike and I have been fortunate to have lived in a few places, but we are always drawn back 'home' where we enjoy the seasons. I was so happy to see the snow today!
ReplyDeleteLike the previous writer, I don't know how I discovered your delightful blog but I love reading it. Your home is beautiful! I'm a transplanted Kentuckian but I have lived in Dallas many years. I too treasure all things with "age"; my own home was built in the Georgian style and filled with American antiques. I have learned a lot from your wonderful stories and historical insights. Best wishes for a blessed Christmas and keep up the blogging!!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas Joan- hope you kick that cold and enjoy your holidays! Love the calling card tray!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful tray! Wish you a merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteJoan, a Christmas post as welcoming as an open door! I've enjoyed your blog since I first found it and look forward to reading more.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes for a happy Christmas and New Year.
Merry Christmas!. I'm Cathy from New York. I don't remember how I first came across your blog, but I have loved reading about your renovation. I'm always checking in to see if you've shared some new "after" pictures. I'm looking forward to the finished barn room!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post Joan you've opened my eyes to how many wonderful people stop by our blogs touching our lives. Wishing You, Dan and Ella all our very best for the holiday season!
ReplyDeleteA touching post as always. Wishing you and Dan and Ella a wonderful Holiday and a blessed New Year.
ReplyDeleteAren't we lucky !?
xoxo
Mary
Your blog is just wonderful! My grandfather moved up to Keene,NH, but I never got to visit him there - he had a wonderful old house, I think from the early 1800's, maybe older. It was filled with antiques and he had a large woodsy plot, several acres. I've seen photos of it, and it sort of reminds me of your home. I live here in NYC, with the urban hustle-bustle. Your blog is a real sanctuary!
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays! - Wendy
Dear Joan, Dan and Ella,
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Connecticut! I have lived here all my life and just love to find blogs from New England area. I so appreciate the thoughtful renovations you have made to your home. I love your see collections and read about the lovely Ella and her adventures.
I'm a art director and especially love the typography/engraving on that beautiful tray. Fully renovated my home 5 years ago -- which I loved doing. Horse and dog lover -- I love that you promote dog rescue. No blog of my own.
Merry Christmas and best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for ALL of your wonderful responses and emails!!
ReplyDeleteI can not express how thrilled Dan and I are to "meet" those of you new to us... to learn about you and your lives and where you live- what a wonderful present! Thank you! And it's always wonderful to hear our old friends! We read all of the comments and emails together (Ella too;) and have been so touched by your well-wishes and kind words.
I was surprised by one email when she said it was so nice that we wanted to meet our readers.... It 'never' dawned on me that people wouldn't 'know' that! So, I'm so grateful that she said it! Of course, we are interested in YOU and want to know about you!! Without YOU, I'm talking to myself! (and that's not a good thing;)
We really love reading about you and who you are and where you live.... so Thank You for taking the time to write!!
xo,
joan
p.s. Wendy- we LOVE Keene! And go about once a week; it's a great little town with wonderful energy! If you know your grandfather's old address we would be happy to drive by and send you a photo of what the house looks like now! My address is on the sidebar!
Ach! In my zeal for tortoiseshell mirrors and Aesthetic Era trays in my previous comment, I neglected to give you an idea of 'who' and 'where' I am. So, to break out of my mono-manaical mode, I should say that I hail from Pittsburgh, have lived in New York City for the last 23 years, am an opera singer/voice teacher/writer, and live in a cozy Upper West Side Co-op (petite English Country House Style) with my musically-minded husband of 15 years.
ReplyDeleteHello Joan,
ReplyDeleteHere a message from Holland, I live in a small village in the east of Holland. I have found your blog by the blog of Hennie of Room 17. Since last May I have started with creating my own blog. Little did I know but soon with the help of colleague blogladies I found out how blogging works and how you can create beautiful pictures by Photoscape or Picasa.
Joan, I realy love your blog as it's an inspiration for me. Looking forward reading your blogs in 2011.
Merry Chistmas and Happy New Year,
Jeanette
Thank you for stopping back by Daniel! And thank you for introducing yourself Jeanette!
ReplyDeleteI forgot to say a HUGE thank you to Mary & Nannie for their lovely comment;) and to the very funny and creative medium who was "channeling" them!!
xo,
joan
Happy Holidays from Visalia, Ca in the heart of California's agricultural area of the San Joaquin Valley. We are also only 37 miles from the Giant Sequoias- so come and visit!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love your blog! Ella, your renovations and Big Blue are a few of our favorites topics. My husband loves that blue tractor of yours! In fact, the other day while working in the backyard, he casually mentioned "Big Blue would come in handy right about now." To me, that is the power of your blog- when it becomes an everyday part of our lives! Thank you!
Best wishes for the new year!
Karla and Bradley
Thanks for sharing your beautiful house, I get such inspiration from your endeavors! I've lived in the D.C. for the last 10 years but hail from the Sunshine State and I miss it like crazy! Merry Christmas to you and your family! Carollynn
ReplyDeleteHi Joan....Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteYour friend and follower from sunny (currently soggy) southern California!
Thanks for all of the wonderful photos you have shared with us this year
xoxo kelley
You know who I am (I think). Kim from 3 peanuts. I comment all the time and I live in your old state of Texas. Love the tray. Merry Christmas!!
ReplyDeleteWishing you and your family a wonderful holiday in your beautiful home!!!
ReplyDeletehi! i am jenny beth (yes good ole southern double name) i was born and raised in memphis tennessee. while attending the u of alabama i pursued a degree in fashion design i fell in love with the old architecture. i lived in a late 1800's historic home and fell in love with classic architecture. your blog is such an inspiration for me and my journey in making our diamond in the rough a home.
ReplyDeleteyou can see my work at lifeonlyford.blogspot.com (life.on.lyford)
have a fabulous christmas.
Joan your silver tray is stunning...one of my most favorite pieces in our home is a silver service my husband inherited from his family from 1868. Each piece is engraved with the wedding date and name of the people giving it to the couple. Such a treasure!! I'm such a fan of your blog - not always commenting, but always visiting... Our very best to you and your family for a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas from Traverse City, Michigan. The tray does lead your mind to wonder! I'm thinking maybe MA are the initials for a cousin, and Mary and Nannie are two sisters that never married and still live together...and it was a gift for their home that they inherited from the parents! Hmm....
ReplyDeleteMy husband Dan and I are empty nesters and I have found blogging to be a new and enlightening way to spend some free time. I'm a bit of a garden enthusiast and I have a passion for interior decorating. Your blog is always a joy to visit and I wish you the best as you work your way towards completing this lovely farm house.
Happy Holidays from our house to yours!
From- Liz @ infusewithliz.blogspot.com and sitwithmeinmygarden.blogspot.com
I remember reading a sweet little poem you wrote as a child inside a teddy bear sketch that you drew. I knew even back then that you had a 'gift'. You also have the gift along with Patti of decorating and making a house and home.
ReplyDeleteMERRY CHRISTMAS Joanie, Dan and precious Ella.
Dear Joan, Dan and Ella,
ReplyDeleteThank you for such a beautiful post. I am writing from upstate NY, where I live with my husband and a two-year-old son. I also just found out that my husband and I are expecting another baby in August! I was born and raised in Japan, therefore Yuko (a typical Japanese name) as my first name.
I love reading your blog. Thank you for all the beautiful stories you share with us. Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season and a year full of joy and happiness!
Yuko K. Jones
p.s. I tried your pumpkin cranberry nut muffins recipe and they truly are the best muffins I ever made!
Hi guys...well, let's see. I USED to live in your fridge. But am back in warmer climes.
ReplyDeleteLove you and your work and your blog...and your sis!
The Happiest of Holidays from a Kansas City friend!!
ReplyDeleteCome and enter my Giveaway from My Sparrow, you will love it!
Joyeaux Noel!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Hi Joan! I pop by your blog to live a little vicariously. I live in NYC with my husband and looking at your gorgeous home gives me my "country" fix. City life is great for a lot of reasons, but I sure do miss the country. My parents live in Maine now, but my dad is from Georgia and we lived in Virginia for years, so you and I share the Southern/New England connection. My husband and I dream of having a big old farmhouse in New England someday, preferably with a detached barn we can convert into a photography/film studio. Some place with southern exposure, a porch, a great kitchen, a lot of light, room for a couple of dogs and a couple of kids (once we have them). Not too much to ask right? :-)Keep an eye out for me! Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteHi Joan, Dan and Ella,
ReplyDeleteSeasons Greeting all the way from Australia!! Much love to you and just wanted to call in and say thanks for the last year of postings.
I've been sitting here trying to think how I strumbled onto your blog and I think it was through Leigh from Brabourne Farm!
I'm so glad I did as anything you post (especially of your home) has me hunched over the computer screen taking in all the details!
I love your blog and wish our farm house was filled with character like yours! So it's a nice escape just for a little while to sit and dream and to drool.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and look forward to 'callin in' in 2011.
Take care
Janine
XXOO
Tasmania, Australia
Dear Joan, Dan, Ella & Big Blue - I love each of you in your own special way. And soon I hope to place my calling card on that beautiful silver tray, prop myself up at your kitchen bench & tell you in person! I'm so looking forward to that day, Dan & MOTH can trade dry wall stories & Joan, you can recount all your Bunny W. tales! Have a joyous Christmas, much love to you from across the miles.
ReplyDeleteMillie xx
Ok, so I'm probably going to sound a little delirious ... but I simply can't believe that I am JUST NOW finding your blog, and these stunning photos of your gorgeous home! I added you to my side bar so that I never lose you (perhaps again)!
ReplyDeleteI hope you'll stop by and see my blog: Color Outside the Lines (http://niagaranovice.blogspot.com), and I'm off to find more inspiration in the pages of yours.
Will attempt to follow - google was giving me a bit of a problem a minute ago.
Merry Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Artie
I'm in Virginia and I love to read about your house. The tray is great. Among the things I collect are napkin rings, particularly engraved ones. I always wonder about their stories. It seems sad that no family member cares to keep them. Happy Christmas.
ReplyDeleteOh my! I was so touched by this post and all that you shared! I adore that tray and fully understand how it has come to mean so much to you! My husband and I live in Dallas, where we work full time and devote our free time and resources to animal rescue, most usually dogs, of all descriptions and persuasions. We don't have children of our own and this is our way of giving back to the universe for all that we have been blessed with. We have loved your little Ella from first glimpse! I often visit this blog for inspiration, as we had our own little renovation disaster (a fireplace!) earlier this year and have been sorely tempted to declare "NEVER AGAIN"!!!!! Your blog is delightful and though I seldom comment, I thoroughly enjoy every word and picture! Happy holidays to you and yours and a blissful 2011!!!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteJoan I too wonder about the trays I have, who received the one as a golf trophy 25 years ago, how many cocktail parties they've all presided over. DId a butler serve coffee in bed to the lady of the house on the huge handled one? Thank you for sharing your home and inspiration with us blog voyeurs. May your 2011 be filled with joy, light and laughter. Oh and really yummy bones for Ella
Te, from Southern California
Happy Holidays from Ellen in Charlotte, NC, many smiles...
ReplyDeletehttp://life2ndhalf.blogspot.com/
I love this post Joan!
ReplyDeleteYour tray is gorgeous. You and I seem to be drawn to beautiful things that have a story behind them...a connection to history.
I think that's why I have felt connected to you since we first discovered each other.
I feel so blessed to have you in my life, and I know that our friendship will continue in 2011.
I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas.
May 2011 be a year filled with happy events shared with the people you love...
love,
Brooke
Hello from Atlanta. I stumbled across your blog one night and immediately had to bookmark it. The tray and engraving are beautiful. It's a lovely idea to have the people who visit your blog leave a calling card. I still have some around here somewhere that my very genteel mother had printed for me a million years ago. Wish I could drop one in your tray.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to all,
Jana
My name is Katy. I was born in Nashville, Tennessee...the home of country music! I am in the process of building my first home in Brentwood, TN (just outside of Nashville) and I follow your blog for inspiration. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteever since i read little women, i've loved the idea of calling cards. thanks for your inspirational blog. happy holidays!
ReplyDeletetera, los angeles, ca
www.elginhouse.blogspot.com
My name is Julie , Ive posted abit here. I came across your blog thru the "circle" of blogs that we all seem to follow. I live in Neede, Holland since 1999,originaly from Michigan. My Grandmother was from here Holland and I feel abit of her here. She went to the states in her teens way back when. I dont have a blog but I really enjoy reading the ones I follow.
ReplyDeleteYour tray is beautiful along with so many of your things. Happy Holidays ... Julie in Holland
Dear Dan, Joan and Ella- I found your blog about a week ago from the Country Farmhouse comment on who gave Trina the candlesticks :) I commented to say this already but you have been my go-to guilty pleasure over the busy Christmas season. When ever I earned a 5..or longer....minute break from various tasks I allowed myself to read a new post. I live outside of Phila in Collegeville PA and have a vacation home in Vermont. Your descriptions of your feelings and the scenery of NH have confirmed the falling in love feeling my hubby and I have about our Vermont place. When the kids are done school...we are going :) Until then, I am going backward to read all of your posts. Thanks for hours of happiness.
ReplyDeletePS- Tricia again. I forgot to tell you that your blog and posts about about the dog shelters inspired me to donate and also become an automatic monthly donor to the ASPCA. I am so happy about it !! Thx for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteJoan, Dan & Ella- Merry, Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteWe're having a white one here in Virginia and are snuggled inside by the fire.
Hope you had a wonderful day-
Much love-
Carolyn
1881 - That tray truly is a treasure! Over the years, who has held it, how have they used it, have the people been happy? I believe we leave a bit of our energy in everything we touch and encounter; our footprints are left behind in some way. The size and shape of the tray are just gorgeous, Joan!
ReplyDeleteI haven't visited for awhile (happily, I just re-found your blog URL). My calling card: I'm born and raised in Southern California, living within the same 15 miles since I was 5. I'm in Huntington Beach, just about 1/2 mile from the water, where I can hear the waves on the night air through my bedroom window. Blessings to you in this season of love and joy.
Happy Holidays! That tray is such a treasure.
ReplyDeleteThat room is perfection! And I love your tray. I wonder who those people are?
ReplyDeleteI visit from Brisbane in Australia and love your blog.
Wonder what Bunny does for Christmas?
It is boiling humid and torrentially raining here. xxxxxxxxxxxxx
I have been living and restoring an old farmhouse for the last 31 years, I have raised three children during the time. Still have alot of work to do. Mary in Surry, Va
ReplyDeleteMy most sincere, heartfelt thanks to ALL of you for your wonderful, dear comments! I can not express how happy we were to meet so many readers! Thank you for introducing yourselves to us and leaving your calling card!! You were all the best Chirstmas present EVER!! You are all so wonderful to let us know that you are out there!! I had no idea until reading these comments that I had so many readers in NYC!! I love knowing that!
ReplyDeleteThis morning Dan woke me up with a cup of coffee saying... "Lebanon, Oregon called in this morning!" (thank you Janine from Tasmania- we love how you always say that and have adopted it!!)
Yes, the person who visits from the little town in Oregon where Dan's father is buried sent us an email. Even thinking about it now, makes me tear up..... That someone across the country who lives in the same small town where Dan's father is buried (she even lives close to the cemetery) just happened to find my blog, and then returns to read about our home on the opposite coast absolutely warms my heart. It makes me feel so connected to a place that is near and dear. This blog world is amazing, and I can not thank YOU enough for being on this journey with us and for letting us know that you are there!
with love,
joan
Hello Joan and Dan!
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays from Burlington, VT. My mom (from Lynchburg, VA) sent me your blog, as we're both in love with old farmhouses and old houses in general! We love reading and looking at your beautiful pictures. Thank you for sharing!
Chelsea
Hi, there from Richmond, VA. Came across your blog a little while back via (I think) Trina at acountryfarmhouse and spent a very enjoyable day or two catching up on all of your posts. I fell in love with our 100-yr-old farmhouse here five and a half years ago and have so enjoyed finding inspiration in your own story of old-house-love. Thank you so much for sharing it, and your inimitable sense of style and history.
ReplyDelete~Elizabeth
A belated calling card from Tønsberg, Norway. My name is Susanne and I have been following your blog for awhile now- do not remember when or how I found you, but I have been a regular follower ever since. Thank you for the gift of your blog! It has brigthened my day on numerable occascions and it is always such a treat to "visit" your lovely home.
ReplyDeleteI do not have a blog of my own, something I hope to remedy one of these days...
I live in the oldest town of my country, more than a thousand years old. It is a small, beautiful town by the coast of Norway (Oslofjorden, so it's on the southeast-part. We're in the middle of a really cold winter here (november was the coldest it's been in a 140 years!)and are dreaming of summer and warmer places.The sun turned just before christmas, so now we will joy a little bit more daylight everyday. Brighter days sure brigthens the spirit! I promise to leave a few comments from now on:-)
Love from Susanne
Chelsea- I am so happy that you and your mother both 'visit'!!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth- I am so touched and honored that you read through all my posts, thank you! Ah, yes- that 'old-house-love' is addictive isn't it?! Thank you for your beautiful compliment.
Susanne- what a fabulous calling card and comment. Thank you! I cannot tell you how much I adore knowing that you are in Norway and you follow my blog. What a gift! It makes me feel like I have a friend in Norway! I hope you know you have a friend in New Hampshire too!
Until all of your new comments I truly had no idea that you all were out there reading my blog .....
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!
xoxo,
joan
I just found your blog (maybe through Sweet Savannah??) and I live in SW Washington but we are moving to Austin, Texas in two weeks. I've lived back east in NY before too and visited MA and NH and ME quite a few times. LOVE the *oldness* of New England but can do without blizzards, ice and shoveling snow! Austin weather is more me!! Thanks for sharing your home with us!!
ReplyDeleteJenny of
www.jennybandco.blogspot.com
What a neat tray! We're on military assignment in Kyiv, Ukraine. When the defense attache wives get together, calling cards are left with the hostess gifts- I love it!
ReplyDeleteReading back through old entries! I'm visiting your blog from New Orleans (but originally hail from Ohio and made my way south via a few years in DC). Love your blog!
ReplyDeleteI'm so late to this party, but I wanted to drop my calling card in the tray, as I see it is still there waiting. :)
ReplyDeleteI first found your blog several months ago on Pinterest (your kitchen sucked me in), and I have been following your new posts ever since. Just the last few days, though, I have gone back to the beginning of your blog to read about how you got where you are. I have loved reading every.single.entry and looking at every.single.picture! I feel like I'm reading a well-penned novel about a much-loved home, and be doing so, feel like I've met new friends (hello to Dan and Ella!).
I live in Milford, NH with my husband and two daughters, ages 6 and 3. We are currently updating our kitchen, and (as I've said before) you have have been a huge source of inspiration along the way. Thank you for graciously opening your home to us, and sharing the beauty of your corner of NH, as well.
Spending a cold and rainy spring day going through your enchanting blog from the beginning. After reading this post, I felt compelled to say "hello". Thank you for sharing your home and heart. I am excited to continue reading...
ReplyDeleteBeth in IN