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Sunday, December 22, 2013

please leave your calling card...


I didn't want to let this holiday season pass by without wishing you a very Happy Holiday!
I also want to tell you how grateful I am that you are here visiting, and that you are interested in the stories of our farmhouse, and my interior and exterior design projects.
Your presence here is a gift, and 

I thank you.


I am often asked to show Christmas decorations around the farmhouse.  In all honesty, I find the month of December to be a bit emotionally and visually overwhelming!    So, because of that I like to decorate very simply- using fresh greens and lots of white lights!  Simple touches here and there to honor the
spirit of the season.


Mavis with a boxwood garland



The barn room on a cold, snowy Sunday afternoon.  Ella is snuggled into the leather chair with her "bear" throw!




The iron gates leading to the barn mud room.



A boxwood garland draped over the antique iron pediment in the barn room.



This has absolutely nothing to do with Christmas decor ;), but when I was taking photographs for this post I thought it was such a pretty shot with the sunlight on the Japanese fishing floats!


  
Wreath on the folly garden gate.
View from the kitchen sink window at dusk.



The front porch at sunset.








(Since I took this photograph, I've wrapped the upstairs porch railing in white lights too.)  



The winter moon on the farmhouse.



The living room mantel with tiny pearl lights and fresh greenery.
Antique brass "Christmas" tray on the coffee table.



As you might recall from Christmas' past, this tray is a favorite of mine that I like to bring out this time of year.  It was originally silver-plated, but now only hints of silver remain.  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 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 often talk about and wonder who all of you are!

One year I mentioned that I would notice a regular visitor from a tiny town in Oregon and that we would love to know who that person was, as Dan's father is buried in a cemetery in this small town.
 Several days after Christmas that year I received an email from the woman.  I cried as I read it to Dan.  She wrote that she lived within walking distance of the cemetery where Dan's father is buried, that her son learned to ride his bike there, and that she and her husband often take walks in the cemetery.  To know that someone across the country just happened to find my blog, and now visits our home, and to know that that person lives so close to Dan's father's resting place, and that this all happened because we share a love of houses is a sweet and dear connection that makes the world seem that much smaller. 
You just never know the connections that we all have to one another... . 

It was the custom in the period of this Victorian tray, that guests would leave their printed "calling cards" in trays at the homes they visited. (to see images of antique calling cards 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, where you live, and/or anything else about yourself that you wish to share.
 We would love to hear from each and every one of you- those who regularly visit and leave comments, and those of you who usually come and go quietly!!

Please leave your card in the tray!


From our home to yours.... 
Merry Christmas!!


joan, dan and ella



386 comments:

  1. Your home is lovely. I just popped in from Lee's Hideaway. I always check out the blogs on her sidebar.

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  2. My best to you and yours, including Ella.

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  3. What a beautifully written post, Joan. I love the idea of leaving a calling card on a tray when visiting someone's home. Some of those old traditions certainly were lovely. Your home looks so pretty with your simple decorations for the holidays. May you, Dan and Ella have a blessed Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.
    Claudia & Paul (and Phoebe, Henry and Ella the pups)

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  4. Dear Joan, Dan & Ella,
    Please accept my calling card and keep it for always. I so enjoy your peaceful blog and am so happy to have made your acquaintance in this delightful way.
    May 2014 bring you happiness, health and many opportunities to blog.
    Fondly-Lisa

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  5. I'm from North Carolina and love seeing your beautiful home!

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  6. Your home looks wonderful - I love all the white lights and greenery. And I think I could spend many comfortable hours in that barn room, particularly on a snowy day, with some hot tea and a book. Ella has the right idea!

    I don't remember how I found your blog, but I remember my immediate impression was that I love your style! I enjoy your posts so much. I actually live just over the state line in MA and it's fun to see pictures of places I know in your posts.

    Wishing you and Dan and Ella a joyous holiday season!

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  7. Merry Christmas Joan, Dan, and Ella. This is from Bev in Vermont. I would love to leave my calling card at your invitation, but I don't know your email or how to do it from the blog. I visit the blog often, as I just love hearing about your home and your new life in NH. Our roads are somewhat parallel, as I also moved to New England from a large city and fell in love here. Your living in New England blogs make me laugh, as I have so many of those myself. One is about the itty-bitty, skinny phone book that actually covers the entire state! I still can't wrap my head around that! I'm always writing down the places you've visited here so that I can check them out one day. I'm still trying to get to Swanzey's for pancakes. My email is bev8@hotmail.com if you would ever like to chat. Hope you all have a wonderful holiday. Bev

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  8. Dear Joan, Dan, and Ella
    I love calling on you and seeing your wonderful home. I live an small older home in a lovely community in the foothills in Southern California. Your blog has given me so much inspiration. I so enjoy seeing the snow in your pictures and the wonderful life you have made for yourselves.
    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
    Madeline

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  9. Your home is beautiful. Happy Christmas to you and yours. xx

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  10. Merry Christmas Joan, Dan and Ella! I love to come visit your blog- your home is so inviting and that feeling is what I aspire to create in my own home. I live in Federal Way, WA (right between Seattle and Tacoma). It is a beautiful place to be sure, but my husband and I often talk about how there is no history here. Our dream is to own an old farmhouse and fix it up, much as you have done. Old things have an appeal to us that no new construction home could ever have. I loved reading about Dan installing your front walkway, and where those bricks came from! Have a lovely holiday season!

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  11. Today's photos are real proof-of-the-pudding ones, the outdoor shots especially imbued with a Currier and Ives charm.

    Best wishes for the holiday and for the coming year.
    --Jim

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  12. What a beautiful and thoughtful post. I love the story of the lady in Oregon, so precious. I have made some of the most wonderful connection here in "blogland" also, and it always amazes me. I live in Phoenix, Arizona and come here to visit often, sometime having time to comment, others just a short visit. I hope you have a Very Blessed and Merry Christmas. Hugs, Marty

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  13. Joan and Dan (and Ella),
    Greetings from Hartwood, Virginia, about 15 minutes north of Fredericksburg. We share your love of old houses and rescue dogs. I love stopping by to visit here... this is a peaceful place. Merry Christmas to each of you from all of us.
    Sincerely,
    Connie, with Maggie, Alice, Dorothy, and Ruby.

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  14. Can't get enough of your gorgeous home.. when my home grows up, I hope it will be just like yours :)

    Marcy from Thousand Oaks, California

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  15. As is always the case, your home is amazingly beautiful. This time of year, and always.

    I'm a stay-at-home mama to three little rug rats. An almost 8 year old son, a 6 year old daughter, and an almost 2 year old daughter. We live in a tiny little house in Portland, Oregon, and I think it was mentioned before, in an e-mail or comment, that my parents grew up in Hood River. Another old haunt of yours. Many a Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter were spent there growing up when Grandma and Grandpa were still with us. I do still have an aunt and cousins there, so we head up the gorge several times a year. I think I could drive it with my eyes closed. My husband and I married at Oneonta Falls, where my dad's ashes are, so the gorge is a major part of me.

    I, too, have a spot in the blog world at rindymae.blogspot.com. Rindy Mae was my dad's knickname for me as a kid. A play on my real name, Mindy Rae.

    I don't recall how I first stumbled upon your blog, but your photos and writings bring me back for every post.

    Merry Christmas to you and your family!

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  16. Hi, I'm Bev from McKinney, TX. I love to see pictures of your beautiful home in the winter because we spent an amazing year living in Hopkinton, MA. I have fond memories of the incredible seasons there. I like to wonder what life would have been if we had stayed there instead of returning to TX. Even though our home was new, your home reminds me of the architecture of our home.

    Merry Christmas!
    Bev

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  17. Merry Christmas from the Great Smoky Mtns. in east Tn.! Love your blog...always finding beautiful inspiration here. Your holiday giveaways were so generous.
    Blessings~~Shine

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  18. Hello, I've commented many times before as I'm sure I'm one of your home's biggest fans! If I had to use one word to describe it would be peaceful. There is such an natural elegance your home possesses of course that's not by chance it's because you've worked so hard on giving it a graceful feel. I'm from you're old stomping ground of Dallas, the Lake Highlands area to be exact.

    Merry Christmas and thank you for always sharing your home with us.

    Lucinda

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  19. I love this!

    I live in Atlanta with my husband. For the last 4 years we've been renovating our first house, a 50's ranch. It's been a long process, but the end is in sight! We're looking forward to wrapping up the big projects and shifting our focus to starting a family in the next year or so.

    I don't recall how I first found you (I am a home blog junkie), but I find myself here from time to time going through your archives and admiring your beautiful home and gardens!

    Merry Christmas to you all! Your Christmas decorations are lovely and perfect. Thank you for sharing.

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  20. What a lovely idea!

    Merry Christmas to you and yours, many blessings from Canberra, Australia (Where it will be a hot hot hot Christmas!).

    Phillippa.

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  21. Hi Joan,
    I'm one of those who visit your blog often yet rarely left a comment. I think I often felt "anonymous" leaving a comment on blogs, even when I left my name, and that kept me from leaving comments. It almost made me feel as if I was peeking into other people's house and their private life! I recently started my own blog and I am so looking forward to connecting with other bloggers - they can finally get to know me in person!
    I love your simple Christmas decor - that really brings out the beauty of your farmhouse!
    May your Christmas be filled with simple, slow moments that nourish your soul.
    Merry Christmas to you and yours!
    ox
    Yuko Jones
    www.northfieldgate.blogspot.com

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  22. Merry Christmas from northeastern Ohio. My husband and I are retired teachers and grandparents to seven wonderful children. I've followed your blog the past two and a half years and delight in viewing your gorgeous home.

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  23. Merry Christmas Joan and Dan,
    I am visiting you from Wisconsin, where we have had 9" of fresh snow today. I read every one of your posts with awe at your talent and vision. Thank you for sharing your favorites. I have used many of them and especially love the drawer baskets you recommended from Walmart. Also, my husband loves the Christmas light repairer, genius!

    Thanks for sharing your life with us,

    Karen from Cedarburg, Wisconsin

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  24. Perfect, Joan. Simple is wonderful.

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  25. Joan & Dan and Ella,
    Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and all the best for 2014 !!!
    Hugs,Stella

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  26. Happy Solstice Day! And a Merry Christmas to you, Dan and Ella -- and many blessings on your heart, hearth and home for 2014! Your home really NEEDS to be in its own décor book -- with a section on your wonderful Winter decorations!

    Cheers! Jan

    Jan

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  27. Merry Christmas Joan & Dan, I grew up across from a cemetery and learned to ride my bike there also. Now I won't go there unless my husband is with me. This is a sad world sometimes. I love your blog and reading about your home. When I buy something "used" I always wonder about who had it before me and why did they get rid of it. Some day I hope I will learn how to arrange my rooms as well as you do. Merry Christmas.

    Patty from Fairfield CT

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  28. Merry Christmas from Mobile, AL!

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  29. Simply beautiful as always. Merry Christmas Joan.

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  30. Joan,

    I love the simplicity of your decorations!! I too get overwhelmed with December and I'm always TRYING to simplify things. Having 40 people for a progressive party here Friday night didn't quite do that but it sure was fun! Today is a wrapping and relaxing day! On behalf of Ruth & myself, May your Christmas be blessed and your home surround you with love!

    Mary
    Fairfield, CT.

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  31. I live in Little Falls, New Jersey and wish you a Merry Christmas!

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  32. A Very Merry Christmas to you!
    Jennifer from Altadena, CA (although at the moment relaxing on the sunny porch in Balboa, CA)

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  33. Merry Christmas from Michigan! I love your home and decorating and have your blog on my reader. I don't comment much but always enjoy your posts and the beautiful images here:>)

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  34. Merry Christmas from OKC. I love your home and look forward to your posts. Thank you for all the wonderful eye candy throughout the year.

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  35. Merry Christmas, Joan, Dan and Ella!
    I am a retired teacher, living right on the border of lovely Bucks and Montgomery Counties in Pennsylvania. I enjoy visiting lovely homes through blogs, and your New England home is a favorite. I love New England and have spent many summers visiting Cape Cod. This fall, we finally made a trip to Maine with a too brief stop in New Hampshire. It's always a pleasure to visit again, whenever I catch up with your blog. Happy New Year!

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  36. Hello and Merry Christmas from Mattapoisett, MA! I have enjoyed your journey! Your home is beautiful and an inspiration to all.
    Jayne

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  37. Your home is lovely and your taste exquisite. You are living my dream. I've got a smaller country stake now on the coast of British Columbia's Sunshine Coast. Go to my blog and see our Christmas card. Happy holidays!

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  38. Steve and I are sending Happy, Healthy Holiday wishes to you, Dan and Ella. Your home is so inviting… all of your images brought a smile to my face. Thank you for continuing to share you life with us. xo xo
    Brooke

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  39. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas from Fort Worth, Texas!
    We live in a cottage Tudor that was built in 1927 and I love everything about your blog.
    As always your home is so beautiful and I am sure you feel so blessed to be the keepers of such a wonderful old farmhouse.
    Marilyn

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  40. Dear Joan, Dan and Ella

    Your blog is one of very few that I follow. I receive email updates so that I don't miss anything! The picture of the moon over your farmhouse reminds me of paintings by Ray Hendershot. It is really beautiful. This spring, I will be using your landscaping as a guide for my yard.

    Merry Christmas from a small Missouri town!

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  41. I have lived in Michigan, NE Iowa (college), Minneapolis, and finally 30 years in Portland, Oregon, before moving to NE Alabama in 2007. I've been reading your blog for a while now, but don't remember how I found you. Once here, I couldn't leave! Many thanks for your thoughtful blog and your generosity in sharing your beautiful home. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and the very best new year.

    Barbara H.

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  42. Your house is so beautiful and the snow pictures especially charming. We never, ever, ever have snow here in Melbourne. It is summer and it is a cool morning. As usual I am still in bed with my laptop with the door to my courtyard open. It is fresh and quiet. I have just taken a photo of my view and loaded it onto Instagram (vickihks). Merry Christmas.

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  43. Your home is lovely, calm, and bright and one of my favorite places to visit, and even more so this time of year. Thank you for sharing it with us. I love the synchronicity of your Oregon readers. We are all more connected than we realize.

    At the moment we are being inundated with a deluge here in the piedmont of North Carolina, and drove through it on our way home from the mountains today. Glad now to be able to sit in our living room with the Christmas tree lights and the computer screen aglow, and not have to drive to visit but just respond to your invitation with a click of the mouse. We are getting our house ready for sale by spring, at least, and we've been taking a long loving goodbye. It's been our home for 26 years. But we're looking forward to life in our mountain cabin outside Asheville. Merry Christmas to you and Dan and Ella. And I admire Dan's handiwork in hanging that huge lit wreath on the upper side of the barn!

    Carolyn from High Point

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  44. I love the idea of your calling cards! Your home is lovely with all those white lights and simple greens. We, hubby and I live in Madison, WI. Quiet neighborhood, except today....lots of snow blowers running! Wishing you the best this holiday season! Merry Christmas Joan, Dan and Ella! ;)

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  45. What a lovely invitation!! My name is Annette Taylor, I am from a little town just an hour southeast of Nashville, Tn called Woodbury. We are originally from Florida but have now called Woodbury our home tori 17 years. My husband, Lee and I have 5 children and 8 beautiful grand children. I love to read blogs about diy'ing and decorating/renovating especially when it's about older homes/farmhouses. I have your blog on my reader and it's one of my favorites!
    Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!!

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  46. Hello joan~ As a follower and admirer of your home, many wishes come your way for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Knowing I will never be able to match your elegant antique style, I am still inspired to create my own treasure at home. Thank you for the example to always make your surroundings meaningful, whatever that may be. Doing this will always transform a house into a home.

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  47. Joan & Dan,
    Merry Christmas! As my calling card I will tell you I live in Annapolis, MD streets away from the Chesapeake Bay and the United States Naval Academy. I found your blog accidentally while searching for somethings a few years ago. In one post you mentioned a shop in McKinney TX where a close friend of mine lives. It was amazing to me how similar your taste and my TX friend's taste are. I have enjoyed your blog and will faithfully follow as long as you are willing to share.

    Happy holidays!!
    Tery

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  48. Merry Christmas from the Panhandle of Nebraska, along the Oregon Trail. I love your beautiful home and will you a wonderful 2014.

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  49. Merry Christmas.
    I'm a long time reader, first time commenting. I hail from Moncton, New Brunswick. As I sit here and read your blog, I'm watching my 15 week son play and my husband vacuum. LOL. Life is good.

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  50. Hello Dan and Joan. It's touching to me that you want to know who your readers are. I have commented here a few times over the last couple of years, since finding your blog (and reading it start to finish), but usually I just like to look at the pictures of your lovely home, and pretend that I have been to visit in person - sitting by the fire in the barn room, or on the front porch on a summer night, or walking the beautiful property. I hope that doesn't sound creepy! But your posts feel like an open door, and I am delighted to be able to visit, even if it's only an "e-visit". I live in a small river town near St. Paul, Minnesota, in a 1980's colonial revival-style house that we are working to make look old. Your clean but cozy style is such an inspiration, as is your resourceful use of architectural elements in your renovation. I look forward to each new post by you, and hope that you both have a wonderful holiday season. - Cheryl

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  51. Dan, Joan and Ella....
    Merry Christmas from Ontario, Canada. Love to follow you blog! We live in a 125 plus year Victorian style home. We have retired to this home which I grew up in! We have a "white" boxer named Stormy who is 11 yrs. So many posts of Ella remind us of our Stormy! Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas! Thanks for the invitation to leave a "calling" card! All the best for 2014......

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  52. I read regularly and comment occasionally. As a Boston girl living now in D.C., some of your posts just bring me home for a minute.

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  53. Oh and your paint choices inspired me. Your kitchen and my son's room are the same color. :-)

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  54. I love to read your blog, as do my my daughters. As we work on our houses, we are constantly pulling up pictures of your beautiful farmhouse and getting ideas from you. I would love to sit in your beautiful barn room and ask you a million questions! ha! We pray you and yours have a wonderful Christmas.

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  55. Hello from Charlottesville VA. My parents live part of the year in the White Mountains with my dad travelling to his favorite ( and only) Eaton Center store for coffee, friends and the mail in the afternoon. We visit for 2 weeks in the summer and cherish every momnet. My sister has a summer house in Snowville. I have a passion for old house and the character that embraces you as you get your first peek. I stop by often but never leave a comment. Thanks for your wonderful blog.

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  56. Bonjour et Joyeux Noël from Québec city, Canada. I don't often leave a message when I visit your site as you have so many comments I cannot imagine you being able to read them all. But, I am happy to leave my calling card and let you know that someone in Québec is visiting your blog on a regular basis.
    Best wishes for the holiday season.

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  57. Merry Christmas from Monrovia MD about one hour outside of Washington DC and one hour from Gettysburg. My husband and I just became empty nesters last January and are starting to do some things just for us. I am an art teacher who has been spinning a paint brush for 39 years and hopes to retire soon; after our youngest finishes law school. I love to work with wood, I just made a barnwood table for my family room with the help of my dear brother. The wood came from a local barn they tore down just up the road from us. Although we only live an hour from DC we live out in the county and have beautiful views of our local mountains. I enjoy "visiting" you home and blog and perhaps one day will start a blog of my own. My calling card to you is a peaceful and joyous holiday season.

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  58. Merry Christmas, Joan. I have appreciated your blog for a long time now. Your taste, love of beauty, and grace are an inspiration to me. I live in Southern California now, but used to live in upstate New York. A heartfelt thank-you for sharing your home with us! Janet

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  59. Merry Christmas Joan, Dan & Ella from Burlington, Ontario, Canada.

    We are a home of two adults and one little dog who is our pride and joy (we know you understand what this means). We awoke to a winter wonderland today thanks to an ice storm last night but luckily have power though some large trees have had limbs split!

    Love your home and your blog is our favourite read. Best wishes, NB

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  60. Hello from Conway Arkansas~ I have so enjoyed your blog for quite some time. This time last year I was battling breast cancer. My last treatment was in December. I am so glad to say that as of now I am cancer free! Your blog is always a way for me to step back & slow down. You have a beautiful home. Merry Merry Christmas! Milisa~

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  61. Joan,

    When I recently discovered your blog, I went back to the beginning and read every post! Needless to say, I enjoyed it very much. I am from south central Kentucky, but have lived in Los Angeles for 30 years. I think your home and farm remind me of the rural landscape where I grew up, and still have a longing for. The worn silver platter is beautiful, and it's touching that you appreciate it for the love it represented when new.

    Thanks for your beautiful site, and have a wonderful holiday!

    Ann Curtis

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  62. A very merry Christmas and a wish that your new year will be the best ever! I have remodeled a Cape Cottage style home (top to bottom!) on the beautiful South Hill in Spokane, Washington, so have been particularly interested in following the wonderful transformation of your home. (Incidentally, must thank you for the inspiration to make several cushions from eBay purchased vintage fur muffs and and an old jacket.) Riva Grant

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  63. Merry Christmas! I live vicariously through your blog. I only dream of having a home as beautiful as yours is! I am a Chicago girl who is living in Southern California but I should be living in a farm house, lol! I accidentally found your blog last year and I read it in its entirety. I have revisited some posts several times since then. We lost our home when my husband lost his job so we are only renting... I dream to own again, someday! :-)

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  64. Joan, Dan, and Ella -
    Merry Christmas from Ardmore, Oklahoma.

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  65. Merry Christmas from Greensboro, NC. Love reading your blog and value your sense of style and organization. Will always remember your kitchen drawers! Inspiring...plus the barn room is a treasure. I live in the country so can relate to your gardens, spaces, and interiors. Your Christmas decor is elegantly simple and so perfect. It makes for a restful interior that doesn't overwhelm the sense or your antiques. Keep sharing your impeccable taste...and do send some snow down south if you can!

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  66. Thanks for sharing your amazing home all "decked out". I LOVE it!!! I'm out here in the Pacific Northwest where we're currently renting a home on Fox Island (about an hour south of Seattle). Have a very Happy Christmas and blessings in the coming year.

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  67. What a grand idea! I'm Barbara Hinske, from Phoenix, Arizona. I'm an attorney and author of a women's contemporary fiction/romance novel -- Coming to Rosemont. I have family near Newfound Lake, and so enjoy your blog because it reminds me of happy times visiting them and keeps me up-to-date on what is happening in N.H.

    A Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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  68. Merry Christmas from Austin, Texas! I lived in Dallas all my life (from the Highland Park area to Plano) until my husband and I moved to Austin 15 years ago. I'm sure we visited the same antique stores and flea markets when you lived in Dallas. I love your style, and your home is an inspiration. Thank you for sharing. And I love following you on Instagram!

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  69. Merry Christmas Dan, Joan, and especially Ella! I reside in a suburb of Pittsburgh and live in a little 1960's raised ranch that looks more New England than Brady Bunch inside. I found your blog about a year ago and have since read every post and many multiple times. You and your home have become a great inspiration in my design files/ideas. Again Merry Christmas and can't wait to see what you do next!

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  71. Merry Christmas Joan, Dan and Ella!
    I have enjoyed getting to know you through your blog, and love to see and read about your beautiful home throughout the year(s)
    Layne in Nova Scotia

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  72. Your home looks beautiful with bits of greenery added inside and out. The outside photos look like John Sloan Christmas cards or calendars! Merry Christmas to you and Dan from rural New Brunswick, Canada. Blessings, Pamela

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  73. Merry Christmas from Bloomfield, Indiana. I have followed as you began your renovations on your farmhouse. It is always a highlight of my day when there is a new post from you. We are retired and live in a farmhouse in rural Indiana on a hobby farm with nine pygmy goats and two cows. I enjoyed the picture of the moon over your farmhouse. I like to see my goats outside on a frosty evening dancing in their pasture under a full moon. (Debbie@Blue Silo Farm) dwheeler53@bluemarble.net

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  74. Great post! I often wonder the same thing. Friends I may never meet....
    I live in Westlake Village Ca , 12 miles from the coast. I'm in Rancho Mirage Ca writing this as I'm here for a performance of the Nuttcracker. My niece 13 year old niece is a dancer.
    Merry Christmas,
    Sharon

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  75. Merry Christmas to Joan, Dan and sweet Ella from Wellesley, MA! Thank you for sharing your beautiful home and lovely grounds with all your readers. I'm a New Englander - grew up in Wolfeboro, NH and cherish the memories from my childhood. Peace and Joy in the coming year.
    Betsy

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  76. Merry Christmas to you and your family from Los Angeles! Your blog brings me such joy. Thank you for sharing your beautiful home and the wisdom that comes with restoring an older property. I grew up in a historic district home in New Jersey and appreciate the hard work and discerning eye you have bestowed on your farmhouse. I hope 2014 brings you, Dan, and Ella much happiness and good health!
    ~PJ

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  77. merry christmas! i am kerry from charlotte nc. my husband and i are the happy parents to 3 adult children and 3 adorable grand kids! we also share our wonderful life with our english bulldog, Ethel!!!! i really love your blog and get lost in all the wonderful details of your farm house. it is incredible and your holiday decor is beautiful. and i love seeing the snow! i love your pretty tray and i always wonder about the people that old books, furniture, or things belonged to. one of my very favorite pieces of furniture is a large corner hutch in my dining room. i did meet the lady whose family owned it originally. this lady was going into a retirement home 30 years ago when i bought it from her. she told me that there were 2 identical ones in her family home. they were made with wood from their farm and made by workers at their farm. she didn't know what happened to the other one! it has all the original glass and i adore it. i'm always on the lookout for the other one!! well, that's my calling card!!!!!!

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  78. Merry Christmas from Jeanette in Canton, MI. Frequent visitor but I seldom comment. Love your beautiful home!!

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  79. Merry Christmas dear friends. Visiting this blog is such a treat and I do it regularly (even when I am rushed and don't comment). I have just spent this weekend with my young adult children and spouses and will be spending this Christmas with the new gentleman in my life. I am both nervous ,like a teenager, and excited. I hope your Christmas day is as special as you are. Kisses to Ella!

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  80. Happy Holidays from Hampton VA! Love your blog, your home and your favorite things lists!
    All the best!
    Angela

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  81. My grandmother had a stack of calling cards when she was a young woman. I have a few saved for my daughter whom she was named for. :) I love those sweet old traditions.
    And I am in LOVE with your barn room.
    Chione from rural E Texas.

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  82. Merry Christmas, from Leslie Trenta in Reston, Virginia!

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  83. Dear Love of a House,
    The peeks inside your home always leave me with a feeling of serenity - something I am trying to achieve in my own home. I am fortunate enough to have received some beautiful antique gifts from my mother-in-law, and I like to incorporate them with what I have for now and what I hope to have eventually. We live in Berkeley, and while we may have "better" weather (if one doesn't like winter) than you, we have no where near the amazing roadside finds and antique shops that you have back east.
    My best to you, and thank you for inviting me into your home full of beauty and ideas.
    PJ

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  84. I've left a calling card before (fellow Dallas area transplant but we're in Washington State not New England) but I'll leave another because I do love your blog and reading about your family and your beautiful house.

    Merry Christmas,
    Spring

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  85. I do not have a formal calling card... although the ones that popped up are beautiful. Like a guest book only more personal. I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy 2014. Both of my parents are buried in a graveyard in Portsmouth, NH. I have not yet been able to get there for health reasons but I used to live in New England... Manchester, NH... Beverly, MA... Gloucester, MA... and I have traveled all throughout Maine and NH and I love it up there. This world is full of beautiful places. I currently live on the Jersey Shore where we are still recovering from Sandy last year. I hope one day to return to New England to live. I have friends and family there and would also be closer to my Canadian cousins. Only time will tell. You have a beautiul home and landscape.

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    1. Merry Christmas from Ohio! I visit your beautiful state of NH every summer (well the last 2 and this summer) when we go to Camp Spofford, Spofford, NH!
      Love your blog....Merry Christmas!

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  86. Thank you for the glimpses of your home and life. You have created a beautiful haven through much hard work. Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas to you and yours. Linda from Kalamazoo, MI

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  87. Merry Christmas from my "Little Bitty Damn Houze" in Fort Worth, Texas! Lee Niata Johnson

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  88. Merry Christmas from our family, to yours!
    Vickie
    Tallahassee, Florida

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  89. I am from a small town in MS...Pachuta...no, not a stop light to be seen. Your house is wonderful. I love everything about it including the snow seen from your windows, and I hate snow. I've read your blog for a long time but never left a comment. Merry Christmas to you. Dan and Ella.

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  90. Warm greetings Joan & Dan all the way from Goldsborough Valley in tropical Far North Queensland, Australia (check out the map and we are on the eastern coast of the pointy bit of Australia!) It is a very warm 33 degrees Celsius here today so our Christmas will be no doubt be very different to yours in breathtakingly beautiful New Hampshire. So pleased to be able to leave my little "calling card" and put a name to the visitor who magically appears on your little site meter from this side of the world! Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and fabulous 2014. Sending doggy wishes also to the lovely Ella from our 3 Blueys (Blue Heelers) Micky, Buffy and Molly. ;)Sharyne

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  91. Merry Christmas & A Blessed New Year to everyone from our little Virginia mountain cabin
    John & Ann

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  92. I really enjoy your blog! Merry Christmas and a Happy 2014 to you and your family from Gainesville, Georgia.

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  93. Holiday greetings from Lincoln, Nebraska. I can't remember how I was led to your beautiful blog but the minute I saw all your hard work on the barn room and how you found each and every item to so lovingly place in this special room I was hooked. It is cold here with a new dusting of snow on the ground so I sure wouldn't mind sharing Ella's bear throw next to the lovely fire. Molly

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  94. Such a beautiful post! Thank you for sharing your perfectly decorated home! Merry Christmas to you and Dan from my "White House" here in Dallas to yours

    All the best,

    Pam

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  95. Molly from Lincoln again. I forgot to mention that Ella was the name of my very beloved maternal grandmother so I always enjoy seeing what Ella has been up to. She sounds very smart grabbing the bear throw for herself.

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  96. Wishing you all a very special time this Christmas and may the New Year bring new wonders.
    I 'call' from Bendigo in central Victoria, Australia where I live in an 1893 mine manager's house. It was moved to this block from up the hill and around the corner in 1911 and we have been renovating very, very slowly for the last few years. I have been spending the last few days busily mulching my garden after a week long heatwave. I dream always of a white Christmas...

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  97. This is so much fun reading all about everyone. My husband and I live in Paso Robles and are currently building a home, somewhere between a Spanish Colonial and French Country, very simple. We will be furnishing it with family inherited antique pieces as well as ones we've purchased together over the last 25 years. In fact, just today my lovely Mother in law gave me her set of silver which I plan to use most everyday. Your beautiful home continues to be an inspiration to me. I lived in Boston for 6+ years and acquired a few antiques that now grace our current home. The history of old pieces has always intrigued me and trying to guess or wonder who owned them previously is something I always think about. Merry Christmas to you two and a kiss for beautiful Ella. Cheri

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  98. Merry Christmas from Raleigh, NC! I don't remember how I found your blog but it quickly became one of my favorites (and I read a lot of them). I'm neither a blogger or designer, just a lover of houses. I enjoy all your posts but really loved the ones about your kitchen drawers!
    Lynn

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  99. Thank you for sharing the home you have made. The twilight pictures show a home that is welcoming and cozy. I live in Michigan on the property of our church wher my husband is on staff. Soon retirement is coming and we will move to the Lake Michigan side of the state and settle in to a quaint village home in the town of Ludington. Your blog has inspired decor ideas while staying true to what we love. Thank you for the graciousness your home shows both inside and out. The merriest Christmas to you, Dan and Ella.

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  100. Merry Christmas from Welland, Ontario Canada. I love your home and your blog style. I never miss a post and enjoy seeing all aspects of your farmhouse life including your lovely dog Ella.

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  101. I am Lee from Michigan. I enjoy reading your delightful blog and feasting on your beautiful pictures. Your home is inspiring! Happy Holidays! ❄

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  102. Have loved following your blog for some time now. I'm an apartment dweller with house envy living near Saratoga Springs NY and often travel through your area when going to visit my daughter in Manchester NH. I think of you every time, and look for you when I stop at antique shops........like Twin Elm. You and Dan have done a fantastic job and thank you for sharing.

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  103. Merry Christmas Joan, Dan and Ella. from Donna, Bob and Maggie. We will be spending Christmas with our daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter, will miss our daughter, son-in-law, and grandson in Connecticut, maybe next year we will be spending it up north. We wish you a very Merry Christmas from Warrenton, Virginia, where we (at least me) will be missing the white part. May your New Year be filled with much happiness and great antique finds!

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  104. I'm Sara from Georgia. I've enjoyed your blog over the years but rarely comment. You've a beautiful home and I've taken many of your beautiful ideas and incorporated them onto mine, such as using daily my treasured heirlooms from my grandmothers. My daughter is in high school and she has really appreciated this show of importance to her before she leaves for college. Thank you for sharing.

    Merry Christmas to you all!

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  105. Hello from Northeast Ohio! I'm a longtime reader, but first time commenter:)

    I love reading all of your stories about how your different pieces have "found" their way to you! Merry Christmas to you and yours from the Buckeye State!

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  106. Merry Christmas! My husband and I enjoy reading your blog and seeing photos of your beautiful home and gardens. We have always secretly wished to live in an old farm in the North East. We live and love in Omaha now. Both of us born and raised on the prairie in Illinois. It is where we are meant to be. We have lived in other locales and climates and although we loved those places our hearts always yearned for the prairie and plains. In our blood I reckon.
    We adore your decor style. Thank you for sharing with us.

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  107. Such a lovely post. I adore your blog! I just love the idea of a calling card so here is mine: My name is Sharon Wilcocks and I live in Worcester, England with my husband and son in an old Victorian house on a quiet leafy tree lined avenue which is within walking distance of the city centre - best of both worlds for us as we love exploring the beautiful city, the river, canal walks, stunning cathedral etc! We are originally from Oxford, England and have lived in many different places including Granada Spain. Wishing you, Dan and Ella a very Merry Christmas xxx

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  108. Merry Christmas from Chicago!!

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  109. I have enjoyed reading your blog for awhile now. Love your warm and welcoming home..
    I also want to thank you for the several leads on items I have purchased (dimmers, candle sleeves) etc. love that Ella too!
    So from my home to yours, wishing you a happy holiday and may 2014 bring you good health and happiness.

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  110. Merry Christmas Joan, Dan and Ella! Blessings, Sara, Ohio

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  111. Merry Christmas From San Pedro Calif!! I love your postings!!
    Kate Sullivan

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  112. Merry Christmas Joan, Dan and Ella! May you have a happy and healthy New Year. I have so enjoyed my many visits to your blog. This is my first time commenting, however. Thank you for sharing pictures of your beautiful farmhouse and gardens and the many stories of your wonderful "finds" for your home.

    Best regards,
    Roberta from Tallahassee, FL

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  113. So enjoy reading your posts from snowy New England. Merry Christmas from Mary Kay Andrews in Atlanta!

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  114. I have followed you for a while and love seeing your beautiful home evolve. My husband and I live in a retirement community in Hilton Head, South Carolina. We once had a farm house and spent some of our happiest times turning her into a true beauty. You bring back a lot of happy memories.
    Jennifer Rambo
    Sun City
    Hilton Head, SC

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  115. I love visiting here for inspiration.....Happy Holidays from Andrea White in Canton, Illinois.....

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  116. I love your invitation to leave a calling card for the holiday season. I am relatively new to your blog, but I feel that in a small way we are kindred spirits. I have lived most of my life in New England but moved to the Dallas area in 2001. And although I love living here, I do miss the charm and inherent beauty of New England. Your home is beautiful and you have a simple classic style that I admire. I wish you and Dan a Merry Christmas and all the best for 2014.

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  117. What a beautiful home and message. We live in Chicago and Maine in the summer in a
    Cape built in 1830. I have loved reading your blog. You have such a lovely and welcoming
    writing style. We hope to spend the holidays in New England some day, and your photographs
    are so wonderful to entice us with New England spirit. Have a lovely holiday.

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  118. Merry Christmas, Joan, Dan and Ella!
    My name is Chrissy, and I leave you this calling card from Sydney, Australia. Joan, your blog is my absolute favourite. I found you about a year ago, shortly after I had fallen in love with an old house of my own. Your blog has been an inspiration to me, as I love this tumbledown old terrace house back to life. Thank you. Best wishes to you and yours x

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  119. I am one of the "quiet ones" that reads every one of your posts but rarely comments. I'm a New England girl at heart - raised in Massachusetts and now in Connecticut. I adore your decorating style and love to see what you have going on at your house. Thank you for all of the beauty that you share with your pictures and your words.

    Marcy {stylesson.com}

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  120. We are so happy to have you all in 'our neck of the woods'. I live in Essex Jct., Vermont and have enjoyed reading of your N.H. adventure and watching the love you have lavished on your beautiful New England home. Merry Christmas and a new year of sharing with all your blogger friends.

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  121. Your home is lovely and the setting is perfect! I'm a decorating loving soul who gets my satisfaction through other people's decorating and a little of my own, too. Merry Christmas from Utah.

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  122. Merry Christmas from Joanna in Louisville, KY. I have loved reading your blog for a few years now, and was especially touched by your post today. Hopefully, you will continue to bless us with beautiful images of your fairy tale life and home for many years to come.

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  123. Merry Christmas from St. Charles, Illinois. Originally from the beautiful upper peninsula of Michigan. Thanks for sharing your home. Peace to you and yours, Nancy

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  124. I feel we are almost neighbors as I live not too far in northeastern MA (Boxford) and enjoy visiting your neck of the woods to go antiquing (although your treasures are always much nicer than mine!) I love your blog and look forward to reading your posts and seeing your beautiful home and what you and your husband and dog are up to. Thanks so much for entertaining and enlightening us!

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  125. Dear Joan, Dan & Beautiful Ella, I have followed your blog almost from the very beginning & love it. I have never left a comment but felt I had to now! Reading abt. your kitchen makeover inspired me to redo our breakfast room from a cheery "country" vibe to more elegant, simple decor to match the rest of our home. Thank you for the inspiration! We love reading abt. Ella since we rescued one of our dogs (had four for many yrs. & now am down to one. I grew up back East in NY & have lived in sunny Calif. for almost 50 yrs. but have always dreamed of having a New England farmhouse! Thank you for allowing me to live out my dreams through your beautiful blog! I hope all the joy you bring to others by sharing your lovely home will come back to you a thousandfold! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

    Kathy Bunge

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  126. A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Hunt Country, Virginia! Thanks for inviting all of us into wonderful home.

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  127. Merry Christmas from Diane in Winchester, VA which is about 65 miles northwest of DC. We have recently downsized into our forever (we hope) home and I love everything about it, but I still adore visiting your site to gaze at your beautiful farm home - it is just lovely. Have a wonderful holiday; I look forward to more from you next year.

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  128. You always remember your first one - and your blog was the first I discovered. I've read it ever since. Thank you for so graciously sharing your home and life. Merry Christmas to you, Dan and Ella! Julie J - NE Ohio

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  129. Seasons greetings from Fancy Farm, Kentucky, home of the worlds largest picnic. I love pictures you share of your home. When I saw the color your living room was painted I knew I had found the right grey for my home, so thank you. Hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas.

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  130. oh what a charming idea to invite calling cards! i must steal this one for myself.

    your home is a balm for the soul. such lovely to behold with so many personal touches.

    i am enjoying this snow globe of a day in northern illinois as we get our share of white for Christmas, the trees glistening with magical splendor, and the pups begging to play in it since the temp is gentle.

    sending light.

    michele

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  131. .
    Merry Christmas from North Alabama where snow is a rare event. I'm originally from West Virginia where I grew up having lots of snow. I miss snow and all the fun I used to have.iVisit your blog to get my snow 6 in the winter time.your home is beautiful and I too often wonder about you, Dan, and Ella. I've often wondered why there are no children but realize I wpuld be asking a highly personal qiestion so forgive me. I cant help wondering since we're being honest. Merry Christmas and many blessings for 2014.

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  132. Holiday greetings from Naperville, IL -- and appreciation for sharing your dream home -- I could live in your Barn Room forever! Your home is so warm and calming -- I fall into the pictures you share. May your hearts always be happy there!!!

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  133. Merry Christmas Joan, Dan and Ella! I am a huge admirer of your house and and I can't get enough of the wonderful stories that you share about objects in your home! (I also just painted my hallway Ashwood!) I've lived in NYC for the past 10 years but 2 years ago we moved to Newburyport, MA... which is definitely worth a visit if you have never been! I absolutely adore living here. I think you would love the charm and history of our town!

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  134. Seasons Greetings from the a Driftless a Region in Southwestern Wisconsin! I found your wonderful blog thru A CountryFarmhouse/In the Fields. Thank you so much for allowing us to share your journey as you bring life...and love back to your house!

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  135. Lynn from Tacoma, Washington wishing you happy holidays. Thank you for sharing your lovely home and helping us to understand, thanks to your warm and unpretentious example, that beauty is something we can have in our own lives and is accessible to all with a creative spirit.

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  136. Jaon, Dan and Ella. Wishing you the very merriest Christmas and many blessings in the new year. We live in Avondale, Pa. which is at the southeast corner of pa. near where Pa., De., and Md all connect. We have 2 grown children a son and daughter. Son lives in Fl.(:( and daughter about 50 mins. from us in Delaware. No grandkids YET, but daughter and SIL are trying to adopt a baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love your blog, fell in love with your style the first time I saw a post. Your simple decorations seem to be perfect for your beautiful farmhouse. I love the outdoor pictures too. Have a wonderful holiday. XO, Pinky

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  137. Thanks for your beautiful posts, and Merry Christmas from northeast Iowa!

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  138. What a lovely tradition. Cheers to you, Dan and Ella for a Blessed Christmas and joyous 2014!
    Maura- Princeton, NJ

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  139. Merry Christmas to you and yours from Sunny San Diego CA. Thanks for sharing your home, and Ella, with us. I envy your 4 seasons pictures!
    Mark & Karen Anderson
    San Diego CA

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  140. Merry Christmas Joan, Dan, and Ella from my husband, 6 rescue dogs and I in Bloomington, IN! I teach and study the Victorian period at IU so I especially love your stories about this tray and your other Victorian antiques. When I read "Christmas books" from the 1800s I also wonder what the holiday was like for the book's original owner. Since this is the season for spreading joy and cheer, I want to thank you for giving me such joy with your blog. I love your beautiful home but I love reading the stories you share about it even more. Best wishes for the season!

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  141. Merry Christmas Joan from the Panhandle of Texas. I emailed you a couple of times this summer and you are one of the most gracious women I have ever "met." I subscribe to your blog by email so I will not miss a post. Your home is beautiful and peaceful. Thank you for sharing it. Have a wonderful holiday and new year.

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  142. Merry Christmas from Wichita, Kansas!

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  143. I am most times a quiet visitor even though I could have much to say about how much I love your home and hearing your stories!
    Merry Christmas to you all!
    Carin from Pennsylvania.

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  144. Dear Joan, Your home is so beautiful this time of year -- especially the barn room. You call it simple, I call it exquisite. I wish you, Dan and Ella the loveliest and most peaceful holiday. The snow makes it look that much more magical. Hugs and kisses from 82 degree SW Florida.
    Victoria

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  145. What a beautiful story about the small town in OREGON!I remember the tray from last year!Love the wreath on the gate FOLLY!The connections made through this blogging stuff is AMAZING!It just makes me HAPPY!MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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  146. Merry Christmas from Boerne, TX!

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  147. What a delightful story about the connections we make when we post online. I started following For the Love of a House because you seemed to share what living in, revising, and reviving an old farmhouse is all about. I grew up in such an atmosphere with my parents doing the same thing. They truly do love that old house and it is almost like a member of our family with a personality as I'm sure yours is as well. Merry Christmas from the little town of Nolensville, Tennessee!

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  148. What a beautiful post and a beautiful home! Merry Christmas from New Jersey!
    Cheers! - Shelley

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  149. I live in a northern suburb of Atlanta, Georgia. Lived in the south all of my life. I've always been intrigued by New England, but sadly, have never visited. Visiting your blog feeds my soul! Your gentle spirit mixed with literally every decorating decision you make equals a lot of excitement when I see a new post in my mailbox. The winter holiday pictures are just stunning, and all of the autumn photos were even more so. I can't thank you enough for sharing your home and your sweet family. Merry, Merry Christmas to each one of you!

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  150. Greetings from HONG KONG! I discovered your lovely blog a few weeks ago and have enjoyed getting to know you, your family and your beautiful home. Not only are you an amazing decorator, you're also a great writer. Please keep us all posted with many more enjoyable posts! Merry Christmas from Hong Kong… according to Ken.
    http://hongkongaccordingtoken.blogspot.com/

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  151. Greetings and Happy Holidays from Amherst, NH! I love reading your blog and look to it for inspiration as my husband and I just purchased an antique historical home of our very own that needs a lot of love (an understatement!). - Christina

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  152. Merry Christmas from Atlanta, GA. I'm a Texas native, too - grew up in the Dallas area (Carrollton, to be exact). I love the peaceful images of your home at all times of the year, but these Christmas views are particularly inviting. Peace to you and yours.

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  153. A warm Merry Christmas to you and yours from sunny southwest Florida! It is always a treat to see your blog in my inbox and to take a few minutes to revel in the beautiful text and pictures. I always find your posts and pictures so peaceful and serene! This year Christmas brings for us a first -- a new puppy! We've had her since only yesterday, but wonder how we ever managed without her delightful little self! She has already brought much love and joy, especially to our youngest son, who is the recipient of this sweet Christmas gift!

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  154. Merry Christmas to you, Dan and Ella from Fayetteville, Arkansas. We share a love of old houses, rescue dogs, antiques and history. I love reading your blog because of all the things we have in common. I fell in love with your alabaster grapes and now have a big bowl full of my own!

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  155. Merry Christmas from Seattle Washington.

    We had some snow here this week unfortunately it only lasted one day.
    Your Christmas decorations are lovely as the Farm House itself.
    I visit each post, don't comment that often.
    Linda C

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  156. Merry Christmas Joan, Dan and Ella...I'm Sharon from Frisco Texas and I love reading your blog. Wishing y'all a very merry Christmas and blessings in the new year!

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  157. Merry Christmas to you from the State of Maryland. Love your blog and seeing all the wonderful things you have done with your home. We are planning to move into a smaller place within a year or two and I feel confident that, no matter where we wind up, I will enjoy 'making it mine' after seeing what you have been able to accomplish. You are an inspiration.
    Thanks, Kate

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  158. Joan - I love returning to read each of your new posts. Your home and all your projects are beautiful and exciting. I enjoy reading your blog from my lovely old Dutch Colonial in Nashua, but we often dream of an old farmhouse in a country setting. It's fun to hear when you talk about places in the southern NH area that are familiar to me. I am a dealer at Robin's Egg in Milford, and I only have a business card, not quite the same as a calling card, but pretty just the same. I think a URL from Facebook is like a modern day calling card :) https://www.facebook.com/LaBelleBrocanteShop
    Thank you so much for sharing your adventures and your lovely writing style. -Lisa

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  159. Merry Christmas from Arlington, Washington (a little town north of Seattle that has a very close-knit feel). I SO enjoy your blog and daydream about having my own farmhouse someday. Thanks for sharing what you share.

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  160. Merry Christmas to Joan, Dan and Ella!
    Kathy
    Champaign, IL

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  161. Dear Joan, Dan, and Ella: Mike and I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a new year filled with health and joy.. I love the simple Christmas decorating that you did; it is very comfortable and welcoming. There is nothing like candles and soft lighting. (MA and NH) Cindy

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  162. Merry Christmas from Corvallis, Oregon. I enjoy your blog so much. Your home is beautiful and peaceful looking and I thought your Christmas decorations were just perfect.

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  163. Merry Christmas from cold, snowy Nebraska. I live in the tiny town of Cody (population 150), am an elementary teacher, and my husband is a gourmet vinegar maker. I have so enjoyed following the remodeling of your lovely home and yard, and especially enjoy all the knowledge you share about your antiques. I, like you, enjoy using natural materials in my home to celebrate the seasons.

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  164. Joan and Dan - Thank you for taking the time to share the beautiful photos of NH and your happy home - no matter how small, I enjoy every post you take the time to write for us. Merry Christmas from Sumter, SC!

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  165. p.s. thank you for your tips on where to buy all-clad seconds....thanks to your advice, I have a nice set of made in America all-clad cookware...I love it!

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  166. Your blog and home are lovely and especially in the wintertime. Being a Florida girl, your place looks quite dreamy to me at this time of year. Thank you for a wonderful glimpse into the life you have up north and an inspiring blog.

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  167. A "sense of place" runs deep in me. Your home ministers to me. Thank you for sharing it and yourself. This, all the more so, since I've down-sized to a mother-in-law apartment of about 800 square feet this past year. I love your simple Christmas decorations. While the simple is my taste also, I'm trying to become more whimsical and colorful in my decorating for my 19 month old grandson. Christmas blessings from Seattle area.

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  168. Joan, Dan and Ella.

    Merry Christmas! I thoroughly enjoy your blog, your home is a favorite and I gain such inspiration from you style.

    My husband and I are both native Californians. We lived in Arlington, Texas for two years in the early 80's. For the past 32 years we have lived in Irvine, California.

    Karen

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  169. Your lovely home is such an inspiration! I enjoy your excellent taste, your home looks so warm and welcoming. I live in the temperate San Francisco area so I really enjoy your winter photos.
    Thanks so much, Sarah K,
    PS I especially love that you have rescued your lovely Bella instead of having a "designer dog"!

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  170. Wishing you the most lovely Christmas! Your posts continue to add delight to my days - I look forward to them so and just love having a peek into the creation of your home. Beauty and serenity seem to go hand in hand, and in sharing with others you spread such inspiration. Thank you, Joan and a big thank you to Dan and pretty little Ella. Merry Christmas!

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  171. Merry Christmas from Richmond, VA!

    I'm a young (well, perhaps not as young as I'd like to think…) mom of 3 little kids, and your blog has inspired me as I decorate our home. I've copied certain paint colors and tried to replicate the feel of certain rooms in your lovely home. So, thank you for offering inspiration as I create a home for my family! Elizabeth

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  172. Refreshing and lovely…thank you for sharing your home and life. Judith Nigh, Shelbyville, KY

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  173. I visit frequently and always enjoy myself immensely! I'm from Kansas, but feel like we're neighbors, if in spirit only! Merry Christmas and wishes for a Happy New Year!

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  174. Hi from Texas, near DFW. It's 34 outside and clear! Much better than the ice we had two weeks ago. We had friends with no power all over the Dallas area. I enjoy your home AND garden work. I love gardens.

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  175. Merry Christmas all the way from Brandon, MS. I am at fault for silently looking, but I do so enjoy everyone of your post. I'm to very sentimental, as I look through old pictures at flea markets I wonder who the person(s) are, what it was like (back then). I find a special connection through a lot of vintage items & I just can't quit buying the ones I do find a connection to!!! I just found out my husbands football # was 58 which is ironic b/c he was born in 75 & I was born in 78. 5 & 8 has always been my lucky # We also have the same b-day 8-8-1975 & 8-8-1978!! Wierd hugh

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  176. May your days be merry and bright! And, may you, Dan, and Ella have a healthy and prosperous New year!

    From the Volunteer State!

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  177. Hi Joan, Dan & Ella,

    What fun to see where your readers are from. I live in Chesapeake, VA where it was 82 (record breaking) degrees today. We don't get very cold here but 82 on the 22nd of December is unusual I'm not a fan of cold weather or snow but I love to see the pictures of your home and the snow and read about how you and Dan have remade this once modest farm house into the breathtaking home it is today.
    Merry Christmas and wishing you both a happy and healthy New Year. Vikki in VA

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  178. Merry Christmas from Montreal...I have so enjoyed visiting your beautiful home and state, not so very far from here! Thank you for many lovely moments reading your blog.

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  179. It's so fun seeing where your readers are from. I was born and raised in Southern California but recently moved to Austin. Texas. Austin is lovely but our true dream is to live on the east coast. My daughter goes to school in CT so for now visiting her will have to do. You and your husband inspire me to know that no matter what your age you can go after your dream! Happy Holidays!

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  180. Merry Christmas Joan and Dan! I'm Michelle from the Bay Area suburbs, sending you and yours warm wishes for a joyous holiday season! I don't remember how I stumbled upon your blog, but I'm so glad I did! I couldn't agree more, that we're all connected in some way, and even if it's just by virtue of our love of abode or adventure, how fantastic we can meet one another in this manner. Thank you for sharing your lovely home!
    Your friend Michelle, from Pleasanton, CA

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  181. Merry Christmas from Bend, Oregon!

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  182. Hi Joan and Dan, I have corresponded with you previously via email but I did want to leave a calling card all the way from the south west of Australia. Your blog is my all time favourite and your Christmas decorations are perfect. Have a wonderful Christmas. Julie

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  183. Love your home! would love to live in New England one day! Presently live near Charleston SC. Love old things and work part time at Middleton Place Plantation!

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  184. Hi there and happiest of holidays to both of you and Ella too. I'm Elizabeth, I live in Lakeville, Ma with my family and our two dogs. I grew up near Cape Cod in a post and beam 1750's cape. I have always loved antique houses and the character that makes them a home. Thanks so much for sharing your spaces with us all.

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  185. Merry Christmas! I'm Betsy in Peoria, Illinois. I love your home and I love reading the stories behind the wonderful pieces you've found along the way. Of all the blogs I read, yours is the decorating style closest to my heart. My husband and I visited Maine and Massachusetts the past couple of years. We would love to move back east someday.

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  186. I've had the pleasure of getting to know your family via your beautifully written blog, and then with a few personal emails we've shared. The name of your blog may be For The Love of a House but what is between the lines of the stories, is the warmth, life and loving in a HOME.

    Beyond the pretty decor and interesting things you share with your readers, it is your faith, spirit and strong values in life that draws people in. You're good people - very good people!

    From Oakville, Ontario - I send you warm wishes for a Joyous Christmas.
    Hugs
    Katherine

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  187. Greetings form Madison, MS. All my best to you for this Christmas and the New year.

    Deborah

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  188. Merry Christmas, friends! This blog is so perfectly lovely that I shared it with my husband. We used to live in the Finger Lakes area of NY...a lovely spot...but have lived in Texas since 1978. Wow! We do return every summer to that area but when we lived there, we traveled to New England often and still love to do so. We love old things, and especially family old things and have some treasures along that line. So, the tray is intriguing indeed.
    Thank you for sharing your lovely home and your Christmas decorations are just right.

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  189. I'm Beth from Washington, DC, another quiet reader. Merry Christmas to you, Dan, and Ella, and many thanks for all your delightful posts.

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  190. Home is where the Hearth is and I'd be happy sitting in front of any one of yours! I especially love your kitchen hearth. I think of you often when I'm in my own kitchen cooking, wondering why I never thought of taking the measuring spoons off that darn ring - thank you very much!

    Tonight I raise a glass to you, our gracious hosts, with wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year! Thank you for sharing all your inspirations.

    Donna in Potomac, MD

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  191. Hello Joan. I too am a Texan. I live in Dallas and often wonder as I run my "traps" in town have the shopped here? Is this part of their routine when they come back to Texas. Your home is lovely and I look forward to your posts. Next time you are in Texas why not hold a meet and greet someplace. Dallas is really changing and there are many new and exciting places for you to visit. Enjoy your long winter. Keep writing and posting

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  192. Hi Joan,
    I'm Linda and I live in Tampa, Florida; I found your blog about 5 years ago and I've been following you ever since. I love reading about you and your lovely home, Dan and Ella. Merry Christmas and many blessing for the New Year.!

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  193. Merriest Merriest Christmas To you and Dan and Ella!! From, way to warm, Florida. Thoughthe ocean each morn at sunrise makes up for it! <3

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  194. Merry Christmas! from Oklahoma City. I love your blog, and your home. You do such a great job representing the seasons and the beauty each season has to offer. I visit often. And I think you responded to one of my posts once because I thought I was the only person crazy enough to paint an outside air conditioning unit. Glad to know there are others out there like myself. :) You said, "tell us anything else about yourself that you wish to share." And I've led a rather boring life. But I would like to share that I have an utter love of older homes and have been known to drive miles out of my way just to see a dilapidated Victorian. Thanks for allowing us into your home. Have a wonderful new year!

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  195. Sending Season's Greetings to Joan, Dan and Ella!
    I live in Lake Zurich, IL most of the year, but in Jan., Feb., and March, my husband and I are lucky to be able to live in Cozumel, Mexico.
    I love your style Joan, and think it's fantastic that Dan shares your dreams and interests. I share your love of antiques and houses and look forward to your posts. Have a wonderful holiday season!

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Welcome! Thank you for leaving a comment; you have no idea how much your comments inspire me to keep writing- I appreciate each and every one. Comments are moderated by me prior to publishing on the blog, so if you don't see your comment post immediately it will be posted as soon as I receive and read it. joan