Oh, Lucky Day!

Happy Friday the Thirteenth!!

source

It is a lucky day!

.....and now, in other news.....

August has come and gone! I completely missed my third blogaversary! I started this blog in early August, 2010 and here I am still blogging away. Thanks to all my wonderful Wiccan Wreaders for keeping me alive and well!!

If you have followed me for any length of time, you most likely are aware of my book obsession. I do love to read; there are certain book series which I am passionate about. One of my most favorite and beloved series are the Outlander books by Diana Gabaldon. Loaded with Scottish characters and history (I am of Scottish heritage on my father's side), it is a great historical, sci-fi adventure, romance, dramatic series. There are currently 7 books in the series, with an 8th due to be published this coming Spring. But what is even more fabulous, is that the Starz cable channel is producing a 16-episode series based on the first book. Thrilled to bits, I am, but also a little worried about casting and treatment of the book. I am a rabid fan after all, and will be most displeased if, in my own selfish opinion, the actors and story are wrong!!! At least it is being filmed in Scotland, thankfully. Read the books!!  Here's a link to find out more: Diana Gabaldon and the Outlander Series

Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon source

The Autumnal Equinox is less than two weeks away!! Celebrated as "Mabon" among Wiccans and pagans, this is a turning point, so to speak, on the Wheel of the Year. Bidding farewell to the summer season is often hard, especially  if one lives in wintry climes, realizing that the icy days are coming. Already we are losing daylight and here in central New York we have had some coolish nights. Still, autumn is a beautiful season and a favorite of many of us witchy types.

autumn road image source

 Speaking of apples (wasn't I?), September is definitely the month for all kinds of delicious apple desserts, and not just apple pie, you know. (this morning the street was strewn with apples from a neighbor's apple tree; I suspect the middle schoolers on the way to the bus stop are responsible) Anyway, seeing all those apples made me start dreaming of apple crisp, apple turnovers, baked apples, applesauce bread, oh, the list goes on. Time to hit the local orchards and pick some of these lovely orbs! I might just share a recipe or two, and look forward to seeing any recipes on other blogs. Apples!! Just as iconic for September, as pumpkins are for October. (now don't get me started on pumpkin recipes.....yet)

apples image source

So that is my rambling for today. It feels great to be blogging again. And remember, all shall be well!!! Hugs from Robin!

Ack! Poison Ivy!!

Thanks to everyone who warned me of the poison ivy in my last post. Is there any hope that we can somehow eliminate this dreaded vine?

I am spending some time on the good old internet looking at websites to learn more. When I was a kid, I had a couple of bad cases of poison ivy rash. Really awful experiences.

Poison Ivy dot org
I like this link because the fellow is amusing and offers some good cards and a poster for identifying the evil.

From the Web doctor
This gives good descriptions of the symptoms and what to do about the rash.

Photos of poison ivy in all seasons
This is very good as it shows not just the leaves, but the flowers, berries and various forms (shrub, creeper, climber).

Poison ivy can still get you when it is dormant in the winter; the twigs carry the oil!

There are many websites that offer ways to get rid of poison ivy. It is worth a try, though I did read that poison ivy has underground shoots and roots, so it is possible we may just have to deal with this stuff.

Killing Poison Ivy?

And apparently a couple of breeds of goat like poison ivy. Hmmmm, do I see goats in my future?

Goat/Dog Image source

Happy Sunday! And remember, all shall be well!

The Big Reveal!

After months and months of looking at real estate listings on line and trekking around to quite a few properties (which was fun) we finally found the land where we will build our home (in  2-5 years). We have decided to retire here in upstate New York and wanted a wooded property in the country.

We have bought the 6.54 acres in Hannibal. It is loaded with maple trees, poplar and quaking aspen trees, pine trees, and unfortunately a very rambling thorny wild rose. But bit by bit we think we can get rid of that. It is a level lot, it already has a septic system, electrical pole and hook up to public water; I am glad not to have to rely on a well.  It is very lovely; sunny spots, shady spots and woodsy spots!

From the wooded path looking towards front of the property

Strange fuzzy vine on a lot of the trees. Anyone know what it is?

One of the "rooms" throughout the property, middle left of photo

The house we build will be situated in this area

The road in front of the property; ends in acres of corn fields

Large rocks near front gate; can't wait to do some planting here

Now we just have to name the property!

Our other favorite property, the 5-acre former marijuana "plantation" with pond, turned out to be less than 4 acres and NO pond. So disappointing, it really was gorgeous there. The 1855 cobble stone house in Sodus with 25 acres was going to be a very hard and involved venture, not to mention with 25 acres the taxes were high. But we did think about it for several days. The woodsy 9 acres was very dark, had a very narrow winding road to the property, and there were already several houses close by with more property for sale.

So I think we made a very good choice and I look forward to sharing the story. We close the deal on October 7th, and are planning a big bonfire. The leaves should be changing by then too! Autumn colors!!

Land Owners!! Which Property Did We Choose?

Yes, indeed!! We signed papers yesterday!! Woot!!! Very exciting times for our family!! I had shown you a couple of properties a while back; we looked at a lot of places. Here are photos of four properties, in no particular order. Can you guess which one we landed (!) on??  I will tell you tomorrow!!


Property Number 1:  Only property with a house. Built in 1855, this cobblestoned home in Sodus, NY with 4 bedrooms and 2,600 square feet sits on 25 acres.  An extreme fixer-upper, it also is cheaply priced.

Property Number 2: Sterling, NY. Listed as 5 acres, with a pond, partially cleared, we fell in love with this place. It had recently been seized by Federal agents, as the tenant on the property had fixed himself a nice little marijuana-growing operation.

Property Number 3: Hannibal, NY. 6.54 acres, with improvements such as water and septic, some clearing of land and heavily wooded.

Property Number 4: Sterling, NY. Woodsy 9 acres. Very private with a pond and drilled well.

All Shall Be Well

Through all these rough times in our family, one has to find something to hang onto that gives comfort, strength and hope. Sometimes, the events and thoughts can be overwhelming. To be able to cope in some way, rather than give into the floundering feeling of helplessness; finding that "something" is not always easy.

I was reading a book for a bit of escape, a mystery by brilliant author Deborah Crombie, called "All Shall Be Well", a very good read as are all her books. The book's title comes from a quote, though the first line of the quote is not relevent for me, I love these words:

"It is sooth that sin is cause of all this pain,

But all shall be well and all shall be well and

all manner of things shall be well."

Juliana of Norwich, 15th century

from "All Shall be Well"

copyright @ 1994 by Deborah Darden Crombie

These words resonate with me, and have become my mantra over the last weeks. And now, with this Syrian crisis looming, I can't help but want to believe these words with all my heart.