Santa Chimney Cake

I wish I could take credit for this darling cake...but I can't. I got it at our local market today. I just couldn't pass it up. It is Santa on the chimney. It got kinda smashed in the box on the way home so I added the baby marshmallows to cover the smushed icing. She said it was vanilla. I got some beautiful raspberries so we will have the cake tonight with some vanilla ice cream. Tonight is FONDUE NIGHT by the fire.We feel just like Christmas mice inside Farmhouse. All warm and cozy....eating cake and raspberries. And I got my wish. It is 80 degrees no more, my friends. It is POURING rain out here in California. And we love it. Our rowboat is docked by the back kitchen door...just in case. We're getting so close to Christmas..... Farmhouse is ready, are you?

I'm Melting and Dreaming of a White Christmas

See that. That's ME !!! I took that picture less than a minute ago. Here. In California. On Sunday, December 12th !!! And it felt good on my feet cause it's so HOT out here...You see...it is 80 degrees today. And NO. I am NOT HAPPY about it. Not one little bit. It's CHRISTMAS. Teddy and I are sitting here with all the doors and windows WIDE OPEN. I am looking at my Vermont Castings woodstove and oak wood piled by the door with tears in my eyes. I think I'll go and turn down my Andy Williams Christmas music...it just dosen't seem right.How sad is this?The Christmas tree even looks sad baking in the hot sun. I wait all year for Christmas. And now this. Did you notice in my profile info that I am "pretending" that I live in Vermont. What a stretch that is. Not even close. But I will not complain anymore, my friends. I will carry on and be grateful for all that I do have. I am going to the market to get the dried fruit to make my Panettone....I make it every year...80 degrees or not. All I can do is hope that it breaks soon. I know I have zero chance of snow...but rain would be nice. Stay cozy....wherever you are.

Sending december love,

Kary and Teddy

Teddy Picks A Winner !!!

Teddy put his paw in the hat and he picked : The Wild Magnolia as the winner in our Christmas Teacup Giveaway. CONGRATULATIONS!!! The little teacup will be on it's way. Thank you for all your comments and kind words. You're all THE BEST !!!! Sending love to you today my sweet friends,
Kary and Teddy

A Christmas Teacup Giveaway

i can't believe it but i have reached my 300th post. and in honor of it i want to have a christmas teacup giveaway. this is from my collection of old sprigware that i have collected for years. i started collecting it because it looks so christmas-ey. the pattern is red and green and the cups are very old. all of the sprigware that i have came from new england. all of you have become such dear friends to me...and i thank you for your friendship as we enter into this most wonderful christmastime of year. just leave a comment and your name will be dropped into the hat. teddy will pick a winner with his paw on friday, december 3rd.

The Eve of Thanksgiving Eve at Farmhouse

laying in a warm bed this morning with Teddy ,Whiskey and Dande listening to a light rain and the long lonely distant whistle of a train. smelling the woodsmoke still smoldering from last nights fire.

tip toeing downstairs in stocking feet to light another fire and make tea. toasting little circles of bread and spreading them with Maine blueberry jam...a gift from a friend...making my list for Thanksgiving shopping. soaking beans for soup. listening to Gregorian Chant for Christmas.

adding another log to the fire and pouring another cup of tea. thinking of you. and wishing you all a blessed THANKSGIVING...

A Surprise From Octoberfarm

See what I got? I have to tell you that when I started this blog back in July of 2009 I had NO IDEA what was in store.The numerous friendships that I would make.Bloggers who have become special friends to me. It's a journey I could have never imagined.I saw in a magazine somewhere where a non-blogger asked a blogger why she blogged. She said she just smiled and thought...it's too bad you don't. I thought that really sums it up. This SPECIAL DELIVERY box came in the mail yesterday. What a SURPRISE. It was from Octoberfarm.A BLOGGING BUDDY who has become a dear friend. These are all things that she collected on her trip this Fall. All the things that I love.What a kind and thoughtful thing to do.Thinking about us and sending that SPECIAL package all the way to the west coast. THANK YOU, my friend. Your thoughtfulness is so appreciated. We LOVE it !!! And our friendship....with you.

Thanksgiving Menu at Farmhouse 2010

Pilgrim Cocktails

Assorted Olives
Celery Sticks with Cream Cheese
Cashews

Roast Turkey with Rosemary's Sausage and Spinach Stuffing
Giblet Gravy
Mashed Potatoes
Acorn Squash Roasted with Butternut Farm Maple Syrup and Cinnamon
Buttered Baby Lima Beans From Windrose Farm
Cranberry Sauce with Nutmeg
Fresh Cranberry Salad with English Walnuts ,Pineapple, Miniature Marshmallows and Limbertwig Apples From Gopher Glen Apple Farm

Parker House Rolls From Carlock's Bakery

Apple Pie with Winesap Apples from Gopher Glen Apple Farm
Cinnamon Ice Cream

Bien Nacido Vineyard Cadre Pinot Noir
Hirsch Vineyards Lulu Canlis Pinot Noir
Littorai Thieriot Vineyard Chardonnay

Apple Cider from Gopher Glen

Dinner is Served at 5 p.m.

All are Welcome