House by the Side of the Road

 ~ TCF farmhouse ~

Do you have sanctuary? Do you think it's important to carve out a place where you can be alone with just your thoughts, perhaps the company of beloved companions nearby and no sound save that of the wind's whisper, the lowing of the cattle, sheep bleating, horses neighing, bird song or other nature only sounds?

~ wise words ~

We've spent this summer putting the farm house, farm buildings and farm into order; preparing for winter's winds and snow. We've yet to have a frost, very unusual, and the porch plants still look, remarkably, beautiful. Our porch sitting becomes earlier and earlier as we strive to catch the last rays and warmth of the sun, watching the dogs and cats play in the yard, the horses and sheep on the hills. The sun has lost his scornful heat and the chill of winter is creeping, subtly, into day light hours and always during the night. The bird feeders are full and birds are coming to feed, knowing they will be fed for the next six months or so, until God, in the form of nature, restores earth's bounty.

I've been asked about the history of the farm and am preparing photos to go with the upcoming blog entries. It's a fascinating history and we're but the third stewards since the dreadful Great Late Unpleasantness as my friend, Leslie, says.

 ~ Shaddie, Leslie, Sandra ~

This time of year, Autumn, always finds me pulling close to the hearth, taking down summer curtains and putting up insulated drapes, washing windows so whatever sun shine is able to come closer into the house, laying down rugs, putting wool blankets and electric blankets on beds, gathering in knitting and quilting, making hearty meals and baking breads. Laying siege, as it were, against winter yet preparing to enjoy winter because I like the coziness and comfort of winter. I'm sure to lose a sheep, perhaps more, this winter because they are elderly and have old bones. Two of our dogs have old bones as well and need a bit more care and tenderness but, then, don't we all?

~ Abbie, getting some lovin' ~

We, all of us, walk a fine line between preparing for whatever may come and seizing the day. There are times I seem to think I'm doing rather well and other times I'm in a huddle, sobbing my heart out to God for His strength, grace, mercy and peace. It's in those latter times I grow the most deeply and become more settled. It's in those times I lose more of me and find more of Him.

In addition to blogging about our farm, I want to blog about our travels and, additionally, have a series of photo entries simply entitled 'faces'. During our travels, there have been some wonderful moments when the face of a dear soul has been captured by the camera lens. You need to see those faces, trust me, you do. I'm burning daylight and will close with a poem by Sam Walter Foss. More than likely, you've read it before, either on my blog or elsewhere but, like anything good, it bears repeating.


As Sam Walter Foss said in his poem, The House By The Side Of The Road:

"There are hermit souls that live withdrawn
In the peace of their self-content;
There are souls, like stars, that swell apart,
In a fellowless firmament;
There are pioneer souls that blaze their paths
Where highways never ran;
But let me live by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.
Let me live in a house by the side of the road,
Where the race of men go by;
The men who are good and the men who are bad,
As good and as bad as I.
I would not sit in the scorner's seat,
Or hurl the cynic's ban;
Let me live in a house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.
I see from my house by the side of the road,
By the side of the highway of life,
The men who press with the ardor of hope,
The men who are faint with the strife.
But I turn not away from their smiles nor their tears
Both parts of an infinite plan;
Let me live in my house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man.
Let me live in my house by the side of the road
Where the race of men go by;
They are good, they are bad, they are weak,
They are strong,
Wise, foolish - so am I.
Then why should I sit in the scorner's seat
Or hurl the cynic's ban? -
Let me live in my house by the side of the road
And be a friend to man."

~ all roads lead home ~

When you choose carefully, you can have what matters and, ultimately, that's all that matters.

Blessings ~ home ~ travel ~ roads ~ poets ~ grace ~ peace ~ love ~


Grace and Peace,
Sandra