Domestic Contentment

Early most mornings the frost lie heavily on the ground. We have been getting the occasional rain for which we are thankful. Although not enough to break this awful drought we know that every inch will bring us closer to it being over hopefully. This week has been full of news of snowstorms in the northeast and horrible storms and tornadoes in the south. We hunker down to wait out whatever is left of winter. We are content in the knowledge that the days are lengthening and we are starting to see the signs of early spring. The robins have returned and the chickens have started to lay regularly again. The egg drawer in my refrigerator is again full of the ladies contribution to our larder. 

My days are spent catching up on ironing, sewing and quilting. The family room is full of the whir of the sewing machines kept in time by the rhythm of the old clock. A gift from my late mother almost 40 years ago. It joyfully marks the passing of the dreary winters through the years, chiming every half hour to let me know when it is time to go finish cooking supper.   

I am surrounded by the things owned by the people that I love and remember. Remnants of a simpler life of the past generations of my family. Grandma's sewing machine still sews beautifully almost a century later. Above it hangs my mama's button box on the wall. A wooden chest of small drawers for buttons, pins, thimbles and small sewing supplies.

I sit in the old oak rocking chair beneath my mothers cypress quilt frame happily stitching away the hours and weeks. Listening to the audio bible, a gift from my husband, so that I can listen to my bible while I quilt. Waiting.....

Waiting for that first day of spring when the daffodils will again burst forth and bloom. The song birds will return and again I will bury my hands in the dark warm earth of my garden. But for now I nurture my little seedlings under the lights and dream of warmer days to come.  

For now I am content. Even with predictions of snow again next week. For today the sun is shining and it is in the 50's outside. 

Content to sew, content with the smell of  a venison stew bubbling in a cast iron pot on the back of the stove. For now I will be satisfied with the green plants in my windows and my puppies curled up at my feet. Baby O down stairs at the old oak kitchen table doing school work. 

After all Spring is coming! We will again smell the peach and apple blossoms and hear the buzz of the bees working the trees.

Are you ready?

Blessings from The Holler

The Canned Quilter