Over and through the woods we go...into 2016
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| Along the Tahilla Trail.. |
Dear Friends..
Happy New Year! Goodness...anyone else feeling like time is whizzing by? It's been an absolute whirlwind in my neck of the woods...literally. How about yours? We had our big event..the long awaited and much anticipated Christmas family reunion and it was a BLAST! My new Aussie daughter-in-law, Cherie (Mrs. H Jr.) is now an official member of the American clan. She had quality time (days and days) with both sides of our family and was an absolute trooper. Mind you, all this happened in the midst of their honeymoon, a month long trip across America. Our families were unable to attend the wedding in Australia so the honeymooners came to us. One big happy family! ;)
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| between the two red barns.... |
In the midst of all the festivities it snowed...and when fresh snow hits the ground there is only one thing to do...head to the woods. It gave me a fresh perspective, a winter white view around the property and also helped to clear my head. In case you are wondering, I did not take up painting over the holidays! I added a filter to my photos, one I love to play with. It is called 'Brushstroke', you can play with it here.
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| and over the fields...to Tahilla Farm. |
Speaking of paintings, I am absolutely smitten with this painting of Tika. We have a gem of a gardener in Vietnam, a man of extraordinary talent, both in the garden and with a paint brush. We asked if he could paint a picture of Tika, his faithful companion around the garden as a Christmas gift for our youngest son, Connor. Tika and Connor grew up together and miss each other dearly now that Connor is away at boarding school. I only wish Tika could have seen the look on his face on Christmas morning when Connor unwrapped the gift. It's a treasure..once that will be cherished for a lifetime.
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| By way of Vietnam... |
Tika is 13 years old, going on 14 in September. She is still happily enjoying the Vietnamese sunshine..the perfect place for her twilight years. I would love to bring her to Tahilla Farm. She has moved with us from Australia to New Zealand to England and Vietnam. Her airplane crate is waiting at Chateau Mango, ready for the next journey. Fingers crossed..
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| an English Springer Spaniel lassie, Tika. |
In case you are wondering, the original photo above, was taken back in the days of life in England. Those ears...those eyes...bless her furry little paws!
It seems only fitting to share an old favorite, for dog lovers everywhere. Jimmy Stewart said it best with an Ode to Beau...(grab the tissue box).
Tika Tales
through the years...
Until next time,
wishing you a wonderful weekend!
Jeanne xx
Jeanne what a beautiful post. Your Vietnamese gardner is a skillful painter. Tika's painting is extroidinary & beyond that, what an incredibly thoughtful gift for Connor. As I read your words, I imagined Conner having that beloved painting hanging in his home when he is a man of many, many years. A cherished painting for his lifetime. I hope Tika has a safe journey to Tahilla Farms & soon will be running through the fields. She's experienced so much with your family. I've grabbed my tissue & will now listen to the great reading by Jimmy Stewart. There is no doubt that it'll bring a few tears. Happy weekend to you xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you Deb…it is very special and at the moment has a place of honor in our mudroom…one of the first things you see when you enter TF. I hope Tika has a chance to frolic in the fields one day..it would be the end of a life well lived. Fingers crossed. xx
DeleteI loved getting a dose of New England winter, Jeanne. Such serene beauty. Plus how wonderful that you were able to have everyone there for the holidays, including the newest (and lucky) family member. And that painting of Tika is fantastic! What an amazing gift...
ReplyDeletebisous,
H
Thank you Heather…it was nice to be back in the thick of a New England Christmas. Hoping it now becomes a regular event. Fingers crossed…xx
DeleteWonderful views of a New England winter, which we are enjoying very much as well, even though Nashua has nit had an over abundance of snow (yet). The painting is indeed beautiful and the artist has a great talent and obviously a great love of animals as Tika is represented so vibrantly. ( Also, thanks for the recent visit to our blog and please re-visit anytime.)
ReplyDeleteWell my longer comment just flew away out the window - so here's another quickie!
ReplyDeleteLovely painting of Tika - can imagine Conner's face that morning upon opening the perfect gift.
Hope Cherie loved New England in the snow - who wouldn't!
Will you be moving to Tahilla permanently this year Jeanne?
It looks beautiful there and reminds me of my time living up north - some winters were quite severe! Must return to NH some day in winter for a visit - we always come back in summer it seems.
Happy New Year to you and your lovely family Jeanne, may it be full of good health, peace and much joy.
It made my morning special seeing your post here - thank you.
Hugs, Mary
Wonderful photographs. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteTika's painting is beautiful, captures here eyes really well.
Happy Christmas to all of you over there at Tahilla Farm! Are you exhausted? I have half your clan and I am entering recovery mode. Isn't this snow beautiful. We've been waiting for a full on snow. Madeleine left yesterday, Patrick flew in from England, and R. leaves next weekend. We've certainly been visiting the Logan frequently. I am going to make this cup of coffee last for house this morning. So glad to hear the family reunion was wonderful, the painting of Tikka is beautiful (he is the same age as our papillon...sniff), and that you have having a few quiet weeks in the new house before you head back.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful home. I dream of snow. Moved to TN from GA and hope to see it but thus far I have been disappointed. Absolutely beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWow! Your gardener is extraordinarily talented -- that light! I've so enjoyed your IG feed of your new home in its snowy setting. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThat painting of Tika is priceless. I am sure you all had a wonderful family reunion in the beautiful surroundings of Tahilla farm. It's so nice that it snowed. Winter arrived here just this weekend. We had some hail yesterday - which immediately melted, of course. But the wind is strong and chilly and we spent a nice weekend just relaxing and spending family time together. Looking forward to hearing more about your adventures.
ReplyDeleteJeanne, it looks and sounds like a fabulous holiday. How wonderful to have the entire family together and then be able to see all of your and Mr.H's relatives! I am sure that many special memories were created.
ReplyDeleteThe pairing for Connor is so beautiful. Your gardener is a special and very talented man. Now that is a memorable gift.
I hope that Tika is able to see your beautiful farm and to run with wild abandon along your side. Pets are such special members of the family.
I hope that you are enjoying your time at the farm. I loved seeing Mr. H's elegant tiles! I seem to remember a post that included them during the building process. Thanks for sharing all of your farm photos on Instagram, it is beautiful to see.
Happy New Year Jeanne! I hope it is a blessed and beautiful year for you and your family!
hugs, Elizabeth
Just read your post! What a blessed holiday season
ReplyDeleteand wishing you lots more with the newly weds and also Tika in the snow!
Her painting is amazing! I can imagine how happy Connor was.
Take care ❤️
Just read your post! What a blessed holiday season
ReplyDeleteand wishing you lots more with the newly weds and also Tika in the snow!
Her painting is amazing! I can imagine how happy Connor was.
Take care ❤️
So wonderful to see a post from you and the gorgeous pictures of Tahilla. And sweet Tikka is such a sweetie. Stay warm!! xoxo
ReplyDeleteSnow & its beauty. We always wish for snow on Thanksgiving & Christmas.
ReplyDeleteYou have snow now and we have rain. Keep warm Jeanne.
... Lovely post and such a lovely crop of buildings you have there. You've done a great job, and all that work I'm sure has made you very proud. I love brushstroke so much, that and waterlogue ... I could spend all day creating.
ReplyDeleteWishing you Happy New Year
Karen in VA