First frost at my farm
I thought you would like to look at these very nice photographs illustrating the coming of the first frost at my farm. I am on my way back from Japan soon, and I plan on showing you some more photographs of my experience on my show tomorrow.
Doesn't it look beautiful glistening on all the pastures and fences.
This is old Canadian white spruce fencing that I imported. It surrounds all the paddocks where the horses and donkeys graze
I love early mornings at the farm. The light is especially beautiful at that time of day.
I’ve been collecting faux bois objects for many years. This is an old stanchion that I use to close off the driveway from traffic.
I designed this curvaceous pergola choosing granite uprights and shapely wooden tops. Each upright is planted with clematis and wisteria standards delineate the ends of the walks. The whole is under-planted with muscari and catnip. It’s a very fragrant stroll in the spring
Francesca came along for the walk dressed in a T-shirt and cozy fleece. She looks a little puzzled standing in the frosty grass.
Equally well dressed, Sharkey observes from the house.
Sharkey prefers the early morning golden light under an apple tree.



Francesca and Sharkey are too cute! Love their little outfits.
Posted by: Liene at Blue Orchid Designs | November 07, 2007 at 11:52 AM
I can almost smell the fresh winter air in your photo's. It all looks so beautiful. I always love the smell of the outdoors as the season's change. It's those times of year that I really notice it... it reminds me of previous years. Those smells stir memories. Thanks so much for sharing!
Kind Regards,
Stef in Seattle
Posted by: Stef in Seattle | November 07, 2007 at 12:20 PM
You know Martha those coats on the dogs look way to clean. One hour outside and my mutts would have them caked with horse manure, dirt and grass.
Thanks for the fall pictures.
Posted by: Margie | November 07, 2007 at 12:37 PM
Hi Martha
Your farm looks absolutely gorgeous. Particularly with the bit of fog against the fall foliage, it's just breathtaking.
And the dogs are just precious- too cute in their little outfits.
Thanks for sharing the photos.
Sincerely,
Francesca Kinsey
Posted by: Francesca | November 07, 2007 at 01:00 PM
Martha,
Where do you find the outerwear for your dogs? They are very nice and fit well. This is sometimes a hard combination to come up with when selecting items for dogs. Thanks for the blog entries.
Chadwick
Posted by: Chadwick | November 07, 2007 at 01:02 PM
I think I'd be with Paw Paw and hug up to all his warm fur! Sharkey has the right idea and Franny is a dare devil with a lot of spirit and spunk.
Have a safe trip home, enjoying the photos of the farm, CA is so warm right now I'll take it!
Posted by: Pam From CA- MSC | November 07, 2007 at 02:15 PM
Hi Martha,
Can the snow be that far behind?
Your photo's remind me of what a
wonderful time of year this is..with a chill in the air, changing of the leaves, & sitting next to warmth of a woodstove enjoying the changing of the season.
Best,
Pauline
Posted by: PAULINE | November 07, 2007 at 03:23 PM
Great pics! I love the tree in the meadow. The pups are so cute in there coats. There is something so wonderful about those early morning fall days just before and after dawn. Things are so quiet, peacful and beautiful.
Posted by: Claudine | November 07, 2007 at 03:31 PM
Your dog is TOO cute! What wonderful pictures
April
Posted by: April | November 07, 2007 at 05:57 PM
Martha, your homes have such beautiful histories and have been so carefully brought back to glory through your restoration efforts. How I would love to tour them! Your farm is lovely. And I adore the Canadian elements, which look quite at home in frost!
Best from Canada,
Andrew
PS: Hope you can make it to the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto soon!
Posted by: Andrew Ritchie | November 07, 2007 at 06:35 PM
Love the pictures of your farm. If I were there I would put on a jacket and walk all over your farm. I would listen to the birds and watch the squirels gathering nuts and just soak in the beauty. I live in the city now but I will always miss the farm and open spaces that it provides. Your dogs are precious. Thanks for sharing your photos.
Posted by: Sylvia Coble | November 07, 2007 at 08:07 PM
Hi Martha, I heard that it had snowed today in upstate New York and Erie, Penn. Can a fresh dusting of snow at your farm be far behind? These frosty photos of your farm are superb! It looks so fresh and peaceful. Your Frenchies are absolutely the cutest I have ever seen! How do you get them to pose like that? Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | November 07, 2007 at 08:11 PM
Like I mentioned before, I love that fence and may I use picture number 3 with the morning light as my desk top photo? It's prettier than a postcard and so is your pergola. Hugs to Francesca and Sharkey...so cute! Trish
Posted by: Trish | November 07, 2007 at 08:41 PM
This is why I come here. Love your farm Martha, and your cute dogs.
Posted by: Mike | November 07, 2007 at 11:34 PM
Thanks for sharing! Your farm is gorgeous, as is the photography. I just noticed your blog link today from the website and I'm so glad I did!
Posted by: Melissa | November 08, 2007 at 02:55 AM
Martha, the early morning at the farm photo is so lovely, I think you should have it memorialized in a painting. It should be in a gallery, or better yet, for sale in print to the public. After the loss of my dear mother two weeks ago, it gave me a much-needed lift of spirit. Thank you so much.
Posted by: Ellen Moegling | November 08, 2007 at 12:02 PM
What a beautiful set of pictures! They capture the feeling of the edge of autumn and winter perfectly.
Posted by: Mischa | November 08, 2007 at 12:53 PM
Great Recipe Martha. I use Celery Root in almost every soup I make as at least a base. It does wonders in a homemade chicken soup, whereas I use Smoked chickens. Have you every had a smoked chicken soup. Try it, you'll understand.
Warmest,
Tom
Posted by: Tom Aellis | November 08, 2007 at 06:03 PM
LOOOOOOOVE your first frost pictures. So pretty! Your Farm is BEAUTIFUL. The dogs are pretty cute too!
Posted by: Carolyn | November 09, 2007 at 06:21 AM
The farm is looking awesome!!! The pups are as adorable as could be!! All my best to you and your Mom. My prayers are with you and your family.
Thanks for listening to my request and for doing that segment on your show about the greenhouses and making one for ourselves. You are the best. I am going to make one for myself this winter. It may be to late, but I'm going to try anyway. From your pictures on the show, it looks like your greenhouse on your farm is coming along. Don't forget to document it on camera for us to put on the show. I really would love to see how it is put together and how you will lay it out, both the inside and outside.
Regards, Kim
Posted by: Kim | November 10, 2007 at 10:55 PM
I love when the frost or even the first snow falls and everything is quiet and new. The pictures are trulu tranquil and beautiful.
Posted by: Barb | November 12, 2007 at 07:12 PM
Thank you for sharing the beautiful pictures. My husband and I aspire to a farm as well, but on a much smaller scale!! Say, what about the donkeys? I've never read about them before--perhaps you can tell us more in a future post or article. Do you have any mules? I'm intrigued by them as well. I hear they are really smart and great workers. Stubborn, though--hee hee!
Posted by: Lisa | November 18, 2007 at 10:15 AM
I absolutely LOVE the picture of the tree and the pastures on your farm. It must be wonderful to live in such a beautiful place! How perfect!
Posted by: Della La Jeunesse | November 19, 2007 at 12:01 AM
I'm so sorry you've lost your mother. My mother died 3 years ago at age 94 and I miss her so much. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Posted by: Ginger Britt | November 19, 2007 at 08:21 PM
I can feel the tranquility radiating from your farmhouse, and gardens too, and am so full of envy for your beloved pets who get to romp around.
Fall is one of my best times of the seasons. There's just nothing like it, and where I live (Vancouver, BC Canada) in a farming town an hour away my paradise too is just outside my door. :)
Posted by: Debbie Brideaux | November 20, 2007 at 12:05 AM
wow, it's amazing
Sharkey is so cute
Posted by: Sara | November 20, 2007 at 04:35 AM
'A thing of beauty is a joy forever'...i don't know who said that Martha..but you say it repeatedly with your very life and ways. Beauty promotes healing and joy..to name a few attributes. Perhaps we should call you Dr. Martha:))..thanks for all the benefits we receive from your gracious giving of The Life Beautiful:):)shalom and blessings..joanne
Posted by: joanne nosella | November 20, 2007 at 04:26 PM
Martha,
My husband and I are wondering what kind of tree is featured in the first photo. Its a beautiful photograph.
Thank you!
Love Always,
Erica
Posted by: Erica | November 21, 2007 at 12:56 AM
In reading these comments I wish to tell you that I have kept the MSL with the pictures of your kitchen at Turkey Hill and the other memories you have shared with us. I also have the one of your pink and grey summer home which I was more than thrilled with and loved the colors. Thank you for sharing and giving wonderful ideas. And last but not least the pups are precious as are the cats. They must certainly understand they have a wonderful life in your home and most assurdely are as spoiled as my 14 year old dog and 8 year old cat except my dog does not have one of those wonderful jackets and I won't tell him either.
Posted by: Elizabeth Allen | November 29, 2007 at 12:33 AM
I was interested in the vanilla egg drink you made on your March 3rd show. Your computer page did not say how much vanilla to add to the simple syrup. OOPS! I think it was 1 1/2 tsp.
Also where else can I gwet your craft spplies? Our Michaels has a very puny supply. Thanks, Nancy
Posted by: Nancy Robert | March 03, 2008 at 03:58 PM