Going with one or two friends we tend to connect with other like-minded (mostly) women at this idyllic farm that includes beautiful gardens, lovely out-buildings, fabulous meals and fun creative projects.
My friend Jan and I hit our first Southern Exposure visit of the season and while rain was predicted, the day remained nice enough for a walk through the gardens before heading into lunch.
We immediately went to one of our favorite buildings, the small greenhouse, used more as a storage area for plants than to grow them.
They do such nice touches there -- the old chest with its drawers filled with seasonal blooms...
...massive strawberry pots filled with pansies...
...interesting pieces that may well be a demo for a project to come (there was water in the little vial and I suspect some flowers will go there)...
...and overall colorful beauty.
One of my other favorite spots is the chicken coop.
Although we didn't have the rescue chickens wandering around our workshop as we sometimes do, the hens in the hen house were looking pretty chipper and rather friendly, coming straight to the edge of their pen in greeting.
(We were having chicken for lunch but were confident that no birds were harmed in the making of our feast, though perhaps an egg or two or ten were used in the beautiful lemon cream cake we enjoyed for dessert!)
Onward, enjoying the lovely bird baths with colorful flowers...
...cheerful daffodils, bright on the cloudy day...
...and yellow tulips.
As we ambled in for lunch and were greeted with an olive martini, I couldn't help but notice that probably a good deal of the yellow tulips had been picked for this fountain display.
The photos don't do it justice.
After a splendid lunch that included broccoli stuffed chicken with alfredo sauce, a caprese salad, a potato dish, bread, lemon cream cake and wine, we headed into the craft tent!
Our project was crating a Tuscan olive bucket planter. All our supplies were in front of us -- olive buckets, packed with rich oil (tucked in landscape cloth so that the dirt would pop from the ventilation holes on the bucket) and a collection of plants. They included creeping rosemary, English thyme, Genovese basil, red lettuce and a rose kale, along with an edible flower, dianthus.
When packed into the olive bucket together, it looked like this.
They recommended that when it's warmer we transplant some of the contents into larger pots or the garden and then refill the bucket with new blooms for the season.
I have to say that there was probably time I had never more needed a visit this haven, one of my "happy places." Things have been a little stressful. As you know, Rick had been struggling with his breathing to the degree that we thought a doc visit was in order. We were all concerned that the clots in his legs may have moved into his lungs, so tests were done.
I have good news to report. The scans were negative and showed no issues. The gut feeling is that because he has had to be "down" so much and for so long (the past month), this may well be the culprit. Everyone is keeping an eye on it but we are much relieved to know that it is not a key medical issue, just a very discomforting one and to be sure, until we knew, a little scary.
He also had his stitches removed and is healing well. There's still no weight bearing for the next four weeks, but he can drive (it's his left foot so no problem, so long as he's not driving my manual transmission!) and can take walks and best of all, be upright as much as he needs.
To say we are grateful for all the support from friends, both local and cyber (including so many of you who have asked about Rick and sent good wishes, prayers, cards and more) is to underplay the gratitude. It was a huge boost during some challenging times -- physically for Rick, emotionally for us both.
Whew!
63 comments:
What a wonderful place. I can see why it is one of your happy places. I am glad to hear that Rick's lungs are not the culprit. Sending healing wishes your way.
Oh, that red rose in the bird bath made my morning, Jeanie. Such a wonderful photo. It's always a joy to see your outings at Southern Exposure. The first picture of the white flowers against the red house is lovely. Is that a farmhouse or barn? Those hens are such funny birds, aren't they? And I love the statue of Mary, so beautiful.
I hope your May days are filled with so much goodness. I'm a bit partial to May, as it's my birthday month!
~Sheri
Good to hear the news about Rick. And good to see your beautiful photos of this familiar place too.
best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Hello, I am glad you could visit the Southern Exposure. Your Olive bucket arrangement is pretty. I love the chickens and all their lovely plants and flowers. I am glad that Rick is ok and getting around now. My sister broke her thigh femur bone and is in the hospital now. She is not happy having to go into a rehab place for a few weeks or more. Happy Monday, enjoy your day! Wishing you a great new week ahead.
The gate looks so romantic! And flowers in drawers, what a beautiful idea.
You made me grin big with chicken for lunch!
Hmmm. I think if we really get another hot, dry summer I´ll have to get a proper bird bath, too. Our daffodils have seen their best days already.
Broccoli stuffed chicken?!! Oh, yum! That sounds fantastic! I´ll google that!
Oh, health. We take it for granted until... glad you have "good" news!
When Ingo was so threatening sick I could talk to no "real" friends, not even to my Brother, I would´ve broken down. But my online-friends were safe to help me through...
That is great news about Rick!!
How lucky you are to be so close to such a "happy place" ~ I think I could spend many the hour there, just soaking it all in!
Is the edible flower a nasturtium?
I am so glad to hear that Rick is well on the way to recovery, may it continue! The visits to Southern Exposure are always a treat, it is a fantastic place. The filled olive bucket is beautiful. Good that you had a relaxing time out. Hugs, Valerie
The friendly hens and the yellow tulips would make anyone's Day.
Great news about Rick's recovery! He's your most important project:)
Oh, Jeanie, I am so sorry to hear that Rick has had respiratory problems and I know this must have worried you both so much! I glad his scans came back negative for clots. Please accept my apologies for not knowing about this--my FB and computer time has been limited lately as we have been doing a lot of things with the grandkids, and preparing for a cruise we are taking this summer. I can understand Rick's feeling of shortness of breath as I experience the same post my foot surgery when I tried getting back to walking and hiking. I could see I'll have to rebuild my stamina a little at a time. It is frustrating, but if I try to do too much at once my foot will swell and throb. I know the soft tissues are still healing. Tell Rick to hang in there!
I loved seeing this wonderful Southern Exposure greenhouse and garden! I can see how it is a happy place for you!
I hope Rick can heal up quickly. Luckily the tests came up negative in terms of his breathing. Inactivity can really affect breathing as well as worrying.
This farm is definitely my kind of place! The decor is so gorgeous. Their staff is talented. What a great craft project. I love that it is edible and you can later plant the goodies. The markings on that chicken in the foreground are so beautiful.
One of the things I liked about Southern Exposure was how when our bus arrived, they spread a trail of rose petals to lead us to lunch. It's that kind of attention to details that makes it so much fun to go there. Glad you got your batteries recharged there this spring.
That's good news about Rick. Hope he continues to get more and more ambulatory with each week.
That lunch sounds more like a hearty dinner, Jeanie, and you even had a martini ahead of it. Little wonder you enjoy going there year after year, although I must say it doesn't seem like a "guy thing." And maybe that is part of the fun for you ladies. As for Rick, we all rejoice that he is on the mend. Every day is taking him a little closer to complete mobility. Just be thankful this didn't happen during your European odyssey when you were having mobility issues too. Spring is on the way (although you would never know it based on the weather here today) - a great time for recuperation.
Oh Jeannie what a heart lifting post.
Firstly, that you were able to have this day and were able to relax, enjoy and recharge your batteries! That lunch does indeed sound splendid and your photographs are a joy to see.
Secondly, I am so pleased that Rick is doing ok and is on the mend.
Continues prayers and positive thoughts to you both.
My good wishes.
All the best Jan
What a really cool looking place. So pretty. I have been wanting to find some round rocks to do a stacked rock thingy like that. I guess if I don't find any then maybe a flat rock one. Glad you had a nice time.
It's great to see signs of spring where you are. I love the olive bucket. Adorable.
Good to hear Rick is getting around a bit. Activity will help his breathing.
The last of the snow in the front yard melted this weekend and the tulips popped up overnight! I found the first crocus today too.
I love that little greenhouse. I remember you posting photos from there before.
You surely needed this time away to relax and unwind, Jeanie, as you and Rick have both had some stressful days lately (to say the least). Glad to read that the test results were negative for him and hope the ability to drive and move around will be spirit lifters too...mobility is a great thing! I enjoyed reading about the nice lunch you and your friends enjoyed and the olive martini, but who could work on a project after that?
This is quite a place- and uplifting too.
Oh Jeanie, I'm so glad you were able to take a lovely day trip to such a lovely place. It all looks so interesting and beautiful along with a craft project would be right up my alley. The statuary is lovely that you have photographed so pretty. I am keeping you and Rick in my prayers. So happy to hear the fear of blood clots moving is not a current issue. Take care of yourself as well as your dear one.
That is a very good news that Rick is doing well.
It was be wonderful to have all the time to keep such a creative garden. And maybe have a couple more of me to dot hat also. I can see why you want to visit. It is always such a treat in your photos. Thanks for sharing. hugs-Erika
I love reading about these seasonal excursions! What a great get away place. Glad to read that things are getting better for Rick. I feel like I know the two of you and wish for a speedy recovery and getting back to normal.
I am so happy about Rick; he will be better!
Very much appreciated Rick's email and update, and further updates here. We're sure been thinking and talking about him. Hopefully he can get baking for you soon. What good news that he is not flat on his back anymore!
Maybe one day you can interview the people who run Southern Exposure- if you haven't already - because it looks to me like the kind of place that is someone's dream come true. Not only can they decorate and think up ideas to their hearts content, but they can make a living from it too. I'm still surprised that there are so few places like this about, but it probably takes quite a bit of business acumen and cash to set it up in the first place. Anyway I am glad it has been there to do a bit of heart healing for you!
First of all so pleased to read that Rick will be alright and that there is nothing to be overly-concerned about. Prayers have been answered! I remember you visiting this place before. What a unique and beautiful place to have a workshop experience at. Loved all of the photos. You really should be a tour guide. You do such a lovely job with it. The olive bucket turned out beautiful. I loved the bird baths most of all! Hope your May will be a beautiful month filled with positive things! Love and hugs, xoxo
HOORAY...back to SE!! Oh, I've eagerly waiting for one of these posts, Jeanie! :) Oooo...How wonderful to see all the spring beauty! Your photos are breathtaking! We have a white star magnolia like that one... hope it will grow a big and beautiful. We only got it last year, so it has a ways to grow... haha! But we do some flower on it now! Glad you had a fine day for your first visit of the season. Just love that little green house where you gather and create. That chest of drawers with flowers bursting out of it is a GREAT idea! They really know how to weave floral magic at SE! Your bucket projects are beautiful--what a great idea, using those buckets. And your lunch sounded delicious too! VERY glad you had this day out, that was probably healing in a lot ways, given all the stress and goings on of late... So relieved to know Rick is doing OK! And that he will be able to be up and going a little bit again... :))) MUCH LOVE to you both! ((HUGS))
What a wonderful place and also, wonderful news about Rick. I'm happy he doesn't have more medical problems. The pictures are gorgeous.
I'm a bit puzzled by the places that have chickens as pets and serve/eat chicken themselves. Is like me having a dog steak and be ok with it, as long is not my dog but another dog that got slaughtered for my meal. I'm not judging at all, each to their own. I'm only puzzled because I can't understand the logic behind these ideas. I remember seeing in a TV show a vegetarian with a pig farm. She was not eating meat, but was ok with the animals being slaughtered. I can't square that circle, that's for sure.
Sounds like a wonderful time there again. I know how grateful you must have been to have that opportunity to relax and recharge for a bit.
I'm so glad it was good news as regards Rick, and that he's healing well (if slower than you both would like).
I am jumping up and down (well as best I can at this age) and waving my arms and yelling, "Take me! Take me!". We have nothing like that around here. What a delightful place to visit and really enjoy the whole experience in person. Lucky You!
Have a great day. xo Diana
Oh boy what a creative place to visit! I adore the little touches in the small greenhouse. Those olive buckets will look fantastic. So glad to hear that Rick’s problem wasn’t medical. Hopefully as the days and weeks pass he will continue to feel better and gain more mobility.
Absolutely love that place Jeanie.You're way ahead of us..worst Spring ever here.
I always enjoy your visits to Southern Exposure.
Jeanie, it is so good to read the news that the blood clots had not moved into the lungs. Continued prayers and best wishes for Rick, the fact that he was so physically fit has been a blessing for sure. I have Southern Exposure envy...that is such a fabulous place for gardens, food, crafts, and good friends. I always look forward to your visits there!
I have been following you and have sent good wishes of support and healing for both you and Rick...I will continue to do so...Be well.
Wow - gorgeous flowers and with such great news. I'm sending a prayer for both of you for health and happiness.
You really did need this need day out and it sounds and looks like a lovely one. Glad to know that Rick got good reports and is doing better.
This is my happy place when you visit here, it's gorgeous. I could spend the day here and not get enough of this. Love everything but the daffodils really caught my attention. Happy you enjoyed this visit and Rick is seeing progress with his recovery.
Isn't spring glorious........
Jeanie, I so glad that Rick is doing well and that the blood clots were not being a problem. It has been a long haul for you both. What a wonderful place to get away from it all for awhile. Such beauty to see, a wonderful meal and a pretty project. It couldn't be any better..Happy Tuesday my friend..xxoJudy
Jeanie, oh spring has indeed sprung at your house. Simply beautiful! I'm glad that Rick is doing a bit better. xo
Hey Jeanie... I'm so relieved to hear the news about Rick...It's such a worry. Hopefully, he will progress as the weather improves. How wonderful that you were able to get away and enjoy a little nature gardening. The grounds look fabulous and the project/olive buckets really do sound like a lot of fun...no wonder you call it your “ HAPPY PLACE”.... I too have alittle fetish for chickens...They make me laugh... I know that you had a wonderful time.. Take care Sweet Lady... Hugs
I think this was just what the doctor ordered Jeanie . . .,
Southern Exposure day of creating, color, friendship.
Happy for your Happy Day . . .
Rick feeling better is such good news as well.
And I hope the breathing issue rights itself pronto . . .
Hope Spring keeps springing into our days!
We .. . need it!
some of your prettiest pictures EVER!--love them! I love it when you take us to this Southern Exposure place....always a treat! Love seeing all the flowers, especially the ones floating in the birdbath....oh and look at that sneaky typewriter hiding out in the one picture!!---LOL! This is just such a neat place, sure wish I could go, everything you see and do, eat/drink, and create/craft/make there is just so interesting.
This post made me smile--so much color and happiness! As always, your photos are gorgeous!!
I'm happy to hear about Rick. I know its going to be a better place for both of you.
Jane x
Once again, I'm running late, but I love that you have once again taking us to Southern Exposure. Lovely photos of the spring look there. It gave me ideas for my own garden. Lot's of lovely plants and a wonderful project, too.
SO good to read about Rick, too. That is wonderful and less stressful for you, too.
I always look forward to your Southern Exposure posts. They are so beautiful.
That is wonderful news about the blood clots for you and Rick. I know it's been a trying time for both of you. I'm still keeping good thoughts for you guys. Take care.
No clots in the lungs! Yippee!!
Beautiful place, love how they display their flowers in such unusual ways.
So glad Rick is healing and there were no moving clots.
I can see why Southern Exposure is one of your 'Happy Places.' It is vicariously for me too:)
Have a stress free day.
I am glad you got to escape to your happy place. You definitely needed a day away to take in some beauty, good food, and time with friends. You've had a very stressful spring. Blood clots are just terrifying. I am glad that Rick got a good report and can be up and about more. The lack of activity is hard on a person mentally and physically - especially for an active guy like Rick!
Your project turned out great! Thanks for sharing all the photos of spring blooms. There aren't many flowers planted in our neighborhood so I haven't seen many tulips or daffodils this year!
Jeanie, what a lovely place and so filled with all sorts of inspiration!! I'm so happy to hear your Rick is doing better...it's always a little scary, isn't it, when our bodies aren't working as they should. Happy Spring to you, friend. xo
Jeanie, the Herb Farm looks like a delightful place and your lunch was a treat I am sure. Good news about Rick. You all have really had quite a time of it all. I know the breathing issue had to be scary. When my husband had back surgery many years ago, his doctor told me it takes anyone a full year for their bodies to recover from surgery. I think it is harder on us than we may think. Keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers, that healing will now continue smoothly. The fresh air and sunshine will help. I know you are a wonderful blessing to Rick.
So glad to hear the medical tests were favorable!
And you have this beautiful haven within arms reach...such a restful looking place.
Looks like we're months apart. A sudden snow storm two days ago means we still have the white stuff on the ground (quickly melting though) and I'm still wearing a winter jacket. Lovely to see how colorful your spring has been. Hope Rick is getting better and enjoying the weather with you.
So happy to hear Rick is on his way to full health. The worst is past. Loved that fountain with the tulips. Loved the olive bucket with flowers. And just totally loved everything about your visit to this wonderful place of escapism.
So glad about Rick! Phew! Your photos of your adventure to the Herb Farm are just beautiful and reflect how much you love going there to see its special beauty! Annual rituals/adventures are so wonderful. We will soon make our annual, traditional trip to Québec!! I'm so excited!
What a delightful place! Thanks so much for sharing it with us. I love all the interesting containers, all the nooks & crannies, and the chickens:) And, of course, all the beautiful plants & flowers. Just such a dreamy place.
Wow wow wow what a beautiful and very inspiring place. I may even take some of those ideas and incorporate in my tiny garden. How very beautiful. Thanks for sharing your lovely day here.
Hugs June x
Jeanie, I'm so glad to hear Rick is progressing. Driving now--wonder how soon he'll be back on his bike! A visit to this beautiful place would be just the thing after all the stress you've been under.
Yeah, it's amazing place :)
And I really like your herbs bucket. I'm thinking about planting some herbs on my loggia like every year. But this time (after we've moved) we have smaller loggia. So we have to plant less flowers than before :(
I can't decide what kind of herbs I should pick :/
Oh my goodness I love all this garden inspiration! I would love it if you would come over and link up this post at Thursday Favorite Things. https://followtheyellowbrickhome.com/spring-and-summer-garden-style-at-thursday-favorite-things/
Hope to see you at the party!
I'm so, so glad that the tests showed nothing worrisome, and I'm especially glad that Rick's going to be able to be more "upright and mobile" in the coming days. One reason so many elderly get pneumonia after breaking hips and such is that they're bedridden. Being able to be upright makes such a difference: both physically and emotionally.
Having those stitches out and being able to drive is huge! That's a move toward freedom and full recovery -- huzzah!
Wonderful pics. I hope your Rick gets better.Hugs.
Beautiful pictures.
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