The land on which my husband Murray and I live has been in the family for over 150 years. The farm is recognized and registered with the State of Illinois as a Centennial Farm. In 1850, William Trigger and his wife, Mary Ann Trigger left England and came to the United States, where they settled in Peoria County. In 1857, they made their home on the property on Grange Hall Road. Their son, Richard N. Trigger was born on the farm on Grange Hall Road on September 26, 1860. On January 11, 1893, Richard Trigger married Edith Irene Douglass. On May 27, 1896, their only surviving child, a daughter, Dorothy Viola Trigger was born.
Author: Pat
SPRINGTIME
Spring is my favorite time of the year. The farm is changing daily with new growth and blooms. My morning walks are even more enjoyable as I am serenaded by the singing of the many birds as they welcome each new day. Last week we received some much needed rainfall. I am anxious for the return of sunshine and warm weather.
FUN DAY AT THE AUCTION
Murray and I love auctions. You never know what you will find, but you can be sure that you will always find something. Last week we spent the day doing what we like best, at an auction.
BIRDS OF A FEATHER
Spring is certainly in the air! The grass is green, the flowers are poking through the ground, and the birds are singing. Although winter was fairly mild, we had quite a few daily visitors to the birdfeeder on the deck.
For the love of wood!!!
I am so excited! The new hardwood floor in the living room is done. Almost ten years ago when we built the house, we had carpeting in the bedrooms, living room, and dining room. What was I thinking!! After about two years of the carpeting in the dining room, we replaced it with hardwood flooring. As the living room carpet was showing signs of wear, and since we were lucky in that the flooring company was able to get the same hardwood flooring as in the dining room, we went with hardwood.
FEELING BETTER AND VINTAGE VALENTINES
I am so happy to report that I returned to work last week and am feeling very good. In fact, this is the best that I have felt for the past two months! I am keeping my fingers crossed that I will continue to stay healthy. Thanks for all of your positive thoughts and prayers. They certainly do make a difference.
Since Valentines’ Day is right around the corner, I thought I would share with you some of the vintage valentines that belonged to my husband Murray’s grandmother.
A LONG WINTER FILLED WITH LIFE’S TWISTS AND TURNS
Life is truly filled with twists and turns. The best laid plans can be changed or altered in an instance. The only certain thing in life is the uncertainty of life.
My goal for this new year, 2016, was to rework the blog and introduce some exciting plans for this spring and summer. But my plans have been put on hold for now. In mid-December I came down with asthmatic bronchitis. The first round of antibiotics did not do the trick, so right after the start of the new year we tried a second round of a different antibiotic. Last week, I spent the good part of an early morning in the emergency room. The lingering asthmatic bronchitis has turned into pneumonia. Interestingly, I had pneumonia last April. The first time in my life that I have had pneumonia or bronchitis. And now I have had it twice in the past 10 months. So now I am on a third antibiotic and doing breathing treatments.
Life’s twists and turns. It is so easy to get discouraged when you are dealing with a lingering medical condition. I choose to focus on all the good things and blessings in my life. Like being able to work from home and the wonderful people in my office who are covering for me in my absence. Like my wonderful husband who is always there for me. Like my caring sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren who are more than willing to help in any way I need. Like my faithful church family for all their thoughts and prayers and visits. I may be a bit under the weather, but I am feeling strong and determined from all the support I am receiving.
So my plans are moving forward, just delayed a bit. Ryan and I will be reworking the blog in February and sharing the story of Idylwood Farm and my hopes and dreams for the future of the farm. I am also experimenting with taking pictures to see if I can get some better pictures for the blog. Not sure how that will come out, but I am determined to try!
Life’s twists and turns. Stay strong, everyone. Life is good.
Until next time,
Pat
A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS
Burlap Wreath
My last post featured the old screen door that is now hanging on the wall of my guest bedroom. As you will remember, I was contemplating how to decorate the door. I decided that a burlap wreath would be perfect.
AN OLD SCREEN DOOR
A while back, Murray and I were at a large auction. And I mean really large – three buildings stuffed with all kinds of treasures. There were so many great items but a few things immediately caught my eye – an old drop leaf table, a porcelain top table, and some very old and worn screen doors.
I featured the drop leaf table that I was able to get at this auction in a blog this past summer. You will also see that table in one of the pictures below.
Home On Grange Hall Road 