JULY INN A CABIN IN THE WOODS

Early this morning I took photos capturing the peak of summer. So happy to have the Elephant Ears back. Love their giant jungle leaves that so resemble an elephant's ear. Mickey, my marvelous marmalade cat acted as my assistant this morning. He silently directed me to the best "shots." In some of them Mickey actually posed, I suppose a little miffed he's not able to take a "selfie" of himself. Enjoy the photos. With August comes the waning of summer, then September with cooler night temps and a farewell to the green green green of summer. 

Elephant Ears and Becky Daisies - Both gifts from friends, Mary Holl and Jenny Beard - Plants are the best gifts you can give to a friend!

Mickey getting a drink from the clay base of the Daisy pot

Selfie of feet! At 8:00 in the morning you really don't want to see the rest of me...

View through the breezeway. A favorite place for the dogs on a hot summer day.

THIS is my favorite photo of the day! Mickey looks like he's definitely in charge

Front Porch View - look at those amazing elephant ears!!!

For those who don't know - these little alien looking things are chimney toppers - the taller one on the left was bought at an auction - owners (Sheri and Fred Quick) said it was brought over from England and if you look down inside it, there's still soot from England!! Top (no pun intended) that one!

Calla Lilies! Aren't they gorgeous!! To the right you can see my new "rockin" roadrunner. My purchase at Lilyfest this year. 

About a year ago, I started collecting tin signs for the side of garage. While they aren't "old" they're okay by me. Most of these cost less than $20.00, while the really old ones go for much much higher. My goal is to fill the whole side of the garage! 

A little place to meditate. Mary keeps me company here. 

Tom built this playhouse and slide when the "kids" were little. The slide at the back side is actually the slide Tom used as a kid. 

This pie safe is on the back porch. One of our early "estate auction" finds. They don't have many estate auctions anymore, or at least not like they did thirty years ago. What fun it was to spend the day at an old estate auction. Over the years we've met many new friends that have now become old friends. By the way, the pie safe, pie cupboard, pie chest, was used from the 1700's through the 1800's (before ice boxes) to store not only pies, but bread and other perishables to keep the vermin off and away from the food. 

A view of the back porch that I've probably taken at least thirty photos but always love sitting here, watching the humming birds and taking in the wildlife. 

This little whirly gig Tom bought at a yard sale for $6.00. When the wind catches it, the barber starts cutting the guy's hair with what looks like a cleaver or an ax, I can't which. Too funny. Okay maybe the cleaver's a bit Saprano but hey it only cost $6.00. What a bargain!

A morning view of the Garden Cabin. Shhh had to be quiet and careful not to disturb the guests. 

I'm really super excited about moving my old computer downstairs and into the back bedroom. Separating the "cabin rental" stuff and my "writing" stuff has really pepped my attitude. When I'm in this room, I write....

Or...look out the window. 

Last but not least, looking down the driveway on this early morning in July, I feel blessed!! Hope you enjoyed the morning tour.

FINALLY, if you get a chance, check out my books on Amazon.com Women's Fiction THREE MOONS OVER SEDONA - CHASING JOE - ISLAND PASSAGE

NO, WE ARE NOT TURNING AMISH

No, we are not turning Amish. Just don't let your husband go to an auction by himself. You never know what he'll bring home. I have to say this charming little Amish buggy is a "keeper." No horse, thank you very much. Just a conversation piece.  Tom and I always love going to Holmes County and taking in the buggies and thinking life would be much simpler in a less progressive community. However, I am partial to modern perks like electricity, indoor plumbing, washing machines, and getting in my car and driving to town in a matter of minutes, not hours. I do love the buggy though.

Mickey just walked through the flower bed to inspect the buggy

Check out my books on Amazon - Three Moons Over Sedona, Chasing Joe, and Island Passage

GARDEN CLUB AT THE WINERY - OH YEAH

Outside seating area at the winery

Our Four Seasons Garden Club met today at the Hocking Hills Winery ! The winery is relatively new to the Logan area and the Four Seasons Garden Club met there today for our October meeting. As you can see, there is a great outdoor area with a fireplace. The winery does not serve food; however, you are welcome to order a pizza or pack a lunch and eat on the winery grounds. So, if you happen to visit Hocking Hills, stop by the winery, relax and enjoy the scenery. Good selection of wines.

A great way to spend a Thursday afternoon with the "gals"

Beautiful lunch prepared by Bobbi Bishop and volunteers

Janet Bower - This lady knows her chocolate

Our guest speaker today's garden club meeting was local entrepreneur Janet Bower, owner of Wren Valley Truffles, Janet explained that each Wren Valley Truffle is a careful blend of rich chocolate, fragrant spices, nuts, florals, artisan extracts, liqueurs and many unique locally sourced ingredients. AND we were invited to sample a variety of the truffles she'd so graciously brought with her for our enjoyment. And enjoy, we did. Janet is very passionate about her truffles, and after you listen to her explain the process and preparation of these heavenly treats, you'll appreciate every bite.

Note: Janet's truffles are available at the winery.

YUM and Double YUM

Janet's presentation of her truffles was amazing!

10# bar of chocolate that Janet buys in bulk from Wilburs in Pennsylvania

Janet showing us a few tools of her trade

Nancy Rathburn and Evelyn -  Evelyn is a local, while Nancy and her husband, Larry, are from Fort Wayne, Indiana and annual guests at our cabins. Our group made her feel right at home. We think we'll keep her!

Evelyn and Mary

  

Sue Karshner and Donna McKnight - Growing up in Columbus, they were best friends, and then lost touch. Years later they met at a party while living in Hocking Hills -  It's a small world, isn't it. 

Libby, Jenny and Sarolin - We all have a GOOD time together! 

Debbie and Nina - Two of my favorite people

AND...THE LADIES OF THE CLUB

INN A CABIN
Sherry Hartzler

ANNUAL BARN PARTY IN THE HOCKING HILLS

The best thing about living in Hocking Hills is having friends who love getting together to chat and EAT! Last Saturday we all met at Donna McKnight's farm for her annual October barn party. Her great eclectic style could easily grace the cover of Country Living at its finest. Her recipe for a good time is to decorate her barn with gently used furniture of every kind and shape to provide an open gathering space for family and friends. Note the wide, rough floor boards and beams. I could easily live here, although with no central heat, it could get a bit nippy in the winter. BUT on this particular sunny autumn afternoon, the weather was perfect! 

Our hostess, Donna McKnight (right), and our Garden Club Prez, Nina Haning

A couple more angles of the cozy sitting area in the barn. So inviting. I arrived at the party early to take photos of the interior of the barn.  

Love the lamp and stand made from an old coffee grinder

And the bookcases in the background!

Inviting table and blue painted chairs

  

The primitive chandelier hanging from a beam sets a homey atmosphere to sit and enjoy a plate filled with yummy appetizers and a glass of wine.  

A better view of the old barn floor.

Missy McKnight, Donna's daughter-in-law, making a toast to the night's festivities

Buffet table filled with a pot luck assortment of meats, casseroles, venison chili, vegetables. For dessert, I picked out one of Missy McKnight's delicious spice cookies with orange icing. Other desserts included apple pie, raspberry cobbler, chocolate chip cookies, and other delectable treats.

Bobbie Bishop is well-known in the community for your hard work and dedication to volunteering for many charitable events. She and her late husband, Bruce, began the annual Lilyfest celebration on the second full weekend after the 4th of July. Bobbi's current project is overseeing a group of volunteers who hand-paint bowls for the annual Empty Bowls, this year Saturday, October 24th. EMPTY BOWLS

Bobbi Bishop. Her next charitable project on the calendar: Empty Bowls

Linda King is our Hocking Hills southern belle. She grew up in Atlanta, GA, and for many years owned a spiral ham company and deli in Savannah, GA. The stories this girl tells can keep you spellbound for hours. Her father, Charles Weaver, now deceased, flew with Chuck Yeager (the guy who first broke the sound barrier) in World War II. Linda and her husband own and operate the beautiful Georgian Manner B&B located on Lake Logan. THE GEORGIAN MANNER

Linda King, Southern Belle

Belinda McClain (a childhood friend of Linda King) was visiting from Savannah, GA. She is truly amazing in that she hand crafts frames for paintings. Not just any ole frame. Exquisite frames. She explained that during the fifties and sixties many of the old frames were taken off major works of art and replaced by minimalist frames. Now, these treasured paintings are being re-framed with historically correct frames. Belinda is a master in her field. She currently has two of her frames hanging in the White House  MASTER SOLUTIONS
 

Donna's granddaughter, Marie

The guys drinking a beer and bonding, talking up the latest Buck's victory

Nina and Libby BFFs since grade school

SHERRY HARTZLER - AUTHOR
INN A CABIN