Eggs

CheriGENERAL

As  our nest empties this week with the kids heading back to college — I feel compelled to mention the nesting — or lack of it in the chicken coop lately. The heat of the last couple weeks has taken a toll on our hens — which has resulted in vast barren-ness among the biddies. Today I … Read More

Green Room – A work in progress

CheriGENERAL

A while back I determined that having an upstairs office wasn’t such a great idea.  It was too far away from the kitchen, and the hub of activity — and quickly became a place to “stash” stuff.  With guests coming, and kids and friends returning home for visits, I was ready to make the room … Read More

I can therefore, I Can.

CheriGENERAL

Today I canned. Salsa. The thought of canning typically invokes images of a messy kitchen covered with tomato splatter on sink, cupboards, counters and floor….and spending the day on my feet. Yesterday I washed my kitchen floor.  on my hands and knees. Why on earth would I want to risk soiling my freshly cleaned floor? … Read More

Weather at The Cottage

CheriGENERAL

I was a bit taken off guard by the weather this afternoon.  But my boy was ahead of the game.  Nate inherited the weather gene from his father so I typically don’t give any thought to the weather because I know the men at The Cottage will be keeping a close watch. Before I even … Read More

City Kid, Country Kid

CheriGENERAL

As the week goes on it has become quite clear that my dear sister has both city kids and country kids. The girls are very good at feeding the chickens, collecting eggs and rounding up the hens at the end of the day. They use their country kid instincts to get the hens back in the pen … Read More

Cottage Life

CheriGENERAL

I’m reliving life with kids again! The Cottage is alive with constant chatter, motion, hungry children, and sweet laughter. Last Monday we picked up our 7 year old niece Jersti, and her 5 year old brother, Kale on our way through Chicago and brought them back to MN with us.  We  had them all to … Read More

Day 3: Beach town

CheriGENERAL

Continuing the five states one weekend story …  It’s Day Three.  If you are just tuning in, you can catch up on Day One here and Day Two here. Sunday we explored the little beach town of New Buffalo.  I kept telling our friends Sue and Ed that I had no idea they lived within … Read More

Five States. One Weekend. Day TWO

CheriGENERAL

Day Two of our five states, one weekend trip began with an 8:00 am wake-up, and 9:00 am out-the-door scramble to hit the Chicago traffic.  This is a Saturday morning! We are on our way to state #4  I’ve passed this site many times been there a few times Go White Sox! Finally arriving in … Read More

Five States. One Weekend.

CheriGENERAL, LIFESTYLE, WEDDINGS

We returned last evening from our five state pack as much as you can into a weekend trip. Heading East on I-90 began on Friday morning. Arriving a little over 5 hours later at the home of my sister (and family), we hugged and kissed the 7 family members already there (including Cara and Tim) … Read More

Home again

CheriGENERAL

 I’m home from the beach a wedding, visiting friends. I’ll fill you in soon.