{A Homespun Holiday} A Nevada Winter

This was the view down our street during a storm this past winter.

 Winter in Nevada is tends to not be “normal” from year to year. The weather changes a bit from year to year. The averages from one to year to the next are never particularly good indicators of what the weather should be like. For instance, the winter forecast for December here is that we will have above average temperatures with highs staying in the 50’s. This is keeping in mind that the winters tend to be mild where I live. Even with those forecasted highs, it can still get a bit chilly- especially in the evenings and at night. It also won’t snow if it is super cold.

There is an agreement here with Mother Nature that when it does snow, it really snows. The lake effect can leave even more snow on the ground. I am sure you are reading this with a stunned expression thinking to yourself, “B, isn’t Nevada a desert? I can’t snow there.”  I would return your glance with an exasperated expression and say to you, “Well, as a matter of fact it can snow here because it is a high desert climate.” It is true that being nestled at the base of the Sierra Nevada’s helps as well. They aren’t called the snowcapped mountains for nothing. My town boasts some of the most picturesque scenes when the natural glitter sparkles in the sunlight.

          With that said, I can only remember a handful of truly white Christmases I have had living in this beautiful place. Most years the view outside our window come Christmas morning were of melting snow barely clinging to life in the sunlight or no snow at all. The lack of a white Christmas never diminished my lover of the season. I will admit that somedays, I feel as if I wouldn’t mind living somewhere where 2-3 feet of snow would keep me homebound on Christmas Day.

Cheers,

Ms. B

What is the weather usually like com Christmas time where you live?

Use #ahomespunholiday, #flyingvsfarmchristmas, or #flyingvsfarm to share your holiday with us on Instagram.

{Home} Cobble Hill Farm Apothecary Shave Soap Review

 

image from cobblehillfarmapothecary.com

When I first discovered Cobble Hill Farm Apothecary, I had been looking for farm or homesteading blogs on the internet. I came across their farm blog Life at Cobble Hill Farm. I read through a few of their posts and really enjoyed Staci and how she wrote about her farm. She had me hooked from the first word I read. Soon after, I discovered that she and her husband ran a small soap business from their home. Staci had posted about a giveaway she was hosting to share some of her products. I was intrigues and decided to enter. As fate would have it, I won the giveaway and was privileged to try some of her products. I was so excited when her package arrived containing a lip balm, her seasonal soaps, and a body butter. There were a few other things, but I honestly don’t remember what they were. After using the items I received, I was hooked. 

Since then her business has grown into the Cobble Hill Farm Apothecary. One of my most recent purchases was some of her shaving soap. I wanted to find an alternative for the clunky aerosol cans of shaving cream. I remembered seeing a post of some of their new products. One of them was a shave soap. I got on the website and looked it up. The Shave Soap bars are $5.00 each, which is comparable to a can of shaving cream.  In the end, I purchased the blackberry sage scent. I got it home and haven’t used anything else since. The soap has a wonderful lather that works just as well as the canned stuff for shaving your legs and underarms. 

For about the first month, I used the soap with the disposable razors I was purchasing at the store. I was tired of throwing them away and decided to switch over to a safety razor. I also bought a brush and a soap dish from amazon. Up to that point, I had been storing the soap in an old Altoids tin and using it like regular soap to shave. While it wasn’t a perfect solution, it was working.  After purchasing the correct tools and using the way it was supposed to be used, it worked even better. 

The only hitch with the soap was that the bar was too large for the bowl I had purchased, so I was having to cut a chunk off the bar to use it. Again, not the perfect solution but it worked. I know have a small mug that the bar fits into perfectly! If you want to have the right tools from the get go, Staci sells handmade brushes and mugs on her website as well. It makes for a perfect gift for that special guy in your life. 

I have enjoyed using the shave soap so much that I purchased another bar to give to Scooter to go with the shave kit I bought him for his birthday last year. The other scents in her “collection” are a bit manlier sounding in my opinion. He has been enjoying using her bar as well. I believe I bought the Barbershop scent for him. 

If you are interested in seeing the shave soap and any of the other products Staci has for sale, you can find her at the Cobble Hill Farm Apothecary.

Cheers,

Ms. B

The Genoa Cowboy Festival 2017

Hello Friends,

I am going to be starting a new little series for the Yesteryear category which was encouraged by a fellow NCWV civilian. I have been wanting to share more than just pictures of each event with those of you who read the blog. At first, I wasn't sure how to do it. At the event last weekend, the dear Mrs. Giurlani suggested keeping a journal of sorts during our reenacting season. Her suggestion was more as a historic marker for the club, but it encouraged me to do it for myself. The entries are dated during the years of the war, but the events mentioned are purely modern (e.g. incidents that happen during the reenactments we attend.) I hope you enjoy this little step back in time.

                                                                                                April 30. 1861

Our encampment at Mormon Station has been successful. Our contingent, though small in number, has had a grand impact. It seems as though those who dwell here enjoy our company. Mrs. Giurlani, Mrs. Quinlan, Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Sullivan acted as gracious hostesses, showing passersby their dwellings. And answering any questions put forth for their consideration. 

While working on my mending, I encountered a gentleman and his lady who were taken ill after listening to Dr, Bechard make his lecture about his medical practices. I myself have never had the pleasure of listening to the gentleman make his lecture. After this encounter, I am reserved in my judgement to do so. 

Mrs. Sullivan, though she is not the camp cook, made an exquisite peach cobbler for after our supper the night before. It was agreed upon by all that her methods were well worth the effort. 

Our numbers have included many a gentleman sympathetic to the Union cause. While examining our camp, I noticed one gentleman, not so sympathetic, who made his stance quite clear. I know not why he was in camp, but his gray jacket made him to stand out. While our compassion has gained the better of us in our hospitality, we are still wary that he may cause trouble if so provoked. Mr. Reed, our humble chaplain seems to have befriended the gentleman in a right manner as he has sought sanctuary with in the walls of the chapel. 

When not attending to those in need within his flock, Mr. Reed often graces us with the presence of his musical talents. He entertains his audience with delightful melodies. I am blessed to know some of the words and oft find myself singing alongside Mr. Reed. Upon occasion, he can be seen giving a short lesson to willing students, who oft leave with an expression of joy upon their face. 

Included in our numbers are Mr. P. Aylworth and Mr. R. Sewell. These gentlemen perform a great service when presenting their knowledge to all who are willing to lend an ear. I will oft lift my eyes from my work to see their tent surrounded by persons who seem to be intent upon their every word. There are few who leave their audience less than satisfied with their experience. 

          Mr. Aylworth and Mr. Sewell invited Mrs. Sullivan and myself to participate in a croquet match this morning. As we set upon our game, the company was pleasant, until Mr. Aylworth deemed himself far removed and commenced to cheat the company. When his indecency had been discovered by Mrs. Sullivan and myself, it was brought to the attention of Dr. Bechard. After having examined the situation, the good sir prescribed that Mr. Aylworth receive a total of three lashings for his misconduct. Mr. Sewell was instructed to carry out the punishment. Though a bit harsh, the punishment was given for the indiscretion and no more was said on the matter. 

          As it has become customary when we are encamped together, the ladies put on a spectacular afternoon tea. We were graced with the presence of several young ladies, many of whose names I regrettably cannot recall. Several presented their knowledge about historical figures to the company assembled. Each lady stood before us with elegance and poise while becoming another. I quite enjoyed it. Once they had completed their presentations, we were honored to hear Mrs. Smith present several poems to be read aloud in a dramatic fashion. It seemed to please the company assembled. 

          After our tea had come to a close and our company departed, it was time to break camp. As we packed our trunks, we wished a fond farewell to one another and sent wishes of goodwill until we met once again. 

Which part is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below.