Christmas Is ~~ Laura Ingalls Wilder
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12, 2018
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12, 2018
Holiday Greetings
Happy Christmas Eve!
View from the Front Porch will be on hiatus December 27 through January 7. Before we go we want to share this free image from my friend and fellow blogger, Edie Melson. It’s such a great reminder about the true meaning of Christmas.
From Chicken Wrangler Sara and me, Merry Christmas to all who celebrate tomorrow and a safe and blessed New Year’s Eve.
See you in 2019!
21
12, 2018
Christmas with a Music Teacher
A Blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara
My Christmas tree is out – out of the closet. Perhaps after my last Christmas performance on December 21st I can get it out of the box. 
Such is the life of a music teacher. I had forgotten how busy and stressful the Christmas Season could be. After 10 years at my previous school I was running on autopilot. I knew the kids. I knew the program and what was expected.
Not so true this year.
Having 6 times the number of students sounded great and presented endless possibilities. I may have been a little over ambitious given the fact that their knowledge and skill base was different than I had anticipated.
There was a complete set of marching drums in my new office and I decided a drum line would be fun. (I completely ignored the fact that I have never played drums much less directed a drum line.) That all sounded wonderful in August before I had met any of the students. They were not all excited about the plans I had made. Many moments of frustration and “what was I thinking” have gone by.
But the day before the Christmas parade there were 6 students on drums marching around the parking lot keeping a remarkably steady beat and not tripping over each other. Even our son Matt, the percussionist, was impressed with them.
Next week I will be fine-tuning the bells and voices for our rendition of “Carol of the Bells.” I’m not sure getting twenty-seven 5th and 6th graders to participate cheerfully was ever a realistic goal. But again, there are enough that want to play and sing so we’re giving it our all.
The 3rd and 4th grade recorder players have been a pleasant respite. I’ve taught recorder forever and these kids were excited to learn.
The final performance on Dec 21st is at the preschool which is much less pressure. The younger students are cute and their parents love them regardless of how they sound.
Then, on December 22nd, I can put up our tree. In some cultures the tree traditionally goes up on Christmas Eve. Perhaps music teachers should be part of that culture.
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12, 2018
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12, 2018
Christmas Card Time
One of my favorite things about the holiday season is receiving Christmas cards from family and friends. That’s why this Family Circus cartoon in the Sunday funnies caught my eye.
I keep the cards we receive every year, bundle them with ribbon, and store them in baskets. The baskets are then part of our holiday decorations. I’ve done it for years.
I like to take a packet from the baskets, look at the photos, and read the letters. It always sparks memories. Some sad knowing the original writer is no longer with us.
But, mostly the cards trigger good thoughts. It’s almost like having the senders here with me again.
I’m not alone in my love of sending and receiving Christmas cards.
As outdated as the practice may seem to some, others cling to the tradition along with me. Americans purchase approximately 1.6 billion Christmas cards a year!
The tradition began in the 1800s. As printing techniques improved, and costs dropped, Christmas cards increased in popularity. Read a detailed history here.
When sending a postcard dropped to half a penny, more people were able to send greetings. I collect those vintage postcards. Some date by to the 1900s. I love reading through the handwritten notes and looking at the intricate designs.
Today many people send handcrafted individual cards. Those are extra special gifts because of the time spent crafting them. 
What is it about this old-fashioned tradition that appeals to so many?
The Greeting Card Association research suggests: “The tradition of giving greeting cards is a meaningful expression of personal affection for another person… ”
Some question whether that appeal will be compelling enough to survive the conveniences of the digital era. I believe the practice will always be a favorite part of the holiday season.
What do you think?
Photo of The Family Circus cartoon from the Houston Chronicle, December 9, 2018 edition.
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12, 2018
That’s Not a Chicken
A Blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara
Having dachshunds and chickens in the same yard can create some interesting challenges especially when the chickens get on the wrong side of the fence. There is nothing like a rousing game of “catch the dachshund before it catches the chicken” to get your heart pumping!
Sometimes the situation is reversed – a dachshund gets in the chicken yard. If it is Bella there is squawking and flapping galore. She has been known to take out a chicken in under a minute.
Max, on the other hand is not much of a threat to anyone, least of all chickens. In fact he has run away from them when they are on his side of the fence.
Yesterday I looked up from gathering eggs to find Max in the chicken yard. He was just sniffing around and the chickens hadn’t even noticed him. I picked him up and put him back on his side of the fence where he belongs.
An hour later I looked out the kitchen window to see Max back in the chicken yard.
Rachel found where he was getting in and sealed it for now. Silly dog – chicken yards are for chickens!
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12, 2018
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12, 2018
Fruitcake Facts, Folly, and An Offer
Christmas means fruitcake time. It’s the most belittled icon of the season. I’m a fruitcake lover and this is such a sad, sad thing to me.
Johnny Carson began the trend of fruitcake bashing with his comment that there was really only one fruitcake in the world, passed from family to family.
In 1996, Manitou Springs, Colorado started a Fruitcake Toss Day. A group of Boeing engineers, using the “Omega 380” machine they designed (a mock artillery piece fueled by compressed air pumped by an exercise bike) set the all-time toss record of 1,420 feet in January 2007. A total waste of good fruitcake imo.
It’s a shame poor fruitcakes get such a bad rap. Even if you can’t stand the taste, its history is fascinating. Did you know?
- December is “National Fruitcake Month.”
- Fruitcakes date back to the Romans who baked fruitcakes with pine nuts, barley mash, pomegranate seeds, raisins, and honeyed wine. When candied fruit was introduced, fruitcake became cheaper and more common.
- Fruitcakes get better with age. Cooks recommend fruitcakes be stored for at least a month before eating.
- An alcohol glaze of rum, brandy, or whisky not only enhances the flavor, it also extends the shelf life. Reportedly, a well-stored fruitcake will last 25 years.
- Fruitcake has long been a special occasion cake for British royalty.
Queen Victoria served a fruitcake at her wedding to Prince Albert. Prince William and Kate Middleton also choose fruitcake for their wedding, bringing the tradition into the 21st Century. According to this TIME article, slices of royalty wedding fruitcakes are auctioned for large sums.
- Mademoiselle magazine published Truman Capote’s short story “A Christmas Memory” in December 1956. The story begins with an eccentric woman in her sixties looking out her window one winter morning and announcing, “Oh my, it’s fruitcake weather!” It’s often included in many Christmas story anthologies.You can check it out here
Interesting fact, Capote’s story is autobiographical according to this article.
- Fruitcakes can tell fortunes and bring good luck.
Single females who sleep with a piece of fruitcake under their pillow after a wedding will dream about their future husband.
Nut growers bake a fruitcake at the end of one growing season then eat at the end of the next season to ensure good luck and a successful harvest.I’m not alone in my fondness for fruitcake.
A bakery mail-order fruitcake began in 1913. My favorite Christmas fruitcake comes from Collin Street Bakery in Corsicana, Texas.
If you should receive a fruitcake for Christmas this year, please don’t toss it. Use the contact form here and let me know. I’ll gladly take it off your hands.
Photo Credit: Collins Street Bakery
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12, 2018
True Confessions of a Chicken Wrangler
A Blog by Chicken Wrangler Sara
I have a confession to make. I am tired of chickens.
I’m tired of hauling 50lb sacks of feed, filling 5 gallon waterers, chasing chickens back into a safe space and all the other “fun” things that come with being a Chicken Wrangler.
I was thinking Sunday about getting rid of them all.
Today I looked out the kitchen window and they were chasing each other around the chicken yard. I walked out to check for eggs and they all ran up to greet me in the goofy way chickens run, with their wings flapping. 
It made me smile. So I suppose I’ll keep them around for a little while longer.
The noisy roosters on the other hand…
6
12, 2018
Dog Problems: Keeping Your House Clean on a Budget
Welcome guest blogger Brandon Butler. He’s is a dog lover and vet tech, who loves helping pet owners. You can find more of his wisdom on Fur and Feathers.
Dog Problems: Keeping Your House Clean on a Budget
For dog lovers, one of the best parts of the day can be the time they spend with their beloved canine companion. After all, a pet’s unconditional love and affection is calming. It can be tough to relax, however, when errant fur tumbleweeds, slimy slobber, and muddy paw prints surround you. If you don’t have the cash for a cleaning lady, what can you really do?
Don’t fret. Here are some ways you can maintain a cleaner, healthier home (and pet) without spending a fortune, so you can truly enjoy your time with your pet.
Control the Odor by Cleaning Often
The first thing you’ll need to control is the odor of your home. Many otherwise-spotless homes have a particular smell attached to them, thanks to their dog. There are several major causes of home odors; first, your dog may have gone to the bathroom indoors.
While prevention is the best way to keep the odors from spreading, if your dog has used the bathroom indoors, it may be in an unexpected or hidden place. Seek out the spot and immediately clean it with powerful cleaners so that the effects will not be long-lasting.
If you find that the odors still stick around, it may be time to do a thorough cleaning of your house. Focus on surfaces that may hold on to odors, like carpet and upholstery. Natural cleaning solutions, such as apple cider vinegar and baking soda, will rapidly remove odors and leave your house feeling fresh without running the risk of harming your dog with dangerous chemicals (plus, natural solutions are less expensive).
Follow the same set of principles if your dog drools a lot — if you notice drool, clean it up right away. You may want to consider putting a towel down on your dog’s favorite spot to make cleanup a breeze.
Thoroughly Clean to Improve Air Quality
You probably will still need to improve the quality of the air inside your house, though, by removing the dander already present. Use a good air filter to remove dander and other particles from the air, and light some natural candles to help improve the smell of your home.
Cleaning can also help solve this problem; use a bagged vacuum to make your cleaning even more effective. The bags help you trap the dirt and debris that vacuuming gathers and allow you to seamlessly transfer it to the trash can. Remember to always compare different models of vacuum cleaners to find one with the features you need that falls under your budget.
Improve Your Dog’s Health Through Regular Grooming
The final way you can keep your home clean is to keep your pet clean. The battle between pet parents and their pup’s hair is one of the most well-known. Regularly grooming with a brush designed for your dog’s particular coat will help to remove loose fur from their coat, preventing it from flying around the house, catching on the legs of chairs, and gathering in the corners.
There are also steps you can take between regular baths. Keep paw wipes by the door to prevent your pet from tracking in mud and other unsavory substances from outside, and use a spray-on deodorizer to combat your pet’s everyday smell. As an added bonus, these sprays are made with ingredients that naturally soothe your pup’s skin to prevent scratching, which just spreads more fur.
Keeping your home clean is just as important as keeping your dog happy. However, many of the best ways to maintain your home, such as regularly grooming your dog, are equally good for your dog’s health.
By keeping your house fresh and clean, you will be able to take full advantage of time with your beloved pup, and all the benefits that come with it.
Photo Credit: Pixabay.com