Where history comes to life

Last evening, we had the pleasure of attending a historic dinner at Living History Farms.

Living History Farms offers historic dinners in the 1900's farmhouse (our choice), the Tangen House, and the Flynn mansion.

We met at the conference center, where we were met by Dave and a pair of Percheron horses.

 There were ten participants in dinner at the 1900's farmhouse. We had four in our group: my hubby and I, plus our son and daughter-in-law. We got a ride in a horse-drawn wagon up to the farmhouse.

 The farmhouse, the corn crib (granary), and the outbuildings. There is also a large red barn that I didn't get a photo of.

 Kelly (left) was our hostess, and Erin was the cook. This wood-burning stove heats the house and cooks most of the food. Some of the food had to be cooked in the basement in a commercial kitchen to meet restaurant regulations.

This is a working farm, with things being done the way they were done in the period. There are other period farms, a Victorian mansion, and an 1870's town at Living History Farms as well. It's a great place to visit May - October when activities are in full swing. The historic dinners are an October - March event.

 Here is the pantry, where you will notice canned pears from the orchard and tomatoes from the garden.

 A view of the kitchen

 Kerosene lanterns were throughout the house and lighting wasn't the best for photography.

We were served a meal of marinated pork loin, cooked apples and onions, brandied carrots, escalloped potatoes, escalloped corn and tomato casserole, yeast rolls, chocolate cake with cinnamon filling, and pumpkin pie. It was wonderful!

Our days will come!

Sooner or later, our days of beauty and warmth will come! I'm certain of it; I've lived for more than half a century and I've never lived through a year without a spring!

Past springs inspired me....

 A beautiful bouquet of lilacs graced my mantel one spring...I'd love to have another like this again.

 Virginia Bluebells, a native wildflower in my area that grows and spreads wonderfully in my gardens

 Tulips, my favorite spring flower

 Crocus - tiny but so appreciated

 Siberian squill is a spreader, but as pretty as this is, how can I complain?

 Beautiful magnolias in our neighborhood

 Violets come in a range of colors.

Violets are lovely, violets are edible, and, unfortunately, violets spread aggressively.  I do some violet pulling every year but still have some in the yard and gardens.

This was a preview of spring, from springs past.
It reminds me that Our days will come!
Welcome Spring!