Christmas in the Country

Hardwork, that is what it's really about, but when you see the results it is a wonderful feeling. I stand back and look at the tree and all the wrapped presents. The real country look that I went for was actually accomplished by using fresh rosemary tied to my packages with thin jute and string. It was actually my daughter Megan's idea and now the house smells wonderful from the rosemary and the fireplace. There just can't be a more comfortable feeling than sitting and staring at the fire as it burns. Christmas music playing softly in the background and my husband and I sitting here after searching through the woods for pine to start the fire with. We actaully bought our wood from a neighbor that sells it for a living. All the hard work is really worth it as we sit and look upon the fire blazing as we hear the rain pelting down on our tin roof. The tree that we cut down and chose is really perfect. It is a longneedle pine that grows native here in East Texas. We found it in our very own woods and even though there is a rather sad feeling about cutting it, my husband will use it again to put into the lake for the Crappie to spawn in. I finished the handmade Christmas stocking made out of muslin and embroidered in red. I have to say that my favorite thing about Christmas is all the sewing that I enjoy doing, especially using natural muslin. I love to applique and had a blast appliqueing the stocking and the tree skirt. I ordered all white candles this year and of course they were fragrance ones. I have fresh holly on the tables and yaupon with red berries in all the vases. You just can't have enough yaupon! We have two trees, one by the T.V. and one in the living room with all the gifts around it. Can't wait for the kids to get here and smell the pecan pies that are baking in the oven. Taking a break for a minute and just enjoying our surroundings as I pick up my new Country Homes and Interiors Magazine British Edition. As I reach for my hot cup of tea, I take a moment to thank God for all the wonderful things that He has given us and the things that He has done for us.

Natural Remedies

We have honeysuckle growing wild everywhere and I know that this is straight from God. I just found out that this wonderful flower that cascades over fences and pergolas is great for treating coughs and sore throats. The flowers are rich in salicylic acid, which has painkilling properties, which I found in James Wong, GROW YOUR OWN DRUGS. Use as gargling or soothing syrup. Pick the flowers and place in a jar. Cover with runny honey, screw the lid on and leave for a fortnight, then strain off the flowers and leave in the fridge. It is wonderful and very good for you. I just couldn't believe how well it works.