Bennington Potters in VT

I was in need of new mixing bowls,,along with a number of other things that have worn out..of course all at the same time.

But for today I would like to tell you about these mixing bowls.

Being tired of cheap quality chineses made products, that last maybe a year if you are lucky, I went in search for high Quality bowls made in the USA by folks that are born and live in this Country. I remembered Bennington Potters in VT from when we lived in NH. Of course, I remembered,, after.. I had spent hours on the internet not getting any where.

I really believe in supporting what craftsmen that are left in this country, that still make Quality products. Sure, you will pay a little more but the money is going to keep that craftmen/women going, keeps jobs in the USA and shows pride in what folks can make and design in America.

The top two pictures shows both the mixing bowls and the wooden spoon holder. I bought two sets of different types of mixing bowls, one big bowl and the holder. When you run your hands over the bowls you can tell that they are handmade... very well made in fact.

The Stamp of Pride as I call it, on the bottom of one of the big mixing bowls.

I also bought some Muffin pans. I have some metal ones made in China. :( ... Also have an allergy to metal now, for both those reasons I decided to replace them.

The Stoneware MP's are very high quality, just like the bowls.

It is very nice to have the option for buying goods in the USA that you know are safe to use and very high quality.

If you are interested in looking at Bennington Potters, please check out this link..

http://www.benningtonpotters.com/

Driving Miss Maggie~

Me, with a silly grin on my face.

Yesterday I rode Dyfra out bareback two times around the mini path DH made for me in the hay fields.

Today.. I decided to drive Miss Maggie. Something I haven't done in awhile. The new traces came in but they sadly, still aren't short enough but that is a story for another time.

Warming up around the house, walking, backing, bit of trotting and turning on a dime.

Asking Maggie to trot up.. note the fuzzy winter coat.

Heading to the front gate.

Only drove down to the neighbors driveway but that was a good start for this cart ride. If I had thought about it..should of given the camera to DS, so he could take better pictures of us trotting out. Ah well... maybe next time.

Sure was a beautiful day to be out.

When we arrived back home, unhitched Maggie,, had DS brush her down well and put her back in with the others. I decided to sit out and put some wax on my cart. Know I am healing a bit more now, because this is the most I have been able to do in one day. Another sign, is my shoulders and arms do not hurt nearly as much as they did before when I go for a cart drive. Whoo hoo!

Steeple Chasing ~

Here you can see DS playing with our newest family addition, Mia. She has almost doubled in size.

Steeple chasing kitten style.

Art Donation for the local Animal Shelter

"The Scholar", print came in yesterday. This is the one I am giving to the local animal shelter for their Annual Raffle/Auction. Brought it over to the shelter when it opened this morning. Am crossing my fingers on this one, that it will bring in a goodly amount of funs for the shelter.

The painting is of Nari, who we brought home from that same shelter.

If you are interested in going to this function or helping, check out... "Wizard of Paws"

http://www.columbiahumane.org/auction2008.html

Compassion, Courage and Friendship

This posting was for one boards I am on but I decided to post it here too, musings as it is.

While all this political up heavel was and is happening, tempers flaring, words being said, the hate and aggression, on a couple of Forums I am on and I am sure else where. ..........

This is what I was and am part of, am humbled by. http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=ZM8JOlLvx8M

I will not be part of the hate that is going on but I want .......
To help, to offer Compassion, Kindness and Hope, where there seems to be so little these days.

I am donating my Art to causes that need help, I have to buy my own Art to give. Including the one for Chances Miniature horse Rescue, it should bring more than it is. The lack of bids has me shamed, as it is the only piece not getting bids. The only place my Art has not helped.

I have been giving food to the shelters, to the local Elders and help when and where I can even though I physically find it hard. I will not let my inability to walk far or well stop me.
Donating funds for family Housing, for the familys with a loved one with Cancer. So they can be near their child, spouce, sister/brother or other family member during treatment.

My husband only has a contract job and we should be saving every penny but instead I am helping how and where I can.

So what are "You" doing that is positive? What hope and kindness have you done lately?

Want a good gift, showing hope, courage and kindness...
(I recieve no dividens for this book)

http://www.redbubble.com/store/compassion-publication

A Grand day out~

Being that it is another beautiful day, even with the clouds hanging about, I decided to take Maggie for a walk. She is sporting her new bitting rig.. needs a bit of fine tuning but it should do. Took a walk down the road to the corner where our property line is... very long walk for me but I think Maggie would of loved a longer walk. Could see her looking at me from the corner of her eye as she is want to do, as if to say... "why didn't we bring my cart? Then we could go farther and even trot!!". I told her, maybe tomorrow.

Needed to have Maggie help me back up the road to the house but she doesn't seem to mind. Just grab a bit of her mane and she pulls me along.

Above are some pictures of our mini adventure. Heading out.. then resting when we arrived back home.

DS took the photos.

Beautiful Fall day

What a beautiful Autumn day! Is one of my slow days, so I decided to just sit down and watch the animals eat and the wild birds flit around. Bright blue sky, a slight breeze, around 50*...just perfect.

This video short is from my very old ditgal camera and I think it is finally showing its age. But it gives you an idea of one of my wonderful views.