January 04, 2021

A Prayer For The New Year

January 04, 2021/

I stand looking out the kitchen window, watching the wind tossing the tree limbs, I think she’s decided that it’s high time winter made her appearance this year. I can feel snow coming, the air has gotten steadily colder all morning and the clouds look laden. There’s a misty rain that is turning the trees into ice, Ohio begins winter in earnest.My small fox friend is the current companion on the window-sill.She gazes steadily ahead, enjoying the snowflake scented geranium at her heels I’m sure.I sometimes bounce ideas her way, she doesn’t comment much but she’s good faithful company nonetheless. The birds are flocking in to the feeders, a sure sign that the weather is changing and that this icy rain might turn into a beautiful snowfall perhaps by this evening. The birds always know and and we’ve learned to take note when they flock to the feeders in hungry little groups.A beautiful Cardinal stares wistfully at the bird tray, he’s a bit more timid than the other birds and it takes him a while to gather enough courage to come down to the feeders, he must be a newcomer, our more familiar bird guests are not so shy. I know that within a few days he’ll realize that good things are always waiting at the feeder and not spend so much time being wet & forlorn.As I stand and reflect on the year that has passed, on the friends new and old that have come to Foxglove Farm, many of them through my Inbox. Letters and photographs from my Puppy People of years past with stories of the much-loved, now all grown up puppies who do the job I raised them to do, bring puppy joy to each family they go to.I find myself offering prayers that the Lord would bless those kind people that have come our way, with His richest blessings. I send up prayers for people I may never meet face to face.Prayers for so many of whom I’ve only come to know over the phone, in their heartfelt letters, the photos that shine with the love for the puppies I’ve raised over the years, the love that I had a small part in bringing to their lives.And so, I pray for each of you, that God would bless your lives,Your homes,Your families with love.That you would be loved.That you are given love every single day and more importantly? That you show love to those in your path every single day, for that is where we find healing.I pray that you find hope.For when the days are dark, and we all have them don’t we?On the days that are perhaps filled with doubt, that you will the hope that brings peace in spite of doubt and fear.And most of all, I pray that He will shine in your hearts and give you the most important thing of all, faith. Faith is what changed my life forever.Faith changed me.Faith changed my husband John.Then, faith changed our marriage, our home. Faith in Jesus transformed our lives. When I found Christ, or rather, He found me, I found that love that I so longed for, the hope that I lacked, I found the faith that changed everything.“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.John 3:16And so, my prayer for you my dear puppy people, is that you find faith, you find Christ, and that He fills all your empty places, that he brings you the love & hope and faith in him that changes everything.Some of you will be offended and that makes me sad, but my prayer is that some of you,those who are empty inside,in spite of all the efforts to fill those empty places.Those who are seeking, especially when you stop and think is this world all there is?What happens when it’s over and I leave this life?Is there a Heaven to gain?Is there really a Hell to miss?So, though I know some of you will unsubscribe, some will turn away angry, some will just wonder what all the fuss is about.Perhaps though, for someone, a miracle will occur, like it did for me when I found Him. If just one person begins that journey with Christ, I will rejoice that I had a small part in bringing a Love that will last for all eternity.And so I go one step further, my daddy met Billy Graham many years ago, and ended up finding Christ, getting saved, beginning that same journey to healing and hope. Here’s a link to Billy’s site, where salvation & Heaven,our need for a Saviour, all your questions can be answered, There's even a simple prayer, much like the one I prayed those long years ago, to show you how to ask Jesus into your heart and life.I pray with all my heart now, that you will hear His call and open your heart to that matchless love.Very Kindest Puppy Regards,TerryPS If you pray and ask Jesus into your heart, I’d love to know about it so I can keep you in my prayers, please write and share the good news with me.

November 19, 2020

Golden Leaves Linger

November 19, 2020/

It looks like we'll have snow before nightfall, I can hear the wind blowing wildly through the trees far up on Wigton Mountain. I suppose technically, it's not really a mountain at all, but I always loved to hear daddy call it that. Our farm certainly sits down in a valley and yes, there is a good sized expanse of steep tree covered hillside behind us, so I’m content to continue the tradition and convinced that he was close to correct anyway.

The wind is doing it’s best to blow the last of the leaves off the little birch tree that sits somewhat sheltered by the house. It's a beautiful small tree and it still manages to hang onto it’s golden glory when all the other poor trees have lost their fall plumage. Snow glitters down, and all the little birds begin in earnest their search for the food that fills our feeders and will help sustain them through another frigid Ohio winter.

A Chickadee lands a few inches from the window and surveys the offerings there. He cocks a bright eye at me through the glass and at my greeting and gives his “Dee Dee Dee” call as he hops unafraid down the rustic buffet trying to choose which is the very best of such a bewildering array of bird goodness. I like to think we are old friends this tiny morsel and I, when I head outside bundled in scarf and gloves to fill the feeders, all I have to do is call and within a few seconds, down he flies landing right above my head on a convenient branch, singing cheerily and determined to land on my fingers I’m sure of it. That’s a goal of mine for this winter. To hand feed some of our these little feathered folk.

Once while staying at a cabin in Wisconsin, I spent several afternoons out on the back deck, reading beside a small dish of tempting seeds. Amazingly, by the second day, the Chickadees and Nuthatches were not only landing and taking tidbits from the dish, but when I scooped up a palmful of kernels onto the palm of my hand, down flew a trim little black & white fellow and landing on my index finger, gave a chirp, chose a nice peanut and was off almost before my startled gaze could take in what had just happened. I can still remember the fragile grip of his surprisingly warm little feet on my finger, the absolute wonder of that moment and the trusting gaze of an almost weightless small creature.

I miss mother especially on days like this, how I wish I could pick up the phone and ring her to exclaim over the first snow, over the need to stock up on more birdseed. For her to tell me of the deer that had visited her that morning and how they had enjoyed the ears of corn that she faithfully left out for them the night before. She can’t answer the phone in her room at the nursing home anymore. Dementia has taken away much of her ability to communicate, that despised disease has robbed my beautiful mother of nearly every link with her children, with everything she loved in this life. The feeders outside her window hang ignored, she gazes dully at the tv screen or at the wall.

Occasionally, when I visit she’ll look up and smile at me, try in vain to form even part of a sentence. The other day she almost managed to laugh at something I said, I watched her struggling painfully for the correct response, for the words that were simply no longer within her grasp.

I wake up in the night and pray for her, mourn for the life she lives in that place; I pray with tears that the Lord will comfort her, but that if it be His will, that He will take her home soon. Her mother and father are there in that bright place; that Heaven that holds the things she held most dear. I believe God has room in that home for all the things his children have loved. He said that he was going to prepare a place for us, I love to think of what treasures he has there waiting for our astonished eyes to see when we walk into that land where there is no more night, no more tears, no more nursing homes or dementia or sadness, where the former things are passed away.

I think of mother and her arrival on that shore, I like to believe that our sweet old collie Lad will be standing there with plumed tail awag in joyful welcome. That her dog Rusty and the assortment of cats that found shelter at her door will all be waiting too for their beloved mistress. Her beautiful cat Snow, the gray kitten Joy, that she grieved the loss of for so many years. All happily there waiting to make her homecoming that much more joyful.

And so I watch the snow come down with my faithful dog Agatha at my feet and watch the golden leaves clinging still on the small birch tree, and I believe that the things I love and have lost are also being safely kept by Him who is Faithful.

That even now, He does comfort and keep my poor mother and that it will be worth it all, when she gets home...

October 28, 2020

Autumn Comes To Our Valley

October 28, 2020/

It’s so beautiful here in October, I confess it’s exceedingly hard to sit down at the computer and tear myself away from the array of glorious scenes right outside my windows. Ohio has a bit of mercy on her inhabitants and before the winter winds begin to blast in earnest before the skies turn a leaden gray for months on end, there is a brief interlude of grace given to we mere northern mortals. Ah, and so we’re lulled into thinking these crystal clear bright days and sapphire blue skies will last, but those of us who’ve experienced weathering her fierce winters are not so easily fooled!

The gorgeous old Sycamore helps break the winds that come down from Canada with a vengeance. They’re called “Noreasters” and not for the faint of heart. One of the fellows who cleared this land when we built the house had almost a wrestling match with me over this tree in particular. “Oh, it’s just a common thing, let me clear this hill off for you lady!” and I stood in front of the beautiful red-leaved thing and despite the head-shaking disgust of our bulldozer driver, managed to keep this grand companion who has been a blessing every season since then.

One of my favorite views is from the upstairs back window, this tree has paid me back liberally for those efforts, faithfully putting on a show to reward for that small kindness.

The view from the top of the hill facing north, again, looking toward Canada, our road down into the peaceful valley where our farm is situated.

What a beautiful show we’ve had this autumn, some of the gorgeous old maples on our road.

And we can’t neglect to mention the Oak trees for they too are spectacular this year!

Oh, but the Sugar Maples, the trees of my childhood, the most wonderful colors of all.

Another view of our picturesque valley.

Agatha’s been spinning in circles trying to keep the cleanup crew on task. They do leave a lot to be desired in the way of focus and keeping paws firmly on the job at hand!

We’ve all been enjoying the leaves this year, some little people seem to get confused as to how to get all those leaves in ONE spot!

I hope this finds you and your own two and four-footed companions enjoying your most beautiful fall ever, don’t forget to find a roadside stand and get some fresh cider and a few powdered donuts to celebrate the beauty of the season. I’ll share some of the country roads around these parts next post, and Agatha says to tell everyone she’ll be doing her best to get this all raked up in the meantime!

What are your favorite bits that surround the season? Not all of us are witness to such an extravagant display, how do you celebrate in your corner of the world?

Warmest Wags,

terry & agatha

September 28, 2020

In Memory Of My Father

September 28, 2020/

For those of you who have followed Letters From Foxglove Farm, you’ll remember my father’s passing. On this Memorial Day, I look back on that time when my father, a veteran of the Korean War, fought his last good fight.

(Daddy, I miss you so…)

Dear Gentle Readers & Friends, It’s been almost exactly one year since my last entry on this, one of my most loved pages on this endeavor called Foxglove Farm… As many of you know, I have spent the last three years caring for my father during his lengthy battle with his old enemies, illness, old age, and infirmity. Daddy fought a gallant fight, but on Valentine’s Day, almost three weeks ago, he laid down his long carried burdens, and I was with him when he left this world, stepping onto that other side where I believe with all my heart, his Lord and Saviour Jesus waited to welcome him home.

I almost cannot believe he has left me, I lost two children to miscarriages and have never been able to have more, and he and my mother have been so very precious to me. Caring for him helped fill a place in my heart that had long been empty. I spent so many years away from home, and my dear family. I thank God that I had the privilege of spending so much time with daddy, getting to know again, the father who I never truly had the opportunity to become friends with… It is a long rather dark & sad story, but suffice to say, I found a father whom I never really knew, and I am unspeakably grateful for our last years together, and for the change that only God could have produced in my father.

I have included the eulogy that I gave at daddy’s funeral, it tells just a bit about a man who was entirely human, and in the end, entirely loved by so many. And finally, thankfully, understood by his eldest daughter…

Daddy’s baptism, what a joyful time.

Eulogy For My Father

My daddy found the Lord late in life, long after I had begun to give up hope that he would ever be saved. Oh, but God is indeed merciful and answered our prayers and daddy found the Lord and it changed him forever. We all “work out our own salvation” in many different ways, and though daddy still struggled (as we all do) with his besetting sins, he began to show fruit & evidence of his salvation that increased every year of his life.

Daddy truly loved people, especially the small unnoticed ones, he had a gift of bringing encouragement & laughter to the elderly, the ill & alone. He called it “Visiting My Invalids” and would make his daily rounds, always with his little black dog Lady at his side. Together, they would bring a donut or a cup of soup, maybe one of his beloved baloney sandwiches, to those he deemed in need of a meal or a good laugh. He was faithful in his rounds, visiting those forgotten ones, often daily & then come with stories of his visits & the struggles of those ones he cared for.

“Little John” Upton, one of my father’s dearest little invalids.

I asked him one day about his prayers, what he prayed about, and I was surprised and humbled at his answer, of the daily prayers that he sent up for our mother, and for those he loved. One day when I stopped to check on him and bring him his supper, he had been in bed much of the day and he exclaimed, “You know, it seems like I pray all day long!” it brought me to tears, yes, God had made a big change in my daddy’s heart and life.

The world won’t much notice the passing of this dear old carpenter, so diminished by the years of illness and of struggle – but he leaves an aching void in many hearts. I am astonished at the pain I feel, though I wouldn’t wish him back to suffer here, his passing leaves such an empty place in my heart that I can never fill, we all will miss him so… His little dog Lady too grieves her beloved master, his constant companion was faithful till the end, her job of caring for him, like mine, has ended. I placed her collar on his chest in the coffin with him, we dog lovers know what a comfort that would seem.

I had the privilege of being with daddy when he left this world, the last words he heard were of love & comfort, his last sight of one who loved him dearly… He left quietly, somehow a figure who had always been larger than life, was suddenly small and diminished – simply, unbelievably, not with me anymore…

OH, but we will meet again, how wonderful that we have the precious promise of God, “absent with the body, present with the Lord”! I will meet you again daddy, no longer frail & ill, no longer struggling with the weakness of this flesh, but more alive & joyous than this life ever saw you. Thank you Lord for the word & for your promises.

I told daddy in his last moments, that it was ok, to go with God, and I know that indeed Jesus was faithfully waiting to lead my beloved father safely Home….

“Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted…”

The fondest desire of my heart is that through such an unlikely place as this, someone would find that most precious of gifts, eternal life, through accepting Jesus Christ as their Saviour. My prayer is that many of you will be encouraged and uplifted by what is shared here & that perhaps someone will even find that changed life through calling upon Jesus who makes all things new, who brings light into the darkest times of our lives if we but let Him. I pray that you find this peace, this truly life-changing relationship, that you find real joy & the peace that only comes in Christ.

If you would like to ask Him into your heart to save you and take you to heaven when you die, you can pray a sincere prayer from your heart, much like the simple prayer my daddy prayed.

“Dear God, I know that I’m a sinner and that you sent your son to die on the cross to pay the penalty for my sins. Please forgive me of my sins and come into my heart and save me and take me to heaven when I die. Help me to live for you,, show me your will for my life.

Amen”

Such a life-changing prayer when prayed from a sincere, repentant heart. If you have questions or have prayed this prayer, I’d love to know about it and to pray for you. I’m always available if you’d like to share please write me at hello@foxglovefarm.com

June 09, 2020

Agatha Is So Over "Getting The Farmhouse Look"

June 09, 2020/

My poor dog Agatha.

She was minding her own business this afternoon, innocently lying in a sunbeam in the kitchen and just about to doze off for a nice nap when my urgent call rings down the stairs.“

Agatha, here girl, here Aggie, come on AGATHA!”

She comes to the bottom of the steps and peers up at me, trying to decide if I really have need of her assistance or is this just another one of my random Instagram moments. (She is SO over Instagram).

This dog is too smart, I try to hide my iPhone and the fact that in my Instagram frenzy, I’m already taking her picture. Her eyes glaze a bit, she carefully weighs the benefits of obedience and the pain of extreme canine boredom and with a heavy sigh begins to trudge half-heartedly up the stairs.

She is SO over Pinterest…

Agatha the Cavalier from Agatha's Apothecary

I have to blame Fixer Upper, or maybe my favorite decorating blog, Thistlewood Farms (LOVE Kari Anne!), but suddenly I'm seized with the desire to freshen up our farmhouse. My dog's very easy part in this endeavor is simply to pose attractively in whatever space I'm currently trying to share with the world. Theoretically, this is a great idea, she's beautiful, and what is more amazing than a gorgeous dog posing in a beautiful room?

The problem is that it helps if said dog cooperates and poses attractively instead of looking like the boredom is so overwhelming she could weep, which rather spoils the effect I'm aiming for.

So, I've been working on my landing, trying to create a relaxing place to read when the cold weather drives us inside for our long Ohio winter. Excursions through Homegoods and perusing Wayfair have helped me find these beautiful wingback chairs, a cute little cupboard stands between them looking completely adorable. All that I ask of my pretty little Cavalier is that she pose attractively in front of them.

Aforementioned Cavalier/Staging/Prop dog plods wearily over and sits with a truly hang-dog expression staring dejectedly at my wonderful chairs. Her front feet splay out, obviously she is almost too weak to stand erect. "Really, life is so unfair," she says, "why in the name of all that's reasonable do I have to waste perfectly good nap time staring at a CHAIR???"

She gazes wearily out the window, hoping for rescue from any avenue.

I chirp at her encouragingly, pleading with her to look glamorous and interested in the processShe responds by yawning hugely. Obviously, she has more important things on her to-do list.

"Can we please just get this over with so I can get back to my nap?!" she asks.

My sometimes good dog settles in for a few minutes perusing all things shiplap.

"Who knows," she says "perhaps mom will break out the popcorn!"

(I hate to say it but does anyone else notice a startling resemblance?)

Agatha thinks she really should have her own HGTV reality show, after all, she's definitely got the looks for it…

March 27, 2019

Spring O' Spring (or maybe not so much...)

March 27, 2019/

Ohio has a way of teasing us winter-weary mortals with glimpses of spring followed by days of snow and frigid temperatures. Someone we know is not at all happy for her daily delivery of snowy ice cream to not make its appearance, while the rest of us are literally so over snow that it boggles the mind, to say the least. I long for flowers (and make do with a few from my overflowing tubs of Almost Spring Decor, gathered to help usher in the season because I know Ohio won't be in any hurry to help with that and even fake flowers are better than none at all. Up comes the sun, down come the snowflakes and OH JOY says Little Miss, SNOW ICE CREAM!!! She pleads to hurry out and help lick it all up O'YUM! (I know this actually means she'll use her ears to sweep the steps, she's so helpful with things like that) Oops, got a bit carried away mom...No worries, I'll come inside and it'll melt! It was worth it though, I love this stuff! Soon we're all clean and fluffy again. Sigh, the weatherman is calling for a few more inches tonight, at least Agatha will be happy...

November 06, 2018

The Kitchen Spaniel

November 06, 2018/

I know I promised not to post too often about little miss, but I had to share how amazingly well she's doing with her faithful friends. Her coat is gleaming, her eyes shining and she races around Foxglove like a dog 1/3 of her age. I am astonished. I am beyond grateful. She is truly miraculously better, thank you Lord for answered prayers!Here she is in her favorite spot, close to a possible snack event, note the wagging tail and the careful positioning of herself right in my line of view, just in case she can urge me toward the fridge for a bit of something yummy in her dish.She is a patient little person, she knows sooner or later mom will head toward her favorite place, kitchen land!I just had to share with you, she is amazingly, blessedly, incredibly, better...Fondest and most loving wags,Terry & AgathaPS By the way, the book is significant, she's named after Agatha Christie, in fact, her registered name is Miss Marple of Foxglove Farm, AKA "Agatha" : )

September 04, 2018

Agatha Is Making Her Rounds

September 04, 2018/

Dear dear friends,Here's the latest update on little miss who continues to get better with every new day! I've been hard-pressed to get photos of her lately as she is back to making her rounds purposely around the farm to be sure that all of her subjects are in the proper places and that no wretched squirrels have made inroads into her domain.She is bright and beautiful and funny as can be, I can hardly believe that she was so ill just short weeks ago. I believe God had heard all the prayers sent up for this dear sweet little dog and I will ever be in your debt for your kindness to her and to John & I.She's even been lending a hand with a bit of puppy sitting, Bullwinkle is leaving for his forever home on Thursday and she's spent much time nearby watching him. I like to think she's being companionable but it could just be his bowl of delicious smelling puppy food that's caught her interest.He's such a precious little morsel, perhaps she is indeed enthralled with him as we all are.Oh dear friends, it's late and I feel like I'm finally coming up for a breath of air. I was so devastated, I know she is only a dog and I know that she is an elderly dog, I know that there are so many more real tragedies in this ole world of ours, but each new day is a gift and she's got all of us shaking our heads with delight.Thank you with fondest heartfelt wags,Terry, John and busy little Agatha

August 28, 2018

The Object Of Her Affections

August 28, 2018/

Dearest Readers and yes, praying friends, I cannot tell you how happy I am to share this set of pictures with you. I made a cup of coffee early this afternoon and decided that a couple of pumpkin cookies (yes, iced with real cream cheese icing) would be a nice accompaniment. I try to keep snacks like this to a minimum but sure enough, someone we all know heard me opening the box and SPRANG to her feet almost burned rubber across the kitchen floor to see what was making its way out of the cupboard this time.Agatha is indeed bright-eyed and yes, bushy-tailed, so perky and full of bounce that I marvel that this is the same dog we almost gave up for lost not two weeks ago.Her appetite is wonderful, her coat is getting back it's sheen, she is a tough little miracle dog. THANK YOU FOR PRAYING!!!!!!!!!!!!And yes, you'll be happy to know that she had a delicious portion of cookie in her dish, who could resist those pleading eyes? (I'm such a fan of healthy people food for dogs, this wouldn't be my first choice but when you've been as sick as Aggie was, you need a bit of comfort food).God bless each of you for your kindest words and letters, (even a wonderful homemade card from Agatha's doggie friends Anoosh & Sirhoon) most of all for your faithful prayers, God is so good to have heard and given us more beautiful time with our beloved Aggie.Sending fondest love and most thankful wags,Terry, John and Agatha the cookie lover.

August 25, 2018

Agatha's favorite video : )

August 25, 2018/

[embed]https://youtu.be/tYfERpXtIkU[/embed]Dear praying friends,Agatha continues, thank the Lord, to do better as I write this post, she snoozes quietly nearby, she was prancing through the kitchen for all the world like her younger self earlier today. God is good and again, I send love and thanks to all of you who have taken time to lift a little dog up to our father for blessings. I pray that each of you are blessed in abundance for your exceeding kindness.I'm sharing both Agatha's and my favorite video, the artist of the wonderful watercolors is called Vianne Chang, she does all of my illustrations and is amazingly talented. For years I've sent her photographs of Aggie and by return email, she's sent wonderful digital paintings that are so like Agatha that I wonder that she didn't pose in person.I hope you enjoy the film, and again, thank you for remembering Agatha and I'm sure us in your prayers.I promise to keep you posted of her progress as the days go by. For now, I'm going to try and get back to my real job, being a puppy mom and doggie apothecary. (Am I allowed to say that?) Forgive my tardy response to emails and calls for the last week, I hope to be full steam ahead on Monday.Thank you for praying, thank you for caring, thank you for sharing in my tears and yes in this joy, more than I can say,Terry (and John and yes, Agatha).

Blog Posts

Letters From Foxglove Farm