Walker Valley Used Book Sale & Flea Market

What started out with Kelli Palinkas Greer volunteering at The Thrall Library Used Book Store in Middletown New York, has turned into a wonderful fundraiser for the Walker Valley Fire Department. Several years ago, the Cragsmoor Library contacted Kelli with many cases of used books they no longer needed. Soon, Ellenville joined in & Kelli's whole studio was filled with books waiting for a new home. She brought boxes weekly to Thrall, but the books kept on coming. Together with Greg Greer ( past fire chief & now Kelli's husband) the idea was discussed with the Walker Valley Fire Deptartment who agreed to provide the space, tables, and help. Over 1000 titles found new homes last year, and the funds raised were donated to the FD to help purchase new turnout gear & protective clothing. For those who love to read, bargains galore await you! Hardcover books are $1. Paperbacks are 50 cents. Romance Novels are 25 cents & kids books are 10cents. When was the last time you stocked up on a whole summers worth of reading material for yourself & your family for a price like that? My daughter & I left last year with a shopping bag full of books for each of us for a few dollars. The event was so successful, that this year it has expanded. The bigger & better event is scheduled for: July 31, Aug1,2,&3 This years event includes the used book sale, but also a flea market & garage sale, vendors, craftspeople, farmers with fresh produce, & prepared food to take home or eat as you shop. Everyone is invited to set up shop. There is no charge for the space. The event will take place at The Walker Valley Firehouse, Route 52, Walker Valley NY. Prior registration is required and spots will be assigned on a first come, first served basis. Call Greg Greer @ 744-8757 to reserve your spot. Donations are still being accepted & can be dropped off at: Quimby & Smith Main St Pine Bush or 1846 House Soaps in the Old Red Barn Route 52 , Walker Valley ( Hrs Wed-Sun 11-6)

More Garden Whimsy

The spirits of nature who stand watch over my bit of paradise while I sleep.

Garden Whimsy

I love the unexpected & whimsical in the garden. Liberated & shared plants, statuary, cast offs, and yard sale finds all find a place in my eclectic garden. Come and wander...

Shaving 101( with Handmade Shaving Soap)

Goat Milk & Shea Butter Shaving Soaps with skin conditioning clays, provide a silky close shave, the natural way.
Once you try real shaving soap, you'll never use commercial shaving cream again!

A rich, lotion like lather gives great razor glide to prevent razor burn & irritation,
Leaves your skin feeling soft & conditioned. Women are loving these shaving soaps for the same reason men are: a smooth & nick free shave & the skin softening qualities of rich goat milk & emollient shea butter`.

Taking a few extra moments to shave correctly makes a huge difference. There's a CORRECT way to shave, you ask? Yup! Try the method below and see if you don't notice the difference!

Shaving 101 or A Better Way to Shave


"Wetshaving is just what the term implies – keeping your face (or for women, their legs) wet with plenty of hot water before, and during, the entire shave. In fact, you should always shave after a hot shower, not before (if you need to shave without taking a shower, washing your face with hot water for a few minutes will suffice). With a layer of hot water between your skin and the lather, the blade skims the surface instead of dragging on it, which is the main cause of irritation, redness, and “shave bumps”.

" Wetshaving gives you more effective shaves and better looking skin. The hot water opens the pores of your skin and relaxes your facial muscles, and it softens your whiskers for more effective cutting. Believe it or not, but your whiskers are tougher than the edge of a razor blade, and shaving “dry”, or mostly dry as with the vast majority of shaving creams, foams, and gels on the market, means you’re literally tugging on each and every hair on your face instead of neatly slicing it at the skin’s surface and moving on without irritating your skin. The key to proper wetshaving is keeping your face as wet as possible at all times during the shave. You’ll marvel at how much closer and more comfortable shaving can be when you keep your face hydrated at all times with lots of hot (not scalding) water."

Goat Milk & Shea Butter Shaving Soap @ http://1846housesoaps.etsy.com/ Avail. in fragranced & unscented for sensitive skin.

Angel Garden

I was outside doing some product photography today and my eyes were continually drawn to the angels peeking out of the ferns & greenery in one of my many gardens. Each one has a special meaning for me. Felt like I wanted to share them with you.

There Are Angels Among Us.

Fundraiser at The Bear Cage

Another great event is happening up the Mountain on the most beautiful mountain top around. All the locals have alway hiked out to "Bear Cliff" to enjoy the panoramic view and enjoy the solitude. This fundraiser is for the upkeep & maintainece this special place. The folks in Cragsmoor always throw a great party, so don't miss this one!

The Funny Farm

In my previous post, I talked about Bark in the Park & the organizations that will benefit from this event. The Walden Humane Society & Second Chance Farms will be the recipients of the proceeds from this day. I'm grateful to both of these organizations for all that they do, but especially for these special pets: *


*Buddy, the one eyed yellow lab was adopted from the Walden Humane Society. A breeder brought him in to be destroyed. Born with micro-opthalmia , he was "unacceptable" due to his "less than perfect" appearance. He's a wonderful companion to " Miss Johnson" & a great family dog


*Several year ago, Alice, from Second Chance Farms asked me to foster a pregnant stray and provide her with a quiet & safe place to have her kittens. After, she would take the mother & kittens and find them homes. " Mamma Kitty" wanted only to be fed & left alone. After giving birth to 5 kittens, Mama & two of the kids remained with us. Slowly she became more trusting & decided that we could be her people. Mamma died recently from cardiac problems, but we know her life with us was a good one.

Here are some of the rest of the crew. Hard luck stories all, but they are a welcome part of the Funny Farm Family!

Max, a Standardbred race horse was off the track due to injuries while still a young man. He was reschooled as an English pleasure horse & came with his own companion. If we took Max, we had to take his side kick Rhoda( an older quarter horse who had been passed around many times in her life) So, Max & Rhoda ( don"t they sound like a retired couple from a Catskill Hotel?)
joined the funny farm. Rhoda was a steady old gal & I used her to teach my kids to ride. She was part of our family until she passed. Max is still with us @ 27yrs old. Handsome, but the old injuries are bothering so he's "retired" & dosent seem to mind being "a lawn ornament".



Our small goat herd were about to be slaughtered for meat when they got loaded into the van & joined the family. They don't seem to mind their lives as goat-dogs & like everything here, will die of old age.


A few winters ago, 4 domestic geese wandered down the path by the barn & demanded a meal.
I did not want anymore geese, but they had other ideas. After looking for their owners, it seemed that they had been "dumped " on the road by someone who decided that keeping geese was not their cup of tea. One pan of cracked corn ( they were hungry!) & guess who became the somewhat unwilling owner of 4 grey geese? They made themselves right at home, bossing all the other animals & acting as our own alarm system for the whole property.



As I re-read this post, it occurs to me, that most of our animals came to us when we were not looking to add more animals to our lives. Who chooses? I think they choose for us.
(check back for pictures of the Funny Farm crew. )