New Family Member...Scarlett O'Hara

Scarlett O'Hara came to live on Rose Hill Farm in October of 2009. Our farrier was visiting for a routine hoof check-up and told us a story about this mare. Her owners could no longer care for her. He thought of us as a potential "forever" home for her. (Of course he did) Within a week we had her home and happy. Her color is amazing. Her disposition is endearing. She is gentle and sweet. We are all mad in love with her.

Mother and Child Spring 2009

Our sweet little farm cat Snow suprised us all with three little kittens. A pair of white twins and one little gray kitten. They have taken up residence in my daughter's room, who is away in college. It is the most peaceful room in the house. Here is a glimpse of their lives with their mother. The shot that I was able to capture of Snow and the little white one asleep is my favorite. Enjoy!

Spring 2009 Rose Hill Farm

This winter has been especially long for me; all last summer and well into the fall I planted countless flowering trees and my first azaleas and rhododendrons on the farm. The wait for the blossoms has seemed endless. Finally in the last two weeks things have begun to flower. The photos that I have taken are just a fourth of what is to come.

Step in Mother Nature. Tonight the temperatures in Missouri are expected to plummet to 20 degrees. I spent yesterday afternoon and today running about my lawn and garden like a fool trying to capture photographs of what has blossomed so far.

It is all so beautiful and there is still so much more to come. I pray tonight the prayer of all gardeners..."Please please...let us keep spring in the garden".

Pretty Little Things

What is it about those folks from England that delight me so? I discovered the beautiful world of Cath Kidston in 2008. Where had I been living? Under a rock? Somehow they have assembled in their lovely catalog everything my heart desires! Lovely aprons, the sweetest fabric and dishes to die for! They also carry dresses for little girls that would make you weep! Their spring line is out now. Follow the link below to their website. Everything they do makes me smile!

http://www.cathkidston.co.uk/

Equine Rescue Rose Hill Farm 2008

During the summer of 2008 we resonded to an e-mail from a friend in crisis. She was losing her farm and had 3 days to find a temporary home for her 11 horses. She was also hoping to find "forever" homes for some of them. After much discussion, we decided we would be able to host three and possibly keep one. We invitied our friend to tour the farm. With only one small pasture fenced, we thought it was all we could offer.

She came the same night and was so desperate. She told us with just some fencing work we would be able to host them all in the bigger pasture. How could we say no?

The day they all arrived was so exciting. Horse after horse unloaded to lush green pasture. Two of the horses had small foals and they were a delight to watch.

We learned a lot during their stay with us. How easy it is to help someone in need. How glad we were to be able to do so. How we could transport water to the larger pasture with a handy tank.

Of all the horses that stayed with us "Dreaming in Black" aka "Chris" found his forever home. He is truely my dream horse: an Appaloosa, black with white spots. Simply magestic.

He now shares the pasture with two equine friends. Dante (the Clydesdale that belongs to my daughter) and Rain (the Paint that belongs to Katie Rose). The three of them have become the best of friends.

There are many books available on Equine Rescue and I think I own them all. If we had more pasture I would very much like this to become a permanent way for us to "give back". There are many older equines that could enjoy their "senior" years with us. Retraining racehorses is another "cause" that I am passionate about. See link below for more information. There is one really informative book about what happens to racehorses when they are not suited for the track. It is After the Finish Line: The Race to End Horse Slaughter in America, by Bill Heller.

Although we aren't ready yet for more of a committment due to lack of space, we hope to buy more pasture next year and add to Rose Hill Farm. If this dream becomes a reality then I hope to always host a few "equines in need".

We have more than enough love for them; we just need more room!

http://www.rerun.org/

"My Girl"...Katie Rose of Rose Hill Farm

Kathleen Rose is the baby of Rose Hill Farm. The last of our children and an unexpected gift from God. I treasure every moment with her. In a way Rose Hill Farm is my gift to her. A childhood with open spaces to explore, teaming with life and adventures. She recently turned eight-years-old this February, and I wish I could freeze time because it seems to be going by too fast. She thinks of herself as a true-blue farm girl. There is a rock in the small pasture at the top of the hill where we stand together and spread our arms and ask "Who's the queen of this fair farm?" and Katie Rose replys, "It's me! It's me! I'm the Queen of the Farm" This tradition we have, just between us, makes me so happy. These photographs are just a few of the moments that I've captured of her on Rose Hill Farm. I know I'll be able to share many more with you.