The Inside Scoop

Welcome to Countryside!

Countryside “Inaka” Bonsai

TheinsidescoopLOGO2

I’m excited to get things up and running and to introduce our blog…”THE INSIDE SCOOP”! It will be three years since we first moved here to “Countryside” and this has been a project in the works for quite some time before that. The road traveled, circumstances and alignment of the stars leaves me with the feeling of finally having arrived where I was meant to be. A place where I could be connected with nature, a beautiful setting for my bonsai trees and a peaceful retreat for my family to be together.

This property located in the quaint and historic town of Harvard has quite a history dating back to 1750. I’ve always loved older homes and this one was I feel, waiting for us. Years prior to moving here I would frequently walk through the old time cemetery in the center of town looking at the designs and reading…

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Gratitude on This Veterans Day

Carter and I spent today working on his fort that has slowly grown over the last three years. Climbing the glacial rocks at Countryside is a favorite pastime for us. After pulling fallen trees to add to the structure, we found ourselves sitting upon the highest rock. We talked about Veterans Day and why we were lucky to have today off. We talked about our family members and friends who have served our country. Carter thought it would be neat to decorate this time to honor All of our service women and men. Thank you for your service and allowing for the freedom of this day 🙏🏻

I stumbled upon this in the garden covered with leaves in a spot where Carter would play for hours on end when we first moved in. It was a reminder of how quickly years fly by and how thankful I am to have those memories in my heart. I may lightly bury this back in my garden bed to one day uncover it when Carter is out on his own years from now. I find myself leaving these bread crumbs lately knowing that along with the tear it will bring, the smile in that moment will be worth it. If only we could hold them in our hands so tiny forever.
The natural root over rock always amazes me and gives inspiration to future Bonsai projects.
Our favorite perch.

Welcome to Countryside!

TheinsidescoopLOGO2

I’m excited to get things up and running and to introduce our blog…”THE INSIDE SCOOP”! It will be three years since we first moved here to “Countryside” and this has been a project in the works for quite some time before that. The road traveled, circumstances and alignment of the stars leaves me with the feeling of finally having arrived where I was meant to be. A place where I could be connected with nature, a beautiful setting for my bonsai trees and a peaceful retreat for my family to be together.

This property located in the quaint and historic town of Harvard has quite a history dating back to 1750. I’ve always loved older homes and this one was I feel, waiting for us. Years prior to moving here I would frequently walk through the old time cemetery in the center of town looking at the designs and reading the stones. There was always one name that stuck out to me and that was “Mercy Sawyer”. I didn’t know why but just thought it was interesting enough to maybe write a song about. Fast forward to the first year of moving in. I went to the historical society with my eldest daughter to see what we could learn about the house. Wouldn’t you know…one of the original owners was “Mercy ‘Sawyer’ Frost” who had inherited the property from her father Manasseh Sawyer. The property was nicknamed “Countryside” and originally included the four surrounding properties. Our house was the original farmhouse that included a barn which is now a cottage on our property.

In reading more about this house and the land it sits on I learned that Mercy never wanted to leave as it was her favorite place to be. As I look out over the gardens through the mature Hickory trees…I understand. I feel connected to her and all those who were here before us and hope Mercy is happy to know there is no other place I’d rather be than “Countryside”.