Lola Leather?
I had no idea that a promising career as a stripper might await me. Especially this late in life. Before you run away with suggested stage names, like Lola Leather or something, of course, I am talking about stripping paint, not clothes. Given the amount of things that need to be stripped at Crowder House, … Read more
In A White Room With No Curtains…
So it isn’t a giant leap in progress, but it is something. At least enough to pacify me as I embark on a new journey, a job that takes me to Toronto for a few weeks. What am I on about? We finally managed to prime a room and, wonder of wonders, paint a ceiling. … Read more
Welcome to Spencerville
Crowder House is located just outside of Spencerville, Ontario. It isn’t the closest commute to Ottawa, but there are some charms. The village of Spencerville is darling. It isn’t the tourist trap that Merrickville has become, but that isn’t to say that there isn’t a draw or potential to bring in a steady stream of … Read more
Cashmere Goats & Roving Winds Farm
En route to my parents house, Carlotta and I were taken in by the very kind proprietors of Roving Winds Farm. You see, I have this idea to raise Cashmere Goats and Merino Sheep and after hearing several horror stories about goats, I decided to meet my preferred breed. Owning property comes with quite a … Read more
Borg Baby Quilt
What would a farm be without heritage handicrafts? While I can’t really claim that my quilting abilities are at all close to anything heritage, I do at least stitch by hand. It’s a craft my grandmother shared with me as a child and one that I have recently turned to again. In visiting my parents … Read more
This Will Floor You…
Ah, the floors! The bane of my existence. All that is keeping me from painting those worn walls and rendering Crowder House something that is inhabitable. The unfinished floors were becoming so aggravating that I was compelled to retreat from the property this past weekend and drive across the province to visit my parents – … Read more
There’s A House Under Those Leaves
Not that we were ever really in doubt about there being a home under the mass of foliage growing up around Crowder House, but as to the state of the building hidden by it, that was another matter. We’re pleased to report that the ivy and other plants have not done any significant damage to … Read more
The Red George Pub
Moving to the country from the city can be a big adjustment. This from the Gal who lamented moving from Toronto to Ottawa and having to suffer the poorer choices for international cuisine as a result. Alas, an hour south of the Capital undoubtedly yields even fewer culinary options. So you can imagine how thrilled … Read more
Taglines and Catchphrases
With things moving slowly on the flooring and stripping front, I thought it might be time for some comic relief. We had our first overnight guest at Crowder House, and his experience combined with our first night on the farm is prompting us to adopt a new motto for the property: Crowder House, where your … Read more
Stripping Paint
My hands ache in a way I have never experienced. A weekend of stripping paint has left them feeling a hundred years old and worked for most of that century. It’s difficult to even type. I caught myself opening and closing my hands as I walked through the grocery store today, in a pathetic bid … Read more
