Sunday, January 25, 2015

Grow Your Blog

Welcome to Comptonia, friends and newcomers!

If you are visiting for the first time as part of the wonderful Vicki's Grow Your Blog Party, I know you will be travelling the blogiverse at a dizzying gallop, trying to get an idea of what many blogs are all about. The quickest way to see what this blog is about, would be to left-click on an annual collage post: here is 2013 and 2014.

But if you'd like some words...

I write about ordinary life in a tiny house
surrounded by trees
in a fairly rural part of New England.

Sometimes I share a practical tip that readers may find useful,
but only in the same way we all do that, in conversation.
I mean, this is not a blog full of helpful information,
but if I rattle on long enough, I'm bound to say
something useful eventually.

No, mostly it's just looking around and taking photographs,
and thinking about what I see and writing about it.
There are many trees on this blog, for example. 



Also, attempts at gardening.



There are walks in the woods...



with my dog, Piper.



I may as well tell you right now:
Piper thinks Comptonia is her blog.

But Piper is wrong.

Just ask my little herd of cashmere goats.




Oh, and sometimes there's knitting.



And sometimes occasionally, adventures in the kitchen.



Please feel free to look around - I hope you'll find something enjoyable!
Sharing interests and ordinary life through blogging is a very pleasant way to "meet" people from all over the planet, and I'd love to hear about you and your world. Please do leave comments anytime the mood strikes you, because that's a really wonderful part of blogging: genuine connections with people we are unlikely to meet in "real life."

If you would like to "follow" or subscribe to Comptonia,
there are some clickable options in the sidebar.

Thank you for visiting!
~~~

And since this is a party, of course there will be a giveaway!


 This woolen felted star was handmade by a woman living in a very tough environment - Mongolia - using local wool.

These wooly stars and lots of other nifty items are created and sold through a wonderful community-based conservation program called Snow Leopard Enterprises. If you left-click that link, I think you will be impressed! It's a "good news" click.

Oh, look: here's another star:



I have admired the Snow Leopard Trust for many years, because I respect their approach to conservation. It considers not "just" the animals, not "just" habitat, not "just" cultural preservation, but incorporates all three in a realistic and functional way.
Also: field research! The website is full of phenomenal photography, up-to-date news of discoveries, international conservation successes, and...
the shop full of handmade goods.

These stars, for example:



You know, it's tricky to come up with a giveaway item that will appeal to every reader, woman or man, child or adult, office worker or trapeze artist.
But I really think I've managed it!

One of these stars makes a cheerful decoration on any wall,
or hanging in any window.

Who doesn't like stars, right?

Like this one:



Or maybe a pair of stars hanging from a small branch
 would make a pleasant mobile?
As the stars slowly turn,
one might see first the solid side,
then the decorated side.

Like this:




Oh, and I see a lot of buntings on blogs...
I'll bet stars would be very happy elements of a bunting!

Wouldn't this star be pretty in a bunting?



Maybe with a couple of its starry associates?



I think so.

So, my giveaway item is five of these handmade stars.


In fact, the very five pictured in this post -
one each: orange, green, yellow, pink, and blue.


Would you like a chance to win?
The giveaway instructions are simple, and
everyone, everywhere, is welcome to enter!
Here's how:

1) Leave a comment on THIS blog post,
by February 14th.

2) INCLUDE a way for me to contact you:
email address is good,
ravelryID works too,
or a twitter handle.

That's it! I will draw and post the winner on February 15,
and contact the winner to ask for a mailing address.

Then a packet of stars will be on its way to you!

Like magic!

Good luck, everyone!
And now I'm off to the party  :)

~~~~~

118 comments:

  1. Hello Quin what an inviting post for the 'Grow Your Blog ' party. If I wasn't already a follower of your blog, I would certainly have been your 1st new follower. Your give away gift of those pretty felted stars show your love of life. Hope your blog grows with lots of new and interesting followers.

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  2. Those stars are adorable! I'm visiting from the GYB party, glad to make it this year. I also am trying my hand at gardening, veg growing and love all things crafty. Looking forward to following, sharing tips and photos. :) x

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  3. Good morning and welcome to the Grow Your Blog Party. Oh wow Piper is so adorable loving his big smile and the small cashmere goats-too cute..
    I am one of Vicki's helpers and we welcome you to the Party-Have fun
    Kathyinozarks (Kathy)

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  4. How nice to meet you. I love the idea of tiny house living and am so happy to learn about these little stars. :)

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    1. Thank you so much for visiting and leaving a comment! Maybe the little stars will appear in your sky :)

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  5. I was looking forward to your post today, and you didn't disappoint! lovely pix as always, and thank you!

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  6. Hello.
    I love the grow your blog party. So many interesting blogs.

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    1. Ain't it the truth? Fortunately, Vicki leaves the list up for an entire year :)

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  7. I am happy to be following you. Thank you for letting me visit. glsbylindi@hotmail.com
    I love your babies!

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  8. Hello Quinn, Welcome to the Grow Your blog party:D
    Really brighten up my day with the beautiful nature that you are in. Lucky you. And I love stars. I think they are the most beautiful thing.
    Hope you'll have many new friends and followers this coming week. Huge hugs from Singapore

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    1. Thank you for visiting! Good luck in the giveaway :)

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  9. So nice to meet you!! It looks like you keep busy creatively and otherwise!! Thanks for sharing in the hop!!

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  10. I don't think I could live where there are no trees so I loved seeing your lovely trees. And I loved meeting Piper - we lost our fur baby last July and we are hoping to get another dog in the spring. The stars are just lovely - thanks for giving us an opportunity to win them.

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    1. Oh dear, I'm so sorry for your loss!
      And I agree with you about the trees.
      Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment - good luck in the drawing.

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  11. Also a New Englander. I took your advice and looked over your year in review. Pretty stuff. Love the goats. Look forward to see what you'll post in the coming year. :-)

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  12. I enjoy following your blog. What a beautiful giveaway. Rav amchart

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  13. found and followed you via the gyb party! love the stars! hope you'll stop by and visit me as well! have an awesome weekend!

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  14. What a beautiful giveaway! Indigenous art is really inspiring. I love the pink star. I need to head over to the site and check it out

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    1. I hope you enjoy the Snow Leopard Trust site - I always do :)

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  15. Those are beautiful stars! I am certainly going to check out that link. I am a New England girl as well. I live on the north shore of Boston. I am following your blog now and look forward to seeing more of your part of New England.

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    1. I hope your weather is being tempered by proximity to the coast! I used to commute to Cambridge, and often it was like two different climates :)

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  16. The stars are beautiful! Thanks for the giveaway. I live in eastern Canada and also participating in this blog hop.

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  17. What beautiful photography...I love your goats! My husband thinks he wants a goat but I think he's mostly teasing me since we live in town! Your giveaway stars are beautiful and such a good cause to support. Susan

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    1. Tell your husband he needs TWO goats...they are hardwired for herd life, and are not comfortable and happy without another goat.
      Good luck in the giveaway :)

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  18. Hey Girlfriend! What a lovely post and what a great organization you found there. I will pop over for a one on one visit just as soon as I finish this little comment to often thought of blogging sister across the pond! I know I stink at visiting... it's so darn hard to keep up with everyone's comings and goings! I do think of you often however! :D I love your goat photo, I so wish I could have gotten some goats or sheep before the fibro set in. I guess I will just have to love your goats from afar to get my living fiber source fix! (giggle)! (LOL is just so over used and the ha ha thing just doesn't express the feeling as well...) Okay, I'm babbling so I guess I should do some more hopping before I get blogosphere overload!!!
    Hugs for now my sweet blogging sister,
    Beth P

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  19. Love the stars. Thanks for a chance to win.

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  20. Such a lovely peek into your world! I'm certainly glad the GYB party led me here. And what a fabulous giveaway - who wouldn't want a packet of stars!

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  21. Am stopping in from GYB today and have so enjoyed seeing a small piece of your life. I love your shot of Piper, and I have a "Maggie" who also thinks she owns my blog. Looks as if you live in a lovely spot of the country. I used to live in Newport and love all things New England. So nice to meet you and will look forward to stopping in again in the near future! Have fun at the party!!

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    1. To be fair, if Piper could type she probably would take over the blog!

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  22. Beautiful photos. Those stars have such meaning. Thanks for the giveaway. .

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  23. Hello Quinn, I am a new follower - you had me with the baby goat photo.. LOVE baby goats. I look forward to following your adventures. This GYB party is so much fun, hope you'll stop by and visit me at Stitch Lines

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  24. I think I'm going to like your blog, you had me at "attempts at gardening". And then I saw goats! I don't knit, but I want to learn one of these days. I crochet, but only scarves so far. I love the stars and will have to check out that site.

    Thank you for the giveaway! Your new follower~
    Jessica

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    1. Scarves are very useful, aren't they? I seem to be spending a lot more time knitting lately...Winter has that effect ;)
      I hope you enjoy the Snow Leopard Trust site!

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  25. The photos in this post are truly outstanding!!!!! The best of the best.

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  26. Truly enjoyed the freshness of your post. The goats too of course. I really like the stars and what they represent. Thank you and will be keeping up with you.

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    1. Thank you, Tonia - good luck in the giveaway!

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  27. Muy bonito e interesante tu blog.
    Tus fotos son bellas y me he enamorado de Pip y las cabras.
    Un saludo grande desde Chile
    Maru
    menteenlaluna@gmail.com

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  28. HI! My name is Kelly and it's so nice to meet! You have a lovely blog and those animals are so dang cute!

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    1. Thank you...and I have to agree about the "cute" factor ;)

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  29. Love the idea of the stars. I'm a knitter, as well as a quilter. Are you participating in the Knit your stash KAL, sponsored on Addicted to Sock Knitting? It's lots of fun. You can find it on Ravelry, and FB.

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    1. Thanks, I will check it out, because socks are my "go to" knitting item :)

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  30. Hello Quin, it's so lovely to meet you via the GYB. I've also been at the past three hops and am not sure if I've stopped by or not, but doesn't matter because here I am. :D I love your stars and you are absolutely right; everyone loves stars. I can't knit if my life depended on it, but I can do a passable crochet as long as it's not complicated (read: very basic!)...lol. I love that you support the snow leopard trust. My good friend Jackie Morris is an artist and regularly auctions of her very valuable art for the benefit of the trust. I'm off now to figure out the best way to follow you and get to know you a bit better. veroth@shaw.ca

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    1. How fantastic that your friend donates to the SLT through her wonderful artwork! Thank so much for sharing that :)
      And thanks for visiting! I hope you will come back again, and keep in touch through the comments!

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  31. HI Quin What a lovely down home post. I love our photography and your doggie......and yes stars are always out right? Thank you for supporting such an honorable organization. I am happy to be a new follower and look forward to the new year getting to know you
    catie

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    1. Thanks, CatieAn! And that's very true about the stars :) Good luck in the giveaway!

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  32. Enjoyed visiting your blog. Your photography is lovely. The stars are great!

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  33. Hello sweetie!
    Have fun at the GYB Party!
    xoxo

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  34. Nice to meet you! Visiting from the GYB party! Beautiful blog, I will have fun following!
    http://lisacomperry.blogspot.com

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    1. Thanks, Lisa! And I enjoyed reading about the rehabilitated pelican release :)

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  35. Hi Quinn,
    The felted stars are beautiful.
    I enjoy reading and following your blog.

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  36. Your cashmere goats and little corn ears are so cute! I wish I was a gardener or had the patience to learn how to raise animals. Following you now via Bloglovin' from the GYB hop. Have a wonderful week!

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    1. Thanks for visiting and good luck in the giveaway :)

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  37. This looks like a lovely place to visit, and I am now following. Can't wait to get to know you better. Hope that you and yours stay safe and warm through the big storm they are talking about up your way.
    kathleen, fourmilesnorthofnowhereATgmailDOTcom

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  38. I have enjoyed my visit to your blog. I used to live in a rural part of New England, Maine to be exact and loved it even in the winter. Now we are a bit farther south and only a little bit rural and I still love it. Those stars are wonderful. I have a pocket book made of felted wool from someone in Africa I think.

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    1. I've spent a lot of time in Maine, but have not lived there...yet! And I agree completely about wild blueberries.

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  39. I am here for the party. We have a little in common. My uncle's name was Quinn. When my second grandson was born my daughter named him Quinn. ( My first grandson was named Max after my father)
    As I am reading down and came to your doggie I took a deep breath as my dog is named Piper. He's a boy and I know that it is usually a girl name.
    I just love your stars. I forgot to tell you that I have always loved goats. I had two of my own but for two short weeks. I am signing up to follow. Debby from http://cozyblanket.blogspot.com/

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    1. And my brother used to live on Shady Lane ;)

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  40. I adore your little goats and hope you stop by for a visit! I am a dollmaker and this is my second blog party. Jan

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    1. I wish i could stop by in real life...Florida sounds pretty good right about now!

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  41. What a wonderful blog! I love your photos and your stars are wonderful!

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    1. Thank you for teaching me a new favorite word to say...coquelicot! :)

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  42. What fun to meet you and Piper! Oh yes, and the goats too. Thank you for inviting us over for a visit. Enjoy the party! (oh yes - and - if I should be lucky - marmic1954 at gmail dot com!)

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  43. I loved this introduction into your part of the world, my gosh if i had those little goats to cuddle i dont think I would ever get anything done. Our climates are definitely opposite arent they?

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  44. I love the stars and the goats are so cut!!!
    The stars look so soft.
    Have a great GROW YOUR BLOG
    Laura lquaglia@srt.com Hope I win

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  45. What a fabulous blog! I love all your beautiful photographs and am totally in love with Piper AND your cashmere goats! Thank you for the giveaway and for sharing the info about the Snow Leopard Trust. Looks like a great group and those stars are precious! I'm following you now.

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  46. Those stars are beautiful. I would love to win one. Thanks so much! Your goats are adorable (your dog is too). :)

    So nice to meet you!
    ~Jess

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  47. Hello - your stars are gorgeous! I look forward to getting to know you better as I am your newest follower! I hope you will pop over to my blog if you have time, J9 x

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  48. Lovely stars - perfect for cheering up any decor. If I should be so lucky... alcbrooks on Ravelry

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  49. love the goat cam! Yes I was poking around. I am following you on Bloglovin.
    I am joining you from Vickies GYB party.
    Jean in Berlin (French Oddities)

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  50. We already know each other and it is always a treat to stop by and see what you and Precious Piper are up to with those frolicking goats. :) I'm not joining the giveaway, just stopping by to say hi. The hearts are awesome and I do love purchases with a purpose. Have a lovely day, Tammy

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  51. Ah Quinn, I think that is the perfect giveaway gift :) The stars are beautiful and I think anyone would be happy to receive such a special gift that also goes to a special cause. In the summertime I often pick up a piece of artwork in a northern shop. The pieces I admire are from Africa, and the men and women make beautiful cut designs from old oil drums. They're beautiful, and the sales give back to their own communities. Have a great day! Wendy x (ps, I am LOVING watching the great horned owl each day!!)

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  52. It was nice to meet you and I enjoyed the photos. You make some very pretty projects.

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  53. Hi Quinn, it's lovely to meet you through the GYB party! I'm now following you via google friend connect. I would love to become blog friends. I am having a giveaway on my blog Julie's Lifestyle and I love to have you stop by. Thanks so much.
    Julie at Julie's Lifestyle

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  54. Hi! I hope to see many more pictures of your goats!
    I'm tktl on Ravelry and alexis at cobcottagecraft.com

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    1. Barring the Apocalypse, I think I can safely promise more pictures of my goats :)

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  55. I loved the first photo, then the second, then the third... Such a lovely blog! Such gorgeous cashmere goats! I am glad I stopped by here again. I am sorry it has been a while.

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    1. I am very happy to see you again! Thank you for the compliments, and good luck in the giveaway :)

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  56. What lovely little stars! My 2 year old grandchildren (I have 2, 4 months apart) just learned Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. They are too cute when they sing it together. :)
    craftyccain@gmail.com

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    1. That must be very sweet :)
      Good luck in the giveaway...if you win, maybe you will share with your little star-singers?

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  57. Hello, I'm visiting from the Grow your blog event ... so many wonderful sites to see and new friends to meet. Those stars will certainly brighten up the home of whoever wins them. I'd love to be entered for your give away and if I'm the lucky winner I can be reached at crafty.gardener at yahoo dot ca

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    1. Thanks for visiting and good luck in the giveaway!
      I may try your recipe for bird suet seed cakes, and hope they are not stolen by squirrels or raccoons this time :)

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  58. Lovely work - I like spending time on sites like yours that are so different to what I do

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    1. I know what you mean...I enjoy many blogs about things very far removed from my own activities. And also many blogs about exactly my kind of activities ;)

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  59. Love the photos.
    How are y'all doing with all that snow?

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  60. Lovely to meet you!
    Great photos - the apple pie/cake?? looks fabulous!

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    1. Thank you! And believe me, any cooking you see on this blog is Very Easy To Make! ;)

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  61. Hello Quinn

    It's lovely to meet you at Vicki's party.
    Your blog is lovely, just the sort of blog I enjoy visiting, like popping in with my cup of tea in hand, to have a chat and of course to see what Piper and your cashmere goats have been up to - they're adorable.

    I loved your idea of gathering photos and making a collage for each month!
    Last year I took part in a monthly meme called Gathering the Moments but sadly the hostess is not continuing with it this year. I'll do it anyway!

    Well as you said there are so many blogs to visit I'd better get my skates on!

    I'm following you and look forward to coming back soon.

    Shane

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    1. Thanks for visiting, Shane! I love the idea of popping in for a chat, teacup in hand. We can sit on the porch, because it will be too cold for a walk in the garden...our tea would freeze!
      I find making the annual collage to be an entertaining way to review the year and remind myself of many events and moments, most of them happy ones. It takes me a few days to put it together (because I post So Many Snaps!) but I really enjoy it :)

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  62. Thanks for such lovely photos! I have enjoyed my visit.

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    1. Thank you, Jeneta! Come back again anytime :)

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  63. Welcome to party! Love you photographs. Any chance I could have your apple pie/tart recipe?!t looks very similar to what I had as a kid and still struggling to find. Hope that is okay and enjoy the rest of the party.

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    1. Hi Lija! The Marion Burros recipe is linked in this post:
      http://comptonia.blogspot.com/2014/01/in-rut.html
      It's a very simple recipe, and I just modify it depending on what kind of fruit I have. It always comes out well, no matter what I put in, Good luck! :)

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  64. I love the looks of that pie. It looks yummy. I love the bright colored stars also. thanks for an opportunity to visit your blog.

    tushay3 (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  65. Hi there I'm crafty-mum from the UK. Glad to meet you! You can contact me via my blog www.crafty-mum.blogspot.co.UK xx

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    1. Thanks for visiting - good luck in the giveaway :)

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  66. Those stars are beautiful. I will check out the website. You live in a beautiful area. Do you knit with the cashmere from your goats?

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    1. Maybe you will win the stars :)
      I hope you enjoy the Snow Leopard Trust website. It is a wonderful organization.

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  67. Visiting from GYB hop, still trying to visit all the wonderful blogs like yours. Love the goats, and Piper is just adorable. Thanks for being part of the hop!

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  68. Love the stars. Its a pleasure meeting you and learning more about what you do. Its awesome.

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    1. Welcome, Angela - and good luck in the giveaway!

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  69. I can be reached at per7867@yahoo.com. I also started following you.

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  70. Anyone that can grow a 6.3 lb. squash is not "attempting" to garden! I LOVE this blog...and Piper...and the goats...and Quinn! Happy Sunday, girl - hope it's a warm one (in the very least, not egg cracking cold!).

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    1. I'm sorry to have to admit, these varieties typically produce 25-40 pound squash...my 6.3 pounder was a BIT under the record. But I'm still appreciating every bit and bite :)

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  71. Quinn, I've been following your blog for a long while and enjoy reading the companionable posts. There are so few, that I know of anyway, single women who are farming and your posts are greatly appreciated. Thanks for all your help; you're thought of often and tucked into prayer.

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  72. Those are so cute, and what a wonderful thing you are doing in promoting them. God bless you! ILuvTheEucharist @ aol.com

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  73. So nice to meet you Quinn. Thank you for visiting me. I love your photos, your doggie and goats, and you are quite the baker! I look forward to reading more!

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  74. Thank you for visiting my blog. It's nice to meet you (and your dog and goats)

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  75. What wonderful photos you take . Thank you for visiting my blog and I will be following you from now on, best wishes

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  76. Hi Quinn! I haven't been buy in awhile, but your little goat herd still makes its appearance on my blog reader :) I think your star feltie is an amazing choice... I read 2 blogs by Canadian and Australian expats living and working in Mongolia, and it is on my very short list of places I would love to visit before it is changed forever by the modern world :)

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