Golden days in paradise -

 

Some people confuse Ragweed and Goldenrod and blame both for their

 allergic reactions. Ragweed is the culprit not goldenrod. They are

 completely different plants and look quite different. Goldenrod is a

 perennial and ragweed is an annual.

Goldenrod does not cause seasonal allergies. The most likely cause of 

your sneezing and runny nose is ragweed pollen. Ragweed is a rather

 insignificant-looking weed that blooms at the same time as goldenrod. 

It is wind pollinated and disperses large amounts of pollen into the air.

Solidago, commonly called goldenrod, is a genus of several species of

 flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. Most are herbaceous perennial 

species found in open areas such as meadows, prairies, and savannas. 

They are mostly native to North America, including Mexico; a few species

 are native to South America and Eurasia.  Some American species have

 also been introduced into Europe and other parts of the world.

An important source of nectar for so many pollinators—such as butterflies

 and native bees—goldenrod is especially crucial to the winter survival of

 many honeybees. Its pollen adds considerable amounts of protein, fats,

 and minerals to the late-season diet of the bees.

I know you're wondering where I took these photos of a meadow full of goldenrod.

Some of you already know Jeanne of Tahilla Farm in New Hampshire. 

Many years ago when we were all young, fresh, new bloggers, we followed 

Jeanne on her first blog Collage of Life. Her life as an ex-pat took her and her

 family to live in amazing places - Australia, New Zealand, England, Vietnam

 and China . . . . . and we bloggers loved following along. Personally, I have to

 admit to feeling envious that she was this amazing person who could pack up

 her life, her four children, dog, sun hats, books, and furniture and move

 seemingly overnight to another country in the footsteps of her husband. 

Of course now knowing Jeanne better, and having spent the most enjoyable

 times together since she settled back in the US, I understand that it really 

was a lot of hard work.

Now retired, Jeanne and her very special Mr. H, have made their home back in

New England where they started out, and this is their beautiful farm property.

I feel so fortunate that I have been a guest here in all seasons except winter.

Seeing Tahilla's landscape change colors under the shadow of the distant 

mountain range, in rain and sunshine, has been a true blessing. I just wish I 

lived closer.

You can follow Jeanne and enjoy her wonderful writing and photographs

 on her website ~ tahillafarm.com/tahilla-farm-story

Tahilla Farm, New Hampshire

I was here just over a week ago.

Jeanne very kindly gave me permission to share my photos of the

 farm with you.

Thank you Jeanne - see you next time!

Such a pleasure. . . . . . .

. . . . . and such a beautiful farm, nestled in the New Hampshire countryside, 'far from the madding crowd'

and so welcoming thanks to lovely Jeanne.

Jeanne and I have been online friends for several years after I somehow 

happened upon her great blog, COLLAGE OF LIFE. At that time she was 

living another chapter of her always interesting ex-pat life in Ho Chi Minh City.

Having visited Vietnam, as well as other countries where Jeanne has

 lived, we shared many stories and interests online and hoped we could

meet up some day. When Jeanne and her husband decided to make 

their permanent home in New Hampshire, it was great knowing at last 

we would have a get together. . . . . . .which we did a couple of weeks ago!

There are no words to express the beauty of Tahilla Farm. . . . . . . .the house both

 inside and outside, the traditional red outbuildings, flowering beds of color, hand

 built rock walls, and the fields gently rolling toward the woods with Pack Monadnock

 mountain rising 2,290 feet in the background.

Since purchasing this property, Jeanne and her family have worked nonstop

restoring the c.1790 farmhouse, barns and awesome carriage house, and bringing

 the surrounding land back to a place of delight to walk and wander about in, 

sit and relax on, or just stand and breathe in nature at its very loveliest.

Bob and I were thrilled to share a few hours with Jeanne, enjoying a tour and a

delicious luncheon she prepared for us. I think we could have talked until sunset 

that lovely afternoon, however we had to hit the road for Vermont, but we will 

always be hoping we can meet up again in the not too distant future.

Jeanne and Mary - meeting up at last 'down on the farm'.

If you are a follower of Jeanne's blog you will be familiar with Tahilla Farm

 as well as the many countries she has lived in and shared with us over the years.

 If not, do go HERE for lovely posts on everything beautiful, elegant, interesting, 

including Jeanne's new venture, Tahilla Gatherings, where you too may have a 

chance to visit Tahilla Farm this Autumn.

Jeanne gifted me with this special book on gardening which

I'm enjoying so much. It will always be a fond reminder

of that lovely afternoon in a very special part of New Hampshire. . . . . . . 

. . . . . . . .and meeting yet another blog friend who now feels like family.