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Christmas Gift 100 Years in the Making

Tom
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Christmas Gift 100 Years in the Making

In 2019, on Christmas day , I received a gift 100 years in the making. Surprisingly, the treat presented itself within an email inquiry and subsequent exchanges; and embraced me with a warming joy best described in the redemptive words of one changed Scrooge, “I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a schoolboy.”  Darn tootin’ Ebenezer, my dimples were on overtime after this surprise; I couldn’t stop smiling. And to be delivered on Christmas day, well, that was the holly sprig in the figgy pudding. (Have I used enough Christmas metaphors? Nah, I’m just starting!) But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let me parcel the details as they happened, and as I’m want to do by reliving the delight again, word by word, smile by smile.

On December 22, last year, I received notice for a comment awaiting approval on my blog post: A Century Ago, My Farm Was for Sale. The comment from Gary read,

“I have some original pictures of your house from a Danner family scrapbook circa 1900’s to about 1918. I think I could take a picture and email you a couple photos of the farmhouse.”

I reread it a couple times and chuckled, “Yes, yes, absolutely yes!” Of course I had a litany of questions, and responded,

“Gary that would be so awesome. I would LOVE to see any and all photos of the house you have. Do you live on Vashon? How did you come to acquire the scrapbook. I love a good mystery. Thanks for checking in!”

I received a thorough and throroughly-wonderful response from Gary. Here are some excerpts:

“…I bought the photo album at an estate sale for William Danner who passed in September of 2009, he donated all his belongings to the Boy Scouts and they hired a company that specialized in liquidating estates to have the sale. I went because there were some military items, which is my area of interest. I was able to grab (it’s a real scramble at a sale like this) all of Delbert Danners World War I items, uniforms etc., which included the album because it has pictures of his training at Camp Lewis and shots around the house with his fancy new US Army outfit.“


“The album is quite interesting and shows lots of island shots…the steamboat Daring (an early ferry I think), early cars including the Danners’ 1914 Metz, a kit car they had shipped to the island. There are lots of porch shots of your house with little kids, couples, and some full family shots…if you have spirits in your house (we do) these would be them. There are a few full house shots from the front and a really good one of the side back area…Some of the photos are long shots and may be of your property, there is an interior shot of a Christmas tree decorated and with presents underneath and one of an old woman by a parlor stove. Anyway I ran into your site here about a year ago and had sent an email on another page of yours that probably didn’t work out…but I will get right on these pictures and get a couple sent your way.”

I was so glad that Gary tried contacting me a year after his first attempt. I’m not sure why I never received the first message (likely email filters), but I know I’m grateful for his persistence and generosity in sharing the photos with me. And if you wonder how he found me in the first place, his valiant effort started with a search for “Danner” and “Vashon Island” which returned my blog post about said subjects, and references to the farm’s for-sale pamphlet from 1917.

A few days later on Christmas day, I rose early, trundled downstairs in the dark, dancing around dog toys, beloved bones and wayward shoes (Thank you, Buddy). My trek to the ground floor a success, Christmas lights turned on, I was eager to brew a pot o’ joe, settle in, check emails, open gifts, and figure out my holiday phone calls and times, all while trying not to dispatch an entire tin of Russian tea cakes before my second cup of coffee. (Based on the powdered sugar coverage on keyboard, fingers, face and dog, resistance was futile.)

The first email I saw and opened that Christmas morning was adorned with the subject line: Pictures for my new friend Tom Conway. I clapped like a toddler in a high chair eyeing a sippy cup and a bowl of elbow macaroni.

Gary wrote:

“Hi Tom, here’s a few photos from the album, I am sending mostly shots of the house but in the album there are shots of outbuildings, crops, a barn looking structure, pigs and lots of pictures of the Danner family. I think there are 355 photos in the book with early shots of the island, showing beaches, people swimming and what must be downtown. There is a very cool professional aerial view of what must be your land and a small tower keeps popping up in several of the people shots I’m not sure what it is. Merry Christmas from Gary and Dolly. We hope this little pile of lost information will brighten your day.“

And like the twelve days of Christmas, there were twelve photos to discover. I even thought, maybe I’ll open one each day. That notion lasted two seconds after downloading the first photo.

I wrote back:

“Dear Dolly and Gary, Brighten my day? Oh you two sent me a solar flare! You are my Christmas angels delivering the sweetest missive of joy this very morning. You brought me to tears, truly. Who could have imagined I would be downloading 100-year-old images from the house where they were taken. What treasures, both the images and you two. Thank you so much for contacting me in the first place and being so generous to share this history of the Danner house with me…“

We’ve been in contact to meet in person, but schedules and COVID-19 put a halt to that for now. Until that day, I will relish these photographs and re-imagine the early days of the farm and family who brought the island outpost to life a century ago, and cherish my new friends Gary and Dolly who shared these visions and their passion for history that Christmas day. Thank you Gary and Dolly for the best gift basket of all: new friends, history, stories and fond memories. One day we shall meet I hope, and together write another chapter in the story of this beloved house.

The photos sent…

vintage christmas tree farmhouse
Then: Adorned in popcorn pearls and homemade ornaments, the Christmas tree reigns joyfully over the front parlor.
Tall Clover Farm house vintage
The front porch is the place to hang out, one-hundred years ago as well as today. The porch railings are now absent, but will return anew some day soon I hope. (Project 342). The walkway is now lawn grass, and the porch corbels, windows and front door remain original to the house.
Danner house farm Vashon
I’m particularly fond of this photo for its overview of the property looking south west (from left to right), showing the house, the machine shop, and the long-gone water tower and milking barn behind it.
Danners porch vashon island
Porch-side portrait: The black locust tree on the left, is now a stalwart stump refusing to rot 100 years later. The beautiful shiplap siding remains but has been covered by a protective, albeit less atheistically-appealing siding that I hope to remove one day. The small singular window on the far right peeks into the cold pantry, which is still wonderfully functional today. Upstairs, the four open window bays served as sleeping porches for seasonal farm workers. Today the bays form two separate rooms protected from weather by large picture windows.
Vintage dogs tall clover farm
Buddy was delighted to see that the first residents of the house included this handsome posse of pooches.
delbert danner and girlfriend
Delbert Danner and Imogene Breed strike a pose in front of their 1914 Metz kit car.
Cove road house vashon
This house, and home to Imogene Breed, is northwest of mine about 3 miles away and still stands off Cove Road on Vashon Island.
Vashon high school girls vintage
The only thing I know about this photo is it’s lovely.
delbert danner friends high school vashon
Sunday best: assuming Delbert Danner is in this group photo.
danner house vashon girl dolls
On the front porch: Fear not, the figures flanking the little girl are dolls.
vashon farm house
The east side of the house, not much has changed, thankfully.
danner farmhouse vashon island
The north side of the house: the porch on the far right is now enclosed. The original structure (left of the tree) was built in 1888, while the addition right of the tree came about in 1892. Not sure what crops are growing in the foreground.
The day after solstice 2020, the skies opened up and shared a little sunshine before the next round of Pacific storms. I love that this lovely wood-framed Vashon pioneer still stands and marks a prominent place on the island and in my heart.

Over the years I’ve whittled down the celebration of Christmas to what’s important to me in family, friends, places, and moments. If I never have to step into a shopping mall for the remainder of my days, I will consider this an appreciable outcome for a life well lived. The fewer the holiday assumptions I have, the fuller my seasonal celebration. I like to give Christmas a chance to find me, not the other way around. Sure there’s wonder in a Snowflake Lane or Zoo Lights, but don’t dismiss the everyday kindness and generosity that speak more eloquently to the season. I’d trade the aforementioned activities for the giggles and smiles of the neighbor kids delivering homemade cookies to my door, nary one absent of candy sprinkles (both cookies and kids), or the sheer delight of a kind soul reaching out to share a beautiful history that touches me on this day and everyday.

And thank you for joining me on this journey of discovering my farm’s past and the joys of everyday.

And so, as Tiny Tim said, “A Merry Christmas to us all; God bless us, every one!”

Buddy, seeks warmth on all levels, and sends his love and seasons greetings, too.

101 COMMENTS

  1. Merry Christmas Tom and Buddy-what a wonderful story and so exciting to see the pictures of your house in the “olden days”. May your 2021 be a very happy year (and the pandemic goes away forever)

  3. What a great story! Merry Christmas Tom, and best wishes to you and your family for the holidays and New Year!

    Looking forward to more Tall Clover Farm posts and words of wisdom in 2021. Give your mom my best and a hug from me when you get a chance to see her…

    • Randy, like these photos, we go way back, don’t we; and that makes so happy to know we’re still in touch, still friends. I’ll tell mom you send your best, as I do to you and Karen, Lei and Alex. To 2021, and better days…

  4. Tom,
    A true Christmas Story masterfully told! You have the gift of making magic Tom. The pictures are perfect in capturing the time and the people! Thank you for sharing your gifts with us.
    Robert

  6. Hello Tom and Buddy, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!
    What a delightful story and on Christmas of all days.

    We wish the both of you the most wondrous day full of love and adventure.

    Tom, thank you for always introducing a delightful way of enjoying and valuing what we have been granted in life.

    Viv and Furry Gang xoxoxo

    PS: to Buddy from the Harris, Oscar and Abbey, we wish you were here so we could share our favourite dish with you that Viv promised us today ( CAT FOOD) It is to die for!!!!!!!
    *Viv will be getting the gas mask out

    • Thank you Viv for the kind words and lovely well wishes. And Buddy is all over the cat food treat idea. Today I mixed some raw hamburger in his kibble, but I’ll reserve some cat food for him on New Year’s Day. Thanks for the idea. Now where can I find a doubly-strong gas mask? 😉

  8. What a wonderful story to brighten Christmas day. And what a wonderful kindness for Gary to take the time to reach out and share this with you. Merry Christmas Tom and Buddy.

  9. Merry Christmas, what a beautiful story to wake to. Thank you for sharing.
    Someday I want to meet you and enjoy your bed and breakfast. I think I should get that closer to the top of my bucket list, at 77 you never know.
    You and Buddy have a joyous day
    Betty Dickerson

  10. Thanks for sharing this fabulous GIFT! Blessings, joy, and a Merry Christmas to you, Buddy, and the “spirits” of this well-lived, well-loved home!

  11. You do everything so well. Thanks for sharing these beautiful thoughts in words well woven. So glad to know you through this. Debbie Medves

  12. What a wonderful story to wake up to on Christmas morning! Absolutely warms my heart and makes me smile! Thank you so much! And how amazingly wonderful for Gary and Dolly to share the history of your lovely place with you…and now us! Thank you Gary and Dolly!
    I always look forward to your posts, but don’t often comment, just smile, or often laugh out loud. Thank you for continuing to share your and Buddy’s lives with all of us! I look forward to more tales in 2021!
    PS The pictures of you and Buddy at the end are adorable!!!

    • Hi Diane, thank you so much. Buddy and I are still beaming after being called adorable. I’m so glad you shared your kind words and encouragement. Means a lot. Cheers and Happy New Year!

  14. What a lovely way to start Christmas day, reading about the cool old photos of your homestead, and seeing Buddy enjoy the warmth of the fire. I always enjoy hearing about what’s going on at Tall Clover Farm. You have a wonderful way with words, Tom, (and so does Buddy!) Wishing you both a Merry Christmas and a Happy 2021.

  15. Ahh Merry Christmas my friend-so many times we are reminded that words have a certain power and depth… and how wonderful of you to share yours.. many happy returns Tom and Buddy-💕chris

  16. Merry Christmas Tom & Buddy !🎄What a wonderful story and skillful recounting to wake up & read on Christmas morning. What a treasure those photos are and to learn more about the history of your home/farm 🥰. The Danners would be proud of your continued stewardship !

    • Happy New Year Sue, hope all is well with you and your beautiful family! Please let me know if you’re ever on Vashon. That is when the COVID coast is clear. 😉

  17. How lovely to see a home that has been cared for and cherished through many years and family members! I feel sure the Danners would gratefully count you and Buddy as adopted family members when your love and care of the home is so evident! Thank you for sharing your gift of words with those of us who look forward to hearing about you, Buddy and the farm! Wishing you and your mom and Buddy a healthy, happy, and prosperous new year!

    • Alice, from the Land of Enchantment! Thank you for your kind words and lovely sentiment. You well wishes are most appreciated and may we wish you the same !

    • Hi Richard and Renna, Oh that scrapbook is a one of kind thing. I’m sorry to say it’s not available as a copied book. Thank you for your interest, though.

  20. The picture of Buddy in front of the fire is so reminiscent of our bulldog, Freckles, who would get as close to the fireplace as possible. Like Buddy, he would have to turn his head sideways to keep his face from getting blasted by the heat. Bulldog genetics at work, I think.

  21. What a delightful Christmas story to warm my heart, (along with my Salt Spring coffee with eggnog). Wishing you and Buddy a memorable Christmas in your lovely home.

    • Thank you, Annie, and here’s to you and the New Year on your lovely island to the north. Hopefully one day soon I’ll get to revisit your beautiful country.

    • Oh Gary, that was my laugh for the day. And to think I fancied myself as George Clooney’s doppelgänger. Upon closer inspection and introspection I must admit, you are correct, I do resemble an older, chubbier Ralphie from A Christmas Story. Well, he is pretty adorable; I can live with that. Happy New Year!

      • Tom,
        Ralphie is my hero “you’ll shoot your eye out” in a timeless Christmas classic. Sorry, I couldn’t ignore the resemblance or resist the impulse. Your house is also a timeless classic. Thank you so much for sharing your story and your house’s story with your fans in Sequim, and everyone else all over. And yes, we all deserve a happy and safe and healthy New Year

  23. I am always delighted to see one of your posts in my email, but this one coming on Christmas Day was the most special of all. You are an amazing writer and I read every word with relish. One thought – we had an old house built in 1916 that had been covered in aluminum siding. When we could finally afford to replace it and tore off the siding we found a bit of a Christmas miracle; the entire was covered in beautiful shake siding in perfect condition. I am hoping you get the same surprise when it is your time to see what’s under there!! All the best in 2021!!

    • Karen, I love the surprise that greeted you with your aluminum siding removal. I’m pretty confident there’s a lovely shiplap underneath my 50s siding, based on what appears at the gable peaks where they must have run out of new siding. My fingers are crossed. Thank you for your encouraging and very kind words. That means a lot to me. Happy New Year!

  24. Tom, what a lovely story and the pictures are so fantastic. I think we all realized this year that was is important in life is family friends and of course our four legged family members

  25. what a delightful story. i loved seeing all of the photos too. i live in a house built in 1874. it’s the oldest house in the area. i would love to see photos of it long ago! merry xmas to you and buddy, the two cutest guys around!

    • Thank you Joyce,
      Buddy and I will blush over that last acknowledgment. Thank you. I saw some photos of your porch and garden; it looks lovely. And you handsome pooches, wow what lookers! Happy New Year Joyce!

  27. What a wonderful story about your beloved home!! My daughter and son-in-law live in Spokane (where we are for Christmas. We live on Tapps Island in Pierce County.) They live in a farm house built in 1906 which was moved from a farm to land next door, approx. 18 years ago by previous owners. When they bought the house it had been placed on a large new basement, insulated, sheetrocked, new plumbing and electrical. But they ran out of $ to do more. Caitlin and Chad bought it and the 20 acres acres around it, planning to work on it over the years. I belong to a group on Facebook called the Gilded Age Society. Photos of homes, people and wonderful things from that era. One day a man who grew up in Spokane mentioned that you could get tax abatements through a program with the Historic Preservation group. Look under HistoricSpokane.org. When my parents passed away I gave their $ to Caitlin for the house. We had contractors working for months… Through a program with this group they had an official history written about the property and now 2 years later Spokane County is giving them a $25,000 tax abatement over a ten year period! There may be programs in King County (if Vashon is in it) for this purpose too!! The organization in Spokane might be able to help you find it if there is! I would love to send you photos of their home. The first floor with huge living, kitchen, mud room, powder room and guest room remains undone in modern terms but someday… We got the exterior, roof and basement family room done with bedroom for 17 year old Piper, big bath, gear room for camping and rock climbing, gas funace and outside heat pump combo, and storage done and upstairs bathroom. It’s a beautiful home with five year old Owen and one year old Violet running around and Piper visiting on weekends! I hope there is a comparable program in King county!!

    • Carrie, I’d have to say you too have a wonderful story to share. I love that the house was saved, moved, updated and made into a welcoming family home, and what a cool and generous part you had in aiding to its completion. And thank you for the tax abatement program insight. I’ll check it out. My improvements are at a snail’s pace, but after 16 years here I have made progress. I can boast completion of foundation work, wall finishes, new gutters, new roof, new porch floorboards, new interior paints, and an updated bathroom. One day the kitchen will be approached, but for now I’ll enjoy as a time capsule to honoring the 1920s. 😉 Well wishes and a happy new year!

      • Tom, I hope there is a similar program to defray your expenses!! I have also heard of a state program to save old barns here with in WA! Not sure where you would find the information it. My Grandfather had a wonderful barn in Ilion, NY. He became Chief Engineer of the Remington Arms Company in the 1950s and ’60s. His and our Nana’s brick Victorian Italianate home had original tin ceilings in the two font parlors. The house had the maple flooring and was electrified typically with baseboard outlets…one or two per room from an early redo from gas lighting in 1900! When I watch “A Christmas Story” and the Father is trying plug in the leg lamp to the configurations of extension cords it reminds me of their house!! The old hay loft became my “club”… A neighbor girl and I spent a week each summer when I visited, painting old furniture Granddaddy would buy at farm and garage sales. I can still smell the turpentine we used to clean ourselves and the brushes on 95 degree days up there!! The barn had 6 or 7 horse stalls on the side and Granddaddy rented them out for winter car storage. When he retired he turned them into his museum! We would drive all over upstate NY collecting bird nests and Queen Ann’s Lace flowers which dried nicely. We would get in his huge Gold Buick Electra and go to lunch in Vermont collecting all the way! They loved to go to Maine and beach comb…in the ’60s they could find the wooden lobster floats stew amoung by the rocks by storms. Granddaddy must have had 20 of those hung from the beams! He refinished furniture out there and in his stone foundation basement. He gave my parents several nice things like my Dad’s 17th century cherry dresser and cherry dining table. My parents bought Hitchcock furniture a chair at a time for the dining room. The beautiful cherry corner china cupboard is now here at our daughter’s house, though containing board games… I grew up surrounded by antiques and history to major in history in college! I did have a unique take on things…I was interested in the history of science and particularly of medical science. Our daughter is a molecular geneticist so she got my mechanical engineer Grandfather, my mechanical engineer Father and electrical engineer husband’s brains!! My son-in-law’s paternal family came from Germany to a homestead not a mile from this 1906 house. The second home where his Grandfather grew up is very close too. They almost bought it but it needed much more work on the old outbuildings. His Grandfather remembered playing with the boy who lived in this house!! History has come full circle. The great great grandfather owned a 1000 acres at one time, all planted in wheat and another relative grew chickens for eggs. The huge large hen house was only torn down a couple of years ago. It is so much fun to know all these things and pass them on to the next generation growing up here!! Best wishes on your home and a tummy rub for the pup!! Carrie

        • Carrie what wonderful tales and retellings and insights to you and your past and your family’s history and interests. I had to re-read it a couple times because there were so many fascinating details to relish and imagine upon. I’m going to look into the barn grant again to see if I qualify. The old machine shop barn is the sole remaining out building on the property and its 2-inch thick board-and-batten sides are in need of replacement. I did add extra ceiling trusses to stabilize the building. Unfortunately, the big barn, water tower and livestock barn have all collapsed. I’m always finding cool things around those areas, rusty and mysterious machine parts. Thanks for sharing these great stories, and Happy New Year!

  28. Ah, Tom. Tom, Tom… this brought tears to my eyes. What a wonderful story, to read about, to see the other folks who lived, struggled, worked, and loved, there at your house, on this, our wacky little island.
    Thank you. And a most Merry Christmas to you, to Buddy, to all your loved ones, to us all. God Bless us, one and all!

    • Michael so lovely to read your comments and think about the upcoming days when we can catch up in person and I can ask, “Any performances coming up?” Thank you my friend.

  30. Merry Christmas Tom. You’ve certainly brightened my day with your exquisitely told tale of simpler times. Gosh, that warms my heart…as do all your writings. You never fail to reduce my blood pressure and send my thoughts back stroking. ❤️🎄Thanks!

  32. Tom, What a beautiful story and solid reminder of how entwined we are with those who came before us whether we know it or not.

    Wishing you and Buddy an especially merry Christmas as you both continue to create wonderful tales and memories for others to read about and enjoy in the future.

  34. Oh what a Wonderful surprise to wake up to (over teacakes no less)!! Fantastic memories wrapped up in those photos. Wouldn’t you love to sit down with that album?!! I am so happy this gentleman got in touch, and shared these precious memories with you.

    • Thank you Sarah, I sure hope he and I can meet some day and pore over his historical treasures. Take care, say hi to your pup, and hopefully one day soon we can enjoy a visit in person.

  35. Dear Tom, thank you for this most wonderful Christmas story about the history of your farm. As a history lover too, I was thrilled to read that now you know something, and will learn more, of the people who came before you there. I so look forward to your posts. I am an admirer in Ohio, and I thank my lucky stars to have stumbled upon your posts a few years ago!
    Debby Rockwood

  36. What a wonderful Christmas Story. Thank you Tom. Clearly the Peach Palace has a long history of perfect inhabitants to mind her and love her through the years. Merry Christmas farmer, Buddy too.

  37. Oh, Tommy! That is the best Christmas story ever. I’d call it a Christmas miracle. And I know Karin and Buzz would have loved the magic of it. And you- surely- got a little bit of magic in you. ✨

    • Thank you Dana, you are absolutely right, Karin and Buzz would’ve delighted in this story and learning the extended history of their beloved former home.

  38. Adore you, adore this… you are such a perfect steward for that amazing property. I love all that you bring to it. 100 years hence, I hope someone is as lucky & generous. xxoxo!!

    • Thanks Margo, one of my favorite things about the house is all of the wonderful porches and stoops to sit and catch up with friends. Thank you for the kind words. Happy New Year!

  39. Dear Tom,

    What a pleasure to read this latest entry in your ongoing story! The house I grew up in had a similar history, and the home I just left after 27 years was a warime home, and I have all the deeds as the house was sold and sold again, but not any intimate history. I am now in a 5-year-old condo, so no hope remains of getting more history! But I know how you love your home and how well you have preserved its beauty, so this addition must have meant so much to you. I celebrate with you and for you!

  41. Omigosh, what a wonderful story. I read through the blog and perused all the photos with a big smile on my face. I love old photos, and am fortunate to have a slew of them, of family members whose names in many cases are lost, but whose faces I search for familiar features. How fabulous to have such a history and the old pictures to go with it! I have loved your house and farm from afar, as you have written about it through the years. Such a pleasure to add that continuity on back to the days when it was brand new! Thanks so much for sharing.

  42. I love a good old-fashioned Christmas story, and this one sure fits the bill. And such amazing photos! I do hope we get to “stay in touch” with Gary and Dolly – what wonderful people. Merry Christmas, Tom!

  43. What a fabulous find, and how lovely of Gary to share! Old photos and old stories are such a treasure; local history is too often lost as it’s often deemed unimportant or uninteresting, which (IMHO) is totally not true. It’s these pioneers who built on the land and lived simple lives that make our countries great. (I’m in Canada, but not so far away.)

    I love your blogs, and am so glad you are someone who sees the possibilities in everything. Have a happy holiday and here’s to a wonderful 2021 for us all.

  45. Tom,
    I’m always moved by your delight in all things simple and your dedication to bringing history to life. It’s a special person who sees a turn of the century home and sees perfection. And even more of a special person who lives with its imperfections each day while holding space for the treasures yet to be discovered and brought back to glory. I love that you hold that space on the corner of Beall and 192nd. You and Buddy are island treasures and have earned your place in history along with the Danners. Thank you for making island life that much sweeter. Merry Christmas and cheers to a new year full of remarkable history in the making.

    • Connie, I am humbled by your words, truly. Thank you, and can you believe close to 17 years ago you helped me find this sweet Vashon gem. And didn’t we have fun while on the hunt for my forever home. Thank you, Connie, thank you.

  46. While catching up with emails I came across yours. I spent the next several minutes smiling as I read your post. Your joy was so contagious I felt like I was there watching you as you waited expectantly for each downloaded photo to open. I felt your sheer happiness. What a beautiful story, Tom! May your New Year be filled with the same joy you felt on Christmas morning.

  47. good Morning, Tom and a very Happy New Year to you…just wanted to tell you that I’m 72 years old and my very first dog when I was 8 years old and growing up in Minot North Dakota was a Boston Terrier ….. since then over my lifetime I’ve had 7 more … we have a three year old right now named Hank who’s the love of our life….. I also have a 9 year old Chihuahua named Katie Bug ….love your Buddy . The first Boston my husband and I had together was named Buddy too …Hope your New Year will be safe and profitable !

    • Hi Deb, thanks for the kind words and well wishes! And would you believe my first dog as a kid was a Boston terrier named Butch, and then after Butch we had another Boston Terrier, Penny. I loved them so much, I think their cute smushy faces imprinted on me. Thanks for checking in and sharing news of your cute pups, they sound dreamy!

    • Hi Sara, so nice to meet you. I thought all of the blackberry brambles in King County were on Vashon. 😉 They must have floated over to West Seattle on a high tide. Thank you for you kind words of support. That really means a lot, and I don’t take it lightly. Hope to check in again on a future post. Take care and happy gardening. Tom

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