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Will the fun never cease? By Peggy Dover Jan 01, 2023 12:00 AM A A Happy 2023, fellow countrypersons! As a friend texted the other day, “2023 skidoo!” I guess that refers to the old year making way for another promising clean slate, though 2022 was a definite improvement. The holidays have been busy and mostly fun. I saw four plays and enjoyed hoots, hollers and too much sugar with friends and family. I even produced a full turkey dinner with apple pie for dessert. My overworked back is causing aches and groans to usher forth. The blessed week of sloth between Christmas and New Year is a vacation from preparation, but this year, fun won’t leave me alone. I finally took advantage of Southern Oregon Historical Society’s invitation for the public to tour the inside of the historical Hanley Farm house — a true Southern Oregon treasure. For years I’ve wanted a close-up with Hanley Farm but something always prevented it. This Century Farm is a picturesque 37-acre (originally 636 acres) working farm established in 1852 and located just outside of Jacksonville on Hanley Road. Mary, the last surviving Hanley, donated the farm to the Historical Society in 1982 at her passing. Today, the farm is run using no-till, no-chemical practices. They also boast a monarch butterfly waystation. The society offers educational programs, community garden plots and special events throughout the year. Follow their Facebook page or website for information. Hanley also serves as a lovely backdrop for special events. School groups are welcome by arrangement. I love old homes and was there to get a peek at the interior of the 1860s manse I’d driven by for years. She was dolled up for the holidays and opened her doors on a much simpler yet labor intensive lifestyle. I always know I’m in for a rare treat when invited to slip the special blue booties over my shoes to enter. But first, we walked around the grounds and spotted the original 1854 barn out back, water tower, the stunning, large 1900 barn in front, stone springhouse and other old outbuildings. Visit my FB page for photos. One thing that impressed me was the Hanley sisters’ resourcefulness. Women ran the farm for nearly 100 years. They bought a book to learn how to upholster furniture and redid several pieces still present in the sitting rooms. These were chairs and settees with deep folds and tucks. Not only do they appear professionally done, they have been lovingly preserved. Read more about the Hanley sisters at oregonencyclopedia.org/articles/hanley_farm/#.Y6-f9RXMKUk . In the dining room, I noticed the vestiges of a figgy pudding from the 1860s, or was it a fruitcake? Anyway, it looked just as good as the day it came out of the old wood-burning oven. I jest. It was a faux figgy. There were so many odds and ends in each room. For those who appreciate antiques, it’s a feast. I couldn’t take it all in and wished I was alone and able to look as long as I wanted. I recommend a visit when the next opportunity arises. Last night I switched gears and made a trip to Belle Fiore Winery in Ashland, which I hadn’t visited in a possum’s age. Multiple kudos to Belle Fiore for hosting live music at their beautiful venue Wednesday through Sunday nights, yes, even in the winter. It’s no secret I like jazz. Last night’s treat came in the form of The Shabby Guys quartet — Pete Brown on guitar, Mike Fitch on drums, Jeff (ubiquitous) Addicott playing electric bass and Randy Scherer with his trumpet. Saxophonist Gordon Greenley was out of town. The Shabby Guys were anything but when it came to putting out smooth jazz that warmed as the evening wore on, like when we needed to move. I love to dance but don’t officially know how, so I make do. I know how to spin around when guided. Clark, an adorable 21-year-old Navy man on leave from Oklahoma, completed my night when he invited me to “teach him to dance.” Sigh. It triggered some wonderful memories, and I wished I was young again. Stay tuned. Peggy Dover is a freelance writer/author with rhythm. Reach her at [email protected].