A6011A

Winter Scenes

Fred's Anecdotal Note

The Homestead

In the old homestead down by the big red barn, the family has almost all gone to sleep. Only glowing embers remain from the recent flames in the fieldstone fireplace. The big St. Bemard sleeps on her special rug at the foot of the spacious and treasured heirloom bed. Outside, the tire swing and sled wait for the morning laughter of excited children. Soft, dry hay piled in an unused horse stall in the vintage barn provides a warm resting place for Annie, the orange tabby cat. In the silent winter forest, the doe and fawn sleep peacefully. And...on a moonlit wooded slope at the other end of the valley, the barred owl will soon fly to its white birch vigil and await the coming day.

Autumn 2022 Mail Sale Commentary 

Lot 31 A6011a — American Winter Scenes — The Homestead (Barred Owl statism) - (10-16-20)

When I decided to do this set of ten Winter Scenes from 2020, it was in the context of a day on the fictional Pleasant Valley Farm. After the tenth stamp was done, I decided I needed a farmhouse cachet to end the set. Hence, "The Homestead" was created, and I used a random stamp on each one. Of course, I realized that some collectors would want to search for the various stamps for their collections, so I did produce about 30 extras for each stamp. To be fair to everyone, I will offer them in my mail sales. The first is the barred owl Collins number A6011a. If you wish to seek the various "Homestead" stamps, this one will get you started. I'm starting with a modest estimate to see where these covers settle. It could, of course, go higher. Good luck.