It had already been a long, hard week when my husband called me from his cell phone to tell me that he was sitting on the tractor we borrowed and it was stuck in mud. Could I come and help get him out? he asked. I laughed. Not because he was stuck, but because he actually thought I could be of some help in the situation.
Me? Help? Really?!! What in the world could I do? I wouldn’t know where to begin to get a tractor un-stuck.
Well, there was one thing to do: call a neighbor for help.
I keep finding myself showered with gifts.
Not the kind that come in a box, or wrapped up in bows.
But the other kind. You know, the kind that matters the most.
Meredith says: A most precious gift I received this last week when my family and I travelled to Pennsylvania for the Junior National Hereford Exposition. A whole WEEK together, doing what we love ( showing our Herefords) and enjoying the time with old and new friends. It really hit me hard how blessed I am to have my daughter, who loves her cows, and to be able to do something like that. ♥️♥️♥️
Mary Rauch says: After 51 years of being on this earth, our son has a home of his OWN. It’s pretty exciting for him and for us to watch his joy.
Maureen says: I do believe you’ve found your zen. This post made me smile in the best way. I actually laughed out loud at the can lid story. My parents farm house had a large lid covering the old stove pipe hole too! Good ole’ fashioned farm life “make-do” mentality. It’s great!
Monicarose says: What a beautiful story of gifts that matter! So many time we overlook all the beautiful blessings showered upon us! This was such a good reminder to look beyond the covering and see the heart of the matter! God Bless You and your farm!
Beverly says: Bless you Rebekah for sharing the gifts of your beloved farm. It has been my dream for far too long to find the peace, comfort, joy and above all gifts that a farm can bring. Sharing the baptism site was a particular comfort to me as well as your beautiful sycamore tree.May you continue to be blessed by the gifts our Heavenly Father gives us each day…if only we take the time to look.
Joan says: I thought I could never laugh, smile and cry all at the same time like I have just done by reading your wonderful story!!! My comment would be way to long if I said all I have in my heart now, but what I will say God bless you for receiving and sharing the blessings of your lovely farm and community.
Marji says: I have loved your post over the years. But this one especially touched me. Your ability to “see” the important and wonderful things in our lives gives insight on how to really live. I am so glad you continue to share your joy of life. Thank you!
Susan Abernethy says: It is amazing what we see when our eyes are opened to the beautiful gifts that we all receive daily. A sunset, a sunrise, the moon, the stars, fresh air….the mountains where I live close by, and the beach not so far away. A smile from a stranger, a hug from a friend. Tea on the porch swing, a note from a friend of long ago….My Mother is 90 years old today..to go this week and celebrate with my family the wonder and wisdom of living on this earth 90 years…she is a wonderful mentor, and friend.
Hugs to you for a wonderful blog, and for making us all open our eyes a little wider. 🙂
Deanna says: This beautiful blog post reminded me of the sampler I stitched. “God blesses us every day, it is up to us to notice”. Thanks for the gifts you gave to all of us today.
KimberlyD says: I love sitting outside and watching the neighbors horses grazing and rolling around on their backs on the grass and sometimes I see deer with them also. I love being outside at night and seeing fireflies, a lot more out this year. Also than looking up at the beautiful moon and stars, I love looking at the consolations!
Cindy says: This was such a beautiful post, Rebekah! Very moving to read about what you love. My specific gifts are the wildlife that surround my home. The quiet and peace I feel when I’m home alone. Even with the upcoming move into my new home, I’m still humbled and thankful I have the same sense of peace and nature waiting for me there. My garden gifts me with fresh herbs and tomatoes that I use in my cooking most everyday. My current home sits at just the right angle so the morning sun comes through the lace curtains, making beautiful patterns on the floor. My kitties stretch out in this morning light and teach me the art of total relaxation. The velvety night sky, the crickets, and all the night sounds are my evening companions. I’m such a nature girl at heart. I so understand the love you have for your farm! Blessings to you, now and always.
Dorothy says: Thanks for the post. I am looking around seeing some of the gifts I have been blessed with. Thank you.
Rebekah, beautiful post. I enjoyed feeling the peace of your farm while reading. As for all that Zuchinni, make zuchinni bread and freeze for Christmas presents later…Just find your favorite Banana bread recipe and replace bananas with grated zuchinni, peel and all. I then add sometimes to change it up a bit, walnuts, craisins, and small dark choc chip pieces, for choc cranberry zuchinni bread. There are so many different ways to fix. My friend back home who has a great little restaraunt, (Rosemary’s Kitchen in Ruston, LA) used to make a bunch of small loaves then freeze and then have everyone over around Christmas for a get together and then send each home with a little loaf of Zuchinni bread wrapped in plain brown paper and pretty ribbons..It was a welcomed gift in the winter after the gardens are all played out. just an idea…Be Blessed. Neta.
DJ says: Rebekah, I always look forward to your posts. Finally I was able to get on to the internet this morning and delighted to see your post. What a great birthday gift; I laughed, cried and just took some quiet moments while soaking in your words and pictures.
My husband and I have been traveling in our 28′ RV for the last month and nature has offered us many different, funny, peaceful and scary adventures. What I didn’t think about was the gifts from each one. Thanks for sharing.
tamra Litz says: Don’t know how I found you, but reading your profile reminded me of my daughter just 22 graduating in three years at The Masters College with a biblical counseling degree…smart, pretty, like you. Reading your blog, I wanted to be there on your land, in your messy, dusty kitchen…mostly wanted to scroll on down to the next worshipful utterance of gratefulness. Twas a page turner, keep them coming sweet stranger/friend in Christ.
I keep finding myself showered with gifts.
Not the kind that come in a box, or wrapped up in bows.
But the other kind. You know, the kind that matters the most.
Meredith says: A most precious gift I received this last week when my family and I travelled to Pennsylvania for the Junior National Hereford Exposition. A whole WEEK together, doing what we love ( showing our Herefords) and enjoying the time with old and new friends. It really hit me hard how blessed I am to have my daughter, who loves her cows, and to be able to do something like that. ♥️♥️♥️
Mary Rauch says: After 51 years of being on this earth, our son has a home of his OWN. It’s pretty exciting for him and for us to watch his joy.
Maureen says: I do believe you’ve found your zen. This post made me smile in the best way. I actually laughed out loud at the can lid story. My parents farm house had a large lid covering the old stove pipe hole too! Good ole’ fashioned farm life “make-do” mentality. It’s great!
Monicarose says: What a beautiful story of gifts that matter! So many time we overlook all the beautiful blessings showered upon us! This was such a good reminder to look beyond the covering and see the heart of the matter! God Bless You and your farm!
Beverly says: Bless you Rebekah for sharing the gifts of your beloved farm. It has been my dream for far too long to find the peace, comfort, joy and above all gifts that a farm can bring. Sharing the baptism site was a particular comfort to me as well as your beautiful sycamore tree.May you continue to be blessed by the gifts our Heavenly Father gives us each day…if only we take the time to look.
Joan says: I thought I could never laugh, smile and cry all at the same time like I have just done by reading your wonderful story!!! My comment would be way to long if I said all I have in my heart now, but what I will say God bless you for receiving and sharing the blessings of your lovely farm and community.
Marji says: I have loved your post over the years. But this one especially touched me. Your ability to “see” the important and wonderful things in our lives gives insight on how to really live. I am so glad you continue to share your joy of life. Thank you!
Susan Abernethy says: It is amazing what we see when our eyes are opened to the beautiful gifts that we all receive daily. A sunset, a sunrise, the moon, the stars, fresh air….the mountains where I live close by, and the beach not so far away. A smile from a stranger, a hug from a friend. Tea on the porch swing, a note from a friend of long ago….My Mother is 90 years old today..to go this week and celebrate with my family the wonder and wisdom of living on this earth 90 years…she is a wonderful mentor, and friend.
Hugs to you for a wonderful blog, and for making us all open our eyes a little wider. 🙂
Deanna says: This beautiful blog post reminded me of the sampler I stitched. “God blesses us every day, it is up to us to notice”. Thanks for the gifts you gave to all of us today.
KimberlyD says: I love sitting outside and watching the neighbors horses grazing and rolling around on their backs on the grass and sometimes I see deer with them also. I love being outside at night and seeing fireflies, a lot more out this year. Also than looking up at the beautiful moon and stars, I love looking at the consolations!
Cindy says: This was such a beautiful post, Rebekah! Very moving to read about what you love. My specific gifts are the wildlife that surround my home. The quiet and peace I feel when I’m home alone. Even with the upcoming move into my new home, I’m still humbled and thankful I have the same sense of peace and nature waiting for me there. My garden gifts me with fresh herbs and tomatoes that I use in my cooking most everyday. My current home sits at just the right angle so the morning sun comes through the lace curtains, making beautiful patterns on the floor. My kitties stretch out in this morning light and teach me the art of total relaxation. The velvety night sky, the crickets, and all the night sounds are my evening companions. I’m such a nature girl at heart. I so understand the love you have for your farm! Blessings to you, now and always.
Dorothy says: Thanks for the post. I am looking around seeing some of the gifts I have been blessed with. Thank you.
Rebekah, beautiful post. I enjoyed feeling the peace of your farm while reading. As for all that Zuchinni, make zuchinni bread and freeze for Christmas presents later…Just find your favorite Banana bread recipe and replace bananas with grated zuchinni, peel and all. I then add sometimes to change it up a bit, walnuts, craisins, and small dark choc chip pieces, for choc cranberry zuchinni bread. There are so many different ways to fix. My friend back home who has a great little restaraunt, (Rosemary’s Kitchen in Ruston, LA) used to make a bunch of small loaves then freeze and then have everyone over around Christmas for a get together and then send each home with a little loaf of Zuchinni bread wrapped in plain brown paper and pretty ribbons..It was a welcomed gift in the winter after the gardens are all played out. just an idea…Be Blessed. Neta.
DJ says: Rebekah, I always look forward to your posts. Finally I was able to get on to the internet this morning and delighted to see your post. What a great birthday gift; I laughed, cried and just took some quiet moments while soaking in your words and pictures.
My husband and I have been traveling in our 28′ RV for the last month and nature has offered us many different, funny, peaceful and scary adventures. What I didn’t think about was the gifts from each one. Thanks for sharing.
tamra Litz says: Don’t know how I found you, but reading your profile reminded me of my daughter just 22 graduating in three years at The Masters College with a biblical counseling degree…smart, pretty, like you. Reading your blog, I wanted to be there on your land, in your messy, dusty kitchen…mostly wanted to scroll on down to the next worshipful utterance of gratefulness. Twas a page turner, keep them coming sweet stranger/friend in Christ.
Oh yeah, I’ve got one, a secret. Do you?
Are you someone who can be trusted with secrets? I can. My lips are sealed tightly. My grandmother used to say, “Now, don’t you tell it…” (I hear her voice saying that now as I write it.) I learned not to. I did NOT tell it. Now that I think about it, it’s kinda funny that I blog because I’m actually a very private person. I think I feel safe because Farmgirls are such a sweet, supportive, loving group of women. Aren’t we!
But I don’t mind whispering my own secrets to you. My secret is one of the reasons I’ve been pulling out my hair the last six months. Continue reading
Joan says: YEA!!!!! LOVE your secrets!! I don’t have any, just the same ole 1’s n 2’s around here so you sharing yours has given me joy. Your kitchen is a real thrill, are you thinking of a ‘country’ theme or anything country? I have ‘country’ but it depends on which area you look as to which country, of course chickens but they are USA and Frenchy, have antiques (family things) then some Old World and a couple unexpected not kitchen items – love bird houses – big ones, crocks oh my goodness what one can find in your area would be great fun to use – I’ve been lucky to have bought at some sales back there. Oh girl you are having a joyful time of your life and I am so happy for you. God bless – oh and enjoy the baptisms – in my humble opinion they are the best in a creek.
Meredith W. says: Hi there! If your chicken who has a stopped up crop is still with you ( I hope!) try this, it worked for my chicken who was suffering the same. Fix her some oatmeal, but instead of using water, use corn oil. I tried this after having no luck with anything else, and it worked. It took 2-3 days for her to have enough lubrication to get rid of the stopped up stuff, but it worked! Just make sure it has cooled a bit before you give it. You could also just give her corn oil in a syringe orally if you can’t get the oatmeal in her. I will say a little prayer for your success!
Rebekah Teal says: thank you so much, Meredith, for the help! I did just that when I read your comment and took it out to her. She ate it! Just a minute ago I checked on her and when I massaged her crop, it was soft. previously it was hard as a rock. I hope, I hope, I hope!
Cathy Harvey says: I’m so glad Mustache cat is still around. I had no doubt he would be. Every time we’ve moved our cats would disappear for 3-5 days then show up like nothing happened. Over time I came to expect that. He just wanted to be free. He’d probably been outside since day 1. He won’t leave the farm now, though.
I love the baptisms taking place soon. You live a dream life 🙂
Lisa B. says: Thanks for the encouragement…I have a little secret…I’m scared of remodeling my kitchen. My husband who never cooks or bakes always disagrees with my ideas and it’s gotten so bad, that I feel like it will never get remodeled because we always wind up arguing. I’ve been going over remodeling books and magazines for 6 years, but you encouraged me to see it differently and make bold changes. Thanks! Kitchen Blessings, Lisa
Kim says: I love your new sink and stove! I know it will be a perfect kitchen for your family!! I’m not so good at decorating either though! I’m so happy your cat came back! We have a cat named Mixy! My husband found him in hay bales while moving hay. He was left all alone for whatever reason. He brought it home and my daughter fed him with an eyedropper every two hours for two weeks! Needless to say he is dearly loved here! We want a cat for our barn! I simply cannot wait for pics of the baptism! How beautiful that will be! “Gimme that ole time religion!”
P.S. I LOVE reading your posts! So inspiring! October is a great month for the challenge!
Rebekah I just love your stories! I’ve been subscribing to MJ’s magazine for quite a few years and always flip to the back cover and read your article first. I’m new to the internet in the last couple of months and LOVE getting your blog! About once a week I sit down and read a couple of your old ones-slowly making my way through them all. You make me laugh out loud so often! We live on a small homestead in northern Maine and I can relate to so many of your adventures on the farm! There aren’t many farm gals in this area so it’s really nice to feel connected to others that “get it”. Thanks so much for sharing!
Someone stopped by the farm last evening, a neighbor’s cousin from out of town. We were all standing around chatting and he asked if we had visited some local attraction. And I said, “All we’ve done is work since we moved to this farm, but one day!” And he said something that went right through me and stuck to my heart and brain.
“I’ll let you in on a secret,” he leaned in to me. Then he said, “On a farm, the work is never done.”
Sandy says: Wasn’t expecting this to turn into a how to on a relaxing bath. I enjoyed the story and will try the bath MINUS CRITTERS. Thanks
Cynthia says: Oh Rebekah! Remember it’s life’s journey ,not obtaining perfection to the ulitmate end.We are never truly content until everything is in order, so we continually strive. But then we lose those special times of pure simple enjoyment.The farm is your little peace of heaven on this earth don’t make it a “QUEST”. Kudos to you- a tick, a spider eewwww and a mouse, yikes, I guess these will make a true farm girl out of you!
Thanks for making me smile…
Reba says: I believe the work on the farm can best be described like the ride on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle: “It’s not the destination but the journey.” Enjoy the journey on your new farm!! And part of that is listening and learning from the locals…which you really do well!!! I really enjoy reading about your “journey.” Thank you for sharing.
Janice K. says: Feeling stress and anxiety seems to be a normal part of my life. My husband and I went to a vintage travel trailer rally in Roslyn, WA, last weekend (Anyone remember Northern Exposure? I even met the young couple that live in ‘Maggie’s house’!). We huffed and puffed and cleaned and watered and did everything that it takes to get ready to go. Our 1978 Ford pickup had to have some last minute repairs. We were leaving with a truck that might have some problems!?!?!? Sheesh.
We got to the rally with NO problems, and had a super wonderful time. There’s something about hanging around like-minded folks…Moral of the story is that we came back with a renewed sense of purpose and smiles (large!) on our faces…
Love an Epsom salt bath! I even soak my arthritic hands and feet in it if I don’t have time for the entire bath. There I’ll be on my garden patio, sitting there with my feet tucked into a basin after a hard afternoon of weeding! Nap time…
Chances are your little mouse friend fell into your tub and didn’t come up the drain. Set some of those ‘humane’ traps in your bath room, just in case he has a family…The spiders are drawn there because of the moist and cool environment…
Lisa B. says: Janice you’ve given me a brainstorm with the epsom soak in a basin outside after gardening while enjoying looking at our hardwork! You see there are 6 of us and one, yes one tub/shower. Now I can shush off the kids while I repose with my no fuss, no muss epsom soak outside accompanied by a nice Kombucha and let them form a line outside the WC! Growing up in a big condo in a concrete jungle did a disservice to me…the learning curve of living in a small 1950’s house has been insane but I wouldn’t go back…maybe one day I’ll be fit to return to the farmlife my mom left behind…I wish I had her green thumb! great comment! Many Thanks, Lisa
Meredith says: AnnaBelle is too sweet for her own good! My sister had a small frog crawl out of her sink drain in SC-I have never had this happen myself, but it would freak me out if it did! Try to take some time off from the to-do list this summer and visit your area- the work isn’t going anywhere!
SherriBerri says: perfect time for me, We took time out to go to a festival this past weekend and a tractor show and i was feeling a bit guilty….but we got the fencing up we wanted to and got the chickens outside where they belong. Thanks for posting
Nancy Couden says: I agree with the magnesium importance in our diet. We recently received a book entitled “Magnificent Magnesium” by Dennis Goodman, MD. Heard about this watching “Your Health” with Dr. Richard and Cindy Becker. Like the cover says it is the vital mineral that helps avoid heart attacks, lowers blood pressure, stops painful muscle cramps, relieves nagging insomnia and increases calcium absorption.
Marge Hofknecht says: I love a tub bath! And I had two just last week, one night and then the other! I will try the epsom salts bath. Even though I don’t work on a farm, I work taking care of developmentally disabled women and often have to engage in some physical activity with them like lifting and transferring and supporting and so on. Lots of muscles get a daily workout and I often feel like I’m needing a good soaking bath. I usually add bubble bath but I’m going to try the epsom salts and olive oil idea. I usually read while I soak — the two activities seem to be made for each other in my case. While my body soaks, my mind really gets into my book and I enjoy it more. Thanks for article.
Virginia says: I love tub baths – I have a jetted one, but haven’t been able to use it for the last year or so because I simply haven’t had the strength to get out. It is funny but scary to be stuck in the tub. The first time my husband and I were home alone. Both of us more
or less handicapped, but we finally got me out. When I told my youngest daughter what had happened, she said, “Let’s practice! You get into the empty tub with your clothes on and we will figure out how to get you out”. I told her that wasn’t going to
happen! Now my arms are stronger and I got a full length anti-slip mat for the tub, and some day when someone strong is here I will try it again. In the meantime I love the
handicap shower my husband had built for me. Just step in, nice seat to sit on while I use the hand held shower. Still not as relaxing as my tub! I was glad to hear about the Epsom salt – we have used it in the past to soak a sprain or just overworked muscles.
Cindy Tomisich says: Love Epsom Salt baths…healing for body, mind and soul. I love to add some essential oils to mine. A little lavender, some peace & calming, some ylang ylang. The list could go on for a while. A great space to pray and make a list of all that I am grateful for. Now the occupants in your tub….NO WAY! I know there is an essential oil that would keep away some of the bugs. Worth checking it out in your case. We only have one life, so live it well… Love following your blog.
Carol in NC says: I buy Epsom salts two buckets at a time at Sam’s and use two cups of Epsom salts and one half cup of baking soda. The only problem is that now we are on city water and also soaking in all that chlorine and floride. I’m not sure how to remedy that. I’ve heard that adding bentonite clay can help with the chlorine but I’m lazy like AnnaBelle and hate even the thought of cleaning a tub full of silty clay!
Nan Roberts says: My dad’s family is from Kansas. Dad said that his mom used to say, “Ah’m tahred: T-I-X-R-D.” Anybody ever heard that? Don’t know where that spelling came from, but I say to myself now when tahred enough.
Thanks for info re Epsom Salts. I’ll try it this very night.
Love that darling kitty.
Denise says: I remember my husbands Pop telling us about Epsom salts, I’d forgotten about most of it until this post. It gigged my brain. I think I would’ve screamed the place down having all those creatures sharing my bath. Ugh !!
You have inspired me to begin taking a bath now, I’m more of a shower girl, it’s faster and time is of the essence blah blah blah :). Even though I’m a town girl I can sympathize with the work is never done. Every time I sit for a cuppa or at the end of the day I look around and see other things that need doing, but I’ve chosen the concept of “Rome wasn’t built in a day” this year otherwise I’d never stop.
Savouring the flavor of life
Enjoy life
My garden? Well, yes, Memorial Day came and went. You’re right, that definitely means that the long-awaited time FINALLY arrived to plant a garden in my NEW gardening zone. It’s much colder here than in ATL. Anyway, I have been impatiently awaiting the day after Memorial Day, when it is safe to plant here. I bought seeds, and planted seeds inside in Jiffy pots, and absolutely could not wait for the day AFTER Memorial Day to begin my gardening journey at this Farm.
Oh yes. I’ve dreamed of getting my hands into that old gardening soil, where the previous owners of this farm planted their kitchen garden for years and years. And years. I’m told it is the same place where their parents and grandparents and great-grandparents also planted their kitchen gardens. Last year was a gardening bust for me because I had taken down that line of 12 big white pines between the ancient gardening spot and the barn. And, as a result, there was the enormous mess of those 12 trees left laying right in my garden spot.
This year? most of that mess is gone. Not all, but most.
kay dallas says: very encouraging. all around. from good stewardship of the land (chemical free) to young ladies learning how to provide for household to just good ole fun!!! love
Jo Ann says: I remember Girl Scout camp outs too. Thanks for the reminder of buried memories. The songs, the stoves and we also made chili boo stew. I still have my sash with all my pins and badges. Great times in the late 50’s.
Cathy says: Sounds like a lot of fun! A good chemical free treatment we use on poison ivy is to take a gallon of boiling water, a 1/2 cup of liquid dish soap and a cup of rock salt. Pour it on the base of the plant at DUSK as this is when the plant feeds. It really works. We’ve killed poison ivy plants that were 6″ in diameter strangling our trees. Love your posts!
rene foust says: So very lovely! What a beautiful spot for a girl scout camp out. I have to say I was so worried that you were going to spring a snake story in there. I am sure your garden will be just wonderful and a week or two probably wont matter much this year since our spring has been a little cooler.
Joan says: You are the hostess with the mostest for sure!!! What a gal to make such a wonderful camping spot. I’d forgotten Boom Chick-a Boom – thanks for the reminder. I am sure the girls will never forget their super fun time. Thanks for doing that, I think there isn’t enough of that kindness. God Bless.
JoEllen says: You did a GREAT JOB of cleaning up the area for the campsite, and I don’t know what the other one looked like, but this looks just perfect like you said! Plenty of room for the girls to roam yet be close for fun. Wonderful memories you are making for your daughter and her friends.
Denise Ross says: Sounds a fun time 🙂
Denise Ross says: Love the campsite and set up. Looks fabulous 🙂 great job on the clean up
Pamela deMarrais says: Rebekah! You are such a good sport to make not one, but two campsites for the girl scouts! I am sure that you made lots of great memories, and learned some new tricks [like the cool camp stoves!] that the girls fashioned for the event. You have the most incredible view up there. I bet that it was fun getting to sleep outside on your own property. Love your blog!
Springtime on the Farm
I was just about to plant my tomato seedlings last week when I struck up a conversation with an elderly man at the store. He said, “absolutely not, do not plant your tomatoes yet. You’ll be sorry.” You gotta be kidding me? It’s mid-May!
He was right. Here’s my lawn this morning. May 19th! Frost. I’m not complaining; I love the chilly mornings! On my birthday a few days ago, we had a fire going in the fireplace all day. I enjoyed it BIG time! I think mainly because it was so different from the birthday weather where I spent most of my life.
I’m so glad I chatted with that fellow. My tomatoes are still safe and sound inside.
Loved this post! I always enjoy reading about hard work on a farm…..and it looks like you have had plenty of that! I can’t wait to see more of your farm. Thanks for sharing!
KimD says: I helped my church girls make those “stoves” many years ago, they cooked on them at our church girls camp. If the girl scouts can camp in tents on your place than why can’t adults bring their campers and do a glamping trip? I would come camp if I had a camper.
Dianne says: My hubby (retired phone man) said “She might have a fortune in copper there in all that wiring”. Also “don’t leave old gas in equipment over the winter” We use to own a small engine repair and old gas was 90 % of the problem. Men are funny, they don’t say much,I guess just the important stuff Ha Ha! I am right there with you about the sssssssssss. I don’t care if they are 4 inches long, I run as far as I can. I just gave myself the goose pimples. I hope you all have a fun time camping.
rene foust says: I love reading your articles; the first thing I do when I get my Mary Janes Farm magazine is turn to the back and read what you have written and I have never been disappointed.
Work is never done but I think it really is what gets me up in the morning and what puts me to sleep at night (although as I get older I sometimes I need a little bit of Ben Gay or something similar to help sooth the sore legs and back). I just wish I could win the lottery so that I could afford to stay home and work at it all full time….someday.
The boy scouts camped out on our property last fall and it was really cool to look out and see them and their tents set up all over the field. The funny thing was seeing their tents reminded me of the Flintstones episode when Fred helped out with the boy scout jamboree, I know I am dating myself but it was a good memory. Have fun with the girl scouts and I look forward to watching the progress on your farm.
Rene
Mary Pitman says: Love your posts!!! keeps us all in the energized mood, seeing others cleaning up their places. Good stewards you be!
Sherry Campbell says: I’m glad to read I’m not the only one faced with “clean-up”. We have so much honeysuckle over grown I need a chain saw to get through it. I had to comment because just today I came across an old dump sight. I wanted to cry! I would send you photos if I could…lol!
Our old dairy barn was just renovated, folks around here kept telling us to tear it down but we found someone in eastern Ohio to take it on…now I just have to level out the floor and get some drain tile installed on one side. I’m thinking of using a potion of the old milking parlor as a hen house!
My garden is planted and things are starting to sprout…best of luck with yours!
It’s funny, you have Girl Scouts coming on the 30th and we have a wedding on the 30th in the back meadow, German Baptist event. My husband still has to bush hog a field for the event so they can park on our property. I’m scared to see what’s under it all. After the wedding, I’m going to take an area and plant pumpkins!
Love reading about your adventures, makes me feel so not alone! BTW, I’m a half and half retired Air Force girl…born in the city, but lived in an orange grove in central Florida in my teenage years. Retired 4 years ago after 22 years traveling the world…loving our lil place and looking forward to all the adventures yet to come!
Pat Duncan says: Love you posts. You have a beautiful farm, and I certainly enjoy reading about your progress.
Joan says: Love reading about your ‘happenings’!! I too have not been able to plant, still way to cold and the wind seems to be a constant, so need to get some wind breaks up first. Hope by now your area is gardening ready, June 1st is my deadline, ready or not here I come. I’m using some old metal stock watering tanks, small to large ovals so think they will not only be good for planting but look good too. Our ground has to be amended constantly so containers are a good thing. Long story how I got these 5 tanks, will say they were really well priced and delivered free, yea for me. Well keep up the good work and thanks for sharing your farm. God Bless.
Denise Ross says: Love your farm story’s, the adventures, the history, and the changes you’re making with all your hard work. Hard work seems to being a joy in and of itself – satisfaction in work done well,. Tiredness at the end of a long day and blissful surrender to a nights sleep. Living a farming life through you. Thank you 🙂
Carol in NC says: I’m beyond late in my spring chores. Last year my little garden was in an inconspicuous spot tucked away out of sight. Choosing that location turned out to be a mistake for many reasons so I’m moving it to the other side of the house this year where it will not only get full sun but will be in full view. Quite a chore since I’m trying to incorporate it into the existing landscape plan. Edible landscaping! We’ll see how it turns out.
I loved Girl Scouts and still remember all those fun silly campfire songs. Have fun!
Amanda says: I totally feel for you! I feel like we’re in the same shoes(boots!) because I just started cleaning up my Daddy’s farm this spring. It’s amazing the stuff that is kept because it might come in handy one day. Or so someone thought! There is so much junk in the pole barn that I want to pull my hair out! And, I don’t even know how to tell Daddy that his 1969 Dodge Charger needs to find another spot to RIP at!! I agree with the elderly man. I don’t plant my tomatoes till the daylilies are blooming (overnight temps have been in the 40s here); just like I plant peas when the forsythias bloom or when rhubarb emerges from the ground then I plant onion sets. I’ve realized that Mother Nature doesn’t consult her calender. I enjoy your posts, they give me ideas and hope of a cleaner farm! By the way, your farm has a much better view than mine!
Jo Ann says: Yes you need to use stable if your not going to drain your tanks and I’m from west coast so winters aren’t as bad as yours. I love your farm house and all your updates and knowing you are not a stay at home mom that you actually have a career is so amazing to me. Love it keep up the great posts sister
I’ve always found that the first step is the hardest to take.
And so, I issued a challenge on FaceBook. And now I’m challenging you too.
Move yourself up on your priority list. Do something just for you.
Walk everyday for 31 days….for YOURSELF.
Wendy Curling says: I have accepted the challenge and so very glad that I did! The winter was long and cold and I spent many, many wonderful, yet motionless, days sitting in my comfy rocker with my grandson (first one!). Needless to say I got a little, well, soft. The exercise is truly a plus but the best benefit by far had been the encouragement we share. I can honestly say I look forward to that more than the walk itself.
Join us won’t you?
I bet you will be blessed too!!
Jane Gurley says: I have walked all five days so far! I am noticing God’s glory more in the flowers, ducks, the water of a pond, and in my little beagle’s happy steps beside me. I am sitting in the customer lounge of a camping store getting some work done to my camper….think I’ll go walk around outside…….
Sandy says: I’ll walk with you. Just had surgery and walking is only exercise doc will let me do. This will help me greatly. I love to exercise. Will try to gradually increase the length each day and try to follow doctors orders
Sandy says: Headed out for day 2. Was tempted not to today but I remembered this challenge. Thank
Rebecca says: This sounds exactly like what I need….I’ve been feeling rushed, as if I’m doing everything at a dead run. Walking sounds like the perfect, slow-down solution. I’m in.
Joan says: Thank YOU!!! I am on board!! Off the top of my head I couldn’t think of anything pretty to see but as I read further into you message – GOD – yes He will show me the way to love and joy in walking. God Bless.
Jan Sturgill says: What a great idea, Rebekah! Just yesterday I went to my weekly session with my young trainer friend. I had pondered the idea of cancelling my visit and continue with some projects at the house. I went to my work out and left with the EUPHORIA that stayed with me all day and left me with a peaceful night’s sleep…Fact is, I ALWAYS feel better mentally and physically after my sessions. I also do an intermediate yoga class at the senior center, once a week. I found that if I have a designated time to do my sessions I can plan to always be there! When I am overwhelmed at home with my list of projects, I put on my walking shoes and hit the pavement. Always helps!
I sent you a PM on Facebook, too…
Mary Rauch says: Walking! Early March I had a heart attack followed by quadruple bypass surgery, followed by emergency bowel surgery while I was in recovery. The theme of my doctors and rehab therapists has been, “Walking is your friend!” I have become a true believer in this short period of time! Everything is better since I have been WALKING a great deal (and breathing- actually breathing).
I hope your reminder here will aid the healing of many people who didn’t realize this was something fabulous they were missing in their lives.
Sherri Staples says: After losing 15 pounds and keeping it off, I went on numerous out of town business trips and in about 60 days gained back 10 pounds. I need to get up and get moving, so as of today, I am on board! And since I am thinking about getting my Masters of Theological Studies, this will be a good time for me to reflect and talk to God.
rene foust says: Rebekah I am so thankful that you began the challenge because I too have had a difficult time this past winter with my knee and my hips. My story is no where near as horrible as yours; mine was caused by my kitten…only me. I was in so much pain I couldn’t walk or bend my knee. As it turned out I messed up my ham sting and have bone on bone in my left knee, and this has caused me much mental stress. I love to be active but the fear of that pain returning caused me to become dormant challenging myself to a daily walk has been a great for me both physically and mentally.
I am so very sorry that you had that horrible snake experience, every time I read that story my heart starts racing and I can feel hysteria set in. I would probably need therapy if it happened to me.
Thanks again for the challenge
Rene
I’m in! For ME!!! Love it! So sorry you took a tumble both physically and mentally… It happens to the best of us…and it’s NOT FUN. But, glad you are walking back to your old self… just for you… Thanks for the invite to come along! I’ll see ya out on the trail!
Deb
Marion says: I love the challenge – I have been walking 4 miles with my wonderful dog several times a week. I am now amping that up to everyday. I walk first thing in the morning, the earlier the better and I prayerfully say thank you frequently during that time. Thank you for the beauty around me – spring awakening, birds singing, my happy dog, the fact that I can move freely. Thank you for motivating us and helping us to see the beauty around us.
Corri says: Walking is pretty much my favorite form of excercise. Now that the weather has straightened up I am back to walking daily. Some walks are short and some walks are long but it doesn’t matter. As long as I am able to spend a bit of time outside each day with Mother Nature, I am a happy girl!:)
Denise Ross says: I’m working on doing some exercise everyday. I’m much happier when I exercise, have more energy and think more clearly. At the moment I run and do strength training, but do love walking and hiking too when I can. What a wonderful encourager you are. 🙂
Kriss says: oh my gosh…I just saw this! And have been back into that very idea…walking for myself, again. But I need to take my camera and get pictures like you do every day! Very nice. Thanks for the inspirations!
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Last year was my first spring on the farm. It happened so fast. Brown and cold of winter turned into warm and green almost overnight. And then WHAM! Everything went out of control so quickly we never caught up. Ever.
I love winter, I do. The cold, the snow, the ice, the fires, the soup, the sweaters.
Diana Henretty says: Isn’t it wonderful spring always follows winter? Our Ozark winter was too long, but now its time to plant here and get going!
This year Im taking my front porch that has two rocking chairs where we sit at the end of each day, and filling two baker’s racks with thrift store pots to grow things in! One will be a little herb garden to grow all summer, the other will have succulents growing.
Its such a fun project to make the front porch more inviting and cozier.
Happy Spring, Happy Days, Happy Everything!! Hugs, Diana, Noel, Mo.
Kim says: What a great idea! Think I’ll copy cat! My porch needs something!
Love your posts, Rebekah!
Cool photos of eggs! Love the “noise” of frogs so much I bought a CD so I can listen to them in the winter also. I’m headed to my pond to see if I can see the same things you’ve found. Happy spring Rebekah.
Making the transition from Midwest farm girl to doctoral student (and 20 years later) back to farm girl in Maryland has been a life long learning curve. Thank God for the gift of humor.
It’s amazing, when I look at farm photos how I see the beauty and not the work…yet another gift. Enjoy all the mosquito feasts those frog and toads will be helping with soon.
Rachann
denise says: Love reading your posts!
Joan says: Ah yes, Spring!!! the renewal of life, inside and out. I agree the Blue Ridge mountains skies are beautiful but I do say the blue skies of the Rocky Mountains give a very similar happiness. Thanks for sharing all the awakenings on your farm. God Bless.
Howdy Rebekah! We love the sounds of spring peepers her in New England. My in laws have a pond out back of their old farmhouse and those little peepers always let us konw when spring was finally here! Sure looks great at your place! Happy Spring sister!
hugs, Deb
Denise Ross says: Springtime is beautiful. In my part of the world we are in Autumn. I love this time of year too; the pretty colours of the leaves, the cooler temps so I can go out and really enjoy exercising, and the change in food – yummy casseroles etc, all the things you’re coming out of :). It’s encouraging to me to read your blog not just the huge change in lifestyle but also in the way you approach challenges and choose to look at the sunny side of life.
“Mustache” = “must ask” haha.
I’d like to introduce you to my new cat. Isn’t he stunning?
Well, maybe not “new.” I mean, I’ve had him for a month now.
Do you want to know how soft his fur is? Well, I don’t have any idea; I haven’t been able to touch him. He is wild.
JoEllen says: Absolutely love that cat! I think my “hat” for some time now is that of a caregiver. I think this word was “coined” some years ago, but I find myself filling that role every day. I think all of us do, we just don’t realize it. Whether it be your family, friends, strangers, with your animals, garden or anything else, we take care of them according to their needs. At this season in my life, my 96 year old mother has been living with us until the good Lord calls her home. Like being a parent, it is the hardest and most taxing work I have ever done, but I’m sure there are many rewards that I haven’t even discovered yet. So many changes to my selfish self — wanting my freedom again etc etc., yet I know this is where I need and want to be. We are discovering each other again on a whole new level!
Sharon says: Hi Rebekah:
I so look forward to your posts! You teach all of us where our priorities should be – in the little and small things of life but family is precious. You bring hope and cheer to so many. Wishing you many blessings!
Sharon
Margaret Taffi says: You do wear many hats and I’m inspired by your zest for it all! I have worn and do wear many hats! At the moment I love wearing the grandma hat! I have discovered that the word does not mean what it used to, I can go to football games and cheer as loud as anyone and give advice and enjoy lots of hugs! I have had their back up and strength to get me through a battle with cancer and plan to be here for a long time to see where their lives take them. I think that I have made the most of all the hats I’ve worn over the years and would not change anything even if it would have been easier! Keep up the good work with this blog and happy farming!
Pamela says: Please ,please, Rebekah, don’t give up on the TNR program. These cats need your help. Please contact Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, Utah for any help you need. Your mustache cat could get caught again and returned to the shelter. Oh, and I once knew a cat who looked just like this, who was named “Hitler”. Good luck, and thanks for all your posts!
Tracey h. says: Rebekah, thanks for sharing your life. I always look forward to your posts. You are living the life I have always wanted by living on a farm! This is disgusting they are killing these cats! I love your little man you saved.
My memory stinks. It’s really a joke in our family. I have migraines and figure it’s what caused me to remember so little. I will from now on tell people what your aunt said! She hit the nail on the head!
You make me happy.
You make some very interesting points about putting down cats which I had never thought about before. Your tuxedo dude with the mustache is irresistible and I think if anyone can help him overcome his early hard life it will be you and your sweet daughter.
My favorite go to recipe for brownies:
1/4 c butter melted, 6 T best cocoa, 1 c sugar, 1/4 t salt, 1/2 c flour, 2 t vanilla, 2 eggs, 1 c chopped nuts. Melt butter. Stir in cocoa, sugar, salt, vanilla. Beat eggs and add to mix. Stir in flour. Add nuts. Spread in prepared 8 x 8 pan. Bake 30 min, just til edges pull away from pan. Do not over bake.
is a certified farmgirl at heart. She’s happily married to her beach bum Yankee husband of 20 years. She went from career gal to being a creative homeschooling mom for two of her biggest blessings and hasn’t looked back since. Debbie left her lifelong home in the high desert of Northern Nevada 10 years ago and washed up on the shore of America’s hometown, Plymouth, MA, where she and her family are now firmly planted. They spend part of each summer in a tiny, off–grid beach cottage named “The Sea Horse.”
“I found a piece of my farmgirl heart when I discovered MaryJanesFarm. Suddenly, everything I loved just made more sense! I enjoy unwinding at the beach, writing, gardening, and turning yard-sale furniture into ‘Painted Ladies’ I’m passionate about living a creative life and encouraging others to ‘make each day their masterpiece.’”
is a “MaryJane Farmgirl” who lives in a large metropolitan area. She is a lawyer who has worked in both criminal defense and prosecution. She has been a judge, a business woman and a stay-at-home mom. In addition to her law degree, she has a Masters of Theological Studies.
“Mustering up the courage to do the things you dream about,” she says, “is the essence of being a MaryJane Farmgirl.” Learning to live more organically and closer to nature is Rebekah’s current pursuit. She finds strength and encouragement through MaryJane’s writings, life, and products. And MaryJane’s Farmgirl Connection provides her a wealth of knowledge from true-blue farmgirls.
an old-fashioned farmgirl with a pioneer spirit, lives in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. As a “lifelong learner” in the “Live-Free-or-Die” state, she fiercely values self-reliance, independence, freedom, and fresh mountain air. Married to her childhood sweetheart of 40+ years (a few of them “uphill climbs”), she’s had plenty of time to reinvent herself. From museum curator, restaurant owner, homeschool mom/conference speaker, to post-and-beam house builder and entrepreneur, she’s also a multi-media artist, with an obsession for off-grid living and alternative housing. Cathi owns and operates a 32-room mountain lodge. Her specialty has evolved to include “hermit hospitality” at her rustic cabin in the mountains, where she offers weekend workshops of special interest to women.
“Mountains speak to my soul, and farming is an important part of my heritage. I want to pass on my love of these things to others through my writing. Living in the mountains has its own particular challenges, but I delight in turning them into opportunities from which we can all learn and grow.”
Dori Troutman is the daughter of second generation cattle ranchers in New Mexico. She grew up working and playing on the ranch that her grandparents homesteaded in 1928. That ranch, with the old adobe home, is still in the family today. Dori and her husband always yearned for a ranch of their own. That dream came true when they retired to the beautiful green rolling hills of Tennessee. Truly a cattleman’s paradise!
Dori loves all things farmgirl and actually has known no other life but that. She loves to cook, craft, garden, and help with any and all things on their cattle farm.
describes herself as a goat charmer, chicken whisperer, bee maven, and farmers’ market baker renovating an 1864 farmhouse on an Ohio farm. With a degree in Design, Mary says small-town auctions and country road barn sales "always make my heart skip a beat thinking about what I could create or design out of what I’ve seen.”
Rooted in the countryside, she likes simple things and old ways … gardening, preserving the harvest, cooking, baking, and all things home. While you might find her selling baked goods from the farm’s milkhouse, teaching herself to play the fiddle, or sprucing up a vintage camper named Maizy, you will always find her in an apron!
Mary says, “I’m happiest with the simple country pleasures … an old farmhouse, too many animals, a crackling fire, books to read, and the sound of laughter … these make life just perfect.”
is a budding rural farmgirl living in Palmer, the agricultural seat of Alaska. Alex is a graduate student at Alaska Pacific University pursuing an M.S. in Outdoor and Environmental Education. She lives and works on the university’s 700 acre environmental education center, Spring Creek Farm. When Alex has time outside of school, she loves to rock climb, repurpose found objects, cross-country ski on the hay fields, travel, practice yoga, and cook with new-fangled ingredients.
Alex grew up near the Twin Cities and went to college in Madison, Wisconsin—both places where perfectly painted barns and rolling green farmland are just a short drive away. After college, she taught at a rural middle school in South Korea where she biked past verdant rice paddies and old women selling home-grown produce from sidewalk stoops. She was introduced to MaryJanesFarm after returning, and found in it what she’d been searching for—a group of incredible women living their lives in ways that benefit their families, their communities, and the greater environment. What an amazing group of farmgirls to be a part of!
Suburban Farmgirl Nicole Christensen calls herself a “vintage enthusiast”. Born and raised in Texas, she has lived most of her life in the picturesque New England suburbs of Connecticut, just a stone’s throw from New York State. An Advanced Master Gardener, she has gardened since childhood, in several states and across numerous planting zones. In addition, she teaches knitting classes, loves to preserve, and raises backyard chickens.
Married over thirty years to her Danish-born sweetheart, Nicole has worked in various fields, been a world-traveler, an entrepreneur and a homemaker, but considers being mom to her now-adult daughter her greatest accomplishment. Loving all things creative, Nicole considers her life’s motto to be “Bloom where you are planted”.
I know this works for mice, but I would think it would pertain to snakes as well. Wherever pipes come through a hard surface, such as a floor or a wall, if there’s any space at all open around them, critters can squeeze through. Stuff any openings with steel wool. It works on any entry source you can find. They cannot chew through it. Good luck! Pretty handsome guard kitties you have there.
Hi Rebekah,
So glad you’re ‘staying’! You do have a right to be there, with all the hard work you and your family have done to ‘make that your home’, stay put!
Thank you for saving the bat. Bless you! So many folks do not realize how beneficial bats are to our existence. They can eat their own weight in flying insects every night, from mosquitoes to moths that take out a farmer’s corn crop. A bat house near your pond would be a great addition to the farm (if you do add one, it needs to be at least 8 feet high + it would be a great educational tool to teach folks about bats + bat watching at sunset as they come spiraling out of the house to go on their first feeding). We love bats and we often sit out on our back deck in the evenings and listen to them as they feed while soaring overhead.
take care, Marcie
Rebekah, you are so blessed to be living the dream! Have no fear – I still get freaked out whenever I mow the lawn and see a skittish garter snake get out of my way.
Oh Rebekah, I so relate to your snake phobia. I NEVER go into my yard, flower gardens without a stick to poke the ground before I step. I lived in my previous home 38 yrs. and the last 10 years of that time I had snakes, the reason that all of a sudden they were there doesn’t matter BUT I moved into this home 8 years ago – all new housing area in the middle of an old buffalo ranch, clean clear ground, did all the planting of everything and never a snake but obviously I brought my phobia with me and it is ok, I am just totally aware of every where I step, put my hand, look up n down at all times. This all being said it is ok to have the phobia, just be aware and live at your lovely, wonderful farm as if you were always there. Thanks for sharing your experiences. God bless.
Woo hoo! What adventures you have. Keep up the courage, you are a real farmgirl now,
Your childhood experience reminds me of a Bill Cosby routine, where his parents go out and leave him in a playpen in the kitchen, telling him snakes will bite him if he gets out. So he calls out to them, “Snakes, snakes, you out there snakes?…don’t bite me, just give me a little snaky lick!” As only he could say it. My mother hated snakes and wouldn’t even pick up a magazine if it had a picture of a snake in/on it! I, on the other hand, freaked her out as a child by putting a black snake around my neck and showing her! My father taught our full-size Cocker Spaniel to kill snakes. He would shake them until there was not a piece much bigger than an inch left! I am much older now and more cautious, but have never seen a poisonous snake. Good luck and I envy you living in the country. Enjoy God’s creation. Beautiful sunset, by the way.
We live smack in the middle of suburbia, but I’m thinking of getting a snake. Something needs to get rid of these gophers! I do want the snake to stay outside though.
Like others, I’m so glad you are sticking it out! And you know what? Someday you WILL rescue a stuck neighbor. Honest.
Rebekah, I had snakes at my home in La., where we had a creek that ran all the way thru our property. We had water moccasins and copperheads, it got to the point that they would even come up on my porch. I was so sick of snakes, so someone had told me to throw moth balls around, I threw them up under everywhere, and the snakes stayed away. I also told The Lord, Lord, I am superior to snakes, and I am saying now Snakes you have no right to my property, be gone in the name of Jesus, and no more snakes here in NC after doing that. Good luck, and remember what we fear most is what we bring about. Be Blessed!
Yeah, that’s right.
Oh, Rebekah, I’m so sorry you’re suffering from this test. That’s just awful. I’ll keep praying for you, that you will hav God’s peace and ease around all creatures.
When I was a kid I was afraid of bees. Well, “bees”, could’ve been any similar creature which would sting. Yellow jackets, say. Because we were stung by some while playing in the big gulch behind our house.
But as I grew older, in fact after I became a Christian, I lost those fears. I keep bees now.
But your rotten sister, telling you that. My rotten sister and friends had a Something wrapped in rags and told me it was The Mummy’s Hand, and it was buried alongside a neighbor’s house, a passage to the same big gulch. I was terrified for YEARS of that place and wouldn’t go there, thinking the Mummy would get me. (I guess the movie had come out then.)
So good for you for challenging those fears. You guys are wonderful people as neighbors. And the skills and helps you can offer really could help your neighbors. They already know how to pull tractors out of the mud. They don’t know anything about reviewing contracts.
So hold on. You’re going to be ok.
I will speak peace and safety and healing over all of you every day. Peace will come. It’s a process, it takes time.
I love hearing about your life there.
Love from Nan in Oregon
Not “test” but fear. Stupid phone.
By the way, you are a Brave Girl!
Not “test” but fear. Stupid phone.
Jesus says to ‘speak to the mountain’. In other words, whatever the mountain in your life is, speak to it and say “Be thou removed”. You need to speak these words to your fear and anxiety over the snakes. You’re being tormented with these critters and you need to come against them with your words. “I refuse to fear” is a favorite of mine daily. Just a thought to help you through. Our imaginations can do us a huge disservice in the fear department.
By the way, I thoroughly enjoyed the part about your husband and the bat, haha. Don’t be run off your farm by disappointments. You have far too many successes to let a few unfortunate things rule the roost. Take care 🙂
Miss Rebekah
Fear not the snakes for they have there job on the farm to. just to let you know the snakes are just as afraid of you as you are of them. they will never bite unless they are threatened or you are by a nest. they will slither away as fast as they can as soon as they sense you are there. as far as snakes in the house if it is a old farm house there are lots of places snakes can come in and they do eat the mice, coack roaches,and other small critter around your house they are not the enemy fear them not. They are part of any farm. and have the right to be there to . You will get this farm life it takes awhile but all is good in the end.
I love your posts. They are refreshing and honest and sweet.
Can I make a suggestion? (You don’t have to take it of course 🙂 )
Learn everything you can about snakes. What are the names of the snakes that live in your area, their habitats, their habits… the food they eat… everything. I can promise you that there isn’t a snake alive that has humans as their main dish. You will probably learn that they like to stay hidden for a reason and it’s not to be sneaky.
I hope this would be helpful for you in learning how to co-exist.
When I was a little girl (the youngest out of 4 kids) my siblings teased me unmercifully with June bugs. I know, crazy right? I was scared spitless of them. (To this day I’m still not all that crazy about them but … we’re good lol). One evening my dad took us to visit his parents in Oklahoma and he sat me on his lap. There was one of those creepy little things under me and I could feel it fluttering around. I wasn’t sure what it would do but I knew it was there. My dad wouldn’t let me up until I told him what was wrong and the more he held me the more freaked out I became. Finally he couldn’t hold me any longer and I ran to the bathroom and locked myself in.
All was much better until…. (this was an old house and the light switch was on the outside of the bathroom door. So cruel…)
The point of that story was to say, I understand irrational fear. I’ll give it to you snakes can do much more damage than any June bug, but on the other hand we went camping all the time in California and the river we went to had rattle snakes. We were told to not move any rocks or logs, things like that because the snakes would sleep under them during the day to stay our of the heat. I remember when I would see a snake I was told to move slowly away and leave it alone so as not to scare it. So, rattle snakes were fine…. June bugs on the other hand totally freaked me out. (Thanks loving siblings of mine 🙂 )
My husband said he heard that Turkeys would keep snakes away. But you have to let them run loose you can’t keep them penned up. Loved your blog. Couldn’t stop laughing. I’m scared of snakes too.
I’m only 5 years ahead of you on the city-country transition, and still suffer from the “varmint vapors” from time-to-time. Ticks are my especial fear (for good reason). Snakes I must tolerate (at a distance) since they feast on the field mice, which are plentiful. I’m hoping my intrepid cat will scare away the snakes from near the house, as well as dispatch a few mice to their eternal reward. I wish you courage and strength as you continue to face the challenges that will come your way. A crisp autumn night with stars strewn like diamonds across a black-velvet sky is just one of many rewards for your efforts.
Oh Rebekah, I had to laugh at the bat part of your story. We lived in a log cabin with a lovely fireplace that we found out housed a “family” of bats. On that night we had 3 fly out of the fireplace and my hubs was the hero- he got out a fishing net and caught them one at a time and took them out the front door. We went to bed thinking that was that. But 10 bats later with my husband running around in his underwear with a fishing net, he had gotten all the bats out. The next day we worked on the chimney and never had another bat. But what a story we had to tell.
Well first of all I’m plumb out of beans! And I intend to stay that way! Ok, so I have to admit, this post gave me a Willie! You know, where you get a cold shiver and goose bumps. Ugh….girl, Jake and Cake were ok…. being outside and all….but in the bathroom! Oh me oh my! So, I’m still living in one room in the basement while we build our house…still….still….still…..and I was thinking this morning… I really was thinking this….I kill one spider a day. I do. I used to not kill them. When I first moved out here, I’d re-locate them to outside. Now, WHACK! I’m tired of it. Tarrrrreeed of it all I tell ya! I have my eye on tomorrow’s spider…if it comes down from the ceiling. Guess where it is? Yup! In the bathroom!
Cindy Bee
Snakes scare me too tho I don’t live on a farm. We have plenty of kinds here in Australia some venomous and some not – I only remember the king brown as a deadly one. Anyway I think you’re being very brave and yes it’s hard to switch off from those childhood fears. I still don’t let Amy of my body dangle over the sides of the bed at night lol. Good ole siblings – they just can’t help themselves. Keep on keeping on. Each day you’re learning new talents even if it’s just adjusting to life with snakes and I’m sure you’re short changing yourself on the talent front. Just keep telling yourself if the pioneers could do it, I can too. Happy farm days 🙂
Rebekah I am not sure where to begin there are so many thoughts running through my head as I write this post. One thing I do know for sure is that you are a brave and honest woman. I have had the same thoughts on many occasions about my decision to make the move to my “dream life” questioning my reasons and really wondering if I will ever really be happy, and then out of no where some simple random thing or thought shows me the light and I realize I am right where I am supposed to be. Snakes, mice, stink bugs and gnats wont run me away. Keep up the good fight and know that all of your friends are praying for your happiness and that you find a way to over come your fear of snakes.