Wonderful thoughts, Libbie!
I’m pondering ways to make my home a haven these days myself.
Blessings,
Catherine

I agree that a little effort can go a long way! Thanks for the inspiration and confirmation of the way I feel too. I can’t wait to make "real" pumpkin pie this year for Thanksgiving!

Yes, it is all about the ripples. Everything we do creates ripples which spread out into the world.

I agree that a soak in a hot bath can clear your mind. It I have a problem a hot bath always helps me to figure out what path to take. And if I’m blocked creativily it opens up the door.

Libbie thank you for your words. They hit home. In these times with all the bad things happing that we can do nothing about I am going to try to make my little corner a better place. I will be ready for company instead of hiding out and live each day with a happy thought.Some days will be hard but I will keep this post and go back and read it.

Hi Rene,
Autumn here in my part of West Virginia is usually very pretty. This year the colors are slow turning and not very bright. But I like it anyway. No humidity!!!! The air just feels like fall. I don’t have a garden but flower beds are ready to put to sleep till spring. Then as the trees start to bud and wild flowers show their colors, I think my favorite season. Oh then there is the first snow, how pretty, forgetting all else. So do I have a favorite season, I think not. I can find something good in all seasons. Keep on blogging, I enjoy learning about other people.

Hi Libbie,
Thank you for the invite. I always enjoy reading your post.
To tell you the truth I am a bit jealous of your canning skills. I was not raised in the country and have no idea how to can. I would love to learn one of these days though.
Autumn is my favorite time of year and this year we moved to this little house with the creek right out my back window. We are still in town but it doesn’t seem like it.
The house sale finalized in April so it was too late to plant anything so come spring I have every intention of going crazy with planting.
I went to the local pumpkin patch and bought some, all sizes… placed them along the creek bed, in front of my porch and even in two planters along with gerber daisies and pansies. Looks lovely.
Anyway, thank you for sharing your life with us. I always feel comforted afted reading your post.
Have a wonderful fall!
Tammie

Wonderful closeups, and wonderful G. Eliot quote! Autumn in suburbia looks similar, only ha ha it all CAME FROM farms like yours!

Thank you for letting us peek into your world. :o) Your jar labels are wonderful. I just write on the top of my jar lids. I am lazy and don’t want to have to wash the labels off the following year. :o) Like you, fall is my favorite time of the year. Like the garden and everything else, I am ready to rest. :o) I find myself turning my thoughts to the inside and what I will do to occupy my time during the winter, knowing that come January, I will be thinking about gardening once again. My husband started beekeeping with two hives this spring and we find ourselves thinking about adding chickens and a couple of calves to our little piece of land, 2 1/2 acres. More than enough to keep us busy. I love reading the different blogs, gleaning information and ideas from you all. I don’t know how you find the time to do all that you do but keep up the good work. :o) Thank you once again. Rhonda, Prosser, WA

Oh, thanks for the tour, it is beautiful. I love the picture of the boys playing in the water. I remember when my son was about eight and he was playing in the dirt making a road in my soon to be garden. The next thing I knew the whole neighborhood was there joining in the muddy fun!!!! Haa, haa!!!! Kids and dirt just go together!!!

Loved reading about autumn on your farm. I wish I had one, but instead run the household using as much of the 1 acre yard as possible. We do have A wood wall-though it won’t last the winter-have to do something about that…and the garden has given up its last zuchinni to be stuffed for dinner!Carrots for tomorrow’s soup and apples for cake.
so even though I don’t have as many critters running around with my three kids…Autumn is delicious!Cyn in CT

I love your pictures!
My two year old son loves when you post kid pictures, by the way. He’s just figured out that they’re not his brothers. He says "My friends!" and points to them.
I didn’t get any tomatoes (or watermelon!) this year because it was such a foggy, wet summer, so I’m sad for the lack of green tomatoes.

Hello! Quick question about winter garlic. I planted it in the Fall and it was growing great, but before it got the garlic flowers, the leaves turned yellow, and the plants collapsed. we dug up the garlic but it was only half the size it should have been. any ideas on what might have gone wrong ( we are in Northern Ontario and had a very hot summer).

Hi Libbie!
Happy Autumn to you! Loved the visit at your place.. it most certainly is autumn… inside and out! Your wood wall is quite a sculpture in it’s own right! I can smell the wood fire burning from here…
We’ve been getting into the spirit here too. We dressed up the little red hen house and red shed for the " girls " a while back and leaves are beginning to turn… I’m feeling a RED October coming on in our neck of New England…Autumn is glorious on all counts!

Happy GLORIOUS fall…
Deb~

Hi Libbie,

Just love reading about autumn,my favorite time of year! The leaves turning….falling, hah! more work in the yard…today we’ve a "howlling wind" ..it sounds like Halloween is already here….
I’ve just baked 3 apple pies…two to the neighbors on either side of us. One gave us back the pan, and said, "could they have 2nd’s?" They included the apples for the next one, so of course I said "yes!" We had a nice exchange about the eagles, and owls we’ve heard in the neighborhood lately..tales of mice in the kitchen, which they tried to catch…but found that their cat was letting him out of the trap! Well, they said he’s not a good "mouser!"
I’m also enjoying your photos….little ones…best thing ever…and firewood for the winter…does give one a "cozy" feeling, knowing its ready and waiting.
On the coldest days I’m working on a baby quilt for the Linus project…has a calming effect on my nerves…always good.
Hope you are having a good weekend now…happy autumn!

Wow! What a great article and fabulous photos too! Just last week had to hose down my 7 year old boy and plop him in the tub before the company came for dinner!
I also have a pile of green tomatoes, one year I pulled up the plants roots and all, and hung them upside down from the barn rafters! I had only cherry tomatoes that year, but we ate them until January!!!!! Now I make sure that I have a couple of plants in big pots and bring them into our attached greenhouse for the winter- they will last all winter if I’m careful, and I’ll have REALLY early tomatoes next spring!

really enjoyed the pictures. it’s a busy time of year with all the canning and jelly making. i love it though. makes you feel good looking at all the pretty filled jars. i’ve got some gorgeous orange cinderella pumpkins and can’t wait to see how they work in pies and breads. i was told they make wonderful pies. hope so. our wood pile is all set, too. ah, contentment knowing we’ll be ready for our minn. winter.

Seeing your boys is a blessing. Love lists and you have me thinking of all the wonderful blessings…fall lettuce, beautiful leaves turning color, my son, my husband, oh the list could continue..

I have so much to be thankful for, My Charlie and I are retired, we have 4 Children between us and each have one in heaven. We love to travel and do things together. We like to garden and fish and just being together. Our health is pretty good now and we thank the good Lord for that. Our little world is wonderful and we do enjoy it a lot. Thank You Lord above. Hugs Juanita

I do so enjoy your blog. I am so thankful for my wonderful husband, daughter and son-in-law. We are about to begin a new journey in our life too. Our little granddaughter, Morgan, is due in 4 weeks and we can hardly wait. She is our first grandchild, my husband is retiring in April and we will have been married 40 years in March. Sooo much to be thankful for. You have a lovely family and your blog just gives me that boost, that sometimes we all need. Thank You.

I am so thankful for my four beautiful boys too!! Thank you for sharing and reminding us to be thankful!

As I read the most recent issue of MaryJanesFarm …. I was reminded about a Gratitude Journal that I faithfully wrote in for years. What would I write today? I am grateful for the sweet flavor of pears, beautiful ripe tomatoes and the crisp fall mornings. As usual I loved your post! Debbie writes (in blog) about “serendipity” ……… It was total serendipity this summer when I found myself in your driveway and you so very graciously introduced me to “some of the wonders” of your world! You do indeed have a delightful family, lovely neighbors and a home with such warmth. When I read your post it puts a smile in my heart. I am grateful for people like you and serendipity!

I so agree with September being the ‘new year’! It has always felt that way to me with the season change (darker earlier, crisp temperatures), clothing change (putting away the tank tops, sandals & pulling out sweaters & boots) and putting the outside to ‘rest’ (pulling out the annuals, dead garden things, turning over the soil).
One of my favorite things to say to myself when I’m paring down (house hold items to clothing to my favorite books) is "Does this make my life better?" — I find it’s much easier to let things go when they don’t make my life ‘better’ in a way I can appreciate!

I am right there with you (actually blogged about it recently), maybe it is this time of year for us farm girls that makes us evaluate the past year.

My main problem is trying to do too much outside of the home (county fair board, homeschool activities, and on and on) and not saying NO when asked to help out with something. I am going to be more diligent on choosing only those things that bring joy and enhance our family life.

Yearning for beauty, stability, and love also,
Stephanie
The Park wife

Ditto too…September is the beginning of a new and Marvelous-Darling Year, always re-evaluating and re-inventing who, where and why’s in my life. So awesome seeing that so many of us Lady’s are doin the same…Garage-Sale time in Sunny Florida! Have a Sweet Sweet re-discovering…

Wow! You’ve certainly got me motivated…especially with your grandmother’s saying! On my farm this fall the BIGGIE is that I am expanding my farm store from the little room off my carport to a bigger outbuilding at the other end of my house. PATIENCE is NOT one of my virtues and it’s hard for me to not want it done ALL AT ONCE but son and son-in-law have begun the clean out, next will come the electrical wiring, insulation in walls (which I can do), installing paneling and building the little front porch (which I can help with!)….to make a REAL little country store….when we’re not actually working on the remodel I am busy making all sorts of jelly to sell in the current store and the new-old store, more goat milk soap, and all sorts of aprons, vests, and baby quilts….some with Christmas themes…but my main goal today is to finish writing an article that is near deadline AND finish patchig a weak place in the goat’s fence! I DO NOT have your sense of organization! Hope your sweet cow is doing fine!!!!!

One thing I did was start using things, what am I saving them for. For instance, I have my mothers linen napkins that
I use now and wash and hang out in the sunshine to dry and
think of her….plus it saves a tree.

Love your nanny’s quote, totally going to use that one! Fabulous "kick you in the butt, in a loving way" wisdom.

Libby–you sure said it right! There are many times I want to get a firehose and flush it all out!! I work fulltime and my house-husband, the professional mess-maker, gardner, poultry farmer, cook, canner, can’t find time to put anything away when he is done with it. I can’t really complain, since he does so much already, but I don’t want to clean it up!! He/We have put up lots of jars of home-grown produce this year and I am ready to snuggle into my chair with a stitching project and let winter come.

I agree…next to Spring, my favorite time of year is Fall. Both seasons, I go through the house and weed out non-ecentials. My Mom, (I grew up in the 50’s and 60’s) used to do vigorous housecleaning both Spring and Fall. I loved helping her and the satisfaction that we had when all was clean, bright, and comfy. Loved the way the house smelled of fresh air and sunshine. I still throw the windows open as much as possible….even on sunny winter days (here in IL.) and hang the quilts and duvet’s out on the line for freshening. I have 10 grandchildren and we spend a LOT of time leaf and flower gathering, garden planting and weeding, watching birds, watching all sorts of bugs, gathering little rocks, baking and just having fun. Don’t need clutter gobbing things up. The older I get, the easier it is for me to throw away "stuff". My hubby, on the other hand…well, that’s another story…Ha! We love country living and the country life. Fresh wholesome food and everything as free from chemicals as we can get. My life is just about perfect and the good Lord has been gracious to me. I am going to go enjoy my front porch and count my blessings! Have a WONDERFUL Fall!

I love your post. Thanks for the positive energy, it seems that many look at the glass as half empty, I like to see it as always half full.

My favorite quote " Attitude is the mind’s paintbrush, it can color any situation" Loring Forcier

Thanks for the other two quotes, I love them. I will now go tell my kids how great they are as sometimes I think I am too hard on them and set my expectations too high.

Good Karma to you, Heidi

Yes…attitude/focus is everything, isn’t it? I’ve been thinking about that for awhile; maybe in a little different way: that life really isn’t all about me, but rather is about Him. Returning evil for evil in relating to people or circumstances only serves to perpetuate the evil. But changing my focus to " how can I respond right now (not react!) in a way that will please the Lord? " has made a huge difference, and seems to me to break at least my small part of a negative chain.
Thanks for your thoughts on the similar subject, and for seeking to make the world better, even if it takes a bit of unrewarded effort. God sees it and takes note, I’m sure.

Isoagreewithyourpost!Sometimesitdoesseemlikethesmallestkindnesseshavegonecompletelyoutofoursocietytoday.Whatanicethingtoremember-Icanstarttoputsomethingback,givesomethingtoothersthatmayhelpthemgetthroughthesedifficulttimes.Ittakessolittle,butmakessuchadifference.Thankyouforthisreminder!

Thank you so much for reminding me that my small troubes can easily be put aside for a few moments to give a stranger a smile or hold a door for someone or slow down enough to radiate gratitude for all the blessings in my life. This message never gets old.

A beautiful post. Thank you for the reminder. I try to ‘shelter’ others… well, most of the time. But you’ve reminded me it’s worth the extra, tiny bit of effort *all* of the time 😉

Libby,
I love to read your posts, and this one especially touched my heart, as it is something that I’ve been thinking about a lot myself recently. My family and I are in the hospitality business, so we are in touch with the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We see human nature in all its possible forms. 99% of our guests are the most delightful folks you’d ever want to meet. The 1% that isn’t, can really have an impact on your (and everyone else’s) day. Conversely, we see people check in who are hot and bothered, may have been driving in traffic and who are bringing all sorts of mental baggage with them. As an innkeeper, I love to watch them unwind and let the cares of the world just melt away over the course of their stay. All it takes, as you say, is a smale, a kind word and a caring, receptive ear. We do not need to travel halfway across the world to make a difference … we can change the world exactly where we are, with just a smile. Keep up the wonderful writing, Libby. It is very inspiring. –Cathi (The Mountain Farmgirl)

Libbie,
This was a fantastic post! No way you could strike out looking for inspiration in Mary Jane’s " Eachother" section either! I agree… it’s fabulous and certainly at the heart of what a " farmgirl" truly is… KIND AND GENEROUS….I read a book right at the first of the year that motivated me much in the same way. It was written by Dr. Dwayne Dyer…( maybe he’s a farmboy at heart? ) Anyway, his book the Power of Intention, LEARNING HOW TO CO- CREATE YOUR LIFE…speaks along these same lines…and inspired me to write about it too!
We can never have too much kindness in the world…

I’ll share it with you all here!

Enjoy! and Thank you " kindly" for this wonderful post today!

http://www.deborahjeansdandelionhouse.com/2009/12/conversation-with-wayne-dyer-dr-wayne.html

Deb

The smallest gesture of kindness becomes great when we release it from ourself. Surprise someone or something with a Random Act of Kindness, but beware, it is contagious!!!! 🙂

I have taken a bright marker and written the word "shelter" on a paper which is taped to the back of the bathroom door. It is a reminder, when I’m sitting still anyway!, to think about your post and adjust my perspective before returning to the stage of life. Thanks for your insights.

Libby, There must have been divine interference in you not having the right milk and your cheese making not working. 🙂 This post on kindness surely resonated with many, me included. Thanks so much for addressing a much needed element in today’s world.

Libby, I am new to the Rural Farmgirl Blog, but I already love it. How true that one act of kindness can change your life or raise your awareness. Many years ago, as I was leaving a department store, a young woman held the door for me as I hurriedly rushed through it (my mind on my next 3 stops). Just out side the door, I heard her say "THANK YOU"! It stopped me in my tracks and I looked back. Her expression was a mixture of humor, humbleness, and just a little indignant. I was so embarrassed and couldn’t find the right words to say to her, so I just lowered my head and scurried on out to my car. But, it changed me forever. To this day, I never fail to say thank you when someone holds a door for me. In turn, I try very hard to not be in such a hurry that I can’t find time to hold the door for others – and when I do, I always see that woman’s face. It is tucked away in my little book of Greatest Gifts and Life Lessons along with the quote from Gomer Pyle on The Andy Griffith Show "My mamma always said, it only takes a moment to courteous". I look forward to more Farmgirl wisdom.

I just got around to reading your blog and I love it. How right you are, Just a little kindness helps the world go round. Today I was driving back from picking up 4 turkey sand 1 silkie chicks in my full size van which sits up higher than a car. Waiting at a stoplight in 2 lanes of traffic, I looked to my left and saw a baby, probably about 2 months old facing the back, crying his eyes out. His little hands were shaking in front of his face, and I felt so sorry for him. Two women were sitting in the front seat, I’m sure just knowing that he would stop eventually. Well, I looked at him for a second or two, wishing there was something I could do, and he looked right at me, through 2 car windows and some space, this little baby, and his eyes met mine, and he stopped crying, he even shook a little like a baby will do who has been crying for awhile, and just looked at me. I continued to smile at him and he looked at me; and then the light turned green, but my day was changed for good. A very precious moment.

Gracious, what wonderful advice, and so simple to carry out!
A wonderful (best) friend taught me to see the beauty in God’s creation and to focus on it. If we focus on kindness, it will grow. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful post! Would you mind if I post the two quotes (from Plato and the Irish proverb) on my blog? I can link them back here if you would like.
Sincerely and God bless.

What a wonderful story!
Thank you for sharing! It has put a giant smile on my face!

Hannah

What a lovely story; I hung on every word. I had an old friend once similar to Margaret. His name was Ariel, and he lived next door to us for the five years we lived in Idaho. I learned alot from him despite his initial crusty manner- how to cut and piece a quilt, how and what to garden in the Bear Lake Valley, and how to “make do” in a remote town.

I hope you’ll share more of your friendship with Margaret … and Kate, too. Good luck on the riding lessons. I’ve never ridden bareback, but do prefer Western to English. Good on you!

Hugs,
Cathy K
Murray, UT

You are truely blessed to have such a wonderful woman by your side. I can imagine everything you will learn from her. But you yourself are wonderful too. Enjoy the ride!

Loved the story. Reminded me of my "Aunt Ruth". She could do anything too and lived to be 94.

You are blessed with the friendship of a woman that can show you a picure of the past but be there to help you now and in the furture. My mother is 80 and sometime when she talks about the past it is like reading a book you don’t want to put down. And of course the love a horse can be a blessing in itself we have eight horses that we love. They are more like pets now than anything but that is okay with us.

I truly enjoy your posts. I totally agree with your thoughts on so many people counting on you! Enjoy.

I also have a blog to share: http://ruralgirlsworld.blogspot.com

do you mind sharing her? i want a margaret.

and i love you for seeing past all the rough edges to such a quality person and friend! you rock!!

Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm about garlic! We have a small garden and have planted garlic for our own family’s consumption. Someday {soon} we hope to own more acres and farm for a living. Hearing your story encourages me and will propel us on in our dream. . .

Enjoy your farmily!

Thank you for sharing. I enjoyed this post so much. I am just beginning to get into gardening. I have been researching so that come next spring I can have my own little space. Loved the photo of the little one helping bake cake.

blessings on your week

My hubby and I tried growing garlic this year! Oh joy! Rapture! It is oh so gratifying to dig up those pungent bulbs! Our dream is to farm it full time, hopefully we can make it true next year, but until then, I shall live vicariously through you! We did start our own tomatoes and peppers from seed–100 maters and 150+ peppers as well as the other usual suspects(corn,beans,pumpkins, squash, taters, onions). Everything is so lush here in northern NY, I am just praying the weather continues as it has been. We’ve had unusually hot temps and occasional soaking rains, so there has been no need to water. I’m keeping my fingers and toes crossed that it will continue, because so far, so good.
I love your posts. Thanks for helping to keep the dream alive!

peace,
the mitten lady

What a great post! I loved every word…. especially, the one you misspelled…
FARMILY~ its’ perfect!

Thanks for sharing your inspiration for growing garlic…I was right there with you in the big red barn!

Have fun on the Farm!
Look forward to your next farmily adventure!
Deb

I know precious little about garlic in the garden. Do you have a cool cellar to store it in? How long does it keep…or do you can it? What a great experience to go to Pay Dirt school. I hope to go to MJF henquarters someday :o)

Love this, lots of work but beautiful outcome. For Cathy K. who’s blog I looked at, the porcelain piece is a spoon holder, it shoud have some spoons inside also made of porcelain. I believe they were used for tea. I have one just like it, only mine has painted roses and its beautiful. Thanks Maria

It sounds like a lot fun to me…hope the toe is ok and would have loved to be at the races I love horses….I am disabled now and on oxygen so I love to read about others who can go to all te places I miss. Thank you so much for sharing

After reading this (and after hearing about all the festivities in "Aunt Jenny’s town!) my family as decided that when I meet with the Chamber of Commerce director this week to talk about some writing I’m todo for them, that we’re going to suggest that NEXT YEAR we MUST have some sort of Fourth of July festivities in our county and town! We have a BIG Veteran’s Day Parade and BIG BIG BIG Chrstmas Parade but we NEED NEED NEED this in the summer, both to show our respect and love of and independence in this land AND to give our folks more of a spirit of community! Thank you for this wonderful blog!!!

Libbie, you are a captivating writer! I was hooked after the vision of the kids flying out of the cars, and I tasted the s’mores, winced over the tale of your finger, and felt the rumble of the horses racing past.
You had lots of events during your celebration of this great country, but the most blessed part is your description of "all of us" honoring our flag.
Thanks for allowing us to be a part of your 4th of July.

Hello Fellow Farmgirls,

Sounds like alot of us had a great "4th" week-end…My family(some of us)met at my yougest son’s new home..we grilled hambergers, hot dogs and chicken…No one was hurt, thank God…he had bought a small atv and all the kids took rides on it around his back field…What a wonderful time making memeories…next time gonna remember those s’more!!!! I forgot until it was too late…gives us something to look forward to share!!!! Take care!!!

Libbie: I loved hearing of your 4th of July weekend. Evellyn is BIG and beautiful. Having a dream cow is a dream come true. I hope you and your hubby are both healing. As for the Mozzarella. Do you have a recipe to share or to suggest. I made a creamy cheese with herbs from Mary Jane’s magazine. It was fun. Have a great summer out there. My dream is to have a small farm someday. Maybe then I too can have a dream cow. Hugs Dianne

Libbie: What a fantastic time you provided for everyone. You must live on a big farm. Your telling makes me wish everyone could have an adventure at least once in their life. Thanks for sharing! Bonnie

Talking about smores……my daughter-in-law made them this 4th with Reeses peanut butter cups instead of Hershey bars…..yummo

Hey Libbie!
What a 4th of July celebration you had on the farm! Sounds as if you had a wonderful time… The kind that you’re ready to be over, but happy you crammed in everything you did! Great memories for the youngters too!

Thanks for taking us along for the ride!
Deb

What a great 4th celebration! Glad your finger is better…kinda scary. And hay no less!

We make smores with a layer of peanut butter on the cracker which is similar to the peanut butter cup. I’m trying the peanut butter cup next time…less to haul to the campfire!

I love to blog also – never did journal much so thinking about what might be interesting to share, taking a picture and then spending some time writing…its easy to see that you like to blog also.

It was so fun to hear about your 4th of July..sounds like so so so much fun!!! Rural Utah is awesome in the summer time isn’t it?? I can’t beleive how close we are and yet we can’t manage to get together more often.
Evelyn is just so grown up and beautiful like her mother!! I am so so happy that you have my "grandcow"..haha.
Take care..you are doing an awesome job with the blog..I LOVE reading it and feeling like I catch up with you each time. Have a great week!!

How true! Just do a small section & all of a sudden you are finished! We have had so much rain it has been hard to even get out a do a small section. We use grass clippings between the rows in the garden to keep down the bulk of the weeds. Then it is just right in the row where you have to weed. It makes it easier for me!

I’ve just finally finished "weeding" my craft/computer/sewing room. You can see from it’s multi-purpose that in a very small actual bedroom area that I might have a problem. With over 10 years of accumulating scrapbook items alone, not to mention anything else I had a big task ahead of me. I even rearranged pictures and other wall art so that I now feel like it’s a new fresh room without spending a cent. It took me about 4 days but will last a good long time and will be much easier to find things and it’s a much more enjoyable room.

Perfect timing for this subject in my life! We just moved into our new home, complete with weeds in front that need to be yanked up. Weeds have been on my mind the past few days, and yes, all I have done is THINK about getting out there, but that’s a start, right?! You inspired me to go pluck some weeds today, thank you 🙂

Libbie,
Your blog couldn’t have come at a better time! I was feeling overwhelmed with all my weeds, 4 acres of market garden with no end in sight. I am still waiting for my husband to "fix" the cultivator for our tractor, however, weeds don’t wait, they just keep on growing. Interestingly enough, I actually do harvest Lambs Quarters and sell them at our local farmers market. Now, on to weeding inside – never thought of cleaning house that way. Love your blog, keep it coming.

This year I have both my two year old and six year old helping with the weeding – they are actually asking to help.
I actually really enjoy it too.
Warm wishes, Tonya

I have been told not to put weeds in your compost for they will grow where you use your compost. I never thought of eating lambs quaters, do sound good, might just try it myself.

Liked this blog – esp. about the "indoor weeding". (This may be a bit off track but wanted to let Juanita Massey know that "ancestor.com" has a lot of Massey & Massay family history/photos – I also come from the Massey/ay group. I love that site because so many people are getting in touch with offspring of their ancestors.) Lambs-quarters are very nutritional. Dandelion leaves are also good, very packed with calcium, but rather bitter. Sheep sorrel is another very good herb, has a surprising taste, like the sharpness of a Sweetart, but not sweet. This herb is one of the main 4 herbs in the compound "Essaic", used to fight cancer.

I just love your blog so much! Great ideas in this one! Keep up the good work – can’t wait for your next entry!

Great post, Libbie!
Bindweed is the most abundant thing growing at our spot in the community garden. The more I pull up, the more sprouts elsewhere. Very frustrating.

I love other weeds, especially those wild edibles. Here is a great website for learning about edible wild plants: http://www.wildmanstevebrill.com/

I’m working on some indoor weeding myself, tackling those spots that are most annoying to me … just like that bindweed!

Blessings,
Catherine 🙂

The best way to work out how to get rid of a weed is to try to grow it. put it in a pot and use all your gardening skill to grow the best weed possible. when you have worked out what it needs to grow well you will know what will hurt it most. The bane of our lives is butter cup and i followed this method and discovered it loves potash and hates sulpher and coppersulphate so i added both to our annual fert programme and bingo lovely grass no buttercup. maybe bind weed has a simple dislike as well. you can also try testing soil samples from the places it grows best and the places it wont grow to find the element you need. you could also research the things that eat it bugs ainimals etc maybe all you need is an mongoos or a herd of green shield beetles ;0 lol

Sorry to say the weed situation is no better in N.E.Best I can do is attack on a daily basis.Our worst weed seems to be false rhubarb not sure about the bindweed.Roots go down about 3-4 feet and they are a @#%# to get rid of.

Welcome, Libbie!

I can’t wait to read more…

Genevieve

Hi Libby thank you for sharing your farmgirl information. I am Farm Girl # 227.
Although not a farmer I live in Rural Virginia.
Looking forward to your blog. Pat

Hi Libbie,
julie jo here 30 years old, living the farm dreams here on the northern tip of California in Fort Dick, where the giant redwoods meet the ocean and so does the Smith River. Anyhow, I’m looking forward to hearing more of your farm into the future, as I bet we share lot’s in common, and love to hear how others "get er done".
Evelynn looks a lot like our last milk cow "CoCo" we got her from friends who said she just didn’t match their herd so we got her out of the big open grazing fields and slowly started to work with her so we were both comfortable milking. However this was our very first milk cow and we were learning a ton while doing, and of course we made mistakes, and in the end we gave her back to the open country as we were given an already "tame" gentle and sweet milk cow by the name Bessie, you can see her on our web site listed above. She recently freshened, gave birth to "Lucy aka. Mi Mi" and I am loving the cream in my morning coffee and home made cheeses, and our pigs are also loving the milk too. I am waiting for the rain to stop and the sun to heat up our temps and then it will be home made ice cream time too.
Anyhow, again look forward for more to come,
in the mean time, be well.

Welcome Libbie! I know you will meet a lot of new friends on your blog — sounds like you are one busy lady! I don’t live on a farm, and didn’t grow up on one, but oh I wish I would have! My parents had one of those clotheslines in their back yard when I was young and I remember her hanging up the wash with the wind whipping around her. I even liked hanging them up and I was a youngster! My brother and I especially liked making up running games centered on these two poles. What good memories! Of course the wonderful smell of the clean air is priceless. Have a great day!

Hello and I just want to say I am in love with your lifestyle so far. It’s a dream I have had and still have. Your blog has lifted my spirit and I look forward to seeing your next post and living the life through you.

HI Libby…I’m very happy to meet you. My name is Heather 🙂 I really enjoyed learning about your family and your home 🙂 I would love to live in an old farmhouse someday.
The laundry line…I live in an apartment complex and we’re not allowed to have them. HOWEVER, I work around that by hanging my cltohes on a portable clothes rack and placing that right in front of my sliding door..that’s okay as long as inside 🙂 🙂 🙂 In the summertime, I love to take advantage of the natural sunlight/heat to dry my clothes 🙂

I’m looking forward to reading more of your posts 🙂 Have a great weekend.

Greetings from Oregon, Heather 🙂

Welcome! You have arrived on my computer in our old stone house which has been in the family since the mid 1700’s- my daughter is generation #8! The history here is amazing- I know you understand! We raise Hereford cattle, have 6 chickens, 7 horses and three donkeys. Life is wonderful as a farmgirl! Cant wait to read more from you- your boys sound fantastic, and Evelynn too! Welcome to the family of MaryJanes Farm! -Meredith

Hello Libbie!
So great to read about your farm and your life. I just read my husband the bit about your boys going out to play "sticks and rocks". He laughed because our kids used to do things like that all the time. You’re right, there isn’t much better than mud, sticks, rocks and water! 🙂 I look forward to reading your posts in the future. Would love to hear more about your life with Evelynn. I would love to have a milk cow like I did when growing up!
Take care!

I’m sending out a big farmgirl welcome Libbie!

Thanks for sharing a little of your Rural life with us! All of your critters are adorable… INCLUDING those two little farmboy’s of yours!

Deb~

I so enjoyed reading your blog, what a wonderful family & life!!

Nice meeting you and look forward to your inviting blog postings in the future…I’m on my way now to check out your farm…Very much enjoyed reading this article, thank you!!

Hi Libby.. welcome to the "Rural Farmgirl Club"… you’ll find, that there are many of us. I enjoyed so much "meeting" your "Crew".. thanks for taking the time to introduce us all to all those you love…I look forward to reading more. Welcome!!!

Welcome, Libbie! So glad to meet you…lookin’ forward to learning more with you!

I enjoyed reading your blog about your family, farm house, animals and even hanging the wash. I grew up on a farm in Iowa, and then we moved to AZ when I was 13. My sisters and I would always find something to do outside like your boys. We would make our own games and would build forts out in the grove of trees. We burned our own garbage and had a special place to put tin cans, etc. When I wanted to be by myself, I could always go out and take walks in the cornfield and find peace and quiet from my 3 sisters. My dad had a herd of cows(don’t remember how many but LOTS) that he milked by himself every morning but my sisters and I were his hired hands in the evenings, either throwing hay down to the cows or washing the cows teats and putting on the milking machines, emptying them into the cans and rolling them to the tank room. Dad would have to dump them since the cans were too heavy. I learned to drive a John Deere tractor at age 12. I would never give up the special memories of growing up on a farm.I could go on but then I’d have my own blog. Till you post again….

Welcome, Libbie! Thanks for introducing us to yourself, your kiddos, and the lovely Evelynn! Looking forward to meeting all the members of your farm 🙂

I feel the same way about my clothesline…just love summertime and hanging out my laundry. Is there anything better than crawling into bed at the end of a long day, onto sheets that smell like spring air?? Ahhhh!

Till later-
Carrie M

i’m so excited to read your blog!! i know what you mean about the toys…..mud is soooo much better!! I love my clothesline also. we don’t live out in the country yet, but are working towards it…..and i can’t wait! can’t wait for your next blog!

hello there from Florida! It is very nice to meet you and I look forward to reading about you and your family. Your boys are adorable and I guess I’m partial to children of that age becuase I have a 7 and a 3 year old; both girls. Your comment about the whites made me laugh because I too LOVE to hang whites on the line and just stand back and look at them. There is something so satisfying to see that bright white set against a backdrop of nature. Very relaxing indeed. You can let your mind relax and wander but still keep your hands busy… add in the background sounds of my girls laughing and playing hide and seek through the clothes and it is Heaven!

What a fun way to meet you Libby! I adore how your farmhouse has been passed down through The WOMEN in your family and that you have the opportunity to live there now!
I adore your clothesline with whites and tons of clothespins.

Your farm your children are growing up on and playing with rocks if fabulous. Let them play outside with boys toys and their imagination FOREVER! I hope we get to meet Maybeline and see your wavey glass door soon.

Smiles, Cyndi

Hi Libbie,I love your Blog.It is so down to earth and fun.We live on a small farm.We love it.Your sons are so cute.I have a 5 yr old grandson and I want to teach him all about animals and outdoors.
Take care Carol

I am so pleased to meet you vicariously through this site. I have recently moved from Southern California to a small town, Powhatan, Virginia. My children are grown ups now, so my new found rural experience is mostly just my husband and myself. We so wanted to get away from the crowds and all. I just love it here…except for the CLAY soil! Too bad I don’t have those beautiful little farm boys to play with my clay.

Hello Libbie,
It is great to meet you and I’m looking forward to learning more about you, your family, and the farm. We have a few things in common because I too have a Jersey cow named Buttercup due to calve in August. I also have 2 boys and a wire clothes line that sees alot of use. Your farmhouse must be out of this world and with it being family it is a treasure.
Fellow farmgirl
Ardell Hofer

So glad to meet you! I’m not a farm girl (yet?), but love knowing there are many of you still living and loving this way of life. I look forward to getting to know you better. Your family is beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

Hey there, Libbie!
I absolutely love Jersey cows- the sweetest of all with those big brown eyes. Welcome, welcome- I look forward to (re)living vicariously through your blog posts. I am stuck in suburban Portland, OR- but dream of one day moving back to farmland.
Looking forward to learning more about you-

Welcome Libbie.
I enjoyed reading your story.

We live on a small farm in Massachusetts with 2 horses, angora rabbits, ducks, chickens, kittens and a bulldog.
Looking forward to reading your posts !

Happy day!

Hi Libbie! It is so nice to meet you, your boys, and hear about your farm life. Isn’t it amazing how sharing the farm stories "cultivate" the desires and dreams of others for living the farm life?? I know it helps to kindle the dreams as well as rekindles the memories in me. My mom was a true farmgirl in heart and I am so thankful that she placed those in me. So I am looking forward to hearing and sharing more of the farm. Welcome!!!!