Hi Nicole! Your post made me miss Ct! We had the cicadas LAST year, I guess they can’t count! They were super noisy for about three weeks. I was nervous we would have more this year but we haven’t seen a one. Enjoy July and all the wonderful things that go along with it!

Hi Meredith!  Connecticut is a great place to be in summer!  We were so excited to see cicadas, but not a one!  I even saw a post on the DEP’s facebook that cicadas were harmless, but our area hasn’t seen any.  My daughter has a few cicada "shells" she found in the yard a from a few years ago, but so far, nothing. Thanks for reading and commenting, happy summer! -Nicole

Oh BEAUTIFUL – ly said!! July is one of my favorite months too – especially the 4th – thank God for INDEPENDENCE and for my sons birth – yupper he is a 46 yr. old fire cracker for sure. Love your idea for a ‘glamper’ !!!!! Thanks for the lovely pictures too. God Bless

Thanks, Joan, and a happy belated birthday to your son!  We have several birthdays in our family in July, too.  It’s such a happy month!  Farmgirl hugs, Nicole

What an amazing daughter you have! I just wanted to tell you how much your post warmed my heart this morning.

Linda, thank you so much!  I am so proud of her.  She’s got such a good heart.  -Nicole

Your family is truly blessed as are those in Oklahoma who are recovering from their tragedy. Sometimes "a little child shall lead them" and she has.

Adrienne, so true!  I did not know where to start to help Audrey organize her effort, but she was determined.  I hope she carries that determination with her throughout her life.  Thank you for reading and commenting! Farmgirl hugs, Nicole

Amazing story of love and compassion for others, I love it!
Our little town of Noel just opened it’s "no kill animal shelter" with a little thrift store that sells donated items and hand crafted things to help
support the feed and care of the animals.
My husband and I plan to volunteer there, as long as they make us sign
a contract that we won’t adopt or bring any animals home with us!
All of our pets we have now are either strays that have walked up, drop offs
found under our front porch, or a dog hit by a car in town that no one wanted, so he is ours now!
Blessings on your little girl with a huge heart and all those pets that will receive her special gifts…….hugs, Diana

Diana, I hear you!  Audrey and I would both have a hard time even reading the local paper where they post animals in our local shelters needing homes.  We only have one big dog right now, but at one point we had four dogs and four cats…all rescues.  The vet we used at one point had a shelter in back.  That is how we got our twenty year old cat.  He’s been the best and is really slowing down.  Rescues "know" they’ve been rescued.  Kudos to you and your town for what you are doing!  Hugs to you and your fur-babies!  -Nicole

Nicole,
This made me cry, I can only imagine how proud you must feel being her mama!! HOORAY for AUDREY!! What a sweetheart!
Hugs,
Jo
Farmgirl #5000

Hi Jo!  Yes, she really blew me away with this idea and how she organized everything.  Thank you so much!  Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

Hi Nicole!
Wow, that’s one little go with a HUGE HEART you’ve got on your hands! I love it! You are blessed as are Audrey’s Fur Babies! Give her a big farmgirl hug from us and tell her we’re proud of her too!
Deb ( your BEACH bloggin’ sis)
Oh, and go ahead and burst with pride! It’s well deserved!

Thank you, Debbie!  She is blushing right now as I just read your comment to her.  You’re so right – I’m just so blessed to be her mom!  Farmgirl hugs, Nicole

Congratulations to your daughter, and to you for not holding her back!…Because of her efforts I am getting off my chair TODAY and going to the local shelter with my application for membership AND a hearty annual contribution. They are desperate (and not because of a storm). People are not generous enough to support their needs. At least one of their workers (because I know her)uses her OWN car and gasoline and uses lots of her OWN money to purchase necessary supplies for cleaning/bleaching and maintenance. Her husband says she is generous "to a fault" because they don’t have much money in the first place.
Isn’t it always people like YOUR DAUGHTER and my friend that step up? I hope this particular article spurs people across AMERICA to at least support their local shelters.
THANK YOUR DAUGHTER for me please!

Wow, Mary, thank you!  I will let Audrey know how much you’ve inspired her!  Thanks!-Nicole

Loved your story today! Makes me think of my Grandmother and Mom who did a lot of sewing over the years! I love "vintage" things that remind me of past family fun times.

Thank you, Denise.  Sewing seemed to be a "lost art" for  awhile, but it looks like it is making a comeback again.  Glad I got you thinking about your loved ones.  Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

Your story brings memories to me. I and my daughter also love the vintage patterns and collect some of the aprons. My grandmother wore several everyday and her aprons were a fashion statement for a farm wife!! I am so impressed with young people keeping the family history and stories to pass on. Best wishes for continued family memories. Karen

Thank you, Karen.  I’ve been missing my grandmother a lot.  She would have turned 98 last month.  I think it’s important to keep our loved ones’ memories alive, passing them down to our children and grandchildren. Happy vintage apron collecting!  That too, is another one of my favorite things!  Farmgirl hugs, Nicole

Nicole, Thanks for sharing this wonderful story about your grandmother. It has brought bittersweet memories and tears as I remember my own grandmother who has inspired me to learn to sew on a machine. All these years I have only sewn by hand, but she made a living with her machine by making slip covers for people in Missouri. I sadly did not learn from her, but inherited a quilt top and when a quilt shop opened in my town, I decided to finally take classes. I was very close to my grandmother and miss her terribly, even though it has now been 19 years since her passing. She truly was an inspriation to me in many ways, including how I decorate my kitchen (vintage) and me starting my apron collection 20 years ago! I have yet to make one though, but MJF has got me on the path of doing that soon! Thanks for sharing your sweet memories of your grandmother and her lovely pictures. Your apron, by the way, is adorable!

Hugs from Colorado,
Jody
Farmgirl Sister #5000

Thank you Jody! I have a vintage decorated kitchen, too, and an apron collection. Too bad we don’t live nearby, we sound like we are a lot alike.  Thank you for complimenting my apron, it’s the first one I have made, and I made it to match my kitchen.  That’s so awesome you are taking quilting classes!  I always say learning to quilt is on my "bucket list".  Someday…

Farmgirl hugs,
Nicole

Oh Nicole, what a WONDERFUL FIND!! You mast have been so surprised and delighted. I absolutely love the pics of your grandparents and your writings about your grandmother.
I used to sew everything..my own clothes, my daughters nursery, curtains, pillows, doll clothes, aprons, whatever. My Nana, mother and I would go to New York City on the train, to get material and trims. My sewing machine has been in storage for so many years and I miss it so much. I’ve been collecting material only over the past few years. Hope to start sewing again soon. REALLY nice apron you made. I love that Audrey’s bow is on it. Your post brought back so many fun memories for me. Thanks. Miss you. Hugs to all. Wish we were close enough for tea, Joey

I feel the same Joey.  I still think of that wonderful day my family and I met you for lunch in Massachusetts.  If we lived closer, think of the trouble you and I could cook up!

Miss you, Joey!  Farmgirl hugs, Nicole

Hi Nicole,
I loved reading your story about the special memories of your grandma! Its so great to have those memories and to be able to share them with Audrey too!
To say that I was "close" to my grandparents would be an understatement. My mom and dad divorced when I was just 9 years old, but fortunately for me, my grandparents lived right next door. Basically, my grandma and grandpa raised me and were "parents" to me. I used to do everything with them, gardening, cooking, fishing, play cards- you name it!
In 1993 we lost my dear grandma to failed open heart surgery. It was a devastating blow to me, as well as the rest of the family. That year I turned to my grandfather and told him to pick anywhere in the world he wanted to travel to and I would take him there. He chose Alaska and so our journey began. We spent 2 weeks cruising Alaska, and then taking the scenic railway up to Denali National Park. It was the trip of a lifetime! Grandpa was bitten by the travel bug, and we were fortunate enough to go back again to Alaska, and then to the Canadian Rockies, and then on a Scandinavian Cruise for 2 weeks. We traveled the world together, and enjoyed so many wonderful memories together. It was awesome! 3 Years ago, I lost my dear grandpa at the age of 98 1/2! He lived such a good long wonderful life, and I will forever cherish our very special relationship.
Thanks for a wonderful heartfelt post Nicole!
Big Farmgirl Hugs to you!
~Laurie

Laurie, what a beautiful post you’ve written.  You’ve got me choked up.  I’m so sorry that you and your grandfather lost your grandmother as early as you did.  But how beautiful that you gave your grandfather the trip of a lifetime.  What blessings you were to each other. I know both of your grandparents were wonderful people to have raised you, you are such a dear, wonderful person.  Farmgirl hugs my friend, Nicole

What a beautiful post! Shug sounds like the perfect grandmother. I bet you wish you could go back in time, that’s how I feel about my grandparents who passed away. Thanks for sharing this story! X

Thanks, Janice! I do wish I could go back in time.  When I was little, it just seemed like they’d always be there.  -Nicole

What a wonderful find! I don’t sew much, my daughter does, she learned quilt making in middle school and has made several. It reminds me of my grandmother who was a quilt maker she mostly tied them. She wanted to try her hand at hand quilting, so I gave her fabric with little kids print and a flannel sheet for the back and she made her first hand stitched quilt for my daughter (so maybe that is where my daughter gets her love of quilting from) I remember my Grandma telling me "Watch so the kids don’t jump on it too much because the stitching isn’t real tight" She made one more beautiful quilt for my neice that was the sun bonnet pattern before she died in 1988. I miss her still.
I am a scrapbooker, so one visit home recently my mom let me dig through all Grandma’s sewing baskets, which I found many treasures of lace and fun things to use in my scrapbooks.
My Grandmother and I always wrote letters back and forth since I lived away after getting married, I treasure all of them and so glad I saved them. I kind of felt bad for my mom because she said " I never had a letter from my mom" because they always lived close to each other.
So thank you for sharing your find.
Nita

Nita,

Farmgirl Hugs,
Nicole

I did not have a grandmother when I was growing up. We lived in Michigan. My grandparents, those whom were alive, lived in Tennessee. My mother’s mother, died when she was 11. My dad’s mother, I saw one time, when I was a little girl.
When I grew up almost all my female relatives wore aprons!
I taught my daughter to sew making an apron as a project for 4H. She won a blue ribbon! I still sew. I have made a few aprons. I have won prizes for my sewing skills.

My daughter and I just became involved with 4H!  So much fun!  Congratulations on your winning ribbons!  It’s great that you’ve passed that on to your daughter.  Some of my happiest memories are of being in my mom’s sewing room with her.  She even bought me a little child’s sewing machine way back when. I still phone her for sewing advice when I get stuck, but wished we lived close enough to sew together.  Thanks for commenting.  Happy Sewing! -Nicole

I love her story……I would have loved to find a treasure like that from my grandma..we never knew her because she still was in the Ukraine…..I sat here and read the whole story it is very interesting ….I loved it..Thank you

Thank you, Maria.  I’m so glad you enjoyed it.  Thanks for stopping by!  -Nicole

My mother had the sewing bug and when she bought her "new" vintage Singer, she set to work with fabric donated by her friend who worked in a drapery factory. My junior high clothes were made from drapery fabric including the light sateen used for cafe curtains and the heavier knobby fabric long window drapes. I had forest green skirts, dark brown skirts, light brown skirts, forest green blouses with light green sleeves, light green blouses with forest green sleeves, dark brown blouses with light brown sleeves and light brown blouses with dark brown sleeves. There were forest green, dark brown and light brown vests that used the drapery material. She used every bit of the fabric and was proud of her color coordination. Unfortunately for me, I looked like window dressing that year! Thank goodness I outgrew them. Mom would also purchase some nice fabric, find the perfect pattern, make a dress for herself, my sister and me, and have enough left for doll clothes. She took my communion dress and dyed it deep turquoise so I could use it for a few more special occasions until I outgrew it. She knew how to make do. I didn’t inherit the machine sewing gene but I did sew the hems, embroider, and did crewel and needlepoint. French knots were my specialty. Thank you for the memories!

Adrienne,
I love your comment!  Cute!  My mom sewed many of my outfits, too, a child.  I remember one quilted calico jumper that was so cute, but the only thing holding it on me were four buttons, two on each shoulder.  The pearly buttons were pretty, but too small for the buttonholes.  On the way in to a big supper club, we were in the church parking lot when the buttons gave way and the whole dress fell off, around my ankles!  I was mortified!  I was only four or five but remember it clearly.  Another church dress she made during a growth spurt.  By the time it was finished, I was too tall and remember being worried that it was too short, that the other kids would start singing "I see London, I see France…" But I also fondly remember when she’d let me pick out my own fabric.  There was top and skirt with hearts all over it that I loved, and a she made me several circle skirts that twirled.  I loved that.  And some really great Halloween costumes.  I also loved going through my mom’s button collection.  Happy memories. 

Thanks for reading and commenting. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

Loved your story. It reminds me a little of how in recent years I decided to begin quilting. I had always sewed but never thought quilting was for me. Finally, after I had 48 large log cabin blocks made from scraps (I needed 49), I asked my 87 year old aunt, who taught me to sew, if she would help me place them in a pattern for a blanket. She agreed, and one day on our hands and knees in her living room we placed them in just the perfect way – turning this way and that to make sure. Of course, there was one block missing in the middle. It was then I realized she had a couple of blocks she had started 25 years ago and sewed by hand. She gave them to me and said, "Well, maybe you can make a pillow with these." I took one of the blocks, made a little alteration so it would fit, and put it right in the middle of my new quilt. And get this: One of the fabrics in her block matched – quite by accident – one of the fabric scraps I had already used in mine. Now I look at that quilt and see her "window" right in the middle. It reminds me of a good life – learning how to do things for yourself – and good memories of being with her as a child, where I was always secure.

Tammy, what a great story!  Thank you so much for sharing, and what a great heirloom quilt you have made. I’m sure it is beautiful! -Nicole

I too love the 40’s–my mother and father’s adult time. My mother was an excellent story teller. I thought all mothers were like that. She told us sitting in her kitchen all the stories of our family and because she told them so well, over and over, we remember them well. My first sewing experience was to make my 8th grade graduation dress at the behest of our Catholic school rule. Wow. I was a little nervous but got caught by the bug. I sewed everything from then on. My grandmother who lived with us knitted and I can still hear her knitting needles clacking as she talked and visited. She taught me to knit also. I didn’t keep it up but I am starting to knit again. Oh, I love your apron. I made one about 7 years ago that doesn’t tie anywhere. I love it. You put it over your head and the back area criscrosses. Cheers, Kathy

Hi Kathy!  I love that your mom taught you all your family stories.  Everyone should know their family history, and I find it surprising and sad that not everyone does.  I’m ready to start another sewing project.  Another apron, perhaps, for the next level Merit Badge.  I love aprons like you just described.  I have one made from french toweling that I bought online when my daughter was a baby.  It was to wear when bathing her, then I’d hold her close when she was all wet, without getting myself wet.  I still have it, though it is old and stained.  But very comfy.  Thanks for commenting!  Happy Sewing and Knitting!  Farmgirl hugs, Nicole

Morning from the Ozarks,
Loved your post, the beautiful butterfly picture brightens my day this morning.
This morning I have John Denver songs going, have been for the past week or so, they bring back precious memories of raising our children in the mountains of Montana.
I now journal for my children, years of precious memories in little books stacked away in my hutch’s bottom cupboard, where they will someday read
all about our every day lives, all the dreams that have comes true in our lives, a few sorrows and tears, and prayers for their future.
Sentiment is grand, it wakes us up to realize every day is sentimental and to becherished…….Hugs from the Ozarks…..Diana, Noel, Mo.

Diana, your comment is so beautiful and moving.  Thank you. Hugs, Nicole

Our little birds DO grow up fast. I’d had a Christmas tree on my deck that we scrounged from the landfill AFTER the holidays for some magazine photos (we shoot holidays a year in advance). After we were done using our tree as a photo prop, I left it on my deck all winter. Unbelievably, it stayed green until about a month ago. I went out one day to move it and noticed a robin’s nest being built in it. So instead of moving the tree, I sat on my couch with tea and watched a robin’s home being built. Eventually, I took a photo of 3 blue eggs. I watched the mother come and go and brought my grandgirls up for regular inspections. One day they hatched and started to grow. Mother AND father brought worms. I watched them every day so I could take a final pic without them looking so frail and hairless and well, odd. On the day I thought I better get that photo taken, I brought my camera and tri-pod to the deck, loaded the battery but they were already gone!

Hi MaryJane!  I love that you left the tree so the birds could go undisturbed!  We have a lilac bush right below the deck in front and last year had a nest of bluebirds, too. We got to witness the babies from eggs to flying birds.  We checked on them every morning and evening, and even mama bird got used to us.  When they flew out of the nest, we all joked about literally having "empty nest syndrome"!  Farmgirl hugs, Nicole

Oh Nicole, I know exactly how you feel – sentimental! I know they are just things but THINGS ARE LOVE too. Am so happy that you found your broach and THE BAG. Holding dear to the childhood of your daughter is just what a Mother does and the special gifts from family and friends. I once thought I had lost 2 thimbles – not that they were very expensive gold and silver BUT because they were my special Grandmother and Aunt’s. They used them almost every day of my remembering life, my Grandparents and Aunt raised me, to make many things for many family and friends but also used them as teaching me how to stitch and embroidery. My wonderful sister, we live together, didn’t make a big deal of it but LOOKED continuously without letting me know and yes SHE found them. They are now in a very special place where we can enjoy them daily. So as for me – SENTIMENTAL is just the way I am. Thanks for sharing.

Joan, what a great story! Thank you for sharing it with me.  I am so glad your sister found your thimbles.  Farmgirl hugs, Nicole

Nicole,

I keep every gift and card you and Audrey send to me. Our growing children are our greatest treasure, and looking at the things given to me by my loved ones brings back so many good memories. I left Texas and moved to Georgia, and the sentimental things help with loneliness. They remind me that I am loved. Glad you found the bag Audrey gave to you, and the brooch is beautiful. The red candle holder is something my mother gave to me from her heart and glad you enjoy it.

Last year I threw away a box with other boxes in the closet and had forgotten I put pictures from the 1960’s in it to mail. It makes me feel ill every time I think about it.

I love you,
Mother

Hi Mom, I know the photos make me feel bad, too.  I’m sorry that happened.  I keep a note you wrote me in my wallet, along with a small note from Audrey, too.  Love you, Nicole

Hi Nicole,
I do know just how you feel… So far, I haven’t lost anything the kids have made for me… I have a drawer full of painted shells, macaroni necklaces, first tries and beaded bracelets and safety pin jewelery, and yarn necklaces and notes all made by our daughter. Our son isn’t one to be fiddling with those sorts of things but even at 17 I still get several hugs and I love you’s from him. One thing I have lost that still haunts me to this day is a birthstone ring one of my Aunts gave me when I turned 12. It was a beautiful square cut topaz stone in a pretty gold setting flanked by two small little rosettes. I took it off to do dishes one day when I was a teenager and it went missing… Never to be found…The ring was special not just because it was so pretty, but because my Aunt, her daughter, my mother and I all share the same birthday month and it was my turn to have the ring. It still bugs me to this day that it is gone. For years I would look for it in Antique stores thinking it might turn up. I’m so happy for you that your broach was just hiding out in your daughters winter coat! Great story!
Hugs!
farmgirl sis
Deb

Oh, Deb, I am so sorry you lost that ring!  I really know how you feel.  My parents gave me an aquamarine ring set in gold when I was a about the same age (12).  It was oval with a vintage setting. It was one of the last things they picked out together for me, as they divorced when I was thirteen. Later, my ring was stolen from my first apartment.  It still makes my stomach flip to think about it. 
I love that your son is 17 and still gives you hugs and I love you’s, so special.  Big hugs to you, Nicole

I can’t wait to try this….I don’t know why I’ve never thought to do it sooner. When I was growing up, my mom made jelly from everything imaginable. And she and my dad knew all the safe weeds to eat. Needless to say, we ate a lot of them! I love your post; it brought back some very good memories.

Thanks, Rebecca!  I’m glad you enjoyed the post!  I think of all the jams and jellies I’ve made, this is my favorite, despite being a bit tedious.  Try eating it on bread with a slice of cheddar and the jelly on top.  Let me know how your jam turns out! -Nicole

Hi Nicole!
Looks like you had some fun with this one- not to mention, I bet you proved a lot of "doubting Thomas’" wrong!
I have never made my own dandelion jam, although I have tried it and liked it. My friend actually came over to my yard a few years back and picked my dandelion flowers, because she knew I did not spray any chemicals on my lawn. LOL
She did gift me with a jar when she made it which was great!
Hope all is well with you, and that the warm weather is finally here to stay!
Hugs to you my friend!
Laurie

Hi Laurie!  Another great reason NOT to spray chemicals on your lawn, right?  This was a fun adventure! Farmgirl hugs back at ya, Nicole

Nicole, I loved the article and wildflowers too. I once made a colored sketch in Texas Hill country of them. You must have a lot of dandelions on your property!
Your writing is very interesting and you are brave to try some of those "weeds". Love you, Mother

Hi Mom!  Your next goodie box will include a jar of this jam!  Love, Nicole

I think your blog is great and that the Sunshine Jelly looks great to make.
Just have to find an abundant amount of dandelions somewhere when they start growing.
Thanks.

Darlene, thank you!  Glad you enjoyed the blog. Write me back and let me know how you jelly turns out when you make it!  Enjoy! -Nicole

What a lovely day you had! For sure chickens come from the T.Rex. What a funny waddle/run they have. To this day, it cracks me up when I see my chickens run. But Henrietta running in an apron? Hilarious.

Hi MaryJane!
Chicken antics "crack" me up too…can’t wait to get my own little backyard flock.  Soon…
Much love! -Nicole

Hi Nicole!
I enjoyed following along on your journey. We took our kids there years ago when they were younger and "into" dinosaurs. Definitely a hidden gem!
I laughed when you brought up the "purple" dinosaur. Every now and then we break out in song singing some of the famous songs from the show. My kids (although they don’t admit it now) were addicted to Barney, Baby Bop, BJ and the rest of the gang! LOL
Would love to visit the seed shop….you must have been in heaven!!!!!
Thank you as always for sharing a glimpse!
Hugs my friend,
Laurie

Hi Laurie!  My girl was so enchanted by Barney when she was a tot, back when Selena Gomez was a child star on it.  Now she is a "Selena Gomez" fan again.  They both have grown up so much.

As for the seed shop, I’ve promised my Farmgirl Chapter an organized trip now that I have had a chance to check it out first.  Next early spring.  Hopefully you can join us for that one.  I’ll keep you posted on our other activities this summer…I’m determined to get ya out here! Farmgirl hugs,  Nicole

This sounds like it was a wonderful trip. I’m starting to discover how beautiful Hartford county is too. Brian and I took a trip to Fairvue Farm in Woodstock, CT and had lunch at an adorable place called The Vanilla Bean Cafe in Pomfret and stopped at a gift shop called Celebrations Gallery, also in Pomfret. I can’t wait to go back! I always wondered about the area which is called Quiet Corner in Connecticut and I want to explore it further! Even though I don’t have my own garden (yet), it sounds as thought I would have loved that seed shop!

Ali, our sisterhood chapter will go one day.  Container gardening! Sounds like you found a neat place to go, too.   Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

Sounds like a great day Nicole, thank you for sharing.

Hi Barb!  It was a great day, and we found the dinosaur park by "accident" just by noticing a sign for it on I95 once before.  Like a hidden gem! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

Greetings, Nicole! Your articles are always a treat! I truly enjoy the simplest things and you always make them sound very special! Always well done! ella

Hi Ella, thank you!  It is true, the simplest things in life are the best.  Farmgirl hugs, Nicole

Hi Nicole –
I too can’t wait for Spring and the warmer temps to arrive and stay for a while. I don’t have a green thumb, but I do have to get my yard in order. I loved your idea about the suet cage and extra yarn. I always toss mine and now I now exactly what to do with them. GREAT IDEA! Thanks for sharing that. Also, can you please tell me what those green plants are. They look like they would be great ground cover by my shrubs. Enjoy today! Temps are warming up a bit!
Diane

Hi Diane!  I hear ya!  We’ve got way more clean up than usual due to the Superstorm Sandy and the snow that arrived last Halloween.  Our yard did not have its proper fall cleanup.

Today was a very beautiful day, with temperatures up to 68 degrees!  Happy Spring and thank you for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

So glad your finally getting a little sunshine on your face. Let’s hear it for green leafy vegetables!

Love the sun! Big hugs to you, farmgirl sister! Nicole

Hi Nicole! Even in Virginia it seems Spring is taking its sweet time! I wanted to tell you how much I love your idea of putting the yarn in the suet cage! Not only is it great for the birds but it is pretty too. Here on our farm we commonly see nests made out of tail hairs from the cows and horses, and from baling twine. This year my husband has purchased hot pink baling twine (I haven’t gotten to the bottom of that yet!) and I look forward to seeing pink nests next year!

Hi Meredith!  I never thought about birds taking hair from the tails of cows and horses!  Love it.  I’ve been doing this a couple of years now, and it’s funny to see glimpses of yarn in nests, and what yarn the birds like best. One year we had a nest just under our deck, so we could peek between the slats and get a "bird’s eye view"!

Happy Spring…hope it arrives soon! -Nicole

I am sitting here with tears in my eyes. Your blog was beautiful. It is wonderful to know that something so perfect is filling the children’s lives now, when something so horrible touched you all such a short time ago. My husband and I share our life with two dogs and every day they show us the wonder and goodness of a simple life. We laugh because of them, sometimes our patience is tried because of them, but always they show us their love and are there for us whenever we need a little pick up from daily life.

Judy, thank you!  You are so right, there’s so much we can learn from our dogs. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

My dad was diagnosed with congestive heart problems and he went into a depression, sitting in his recliner, basically waiting to die. He was convinced he couldn’t do anything. I had recently been surprised with being pregnant and knew my dachshund, Crystal, would not be happy about there being a baby around. Solution? I gave my dog to my mother for her birthday. (Dad didn’t want a dog, he said.) Sure enough, Crystal became my dad’s shadow and I soon received letters about how dad had to walk around to find the dog and then fix the fence. Crystal made him get up and do things and he was soon back to normal. Except, now he had a little friend who adored him! That was one of the best gifts I have ever given anyone.

Becka, how beautiful!  It’s me with tears in my eyes now.  Thank you so much for sharing your story.  -Nicole

How wonderful!

What a great idea!! I recently spend some time at the veterans’ hospital and had my dogs with me. Everybody wanted to pet them. The older gentlemen wanted to hold the small one on their laps. Dogs can be very soothing. Maybe having a dog in the schools would be something that should be looked into.

I agree!  I saw first-hand what an amazing effect they have at our school.  It was really miraculous.  I am so glad they will be staying until the end of school, but it would be great to have them all the time.  – Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

Nicole, what a wonderful article. I agree that it is an amazing addition to the classroom for children. I also wonder if it would be beneficial with ADD and ADHD children. How great it would be if having dogs could help reduce or eliminate the use of drugs in these kids!

Hi sweet Nicole!
What a wonderful post. Without a doubt, our furry friends offer so much to us all on a daily basis, never asking for anything in return.
Our library has the same program one of the other readers mentioned- At our library it is called Book Time with a Dog-where young readers are given 30 minutes to read to a dog. Because the dog does not "judge" the child’s reading skills, the child builds confidence and strength. Its is wonderful, and my own children participated when they were younger.
The power of therapy dogs is nothing short of a miracle, and I am so happy that Newtown is being blessed with their presence! How wonderful for everyone!
Hugs,
Laurie

Hi Laurie, I love hearing about this program!  What a great experience for all involved. 
The dogs at our school are truly a blessing.  I also want to say that I saw how hard the handlers work, and I hope they know how we all really appreciate their efforts.
Thanks for commenting! Farmgirl, Nicole

I am a therapy dog owner/handler and have seen first hand what a dog can do for children ,the elderly, and men in prison but most of all those of us who take the dogs to visit. It is a wonderful way to give back!!. I’m sure the handlers received as much if not more from being with the children. I too have tears thinking of your children.

Thank you for your note, Nancy.  -Nicole

My neighbor’s dogs, Siena and Drago, are two of the therapy dogs that have traveled to Newtown to be a comfort to those children and adults. These dogs are so loving and adorable and have been a wonderful playmate for my own dog. Siena and Drago have also been "listeners" to beginning readers at my school and brought me joy every time they entered the school. Working in a K-2 school in the area we all grieved for the loss Newtown has suffered and thinking about that horrible day still makes me cry. Knowing two of the therapy dogs, I appreciate the kind words you spoke of these loving creatures. Thank you for acknowledging these furry heroes!

Karen, I know all about Drago and Siena!  I have not personally met them, but my daughter comes home and tells me all about them!  Please give them both a big hug from my family!  Thank you so much for your kind words.  -Nicole

thank you so much for your story! i understand how you feel and those kids are so special. i have two rescue dogs and when my husband died unexpectantly 3 yrs ago, they ended up rescuing me. they have brought such comfort and joy to me and i don’t think i could have made it without them.

Janie, I am so sorry to hear you suffered such a loss,  but it is heartwarming to hear that you and your dogs "rescued" each other. I’ve heard that some of the dogs that were in our town are on their way to comfort Boston. 

Thank you for reading and commenting. Hugs, Nicole

Thank you Nicole for that wonderful story. My dog Kona and I are one of the teams that visit weekly. It is truly amazing to see the unconditional love between the dogs and children. It is the best hours of the week for us. We will be there as long as the schools want us.

Hi Sandy!  I have heard lots about Kona from Audrey!  Thank you for all your time and effort.  We will never forget what all of you have done for our kids.  Hugs to Kona from us! -Nicole

Awesome Website, Continue the good job. Thank you!

So sorry for the loss of you sweet kitty, Muffin. Our furry friends are such a blessing.

Here’s to taming those March "lions"! And a very happy birthday to you!

Thank you, Lori!  Happy Spring! – Nicole

Take five minutes for sitting down with a cup of chamomile tea and put your feet up. Then close your eyes, smile while you sip, and have an "attitude of gratitude." Be thankful for what you’ve accomplished and create a plan for a calm future even if it’s just for 24 hours. A suggestion for the tooth fairy: next time you’re at the bank, pick up some gold dollar coins and put them aside for those pleasant emergencies that pop up. I got 50 cents for my baby teeth, by the way.

Enjoy!

Great idea, Adrienne!  My daughter has to be running out of baby teeth soon…
Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

I’m so sorry about your cat’s passing. What a beautiful kitty she was! My cat Zachary died last year at age 18 and just like you said so well even though we were on borrowed time it still was a devastating shock to me to lose someone I’d spent almost 2 decades of my life with. They are so hard to lose.
I enjoy your column- Happy Spring!

I’m sorry to hear about your Zachary.  We now are left with just one pet from out original "herd", our kitty, Badger.  He is about twenty now.  He is happy to have Mittens as a buddy, who is now about ten months old.  He’s outlived all his other "girls".  We miss them all.  They are our kids who never grow up.

Thank you for reading and commenting.  Happy Spring to you, too! Hugs! -Nicole

I’m 70 yrs…back in the "old" days the tooth fairy slipped a quarter under my pillow! All this sharing about the Tooth Fairy reminded me that when my Mom cleaned out my Dad’s bureau after his passing, she discovered a gallon size plastic bag filled with all of his six kids’ teeth. I always wondered what TF did with all those teeth!!! What a surprise! He was such a dear Dad to all of us. BTW what does the TF at your house do with her findings?

I have heard a rumor that she keeps them hidden away, that tooth fairies use the teeth if they need "more magic in fairyland".  Or so I am told. 

Thanks for commenting and sharing your cute story with us! – Hugs, Nicole

There’s a sock fairy somewhere who’s well-supplied with socks. Glad to know she visits your house, too!

Nancy from Live a Savory Life

I think you are right, Nancy!  -Nicole

So sorry dear about your baby kitty Muffin,I have a Muffin but it is a dog she is sweet too…Like you said they are borrowed love to make us happy .And I am in Florida the sunshine state..reason in letting you know the last part…my Garden is partially in. Tomatoes,onions,Beans,Cucks and Corn.Working on flowers next ,the food was important lol.So good luck everyone reading this with their gardens!Enjoy!

Hi Georgette! And thank you for commenting!  Your garden sounds lovely!  I’m chomping at the bit to get outside and plant, I tell ya.  My seedlings have sprouted but it is still pretty cold.  It is supposed to warm up by next week to the sixties…keep your fingers crossed for me!  Give your Muffin a hug from me, and enjoy that Florida weather! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

so, this wonderful pizza dough — have you shared/would you please share the recipe? it really sounds too good to be true!

l love your pictures. Pizza is beautiful. Funny and cute article.
Love you,
Mother

Thanks, Mom!  Love you, too.  Glad you enjoyed it.
Big hugs, Nicole

OK, here goes. My first kitchen disaster came as I, a new bride, decided to make sugar cookies for my husband to take to work in his lunch. I thought how tough can this be? I have all the ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder…um, no, I have baking soda. Shrug. Same thing. The sugar "cookie" covered the entire cookie sheet and was 1/2" thick. It tasted fine so I broke off hunks and put them in a plastic bag. When my husband came home with his empty lunchbox, he told me with a laugh how much the other guys at work liked my "cookie." Yep, he announced at lunch that his wife made sugar cookies. They waited hungrily until he pulled out the broken hunks of the "cookie" to share. While they were giggling and stuffing their faces, he related my cooking disaster. I never baked anything for him again and that’s one of the reasons he was my first husband.

Oh my!  Silly boys – didn’t they realize that they were Cookie Bars?  Thanks for sharing!  🙂
Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

Why not try MaryJane’s pan bread recipe? It makes a fabulous pizza crust, and requires no yeast.

Of course, that is a wonderful recipe, too. Her Irish Soda bread is another great recipe if you are looking for something without yeast – I’ll be making that a lot this month! -Nicole

I thought I would include a bread-related, disappointment-turned-delicious story. I made whole wheat bread dough yesterday. I used dough enhancer, vital wheat gluten and potato flakes. All the tricks for a fluffy loaf. Oh, not so! The dough never rose more than about 10%. The dough tasted fine, and it was getting close to dinnertime, so I cut off small pieces of dough, rolled it super thin and "baked" it in my cast iron skillet like naan or tortillas. It was a hit! And because I didn’t use the whole thing, I put the dough in the fridge for later. I expect it to last about a week, depending on how much more we all want. Happy accidents, you’ve got to love them. Thanks for the blog. I love reading it.
You new friend,
Jennifer

Hi Jennifer, and thank you for reading and commenting!  Great story, and love how it turned out.  Did you know that it was by accident my (and America’s) favorite cookie was made?  In 1930, the owner at the Toll House Inn tried to substitute chocolate chips for baking chocolate in her cookie recipe.  They did not melt, thus the invention of the Chocolate Chip Cookie! Happy Cooking and Baking!  Hugs, Nicole

Nicole,

Thanks for another great blog and pizza dough recipe! I have just gotten my KitchenAid mixer and Cuisinart from my storage unit. I am ready to start cooking and eating healthy again.

Yesterday, I was in the grocery store and looking at instant pancake mixes. I thought of you with all your good homemade cooking and put it back on the shelf. You inspired me to buy the ingredients to make them from scratch. I even bought organic butter!

Got a recipe from buttermilk pancakes? My cookbooks are still in storage.

Rose

Hi Rose!  I am so proud of you!  You will notice such a difference in how you feel when eating organic.  I have a great buttermilk pancake recipe!

• 1 cup flour (use unbleached organic)
  
• 1 TBSP sugar (use unbleached organic)
  
• 1 tsp baking powder (use aluminum-free)
  
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1 beaten egg
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2TBSP cooking oil (can use organic coconut oil)

Stir together dry ingredients; make a well in the middle and set aside.  In another bowl, combine wet ingredients.  Add to dry ingredients and mix just to moisten (batter will be lumpy).    Pour 1/4 cup batter onto hot greased skillet and cook on medium heat until bubbly, flip and cook a few minutes on second side.  Enjoy with organic maple syrup!

I am so happy I inspired you, means a lot.  Thanks for commenting! Hugs, Nicole

Hi Nicole,
As always, I love your website. Your pizza looks amazing and thanks for the recipes. I enjoyed seeing the pic of Audrey too. Hugs, Joey

Hi Joey!! Thanks, darlin’!  Hope you are doing well!  Farmgirl hugs, Nicole