So glad to hear you and your family made it through the storm safely and the damage was confined to an area where you can handle its effects. Bless you all.

Thank you, Adrienne!  – Nicole

Dear Nicole,
After reading this very well done blog, I feel you have a lot to be thankful for on Thanksgiving Day! You still have your beautiful healthy child, your lives and your home. I would say a very big prayer to God, who was watching over all of you. I was your Girl Scout leader, so I must have been a good one, because you were very prepared!

Love you, always,Mother

Thanks, Momma!  I can still hear you telling me to "Be Prepared!" Much love, Nicole

Hi Nicole! So glad you and your family and home are ok. Friends of ours in Stratford, Ridgefield, and Southbury made it through as well- but so many are still living in a nightmare. Our family is praying for all those who have a long road ahead of them to get back to some semblance of normal.
Would love to hear sometime about the things your family has done to live a simpler life that made storm preparations easier. We could all use help in that department!
Thanks for your great blog as usual!
Your fellow Yankee in Va- Meredith

Hi Meredith!  So glad to hear your friends are all okay!  Thank you for the writing suggestion…you got it, will do.  Farmgirl hugs, Nicole

Nicole: Our prayers have been for all in the storms. God has blessed you with little damage. What a great Thanksgiving present.Thank you for letting us know we should be all prepared for whatever comes.

Thank you, Bonnie.  Yes, our Thanksgiving gives us so much to be thankful for.  My heart goes out to those who have lost so much.  – Nicole

This made me cry. I’m so glad that you and your family are safe from harm’s way, so sad to hear of all those that weren’t so fortunate. Many prayers said, many prayers needed. Thanks for sharing.

Jody, thank you for your comment.  It is mind-boggling, the damage, but the Northeast is filled with strong people who don’t give up! -Nicole

I am glad that the damage you sustained from Hurricane Sandy is "fixable" and that everyone is okay. I just got back from 30 days in New York working with some of the survivors. The thing that struck me most, was the gratitude of each person that I talked to. Even if they had lost every item they owned, each one of them made it a point to say how blessed or lucky they were that they had their lives, their loved ones, etc. Not everyone was so fortunate because a lot of people did lose their lives and the healing will take a long time. The whole trip has given me a new outlook on life. I am grateful and want to make the most of each day that I have. Happy holidays to you and to your family.

Rebecca, thank you and Happy holidays to you, too.  God bless you for your work! -Nicole

When I worked as a graveyard security officer during the summer break at the University of Nevada Reno, there was a male residence hall supposedly inhabited by a ghost. Lincoln Hall was built in 1895-6 and named after Abraham Lincoln. In the top dorm room, a young man hanged himself. I never saw the ghost but I felt his presence every time I inspected the building.

Adrienne, how spooky!  In Houston, there was a cool restaurant for many years called the Red Lion.  It was very old, and was decorated in Victorian style.  A man hung himself there, once, too.  Many said they felt his presence there late at night.  Sadly, it burned down. 

I bet it was spooky being the graveyard security officer there in Nevada, but also very cool!  Happy Halloween! -Nicole

Oct 31 2012
Nicole,
Thanks you for the wonderful rememberance of ‘box costumes, fall pictures and Mark Twain’s home!!!
And the spooky stories.
I like to deck the house and front porch in whimsy too- not fond of all the blood and gore either.

Like yourself, I enjoy vintage cards and have some rather old paper embossed cut outs of Halloween figures including cats, pumpkins, witches ,etc…
We have a selection of carved fun and scarey faced pumpkins, ‘cobwebs’ and corn stalks to make it a bit spooky.
Just up near the eves on the front porch I string up a green pine garland and clothes pin the cutouts to it, festooning with colored ribbons. It’s very festive.

I hope your weather will be nice so you get all the trick or treaters you want…. it will be cool and wet where I am in the Northwest, but I hope to see at least a few cute costumes at least.

Have a very Happy Halloween and All Saints day tomorrow

JaneAnn, how festive your house sounds!  I can just imagine little trick-or-treaters coming to your door!  I love your idea of the garland with clothespins and cutouts!  Thank you so much for sharing and commenting.  We survived the hurricane and are very lucky, and making the best of what we can for Halloween.  Thanks for reading and writing in! -Nicole

My parents bought an historic home in North Haven CT in 1955. It had been built as the Rising Sun Tavern about 1738. It had both a ghost and a witch. The ghost is of a slave who was in the bar room when a drunk Patriot said he’d shoot any Tory on sight. The slave said he was a Tory and he was shot. The witch was the wife of one of the inn keepers who wore a red wig. This information came from a book called "Old Inns In Connecticut" and was published in 1922. It was a great house to grow up in.

Nothing scary happened to us then, but I really am concerned that slavery existed all throughout the Colonies, and that people believed in witchcraft still, one hundred years after the hysteria in Salem. History itself is scary.

I hope you weathered the storm well.

Kristy, how interesting!  There are so many historical, spooky tales in Connecticut.  My back yard backs up to woods, and I often imagine Ichabod Crane riding through them, ha ha. 

Thank you for sharing, and for your wishes.  We have indeed weathered the storm, and nothing I’ve been through was as scary as that!  -Nicole

I remember your raggedy ann costume…it hid the she devil underneath..ha..halloween isnt what it used to be…your blog brought back fun memories of yesteryear…thanks for trying to bring back the old fun of this wicked holiday…the old fun is fading away for the kids of the future….

Here in Connecticut, it is still a pretty fun, innocent holiday.  I read today online that Connecticut is the best state for trick or treat.  Even though Halloween was cancelled a second time this year, the town of Southbury offered trick or treating for the kids in the Kmart plaza.  I could not believe how nice it was.  Panera gave away cookies, and stores gave away candy, coloring books, and other treats.  It was fun to see both adults and kids dressed up. –Nicole

Hi Nicole!

While living on the dairy farm upstate in Central NY there was a resident ghost, more like a ‘caretaker’ felt & seen many times walking the farm & around the barns. Most every evening while I was there, you could hear door open & footsteps heading to upstairs. (We were all snug in bed!!)I also felt cold breezes while canning in the kitchen on a hot summer day…so many other incidences…uneasy feelings but yet felt ‘protected’…

Kim, Very cool story!  Thank you for sharing! I think if I was a ghost, what better place to haunt than a farm? 

When I first moved to Connecticut, I was working in our store that we had.  It was a hot summer day, too, and I was the only person there with one other employee.  All of a sudden, the heavy glass door blew open, and the coldest burst of air came flying through the showroom, then stopped.  Funny thing was there was no breeze.  We both felt eery about it.  It looked like someone had opened the door and walked through.  I never forgot that incident.  Farmgirl hugs, Nicole

I also recycle a lot! I teach an Environmental Science class and I try to get the students to see the importance of recycling regularly. I even made a student fish her empty soda can out of the hallway trashcan when I noticed what she had done. I don’t think I’m at the fanatic stage yet, but I often check the trash can in my classroom to see if something recycled (especially the soda cans!) has been thrown away. I don’t do curbside recycling because my home is only 3-4 blocks from our town’s cycling center and I can save money by taking my recyclables there myself.

Good for you, Colleen, teaching students the importance of recycling!  My daughter and I often go for walks; we bring plastic gloves if we see a lot of cans and bottles thrown on the side of the road.  It adds up! -Nicole

Oh yes, I have been a GREEN-E for most of my life. Unfortunately, since moving to this new area, there are no easily accessible ways for keeping GREEN – but I still do it. By IT I mean everything – I even put items at my driveway with a sign FREE and it takes only a few minutes before they are gone on to someone else who can use them and the containers of all kinds go to the re-cycler, food scraps go to the horses and chickens and then in a round about way it comes back to me as fertilizer and or compost. I can not figure out why everyone doesn’t do re-cycling – not only for the environment but it makes one feel good about earth/life/self. Good article, Nicole, to get us thinking.

Thank you, Joan!  And kudos to you for doing your part, even after you have moved where it isn’t as accessible.  Keep up the great work, and thanks for commenting! -Nicole

Here in Long Beach, California we recycle everything also.. We have a large trash bin that is picked up once a week. I have a compost bin that I put all our household scraps in and helps with the garden… We recycle at least 80% of everything that comes thru our home.. It feels really good to be conscious of the need to clean it up…

Deborah, 80% is awesome.  Good for you.  I am a big fan of composting, too, and it’s such a garden bonus.  Keep up the good work, and thanks for sharing! -Nicole

Nicole: My husband and I have been "recycling" since we were married 50 years ago. It wasn’t called that then but we taught classes then and have been green ever since. But we separate glass, cans, and paper. I am glad so many are catching on. Thanks for your blog.

Hi Bonnie!  I learned a lot about recycling as a child from my dad and my mom’s mom from watching them re-purpose or reuse things instead of throwing them away.  I also remember my mom always taking the wooden crate of glass drink soda bottles back to the store.  We always stopped and dropped them off at the courtesy desk before we did our shopping.  You’re so right – it was something that was done, and I am glad that it is coming back.  How cool that you and your husband taught classes – and it’s awesome you’ve been married fifty years!  Thank you for sharing, Nicole

I’ve found a good way to reuse the cardboard type egg cartons. They make good fire starters for campfires or fireplaces. Stuff them full of dryer lint, coat them with melted parafin (or old candle wax). This also makes them waterproof. You can then break off a small chunk to start your fire. I store them in an old popcorn tin and they’re always ready to go.

Rebecca, thank you for the great tip!  -Nicole

Interesting blog. We have a recycling system in my city but it’s so inconvenient to use that most of us don’t use it…My city should take notes.

Nicole,
Congratulations on being married for 20 years.
Thanks for sharing your time of meeting each other and the beautiful wedding photo’s.
I would say it was meant to be and God had a hand in all this.
Wishing you and yours many more Blessed years together.
Peggy

Peggy, I agree, what are the chances of us meeting so many times? Thank you so much!  -Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

Congratulations on such a happy milestone and best wishes to you for many delightful years together.

Thank you, Adrienne! Twenty years seems like it went by so fast!  -Nicole

You are both even more beautiful than on your wedding day. What a wonderful story of two people meant to be together. Have many more happy years! Next September we celebrate our 40th but the years have passed so quickly it is difficult to believe. MB in TEXAS

Marybeth, thank you!!! (Blushing).  Next September you celebrate 40 years!  Awesome!  Congratulations…I love hearing that.  Farmgirl hugs, Nicole

Congratulations!

I think you hit the nail on the head, marry your best friend and it does all fall into place. But I would add that you also have to have the commitment to continue to be your spouse’s best friend. Even as interests change, goals are attained or released, and even if we may become almost unlovable or deserving of love during times of personal challenges, then the reward of renewed and love multiplied is felt.

A good and successful marriage is a gift from God and I thank Him daily for the 28 years I’ve had with my loving husband!!

May this anniversary be the first of several two-decade increments! Long life and blessing to you both.

Beautifully written, Karen!  Thank you for commenting! -Nicole

Nicole, 20 years -so hard to believe. You were a beautiful bride, my beautiful daughter! I have missed you so much everyday since you live so far away. May you always be happy and glad God blessed you both with Audrey. Love always.

Mother

Happy anniversary to both of you! I enjoyed reading your post about the wedding.

Thank you! -Nicole

Congratulations on your first 20 years!!! I married my best friend 27 years ago and it is a real blessing. May God grant you and your husband many more years!!

Annette, thank you, and the same to you!  -Nicole

Hi Nicole! Oh I love apple pickin’ season in New England… We are fortunate to live in a place that looks like what so many can only imagine or travel to virtally… Your picks are darling… and how fun to have company all the way from Denmark! I’m ready to go get some apples now… thank you!
your blogging sis from the beach!
beach farmgirl Deb

Hey Deb!  So true…I love the four seasons that New England offers!  Can’t wait until we have a real show of fall foliage! Hugs, Nicole

I really enjoyed your pictures. That place is beautiful. But most beautiful of all is the last picture of your daughter. She’s sweet.

Awww…thank you so much, Bonnie.  I can’t get over how fast she is growing up!  Seems like just yesterday we were watching that Elmo video I mentioned, now she is a fifth grader.  Thanks for reading and commenting!  – Nicole

My first apple pie of the season just came out of the oven. Can’t wait to have a piece after supper tonight. Unfortunately, the apples are in short supply this year here in Minnesota due to a late frost and hail last Spring. Our favorite orchard thinks they will be out of apples by early October…so bummed!

Mmmm!  Apple pie right out of the oven!  Smells so good baking and tastes so yummy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!  Now you’ve got me thinking apple pie!  Yum!  Enjoy!  Hugs, Nicole

I really liked the blog…..wished we had a place like that down here in Texas…

Thank you!  Apple picking is one our favorite seasonal things about this area.  -Nicole

LOVE orchards, I grew up on a farm that had it ALL!!! so apple picking was one of our chores. Not on the farm any more but one of our neighbors has a dwarf apple tree in his front yard – this year it was loaded. Not being a farmer, he had no idea that he picked them a bit too early. He shared them with another neighbor and myself, I am giving them a little table time to see if they may get riper – what ya think can they still ripen after being picked early – well still trying and then will make some goodies with them – going to share some back with the ‘apple neighbor’. Orchard’s aren’t they kind of mystical?

I agree, Joan!  My daughter and I always giggle when we are there, because we always think of the apple tree scene from the movie Wizard of Oz!  As for the apples ripening after being picked, let me see if I can find that answer for you. Anyone out there know the answer? -Nicole

Hi Joan, I asked Irv at Silverman’s your question.  He said that depending on the type of apple and how long it was left on the tree, they should ripen inside for you. 

Nicole, it sounds wonderful, thanks for getting me into the fall spirit.

Happy Fall, Mary Ann! -Nicole

Alas, the older we get, the faster times flies, it’s true! I can’t believe we’re in September already. Beautiful pics and good tip about the circuit breaker box – I’m going to go check mine now. Thanks for sharing the recipe!! XOXO

Hi Ali!  You’re welcome!  I always love the recipes you share, too! Hugs, Nicole

Nicole,

I loved the pictures of the beach and always like seeing bales of hay along a highway. So pretty and calming to see. I cannot wait to make the fried green tomatoes!
The flower pictures are so nice and I never had heard of a spider plant. Our Audrey is really growing up and I cannot believe how tall the sunflower is! I love you, Mother

Audrey is really getting tall, but she looks so small next to that sunflower!  It grew a bit more since that photo, and is just about to bloom!  She is so proud of it! We really enjoy gardening together, and she has her own little flower bed she is planning out for next year now.  Love you too, Nicole

Your flowers look SO pretty, mine have barely hung on due to the long HOT dry summer, even with me watering them. Your daughter is so cute and I have a niece who is so into her clothes and jewelry too!

Thank you so much, Denise!  It’s been a good year for the garden with the amount of rain we have had, and I know it is a blessing as so many others have dealt with such drought.  Hope things cool off for you soon!  Have fun with your niece! Farmgirl hugs, Nicole

Talking about circuit breaker boxes! We awoke at about 6am on Dec. 7, 2010 to smoke throughout the house and in 5 mins. we were outside in our pajamas standing in the snow, barefooted and with our winter coats on. We had our front door open and I had called to our cats to get out, but one was trapped in the kitchen area and I knew not to go into the smoke or I wouldn’t turn around enough and be lost. I had forgotten I was also barefooted and would’ve burned my feet too, as my husband had done on one foot stepping on the den rug to get the fire-extinguisher! The house apparently had been burning for ~ 20 mins. in the basement and they felt it was a cable wire going into the box that sparked (it was always closed). Our bedroom of our 18 y/o house was on the top floor and we kept the door closed because of the cats. I wear an earplug because he snores and so I didn’t hear all the smoke alarms as fast as he did! We lost everything and the house went in the half hour. We lost the one cat and he is buried in the backyard now. Our other two cats ran out and hid under the pine tree till my girlfriend took them home. We are now in a new Arts and Craft ranch house on the same site going on one year and it is very well built, safe, and beautiful. We are triply blessed! Jewelry, handbags with ID’s, memories and pictures of our children, shoes, books and Mary Jane magazines, weaving looms, can be replaced or remembered (family treasures). Just run out with your family and say, "Thank you God for our lives and save the cats!". It was Pearl Harbor Day, quite appropriate.

Oh my goodness, Ellen!  Thank God you are all okay, and got out safely!  I’m so sorry to hear you lost your kitty.  Thank you for sharing your story, and what a good reminder for us all of what is truly important, and that life can change on a dime.  It’s sad that you lost your possessions, but you are right, family can not be replaced.  Your story is another good reminder to check our batteries in our smoke detectors!  Thank you again for sharing!  Farmgirl hugs, Nicole

Always like taking a little trip back East – I once got to take a trip into that area and wish I could still – but for now I will enjoy visiting with you.

Thank you, Joan!  Farmgirl hugs! Nicole

When I read about your green tomatoes and I was going to tell you about the paper bag trick. I never put a banana in it and had no problems with the ripening. Also just pick them and sit them in a sunny spot. I love to grow sunflowers, but didn’t get any planted this year.

Hi Kimberly,
Well, the tomatoes have finally ripened, but it was the latest season I have ever seen here, which makes for a short tomato season, too. After the cold nights and the 3.5 inches of rain we got night before last, they are pretty much done and I am pulling in the last of the fruit. I get so spoiled having freshly-ripened tomatoes, they taste so much better than from a store, don’t ya think?  As for the banana, the ethylene gas emitted from the banana just speeds up the ripening tomato in the bag.  An apple can also be used.  Putting the tomatoes in direct sunlight can ripen them, but also can cause the skin to split.  Have a wonderful fall, and thanks for reading and commenting! -Nicole

You should be so proud of yourselves!! What a wonderful addition to your family. I have a Cissy cat (I spelled it with a ‘C’ to make her even more unique!) that looks like your original Harriet. Mittens looks like our wonderful Pete that we lost awhile back. Maybe Pete came back in the form of Mittens!
I have always been a cat woman and it’s nice to know that there are many more in the making, in the form of your sweet daughter…
What’s not to love in a kitty????

Thanks, Jan! Aren’t kitties great?! I just love animals and guess it totally rubbed off on my daughter!  I like your cat’s name, "Cissy" with a "C".  When I was a little girl, I had a Welsh pony, and that was her name, spelled the same way!  Thanks for commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

What a lovely story! I love kitties too, and I know your family and Mittens will be happy together in years filled with love! Thanks so much for giving a rescue kitty a furrever home! Mary Beth

Thank you, Mary Beth.  It’s going to be great to see Audrey and Mittens grow up together.  Love rescues…they rescue our hearts right back, don’t they? Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

We have a "Matty-boy", of the canine type. Our last child had married and my husband decided that it was not good for "mom" to be alone, so for our 33rd anniversary we went to the humane society. For Matty at 6 months, my husband was love at first sight. Now, you have to know that Matty was probably abused, found in a cardboard box next to a dumpster and had been taken to a shelter in MO,then moved up here to NE. He clearly had a terror of tall men, particularly wearing hats and heavy shoes. But, Matty took to "dad" right away and he has become my "little fur-baby". (Well, I should mention that he is a shepherd/collie so he’s not exactly on the small-side.) But he is tender and sweet and responds to love. The plan was that he would be my walking buddy, but that is too much for the timid little guy (who is now 6 years old). Though, he has finally mastered himself and proudly accompanies me down to the end of our city drive to our mailbox. I’m quite proud of him too. Maybe some day…………we’ll get to the end of the block : ]

Carol, that is the sweetest story!  Bless you for giving Matty-Boy such a loving, patient, wonderful home.  We know our Bonnie was abused, too, and she loves us with her whole heart…(and her 85 pounds).  Rescues know they’ve been rescued, especially ones like Bonnie and Matty-Boy.  Much love to you all. Thank you for sharing! -Nicole

AHHH how very great for both Mittens and Audrey – a lovely family for sure. Congratulations all.

Thank you!  🙂  🙂  -Nicole

Your daughter’s fur-baby is beautiful. But even more beautiful, if that is possible, is your daughter. Her smile is so warm with eyes so full of love. Our children grow up so fast. Keep her close while you can.

Louise Marie, thank you ever so much!  -Nicole

Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I have really enjoyed browsing26 your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!…

Evelyn, thank you so much!  I am so glad to know you enjoyed reading the blog! -Nicole

Here, Here, Mom! You are on the right track. Time goes way too fast. I remember those days with my little girls…the urge to step beyond their years. I often told them to "enjoy being a ‘little’ girl, because once you cross the line to womanhood, there is no going back. Along with the privileges comes much responsibility." My girls are now married with babies of their own. I just recently heard the author of the book, Be the Mom. She had a lot of Wisdom to share with moms today.

Thanks, Carol!  You are so right!  I love what you say…’once you cross the line to womanhood, there is no going back.’   I’ll also have to peek at that book!  Thanks so much for the comment! -Nicole

Nicole. I think you are lucky to have time for those things. Childhood is just too precious to miss. I have two boys and was lucky that my husband could be home sometimes too. I loved the childhood years and had those moments as a mom with my boys. My sons were taught to be independent and of course move away from home. I am lucky that one lives in my city. When we have times together now, they are extra precious. Enjoy your daughter and I can see you will do everything you can so she doesn’t "grow up" too fast.

Thank you, Bonnie!  It’s so hard when our kids are little sometimes, to not say we are too tired to play or to read with them; life can be so hectic, but each year seems to go go by like a blur! 

Thanks so much for reading and commenting!  Farmgirl hugs, Nicole

Nicole, I remember the picture of Audrey at two years old giving the bottle to her baby doll. I was there when we took her shopping. She is so sweet in the green dress I gave her! Audrey would not leave that store until we bought the doll stroller, even though she had another stroller at home. Audrey knew what she wanted at two years old!
I loved reading to you when you were small and then you memorized every book before you could read! When Audrey visited me, here in Georgia, she would read to our dog Sarah. Thanks for writing these memories about your dolls and books. I love you,
Mother

Didn’t we have fun that day?  Remember she also knew EXACTLY what lunch she wanted for her birthday!  Sometimes I wish I had her decision-making skills!  Hard to believe that day was over eight years ago.  Miss you and love you, Nicole

I have been crazy about horses (I’m 71 now) since I can’t remember when. Having access to a library (finally) when I started school, led me to the Walter Farley Black Stallion series. I have never enjoyed dolls, in fact I think I probably disappointed my mother in that respect. She wanted a daughter, which she got, but that one was a tomboy. The second daughter turned out to be the doll gal. Anyway, I’ve collected statues of horses, book about horses, and even spent a summer/fall taking care of someone’s horse for them. Have a great summer/fall, everyone.

Betty, I love this comment!  I’ll tell you, my girl is also an animal and bug girl, and when she was smaller, she played more with rubber snakes and bugs than dolls for awhile. I was pretty happy when she got more into the dolls, about six or seven years of age.  Horses are another great thing for a girl to be in to.  For me, it was the Marguerite Henry books.  I loved those as well as Laura Ingalls’ works, and my room as a child had horse posters.  For Audrey, it’s cats.  🙂  Thanks for the comment! -Nicole

Nicole, you are a beautiful mom, giving so much time and love to your daughter is the best thing you can do. You are setting her up for success! I’m a big fan of nurturing the soul, and by giving her the fine example you are, she will go out in the world knowing she is loved and that is what will keep us all going!
My son is now 24, and I can hardly believe it. All the years of cub scouts, travel, music, reading and playing have helped him become a fine young man. He still has so many friends from childhood, and I get a real kick out of seeing a bunch of "men" hanging out at my house (when they are all back in town), watching cartoons. I guess some things will never change!

Dianne, you are too sweet!  Thank you for such a nice compliment…it means a lot to me.  I love how your son and his friends "hang out" at your home and watch cartoons!  You sound like a great mom, too.  Hugs, Nicole

I didn’t experience that with my boys though my eldest had his first son at 19. Then two girls and another son. So I would certainly say it’s true of my grandchildren. My eldest grandson is taller than Grandpaw, Daddy and Uncle at age 14.

Debby, I hear ya…my daughter already wears the same size shoe as me.  I love to share my jewelry, I’ll be happy to share my clothes, but I’m funny about sharing my shoes.  They never come back in the same condition.  Since her foot hasn’t grown in two years, I guess she’ll stay the same size as me (and my mom)!  God’s got a funny sense of humor!  -Nicole

I would love to grow raspberries and squash and sunflowers. I do not have much of a green thumb. I’ve been dying to make stuffed squash blossoms. Yum.

Hi Sandi!  Not sure where you are as far as region, but I didn’t always have a green thumb, either.  I think much of gardening is not only soil, water, sun, and seeds, but practice, too!  You could always start with one plant some season and see how it goes.  Good luck, and thanks so much for reading and commenting! – Nicole 

Nicole,I loved reading this blog! The story of the little pale tree frog was so funny. I cannot wait to make your cobbler.
I am very proud of your writing.
Love you, Mother

Thanks mom!  Love you too!  As for the cobbler, I was taught to cook and bake by the best – you! -Nicole

I live nearby (same town) and I too have been picking the wild tassel raspberries and a few blackberries. And I have the scratched up legs to prove it. Mine are way in the back out of harm’s reach of the snowblower. I freeze some so we can have raspberry pancakes in the fall.

Hi Carol!  I like to freeze them, too.  They are something we really look forward to all year.  Raspberry pancakes sound delicious!  I like to make them into muffins, too.  Drop me a line if you’re ever looking for a local farmgirl sisterhood chapter!  Thanks for reading and commenting! -Nicole

Wild raspberries were always a favorite for my family. They were picked in one of the city’s parks (New York City) and taken home where my mother would make raspberry ices. Delicious!

Oh, Norma, that sounds wonderful!  I will have to remember that and try to do a raspberry ice next year!  Do you have one of your mom’s recipes? Sounds refreshing. Thanks for commenting!  -Nicole

Beautifully written and inspiring. I, too, find my serenity in my garden. Though I have to be off to work every morning I take the time to visit my garden for a moment and look at what’s new and blooming. I spend my weekends there, too. I also like to craft, and I love love love your little tea cup birdfeeder. I would love to make one for my garden. Thanks, Nicole!

Thanks for writing me, Mary Ann.  Hope you make a bird feeder.  They are so cute and easy to do.  -Nicole

I too am a suburban farmgirl, right across the sound from you in beautiful Port Jefferson. My serenity stop overs include my garden (where I can get lost for days)a long walk at the beach (so good for the soul) or a peaceful paddle in my kayak on Long Island Sound. There is so much beauty in our area, don’t you agree?
Your gardens look amazing! I love your teacup feeder, so cute, and hummingbirds! How cool. I just installed a "hummingbird rest stop" in my yard. I’ll send you pix if you like!
Please keep on writing. I truly enjoy your blog!

Hi Dianne.  My husband and I have talked about taking the ferry over to Port Jefferson numerous times, on our list of day trips to take.  I agree that there is just so much beauty and charm in our area.

I’d love to see a picture of your "hummingbird rest stop".  Please send me one…I’m intrigued!  Is it something you made?  Sounds cute.  Thanks for commenting!  Farmgirl hugs, Nicole

Wow! Now I’m just going to HAVE to get some bee balm started. A couple of days ago I saw a hummer checking out one of my sedum pots that had turned a brilliant red from the sun exposure (we’re having a week of mid to upper 90’s which is quite uncommon for this area!). My hubby took me to a job site where he found a hummingbird nest. I took a delightful photo of the nesting mother. The nests are so tiny and intricately woven…
You gave me an ‘awwwww’ moment, hearing about your times spent with your daughter. I love summer and the memories of my family…Those memories will stay with you and comfort you in later life!
Have fun!

Thanks, Jan!  I do feel like the luckiest mom on earth!  Speaking of moms, how cool to see a hummer nest!  Isn’t it amazing how mama birds nest and care for their young?  We watched our robins and they left the nest just the other day. (We are suffering from "empty nest syndrome"…literally)! 

You will love the bee balm!  It is a great perennial, very easy to care for.  Just make sure it is in well-drained soil.  It will spread like wildfire each year, but is pretty easy to transplant.  The hummingbirds just love it!  Happy Summer, and thanks for sharing! -Nicole

Lovely writing. I learned that I can mentally shut out everything and have a moment of peace. It comes from within ourselves. I used to find it after the kids were in bed. Now I find it with a moment on the porch in the early morning with my iced tea listening to the chickens next door and laughing as they compete with the traffic. I find serenity in my flower or vegetable garden or smelling the dried sheets I hung on the line. I find time to lay on the grass and imagine the critters in the clouds. Wearing my apron and smelling the fresh bread gives me peace too.

So true, Bonnie!  Sounds like you and I are kindred spirits.  Thank you for commenting…what you wrote is beautiful.  Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

Hi Nicole,
Just reading about your serenity article calms me. You write so beautifully. Thank you. Miriam

Oh, Miriam, thank you so very much!  Your comment is an amazing compliment, and I am grateful to you for it.  -Nicole