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

Hey Nicole,

This flea market sounds great! I wish we had something comparable around here to peruse and spend a lovely Sunday afternoon. Happy flea marketing!

Best,
Alex (your rural farmgirl sister)

Hi Alex!  I feel lucky that this one is so close!  I’ve also been to some on vacation in Florida and Pennsylvania, but the Elephant’s Trunk is my favorite!  -Nicole

In the Ozarks, we have a flea mrkt. open from spring till fall, every third weekend of the month. It is in Afton OK, where you can find all kinds of wonderful things from baby goats to goodies to eat! We love to go there, it takes us back in time just walking up and down the aisles and all the folks there are so friendly, some in their overalls and straw hats selling really neat things. Its quite the treat for us, we rarely buy much, my last buy was a electric canner from the ’70’s, a prickly pear cactus too. The most fun is looking at all the baby farm animals and hearing the old folks stories as you browse thru the mrkt.
What a treat! Blessings, Diana

Oh, Diana, that sounds like so much fun!  That’s how I feel at the Elephant’s Trunk – I get to go back in time.  Your canner sounds like a great find!  Happy flea-marketing!  -Nicole

I live near Mansfield, CT and go to the flea market there. It’s held at the drive in theater corner of Rte. 31 and 32, every Sunday also. The Elephant’s Trunk looks huge and must have so much you can’t see it all. I will have to go one of these Sundays. Thank you for the great story and pictures. Maybe I will see you there some Sunday.

Hi Mary!  I have a method when I go…I start at one row and go up and down, until I get to the very end.  I’m a pretty fast "scanner".  I always wear my Sisterhood Necklace, thinking there’s a chance I might meet other farmgirls!  Have fun! -Nicole

I have a stained glass chicken lamp too. I love it! It sits on the hearth next to my fireplace.

Hi Susabelle!  Aren’t the stained glass chicken lamps the cutest!  So homey!  I first saw my mom’s.  She bought it down South on a vacation at a gift shop.  Mine isn’t just like hers, but I was thrilled when I found it at the flea market.  It was such a bargain!  The man selling it didn’t know if it would work or not, so I figured I’d re-purpose it in the garden if it didn’t.  I was thrilled to find it worked.  Mine sits in my kitchen and is always lit, so I never come home to a dark house.  The hearth sounds like a good place, too.  Thanks for reading and commenting!  -Nicole

My husband and I also enjoy the Elephant’s Trunk and have been going for years now. Have you ever gone to the one at the Stormville Airport in Stormville, New York?  It’s not far from here. It’s divided into two sections ~ antiques and new. It’s huge so plan an spending the better part of the day there. Check it out at http://www.stormvilleairportfleamarket.com.
Happy Hunting~
Chelle

Hi Chelle! No, I’ve haven’t heard of that one!  Thanks for the link – I will definitely have to check it out!  Thank you for letting me know!  -Nicole

Hi! I live in the North Okanagan in British Columbia. and I think I have found a kindred spirit! I, too , love putting my "treasures" in my flower gardens! We have no flea markets close by, but thrift stores do a good job! I especially watch for unique cookyjars such as my mother hen, and my smiling peanut – and also little ceramic houses, and a couple cute pigs. My garden is fun even if the rain has been hard on my flowers!
I’d love to visit your "Elephant’s Trunk
Pat N.

Hi Pat!  Sounds like we have lots in common!  I bet your smiling peanut and mother hen jars are just the cutest, and I’m sure your garden is just delightful!  Thanks so much for writing me!  -Nicole

Nicole, always a good write!!! Love your pics from your surroundings!! We aren’t quite that far along but looking forward to each changing day. Thanks for the fly cure and for the grill cleaning tip – don’t need anything extra in our tummies. Thanks again for the blog.

Thanks, Joan!  So glad you enjoyed visiting!  Happy summer! -Nicole

If you go fishing, use the guts, heads and whatever else you don’t eat and bury them around your plants and flowers, also after I boiled corn and the water cooled I pour the "corn" water on my plants. Wrap bottoms of your stems of your veggie plants and bugs can’t climb up them. Can I send you some iris bulbs? I got plenty I got to thin out this fall…lol also can send some violets…lol! I enjoy your blog. And if your copper pot gets full of gold I’m going to buy me a copper bowl! LOL!

Kimberly, thanks for the great tips!  I will be trying some!  Will let you know about the copper pot… Nicole

Nicole, thanks for all of the great tips! I can tell that you have been busy. Love all of your garden pics, and I especially love your hosta garden. I hope that you and your family have a great summer!

Hi Pam!  Glad you enjoyed the blog; thank so much for reading and commenting! -Nicole

Hey Nicole! Looks as if spring is in full swing at your house! I love all of the old fashioned blooms you featured today…I DID see MJ’s Peony article and loved it of course. I have two plants that bloomed while we were away at the cottage this weekend! I’m going to cut some this evening when it cools down a bit! We know all about poison sumac and poison ivy too. Seems like almost everyone in our beach community has a story to tell about being broken out with the rash at one point or another. It’s all over our little island! WE have to be careful that the poison sumac doesn’t end up in any bonfires. The smoke can cause a break out! Love your deal on your potting shed too! I’ve been busy in the greenhouse and planting my raised beds with flowers and veggies! Enjoy this wonderful season!
xo Deb
Happy almost Summer Nicole!

Hey Deb, Thanks for the reminder…I meant to include that fact in my blog….NEVER burn poison ivy, poison sumac, or poison oak.  Like Debbie pointed out, the smoke can carry the poison.  It can also infect the lungs, too. (This happened to my brother once). Happy Almost Summer to you, too, Debbie! -Nicole

HI Nicole!
Your yard and gardens look great! How fortunate you have been to see so many different birds! I’m jealous! LOL
I am glad to hear that your Poison Ivy seems to have been killed, and that you were able to do it naturally! Good for you! Glad you found the vinegar/salt/dish soap to be successful!
Great score on that potting bench too! What a find!
Enjoy the gardens- I certainly have been enjoying mine here across the sound on Long Island!
Farmgirl Hugs,
Laurie
Farmgirl Sister#1403

Hi Laurie!  Made a new batch of "Poison Ivy Poison", boiling the salt and vinegar…which worked great-no clogs! Thanks for the tip! The poison ivy rash is gone, and I am back to normal.  Still putting coconut oil on the marks, since I look like I’ve been hugged by Edward Scissorhands!  Another week and I think it will all have faded.  Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

Hi Nicole, Thanks for the poison ivy recipe. I’ve been using plain vinegar in an empty dishsoap bottle to squirt between my patio bricks to keep the weeds away but I had no idea it was strong enough to spray on poison ivy, which I try to keep at bay along my forest tree line. I hate using the chemicals and will be making a batch of this up right away. Also loved your dad’s idea with the pallets. It’s so great to pick up ideas from each other!

Thanks, Nella!   For the composter, use hook and eyes to attach the pallets.  That way, you can open up each side to scoop whatever compost is ready to be used in the garden.  The slots allow air to circulate. Thank you for reading and commenting!  -Nicole

Hey Nicole, sorry about the poison ivy. I hate it. I too have allergic reactions and I use Tecnu, my husband knew some cable/phone guys and they say that is what they keep on their trucks for the guys when they are working in the weeds. My doctor told me once though and he was so right when someone asks what to do to get rid of poison ivy, wait 10 days. No matter what we do, we will keep it for 10 days. HA! Happy summer and stay away from that stuff.

Vivian, Isn’t it horrible?  But…not keeping me from being outside.  I am being very careful, for sure!  I don’t want to go through that again!  Thanks for reading and commenting.  Glad to know the Technu works.  It also says on the bottle it can be used for skunk oil. (Hope I never have to try it for that, ha ha).
Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

Nicole. Thanks for such an informative blog! I wish I had more time to do the activites that you do.
Have you heard of Jewelweed? It grows next to poison ivy and can be used in a salve to treat poison ivy rash. I am glad that you are feeling better!

Rose, thanks for commenting!  I have heard of Jewelweed from several farmgirls on the Forum, but need to research to see which weed it is.  Thanks for the recommendation! -Nicole

The cure to removing poison ivy from your body..the Key to not breaking out with poison ivy is to get the urushiol off of you ASAP. DO NOT USE HOT WATER.The irritant in posoin ivy is urushioil. It is a sticky oil. If you come into contact with it, it will cause problems until it is removed from your skin and anything that comes in contact with your skin. There are several products sold just for this. I’m very allergic to urushioil and have tried many. The best and most readily available is the same soap that your mechanic uses to remove motor oil from their hands.Because urushioil is a sticky oil it does require a little more scrubbing but it works 100%. Directions for removal:1.Apply the soap dry (DO NOT ADD WATER) to the affected area.2. Scrub for 2 minutes. The soap needs to get between the urushiol and your skin. It will temporarily break down the oils ability to stick.3. Wash off completely with COLD water. If you use hot water, then you may be in for an unpleasant surprise!Note: The residue soap will now contain the urushioil, and when the residue drys it may become sticky oil again.4. All itchiness should be gone. If not repeat the process. I like Lava and JoJo brands the best. The grittier the better. Walmart, KMart, Your local auto parts store will all carry this soap. I usually buy the 16 oz squeeze bottles for around ~$2.This soap also gets the urushiol and many stains out of clothes. Just be sure to hose the residue off the clothes before adding them to your laundry.

Hi, the Tecnu wash is the same concept, but is a liquid and is easy on the skin.  I wondered about Lava soap; I remember it from my childhood, and will look for it.  I found out the hard way about hot water!  Thanks for the tips.  The invisible sticky oil in poison ivy is derived from a Japanese word.  Thanks for all the tips, hope you have a poison ivy free summer! -Nicole