A wonderful post! We too have had Spring arrive but the cooler temps and thos April showers are still hanging around.
Those you call weeds, or wildflowers, we call wild violets. Such beauty about in the Springtime!

Wow, I loved this! So delightful reading about spring springing up and the interactions with nature. So fun reading about all the creatures, furred and feathered and six-legged! Delightful! Thank you for this inspiring post!

Hello, Love all the beautiful photos. It is chilly and rainy here in Iowa typical spring weather. We just arrived back from being snowbirds in Florida so it feels cold. Looking forward to warmer weather. Happy Spring.

What a lovely inspiring spring post!

Have a BLESSED Birthday & 1/2 century celebration!

Happy Birthday! When I turned 50, I decided I was going to turn it around, and become one year younger on each birthdate. . . hoping to reach “zero”. It’s so funny now, because I am younger than both of my grown children. Never one year older, simply one year younger. Enjoy!

Happy 50th Birthday, Nicole!
You surely don’t look 50 years old!
I always look forward to your wonderful blogs. May you have a blessed, happy and healthy year and many more to come!

Nicole, HAPPY 50th from your Kansas farmgirl friend!! You look wonderful and your blog is so full of fun. You are so wise to acknowledge the love you have for and receive from your little family and big group of friends. This is the most precious and important part of life. Keep celebrating your life and love all year. Cannot wait to hear about your new hobby. BYE for now.

This is a lovely post! As a former Emergency Vet Hospital employee, Thank You for mentioning things that can cause serious health issues in pets. As a current self-employed landscaper, thank you for mentioning Easter pets (specifically bunnies) and those enticing lilies. Personally, I won’t have them in my own yard and to date have had no requests to install them in someone else’s yard. Great topic and informative post.

For a very long time I have really enjoyed reading things you write about.

Thank you for the helpful information about our pets…Alot Of things I didn’t know. Your animals are beautiful…
Happy Spring!!! It can’t arrive soon enough.

Very informative. We love our rescue kitty. Her antics bring so much joy! Will definitely be more aware of flower bouquets!

This blog is fun to read. I also learned a lot about things that can harm different animals. Chickens were cute running to get their treats! I did not know they were so intelligent.
Thanks for mentioning my sweet “Fluff”. Love,
Mother

Thanks. Never knew these things.

Thanks Nicole for all the information and pictures of your pets. My daughter works with dog and cat adoptions and she mentions how important it is to plan and be prepared to care for these precious pets.

My family has had pets over the years. A bunny, cats, hamsters, fancy mice, turtle, and a squirrel. I am also a grandma to a corgi and terrier.

I always enjoy your article and pictures.
Take care and spring is right around the corner.
Debbie

Loved this article!! Think I’m going to make those buffalo plaid hand warmers. Would be a nice gift for my 92 year old mother-in-law who lives with us. We are in Sacramento California where it’s only snowed once in my lifetime (and I’m 63). But she’s always cold if the weather is below 70.

Hand warmers rock!

What a great read. I live in Michigan and you’re right. I do love to see the little animal tracks♥️ No bobcats, and that’s ok happy Valentine’s Day. Which is also my 41st anniversary ♥️

Live in a lil country neighborhood Garden Farms Atascadero Ca love the simple life here Hubby and I in retirement years we have Chickens live on a tight budget and Love the Lord Thank you for your blogs like a breath of fresh air to me.

Thanks so much for the flannel hand warmer
suggestion. It’s a great idea…(I have lots of flannel) Around here there are children in the rural areas that wait for their bus outdoors for awhile and these “warmers” would be great.

I always enjoy your blog, full of cheerfulness
and Happy Energy, not to mention good ideas.
Hopefully Spring is just around the corner. Happy Valentines Day to you and your family.

Julie

I so enjoyed your post. Love the Valentines Decor.

Loved your recent post – I, too, have a Fireking mixing bowl which I love to use ! Happy Valentine’s Day !

I’ve made hand warmers like this many times. I’ve used dried corn gotten from the co-op’s or stores that sell bird foods. I also make a liner with an old sheet. It helps a little extra with dust coming from the hand warmer. Feels good on cold feet in bed.

I love making hand/neck warmers, and in the past, have used dried lavender instead of the oils. I always wondered if the oil would become rancid, after many warmings. But, from all the comments, it seems like there’s no problem. I have also made them with a mix of rice and flax seed, along with the dried lavender. And, boy, do they smell wonderful. Stay warm, and thanks for the ideas.
I also have an old Hoosier “baking center” that was my Grandma’s, so I feel very blessed with many memories of growing up and watching her use it, especially the built-in flour sifter and pull-out part, for rolling out pies and cookies. Now, get out and enjoy the snow.

This is the first time to read your post. Liked it very much. I’m not a farm girl now but I grew up on a farm and I remember a lot of things that you talk about. God bless.

Nicole, Caught up with your posts. So fun, great ideas and love your pictures. I lived in
Mass. for over 40 years and now live in a 100yr. old farmhouse in Kansas. Your
blog always brings me back to New England and inspires me with your adorable
kitchen and use of wonderful & colorful retro pieces to brighten the season.
Spent Christmas in Anchorage with my son and loved seeing the snow falling.
Our Kansas weather has been crazy this winter ranging from sub-zero to 70
degrees. Stay warm and thanks for your inspiring posts.
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY! Pamela

Happy Valentine’s Day! You add warmth with every post. Mannny thanks. Roberta

*I love this post, and you received so many nice comments. Handwarmers sound and look great.Love
Mother

Love your personal recommendations for
products. Always good to know from someone that has actually used them.
They would be great gifts for Valentines Day or upcoming birthdays. Everyone could use a “lift”
Thanks for your “kindness “

I read the hole article, very good. I am trying to take good care of myself, so i love all your suggestions. thank you Beth

Nicole~ I truly enjoy reading your blog, it always puts a smile on my face.
Taking care of oneself really hit home for me as we tend to put everyone first. Which is great but i need to take care and of myself, take time for myself so I stay healthy for myself and my family.
Thank you for the reminder.
Happy New Year and I look forward to next months blog.
Hugs,
Debbie

Your message left me with such a sense of warmth and comfort, Nicole. Thank you for starting my day off right.
Warm Wishes,
Sharon (way over in California)

My winter goals: eating better/healthier, less caffeine, losing more weight. Going on small hikes to keep up for the longer ones when it gets warmer. Reading and crafting while listening to relaxation music and drinking tea. I’ve been drinking some with Turmeric in it lately. And to learn more on Mindfulness. Have a wonderful New Year.

Hello Nicole, another Farmgirl reader commented that your post gave her a sense of warmth and comfort, and I am going to steal that and say the same, because there isn’t a better way to put it. So thank you for sharing and bringing joy and warmth to the rest of us. I appreciate the product ideas as well. I especially am interested in checking out the hair brush, and the facial cleanser sounds great also. One of my winter remedies is to make it a priority to get out and get a good amount of fresh air every day, as much as the weather will permit. It is best to get out and into the woods to be surrounded by wonderful trees. Best wishes for 2022. May we all find how to live in the moment (better) and achieve that goal. Tammy

Loving your thoughts and finds. Will definitely be making your soup! Living in Tennessee and currently experiencing 25 degrees with a wind chill of 10…and walking with Bailey, my cold weather loving, 4 legged companion. Tea drinking is new to me. I am a sweet lover and would love a tea that satisfy this crave without a lot of honey. Can you suggest a couple? (Oh, and 50 is a good place to start many things!)

I always enjoy reading about your happenings – and now with your comments on facial products I’m considering changes in mine… also your soup sounds delicious so I’m making it soon.

Hi, love your blog. My friend, Julie Pruett, introduced me to you and your writing. Going to check out the tea you suggested. Thank you. These are your pets? So happy to meet you.
Be well.
LeAnn Malecha

Hi Nicole! Merry Christmas to you and your family! Growing up, my family always visited Jones Tree Farm for our tree! Thank you so much for bringing back that memory for me!! ❤️

This will be the first of many….we get to celebrate our sweet Kaleb’s 1st birthday on Christmas Eve. We are making new traditions. We keep some of the old, but I’m always open to change. Merry Christmas.

PS: I enjoy your blogs. Thank you for keeping it going.

Hi Nichole, May you and your family have a Blessed Christmas and New Year. So enjoy reading your blogs. please keep them coming in the New Year. At 75 years young, there is still a Farmgirl in me. Merrrrrry. Christmmmmmas !!

Happy Holidays Nicole!
I couldn’t agree more about New England’s special feeling at Christmas time.
It’s just magical and filled with Christmas traditions…
Wishing you and yours a very, Merry Christmas and more miracles in 2022!
Warmly,
Deb ( Beach Farmgirl)

Thanks for the moments shared, brightening the day. Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas Nicole
I’m still loving your articles

Thank you for that beautiful Christmas Show!
…and that ROSE…WOW!

Merry Christmas Nicole,
I live in Alberta Canada and have followed you for years. I wrote to you once before telling you about my World War 2 memorabilia room. I just want to thank you for making this year a little brighter for me each month. It hasn’t been an easy one so grabbing a cup of tea and sitting down down to share a visit with you brings me much joy. From my husband, our dog and from me Merry Christmas and Good Health in 2022

Nicole,
I enjoyed your Christmas pictures and article(as usual). You are blessed to live in a town with “Hallmark Christmas charm”. A rose in the snow-what a blessing. Love all the decorations. One of my best friends was born in Derby Conn.

Merry Christmas to you and your family and Happy New year.

What a heart warming New England Christmas! You have shared it with us in such a beautiful way that I feel as if I’ve seen it for myself, thank you! My husband and I live near the Central Coast of California. It is a charming town with great shops and warm kind people. Santa Barbara is 2 hours south of us and Monterey is 2 hours north of us. The nearby seaside town of Morro Bay constructs a Christmas tree out of crab pots. Each year it’s in a different spot, we have fun driving around until we find it. Then we like to stay and enjoy their Lighted Boat Parade. Nearby in Avila Beach is Avila Valley Barn a wonderful place for families to stop by and enjoy their Christmas events and celebrations! There are hayrides, feeding of farm animals, Christmas trees, shopping, a deli, roasted corn and cider donuts to name a few! Hope to see you all on the Central Coast of California soon!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wonderful post Nicole, and Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Hi Nicole; I love the pictures you posted and the written part for each of them. I like the fall colors of tree leaves also – we don’t have any trees on our property but the neighbors have plenty. There just wasn’t much of a display this year in our area though. So glad you have been with MaryJanes this long. I always enjoy your posts. We will celebrate with a dinner on Friday after Thanksgiving so my child can spend time with his inlaws. I have invited many friends to our dinner and neighbors too; having a regular turkey and dressing and also a smoked on the grill turkey and also ham and all the extras besides. Gonna be a great and wonderful Thanksgiving for us and hope it is for you and yours too.

Sounds so cozy for Thanksgiving at your home. Love that you enjoy your traditions despite the rest of the world. What makes us happy is important! I am having Thanksgiving with my 2 fur babies and couldn’t be more content. Happy Thanksgiving

Have a most wonderfully Happy Thanksgiving! I so enjoy your blog posts, farm-girlfriend. Love to your family.

Hi Nicole,

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
I always enjoy your writing and lovely pictures.
We were able to visit the North American Bear Center in Ely MN when my husband’s parents lived on a lake in the Ely area. They knew the founders of the center, Dr. Lynn Rogers and his wife personally. His research taught us many things about these beautiful and yet “wild” animals.

I love fall and Thanksgiving and enjoy displaying a Jadite-looking turkey. Soon it will be time to bring out my 50’s Christmas tree decorations from my childhood. I enjoy Hallmark Christmas movie and a cup of coffee and the simple escape it provides from the daily hustle and bustle of life.

Happy Thanksgiving and blessings

Debbied

What a surprise to relish this day after
Thanksgiving! OUR family’s favorite holiday .Your blog popped up in my mail! My husband and mine especially as our wedding anniversary
can and has falllen on this day!
Happy year round days of thankgiving to you
and your family !

Thank you so much for sharing all that. I always enjoy hearing from you.
Happy Anniversary & Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
I’ve enjoyed watching that little girl grow up.
Since I never had children of my own, I’m (thankful)to you for
sharing yours!
Hugs&Squeezles

Eleven years later and prettier than ever! Have a blessed Christmas season!

What a lovely post. I too am ready to say goodbye to this stinker of a year! I look for blessings in every day and try to focus on the positive. Knitting has become my yoga as well.

Many blessings to you and yours and stay away from Yogi the Bear!

My favorite toy believe it or not was a little nun doll I got for Christmas one year, I just love that doll!
Thank you for your trip down memory lane and the wonderful Barker collection and museum.

Wow, Nicole! Your visit to the Barker Museum was detailed so beautifully. We are thrilled that you took the time to enjoy everything the museum has to offer. Providing our visitors with the opportunity to take a trip down memory lane was so important to Herb & Gloria and our staff here at the museum. Thank you for sharing your special time and encouraging others to experience the wonder that is the Barker Museum! 🙂

My favorite toy was my 1962 blond Chatty Cathy. I still have her but with age her leg is cracked and voice box does not work. Her face and hair are just like new. I have her outfit except shoes. My moms best friend made her lots of wonderful clothes. I have the original patterns. One of these I will have her restored.

Love the pictures! Elsie the Cow and dolls, but your Wonder Woman Doll was a later version.
Love,
Mother

My favorite toy believe it or not was a little nun doll I got for Christmas one year, I just love that doll!
Thank you for your trip down memory lane and the wonderful Barker collection and museum.

Wow, Nicole! Your visit to the Barker Museum was detailed so beautifully. We are thrilled that you took the time to enjoy everything the museum has to offer. Providing our visitors with the opportunity to take a trip down memory lane was so important to Herb & Gloria and our staff here at the museum. Thank you for sharing your special time and encouraging others to experience the wonder that is the Barker Museum! 🙂

My favorite toy was my 1962 blond Chatty Cathy. I still have her but with age her leg is cracked and voice box does not work. Her face and hair are just like new. I have her outfit except shoes. My moms best friend made her lots of wonderful clothes. I have the original patterns. One of these I will have her restored.

Love the pictures! Elsie the Cow and dolls, but your Wonder Woman Doll was a later version.
Love,
Mother

In 1969 I was given a boa constrictor “Rosie” to nurse back to health from a mouth infection. I used to take the snake to school as an instant lesson plan in case the teacher did not leave me any class work. The added benefit was that the children all stayed quiet and in their seats as the snake rode around the room on my shoulder or arm.

Nicole, I really enjoyed your article on snakes. In Minnesota we only have one poisonous snake and it is hidden in the bluffs along the river. But snakes are beautiful. Thanks for writing.

I grew up with an almost psychotic fear of snakes, inherited from my mother. As an adult, when I had a run-in with snakes, I would have a full-blown panic attack. You can imagine how that interfered with my new-found love of garden when I was in my 50’s. Anyway, I finally decided that it was going to either be my garden or the snakes, so I went to an outdoor spring festival where someone was demonstrating a large snake and letting people touch it. I swallowed my fear and ran my hand over it, letting it slither on me. It wasn’t cold and slimy, it was warm and smooth, like a nice leather belt. While I still do not like snakes and give them their space if I run across one, I no longer run in fear. Live and let live!

That was a beautiful tribute that made me smile. Thanks.

Nicole, what a wonderful story. I am so glad you and your husband grew accustomed to snakes and are no longer so afraid of them. My son and daughter-in-law have owned snakes for years and have had many different kinds and sizes and ages. They also have dogs and cats and hens and roosters. My daughter-in-law makes pets out of most of them – one rooster flies up on her shoulder when she goes inside the pen. She is amazing with animals. I always made pets out of my hens when I was younger – I also had a calf, cats, dogs, and birds in my menagerie. But never a snake as my dad and mom wouldn’t have allowed it. But my brothers and I would go into the woods and look under rocks to find red and blue racers – so much fun. Love reading your blogs.

Loved the story about your “sweet” snakes.
It makes me want one…They seem interesting,
I’m sure you can get REALLY attached to them.
They probably DO, get a bad rap…
Thank you for enlightening us…

Farm girl Nicole,
Thank you so much for sharing your awesome story. My grandsons have had snakes over the years. They LOVE them! Me, not so much when they are out and about the house at times.
Farm Girl hugs, Marie