A Sunset and a Bear

31C8D1C0-97D4-4468-81EF-5ECE08B29685

I first met Cindy in my early 20’s. My husband and I were newlyweds, and had just moved to Pennsylvania from Texas. Working in a big office building, I would run into the same woman from another office often each day. One day, she said, “You won’t see me for a week – I’m going home on vacation.” When I inquired where “home” was, she enthusiastically replied, “Texas!” We were instant friends from that moment.

Continue reading

  1. Debbie says:

    This story touched my heart. As a retired nurse and craft person I am now going to reach out to a dear friend and make her a bear from a shirt or pj pant of her recently deceased husband. Thank you so much for sharing!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Debbie, thank you. That makes me happy, knowing that Cindy and April will inspire someone else. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  2. Jackie Galluze says:

    Beautiful story. It brought tears to my eyes.

  3. Amy says:

    Wow.

    My condolences on the loss of Cindy. I’m glad she had someone with her who cared, and had the best of friends all her life. You’ll always have the memories.

  4. Julie says:

    Thank you for the lovely story about your friend…we would all love a friend like Cindy. Precious friends are “gifts”
    which make our lives Special…
    As I kept reading I was drawn in, and wondered what Cindy’s special signature perfume was…to get an even better idea of her character…
    We hope we’ll see that friend again in another life, waving and smiling, maybe getting a “heavenly hug”

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Julie, Yes, I agree – precious friends ARE gifts! To answer your question, Cindy’s perfume was Chanel Coco Mademoiselle. Whenever I catch a whiff, I will be reminded of her! I was thinking about perfume the other day, and how I remember my grandmother and other special people in my life from their perfume scent. So many people no longer wear perfume (and I understand why, allergies, etc.) but I was thinking it is kind of sad in a way, another thing the younger generations won’t have. I use organic and natural products, but still love “real” perfume – a bottle will last me forever, as I only use one quick spritz, and not directly on my skin. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  5. Debbie Fischer says:

    What a beautiful heartwarming story Nicole of your Sweet Friend Cindy. Thank you for sharing her and April with us.
    Hugs,
    Debbie

  6. Brenda says:

    I’m so sorry for your loss. There is never enough time. Thank you for sharing. Hugs

  7. Maureen says:

    What a wonderful tribute. I love the concept of “first birthday in heaven”. How blessed you are for old and new dear friends.

  8. Connie rowland says:

    True friends are hard to come by , you were well blessed to have such a precious friend

  9. Chris Alred says:

    What a beautiful tribute to the most important things in life, love for one another. Thank you for sharing. Such an inspiring story in these hard times. God Bless~

  10. Diana says:

    Loved this story. I have a few close friends, one way back from Kindergarten (and I am 62 years old). So this story had me in tears. True friendship is a very special gift from God. ❤️❤️❤️

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Diana, I am glad you liked this post. I agree with you…friendship is a gift from God. Much love your way. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  11. Judy says:

    Thank you for sharing that(beary)wonderful, warm story!
    Such a Ca-ute bear. I noticed his legs right away… and am
    glad you didn’t correct them. A pigeon-toed bear is adorably unique!
    Lucky you to have such a great friend who knew how to give
    ‘Love’ her whole life, and even after!
    Hugs&Squeezles

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Judy, aren’t the legs cute? I love him that way…laughter through tears when I first saw him. April was so amazing to get everything done for Cindy, by her birthday, just so, for Cindy’s wishes. She is a true angel. I do feel blessed to have wonderful girlfriends in my life. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  12. Marilyn says:

    So sorry for the loss of your dear friend Cindy. What a loving gift she sent to you and Audrey. I hope you can take comfort in your memories of Cindy and your friendship. I know what it is to lose a friend. My twin sister and me knew Marie from the 7th grade. She passed away 4 years ago. Marie’s birthday was the other day.We keep in touch with her daughter. May Cindy rest in peace.
    Marilyn

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Marilyn, thank you so much. I am so sorry to hear you lost your friend Marie. How wonderful that you keep in touch with her daughter. When we lose someone special, there is a hole that is left, but sweet memories help to bandage it. Much love to you and your twin. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  13. Reba says:

    Hi Nicole, this story reminded me to let my close friends know how much they mean to me. Your story really touched my heart! It touched me so much so that I wanted to forward your post to a couple of my close friends. Thank you for a sweet post in such a hard time!

  14. donna mazzaglia says:

    The loss of a dear friend is always hard to bare. What a wonderful, creative, and thoughtful woman. I too, love the idea of a first birthday in heaven. The bear is just delightful and it’s legs are perfect.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Thank you, Donna. That’s what I think too. I love my lil’ backwards leg bear. Thank you for reading and commenting. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  15. Donna says:

    Friends like Cindy are priceless. I know about that “hole” in your heart,

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Donna, I always think of that movie, with Brad Pitt, that was written as an adaptation of a work by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Benjamin Buttons. “…we’re meant to lose the people we love. How else would we know how important they are to us?” Very fitting. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  16. Beverly Battaglia says:

    A very nice tribute to your longtime, loyal friend, Cindy.
    Love, Mother

  17. Gloria Smith says:

    What a lovely post. Thank you for sharing your friend with us.
    Hugs from Virginia

  18. Marlene Burns says:

    Cute bear. What a beautiful story. Friends are so precious. Sometimes we only have them a short time but they leave footprints on our hearts. I value my friendships as I have lost a couple and it is hard to experience.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Marlene, thank you! I hear ya. I am so sorry you lost your friends this year. Unfortunately, I can now count 9 people I know this year who have died (none from Covid, some were acquaitances), but yuck! What a bad year! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  19. Meredith Williams says:

    Dear Nicole,I am so very sorry for your great loss of a wonderful friend. It sounds like she was a wonderful
    human being. Sending you a big hug! Cindy is with you always ❤️❤️

  20. Sandi says:

    Nicole, what a blessing you have been given and shared with us, thank you. Lifetime friends are truly a blessing and long distance lifetime friends who you never meet in person are also a blessing. I have many who have blessed me over the years with their words and confidences. We met over 20 years ago through genealogy classes and we still keep in touch. It is a blessing to have such friends. Thanks for posting your story.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Sandi, thank you so much. I too, feel that online long distance friends are also very important. One farmgirl friend I met here on the blog has become someone I feel is one of my best friends! I hope someday we get to meet in person. I am missing my friend a lot, but grateful for the friends I have still. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  21. Joey says:

    Nicole, I feel like I know Cindy and April too. How close and precious real friends are, even if you are miles apart. How very thoughtful of both Cindy and April to make sure you got those gifts on her birthday. I am glad you have so many happy memories to comfort your heart and keep them close. SO sorry for your loss. Happy for your memories. Sending big hugs to you, Kim and Audrey. ❤️

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Thank you so much, Joey. I do miss her a lot. I certainly thought of her on New Year’s – the first year she won’t see. A reminder that every moment we have is a gift. Much love to you and Rod. Catch up soon, I hope. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The Sound of Vintage

 

 

FB2A221F-5986-4D1A-A358-22039E666002

I’m loving that it is Fall again. I’ve decorated my house for Halloween, though ours will be a quiet one this year, with festive food and a scary movie, just for us. 

Most of my Halloween decor is vintage or vintage-inspired, like much of my decor. Adding a vintage vibe reminds me of times when the pace of life was slower and things were just simpler. It keeps the atmosphere at home relaxing- something that is super-important, even more so now with the stressful world we are currently in. 

Whether it is Halloween decor, everyday decor, furniture, dishes or clothes, “vintage” has a charm all its own, missing from many “modern” things. From just a bit of vintage here and there, to all-out vintage (like Gidget, our vintage camper), there is a feeling of familiarity, comfort, and whimsy that comes from old things. I like to complete that vibe with music. 

Continue reading

  1. Bonnie says:

    I appreciate seeing your vintage home decor! Reminds me of my mom and gramma’s homes. Thank you!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Bonnie, thank you! I am totally nostagic for the times “before my time”. I always say it is 2020 out THERE, but INSIDE it is 19-something! Thanks for reading and commenting. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  2. Heidi says:

    Love the vintage radios and Benny Goodman is a particular favorite of mine as well.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Heidi,thank you! Benny Goodman’s music is one of my favorites (and great to listen to while knitting)! Also, thanks again for being my farmgirl friend for TEN years! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  3. Beverly Lampley says:

    Your home is wonderful and your words very descriptive. I can hear the music. Like you , I like to be surrounded by things that remind me of my family and our history. Happy Halloween! Farmgirl Hugs from high desert, red rock Western Colorado!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Beverly, thank you so very much! I am listening to the forties right at this moment! You are so right about being surrounded by things that remind us of family and our history. I worry that the younger generations are missing out on that. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole PS I have never been to your area, but I hear that Colorado is breathtaking! Enjoy Fall!

  4. Debbie Fischer says:

    Oh Nicole, what a sweet doggie
    I love all your Halloween and Vintage treasures, I can feel the warmth of your home. All the 40’s music are oldies but goodies and they never go out of style.
    Beautiful Radio Cabinet and it looks perfect in your special place.
    Enjoy Fall and Happy Halloween

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Debbie, thank you so much! Isn’t Odin sweet? He is a big boy! He LOVES watching tv, especially cartoons! He was so funny when we took this picture. It was like he was sulking, and he did not look at the tv at all the whole time the scary movie was on, and sighed several times. I swear, sometimes I think he is human in a fur suit. Happy Halloween! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  5. Lisa Holderman says:

    Nicole, we must be kindred spirits. I would do all vintage if my husband liked it. Alas, I don’t have a lot but love what I have. My husband says I was born with an old soul and I think he is right. Ella is a favorite. I think my favorites are The Very Thought of You and I’m Old Fashioned. I have many records from grandparents that had bought many collections from the Readers Digest record Catalog. One of my favorite things is the original Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band record collection. Do you like the Rod Stewart Song Book collection? I have them all and LOVE them.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Lisa, Kindred spirits, we must be! Like you, I have always been told that I am an “old soul”. I always say I was “born in the wrong generation”! I love both songs you mention, by Ella. I really can’t think of one of her songs I don’t like, to be honest! I also love the Rod Stewart Song Book collection. We were so lucky – over twenty years ago, friends treated us to his concert! His voice is so distinct and beautiful. Thanks for reading and for commenting. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  6. Beverly Battaglia says:

    Good 0ne, Nicole. I remember those old radios and clocks when I was a child and young woman. How many Alexas do you have or do you move it around? My mother in law sang witha couple of the big bands in the forties. In Philadelphia and I think one was Benny Goodman. What foom is your favorite reading room?
    Love,
    Mother

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Mama, glad you liked the post. That chair is in the living room – you used to sit with Audrey in it and read to her. Where the Christmas tree goes. The big radio Alexa stays put. The smaller ones get moved around. I can’t believe your mother-in-law sang with Benny Goodman! WOW!!! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  7. Marlene Capelle says:

    If only everyone still dressed like the 40’s and had the grace. I’m not too keen on the music but the fashions were fabulous (as well as the styles of those radios))

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Oh Marlene, I agree! I actually have a few outfits that are like the 40’s, and two dresses that are actually FROM the forties! I only wear them for special occasions and have to be so careful so that the fabric doesn’t fray. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  8. Donna Kozak says:

    We also have a vintage radio that someone gave us years ago…it doesn’t work but it reminds us of our youth – we had it refinished and it’s just nice to look at in my husband’s office ! My favourite since I was a teenager was always Billie Holiday (when everyone else loved Elvis!!)…and now I think it’s time to hear her singing “Fine & Mellow” – and it is nice to know that the younger generation is starting to appreciate music from the 40’s, especially the Big Band Era. P.S.: I also love Ella & Louis singing “Dream a Little Dream”! Love all your vintage treasures.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Donna, I love “Fine and Mellow” – can’t you just imagine Billie, singing in a speakeasy, singing that tune? There is a restaurant here in CT that has a room decorated with all kinds of antique, non-working radios. I always loved sitting in that room – you are so right – the old radios are just so charming to look at. Thanks for sharing today! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  9. Donna says:

    I have my grandma’s old zenith brown plastic of some sort..her first radio was repossessed during the depression. This radio was always her prized possession.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Donna, what a treasure you have in your grandma’s radio, especially when it was something so precious to her. Thank you for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  10. Jutta says:

    Thoroughly enjoyed your vintage radio tour and your decorations are very fun.

  11. What a perfect post! Kindred spirits…I love music from the 1940’s and the old radio shows as well. With our satellite radio I can listen anytime…something about that time period just makes me happy. And what a great idea tucking Alexa away where it can’t be seen, but will seem like the old radio works…and, by the way, it’s beautiful, what a great find! You inspired me…an vintage radio came with our 1963 Yellowstone camper, but I put it away because it didn’t work…I’ll hide a little bluetooth speaker behind it so it “works” as well; thanks for the inspiration! Mary

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Mary, I bet your camper is adorable!!!! I love that I can dial up whatever music I want to play in there. I did an “Alexa” search for music from 1966 (my camper’s year), and created a “Camper Playlist” for period music! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

      • Nicole…a camper playlist is such a great idea! Inspired again! I’m off to search out the top hits from 1963. Today I’ll set the radio up in the camper and take a little R&R in her from farm chores (even if she’s only in the backyard now). These beautiful fall days will pass all too quickly and I want to enjoy every one. Thanks again, Mary

        • Nicole Christensen says:

          Mary, you are so welcome! I love escaping to Gidget for a bit. We keep her set up all year except in deep winter. Enjoy! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  12. Carolann Harris says:

    Hi Nicole,
    The Philco radio company was based here in Philadelphia; it is interesting to see that vintage model! Your decorations are charming and I send a socially distanced virtual pat to your dear dog.
    I like 40’s music too( along with rock and roll). Radio station WRTI here in Philadelphia plays big band jazz Sunday evenings. I wonder if you know of the contemporary group named Pink Martini? They are not exactly like the 40’s but they are an orchestra with some of that influence and they perform songs in many languages. You might find them interesting. Thank you for the great photos of your home!
    Best wishes, take care,
    Carolann Harris

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Carolann, thank you for the history on Philco…I didn’t realize they were from there. I used to live for a short time outside of Philadelphia and worked in the city. I used to love to cross over to Lambertville and go antiquing there! Whenever I see a “Philco”, I think of my grandpa. After we read your comment, my daughter and I listened to Pink Martini on Alexa last night – we both LOVED them! Thank you for the recommendation! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  13. Marilyn says:

    We love vintage. We have our house decorated with mostly vintage Halloween decorations. They just do not make decorations like the vintage ones any more. Your records are great. We also have a lot of oldies records. Thank You for sharing your vintage things.
    HAPPY HALLOWEEN
    Joan,Marion and Marilyn

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Marilyn, how true- the vintage Halloween decorations just had so much more charm than the gory, scary ones that we see so much of nowadays. Don’t they make you so happy to see them? Some of mine are not vintage, just vintage-inspired. So much charm in the “old things”. Enjoy your Halloween! Happy Fall! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  14. Denise says:

    Once again, I enjoyed hearing about your latest vintage find!

  15. Connie says:

    I love your blog! I adore the 1940’s music! Your home is so cozy! I love your vintage treasures!!!

  16. Amy Holmes says:

    Thank you for sharing your wonderful decorating. It is all beautiful. Love how you put Alexa in the old radio. That is brilliant!

  17. Barbara Campbell says:

    Lately, I have been listening to some of the music my mother used to listen to, like Andy Williams, Rosemary Clooney, etc. I have also thrown in some of the old/classic jazz. I hav some of my father’s radios that I had no idea what to do with them. Thank you the ideas!! Now I can enjoy the radios and my music.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Barbara, How nice! Glad you enjoyed the blog. I love Andy Williams’ Christmas music, and Rosemary Clooney was so talented! Thanks for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  18. Joann Tilney-Hughson says:

    Nicole, I loved absolutely everything about this post-the radios, the music, the dance and the pics are fabulous. Thank you for this post and for letting me go to the 1940s again. I love so many songs from that era but Bugle Boy of Company B is probably my favorite and a far cry from the “music” of today. Love Halloween too. I don’t have many decorations now but I have tons of happy memories. Hugs to you too.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Joey! Thank you! I am so glad you enjoyed this post. I forgot to mention the Andrews Sisters! Their music was certainly a big part of that era! Love them, too. Happy Halloween, and chat soon, my friend! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  19. Donna says:

    I’m a New Englander and fall is my favorite season. Loved looking at all your great items. They brought back a lot of fun memories of my grandmother’s home. Great tips that will be put into good use.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Donna, thank you! Isn’t New England so beautiful and cozy this time of year? I feel like we are right in a Hallmark movie sometimes (and so many are filmed here)! Happy Fall, and stay cozy! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

      • Donna says:

        Enjoying reading other comments. My father was one of eight boys with five of them serving during World War II. Family get togethers were full of war stories from both uncles and aunts. During downsizing at my mother’s, we found a pair of shoes she had worn in the 40s, paper still stuffed in the toes. She loved talking about dancing at the U.S.O.

        • Nicole Christensen says:

          Hi Donna, love that! What a great keepsake to find of your mother’s! Thank you for sharing. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  20. Rachel says:

    This just struck the right “chord” for me today. We live in a house from the 1960s and I occasionally wonder about the people who used to live here. We’re only the second owners of the house and I love filling our home with antique finds. I can’t wait until this is over and I can go back out to find antiques again.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Rachel, Love this comment! My house isn’t “vintage” really…built in the 90’s but I love to make it “look” vintage. I too, wonder about the lives of the people who owned things before me. And my camper – ooooooh if those walls could talk! I hear ya on wanting to go out and find “treasure” again. Sadly, so many of the cute thrift and antique shops that we had in Connecticut up until March are not coming back. Fingers crossed we get this thing over with in 2021! Until then, stay cozy! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  21. Trudie Turner says:

    Love your decorating style and hints for those of us ‘still’ trying to find a style. (I prefer British cozy & my husband thinks the 50’s are the latest & best!) Wonderful idea about the Alexa and using the speakers in old radios. I love 40’s music myself. Love to read your column!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Trudie, thank you so much! It makes me so happy to hear that you like the blog! British cozy is a wonderful style, too. Mixes well with the 50’s. That’s my best advice: mix up what you love. Make your space just that – YOUR space. Surround yourself with things you love.Thanks again for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  22. Joanne Allen says:

    Thanks Nicole, I am a big 1930s and 1940s fan too. Our home is decorated with that era very much present. We even have a spare room nicknamed, “The War Room” because it is done up entirely with actual items (and some replicas) from World War 2 Britain and Canada ( with a little U.S thrown in).I loved your blog this month, thanks so much. Stay safe and healthy and keep enjoying vintage. From Joanne in Calgary Canada..

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Joanne! It is always so much fun to hear from other collectors and those who love to preserve the past. Your “War Room” sounds so cool and interesting! My grandmother used to spend the night at our house when I was little and she would tell me stories about that time, from when my mama was little. Maybe that is why I like that era, and also the charm – everything had charm back then. Things were also made so well back then. Thanks for sharing with me today! Happy Fall! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

      • Joanne Allen says:

        Hello again Nicole, it was great to hear from you! Like you I heard many stories of World War 2 and I just know that’s why I LOVE that era. I agree with you that absolutely everything had more charm. Through the years everyone knew that if it’s vintage 1930s or 1940s it would be a hit as a gift for me. One day my boss came rushing in excitedly to give me a gift he had picked up at a garage sale for our War Room. It was a 1940s gas mask that was distributed here in our city at the beginning of the war. My co workers didn’t know about my collection and had some very strange expressions on their faces watching me be so excited over it. Thanks again for your wonderful 1940s post, I too love the music. Moonlight Serenade always gives me goosebumps!! Again lovely chatting with you Nicole.

        • Nicole Christensen says:

          Hi Joanne! That is an awesome story! Hilarious – thinking about the coworkers around you! I hear ya…I have been gifted so many neat things from that era from my friends who know how much I adore vintage. Makes those pieces that much special, as well! Thanks again for visiting the blog! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  23. Judy says:

    Hi Nicole, Thanks for sharing your ideas and your antiques.
    We had a big old radio when I was little too. I’m not sure what brand it was.
    I do remember the same fabric behind the speaker, the dark plastic knobs,
    and the fact that it had an arched, pointed(cathedral window style?) top on it.
    I was always wanting to play it whenever we went to the basement during
    a tornado or ate in the basement on super hot summer days. It hissed and
    faded in and out… but I didn’t care. I enjoyed it anyhow. I was always
    amazed by the fabric covered/wrapped cords and wires in those old radios.
    Thanks again Nicole for dusting off my memories as well as your great finds!
    Hugs&Squeezles! Stay safe!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Judy, thank you! I am so glad you enjoyed this post! I loved this comment, I was right down there as a little, playing in that basement with you! Thanks for sharing your memories with me! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

It’s Only A Paper Moon

9B635DEE-4046-45AB-8F7D-A52E83488CF8

I really want to tell the year 2020 what I think of it – but I can’t, ‘cause my mama raised me NOT use THAT kind of language! To say it’s been a doozy of a year is a gross understatement. I’m usually a “look-on-the-bright-side, counting-blessings, things-could-always-be-worse-happy-kind of gal”, but good grief, already! Really, I could use some good news (I have had lots of not-so-good news lately), but I digress.

I wanted to sit in the camper today to write, but currently, we’re in the middle of a big ol’ thunderstorm, wind ripping at the trees, thunder pounding, and rain pouring. A few weeks ago, after a storm, we were without power for a week. Funny, we can be as content as frogs on a lily pad, sitting in our camper, from 1966, without “modern” conveniences, but the minute the WI-FI goes out in the house, we’re annoyed. Truthfully, today’s kids don’t know life without WI-FI and all that comes with it. What did families and kids do back before WI-FI, TV, and electronics? A fun little recent find helped answer a little bit of that question!

Continue reading

  1. Beverly Battaglia says:

    I love this blog. I was a baby during the war but mid to late forties loved plaing with my paperdolls! My next door friend and I would play for hours with our paperdolls underneath
    her mom’s grand piano. I had Piper Laurie, Betty Grable, June Allyson among movie stars. I planned to grow up and be a dress designer. Love, Mother

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Thanks, Mama. I remember all my paper dolls too- Mickey and Minnie, “Dusty” like the Kenner doll, Gingham girls…and I loved trying to make my own like you did. Good memories. The closest thing Audrey had were little wooden flat dolls. I think paper dolls should make a comeback! Love you, Nicole

  2. Becky Basham says:

    My mother always bought McCall’s magazines and she would carefully tear out the page of Betsy McCall paper dolls for me to cut out and play with for hours. What a wonderful memory. Thanks for taking me back to a simpler time and a great remembering.

  3. Julie says:

    I enjoyed this SO much…as a little girl, I loved playing with paper dolls almost, as much as playing with my Barbie dolls. SO FUN…It was imaginative and creative and a good way of expressing each, of our “little girl’s” style/taste. We’d name our paper dolls too.
    Later they would have a magnetic type doll with clothes. The paper with the little tabs were great…
    Thank you for providing this “happy” peek, back in time when things were more simple…

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Julie, I forgot about that…I would also name my paper dolls. I also remember as a wee girl sitting in church with them. They were able to be a quiet thing to hold during service and they were portable. I am glad you liked the post. You would have loved the shop I found them in! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  4. Marlene Capelle says:

    Just for the few minutes it took to read this and look at the pictures it wasn’t 2020 anymore. Thank you. My favorite era too is 1940s. The fashions were spectacular. I like to dress like that and walk downtown and act like a movie star.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Marlene, are we twins that were seperated at birth? I love 40s fashion, and do dress like that from time to time! I am so glad my blog gave you a bit of “escape” from 2020. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  5. Yes! I had paper dolls galore! Shirley Temple, was my favorite with all of her frilly dresses and cute country overalls. There was also a set based on the old Revlon Dolls of that time, all fashion dolls and clothes. I also used to make my own clothes to put on them. It was hours and hours of fun using my imagination, a talent that I fear our youngsters today lack.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Barbara, I love this comment! Some of the paper dolls I had as a child in the 70s were also based on dolls – the Kenner doll “Dusty” was one I remember. I love the dolls of the 50s. I have a “Toni” doll like my mom had as a child, and I have seen the Revlon dolls you mentioned. They were beautiful – I bet their paper dolls were gorgeous! Thanks for reading and commenting. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  6. Lori Fresina says:

    Love

  7. Ellen Ottoson says:

    What a fantastic find you have there and of an earlier time period too! My first time playing with paper dolls were during the 50’s and the Betsy McCall dolls. I couldn’t wait till the next magazine came along for my mother. You brought back the memory of being a “Candy Striper” volunteer at a hospital and I did grow up to become a nurse. Thanks for this walk down memory lane. Ellen

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Ellen, thank you! It was a fun find, for sure. I can’t believe how old they are and how well-taken care of they are, despite the evidence that they were played with. Someone cherished them. I can just imagine your excitement when the mail came and there was a magazine in it, knowing you would have something special from it. (How I feel NOW when my MaryJanesFarm issue comes in the mailbox, or “Farmgirl Mail”). Isn’t the Candy Striper uniform the best? Reminded me of the beloved lady who lived across the street from me growing up. She was a “Candy Striper”, too. Thank you for sharing with me, and hats off to you being a nurse. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  8. Bonnie says:

    As a little girl, during war we couldn’t afford to buy paper dolls. My sisters and I would use the Sears and Monigoery Ward catalogs. Cut out the “ people” we liked and find others and cut the clothes off them to fit “ our” people

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Bonnie, LOVE it! I love how creative kids could be…something I think is not happening as much anymore, sadly. Those catalogs were awesome. Thanks for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

    • Della says:

      Yes!!!! This is what my sister and I did..and go to the furniture section and cut out couches for them to sit on…

  9. Denise says:

    Oh my goodness, what a neat find!! I haven’t seen any that cool. I played with paper dolls and mine are from the 60’s and early 70’s. I have some that were given to me from cousins. I have all of mine in a shoe box. I did throw out the ones I had cut out of catalogs. I posted all of them on facebook last year when I found them in my closet. I haven’t done anything with them but I like your ideas. that was a very fond part of my childhood. I can’t imagine that now kids will only think of what type of phone, ipad or laptop they had as a child. I’m thankful for the memories I had from my childhood, paperdolls, barbies and dolls with all their clothes! Once again, I thoroughly enjoyed your post!

  10. Amy Holmes says:

    I so enjoyed this post! I’ve Loved paperdolls as far back as I can remember. When my neighbor and I were growing up we would cut them from old Sears catalogs. We’d cut the ladies and their husbands from the men’s section and children from the baby and children sections. Even household items from the pages with those items on them. I still enjoy making paper/art dolls.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Amy, you just jogged my memory – I could read through those Sears catalogs as a kid forever! I think my mom let me cut them up, too, but I can’t remember what I did, if used them like paperdolls. What a great imagination you had! I also remember picking out what I hoped Santa would bring for Christmas in the catalogs! I love that you still create them. Thanks for sharing! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  11. Barb Shanks says:

    I was in the hospital alot as a child and had many paper dolls. Oh how I wish I still had them your find is so beautiful. I don’t have any ideas on how to display them, other than maybe start with children going on up to adulthood, like the story of our lives. Your story has me crying and longing for the simpler, kinder times of my childhood, growing up in late 50’s and 60’s. Thank you so very much for this wonderful trip down memory lane

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Barb, I love this comment. Thank you. I like the idea of a display of child to adult – my wheels are turning! Thanks for sharing with me today. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  12. MS Barb says:

    Wow! NICE find! I played w/ paper dolls a few times; my preference was to be outside playing! I like to look at vintage sewing patterns!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi MS Barb, thank you! I was so shocked when I asked the price and it was for so little. I figured it would be fun to just look through – and it is! I can sit forever going through them. I was a big outdoor play kiddo, as a child, too, but when it got too hot or rained, I played with my dollhouse, dolls or paper dolls. I love vintage patterns, too. So much fun to look at! Thank you for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  13. Gail Larson says:

    Wow, I hadnt thought about paper dolls in eons! Thank you for sharing.
    Yes I had paper dolls. Loved them. Collected them, imagined they were my friends. We had to use our imaginations back then.
    I think someone tried to re-intoduce them in the last couple of years. I saw a box in the store…more like card board than paper.
    Thanks for the memories!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Gail, I felt the same way when I saw the big bag in the store, though my mama still mentions them sometimes when we talk. I remember seeing some reintroduced, as well, about twenty years ago, but they weren’t meant to play with. They were more like “books” to collect. I didn’t ever get into those. I wish I had MY paper dolls from when I was kid! Thanks for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  14. Heidi says:

    What a great post! Love paper dolls so much. Thank you!

  15. Debbie says:

    Oh man! This brings back all kinds of memories! I LOVED my paper dolls. They would have been from the 50’s-early sixties. Favorites were the Lennon Sisters and the Betsy McCall that cam I McCalls magazine every month. My paper dolls mostly came in cardboard folders that had slits to keep them tidy. My stack of paper doll folders were over 3 feet high in the bottom of my closet. I still have quite a few Betsy McCall dolls. Later, Mary Engelbreit had a paper doll every month in her magazine. I kept them and am now cutting them out for my granddaughters to play with.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Debbie, How much fun will it be to play with your granddaughters and paper dolls? I remember also having paper dolls in the newspaper that we would cut out and play with. You would glue the doll to cardboard, and then her clothes were in the paper each week. I don’t have any of mine anymore, but these are sure fun to look at. Thanks for reading and commenting, Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  16. Victoria Hall says:

    This is great! Just great!! I loved to play with my paper dolls. The ones I remember the most was a set of four blonde sisters…and yes I would love to have them again. I just marvel at how elegantly ladies dressed in the past. Just returned home from a trip and noticed how shabby people looked at the airport. Shoot! We used to dress up to just pick up a relative from the airport. Football games…they dressed up! My favorite era is the 20’s and 30’s, but my oh my did you hit the jackpot!!!!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Victoria, Thank you so much! I was brought up by a mom who still dresses up for church and travel, and I am often dressed up too, though I wish times were like they were “back in the day”. I get tired of seeing sloppy everywhere. The last time I was at an airport it looked like some travelers just rolled out of bed, lol! I like to feel a bit more “polished”, even if I am outside with my chickens! Can you imagine wearing some of the outfits like those paper dolls? How fun! Thanks so much for reading and commenting. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  17. Another Nicole (Nicki) says:

    OH, this was wonderful to read and look at! Do you remember Mary Engelbreit Home Companion magazine? I saved all the “Anne Estelle” paper doll pages that came with each issue. (I’m hoping they’re still in my attic; my granddaughter might love them!)

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Nicki! I do remember those…you should see if your granddaughter would play with them. How wonderful you have them! What a memory you would create for her. Thank you for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  18. amanda aldridge-schamp says:

    I remember paper dolls, it was the faux Barbie ones. I would love to play with them and create scenes. I recently ran across a machine embroidery digital download of a “paper doll” and clothes. Ok fine a few months ago I did an exhausted google search for embroidered paper dolls and I have stitched them out on organza, cut it out and attached ribbons to tie the different clothes on the dolls, so much fun. I found one where the doll had the vintage 40’s appearance because that is absolutely my era too. Thanks for a great article!!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Amanda, Oh your “paper doll sewing” sounds so amazing! You know what would be cute, too? How about making some into “garland”? A paper doll garland…I am thinking maybe I should do that with some of my paper dolls, too…wheels are turning, lol! Thank you for reading and sharing! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  19. Mary Ellen Eckels says:

    Oh Nicole, what a lovely and welcome blog piece! I think one of the most comforting things today is cherishing and learning about past times. I, too, loved playing with paper dolls. I remember each month in the McCall’s magazine there were always a page or two dedicated to Betsy McCall. You could cut out the paper doll and some clothing. I think there was also a little story that went with it and the paper clothing was related to the story. I remember sitting in my grandmother’s sitting room (she subscribed to the magazine) and once she was done reading it (and yes I nagged her “Are you done yet, Nana?”) she’d help me cut out Betsy and her clothing. I loved all my paper dolls. And also loved a later invention – colorforms – where the clothing would stick to the doll form ‘magically’ without paper tabs to hold them on the shoulders and waist. Thank you for the smiles and memories you brought to us with your post. Truly a blessing today 🙂

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi MaryEllen, thank you so much! I remember Colorforms, too! I had quite a few – Raggedy Ann was a favorite. What a lovely memory you shared with us about your grandmother and Betsy McCall. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  20. Betsy says:

    I was born in 91 and we had stacks of dolls cut from clothing catalogs from my mom agnes grandma. There were ones we cut out and also whole stacks from our older sisters, we had names for everyone and different families that we played with together and certain things and situations that we played with different ones. Lol fun to think about now. I think they all probably got tossed in our “cleaning out unnecessary junk” teens. Grandma had some sets that had changes of clothes and everything that we loved playing with as well

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Betsy, true, we do tend not to think ahead in our teens! Sigh…I wish I had more from my childhood. Thank you for sharing your wonderful memories today, and for stopping by the blog and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  21. Marlene Burns says:

    I really enjoyed your blog this time. and obviously it brought back memories to a lot of farmgirls. How fun to actually find some paper dolls in a store. I imagine it was something donated by a younger generation from someone’s estate. One of my requests
    always for birthday or Christmas was paper dolls. I remember Betsy McCall ones also.
    It is a fun memory of many hours spent playing and creating stories in our imaginations for the dolls. Thank you for sharing.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Marlene! So good to hear from you, my farmgirl friend! I need to email you directly…I can not find your address.

      Anyway, I was so surprised, too, to find paper dolls like that, “in the wild”, in a store. The same shop once had Life Magazines for only $1 each. I bought a few from the 40s and 50s, and a couple from 1966 to go in the camper at rallies. It really is a tucked-away little place, and you never know what you might find. This is probably the best I ever found there.

      I bet you are correct – it was donated by someone younger who found it. Sad, but I love them. I am glad you enjoyed the blog! Big Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  22. Judy says:

    Hi Nicole, What a wonderful collection you found. It really took me back to the early to mid 60’s when I was 8 to 12 years old. I had a young Shirley Temple and a teen Shirley Temple. I do remember Betsy McCall too. I got brave and cut women out of the Sears catalog and pasted them to cardboard and made my own stands. Then I’d look for clothes in all kinds of magazines and the newspaper sales ads. I even tried to cut out shoes. That proved to be a challenge. So small… trying to keep them on those tiny feet. hahaha What imaginations we had back then. So much fun.
    Thanks again for the trip down Memory Lane!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Judy, Thank you so much for this comment! I am so glad I brought you down Memory Lane! I wish now I would have tried introducing my daughter to paper dolls when she was little. They really taught us alot, when you think of it: being careful and taking care of something, cutting out tiny things, being creative…what toys do that now, at least in such a simple way? I was a fan of Shirley Temple when I was little, because my mama and I would watch her movies together. I think she was a very elegant lady, as well. Thanks again for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  23. Deb Esposito says:

    Jealous!!! I loved my paper dolls. I would cut out the Betsy McCall dolls. I also had Barbie and Tammy paper dolls. But my very favorite, which I still have, are Jacqueline and Caroline Kennedy.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Deb, Thank you! It was a fun find! I can’t tell you how excited I was to find them! How lucky you are to still have some of your paper dolls, and Jackie Kennedy ones, to boot! She was the most stylish person I can think of, except for maybe, just maybe Princess Diana. Love them both. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  24. Valerie Jensen says:

    I loved paper dolls!! If I am remembering correctly McCalls magazine had a series of monthly paper dolls featuring Betsy McCall in the mid 1950s.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Valerie, You are correct, and it seems she was a huge hit among readers here, too! I would love to come across a Betsy McCall paper doll. I think I may have heard of her, but not actually ever have seen one! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  25. Marilyn says:

    What a joyful blog. Thank you for sharing your find. I love paper dolls. I have a collection,mostly bought years ago. When I was a child my twin sister[Marion] and I would cut out pictures of children[mostly child models]. We would play school with the paper dolls. We would line them up in rows in a pretend school desks.
    Marilyn

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      HI Marilyn, I wonder if your twin sister also commented here? I remember playing school as a child, too. I would cut out little assignments, and use my dolls and stuffed animals as students. I would use shoe boxes for desks and make a whole classroom! I could play school for hours! Thank you for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  26. Marion says:

    What a treasure you have found and bought. Paper dolls are so much fun. The collection I have includes two different Shirley Temple paper dolls. I did cut my paper dolls up. After all what fun is a paper doll if you can not dress the doll up in all the pretty clothes that come with the doll. I have many storybook paper dolls.
    Marion

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Marion, I wholeheartedly agree! You are absolutely correct about that. I have so enjoyed trying on the different clothes on the dolls, just like a kid would have back in the day. How do you display your paper dolls, or store them? Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  27. Joan says:

    This post brought back a lot of memories for me. I always enjoyed playing with paper dolls. I had a lot of the movie stars,Betty Grable and her two daughters are one example. My cousin and I would cut out our own drawings and color the dolls. We would play for hours.
    Joan

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Joan, thank you! I am so glad you enjoyed the post. Betty Grable was beautiful- a true icon of a glamourous era. Thanks for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  28. Anita says:

    Playing with paper dolls as a child was one of my favorite pastimes. Those definitely were simpler times. I, too, can’t imagine kids of today loving them as we did. Thank you for sparking this wonderful memory!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Anita, thank you for commenting, I am glad you liked the post. My daughter who is eighteennow did not have any paper dolls, though she had real dolls. However, her favorite toys were stuffed animals – but they had “virtual” animals online to go with the tangible stuffed animals. I wasn’t really happy about that as a mom, and I remember she cried and cried when we couldn’t log on to see her animal, because the servers were down. I think kids really should get off their devices more than they do; makes me sound old, but it is sad how they don’t have the simple playtimes we all did. Anyway, thank you for commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  29. Lauri Beth Neumann-Grable says:

    What a lovely post. My first memory of paper dolls was the year I was 6. I was on strict bed rest for a year due to rheumatic fever This was 1955 protocol. One of my favorite past times was to cut out and play with my “friends” One of my favorites was a Golden Book about a wedding. And yes, I loved Betsy McCall. Thank you for triggering a happy memory.

    Lauri

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Lauri, thank you for reading and sharing! I, too, spent a lot of time very ill as a child, and I had two life-threatening allergies (one to fireants), and paper dolls were something I could play with even when I was sick. I also remember playing with them during long sermons at church, lol! I am so glad you enjoyed the post. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  30. Marion McCann says:

    This is one of my favorite posts and brings back so many good memories. I do have all of Mary Englebreit’s magazines with her paper dolls but I don’t have any from my childhood.
    You have a wonderful find there. This particular post made me happy and I go back to read it again frequently. Thank you for all you share with us.

  31. Prudence Diem says:

    Wonderful post bringing back forgotten memories. You juiced a dormant yen to create. Thank you for the time you took with this. The pictures are fantastic, and I remember these colors I was surrounded with in 1956. I wonder what makes them so rich.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Prudence, thank you for such a nice comment! I am so glad you enjoyed the post and found inspiration to create! It was a bit time-consuming to get the pics for this “just right” – thank you for noticing! I too, wonder what the difference in color is from things back then? Different pigments and ink, I suppose? Thanks again for reading and commenting. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Worming Their Way Through

EDCFD2DE-6D40-4A9B-8D65-09BFE4214B88

What a year it’s been with so many things to worry about! From Spotted Lanternflies to Murder Hornets, things outdoors lately also seem kind of scary! Unfortunately, there’s a garden invader many of us have, but many do not know about- a creature worming its way through North America!

Continue reading

  1. Suzi Henry says:

    Nicole, what great information. Living in western North Carolina, I fortunately have not so far discovered any of these miserable little creatures, although some “invisible” worms are making a buffet out of my tomato plants at this time. Like you, I love my hostas. In my case, so do the local deer, who graze freely on my 25 + acres. So why, oh why, do they insist on coming up to the absolute edge of my driveway and deck to lunch on my favorite specimens? But hey, I do love my deer as well, and the hostas always come back, so I get to enjoy them briefly every spring.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Suzi, I love seeing the deer, too. I think they are beautiful. I also love seeing the babies in the spring and summer. But they do like to nibble my hostas. Try “Liquid Deer Fence”. Just spray it on and it keeps the deer at bay. I swear by it. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  2. Mary Rauch says:

    Wow, Nicole, I feel like I just took a mini-course in something that I didn’t even know existed. I really appreciate your write-up!….You may have helped me identify some problems that I could not identify because I didn’t know where to start….Your time and “research notes” are wonderful. I know you are very busy, so I especially appreciate this. Thank you, Mary Frances Rauch, living in central Ohio.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Mary, thank you! One thing I love about gardening is that even if you are a seasoned gardener, gardening for years, there is still always something new to learn. Enjoy the gardening season! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  3. Bonnie says:

    Thanks so much for this valuable information! I will be very diligent in watching out for these buggers.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Bonnie, thank you…they are kind of pretty with the sheen to their skin, but what nasty damage they can do! Thanks for reading and commenting. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  4. Marlene Capelle says:

    Thank you for all this information. I don’t know if we have these worms here but I’ll be checking it out. It could explain the mysterious dying of some of our plants. Or we have yet another invader. Anyway, thanks for the lesson.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Marlene, Thank you! Glad you found this helpful. If you have dying plants with no other obvious reasons, it certainly could be the problem. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  5. Julie Pruett says:

    How interesting,
    I though all earthworms were “good and helpful”
    Those snake worms are gross. Thanks for vinegar and water information to dispose of them…

  6. Wonderful, informative post, Nicole. I’ve never heard of these worms but I’m on the look-out now! Thanks to your research and photos, I know exactly what I’m looking for and what to do if I spot any.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi MaryJane, thank you so much! While they are slow moving, their spread is unfortunately very wide. Good to keep an eye out. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  7. Joan P. says:

    Hi, Nicole. Very interesting post. I haven’t heard of these worms but will definitely be on the lookout for them. I live in Lansing in the upper mountains of North Carolina. We garden a little. We have lots of hostas, but the deer eat them, even close to the house. We are trying to plant things that the deer won’t eat….lol. I enjoyed your post and will be reading some of your older posts. Stay safe and take care. jmp

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Joan, have you tried “Liquid Deer Fence”? I swear by it. I buy a gallon jug each year and use it the whole season. It is systemic so the deer won’t eat your hostas. I spray them a bit every couple of weeks. It won’t harm anything, just smells to high Heaven when you spray. It is sold at Home Depot, Tractor Supply and Lowes, and most garden stores. You know when it wears off because the edges of the plant might get a little nibble as the deer test it. Use it until the winter and in the spring when things first start popping up. Thanks so much for stopping by the blog! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  8. Donna says:

    O lordy..what will we import next..love your flowers and your education..keeps us on our toes.

  9. Sandi King says:

    Hi Nicole;

    Ugh, I hope I never have these creatures in my yard. I like earthworms and nightcrawlers; good for garden and for fishing. Thanks for posting about these though, in case they show up somewhere close by, I can tell people what they are. Too bad there is no easy way to get rid of them. The frost this spring hurt most of my garden plants, the hostas, the tree lily’s and the iris’ were really hurt as they came up and were budding before the frost hit. Hopefully after this fall’s redo, we will have better luck in the spring.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Sandi, I hear ya. Some years in the garden are unfortunately disappointing. There is always next year, yes. It reminds me of an old golf bumper sticker I saw: “I hate golf, I hate golf, nice shot, I love golf”. Thanks for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  10. Maria says:

    Thank you for the pictures! Especially of the worms. We know they are in Wisconsin, and now, thanks to your article and pics, we know what to watch for and what we can do. Thanks! Happy Gardening!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Maria, thanks so much! I am glad you found the article informative! Happy gardening! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  11. Debra Price says:

    So might we be able to rid them of peppermint oil? Peppermint oil kills roaches,spiders, and many more even ants.
    Are they in Florida yet? Great content. Right now we have a ton of months. Walk and they are by the thousands cutting the pastures.
    Thanks for your answers ahead.
    Debra J Price

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Debra, I doubt it. I have not found anything on using that for them. So far, the only thing I have heard (and from multiple, reliable sources) is the use of saponins which irritate the skin of the worm. Dry mustard in water is also an irritant. Mix 1 tablespoon to a gallon of water, and spread over an area. The worms will come to the surface and then you can destroy them. Thanks for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  12. Jessica A. Hilt says:

    Scary!!! Thank you for giving us the head’s up and what to look for in our soil.
    Do they bit humans or animals such as cats and dogs in our personal spaces or wild animals in our forests? If so, what do we do?

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Jessica, good question, but no worries! They are harmless to touch and non-toxic. They do not bite. They are a nuisance in the damage that they do to our plants and forestry. Don’t be afraid to pick them up to destroy them such as in the vinegar- just be careful because they can shed their tails and regenerate. Thanks for stopping by the blog! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  13. Good information thanks for sharing

  14. Lisa Von saunder says:

    Wow who knew ?
    And frankly I don’t know if I would be able to tell the difference between them and good ole earthworms
    Thank you for letting us farm girls know about this serious problem
    Have a good summer and good luck all my fellow farm girls with this bad bad worm!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Lisa, The jumping worms thrash about so much that you can’t mistake them. The “good ol’ earthworm” do not thrash about violently like the jumping worms. Also, the jumping worms slither quickly like a snake, other worms inch slowly. Have a good summer, too! Thanks for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  15. Braswell Judy says:

    Thank you for this information!!
    I have seen these granule hills all over my yards from East Ga. to South West Ga & Then Coastal Carolina but had no idea an invasive worm was leaving the “pile”. Now I will be destroying them. I’ve been laying down weed block fabric topped with cypress mulch to form paths for two days i our 92-95 degree days. I have seen these jumpers as I’ve dug out the dreaded Smilax! The heat index has been 100 to 105 & even 108 lately.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Judy, wow! My mom lives in GA and I know how hot it gets there…it is hard to be doing the work you are doing in that heat. I am glad you found the blog informative! Thanks for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  16. Deborah Mraz says:

    Thank you so much for this article!!! I will be on the lookout for this creature. I did the same type of control with 1000’s of Japanese Beatles in my yard when I first moved to my “farm”. I now have them under control and have just enough to feed to my ducks. I have not seen this worm, but hope I never do. Would you suggest purchasing bare root plants?

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Deborah, You are so welcome…I am glad you enjoyed this post. A bit of advice on the Japanese beetles…(chickens also love them, by the way), do not buy the “beetle bags”, as they can actually be counterproductive and draw the beetles to you. The bags can also hurt the beneficial insects. To answer your question, yes, bare root plants are a good idea, as are plants from seed. This helps keep the worm spread at bay. Thanks for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  17. Karilyn Floyd says:

    Wow, Nicole! Thank you for warning me about the Jumping Snake Worm! My husband and I retired 9 yrs ago and built a house on a country lot that I have been “building” a yard, flower beds, and raised gardens on here in Iowa. A couple yrs ago I was so delighted to see my composting and hard work landscaping paying off by seeing earth worms!
    This year, I could not get heirloom tomato transplants or any good tomato transplants so my crop has done poorly. I also ordered special buttercup seeds and the plants were doing so well. But – while gone a week camping (yes, we can camp in Iowa!), cut worms invaded! I was able to slit the stems, remove what worms I could, and buried the stems. So far it has worked! No need for Sevin! Do you know a natural way to help?
    We are in desperate need of rain here. My son is a farmer and our corn and soybeans really need the moisture now!
    So nice to catch your blog, Nicole! Your photos are beautiful and your advice! Thank you!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Karilyn, Thank you…I am glad you found this post helpful. Iowa has always been on my “bucket travel to” list. I even sent away for the state travel brochure 15 years ago! Someday I hope to go there to visit; it seems so beautiful and the people I have met from there are so nice. As for the cutworms, here is some organic advice I can give you. First, I make little “bases” or “collars” for bottoms of the plants. This works well for tomatoes, cabbage, peppers and cauliflower. Cut the bottom square off of the bottom of a paper milk carton, then cut a slit in one side. Slide the base of the plant into the slit so the base or bottom of the plant near the ground is inside the middle of the square. Second, use coffee grounds or egg shells on the ground around your plants. Bt is organic and can be used in the fight against cutworms, and I also like to use “Surround” , aka organic kaolin clay, mixed with a little water on the plants (use a teat sprayer from the feed store, that way you can spray the undersides). I also plant basil and french marigolds between plants for organic pest management. I hope you all get the rain you need! Thank you so much for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  18. Deborah Mraz says:

    I have been thinking about these worms a lot, since I read your article. Has anyone tried DE, Diatomaceous Earth? It is used to kill soft bodied insects. They die by a thousand cuts and dehydration.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Deborah, DE can help with cutworms, but I have found no info that it works for jumping worms, unfortunately. I use it quite often at home and it is great in the chicken coop as well. Good question! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  19. Carol Walker says:

    Well, I can honestly say I learn something new everyday now that I have read this narrative. Thank you. I had no idea anything of this sort existed. I’ll bet people who don’t garden have never heard of it either. I do garden, but am clueless about this species of critter. lol Thank you. I enjoyed this and will definitely keep an eye open.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Carol, I think I had started to see them a while before I realized what they are. Now I know what to look for before they damage something to the point of no return. I am so happy to have my hostas back! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  20. Linda Weston says:

    I never have heard of these worms Nicole. Thank you, very informative information.

  21. Mary Ellen Eckels says:

    Awesome post! I, too, live in CT, and will be on the lookout. I’ll look around my yard and hope I don’t find evidence of their being here. Thanks so much. I never knew about theses worms and like others, thought great! Worms are good. But apparently not all.
    Thanks for an awesome blog and lesson 🙂

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Mary Ellen, thank you so much! Unfortunately, they are very concentrated in Connecticut. Keep your eyes open. Thanks for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  22. Carolyn says:

    Hope the worms don’t get here, in Michigan. Having trouble picking off the Japanese beetles. They are on everything.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Carolyn, Hope you don’t get the worms, either. They are awful. Japanese beetles can be a problem. They grow from grubs in the yard, so if you treat the grubs, you will see less beetles next year (chickens love grubs). If I didn’t mention it before, make sure you do not use those “bag a bug” traps…they actually draw them to your property. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  23. Denise says:

    I did not know this about those worms but I’ll pay attention to my flower beds a little closer now. Thanks!

  24. Susan says:

    I got those years ago, sold as fishing bait and wondered at the time why they looked different. Not knowing better I but them in my garden, and now I understand why I’ve lost my fruit trees, slowly.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Susan, I am so sorry to hear you have lost your fruit trees. I think I may have gotten some in the garden with this year’s mulch, or the swarm we had has moved. They are really awful creatures. Good luck with your trees, and thank you for reading and commenting. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  25. Beverly Battaglia says:

    Before you were born I went fishing in Texas and put worms on my fish hook! Very slimy and gross. I am impressed with so much information about worms! Liked the pretty pictures. Love,
    Mother

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Mom, I am laughing because I still can not imagine you fishing with worms! They are slimy, but after having an indoor worm garden and raising a child who loved playing with bugs and critters outside, things like this do not gross me out anymore! Not much really does in fact! Glad you liked the post. Watch your yard and garden- these invasives are awful. Love, Nicole

  26. Debby says:

    Very informative article. Live the pictures!

  27. Deb Desjardins says:

    Thanks for the info…I don’t think that I have these in my yard…yet. Because of your info I will be on the lookout. I live in a very, very sandy area of Auburn, ME. The ground is similar to that soil in the Desert of Maine in Freeport…same vein of sand/dirt left by the glaciers.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Deb, Definitely keep an eye out, though they may not be found up there yet. I will have to research. You are very lucky they are not a pest for you – they are awful little creatures. Love that part of Maine! So beautiful! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

A Little Bit Lighter

0C234574-4D86-402E-AF78-23B77735B747

Hello Readers! 2020 is dragging on, but there is some “light”. Hats off to summer! The year is not turning out like any of us expected, but we’re making the best of it. Life’s still pretty good.

Continue reading

  1. Lori Fresina says:

    Sweet

  2. Julie Pruett says:

    Thank you for lifting spirits with your beautiful pictures…Inviting us into your “cozy” life…Reading your blog gives us hope for “happier” days…

  3. Mary Ellen Eckels #7910 says:

    What a beautiful and uplifting post! Thank you! Congratulations to your daughter. We, as well, have cancelled our camping plans this summer, but continue to enjoy our campfires. As much as I love evening campfires, my absolute favorite campfire time is early in the morning, before most of the other campers are awake – sitting by the fire with a cup of coffee and some inspirational reading :-). It’s a lovely time to connect with God at the beginning of each day. And the flowers are gorgeous. Another way in this turmoil that God is letting us know He’s still here 🙂

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Mary Ellen, thank you! I love early morning, too, especially by a campfire with a lovely cup of coffee! Thank you for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  4. Marion McCann says:

    I love your blog. Your last sentence speaks to me. Despite the sadness and loss by covid I hope we don’t lose the good we’ve gained during this time. Even as a retired person, I was always “busy” and I know I will be careful about what I allow back into my life. I now wake up in the morning thankful for the gift of a new day.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Marion, thank you ever so much! It is true, we all get so “busy” and it has been a real eye opener on what (and who) we wish to spend precious time on and with. None of us never know how long we have, and every day is a blessing. Thanks so much for reading and commenting. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  5. Denise says:

    Congratulations to your daughter!! Love all your pictures of flowers, birds & animals! I did not buy one plant this year. All the flowers that came back I am enjoying even more this year.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Denise! Thank you so much! I did not buy any plants this year, either, except for two hanging geraniums and the pink ones pictured by the camper. I managed to overwinter a few potted ones this year! The other flowers and blueberries are all plants that have come up as perennials, or that I planted from seed this spring. 🙂
      Harvested my garlic yesterday. It is a good crop this year. Like you, I am so happy seeing what is popping up! Take care, and thank you for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  6. Marilyn says:

    Congratulations to Audrey. Those baby birds are adorable.
    Marilyn

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Marilyn, Thank you! Aren’t the baby birds precious? They have all hatched as of yesterday. ~Nicole

  7. Pablo says:

    What a sweet treat this has been! First of Congratulations on your daughter graduating! Second… Ah, I am a college student all the way from Mexico who actually learned English from this very same blog! (the pictures always drew me here) Back when I was a little boy no more than 10. I always had the farm blog on the back of my head but I could never pinpoint the name. I’m happy to be able to find it again and it seems I have a lot of catching up to. Here’s to living a farm life with a pastel palette!! Thanks for the kind wishes uwu

  8. Bonnie Ellis says:

    Nicole, you are an upbeat kind of farmgal and I enjoy your posts. They just opened up our state parks for camping but we just drive through the campground and enjoy seeing folks from a distance. Your little trailer is just adorable. We used to have a small trailer too and enjoyed it. Your flowers are gorgeous. Happy summer.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Bonnie, thank you so much! I try to be positive and happy. Life is short! I will miss our camper rallies this year, but we have always enjoyed the camper at home, too. Have a good summer! It is always good to hear from you here! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  9. Donna Kozak says:

    How wonderful to get the close-up pictures of baby robins and watching them grow – like you, staying around home is easy, especially with my gardens and chickens !

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Donna, I love seeing all of the birds and wildlife we see here. I think generations before us knew the secret to happiness – including porch sitting! I love gardening and hearing the birds and seeing all the little creatures that fly, hop and walk through my property! Enjoy the summer! Thank you for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  10. Melva Vick says:

    Thanks for sharing all the beautiful pictures! Encouraging each other during this time…is so valuable. Wish I lived closer to visit the ANIMAL WILDLIFE! I live in Southeast Texas.
    Blessings to your family !

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Melva, thank you! Finding that Animal Sanctuary was such a needed, happy accident! I never knew it was there, and will go back someday! Thank you for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  11. Beverly Battaglia says:

    Nice blog. Great pictures! I am impressed you had a comment from Pablo!
    Love,
    Mother

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Mom, yes, that was something special! I will never forget that. MISS YOU! LOVE YOU! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  12. CJ says:

    Loved your photos . . .thanks for including those. Beautiful!!
    Tell Audrey I send my big, huge, farmgirl CONGRATULATIONS! Wishing her the best in her future.
    Yes, there has been some good changes in the country this year. I agree that some should stay!
    THANKS for your post Nicole!
    HUGS!
    CJ

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi CJ, my dear Farmgirl Friend! I hope this finds you and your family doing well. Thank you so much for such a sweet comment! I will pass the lovely wishes on to Audrey! Much love your way. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  13. Barb Shanks says:

    So enjoyed reading this. Congratulations to your graduate. I feel the same about how covid has slowed world down and time to reevaluate our lives.

    You stay safe…

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Barb, It is almost like a suspended sense of time, in many ways, right? In many ways, I like it, but I do miss people and the feeling of freedom to go anywhere, anytime. It will get better, but I am enjoyng the “slow”, especially for summer. Thank you for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  14. Nancy says:

    We have also been enjoying small “campfires” in ouor suburban-approved firepit. Usually impromptu, never very fancy, byt something different than watching TV, eh? Looking for ideas of how a couple of mid-sixties folks can make the firepit a bit different each night? Something other than s’mores? some kind of game?

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Nancy, I am not a huge s’mores fan, either, to be truthful. Have you ever tried “Toast Tites”? They were vintage, but now you can buy contemporary ones. I think we found ours at Bass Pro, but I bet you can find them online anywhere that sells camping or outdoor gear. They are basically “sandwich makers”. We use ours for hot ham and cheese, “pizza” with sauce and cheese, and “hot pies”.

      We also use ours for Hot Dogs, surrounded by dough, a Danish recipe and tradition from Denmark. I will find my old blog post that has the recipe, but basically it is bread dough, wrapped around a hot dog or sausage, baked until the bread is done on a stick in the embers. It is so delicious! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

      I will also try to find my

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Ready for Something Good: Love for the Class of 2020

46E36F71-B1FB-4BC0-80C3-81FA92DD3F80

WOW! What a couple of months it’s been! So much has happened everywhere in the world – many have lost loved ones, lost jobs, or cancelled celebrations. Everyone’s lost something during the pandemic. One group that’s missed out on a lot is the graduating high school class of 2020. My daughter is a senior this year. It’s hard realizing what they’ve missed –  the fun and celebration marking the official end of childhood, the last carefree bit before being an “official” adult. I admit, I was feeling pretty sad about it, but then something truly magical happened!

Continue reading

  1. Ramona Puckett says:

    Congratulations ! I got emotional reading about this! Thank y’all for doing this for your graduates!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Ramona, I am so glad you liked the post. It was a sunny day, for sure, in more ways than one. Thank you for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  2. Mary says:

    I am sobbing and smiling! This is beautiful! It feels like I am in the crowd beside the road calling out to you! This is a true all-American celebration of love and support for your daughter and her fellow grads! There is no way this can ever be erased from her memory. Congratulations, you did it!…..

  3. Lori says:

    Very sweet. My own daughter had no college graduation but senior year in high school is a big year. Glad they have this memory!

  4. Mary Rauch says:

    I am sobbing and smiling! This is beautiful! It feels like I am in the crowd beside the road calling out to you! This is a true all-American celebration of love and support for your daughter and her fellow grads! There is no way this can ever be erased from her memory. Congratulations, you did it!…..
    Mary Rauch in sunny Ohio on Memorial Day!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Mary, Thank you! It was so breathtaking, coming around the corner, not knowing that so many were there, waiting for us. My daughter was so cute. Last year, she attended the graduation ceremony because as part of the Tech team at school, they were responsible for the filming. She said it was “Better than a graduation!” It made me so happy that she felt such joy! Be well! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  5. teresa p. says:

    Thanks for sharing such a wonderful time. Congratulations to your daughter and all the graduates of 2020. May we all be well, safe, and find some joy each day!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Teresa, thank you. You are so right – we always need to find some joy in each day, especially in these times. Be well! Thank you for reading and commenting. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  6. Pamela K. Coughlin says:

    How wonderful all of this came together for those graduating seniors! Congratulations to them all!
    Thank you for puttig that all together for them!
    Congrats Graduating Class of 2020!!!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Pamela, Thank you! It was nerve-wracking and fun to put together, and I am so happy it happened for them. The weather could’ve been bad, or there could have been a fire or other emergency call that would have prevented law enforcement or the fire department from being in attendance. I hope the kids remember it for a long time. Thanks so much for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  7. Denise says:

    How fabulous!!! Congratulations to your daughter & her friends! I’ll admit I had tears reading this because is was so awesome!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Denise, thank you so much. It was unforgettable, for sure. I am so glad it worked out! I wish I could’ve taken a pic of my daughter’s face. It was priceless! Thank you for reading and commenting. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  8. Julie says:

    How Great….I was crying as I read this…I wish I’d been there.
    You’ve made us feel like WE WERE…How wonderful…Thank you for sharing this with us…

    Julie Pruett

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Julie, thank you. It was something I think none of us will ever forget. I hope it made up to the kids some of what they feel they lost. Audrey was walking on cloud 9 for a long time after! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  9. Marlene Burns says:

    Amazing I cried reading about your parade for your daughter and other seniors. Talk about community and school spirit. That’s so wonderful. Congratulations to your daughter. I have a grandson in Sebring Florida also a senior. We were supposed to attend graduation on May 25. They may plan something similar in July. I was so sad to see it cancelled. Hopefully July will work out. Kiddos mom for a great way to celebrate.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Marlene, I am so glad to hear from you. Thank you so much for your kind comment, and CONGRATULATIONS to your grandson! I am sad thinking that we are missing out on so much family that were planning on flying in for the graduation, too. Stay safe, stay healthy, and hopefully our lives will have some more normalcy soon. Fingers crossed for your July celebration! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  10. Nicole, it has been a ruff 2020 with so many events being cancelled, but you are truly amazing! Congratulations to Audrey on her graduation all future endeavors! The senior parade turned out so wonderful and such a great support from everyone. Take care and stay safe, Lynette

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Lynette, thank you so very much! I had the idea and the planning, but it was the officers, the fire department, and the neighbors who made it extra-special! Thanks so much for reading and commenting. Stay well! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  11. Ellen Ottoson says:

    That was just magnificent! Last week our eldest grandson had the same parade in Waynesvile, OH. Tim took the cab top off the jeep and Alex stood there holding onto the roll bar in his gown and cap. They drove through the route set out and then at the end in their designated parking spots at school, decorated by each senior of course, Tim handed Alex his diploma. Tim is their high school History and American Govt. teacher! We were given excellent pictures by our daughter and will join them for the coming outdoor party in the large back yard. You are right. This becomes a special memory in itself that is precious.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Ellen, Thank you so much…I am so glad you enjoyed the blog. I love what was done for your grandson, too. I can just see him so proud, wind blowing his gown, driving that route. Congrats to Alex! Stay well! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  12. Terri says:

    I had to stop reading twice to wipe the tears and blow my nose!! What a wonderful, unforgettable moment in time, in the midst of so much uncertainty, not only for the graduates but for everyone involved in the parade. Thanks for sharing this heartwarming story!!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Terri, thank you so much! I am so glad you enjoyed the blog. It was wonderful, and I am still so in awe of all my wonderful neighbors, our police and fire departments, who all came together to make it so special! Thanks for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  13. June says:

    All you precious souls that planed this will have a special gem in your crown. Thank you.

  14. Linda Stiglich says:

    It’s the uneventful things in our life that get forgotten. It’s when things go awry…good or bad…that we can look back on them as special. Class of 2020 will never forget! Congratulations!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Linda, Aren’t you right? I miss the weirdest things, like just going to the grocery store like before Covid, and running into friends I know. I am so glad we were able to pull this off for the kids. It was extra-special. Thank you, Linda, for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  15. Marilyn says:

    What a nice event. Your neighbors were great with their support of the seniors. Congratulations to all 2020 graduates. I have seen a few car birthdays,too.
    Marilyn

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Marilyn, thank you! Weren’t my neighbors awesome? It was such a happy, happy 24 minutes! Thank you for reading and commenting! Be well. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  16. Joann Tilney-Hughson says:

    What a WONDERFUL post, Nicole! I am so happy that it all worked out so well. They all deserved it. This has been such a crappy year and these kids have missed out on SO much. This was just such fabulous thing for them and for all of you proud parents. Such a great thing you organized for everyone.
    Audrey, congratulations! You have SO many reasons to be proud of yourself. All your hard work paid off. May your days ahead be full of joy. All best wishes. Joey

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Joey, thank you so much! It has been an awful year, and prayers that the end of year will be better than the beginning. Thank you for all your wishes. Much love to you. Be well. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  17. Nancy says:

    Nicole, what a wonderful event! Thank you for sharing. And thank you for taking the initiative to organize such a wonderful happening. I felt your uncertainty that things might not work out and the thrill of a group of people coming together to honor those high school seniors. As a teacher, I realize how hard it has been this year for the graduating class to miss out on all the events they looked forward to during their final year of high school. Such a wonderful way to let them all know how proud everyone is for them!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Nancy, thank you so much, and A BIG THANK YOU to you as a teacher. It can’t be easy for you as a teacher with distance learning. Hats off to you for all you and the other teachers out there do! Be well! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  18. Kathy L Marx says:

    Wow, that was just wonderful! Congratulations to your daughter and her senior classmates. Not the memories one expects are maybe the best!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Kathy, isn’t that the truth? It was so thrilling. I wish you could’ve seen the little kids cheering – they were so excited! So sweet seeing their little faces. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  19. April says:

    Oh my… goosebumps and tears at the same time LOL! Yes, we’ve had similar events in our community in small town Michigan – so moving. It does a lot to restore my faith in humanity. <3

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi April, that is so wonderful your community is doing things like that, too. It is such a great way to realize we are not “alone” even when we are literally alone. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  20. Beverly Battaglia says:

    You did good, Nicole! I cried too. Great blog and wonderful comments made. I wish I could have been there for Audrey! With love, Mother and Nana

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Mama, we wish you could’ve been here, too. You would have loved every minute! Love you. ~Nicole

  21. Donna says:

    The American spirit lives on..how wonderful…wow

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Donna, Yes, it was very alive and well that sunny day! I am so glad that it brought a much-needed boost to our spirits. Thank you for reading and commenting. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  22. sally cornell says:

    What a great idea. I’m so glad you went through with it and the first responders helped out too. Peace and Blessings to you and the graduating seniors

  23. Congratulations to Audry and all the 2020 seniors. They will NEVER forget what a special celebration you and your neighbors gave them. Tears of joy here while reading this post. I can only imagine the emotions everyone was feeling that day.
    Onwards and upwards!
    Deb

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Deb, Thank you so very much! Even I was surprised – I really did not know how many would come outside curbside or decorate, and to have the police and the fire department honor us with such a presence was something I will never forget. It was so amazing. Hope all is well with you. The garden and flowers this year here are looking great. I bet yours is doing great, too. Hope you are having a nice summer! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  24. Maureen says:

    How Beautiful. What a wonderful memory for everyone, it does truly take a village.

    Many blessings.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Maureen, thank you. It was a great day, and I will never forget the smiling faces. It made us all so happy, and I hope it really made the graduates feel special. Thank you for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  25. Mary Ellen Eckels #7910 says:

    What a wonderful event and support. Congratulations to your graduate! We’ve had similar processions here in central CT. As challenging as this has been – what beautiful silver linings have emerged from it all. This is my first time posting and I just wanted to say how much I enjoy your blog and the whole MaryJane’s Farmgirl sisterhood. Made my first sourdough bread on Tuesday this week and received my Farmgirl Sisterhood Merit Badge Planner. Just wondering if there are any Farmgirl chapters in CT? Thanks for all you do for us all.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Mary Ellen and welcome! Thank you for such a nice comment! It means a lot. I am so glad you enjoy the blog. Isn’t the wonderful world of MaryJane fun? I do not know of other farmgirl chapters (there may be others). I have one that I have wanted to get started back up. We were very active for a long time, then we all got busy and a lot of members moved. However, I will send you an email and we can chat privately. Now that my daughter has graduated, I want to start up my chapter again, as soon as Covid distancing allows. Thank you again for reading and commenting, and congratulations on your first sourdough bread! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  26. Pamela Frey says:

    So Awesome! Thank you for taking the time to organize such a wonderful tribute to the
    Graduating Kids of 2020. It only takes ONE PERSON to make a difference. Your story and other stories like it give us HOPE and JOY during this Covid Pandemic. Congratulations to your daughter from Kansas.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Pamela, Thank you so very, very much! Your comment means a lot. Stay safe and have a good summer! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Hanging In There…

 

C861E355-DE88-4066-8FA4-A34CA1511679

Hi Farmgirls! Wow! What a month it’s been! How are y’all doing?  We’re hanging in there. We live and work in one of the hardest-hit areas of Covid-19, but are happy to report we are all healthy! 

Continue reading

  1. Bonnie says:

    Thank you so much for the post. This is a very hard time but, like you, I believe we will come out of this stronger and more grateful than ever before. God bless you and your family.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Bonnie, thank you! I am glad you enjoyed the post. It is an unbelievable time we are in, but I do believe there is light at the end of this tunnel. Blessings to you and yours, as well. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  2. Marlene C says:

    Love your wind chime. I’ll have to see what kind of useless junk I have that I could do that. Be safe world. Be kind people. Be.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Marlene, thank you! It took minutes to make, but I think it turned out cute. I also took empty glass bottles from the recycling, put old marbles from when my daughter was a child in the bottom, and filled with colored water. I glued the same twine I used for the wind chimes around the top, and placed on my porch where the sun goes through. I love your comment, “Be safe world. Be kind people. Be.” Lovely. Stay well. Thank you reading and commenting. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  3. Sharon Wegmeyer says:

    Planting “seeds of hope” too! This will be a first year garden on our new to us 10 acres: God Given Acres.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Sharon! Good for you, planting a garden. I am sure you are excited if this is your first time planting! Congratulations on your new acreage! What are you planting this year? Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  4. Kathy says:

    Sweet…blessings !

  5. Reba says:

    Hi Nicole, This is such an unusual time! We thought we were totally settled moving out to MT to be near our daughter, but her job took a turn (before the pandemic). Then she took a new job in NC in February. So during the pandemic we are having to move across country! It isn’t hard to social distance while driving a 26′ UHaul and Truck with Trailer in tow! We packed our own food, cooler, and only stopped for gas! We each had gloves, mask, and GermX in our cabs. So, like I believe true farmgirls know to do, we were prepared! We arrived on time, unloaded into a storage unit, then came to our rented, furnished, vacation home secured by our daughter. What a blessing!! We will be looking for a new home to buy (that has to have room for my beloved Hoosier cabinet), but for now, we NEEDED the time to rest! I am so thankful that all have stayed well, and that we could truly see the “supply chain” moving across the country with all the truckers out there! My family is excited that we are back “home” in the East, but we can only visit by phone so it still feels we are in MT. This time that we’ve been given is not one we would have chosen but knowing how farmgirls “make-do” helps get one through the tough times!! I am excited to hear of all the “new” farmgirls that are learning about gardening and canning since the pandemic! Many are making comments about doing things “like in the 40’s and 50’s” which I am so excited to hear! My Mom lived during those times, and she was my #1 Mentor as a true farmgirl…teaching me to make-do! Now I will have many “young” farmgirls to gaggle with! Stay well, farmgirl sisters!!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Reba, WOW! What a story you have to tell! I am so glad you are all well and settled in. Absolutely, farmgirls know how to prepare and MAKE DO! Glad you made it to SC safely, and with your HOOSIER! Send a pic when you get it all settled in! Thank you for sharing and commenting. Much love your way! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  6. Donna Kozak says:

    We’re actually enjoying staying at home and getting more done around house and garden – being a homebody has it’s advantages ! Love your kitchen…stay well !

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Donna, Love that. That is how we feel, too. My husband actually remarked that the next time the three of us will have this much time together, it might be retirement age for us! When restrictions do loosen up, time off won’t have to be spent doing things that are on a “to do” list as much! Stay well. Thanks for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  7. Ruth Merritt says:

    Thank you for your uplifting blog. Keep up the good work.

  8. Ellen Ottoson says:

    One quiet day end of March I heard the beeps of car horns on the street in our neighborhood. I went to the large front windows and there was a long stream of cars parading down the streets slowly. They were the teachers of the nearby elementary, middle schools and high school. They had signs on their cars, “Mrs. Small says hello!”, “We all miss you!” I noticed the two elementary-aged children across the street were at the end of the drive with their mother and aunt waving a cardboard sign. Apparently they all were told on their school computer-site to be out there for the drive-by. At the long end of the car parade was a three-wheeled motorbike with a large Easter rabbit driving it and he waved at me! Behind him was the local Sheriff’s car whooping his siren now and then. Oh, it brought such emotion and tears to my eyes and heart. The reality of what is happening, and yet the ingenuity of people to make the best of it and still be in touch. I took pictures to remember this. We are thankful and grateful and well. I’m catching up with threading up my big floor looms and weaving. Here’s the “free time” we always wanted, right? Ellen

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Oh Ellen, How wonderful! You brought tears to my eyes reading this! I can just see the Easter Bunny waving! Love this so much. Thank you for sharing your story. Hang in there, Farmgirl! Much love your way. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  9. Judy says:

    Thank you for sharing the journey! Your kitchen is adorable. Good to hear we are all experiencing some of the same feelings. See you on the other side of this, stronger and ready to go!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Judy, thank you! Things are kind of a wild ride currently, aren’t they? Hang in there, it’s all we can do for now. We will get to that other side! Thanks for reading and commenting. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  10. Denise enea says:

    What a beautiful story. I loved every sentence, very well written also. You have such a lovely home very cozy and welcoming.
    You are blessed to have such a beautiful family also,
    You sure did get a lot done, we’re doing the same here, have to keep busy!
    Miss you and hope to see you soon,
    Much love, Ed and Denise

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi guys! We miss you, also. Hopefully we will all get to see each other soon. Thank you so much for leaving such a nice comment. Can’t wait until this is over and you can head our way. Last year was so much fun seeing you and your beautiful home. Much love to you and your wonderful family! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  11. Linda says:

    Thank you for your article and pictures. So cheerful!!!# Much needed right now. Linda

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Linda, thank you! I am glad you liked it. It means a lot…thank you for reading and commenting. Stay healthy! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  12. Beverly Battaglia says:

    I love THIS BLOG. I will read it again. One of your best!
    Love,
    Mother

  13. Laurel Pries says:

    Very nice up-lifting post!! Such a wonderful attitude at this hard time. I am a 74 yr old Farmgirl at heart and am sometimes truly amazed at the insight and common sense you younger ladies have!! Great job!! And by the way lovely kitchen and laundry room paint job!!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Laurel! Thank you so much. I always say I was born in the wrong era! But yes, we farmgirls are prepared and know how to make do! Thank you for reading and commenting, and hang in there! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  14. Marilyn says:

    We [my two sisters and me ]are doing fine. We are homebodies and are keeping ourselves busy. We are reading and watching some television. I am throwing out a lot of things that should have been tossed long before. We have purchased some flower seeds and are waiting for six Pansy plants. I cut the front grass on Monday and my older sister trimmed the Forsythia bush. My twin sister and I only go out to mail letters. We order all of our groceries online. Congratulations to your daughter on her graduating. Happy Belated Birthday to you. Have a year of happiness and blessings. Stay safe and well.
    Marilyn

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Marilyn! I am so glad to hear from you and hear you are well. Sounds like you are keeping busy. I have been reading, too. I recently joined a book club. Yesterday, we had a Zoom meeting to discuss the book of the month. It was nice to be together, even if it was just online. I have a few pansies planted, but have to keep bringing them in as we have gotten a few days of late frost! Thank you for the birthday wishes. Much love your way, may you continue to stay safe and healthy! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  15. Linda Stiglich says:

    Thanks, Nicole. You hit “home” on a lot of points with me. I had just texted the “Groundhog Day” thought to my family before I read it in yours! My son asked me to make some face masks so I used up all the scraps I had and had to get innovative for materials. So although they’re not surgical grade, should cover if they implement the requirement for going out. I’m alone in senior housing apartment so do my visiting through the door. I still feel I’m in a sci-fi movie. Thankful for what I have and praying for those who don’t. Stay well, everyone.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Linda, It is like a sci-fi movie. I think one of the hardest things to grasp is not knowing how long this will last. I don’t think I imagined it could last this long when we first all closed up. All we can do is to keep the faith, hope for an end, and hang in there. I am sorry you are alone, but not in spirit! Stay safe, farmgirl! Much love your way. Thanks for reading and sharing. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  16. Melva Vick says:

    Love all the pictures. Your new paint is beautiful. Thanks for your message. It is very uplifting…which we all need.

  17. Pamela Frey says:

    Nicole, Love your kitchen: my favorite color and design/decor. THANKS for such an up-lifting post. So enjoyable to share your family including the adorable pets, experiences and hope for our future. These are CRAZY times indeed. Glad to hear all the ingenuity Farmgirls are using to get through these times. Very glad that Reba made it safely to the East. My Mom grew up during the Depression and being the oldest I was strongly influenced by her values. I am delighted that I have been able to pare down my stockpile in my regular pantry! I hear her voice every day with her infamous saying that I remember from my traumatic issues in the 50s until today: “This too will pass”. Stay safe everyone and sending love from rural Kansas. Pamela

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Pamela, thank you ever so much! I love this comment. Wise words from your Mom, for sure, and still holds true today. Thank you for reading and commenting. Hope you will visit here again. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  18. Jo Gill says:

    What an uplifting post! Your home looks cozy. Love what you did to your Easter pillow. I’ve been using my dehydrator a lot. When the weather cooperates, I am working in my garden. Lots of cleaning and organizing. Stay well.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Jo, thank you! I have to get my dehydrator out, too. I have not used it in awhile. I will use it more when the herbs are up this summer. Thanks so much for the reminder! Stay safe! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  19. Beverly Battaglia says:

    Richard read your blog and liked it this evening. Thanks for mentioning him and I. I am proud of your writing. Beautiful pictures and great comments that you received.
    Love,
    Mother

  20. Julie says:

    I enjoyed reading about your experiences…Laughing, making me feel like I’m not the only one, doing “unusual” things… Looks like you’re keeping busy…Really, the “virus situation” hasn’t been going on THAT long, but it SEEMS LONGER than it actually has been…

    Thank you for bringing a smile, some cheeriness and hope to our days. I will read this blog over again when “down the road” I feel like complaining…Thank you for helping us feel that there are Better Days Ahead…

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Julie, thank you for this lovely comment. This lockdown has seemed much longer, but it will, eventually, end. Hang in there. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

A Bit O’ Green

4C270BF9-6B32-4338-8A72-EF724F67F7F7

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! I hope you are finding some “happy” amid all of the worry that’s weighing on everyone’s minds recently. Spring is coming, with greener days ahead. Take a break from the heavy, and visit with me a spell!

Continue reading

  1. Nancy Wilson says:

    Thanks for sending! Enjoyed reading so much! Love to go antique hunting!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Nancy, I am so glad you enjoyed the post. That make me happy. Our state has some great places to go browsing for antiques. So much fun. Thanks for reading and commenting. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  2. Bonnie says:

    Boy I needed to see a little beauty and happiness today. Thank you!!

  3. Heidi says:

    Just lovely, thank you for sharing.

  4. Marlene C says:

    Well, I saw red yesterday – the first red robin of the season. Yeah!!!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Marlene, Love that! I have not yet spotted one, but I have heard more birds, and the geese are starting to fly over again. Spring can not get here soon enough! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  5. Mary says:

    I love your decor……… I am Irish, and German and probably some Scot too. Love your farmgirl posts.. I so enjoy each one

  6. Pam says:

    Hi, I enjoyed your news and find it uplifting in these uncertain times.
    Thank you,
    Pam

  7. Nancy says:

    Happy St. Patrick’s Day and First day of Spring tomorrow! Spreading a little green and cheer is so important in these uncertain times. Wishing you health and happiness.
    My daughter had a wonderful idea for her boys, who are at home with school closed. To keep them busy and let them show their Irish pride she had them make signs with shamrocks that said, “Honk if you are Irish”. They live on a busy street and stood outside showing the signs to passing cars. They were so excited when passing cars honked! Of course, almost everyone feels a little bit Irish on St. Patrick’s Day!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Nancy, I bet they were so excited – how fun! I can just hear the squeals when a car would go by and honk. It reminds me of road trips when I was a kid, crouched in the back of the family station wagon with friends, and getting all exited when a truck driver would honk the horn of the rig! I read a post in our town suggesting a “shamrock scavenger hunt”. She suggested having neighbors put a shamrock on their mail post or in their windows, and then families could drive around and see how many they spot. Cute ideas. Happy St. Patrick’s! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  8. Carol says:

    I curious about the junktique store and lunch spot. Can you be more specific?

    Hubs and I had crock pot corned beef, cabbage, carrots and potatoes for dinner March 17 and wore old dollar store green necklaces. Reminisced about a prior March 17 on a cruise ship and the big one 40 years ago when we bought our first home.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Carol, I will look up the names and let you know. I think both are not far from you. We had corned beef for dinner Saturday, with leftovers, putting the last bit on the grill for lunch, which was fabulous! Then pea soup for dinner. Good eating! And MaryJane’s soda bread recipe is still the best I have ever had! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  9. Pamela Frey says:

    Nicole,
    What a fun and uplifting post! We need those thoughts during this crazy time in our lives especially for those of us who have to self isolate because of the virus, age or health issues. THANK YOU! In Kansas our Governor closed all schools until the end of the year (mid May) so we also need to keep parents in our prayers. My son & wife are still trying to process managing 4 children at home for 5 months and Grandma cannot help yet…crazy!!
    On a happier note, your decorations are delightful, your husband is a hunk (60s slang for very handsome), your “finds” beautiful, and you will look gorgeous in that dress! Hailing from New England and a “wee bit Irish”, my tradition is N.E. boiled corned beef & cabbage dinner – yum! Want to explore more recipes but have too many fond mem-ories of that meal cooking at my home. Everyone stay healthy as we welcome Spring.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Thank you for all the nice compliments, Pamela! So glad you enjoyed my post. Our schools have been closed awhile now, and it is all pretty surreal. I am enjoying the slower pace – getting organized for spring, knitting, sewing, and crafting more which is nice. Hang in there, and stay healthy! Thanks so much for reading and commenting. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  10. Sandy says:

    Oh my! That green jar! ❤️

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Sandy, Isn’t that green pretty? Makes me think of the Emerald City in the Wizard of Oz, and I love that it is from so long ago! When the sun comes through it, it is breathtaking. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  11. Rosie Brock says:

    As always, love your blog! Keep them coming please

  12. Meredith Williams says:

    Your new jar is beautiful! I haven’t seen that color before. Happy spring to you and your family, and prayers we all stay healthy!!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Meredith, thank you, and the same to you and yours. Thanks for reading and commenting. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  13. Carol says:

    Thanks for sharing your recipe, although no one in my family will eat pea soup but myself. Also , I love the green Hoosier glass that you have!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Carol! Thanks so much! I understand about the pea soup; I have a relative that hardly eats anything green at all, lol! Thanks for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  14. Laura Stone says:

    Hi Nicole,
    I love the Hoosier and the wonderful display of vintage dishes and linens. Thanks for giving us a little cheer at this uncertain time.
    Stay well!
    Laura

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Laura, thank you; I am so glad you enjoyed the post. It means a lot. Stay well, too! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  15. Laurel Pries says:

    Wonderful post Nicole!! I always read and enjoy your cheerful stories. We have been married just under 60 yrs and also love each others company and going junking. Of course there’s nothing we need, but it’s still fun. Congrats on finding the green jar, I love it. Living in Wash, now is not a good time to go out, so we are just staying home and staying well, hopfully. Best wishes to you and your families and stay well also. Laurel

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Laurel! WOW! Sixty years! That is so awesome. I love to hear that. Wishing you both many more years of happy times together. Thank you for reading and commenting. It means a lot. Stay in and stay well! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  16. Barb Shanks says:

    I don’t have a web site but so enjoyed reading your blog. Was comforting and encouraging. Thank you and looking forward to next one.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Barb, Thank you so much. I am glad I was able to bring a bit of light during this dark time. Hang in there, and stay well. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  17. Kerrie Hershey says:

    Hi Nicole– Always enjoy your posts. And loved your photo of 1930’s green jar. I have one just like it that I rescued from my mother in laws cupboard many years ago. I use it as a vase often and it has a lovely home in our china cabinet. Wish I had a Hoosier. Stay well and thanks for bringing a smile.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Kerrie! Isn’t that green glass just so pretty? I love that you have one with a story and family history. I have not thought of using it as a vase – love the idea. Would be pretty with daffodils in it, so maybe next St. Patty’s I will do just that! Stay well! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  18. Amy Wasko says:

    Love your repurposed hanger and cute postcard!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Amy, Thanks so much! I love to craft with things I have just “hanging around”. The hanger was one of those things – I did not have to buy anything to make it. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  19. Gaye says:

    Oh how I love the way you decorate! Also so many memories you just brought back, I too read 17 magazine and made many of the recipes, I too had the exact same leprechauns visit while I was growing up and when my littles were growing up. 🙂

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Gaye, Thank you! I love to decorate, and love moving things around here and there, and repurposing. I remember Oprah once said, “Your home should rise up to greet you”. True- our homes should be bright and cheery and warm. Wasn’t Seventeen Magazine the greatest back in the day? I wish they still had it for my now 17 year old daughter. Thank you so much for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  20. Deb Bosworth says:

    Hi Nicole!
    Loved this post… I like my soup thick, too! 😉 Your junking date sounds wonderful… Love a surprise spot with a fireplace. Great collections and memories! I hope you are all well and making your way thought these challenging times.
    Farmgirl Hugs!
    Deb

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Deb! Thank you! We are well, happy to report we are healthy. It is a challenging time, but making the best of it. Glad to read that all is well with you, too. Love your new shed! That is the same place we got our chicken coop from several years ago. Great buildings.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

OH! Opossum!

605D06D4-3DE2-4833-B14B-693E1432BA1D

February brings thoughts of love, so this post gives some adoration to an often misunderstood creature. Come meet my recent “visitor”!

65D42648-4024-4576-9AC4-F060113293FA

Recently, we had a breach in “Foul Knox”, our chicken run. It was a not-too-cold evening, and we were taking our dogs out before heading to bed. Odin, our large brindle hound, started “pointing” at the hen house. Something was inside the run! We put the dogs inside and grabbed a flashlight, fearing a raccoon or fox had infiltrated the coop. However, inside the run was the cutest, fluffiest, round fuzzy opossum

I wasn’t too concerned for my chickens; I’d locked up the henhouse earlier. The visitor was small and young. It wasn’t fearful of us, but more interested, or curious. 

56DC4156-6F53-424C-B1D7-C94A6FD34839

It peeked out from behind the waterer, then scaled the back fence, a very agile climber. It looked a bit confused, like it wasn’t sure how to get back out or why we were there.

E6D2EE80-BEEE-4122-8236-FC0D2E2BE669

I keep a small radio playing inside the run, the idea that the sound of voices keep predators away. I’ve often wondered how the channel changes overnight when I return in the morning to open the henhouse. Mystery solved – the opossum decided to lounge across the radio awhile, changing the channel from the “lite” station when it climbed on top. Maybe I should switch to heavy metal! 

Apparently, my visitor is a Debbie Gibson fan.

Apparently, my visitor is a Debbie Gibson fan.

We left the big gate open, checking often to see if the opossum had left. When we returned, it walked over, climbing the inside of the front fence. It never showed its teeth or hissed. (We were always on the other side of the fence, at a safe distance).

OH! That face...so cute.

OH! That face…so cute.

It was so fuzzy, with thick soft-looking grey fur, an adorable face with a pink button nose, and cute little ears and paws with opposable thumbs. I was smitten. 

“It’s so FLUFFY!!!”

“It’s so FLUFFY!!!”

The next morning, our furry friend had departed. I was shocked by how many people don’t like opossums, suggesting it should be trapped or killed, that it’d kill my chickens, carried rabies, or was an overgrown rodent. I decided to find out the true facts.

Photo courtesy Stephanie Sefarik

Photo courtesy Stephanie Safarik

Stephanie Safarik, a well-known wildlife rehabilitator, is an angel for opossums. She had always worked with animals, and wanted to be a vet, but her life changed course. Seven years ago, she says her health “failed miserably, with a perfect storm of disaster”. With a cancer diagnosis and facing several surgeries, life was going to be at a slower pace for awhile. She’d always wanted to be a wildlife rehabber, so she decided to see what was needed to follow that dream, thinking, “Maybe while I’m in recovery, a couple animals can be rehabilitated, too”. Through the Connecticut DEEP, she took the course, received veterinarian backing, mentored with an experienced rehabilitator, completed the needed state application to work with wildlife, and created a haven for sheltering animals to recover. She didn’t expect to become the “opossum person”, but is thrilled to give a voice to these docile, often misunderstood creatures. Stephanie says nowadays her health’s not completely ideal, but is much better, crediting the opossums she saved with her improvement. They pushed her- when she wanted to stop she couldn’t because she had little lives depending on her. First working with three baby opossums whose mom was hit by a car, Stephanie has now saved a few hundred opossums. 

Photo courtesy of Stephanie Sefarik

Photo courtesy of Stephanie Safarik

While there are 100 opossum species worldwide, in the USA, we have the Virginia Opossum. Opossums are not rodents, but the only marsupials found in North America, carrying their babies in a fur-lined pouch. Calling these critters “possum” is also a misnomer; a “possum” is an animal of a different species found in Australia. 

Stephanie says opossums will try to avoid people at all costs. Opossums are often mistakenly blamed for the havoc that clever raccoons wreak. Our visitor probably came before, as opossums tend to keep to a “routine”.

“Why,  what a big mouth you have...” Photo courtesy Stephanie Sefarik

“Why, what a big mouth you have…”
Photo courtesy Stephanie Safarik

While they have large mouths with fifty sharp teeth, they rarely kill prey like chickens, unless they’re starving. They prefer “easy” meals, such as eggs and dropped, rotting fruit from trees. They don’t kill for sport. When wildlife comes into our yards, we shouldn’t be upset; it’s our responsibility to protect our domestic animals. I’m actually grateful having learned that my chicken run had a weak spot.

Opossums are the “waste management” of nature, keeping “rot” down by eating dropped fruit or carnage. They’re also the only truly “natural” defense against ticks. My whole family, including one of our dogs, has been affected by tick-borne illness. Opossums are cat-like in that they groom themselves often (why our visitor was so fluffy)! Because they’re low, with their little tummies touching the ground when they walk, they’re “tick magnets”. They then ingest hundreds of ticks (part of their nutrition) when grooming, thus keeping Lyme disease down. They also eat mice, rats and insects such as beetles. 

3561284A-D774-4A62-8F21-ACF8CD4AB600

An opossum prefers to flee than to fight. They’ll defend themselves if cornered, hissing, showing the fifty teeth in their big mouths, and releasing an odor (like a dog’s anal gland odor). Finally, they’ll “play dead”, actually an involuntary action. The frightened opossum will fall over in a comatose state, like in shock; its heart rate goes down, and it mimics the scent of a dead animal. This can last for an hour. 

Opossums rarely get rabies. In Connecticut, they’re not even considered a rabies vector, as a healthy opossum’s normal body temperature is actually too low for rabies to breed. For an opossum to contract rabies, it has to be a “perfect storm”: they must be sick with a fever to raise their body temp, be attacked by a rabid animal, and then survive said attack. 

Opossums, however,  unfortunately do not have long lives; males live an average natural lifespan of two years, and females two to four. A full-grown opossum reaches 7 – 8 pounds.

Though it’s speculated they’ve been around since dinosaurs roamed the earth, these little “underdogs” were not meant for cold conditions, even though they can be found as far North as Canada.

These feet are not meant for winter! Photo courtesy Stephanie Sefarik

These feet are not meant for winter!
Photo courtesy Stephanie Safarik

Often developing  frostbite on their hairless tails, paws, and paper-thin ears, many opossums die in winter, especially if under five pounds. Others are hit by cars or attacked by larger animals.

A poor frost bitten nose... Photo courtesy Stephanie Sefarik

A poor frost bitten nose…
Photo courtesy Stephanie Safarik

 

Ouch! Frostbitten paw. Photo courtesy Stephanie Sefarik

Ouch! Frostbitten paw.
Photo courtesy Stephanie Safarik

How do you know if you need to call a professional wildlife rehabber like Stephanie? If an opossum is orphaned, sick, injured, or has flies buzzing around it, call a wildlife rehabilitator. If an opossum is circling, it may have head trauma from being clipped by a car. 

Photo courtesy Stephanie Sefarik

Photo courtesy Stephanie Safarik

An opossum has 13 nipples inside her pouch, and can give birth up to 20 babies at a time, though not all usually survive.

“New” babies, or “pinkies” Photo courtesy of Stephanie Sefarik

“New” babies, or “pinkies”
Photo courtesy of Stephanie Safarik

Warm and safe in Mama’s Pouch.  Photo courtesy Stephanie Sefarik

Warm and safe in Mama’s Pouch.
Photo courtesy Stephanie Safarik

Found babies, or babies whose mama has passed (they can live up to a day and a half in the pouch after the death of the mom) always need a rehabber. While they’re good mamas, they won’t come back for a baby the way a mama squirrel will. With so many babies riding on her back, Mama Opossum may not even realize she’s dropped one! 

”Motherhood can be exhausting!” Photo courtesy Stephanie Sefarik

Motherhood can be exhausting!”
Photo courtesy Stephanie Safarik

A spotted opossum, like most wildlife, really just wants to be left alone and do you no harm. If you do see one, let it be.  “Cat shelters” can provide a warm place for them to avoid frostbite, and leaving scrap fruit or veggies out, especially in winter, is okay. They need lots of calcium, so hard boiled eggs with the shell on, cut in half are a great snack, too. 

*** Follow Stephanie and her sweet rescues on Facebook at Persevering for Wildlife.

Photo courtesy Stephanie Sefarik

Photo courtesy Stephanie Safarik

As for our little visitor, we see an opossum every once in awhile in the driveway, though not since our last encounter. I hope we see “Radio” again soon.

Wishing everyone a very Happy Valentine’s Day! Drop by again for the next Suburban Farmgirl Blog, “live” March 17th.

Photo courtesy Stephanie Safarik

Please remember to leave a comment below so we know you dropped by! Photo courtesy Stephanie Safarik

Until Next Time…Farmgirl Hugs,

Nicole

 

 

 

  1. Carol says:

    My husband hates these animals and he swears that they will kill chickens. I truly don’t know, but they are interesting animals.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Carol, They could, but really would only if starving with nothing else to eat. They are looking more for “easy” meals, such as the greens that were left over by the chickens in the run, dropped fruit from fruit trees, carnage from roadkill- that kind of thing. When a clever young hawk got my girls, I was sad, but didn’t hate the hawk; he was doing as nature intended. It is my responsibility to protect my domestic animals. As for chickens, opossums are also not like, for example,the Fisher cat (which we have here in CT). Unlike fisher cats, opossums do not kill for sport. Thanks for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  2. Margaret Eclkes says:

    I think the opossum is very cute. I’m glad some one is watching over them. Thank you for wonderful story.

  3. Anne Temple says:

    Loved the article on opossums! I always say “It’s a good day when you learn something new”. 🙂

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Thank you so much, Anne! That is a great saying! Glad you stopped by the blog; hope you visit again. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  4. Barbara Trainor says:

    I really learned a lot. It’s always good to know what to do should you find a little possum in need.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Barbara, thank you. I learned so much writing about them, as well. I am a super fan of them now. We have lived here in about 25 years or so and have seen them a few times. I didn’t realize how adorable they truly are until I was face to face with “Radio”! Thanks for reading and commenting. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  5. Debbie says:

    I absolutely adored this blog, especially the pictures.

  6. Jayne says:

    I have always loved opossums, don’t understand why more people don’t know this. Wonderful animals

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Jayne, right? I think maybe some people mistakenly believe that opossums are rodents, which of course isn’t true. Thanks for stopping by the blog! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  7. Nancy Wilson says:

    What a great story! Loved reading ! I had heard that they were great “ tick eliminators “ and I am delighted to read that. Protect our wildlife!
    Thanks!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Nancy, thank you…I am so glad you enjoyed the blog post. I did not know until I wrote this how really beneficial they are for keeping the tick population down, and after “meeting” my little visitor, I am an opossum fan. Thanks for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  8. Elizabeth says:

    We have opossum in my neighborhood but I never knew much about them. Thank you for the education; I see them in a whole new light!

  9. Catherine says:

    Enjoyable article about opossums. Local rehabbers can be found at:
    animalhelpnow.org.

  10. Denise says:

    so appropriate for you to talk about opossums, I just had a blink camera installed facing my back deck and guess who was the first visitor?? yes, an opossum! I was thrilled since we have a lot of ticks in Tennessee. So he/she is welcome any time in my back yard!!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Denise, Oh how fun! That is great that you know you have a little opossum visitor! Thank you for reading, commenting, and welcoming opossums! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  11. Heidi says:

    I want to knit wee sweaters for your visiting friend!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Heidi- YES! And I have seen links for knitting Koala mittens, too! Come on over, Farmgirl and bring your needles! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  12. Pat Neudorf says:

    Loved your article and pictures – I live a couple hundred miles north of the border – so likely won’t encounter one of your little creatures – a bit too cold here! Thanks for the enlightening read!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Pat, thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed the blog, and hope you will “stop by again” Stay warm and cozy! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  13. Sandi King says:

    Thank you Nicole for this article on opossums. It is good to know as much as we can about our fellow earthlings who we share a world with; and does everyone know that God created the animals first, and Adam last to take care of them? I am glad to know all this about opossums and I feel sorry for those I see that get hit by cars. I didn’t know they mostly have a short life span. Could be why the female has so many babies at once. I haven’t seen any around my area lately, but if I do, I will be happy to leave food for them. I did know they are a great tick terminator, deer probably appreciate that fact too. It is just great to know that there is a reason for every insect and animal on earth, even if we don’t know the reason for them. A perfect plan.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Sandi, great comment, thank you so much. It makes me sad to see them hit by cars, too, but it makes me happy to know that the ones that do survive have someone like Stephanie to take care of them! We do not spray our yard, and I wonder if we have had less ticks because we have had opossum visitors. 🙂 Thanks for reading and commenting. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  14. Linda says:

    Oh, how precious! I pick up Crown Royal whiskey bags and wash them for our local wildlife rehabilitation, Wild at Heart. They use these for pouches for the wee ones they rehab during ‘baby’ season.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Linda, Aren’t they precious? I just giggle every time I think of seeing little “Radio”s pink nose! I hope he or she did okay with the cold snap we had. I put out some pineapple near the woods one day. It sat a few days then one day was gone! Love that Wild at Heart use the whisky bags like that – repurposing and helping these precious little animals! Thanks for reading and commenting. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  15. Gail Larson says:

    Very interesting and informative. They are so cute. Wonderful there is help for them. Thank you for sharing!
    Happy valentines Day.❤

  16. Kim says:

    Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I worked at Cummings School for Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University for many many years. This is one of the best articles oppossums that I have read. They don’t vector rabies, are very much misunderstood, and they are So cute.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Kim, Oh thank you so much! I am so glad that you enjoyed the article. I don’t get why so many people do not understand how awesome they are! Great little creatures! Thank you so much for your comment! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  17. Nancy G says:

    Thank you for addressing this! So many misinformed people that refuse to educate themselves about these beautiful creatures. I have a heated shelter set up for them and feed them year round. They have issues with calcium. They love cooked chicken, yogurt, cheese, and fruit, and a few other things. I can’t get the ones that I feed to eat vegetables! I had chickens and grew up on a farm, not once did we lose a chicken to a opossum, maybe a few eggs, but not enough to break the bank. I am so grateful that there are rehabbers for opossums, I am no longer in a position because of my health to rehab, I rehabbed birds years ago though, maybe my health will improve and I can do the schooling, etc. required to rehab these beautiful babies. Again, it is a breath of fresh air that you posted this to educate and bring attention to the opossums.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Nancy, what a nice comment to read this morning! Thank you. I am so glad you like this post, and a big thank you for what you do for opossums in your area! Hard boiled eggs, with the shell on and cut in half, are great treats for opossums, and aid with their calcium. Also, best of wishes to you as your health improves! Thank you for reading and writing a comment; hope you stop by and “visit” again. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  18. Jacqueline Galluze says:

    I loved the article. Do they dig in the grass & rip up the turf?

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Jacqueline, from what I know, not really. If you find something digging, it is more likely skunk. However, I have put in that question to Stephanie, the opossum expert. I will get back to you with her answer as soon as I hear back. Good question. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

      • Nicole Christensen says:

        Okay, so I heard back officially from Stephanie. Opossums do not dig up yards and turf. They DO eat bugs but do NOT dig for them. In fact, their nails are super easy to rip out, so they aren’t good diggers whatsoever. If something is digging the yard, it is something else. Great question, Jacqueline! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  19. Donna says:

    We had opossums but I have a Jack Russel terrier..nothing can live here if she can catch it..she has killed 4 so far this year. I would like to keep these tick magnets around..as I live in Pennsylvania. I love my dog and this is their nature. We just had a rabid coyote down the road from us that has attacked people & dogs..it was shot..but people get very paranoid about wild animal.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Donna, I used to have a Jack Russell terrier. She was a great little dog, so spunky! She once got a hold of a wood rat. I swear the thing was as big or bigger than she was, but man, that rat didn’t stand a chance! I am fearful of the coyotes. We have them behind the house and in our yard often, and I worry with my dogs. Thanks for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  20. Jeannette says:

    Well I guess I knew more about opossums than I thought i did, but I didn’t know that they have 13 nipples, are so easily frostbitten, had such short little lives, nor that they shouldn’t be called possums, so thank your informative and picture rich article.
    I do know, from experience that they are not chicken predators. Opossums that made it into our henhouse in days of old were known to consume as many eggs as possible and then schooch over a hen or two and sleep it off comfy and curled up a nest. My husband found one so digestively busy he carried it out by the tail and walked it a half mile down the drive. This dislocation likely didn’t last long, but gave us time to tighten up the coop.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Jeannette, LOVE your comment…the story about the henhouse and the opossum, what a great one, and I love that you can attest to them not harming the chickens. I don’t remember where I saw it, but there was a photo somewhere on Facebook of an opossum who had broken into a bakery. He ate so many goodies, he was so fat and happy he couldn’t move! They are funny little creatures. Our late night Foul Knox visitor gave us a wonderful memory. (Although now every time I hear Debbie Gibson, I think of opossums, lol)! Oh, also, opossums are the only animal with an uneven 13 nipples. Funny fact. Thanks for reading and sharing! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  21. Judy From Maine says:

    Loved this blog, thanks for such an informative one. Happy Valentine’s Day to you and yours.

  22. Gaye Durst says:

    I admire these creatures now, but before I knew how valuable they are, we use to chase em away, being a city girl, having seen several over the years, but not enough to understand their value and place. Once when I had littles, we were coming home one evening I hear this screaming at me, and see one reard up on it’s hind legs. She had taken up residence under our porch, no babies, but I think pregnant. Well we had littles and she was being protective so, it took us a few days to come up with the idea to lead her down the alley with hot dogs to the park, (not the playground) we weren’t sure if she’d come back for more! We kept the gate more secure after that so we never did find that out.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Gaye, oh wow! I bet that was a sight! It’s good you lured her out since she felt protective and you had little ones. I can just imagine her picking up the trail of hot dogs! Love it. Thanks for sharing! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  23. Deni Payne says:

    Oh, those pictures!–I’ve saved about five of the ones of the tiny babies to my computer; they are simply too cute for words! Thanks for sharing!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Deni, thank you. Some of them are mine, and many are from Stephanie. A big thank you to her for sharing them. They just warm my heart! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  24. Sharon Wegmeyer says:

    Thank you for this info! We have just moved (October) from in-town corner lot to our newly constructed farm-style home (smaller/simpler) on 10 acres. Not sure we will see opossums, but if we do I will know they just need some loving!

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Sharon, if you are on ten acres, I bet you have some! But in 25 years on my property, I have only seen them a handful of times. They prefer not to be seen. 😉 I love them! Thanks for reading and commenting! Congrats on your move. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  25. Marlene C says:

    Hi. By far one of the best posts you’ve ever done. Thanks for all the info. Dang they’re cute.

  26. One word – TICKS!!! Opossums eat thousands of ticks and for that alone they should be loved! In my area here in Amish country in Lancaster county we are inundated with ticks and Lyme disease so they are especially helpful.

    I love their silvery fur and how slowly they move. They adore sweets and fruit and such.
    I have a really big one and a youngster too who come to my front porch where I feed all the animals and birds.

    Embrace all the goodness these shy animals give .

    Thanks for you lovely and enlightening post.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Lisa, Thank you for you for reading and commenting! I used to live in your beautiful area a short time. I love Lancaster county, though I have not been back to visit in some fifteen years. We too, have a terrible time here in Connecticut with tick borne illnesses, and opossums are the only truly “natural” tick control. Thank you for helping the opossums in your area! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  27. Reyna Chavez says:

    Thank you for that piece! Very interesting info. Will be kind to them if we see them around.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Reyna, thank you! This has been one of my most favorite articles I have written. That little opossum made me a fan of them, for sure! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

A Few 2020 Wishes

37602C68-88AF-443F-8179-9497F7D13925

 

Happy New Year! It’s hard to believe it’s January again- a new month, year…DECADE! I’m wishing everyone the best year ever! ! 2020 is going to be a memorable one for our family…

Continue reading

  1. Denise says:

    Hi Nicole and a very happy new year to you and yours this year. It’s certainly an exciting year for you, yes it sure does fly by. It’s sad and exciting all at once when our children are finishing up a season in life. Your daughter sounds like she has a great balance of interests and has goals. I’m sure she will do well in whatever life decisions she goes with. Learning and growing through hard work, mistakes and following dreams and goals is life.
    It’s everyone’s stories in life. I don’t like others pointing out the negatives to me either, so not necessary when the decisions are ours alone to make. I’ve had to deal with the same over the year’s, everyone has an opinion and for some reason likes to share it when it none of their business anyway.
    Thank you for a lovely post as always, you look amazing by the way.
    Happy new year from Australia xx

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Denise! Thank you so much! Happy New Year to you!

      You are so right- “learning and growing through hard work, mistakes, and following dreams and goals is life.” So true. Everyone is entitled to an opinion – but not entitled to being negative just for the sake of it, especially when it comes to young adults. Many times, it seems the negative is the only things some people ever see, which is sad.

      On another note, I have been watching what is going on in Australia with the wildfires. Please know that all of our hearts over here in the USA are with you all.

  2. Marlene Capelle says:

    My sister is going through the same thing you are. Her only child, a daughter, is a senior in high school. She, her daughter, has to do everything because it’s the last time she’ll ever have a chance in high school. I don’t know how my sister keeps up. And the knowledge that next fall she’ll be off to college is destroying my sister. I wish everyone going through this some peaceful joyful times together. But now you get to have an adult relationship and that’s a whole new gift. Happy New Year.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Marlene, I am not feeling unhappy about my daughter graduating. I am thrilled that she has done so well and I am so excited that she picked where she is going and will still be close. We remain close, but I also keep plenty busy, too. In addition to being a “Farmgirl”, I spend a lot of time with my husband, have friends that I get together with frequently (girlfriends are very important), I have my home, dogs, cats, and chickens to take care of, I teach classes, blog, and am an Advanced Master Gardener. I am a Glamper with a vintage camper. Come summer, I will be gardening and that also takes an immense amount of time. I love crafts, knit and sew (so many projects!) and just joined a book club on top of it all. I loved having a small, little girl, but I also love that my daughter is now my best friend, too, and still needs me but not in the same way. It’s all good! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  3. Marlene Capelle says:

    And to Denise in Australia, love and prayers to everyone and every animal there.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Oh Marlene, I know! It just makes me cry. My mama and I were on the phone together today, and just talking about how awful and sad it is. Those poor animals. Godspeed to those fighting the fires and helping those poor wildlife creatures. Denise, much love your way! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  4. Judy says:

    Dearest Mama Bear, I can’t believe I’ve been thru this child’s upbringing with you
    (sort of… I’ve missed a few steps). Hahaha Seriously though, I joined MJFarms about the same time as you. I lurked for a couple of years before I joined officially, but I remember when she was 7. Wow! Where HAS the time gone? I think you’ve done an amazing job(just saying) and you have every right to be proud! Whatever she chooses next in her dream path…I feel she’s ready. Good job/Well done Mama Bear
    *patpatpat* …giggle…
    Hugs&Squeezles
    Judy

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Judy! Thank you, thank you for such a nice comment! Can you believe how fast time flies? I still can’t wrap my head around it. I remember the day I joined the Farmgirl Sisterhood, and marvel at all the wonderful things we Farmgirls have shared with each other! And as a parent, it is weird. All of a sudden, it’s the “last” time you step on a LEGO, but don’t realize it until you look back, but looking forward is so exciting, too! Thank you again, dear Farmgirl! Hugs right back to you, Nicole

  5. Martha Clausen says:

    Dearest Nicole and Audrey

    I would like to send an e-chin scritch to Norman. I have a soft spot for orange tabby cats . I really hope that he gets back to his normal self soon.

    When I raised a teenager many years ago the world was so different. That being said nosy, non-listening adults are still prevalent, even more so.

    Reading about the strong family that is behind Audrey and the fact that she knows who she is makes me smile. I feel she will succeed in her chosen field and I would love to meet you all.

    Hugs…Martha

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Martha, Thank you!! I can’t wait for Audrey to read the wonderful comments today!

      As for Norman, he is doing okay. We are keeping a close watch and hope he recovers fully. He is just the sweetest lump of love ever! I wish you could hear him purr. It is the loudest purr.

      Thank you again for your kind words. Wishing you a very Happy New Year! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  6. Nanette says:

    Happy New Year, Nicole. I began motherhood in my 30s and received lots of unsolicited advise too. I decided to take the best from everyone’s advise and forget the rest.
    This will be the best year yet. Senior year is so fun, especially with a daughter. Enjoy every minute of it. The hardest part of motherhood for me was when both my children moved three hours away the same month. Even in cold, snowy North Dakota I managed to see them every month until driving home in the worst February snowstorm brought me to my senses. Talk about a mama bear!!!
    Congratulations on raising such an accomplished daughter. Best wishes to her on whatever she chooses. Hope you’re feeling better by now. Nanette

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Happy New Year, Nanette! Thank you so much for your kind and wise words. So true. I can just see you driving through heavy snow to see your bear cubs! I hope you still get to see them often.

      We are all on the mend. Everyone I know around here has had some “creepy crud” virus of some sort. This week we really all feel better, almost 100 percent.

      Hope you have a nice winter, and thank you for reading and commenting. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  7. Beverly Battaglia says:

    Great blog, Nicole. I am so proud of Audrey too! I cried when I saw her sweet baby picture. She was such a sweet and affectionate baby girl. I loved the pictures. I am proud of both of you and love you both.
    Nana

  8. Teresa Papadimitriou says:

    Hi, Fellow Mama Bear,
    You’re right. Time passes no matter what the day brings. I’ve turned around a few times and my one and only daughter is approaching 35. We all have better hindsight than foresight. Congratulations on your chick venturing from your nest. Best wishes to each of you as our new year unfolds.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Teresa, Thank you so much for reading and commenting. I bet though your daughter is 35, she is still your “baby chick”. I tell my daughter that all the time. A dear neighbor growing up used to make me giggle. She was well in her 90’s and used to write to me letters after I moved out of state. (She was like a grandmother to me growing up). She would write about what her daughter was up to, who was in her 70’s at the time, affectionately calling her “my baby” or “the baby” . I always loved that. Happy New Year to you and yours! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  9. Dinah says:

    So many truths written here. Here’s to 2020! Wishing your sweet girl all the happiness and success she so deserves!! Dinah

  10. Denise says:

    as usual I love reading your post. best of luck to your daughter and I hope she totally enjoys “her” choice of college and the path “she” has chosen to take!

  11. Ariel says:

    I’m so very happy that your daughter has grown into such a lovely young woman.
    I know how are it is to have a sick furry child. I’ve added him to my prayers.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Ariel, thank yo so much. Isn’t it difficult when the fur-babies are ill? They can’t tell us when something is wrong, but thankfully we are so in tune with our pets we knew something was “off”. Norman is such a sweet little kitty, and he is on the road to recovery. He is NOT happy about the special food, though, LOL! Thanks so much for the prayers. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  12. Marilyn says:

    Your daughter sounds like a lovely and well adjusted young lady. Good for her in wanting to go to a college near home. Why should any one tell her her choices are wrong. Your daughter obviously knows what is right for her. Wishing you and your family a blessed,happy and healthy 2020. God Bless.
    Marilyn

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Marilyn, Thank you so much for saying such nice things. I am going to have my daughter read all of the wonderful comments. We have lived here in New England for over 25 years, but we have no family nearby. I am so thrilled she is choosing to stay nearby. 🙂

      Have a wonderful New Year! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  13. Pamela says:

    Sisters and Mothers are so wise, caring & thoughtful. First of all, sounds like you have done a great job as a mother with parenting your daughter with love and respect.
    Difficulties have always been a part of growing up. The problems are just different. I
    learned that from my own youth and in raising 3 sons in Massachusetts and Kansas.
    I still remember all the unwanted & critical advice even starting with my first born whom
    the nurse said would starve if I did not supplement formula with breastmilk! All my
    sons are kind, caring & responsible men today. They each chose a different path, but
    I love and respect them all. My advice to your daughter is to pursue her passion and
    just go for it. Loving your life work is the most important path. Thank you for taking the
    time to write – insightful, interesting and I so enjoy your posts.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Hi Pamela, Thank you for such nice words. I love this comment. Isn’t it true, the saying, “Love what you do and it will never seem like work”. Whatever my daughter decides to do, I just want her to always be happy. Thanks for reading and commenting – it means a lot. Happy New Year to you! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  14. Judy says:

    The best of everything to your daughter!! Exciting times…the world is her oyster!!

  15. Brandy says:

    Good Day Nicole,
    May you and yours have a blessed New Year as well. I was blessed to read your blog today. We are parents of an only and yes the milestones are passing us by so fast. We are proud to give her the time to make her own decisions and we try to guide them the best we can. It isn’t always easy but necessary. We are grateful to know we are not alone in how we are raising our daughter. It sounds like you have done a wonderful job and we pray she loves what she does in life. That alone is half the battle. Thank you for the words of encouragement. I also wish people would be more supportive of others and their choices instead of trying to give them unwarranted advice. I have been known to let my momma bear out also when I do not like what someone expresses to my child. I pray one day God will give me the filter needed to let it go. 🙂 Once again thank you.

    • Nicole Christensen says:

      Dear Brandy, thank you so much for your nice and encouraging comment. It warms my heart to know thatI am not alone, either, in having an only child and raising her the way I have. May your daughter follow her heart and do what makes her happy in life, as well. Thank you again, and Happy New Year! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

  16. Rebecca says:

    Such a thought provoking blog! I’m so happy for your daughter (and for you). She sounds amazing. It’s difficult to listen to advice that’s not welcome or even good. I wish the best for her in this next stage of life.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *