live long and prosper.

My husband just finished building two storage buildings in our back yard and storing all his tools and hobby items in them! Which means a lot of things are leaving one of our guest bedrooms and closets! So that gave me some place to store everything that was in my sewing closet that did not belong into the cleaned out closet ! So now I have my sewing closet all organized just with my ‘toys’ ! I even had room to put up a table in the closet to work on! It is like my little office!
We are doing good! Enjoying not having a schedule!!
Your floral building is really cute!!
Hope you stay healthy!!
I hope the above makes sense! Ha

Love you blogs. Photos, ideas. Helps getting through this stay at home time frame. It helps to know your not alone. BLESSINGS TO ALL OF YOU.

You made my day reading this post. I am blessed to have a job and be able to work from home during these times. Your menu rant sounds EXACTLY like the food we’ve been eating at our house too. I have school-age children at home and all I am going to say is GOD BLESS teachers, school staff and lunch-room staff. Thank you for keeping us farm-girls grounded to doing what we do best. Praying for the world. Blessings to you, your readers and your family.

Thank You for this post. We also do not go to the stores. We order everything online. It is not easy to get a delivery but eventually we can schedule one. Stay safe and well.
Marilyn

Hi Deb,
I have to make this comment is response to your blog post re decades.
Thirty one years ago, at the age of 50, I enrolled in nursing school. Of course, I had a few re-requisites to do before I actually started my nursing. I had started college many many years before when my children (3) were still quite young and underfoot. But, I never finished, it seems like “life always gets in the way” of something or other.
I started working when I was 8 years old in my parents small grocery and meat market. Had to stand on a stool to reach the counter top and cash register. I worked at one thing or another throughout my adult life. Including baker, designer, truck driver (18 wheeler), secretary, adm. assistant. etc. At the age of 48 we moved from Oregon to Texas so that I could help take care of both a niece and brother who were dying. AFter life settled down again, I realized that working at what I had been doing was not what I wanted to continue doing. Funny, that at the age of nearly 50, I didn’t even consider that more than half my life had been lived; so I went to college with young people that were my children’s ages. I was actually older that a couple of the nursing school teachers.
When I graduated from nursing school, I had four job offers. I took one of those and kept moving on to bigger and better things. By this time, I was missing my children and grandchildren so much that we moved back to Oregon. Then my husband decided that he wanted to move to Florida to retire. Guess what, less than 2 years later we moved back to Oregon. From there,sixteen years ago at the age of 65, I started my own Telephone Nurse Triage Business and am still working at this. I can’t begine to tell you the great satisfaction and hope that I have experienced since I decided that I wasn’t too old to make a change. There is nothing more wonderful than being able to give help and care to others. Especially young mothers who don’t know what in the world to do when their baby has his first fever.
So, all you young chicks out there, don’t be afraid to dream big! Don’t be afraid to push forward with all of your hopes for something bigger and different.
One of the things I have dreamed of doing since I was a young girl is writing a book. Guess what, I have my first chapter written and that was done just this last year.
So keep on dreaming and keep on doing!
I pray that each and every one of you have a healthy, prosperous and wonderful NEW YEAR!
Suzanne

I love the Amish one but hopefully you have a half loft on each end that makes for great storaga areas. I have a ‘Quilt Studio’ shed a few feet from my house fully equiped with electricity. Love your story & Happy New Year!

It would be all black for me.

I love your blogs. My grandson goes to the University of Idaho and we love Moscow, Idaho!
Happy Holidays

I loved this poem, thank you for sharing. Living each day in thankfulness to God.

Love the poem and I agree with you on seeing life that way! How special that she gave you that prayer and you remember her for it and shared it with all us farmgirls!

Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving day to you and our family.

Good Morning Debbie, I just read an article about you in the “the cottage journal” I was so taken by your story. I just wanted to get up and go put on my gardening clothes . I live in Penn Valley, Calif. It’s raining here. Tis the season. We just moved into a small cottage house that sits on one acre . Gardening is my passion . I got so excited about this yard. I always wanted to do raised beds to grow flowers. Prayers have been answered. I now have the room to do so Your picks of flowers are my favorites. I’ll be checking in with you to see whats going on . Can’t wait to get my hands dirty. Merry Christmas.Christine

My God watch over

What a wonderful story and a beautiful mother-in – law!! She always looks so happy in every pic. I see why your hubby is a handsome great guy!!
Glad you had these blessings!
Cheryl

So sorry, Deb, to hear of your loss. Great tribute with wonderful pictures of an interesting lady. Alzheimers is tough. May you all find peace in the memories of a life well-lived with lots of love. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

Ok, Deb…..just had a teary moment. I lost my Dad last year at 90 and Mom this year at 88. It was the hardest thing in the world to see those two vibrant people deteriorate like they did as the years passed. So hard to look at those photos when they were young. So healthy and strong. I miss them terribly and have no siblings to share memories with. The gravity of life and death have come home to roost.

This is truly a lovely tribute to your lovely mother in law. She definitely was a woman who lived her life with joy, curiosity and love. Precious memories. Thank you for sharing her with us. May you find much comfort in the live you both shared.❤

Blessings to you and your family. What a lovely memorial to you Mum in Love! (Love that) I also really enjoyed the pictures. What a treasure to have. Best to you and your family, Sandi

Sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute to your mother-in-law. She was a lovely woman. May you and yours take comfort in your memories. Rest in peace Mary “Kim’ Bosworth. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Marilyn

Sorry for your loss. You are so lucky to have had her for your MIL.
What a beautiful tribute and memories.

A beautiful story of life and love. Thank you for sharing!!

So sorry for your loss but what great memories and pics of a beautiful. woman.

I am over 50,still working in surgery.I am looking forward to retiring and having time for my interests.

You always have and still do inspire me. Thank you for reminding me to “share the gifts we’ve been given”
Always, Nan

I am 73 and still going strong! I hiked about 12 miles in the mountains with a friend about a month ago! Yes, I was very tired and sore but felt good. Next went with two friend to Santa Fe and on North to Georgia O’Keffee’s Ghost Ranch and museum.
I live in the cool mountains of NM and quilt ,read, walk my friends here!!
I love been retired and never feel bored!!
I don’t enjoy cooking as it gets in the way of what I want to be doing!! Ha, but with a husband around, there is cooking to be done.!!!
I am planning on being around for many more years!!

Actually ended a career as Certified Group Fitness Instructor & Health Coach at close of 2017 (age 67). Just heard that “still small voice” that kept whispering it is time to be done, even though health/ability to do still very much there. Had/have a long DIY list that includes LOTS of gardening. Spent 2018 caring for an elderly pet (named Pilates, one of 2 doggies) & prepping our in-town home for sale. Sadly Pilates did pass away in October-Happily house sold this last February & now my husband & I are nearly done building a new farm home on the 10 acres we purchased 3 years ago. The veggie garden is plotted out so ready to begin in 2020 & “visions of flowers dance in my head”! A small fruit orchard also. Most of our friends are retiring-we are reFIRING !!! Your post is an inspiration-we need to encourage each other to keep doing & going: the best is yet to come . . ..

After taking care of my Dad and then being diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I did a 360 and left office work and computers behind and now work at a nursing home in the dementia and Alzheimer’s unit. I luv connecting to the residents. It’s not always easy but it’s very special. Each day is unique and when someone smiles or has fun with the actives I provide I feel like I have done a good job. Farm girls are all about connection whether in the workplace or socially- it’s just our nature to nurture one another.

Thank you for your inspirational comments. I am 67 and a newly retired nurse. My husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 17 years ago. I am no longer able to care for him at home and he was admitted into a nursing home this past June. This is a very difficult time for me and my family, however what you wrote has inspired me to value the special times that we have experienced and to create a new life for myself through my interest in sewing. I have signed up for 3 sewing classes at Sew Green work shop. We will see where that takes me. I have also started lifting weights, walk and this has helped aleviate the stress. Thank you again for your inspirational comments. ENJOY! Life to the fullest, as Cher once said. Life is not a dress rehersal! So not to waste our precious time and to contribute in a positive way. To value ourselves and all of the special people in our lives and who we encounter along the way. Sincerely, Linda

I am enjoying being 59 immensely (year I was born), but have to say the big 6-0 feels a bit daunting, but like you, I am looking forward to new beginnings and following my creativity to where it leads me. Retirement isn’t always an option for those without a real pension, so I look forward to making my own way, balancing work and play, and being sort of a vagabond, living seasonally in different locations. And not ‘retiring’ from my life! Thank you for your inspiration !!

I am over 50,still working in surgery.I am looking forward to retiring and having time for my interests.

You always have and still do inspire me. Thank you for reminding me to “share the gifts we’ve been given”
Always, Nan

I am 73 and still going strong! I hiked about 12 miles in the mountains with a friend about a month ago! Yes, I was very tired and sore but felt good. Next went with two friend to Santa Fe and on North to Georgia O’Keffee’s Ghost Ranch and museum.
I live in the cool mountains of NM and quilt ,read, walk my friends here!!
I love been retired and never feel bored!!
I don’t enjoy cooking as it gets in the way of what I want to be doing!! Ha, but with a husband around, there is cooking to be done.!!!
I am planning on being around for many more years!!

Actually ended a career as Certified Group Fitness Instructor & Health Coach at close of 2017 (age 67). Just heard that “still small voice” that kept whispering it is time to be done, even though health/ability to do still very much there. Had/have a long DIY list that includes LOTS of gardening. Spent 2018 caring for an elderly pet (named Pilates, one of 2 doggies) & prepping our in-town home for sale. Sadly Pilates did pass away in October-Happily house sold this last February & now my husband & I are nearly done building a new farm home on the 10 acres we purchased 3 years ago. The veggie garden is plotted out so ready to begin in 2020 & “visions of flowers dance in my head”! A small fruit orchard also. Most of our friends are retiring-we are reFIRING !!! Your post is an inspiration-we need to encourage each other to keep doing & going: the best is yet to come . . ..

After taking care of my Dad and then being diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I did a 360 and left office work and computers behind and now work at a nursing home in the dementia and Alzheimer’s unit. I luv connecting to the residents. It’s not always easy but it’s very special. Each day is unique and when someone smiles or has fun with the actives I provide I feel like I have done a good job. Farm girls are all about connection whether in the workplace or socially- it’s just our nature to nurture one another.

Thank you for your inspirational comments. I am 67 and a newly retired nurse. My husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 17 years ago. I am no longer able to care for him at home and he was admitted into a nursing home this past June. This is a very difficult time for me and my family, however what you wrote has inspired me to value the special times that we have experienced and to create a new life for myself through my interest in sewing. I have signed up for 3 sewing classes at Sew Green work shop. We will see where that takes me. I have also started lifting weights, walk and this has helped aleviate the stress. Thank you again for your inspirational comments. ENJOY! Life to the fullest, as Cher once said. Life is not a dress rehersal! So not to waste our precious time and to contribute in a positive way. To value ourselves and all of the special people in our lives and who we encounter along the way. Sincerely, Linda

I am enjoying being 59 immensely (year I was born), but have to say the big 6-0 feels a bit daunting, but like you, I am looking forward to new beginnings and following my creativity to where it leads me. Retirement isn’t always an option for those without a real pension, so I look forward to making my own way, balancing work and play, and being sort of a vagabond, living seasonally in different locations. And not ‘retiring’ from my life! Thank you for your inspiration !!

Your bride pictures are absolutely beautiful. I love them all. THANKS so much for sharing. I love Victorian style…!!

That adventure made me want to get married all over again, but only if I had the wedding exactly like the pictures. I am over 50 and making fabric art, that is table runners, mug rugs, wall hangings, etc. that tell a story. I’ve just started making hobo mats. These tell the story of the hobo’s symbols they used to leave messages for other hobos as they traveled from place to place looking for work. I really want to keep their story going. I take my “wares” to craft shows to sell, but more just to people watch.

I’m crying tears of joy for you and all you’ve become. Congratulations on this amazing dream come true. Genius idea for the photo shoot. Your daughter is the perfect model. Everything is beautiful. Your closing words added tears for me and my quest for my creative life to come to fruition. I’m 68 and not stopping. Just have to work on balance since I have some life responsibilities that are unpredictable from day to day. Keep sharing and loving!

Hello Deb! Yes, Spring is showing it self here in Oklahoma! But it is making me long for our mountain cabin home. Will be heading that way in May. My sewing room is there with machine and fabric waiting with the Mountain View of pines and aspen trees in the cool breeze!! My first introduction to Farmgirl was a friend here who shares my birthday and ironically we are having our once a year lunch this coming Wednesday. Our little cabin is small but cozy and I love its simple comfort!!
Keep writing!! (And I will keep reading down here in the Southwest)!!
Cheryl

The golden nuggets were as timely today as before. Thanks for bringing hope to this chaotic world

Thank you for sharing, I also enjoyed your posts. Would like to become a farmgirl some how. When I was a young person, I lived on a farm in Canada, yes I am Canadian, although I live in the states. Love my husband, love people, love life, love our cottage, and home. Peace out, and just breathe, and know that God loves you all.

Sitting here crying reading this!!! So happy we got to be a part of the great adventure!!! When I left home, I was 19, married and headed to Germany for 2 years!!! My brothers cried and for the first time I realized that we really loved each other!! My Dad crises for 3 days in a hotel room in San Francisco – they had driven me there to catch my plane!! Mom said she had to threaten to call an ambulance if he didn’t get up!!! No cell phones/face time back then and most people couldn’t even afford a land lime over there!! But that wouldn’t do for Pappy…..he paid $500 installation and $500 a month to have a phone in our apartment…..and that’s not counting his monthly bills just for the calls!!!

When my oldest moved out at 18, I thought I was going to die. I would go sit where his bed used to be and cry every day…….he moved 3 blocks away!!! My youngest was home with me until he was 26! We were buddies and country danced 4 nights a week together. His first venture out was to share an apartment with his brother who was going through a divorce. They were supposed to move out on the weekend but did it on Friday before I got home from work because they couldn’t bear the inevitable waterworks……and oh did they come!!!

So, I guess it doesn’t matter how old kids are or how far they go…..it’s a rite of passage we must all go through!!!!

Boy is this post on target…my oldest is a high school senior, and I just don’t know what I’ll do when she’s away at college. Where does the time go? What will I do when I don’t hear her laughing with her brother…they’re so close, what will he do? I’m trying to keep a smile on…everyone should have the chance to chase their dreams. I just know I won’t make it without a lot of tears.

When my last child moved out I cried for 6 months. She was a hour away and her 2 older brothers were about the same distance in different directions. Now my youngest son is on the California coast, (I’m in northern Nv) but I talk to him the most. They all have busy lives, which I try to respect. I have a small ranch with plenty of animals and land to keep me busy. We all try to get together as much as possible. However I still and always will miss them all terribly.

Oh my! My baby is only 6 and I’m tearing up reading this. I hear ya, mama! Send out those words of wisdom as you find them! I’ll need them someday! Well done on raising a sufficient, joyful young man! Best to you!