The Thing About Spring

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Springtime on the Farm

I was just about to plant my tomato seedlings last week when I struck up a conversation with an elderly man at the store. He said, “absolutely not, do not plant your tomatoes yet. You’ll be sorry.” You gotta be kidding me? It’s mid-May!

He was right. Here’s my lawn this morning. May 19th! Frost. I’m not complaining; I love the chilly mornings! On my birthday a few days ago, we had a fire going in the fireplace all day. I enjoyed it BIG time! I think mainly because it was so different from the birthday weather where I spent most of my life.

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I’m so glad I chatted with that fellow. My tomatoes are still safe and sound inside.

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  1. Loved this post! I always enjoy reading about hard work on a farm…..and it looks like you have had plenty of that! I can’t wait to see more of your farm. Thanks for sharing!

  2. KimD says:

    I helped my church girls make those “stoves” many years ago, they cooked on them at our church girls camp. If the girl scouts can camp in tents on your place than why can’t adults bring their campers and do a glamping trip? I would come camp if I had a camper.

  3. Dianne says:

    My hubby (retired phone man) said “She might have a fortune in copper there in all that wiring”. Also “don’t leave old gas in equipment over the winter” We use to own a small engine repair and old gas was 90 % of the problem. Men are funny, they don’t say much,I guess just the important stuff Ha Ha! I am right there with you about the sssssssssss. I don’t care if they are 4 inches long, I run as far as I can. I just gave myself the goose pimples. I hope you all have a fun time camping.

  4. rene foust says:

    I love reading your articles; the first thing I do when I get my Mary Janes Farm magazine is turn to the back and read what you have written and I have never been disappointed.
    Work is never done but I think it really is what gets me up in the morning and what puts me to sleep at night (although as I get older I sometimes I need a little bit of Ben Gay or something similar to help sooth the sore legs and back). I just wish I could win the lottery so that I could afford to stay home and work at it all full time….someday.
    The boy scouts camped out on our property last fall and it was really cool to look out and see them and their tents set up all over the field. The funny thing was seeing their tents reminded me of the Flintstones episode when Fred helped out with the boy scout jamboree, I know I am dating myself but it was a good memory. Have fun with the girl scouts and I look forward to watching the progress on your farm.

    Rene

  5. Mary Pitman says:

    Love your posts!!! keeps us all in the energized mood, seeing others cleaning up their places. Good stewards you be!

  6. Sherry Campbell says:

    I’m glad to read I’m not the only one faced with “clean-up”. We have so much honeysuckle over grown I need a chain saw to get through it. I had to comment because just today I came across an old dump sight. I wanted to cry! I would send you photos if I could…lol!

    Our old dairy barn was just renovated, folks around here kept telling us to tear it down but we found someone in eastern Ohio to take it on…now I just have to level out the floor and get some drain tile installed on one side. I’m thinking of using a potion of the old milking parlor as a hen house!

    My garden is planted and things are starting to sprout…best of luck with yours!

    It’s funny, you have Girl Scouts coming on the 30th and we have a wedding on the 30th in the back meadow, German Baptist event. My husband still has to bush hog a field for the event so they can park on our property. I’m scared to see what’s under it all. After the wedding, I’m going to take an area and plant pumpkins!

    Love reading about your adventures, makes me feel so not alone! BTW, I’m a half and half retired Air Force girl…born in the city, but lived in an orange grove in central Florida in my teenage years. Retired 4 years ago after 22 years traveling the world…loving our lil place and looking forward to all the adventures yet to come!

  7. Pat Duncan says:

    Love you posts. You have a beautiful farm, and I certainly enjoy reading about your progress.

  8. Joan says:

    Love reading about your ‘happenings’!! I too have not been able to plant, still way to cold and the wind seems to be a constant, so need to get some wind breaks up first. Hope by now your area is gardening ready, June 1st is my deadline, ready or not here I come. I’m using some old metal stock watering tanks, small to large ovals so think they will not only be good for planting but look good too. Our ground has to be amended constantly so containers are a good thing. Long story how I got these 5 tanks, will say they were really well priced and delivered free, yea for me. Well keep up the good work and thanks for sharing your farm. God Bless.

  9. Denise Ross says:

    Love your farm story’s, the adventures, the history, and the changes you’re making with all your hard work. Hard work seems to being a joy in and of itself – satisfaction in work done well,. Tiredness at the end of a long day and blissful surrender to a nights sleep. Living a farming life through you. Thank you 🙂

  10. Carol in NC says:

    I’m beyond late in my spring chores. Last year my little garden was in an inconspicuous spot tucked away out of sight. Choosing that location turned out to be a mistake for many reasons so I’m moving it to the other side of the house this year where it will not only get full sun but will be in full view. Quite a chore since I’m trying to incorporate it into the existing landscape plan. Edible landscaping! We’ll see how it turns out.
    I loved Girl Scouts and still remember all those fun silly campfire songs. Have fun!

  11. Amanda says:

    I totally feel for you! I feel like we’re in the same shoes(boots!) because I just started cleaning up my Daddy’s farm this spring. It’s amazing the stuff that is kept because it might come in handy one day. Or so someone thought! There is so much junk in the pole barn that I want to pull my hair out! And, I don’t even know how to tell Daddy that his 1969 Dodge Charger needs to find another spot to RIP at!! I agree with the elderly man. I don’t plant my tomatoes till the daylilies are blooming (overnight temps have been in the 40s here); just like I plant peas when the forsythias bloom or when rhubarb emerges from the ground then I plant onion sets. I’ve realized that Mother Nature doesn’t consult her calender. I enjoy your posts, they give me ideas and hope of a cleaner farm! By the way, your farm has a much better view than mine!

  12. Jo Ann says:

    Yes you need to use stable if your not going to drain your tanks and I’m from west coast so winters aren’t as bad as yours. I love your farm house and all your updates and knowing you are not a stay at home mom that you actually have a career is so amazing to me. Love it keep up the great posts sister

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Tiny Steps Lead to Grand Things

I’ve always found that the first step is the hardest to take.

And so, I issued a challenge on FaceBook. And now I’m challenging you too.

Move yourself up on your priority list. Do something just for you.

Walk everyday for 31 days….for YOURSELF.

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  1. Wendy Curling says:

    I have accepted the challenge and so very glad that I did! The winter was long and cold and I spent many, many wonderful, yet motionless, days sitting in my comfy rocker with my grandson (first one!). Needless to say I got a little, well, soft. The exercise is truly a plus but the best benefit by far had been the encouragement we share. I can honestly say I look forward to that more than the walk itself.
    Join us won’t you?
    I bet you will be blessed too!!

  2. Jane Gurley says:

    I have walked all five days so far! I am noticing God’s glory more in the flowers, ducks, the water of a pond, and in my little beagle’s happy steps beside me. I am sitting in the customer lounge of a camping store getting some work done to my camper….think I’ll go walk around outside…….

  3. Sandy says:

    I’ll walk with you. Just had surgery and walking is only exercise doc will let me do. This will help me greatly. I love to exercise. Will try to gradually increase the length each day and try to follow doctors orders

  4. Rebecca says:

    This sounds exactly like what I need….I’ve been feeling rushed, as if I’m doing everything at a dead run. Walking sounds like the perfect, slow-down solution. I’m in.

  5. Joan says:

    Thank YOU!!! I am on board!! Off the top of my head I couldn’t think of anything pretty to see but as I read further into you message – GOD – yes He will show me the way to love and joy in walking. God Bless.

  6. Jan Sturgill says:

    What a great idea, Rebekah! Just yesterday I went to my weekly session with my young trainer friend. I had pondered the idea of cancelling my visit and continue with some projects at the house. I went to my work out and left with the EUPHORIA that stayed with me all day and left me with a peaceful night’s sleep…Fact is, I ALWAYS feel better mentally and physically after my sessions. I also do an intermediate yoga class at the senior center, once a week. I found that if I have a designated time to do my sessions I can plan to always be there! When I am overwhelmed at home with my list of projects, I put on my walking shoes and hit the pavement. Always helps!
    I sent you a PM on Facebook, too…

  7. Mary Rauch says:

    Walking! Early March I had a heart attack followed by quadruple bypass surgery, followed by emergency bowel surgery while I was in recovery. The theme of my doctors and rehab therapists has been, “Walking is your friend!” I have become a true believer in this short period of time! Everything is better since I have been WALKING a great deal (and breathing- actually breathing).
    I hope your reminder here will aid the healing of many people who didn’t realize this was something fabulous they were missing in their lives.

  8. Sherri Staples says:

    After losing 15 pounds and keeping it off, I went on numerous out of town business trips and in about 60 days gained back 10 pounds. I need to get up and get moving, so as of today, I am on board! And since I am thinking about getting my Masters of Theological Studies, this will be a good time for me to reflect and talk to God.

  9. rene foust says:

    Rebekah I am so thankful that you began the challenge because I too have had a difficult time this past winter with my knee and my hips. My story is no where near as horrible as yours; mine was caused by my kitten…only me. I was in so much pain I couldn’t walk or bend my knee. As it turned out I messed up my ham sting and have bone on bone in my left knee, and this has caused me much mental stress. I love to be active but the fear of that pain returning caused me to become dormant challenging myself to a daily walk has been a great for me both physically and mentally.

    I am so very sorry that you had that horrible snake experience, every time I read that story my heart starts racing and I can feel hysteria set in. I would probably need therapy if it happened to me.

    Thanks again for the challenge

    Rene

  10. Debbie says:

    I’m in! For ME!!! Love it! So sorry you took a tumble both physically and mentally… It happens to the best of us…and it’s NOT FUN. But, glad you are walking back to your old self… just for you… Thanks for the invite to come along! I’ll see ya out on the trail!
    Deb

  11. Marion says:

    I love the challenge – I have been walking 4 miles with my wonderful dog several times a week. I am now amping that up to everyday. I walk first thing in the morning, the earlier the better and I prayerfully say thank you frequently during that time. Thank you for the beauty around me – spring awakening, birds singing, my happy dog, the fact that I can move freely. Thank you for motivating us and helping us to see the beauty around us.

  12. Corri says:

    Walking is pretty much my favorite form of excercise. Now that the weather has straightened up I am back to walking daily. Some walks are short and some walks are long but it doesn’t matter. As long as I am able to spend a bit of time outside each day with Mother Nature, I am a happy girl!:)

  13. Denise Ross says:

    I’m working on doing some exercise everyday. I’m much happier when I exercise, have more energy and think more clearly. At the moment I run and do strength training, but do love walking and hiking too when I can. What a wonderful encourager you are. 🙂

  14. Kriss says:

    oh my gosh…I just saw this! And have been back into that very idea…walking for myself, again. But I need to take my camera and get pictures like you do every day! Very nice. Thanks for the inspirations!

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