Finally! After a freezing winter, the Northeast is thawing out and greening up. There are signs of life! Our kids were treated to a nice week-long spring break from school. (With so many snow days, we thought that might not happen). When Mother Nature finally gives us a break, it’s amazing how quickly things go from “drab” to “fab” in the East!
Technology’s transformed us, changing how and what we do, from performing all sorts of tasks to communicating. Times have changed so drastically in the last hundred years, it’s mind boggling! Smart phones have impacted our daily lives, with ‘apps” for everything; bringing on the disappearance of some everyday items (when’s the last time you saw an actual pay phone)?
I’m not anti-technology, but am sad to see some things vanish. Email has replaced hand-written letters. Wiry, corded phones weren’t as convenient, but we did have to actually stop and talk to callers, and they always worked when the electricity went out. Calendars are virtually non-existent, and when I’ve asked my Girl Scout troop to take meeting notes, they pull out their phones. Cursive’s a dinosaur. (I think how unique each person’s penmanship is. My grandmother’s handwriting was beautiful. My father’s is, too).
This hat box is filled with old letters, some from loved ones passed.
What I think I’ll miss most are clocks. Not everyone wears a watch, but chances are, everyone has a cell phone! How will that evolve with the new iWatch? I recently caught a glimpse of the news, featuring a 911 call released after a traffic accident. A gentleman performing CPR was in disbelief, when asking for someone to time him. Not one person in the crowd had on a watch! Many people don’t own an alarm clock or can even tell time without a digital display.
Once while teaching knitting, a seven-year old student was perplexed by the sound of the wall clock. She’d never noticed the tick-tock before. When asked if she could tell time, she answered, “I look at Mommy’s phone”.
Beautiful timepieces have long been a part of decor, and a big part of history. Think Big Ben or the clock at Grand Central Station. A lovely timepiece would harken a special event, or become a treasured family “member”. Recently, I was out with one of my friends when we decided to check a Goodwill store for antiques. There, behind locked glass, were two beautiful clocks.
I loved the 1954 black enameled clock, and my friend the other. Made by Schatz, the clocks are called “400-Day Clocks” or “Anniversary Clocks”. They were meant to be wound only once a year with a brass key, marking a special occasion such as a birthday or anniversary. Made in Germany from the 1880’s on, they were most popular in the 1950’s as wedding gifts, but known more for their beauty than their accuracy. Missing paint and without keys, we figured even if the clocks didn’t work, they’d be pretty vintage decor.
A true Anniversary clock doesn’t use electricity or batteries, but mechanics encased beneath a glass cloche. They must be perfectly balanced in order to run, and can be costly to repair. Setting must be done ever so gently. I got mine to run, but it took three nervous people and a borrowed key! We tiptoe past, and I hold my breath when vacuuming. With daylight savings time I’m afraid to set it again! Still, I find it’s spinning movement mesmerizing.
Growing up, we had a wooden Schatz Cuckoo clock, a present to my parents from friends stationed in Germany. I remember the thrill of the little cuckoo alerting the hours, and I’d run to catch a glimpse before he’d disappear again. I remember the sound as Daddy would wind it each week. As an adult, hearing that cuckoo was a trip back in time.
I’ve wished for a grandfather clock forever. My friend Andrea has one her grandfather bought second hand. Made in Germany in the 1920’s by Mauthe, it sat in her grandparents’ hallway for decades. The clock was referred to like a person. Andrea’s grandmother would say, “Grandfather is whispering”, whenever it chimed, and when in repair they’d say “Grandfather’s in the hospital”. It sits in Andrea’s hallway now. The pendulum, made of wood, expands and contracts with the air moisture, which can cause the clock to run fast or slow depending on the season.
For my birthday recently, my husband bought me a Grandmother clock at a tag sale. (Grandfather clocks are over six feet tall. Over five feet but under six, it’s called a Grandmother). In a friend’s basement for years, we bought it for less than a nice dinner out! We cleaned it up and got it running, though we’ve yet to get it chiming. She’s a beauty, USA-made in the 1920’s.
This is one of a few scenes on my clock. My favorite is the moon face.
The value of a vintage mechanical clock is in its movement; monetarily you’ll never get back what you put in. Experts are needed for cleaning and repair, and can be difficult to find. Vintage timepieces are temperamental; owning one is like owning a pet or having a living being in the house. Still, I think they’re a beautiful way to witness time fly.
Are you a clock lover? Do you still wear a watch? What other blasts from the past do you see disappearing? Leave me a comment and let me know ya stopped by!
Until next time…Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Good morning Nicole. Your post made me feel really mad at myself because ever since we finished building our house and moved in, I haven’t purchased a clock. I use my phone or the clock on the stove. I looked and looked for a clock that I loved and never found one. And now I realize that I have gotten used to using my phone (shame on me) and I need to get back on the search. I LOVE yours. They are gorgeous. I too miss a lot of things that have gone by the way-side with technology. And definitely receiving letters is one of the things I miss. I still make home-made cards and try to send a few every month because I think it is such a lost art. I’ve been teaching my grand-daughters to write letters as I think this generation has really lost that. Thanks for the reminder on the clock… gonna get on that search right away!
– Dori –
P.S. Are you thawing out yet? 🙂
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Dori! I love that you are teaching your granddaughters to write letters! That’s awesome! I have always made my daughter write thank you notes, and now I don’t “make her”, she enjoys the art herself. We just made homemade cards with our girl scout troop, too. Have you checked eBay for a clock? There’s some really cool ones there. I also have a cool large battery-powered clock with cherries on it in my kitchen. I got that from Ballard Designs years ago. And yes, we are finally thawing out! Yay! 🙂 Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I enjoyed your comments regarding clocks, unfortunately bringing to mind how many things of value are disappearing from our lives. As I was riding along with my husband the other day, it saddened us to think that most buildings, important to us have already disappeared; two schools I attended, the hospital where my children were born, my church and numerous others that held wonderful memories as we would pass by. Easily knocked down and replaced by malls or condominiums.
Time passes, but I think too quickly now.
I will always wear a watch, and think saving items from the past, even more important than it used to be. Enjoyed your blog and pictures of the clocks. I too have always wanted a Grandfather clock.
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Janice, I agree. Too many good things are disappearing. I am trying to teach my daughter to value things and places with a past. So many places from my childhood are gone, too. I also find it sad how many museums lately have been closing and selling off their items to private collections. The Roy Rogers museum was one I read about recently. I’m glad you enjoyed the blog, thanks for commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Adrienne says: Oh indeed! I am a watch wearer and clock lover. I used to have a grandmother clock that chimed the Westminster cycle on the quarter hour and a wall clock which my brother bought from me that chimed “Ave Maria” on the hour. It’s made of three different kinds of wood and the entire front of the clock opens to wind it. I have a Timex for daily wear and a Seiko for dress wear. When I’m working out at the gym, however, I use the wall clock or the digital timers on the machines to measure my fitness regimen. My wrist perspires too much to wear anything other than a diving watch. Hmm. Maybe that will be the next watch I put in my gym bag.
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Andrienne, I think my grandmother clock chimes the Westminster cycle, too, from what I remember reading about her. I can’t wait to hear her! And your Ave Maria clock sounds so beautiful! Love watches, too. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Barb Delaney says: Nice article Nicole. Yes, its all about time. I find it sad. As it seems people do not spend enough time with others in this fast paced world. Letters writing or just writing in general seems to be very personal and therapeutic. Well said and I cant wait to hear her chime. We should have a get together and celebrate when she does chime.
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Barb! I miss you, and all my farmgirl sisters! I think the weather is finally good for us, now we can plan farmgirl get-togethers without having to cancel for weather. We will do a celebration when she chimes! Love that! Hope to see you soon! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I work at a major university in Colorado. One of my student workers, a geek in the computer science program, actually wears a watch. I haven’t seen a young person with a watch in years. I asked him why he wears one, and he said it’s more convenient than digging his phone out of his pocket. This is a guy with technology on the brain, and he wears a regular, clock-faced watch (not digital). We have clocks all over our house, but only my husband wears a watch. We are in our 50’s.
But, digital clocks are good for some things. My 21 year old daughter has a learning disability, and try as she might, she could never figure out how to read a faced clock. She tried, oh, she tried. Her teachers and we tried EVERYTHING. Now as an adult, she can stare at a faced clock for a long time, and finally get the time, but she can always read a digital clockface. So for her, having access to a digital clock is important. My younger daughter, just turned 13, can read a faced clock just fine.
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Susabelle, great story. I love the student’s answer! When I was a kid in the eighties, digital watches were the rage, too. Thanks for commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Joan says: Ahhh yes – CLOCKS!!! I am a lover of clocks and have one that is especially precious, it was on the clock shelf, at the North end of my Grandparents dinning room – all my life and every Sunday and Wednesday Grandpa wound it. It was like – ok Grandpa’s going to wind the clock now – we would all take the time to watch it happen. Now I do the same thing every week and my heart skips a beat with joy. Thank you for helping me to remember this. Now the other tickers around the house are battery run but I do love each and everyone of the 6 of them. Great message – thanks again. God bless.
Nicole Christensen says: Oh Joan! What a beautiful story! Thank you so much for sharing it with us. I’m so happy you enjoyed this post. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Beverly Battaglia says: Nicole, this is very interesting. Beautiful clocks! I still wear my turquoise and sterling silver watch made by the Zuni Indians which I bought while still living in Texas at a store in Grapevine, TX.
Also, my friend, Jackie, bought the Black Forest cuckoo clock as a gift for me when she lived in Germany.
I do not like the idea of a phone watch. And you are right about cursive writing. I never could print well!
Love you,
Mother
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Mom! I do not like the idea of a phone watch, either. And your mom’s handwriting was the most beautiful penmanship I ever saw! I also have saved every letter you have ever mailed me! Love you! Nicole
Deb Bosworth says: Hi Nicole! Great post! I’m with you. I love clocks! My father had an old rail road pocket watch which was beautiful. I bet you won’t find too many young men or women carrying one of those anymore. I adore LARGE wall clocks. If I lived in a barn or a home with very high ceilings I would hang a collection of them! Your grandmother’s clock is beautiful. Here’s to your dream finally coming true of having one of your own! Enjoy and thanks for this fun blog! xo Deb~ ( hope you’re getting some sunshine now. We are, finally)
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Deb! You are right, not many young people these days carry a pocket watch, but oh, they are soooo beautiful. I could totally see a wall of large wall clocks…very cool idea. We are finally getting some sun now! Woo Hoo! Let’s hope it stays that way! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Thanks for your post, Nicole! Very thought provoking and I love all the pics. We do still have regular clocks in our house! I have a chiming, clock that belonged to my parents that you have to wind every day. I don’t keep it wound anymore because it doesn’t keep good time, but it hangs on the wall and I love to look at it.
I DO still have a wristwatch with a regular face and I wear it went out and about and traveling. Not at home or at work however.
We also DO still have two corded phones in our house along with our cordless phones and we are probably the only ones in the neighborhood that still have a house phone when the electricity goes off!
And, the art of handwritten letters and cards being on the verge of extinction is of interest. I also DO still went notes, cards and letters and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE receiving them. So, I for one am trying to help keep some of our past treasures alive and well!
Thanks again!
HUGS and LOVE TO YOU!
CJ
Nicole Christensen says: Hi CJ! I bet your clock is beautiful! And I love handwritten notes and cards…and have a few from you! 😉 Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
susana says: I still war a watch….Timex has been my first choice as they only need a battery…..I hope I can always buy one. I’m wandering if they will end up in the discarded manufactured aisle. Since batteries are still around and if people still buy watches, I guess the stores will sell them if there’s a demand for them. I fear this loss!
I still have an old ATT phone and I hear they are antiques or dinasaurs. But I still make use of it as a back up system, because they do still work. And I use it when my battery on my cell phone gives dead.its hard to get used to charging my cell phone!
I envy your clock collection. But I see them as dust collectors. And I try to eliminate those. But I like show and tell. It sure is interesting. My mother had this one wind chime clock and I took it apart when I was four….it enticed me into taking other things apart….I guess because f that clock I became mchnically motivate….love to thinker because of it, which lead me down a new path of discovery. But I wouldn’t own such items like a Grandfather clock, but knew people who on such contraptions. The one person used to store his piggy bank insude his grandfather clock….the area where the gutts were .I don’t know why, but I guess he had his own reasons. I thought it was neat idea. But I only loved it when it would make its hourly noise! Interesting hobby!
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Susana, “TIMEX…takes a licking and keeps on ticking!” Remember those ads? My brother got a Timex in high school and it still runs. They actually have headquarters here in Connecticut. Keep your fingers crossed…I hope I get my clock chiming soon! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Vivian Monroe says: Nicole, Loved your blog today, I too have an anniversary clock, when my husband and I were dating, the first year he gave me a Jewelry catalog and said I could pick out anything I wanted for my birthday, I picked the anniversary clock, I just really liked the old look, still runs and sits on our mantle today 28 yrs later. Also, we have a grandfather clock that his grandfather actually made, and his mom gave to us. as for watches, I love them, and I love to wear a bunch of old ones like bracelets all together. And as for handwritten notes, my youngest son’s girlfriend who I hope one day to be my daughterinlaw, still sends cards, thank you notes, and they are always very sincere. I actually got her a little metal owl sealer and wax sticks to seal her envelopes, and I always get her lots of stamps for little extra holiday gifts. (I love getting my cards) I keep them all. Be Blessed. Neta
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Neta, How special your clock is! And the one your husband’s grandfather MADE? What a family treasure. And it sounds like you raised a great son to have picked such a lady for a sweetheart. She will be one lucky girl when she has you as a mother-in-law. Thanks for commenting. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Nancy C says: Hi Nicole,
Enjoyed your blog so much. I can’t wear a watch: body electricity causes it to run too fast, or stop and go: many various strange events. A locket watch (a gift from my grandmother) does the same things. My sister and I were each to get a mantle clock from my Grandmother’s estate and we both looked forward to it, so much. However, she had kept her house so warm that when they were picked up, they fell apart and the wood crumbled. Saw so many beautiful grandfather clocks when we were stationed in Germany, but went the cuckoo clock route. Gave many as gifts, but did not buy one for ourselves! When the one we got for my parents could no longer be repaired, my Father turned into a manager scene. That started me on my path of collecting manager scenes, but his is the most unique.
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Nancy, Oh I love that idea…turning the clock into a manger scene! I bet that it is just beautiful! Great stories…thanks for sharing! So sad about your sister’s clock, though. Farmgirl Hugs
Rose says: Nice Blog!
I love old clocks and watches! I refuse to have all digital displays of time on the newer alarm clocks. I miss my grandfather clock from my former house. After reading your blog, I decided to get another one, maybe an antique, as a welcome addition to my new home.
Rose
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Rose, I am so glad you enjoyed the blog, and that you’re inspired to get a grandfather clock! Please keep me posted on what you find! Happy hunting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Sheila says: How lovely to find so many people who value timepieces. Whenever I find or am given a watch or clock, I always make sure it is working and, if not, try to find someone with the skill to repair or clean it. I recently received a 1930’s Mission Style mantle clock made by a New Haven clock maker. It was quite beautiful but had a broken mainspring. I found a clock repairman and now my Mission clock is waiting for tender, loving care. Good things are worth the wait. Thanks for posting your insights. As a fellow Connecticut resident from “The Quiet Corner”, I can relate to your posts (especially about our endless winter).
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Sheila, I bet that clock of yours is really beautiful! What a find! I’m glad you enjoyed the post, and hope you keep reading! Thanks for stopping by! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Peggy York says: I still wear a watch and feel undressed when I go out without it. When my parents visited us when we were in Italy, they purchased a grandfather clock. Now both are no longer with us and I inherited the clock. I think of them every time it chimes. Thanks for sharing your love of clocks.
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Peggy, I feel the same way…I just don’t feel right without a watch. How wonderful that you have such a special clock with such precious memories attached. Lovely. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Technology’s transformed us, changing how and what we do, from performing all sorts of tasks to communicating. Times have changed so drastically in the last hundred years, it’s mind boggling! Smart phones have impacted our daily lives, with ‘apps” for everything; bringing on the disappearance of some everyday items (when’s the last time you saw an actual pay phone)?
I’m not anti-technology, but am sad to see some things vanish. Email has replaced hand-written letters. Wiry, corded phones weren’t as convenient, but we did have to actually stop and talk to callers, and they always worked when the electricity went out. Calendars are virtually non-existent, and when I’ve asked my Girl Scout troop to take meeting notes, they pull out their phones. Cursive’s a dinosaur. (I think how unique each person’s penmanship is. My grandmother’s handwriting was beautiful. My father’s is, too).
This hat box is filled with old letters, some from loved ones passed.
What I think I’ll miss most are clocks. Not everyone wears a watch, but chances are, everyone has a cell phone! How will that evolve with the new iWatch? I recently caught a glimpse of the news, featuring a 911 call released after a traffic accident. A gentleman performing CPR was in disbelief, when asking for someone to time him. Not one person in the crowd had on a watch! Many people don’t own an alarm clock or can even tell time without a digital display.
Once while teaching knitting, a seven-year old student was perplexed by the sound of the wall clock. She’d never noticed the tick-tock before. When asked if she could tell time, she answered, “I look at Mommy’s phone”.
Beautiful timepieces have long been a part of decor, and a big part of history. Think Big Ben or the clock at Grand Central Station. A lovely timepiece would harken a special event, or become a treasured family “member”. Recently, I was out with one of my friends when we decided to check a Goodwill store for antiques. There, behind locked glass, were two beautiful clocks.
I loved the 1954 black enameled clock, and my friend the other. Made by Schatz, the clocks are called “400-Day Clocks” or “Anniversary Clocks”. They were meant to be wound only once a year with a brass key, marking a special occasion such as a birthday or anniversary. Made in Germany from the 1880’s on, they were most popular in the 1950’s as wedding gifts, but known more for their beauty than their accuracy. Missing paint and without keys, we figured even if the clocks didn’t work, they’d be pretty vintage decor.
A true Anniversary clock doesn’t use electricity or batteries, but mechanics encased beneath a glass cloche. They must be perfectly balanced in order to run, and can be costly to repair. Setting must be done ever so gently. I got mine to run, but it took three nervous people and a borrowed key! We tiptoe past, and I hold my breath when vacuuming. With daylight savings time I’m afraid to set it again! Still, I find it’s spinning movement mesmerizing.
Growing up, we had a wooden Schatz Cuckoo clock, a present to my parents from friends stationed in Germany. I remember the thrill of the little cuckoo alerting the hours, and I’d run to catch a glimpse before he’d disappear again. I remember the sound as Daddy would wind it each week. As an adult, hearing that cuckoo was a trip back in time.
I’ve wished for a grandfather clock forever. My friend Andrea has one her grandfather bought second hand. Made in Germany in the 1920’s by Mauthe, it sat in her grandparents’ hallway for decades. The clock was referred to like a person. Andrea’s grandmother would say, “Grandfather is whispering”, whenever it chimed, and when in repair they’d say “Grandfather’s in the hospital”. It sits in Andrea’s hallway now. The pendulum, made of wood, expands and contracts with the air moisture, which can cause the clock to run fast or slow depending on the season.
For my birthday recently, my husband bought me a Grandmother clock at a tag sale. (Grandfather clocks are over six feet tall. Over five feet but under six, it’s called a Grandmother). In a friend’s basement for years, we bought it for less than a nice dinner out! We cleaned it up and got it running, though we’ve yet to get it chiming. She’s a beauty, USA-made in the 1920’s.
This is one of a few scenes on my clock. My favorite is the moon face.
The value of a vintage mechanical clock is in its movement; monetarily you’ll never get back what you put in. Experts are needed for cleaning and repair, and can be difficult to find. Vintage timepieces are temperamental; owning one is like owning a pet or having a living being in the house. Still, I think they’re a beautiful way to witness time fly.
Are you a clock lover? Do you still wear a watch? What other blasts from the past do you see disappearing? Leave me a comment and let me know ya stopped by!
Until next time…Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Good morning Nicole. Your post made me feel really mad at myself because ever since we finished building our house and moved in, I haven’t purchased a clock. I use my phone or the clock on the stove. I looked and looked for a clock that I loved and never found one. And now I realize that I have gotten used to using my phone (shame on me) and I need to get back on the search. I LOVE yours. They are gorgeous. I too miss a lot of things that have gone by the way-side with technology. And definitely receiving letters is one of the things I miss. I still make home-made cards and try to send a few every month because I think it is such a lost art. I’ve been teaching my grand-daughters to write letters as I think this generation has really lost that. Thanks for the reminder on the clock… gonna get on that search right away!
– Dori –
P.S. Are you thawing out yet? 🙂
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Dori! I love that you are teaching your granddaughters to write letters! That’s awesome! I have always made my daughter write thank you notes, and now I don’t “make her”, she enjoys the art herself. We just made homemade cards with our girl scout troop, too. Have you checked eBay for a clock? There’s some really cool ones there. I also have a cool large battery-powered clock with cherries on it in my kitchen. I got that from Ballard Designs years ago. And yes, we are finally thawing out! Yay! 🙂 Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I enjoyed your comments regarding clocks, unfortunately bringing to mind how many things of value are disappearing from our lives. As I was riding along with my husband the other day, it saddened us to think that most buildings, important to us have already disappeared; two schools I attended, the hospital where my children were born, my church and numerous others that held wonderful memories as we would pass by. Easily knocked down and replaced by malls or condominiums.
Time passes, but I think too quickly now.
I will always wear a watch, and think saving items from the past, even more important than it used to be. Enjoyed your blog and pictures of the clocks. I too have always wanted a Grandfather clock.
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Janice, I agree. Too many good things are disappearing. I am trying to teach my daughter to value things and places with a past. So many places from my childhood are gone, too. I also find it sad how many museums lately have been closing and selling off their items to private collections. The Roy Rogers museum was one I read about recently. I’m glad you enjoyed the blog, thanks for commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Adrienne says: Oh indeed! I am a watch wearer and clock lover. I used to have a grandmother clock that chimed the Westminster cycle on the quarter hour and a wall clock which my brother bought from me that chimed “Ave Maria” on the hour. It’s made of three different kinds of wood and the entire front of the clock opens to wind it. I have a Timex for daily wear and a Seiko for dress wear. When I’m working out at the gym, however, I use the wall clock or the digital timers on the machines to measure my fitness regimen. My wrist perspires too much to wear anything other than a diving watch. Hmm. Maybe that will be the next watch I put in my gym bag.
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Andrienne, I think my grandmother clock chimes the Westminster cycle, too, from what I remember reading about her. I can’t wait to hear her! And your Ave Maria clock sounds so beautiful! Love watches, too. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Barb Delaney says: Nice article Nicole. Yes, its all about time. I find it sad. As it seems people do not spend enough time with others in this fast paced world. Letters writing or just writing in general seems to be very personal and therapeutic. Well said and I cant wait to hear her chime. We should have a get together and celebrate when she does chime.
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Barb! I miss you, and all my farmgirl sisters! I think the weather is finally good for us, now we can plan farmgirl get-togethers without having to cancel for weather. We will do a celebration when she chimes! Love that! Hope to see you soon! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I work at a major university in Colorado. One of my student workers, a geek in the computer science program, actually wears a watch. I haven’t seen a young person with a watch in years. I asked him why he wears one, and he said it’s more convenient than digging his phone out of his pocket. This is a guy with technology on the brain, and he wears a regular, clock-faced watch (not digital). We have clocks all over our house, but only my husband wears a watch. We are in our 50’s.
But, digital clocks are good for some things. My 21 year old daughter has a learning disability, and try as she might, she could never figure out how to read a faced clock. She tried, oh, she tried. Her teachers and we tried EVERYTHING. Now as an adult, she can stare at a faced clock for a long time, and finally get the time, but she can always read a digital clockface. So for her, having access to a digital clock is important. My younger daughter, just turned 13, can read a faced clock just fine.
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Susabelle, great story. I love the student’s answer! When I was a kid in the eighties, digital watches were the rage, too. Thanks for commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Joan says: Ahhh yes – CLOCKS!!! I am a lover of clocks and have one that is especially precious, it was on the clock shelf, at the North end of my Grandparents dinning room – all my life and every Sunday and Wednesday Grandpa wound it. It was like – ok Grandpa’s going to wind the clock now – we would all take the time to watch it happen. Now I do the same thing every week and my heart skips a beat with joy. Thank you for helping me to remember this. Now the other tickers around the house are battery run but I do love each and everyone of the 6 of them. Great message – thanks again. God bless.
Nicole Christensen says: Oh Joan! What a beautiful story! Thank you so much for sharing it with us. I’m so happy you enjoyed this post. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Beverly Battaglia says: Nicole, this is very interesting. Beautiful clocks! I still wear my turquoise and sterling silver watch made by the Zuni Indians which I bought while still living in Texas at a store in Grapevine, TX.
Also, my friend, Jackie, bought the Black Forest cuckoo clock as a gift for me when she lived in Germany.
I do not like the idea of a phone watch. And you are right about cursive writing. I never could print well!
Love you,
Mother
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Mom! I do not like the idea of a phone watch, either. And your mom’s handwriting was the most beautiful penmanship I ever saw! I also have saved every letter you have ever mailed me! Love you! Nicole
Deb Bosworth says: Hi Nicole! Great post! I’m with you. I love clocks! My father had an old rail road pocket watch which was beautiful. I bet you won’t find too many young men or women carrying one of those anymore. I adore LARGE wall clocks. If I lived in a barn or a home with very high ceilings I would hang a collection of them! Your grandmother’s clock is beautiful. Here’s to your dream finally coming true of having one of your own! Enjoy and thanks for this fun blog! xo Deb~ ( hope you’re getting some sunshine now. We are, finally)
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Deb! You are right, not many young people these days carry a pocket watch, but oh, they are soooo beautiful. I could totally see a wall of large wall clocks…very cool idea. We are finally getting some sun now! Woo Hoo! Let’s hope it stays that way! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Thanks for your post, Nicole! Very thought provoking and I love all the pics. We do still have regular clocks in our house! I have a chiming, clock that belonged to my parents that you have to wind every day. I don’t keep it wound anymore because it doesn’t keep good time, but it hangs on the wall and I love to look at it.
I DO still have a wristwatch with a regular face and I wear it went out and about and traveling. Not at home or at work however.
We also DO still have two corded phones in our house along with our cordless phones and we are probably the only ones in the neighborhood that still have a house phone when the electricity goes off!
And, the art of handwritten letters and cards being on the verge of extinction is of interest. I also DO still went notes, cards and letters and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE receiving them. So, I for one am trying to help keep some of our past treasures alive and well!
Thanks again!
HUGS and LOVE TO YOU!
CJ
Nicole Christensen says: Hi CJ! I bet your clock is beautiful! And I love handwritten notes and cards…and have a few from you! 😉 Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
susana says: I still war a watch….Timex has been my first choice as they only need a battery…..I hope I can always buy one. I’m wandering if they will end up in the discarded manufactured aisle. Since batteries are still around and if people still buy watches, I guess the stores will sell them if there’s a demand for them. I fear this loss!
I still have an old ATT phone and I hear they are antiques or dinasaurs. But I still make use of it as a back up system, because they do still work. And I use it when my battery on my cell phone gives dead.its hard to get used to charging my cell phone!
I envy your clock collection. But I see them as dust collectors. And I try to eliminate those. But I like show and tell. It sure is interesting. My mother had this one wind chime clock and I took it apart when I was four….it enticed me into taking other things apart….I guess because f that clock I became mchnically motivate….love to thinker because of it, which lead me down a new path of discovery. But I wouldn’t own such items like a Grandfather clock, but knew people who on such contraptions. The one person used to store his piggy bank insude his grandfather clock….the area where the gutts were .I don’t know why, but I guess he had his own reasons. I thought it was neat idea. But I only loved it when it would make its hourly noise! Interesting hobby!
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Susana, “TIMEX…takes a licking and keeps on ticking!” Remember those ads? My brother got a Timex in high school and it still runs. They actually have headquarters here in Connecticut. Keep your fingers crossed…I hope I get my clock chiming soon! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Vivian Monroe says: Nicole, Loved your blog today, I too have an anniversary clock, when my husband and I were dating, the first year he gave me a Jewelry catalog and said I could pick out anything I wanted for my birthday, I picked the anniversary clock, I just really liked the old look, still runs and sits on our mantle today 28 yrs later. Also, we have a grandfather clock that his grandfather actually made, and his mom gave to us. as for watches, I love them, and I love to wear a bunch of old ones like bracelets all together. And as for handwritten notes, my youngest son’s girlfriend who I hope one day to be my daughterinlaw, still sends cards, thank you notes, and they are always very sincere. I actually got her a little metal owl sealer and wax sticks to seal her envelopes, and I always get her lots of stamps for little extra holiday gifts. (I love getting my cards) I keep them all. Be Blessed. Neta
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Neta, How special your clock is! And the one your husband’s grandfather MADE? What a family treasure. And it sounds like you raised a great son to have picked such a lady for a sweetheart. She will be one lucky girl when she has you as a mother-in-law. Thanks for commenting. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Nancy C says: Hi Nicole,
Enjoyed your blog so much. I can’t wear a watch: body electricity causes it to run too fast, or stop and go: many various strange events. A locket watch (a gift from my grandmother) does the same things. My sister and I were each to get a mantle clock from my Grandmother’s estate and we both looked forward to it, so much. However, she had kept her house so warm that when they were picked up, they fell apart and the wood crumbled. Saw so many beautiful grandfather clocks when we were stationed in Germany, but went the cuckoo clock route. Gave many as gifts, but did not buy one for ourselves! When the one we got for my parents could no longer be repaired, my Father turned into a manager scene. That started me on my path of collecting manager scenes, but his is the most unique.
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Nancy, Oh I love that idea…turning the clock into a manger scene! I bet that it is just beautiful! Great stories…thanks for sharing! So sad about your sister’s clock, though. Farmgirl Hugs
Rose says: Nice Blog!
I love old clocks and watches! I refuse to have all digital displays of time on the newer alarm clocks. I miss my grandfather clock from my former house. After reading your blog, I decided to get another one, maybe an antique, as a welcome addition to my new home.
Rose
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Rose, I am so glad you enjoyed the blog, and that you’re inspired to get a grandfather clock! Please keep me posted on what you find! Happy hunting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Sheila says: How lovely to find so many people who value timepieces. Whenever I find or am given a watch or clock, I always make sure it is working and, if not, try to find someone with the skill to repair or clean it. I recently received a 1930’s Mission Style mantle clock made by a New Haven clock maker. It was quite beautiful but had a broken mainspring. I found a clock repairman and now my Mission clock is waiting for tender, loving care. Good things are worth the wait. Thanks for posting your insights. As a fellow Connecticut resident from “The Quiet Corner”, I can relate to your posts (especially about our endless winter).
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Sheila, I bet that clock of yours is really beautiful! What a find! I’m glad you enjoyed the post, and hope you keep reading! Thanks for stopping by! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Peggy York says: I still wear a watch and feel undressed when I go out without it. When my parents visited us when we were in Italy, they purchased a grandfather clock. Now both are no longer with us and I inherited the clock. I think of them every time it chimes. Thanks for sharing your love of clocks.
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Peggy, I feel the same way…I just don’t feel right without a watch. How wonderful that you have such a special clock with such precious memories attached. Lovely. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
It’s not spring, at least in New England! With Easter coming, warm-weather items in stores, and not a bloomed daffodil in sight, we’re making it spring!
Cindy says: Thanks for the pie recipe! Going to make this!love the pics ! Cindy”’
Nicole Christensen says: Thanks, Cindy! Enjoy! It’s my hubby’s favorite. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Hi Nicole,
Oh my word. Just thinking about all that snow and cold winter and the cold spring melt almost made me want to cry! 🙂 I love the seasons also, but I LOVE living where spring comes with a vengeance. Green grass, pink and white blooming dogwood trees, daffodils everywhere, tulips blooming. Okay, I’ll shut up now!
The cheesecake pie recipe sounds yummy!
– Dori, the Ranch Farmgirl –
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Dori, I wish I was visiting my mom in Georgia or my dad in Texas for Easter! This weather really is for the birds. It snowed again last night, and looks like it will be rain on Saturday and snow on Easter. Ick. I usually say “it’s been a long winter”, but this really is the longest we’ve ever seen. Yesterday the weatherman on tv started to do his report, and instead he said, “You don’t want to know!” and threw his shovel down into a pile of snow. Everyone’s trying to keep a sense of humor about it. What else can ya do? I am starting to worry a bit about my gardening and yard. We will have to see what will grow this summer. Send me some of that Tennessee sun, please! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Jan Sturgill says: I loved seeing the Easter pictures of you and your daughter. I was lucky to have the kind of mom that would encourage us to color eggs! She always did, even up in her eighties…Since I still have the occasional yard visit from my lovely friend the English Angora, I have had rabbits on the brain. I went to a class the other night, and what would be nibbling on the bushes around the building? A nice brown domestic rabbit! Must be a lot of ‘releasing’ of rabbits after Easter…Drat…
Thank you for the great pie recipe. Just what I envisioned for Easter dessert!
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Jan, I still can’t believe that beautiful Angora rabbit you saw. What a stunning picture! I hope you can catch him! Let me know how you like my pie recipe! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Beverly Battaglia says: Nicole, these are beautiful pictures of you and Audrey. The one of you when you were three with your Easter Basket is one of my favorites. I bought the little pinafore for you and your brother had to dress you because I was in the hospital with food poisoning!
The picture of you with the red rolling pin is good too and where did you get your big earrings? Hope spring comes to you soon! Love this blog.
Love you, Mother
Nicole Christensen says: Thanks, Mom. I love the look of pure joy on Audrey’s face when she first dyed Easter eggs. Glad you liked this post! Love, N
susana says: Lovely pictures…..kids are cute….I wish I could remember to force bulbs to bloom, but not sure when to start.love the flowers. Used yo do the egg coloring with my kids. Miss those simple days of Easter surprises…..went the bunny route one year and we ended up with…..rabbits galore! Won’t forget that year!we kept one after we got rid of most of them. Had to keep our thumps. Believe me the between into things….cards, drywall and kids toys.yes they have teeth! Did you know rabbits can be frightened and/due from it? Happen to a baby rabbit we had. Its a job to care for rabbits….kids get tired very quickly….I ended up caring for them, cleaning their pellet poops and/when it got too much for me, we found new homes for them. Never again! I think I’d rather raise a dog!
Happy/Easter, susana
Nicole Christensen says: I hear ya, Susana! I am the one who ends up taking care of our bun, and she prefers my daughter. I’ve been nipped a couple of times, but she loves Audrey and will fall asleep in her arms. She only growls at my husband! My dogs are much easier! But we still love our bun. She’s so cute. Happy Easter! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Hi Nicole!
What else CAN we do but FORCE spring in New England this year? Your post surely hit home with me. We are supposed to get warmer temps with rain this week and I’m praying its’ true. Most of our backyard ( and all of my raised beds) are still covered in snow. I NEED that soil to start warming up if I’m gonna have flowers to enjoy and sell this summer! Darling photos of you and your girl and your ‘ bun ‘ . I needed a dessert for our Easter gathering so I thank you for your cheesecake recipe. I’ve never made one, but this unseasonably cold spring is making me feel adventurous! Hugs and Happy Easter!
Deb, the Beach Farmgirl
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Deb!
I’ve been wondering about your area, too. My peas should already be in the ground, but I can’t even FIND the garden yet! I think Mother Nature may have forgotten us this year, don’t you? Enjoy the cheesecake, let me know how it turns out. Hang in there, farmsis…it’s got to warm up here sooner or later, right? Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Nicole,
Missed visiting you this Easter and spring break! Thanks for the great blog about your Easter and spring activities, I feel that I are keeping in touch with your daily life by reading your blog.
Loved the “blast from the past” Easter photographs! I must find my “vintage” photographs and frame them to keep those holiday memories alive. I never heard of the Bridgewater Chocolate company but will make plans to order some chocolate from this company in the near future!
Thanks for the great photograph of your cute bunny, Patches! She looks happy and
healthy!
Love the butterfly glassware! How exquisite and festive! I especially love the full apron that you are wearing! It looks great on you and I am glad that you can make good use of it!
Rose
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Rose! We missed your visit too, but when you do come the weather will be better than it was at Easter anyway. Can’t wait for you to meet Patches and Pip, too! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
In New England, we’ve been gripped by the longest winter EVER (at least that I can remember). I’m desperately wanting to get outside and say spring has officially arrived! I can’t wait to wake up the flower beds and start the veggie garden again. This season, the first thing I’ll do, once the ground thaws, is something that every gardener and farmer ought to do!
Judy says: Hi Nicole, Thanks for sharing those gorgeous pics with us. That’s going to be a lovely sweater. You’ll be ‘pretty in pink!’
Yesterday we had 60’s and sun all day and we were outside cleaning out the shed and really enjoying it….becaaaause….
by Friday winter is suppose to return to N.E. Ohio. weee….lol…here we go again.
I knew winter wasn’t through with us and that the sun and warm temp was just a tease and a glimpse of things to come, but I really don’t want to see any more snow. hahaha Wishful thinking! Today is high 30’s. BUT the sun has been blazing away. Surely can’t complain about that!
Happy St Patty’s day and just know that your snow will all be gone soon!
Good for you taking classes on something you love! Enjoy and…You Go Girl!
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Judy! Thanks so much. I hope to learn a lot of new things with gardening. Happy St. Patty’s to you, too. I remember some St. Patty’s where we were in full spring mode, and others with white out conditions. This one wasn’t too bad – thirties. Still snow and ice everywhere, of course. I learned that I shouldn’t expect spring completely until after St. Patty’s – seems like we always have a cold spell around that day, and like your area, last night the temp dropped again and March winds are fierce! Oh well, more time to knit that sweater! Thanks for “stopping by”! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Dori Troutman says: Hi Nicole! Good for you working towards being a Master Gardener. I’ve looked into it through our University, but haven’t had the courage to take the plunge! I’ll be anxious to hear more about it. Yes that pink will be the most divine color for spring! It makes me smile just looking at it! You’ll have to show us a picture when you finish.
We are in full spring mode here – finally. Daffodils in bloom, birds singing, sun shining, cows happily grazing on fresh green grass. Our excitement about spring arriving is always a little fearful too because that is when our tornado season arrives. It’s a little unsettling for us being here only 4 years and every year in April we’ve had tornadoes very close.
I hope your snow all melts and spring comes bursting through soon!
Hugs – Dori, the Ranch Farmgirl –
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Dori! Thank you…I am really enjoying the journey to be a Master Gardener. I’ll keep ya posted! I am working hard on my sweater, too…first warm day I am dressing up! (It’s short sleeves).
Just hearing about your lovely spring with your cows and sunshine and flowers makes me smile. I understand your concern about tornadoes. I guess it is true that no matter where you live, there is a drawback somewhere with the weather…too hot, too cold, tornadoes, hurricanes…we must all appreciate what we have. Can’t control the weather, right? Tornadoes are very frightening, though.
Enjoy your spring weather! Send some of it up our way! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
susana says: I can’t wait until spring gets here too. But I expect the best time fir me will be April 13….according to the muskrats, who came out of their holes March 13. As they don’t come up out of their holes to mate unless its going go be nice in 30 days, approximately.I love smelling the musk in the fresh Dean are, fir me that’s the first real sign ,that I will be in my garden soon.
As for testing the soil, I’m sure my soil has plenty of iron, as the previous owner used to bury old nails in it…found plenty of them while digging. But I always add magnesium, for green vegetables love it and grow profusely when I remember to put some, scattered about. And always add a but if fertilizer, want it or not. And I figure if I see a lot of worms, there’s enough goodness in the soil. And full of life. (Not/sure if I want to see my soil under a microscope.) And I always rotate my plants, be year a seed producing plot will become a flower plot the following year.or a strawberry plot.rotating is good because some plants will take the nutrients of e element whereas another pant will leave it behind. For my tomatoes plot of soil I always burn some newspaper, as tomatoes love a little ash in their space. But I sure wish I knew what those slimy snails
hated, as I would put more in the soil to discourage them from hanging around, and those green tomatoes bugs with the horn, saw one east year. Haven’t seen them n ears so I wonder hat I’m doing wrong that they came back after many years.
Yes, I’m ready for my garden. Anxious as anyone else whose tired of winter. Love to enjoy my space…every year I too learn something new.there’s always lessons go be learned from a garden. To get kids interested, I always gave them a jacket of seeds. Got a neighbor kid interested. Such I could get my whose tin interested in growing beautiful gardens. Makes you want to live outside all the time! I love it when I can touch the soil with my bare hands…..did you know people ho do, are healthier than those who don’t garden? I knew this woman whose mother lived to be 103, and the daughter felt it was due to her interesting in gardening. As she didnt like it, but she did grow these beautiful flowers. The daughter only lived to be 98! So working a garden has its blessings….hard work keeps you young! Go garden! Happy gardening!
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Sue! I love hearing about the muskrats! Thanks for sharing. Your garden sounds lovely. Don’t be afraid to get soil testing…it won’t scare you! What it will tell you is if you need something or not, and the pH of the soil. For instance, ash makes soil more acidic. Also, it is possible to get too much of a good thing, even fertilizer, so testing tells you the exact needs of the plants you’d be planting. I totally agree with you about gardening – keeps ya young! My grandmother was born on a farm, and I remember her happiest times were in her garden. I still can’t look at a rose and not think of her. Happy gardening, and happy spring, sweet farmsister! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Kristy says: I grew up in the New Haven area. In 1967, Easter was March 26, and I wore a straw hat, a spring coat, and my winter boots. The following week, my fiance was in Hawaii and sent me a lei. Mom took a picture of me, wearing a dress, no coat, the lei, standing in front of my Skylark convertible with the top down. The only snow was the stuff that had been plowed up on the sides of the roads.
Plowing seems to make the snow denser. Spring has sprung here in Indiana, and even the stuff on the sides of the roads is gone. The huge mountains of snow in the parking lots however, are still with us.
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Kristy,
Lucky you, that snow is almost gone there! I love the story you shared. I bet that is a treasured photo, and a great one at that. I grew up in Houston, Texas. Easter there, was of course, warm. Sundresses and sandals. Since I have lived in Connecticut, I find it goes either way. Warm sometimes, or the pendulum swings the other way -and we could get a blizzard. The trick is to be patient, of course, but I can’t wait to see something green! Thanks for commenting, Kristy! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Joan says: We didn’t get nearly the snow but our COLD happened and we have to be concerned into late April early May for night freezes – it has been known to freeze late May – so all our new gardening has to be put undercover and the perennials sometimes get nipped – we do feel your pain of not being able to get out there and ‘do dirt’. Congratulations on becoming a Master Gardener – real talent in those people. God bless.
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Joan! Thank you. It is not an easy task to become a Master Gardener, and I have a long road ahead, but I am enjoying it. Anything worth doing isn’t always easy, of course.
Nothing is worse than a spring freeze, especially after the gardens and flowers are planted. I feel your woe, and hope that your plants survive. Good luck!
As I hear the March wind blowing today, I am reminding myself that I will not complain about the heat this summer. Not one complaint, and my farmgirl sisters can hold me to it! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Bonnie ellis says: Oh, Nicole, I so know where you are at now. Minnesota usually has tons of snow and we have cabin fever. But we got hardly any snow and they are talking drout. We all need a happy medium. Congrats on your master gardener program. It is so worth it. Your sweater and its color left me drooling. Hang in there and think Jubilee
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Bonnie! I think we got all of your snow! Another two inches (not much, but I don’t want any now) is expected Friday. And it is so very cold still. I hear ya…think Jubilee! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
ulla christensen says: Hi Nicole.
I like to read your blog , and I always looking forward to see what you have written this time, and see your pictures.
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Mor! Tak! Hugs to all in Denmark! -Nicole
Vivian Monroe says: Nicole, I am praying for all of you people in the northeast to have Sping weather and lots and lots of sunshine soon. 🙂 Here in the piedmont area of NC we are experiencing some spring weather, of course we have a few cold days ahead but not bitter cold. Being from La. I appreciate the four seasons here. We get just enough of each season to not be overwhelmed. The next season pretty much starts the day the calendar says it should. 🙂 I also took a Master Gardener’s course at home at LSU Ag Center, it was so much fun and so full of exciting things to learn. We did the soil test as well, only we didnt have to send our off because it was there on the campus. 🙂 I was very surprised to learn how some people really do destroy their soil for many years because of just adding lime and things they it doesnt need. Sort of sad. 🙁 Well here is to wishing you lots of Spring blessings coming your way and that beautiful color will for sure make any day brighter. Be Blessed. Neta
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Vivian! Thank you for the wishes of warm weather. Today was sunny but cold, but bundled up it is still nice to walk outside. Tomorrow we have heard reports of two to six inches of snow! Blech!
Awesome that you did the Master Gardener’s class,too! Already, I look at the world and my surroundings differently. I also attended the NOFA (Northeast Organic Farmers Association) Winter Seminar at WestConn a few weeks ago. I took three courses there and spent the day looking at all the vendors offerings…if I can’t get outside and garden yet, I can at least learn about it (and dream)! Hopefully soon. I do enjoy the four seasons here, too, being from Texas originally, but this winter just won’t let go! Thanks for saying hi! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Beverly Battaglia says: I really enjoyed reading the information about the soil we plant our vegetables and flowers in. Never knew any of this! Your pictures are all so pretty. Love the tulips and last summer when I was there in July, I saw and tasted your garden vegetables and herbs. Beautiful and delicious. You fed me well! I am so proud of you becoming a Master Gardener soon, and your pink sweater is lovely and well made. Glad you are using the talents God blessed you with.
Love you,
Mother
Nicole Christensen says: WoW…thank you Mama! Love you, Nicole
Hello from snowy Higganum, CT! I’m so happy to have found your blog. I can’t wait to get my hands into the soil this year…if it ever stops snowing.
Good luck with your spring sweater – it’s such a lovely color!
Jennifer
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Fellow Frozen Farmgirl! I hear ya! I wonder with all this snow how long it will be before anyone can get outside! Thank you for the compliment – I love the color, too. Thanks for “stopping by’ the blog! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole PS Your soaps look lovely!
In New England, we’ve been gripped by the longest winter EVER (at least that I can remember). I’m desperately wanting to get outside and say spring has officially arrived! I can’t wait to wake up the flower beds and start the veggie garden again. This season, the first thing I’ll do, once the ground thaws, is something that every gardener and farmer ought to do!
Judy says: Hi Nicole, Thanks for sharing those gorgeous pics with us. That’s going to be a lovely sweater. You’ll be ‘pretty in pink!’
Yesterday we had 60’s and sun all day and we were outside cleaning out the shed and really enjoying it….becaaaause….
by Friday winter is suppose to return to N.E. Ohio. weee….lol…here we go again.
I knew winter wasn’t through with us and that the sun and warm temp was just a tease and a glimpse of things to come, but I really don’t want to see any more snow. hahaha Wishful thinking! Today is high 30’s. BUT the sun has been blazing away. Surely can’t complain about that!
Happy St Patty’s day and just know that your snow will all be gone soon!
Good for you taking classes on something you love! Enjoy and…You Go Girl!
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Judy! Thanks so much. I hope to learn a lot of new things with gardening. Happy St. Patty’s to you, too. I remember some St. Patty’s where we were in full spring mode, and others with white out conditions. This one wasn’t too bad – thirties. Still snow and ice everywhere, of course. I learned that I shouldn’t expect spring completely until after St. Patty’s – seems like we always have a cold spell around that day, and like your area, last night the temp dropped again and March winds are fierce! Oh well, more time to knit that sweater! Thanks for “stopping by”! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Dori Troutman says: Hi Nicole! Good for you working towards being a Master Gardener. I’ve looked into it through our University, but haven’t had the courage to take the plunge! I’ll be anxious to hear more about it. Yes that pink will be the most divine color for spring! It makes me smile just looking at it! You’ll have to show us a picture when you finish.
We are in full spring mode here – finally. Daffodils in bloom, birds singing, sun shining, cows happily grazing on fresh green grass. Our excitement about spring arriving is always a little fearful too because that is when our tornado season arrives. It’s a little unsettling for us being here only 4 years and every year in April we’ve had tornadoes very close.
I hope your snow all melts and spring comes bursting through soon!
Hugs – Dori, the Ranch Farmgirl –
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Dori! Thank you…I am really enjoying the journey to be a Master Gardener. I’ll keep ya posted! I am working hard on my sweater, too…first warm day I am dressing up! (It’s short sleeves).
Just hearing about your lovely spring with your cows and sunshine and flowers makes me smile. I understand your concern about tornadoes. I guess it is true that no matter where you live, there is a drawback somewhere with the weather…too hot, too cold, tornadoes, hurricanes…we must all appreciate what we have. Can’t control the weather, right? Tornadoes are very frightening, though.
Enjoy your spring weather! Send some of it up our way! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
susana says: I can’t wait until spring gets here too. But I expect the best time fir me will be April 13….according to the muskrats, who came out of their holes March 13. As they don’t come up out of their holes to mate unless its going go be nice in 30 days, approximately.I love smelling the musk in the fresh Dean are, fir me that’s the first real sign ,that I will be in my garden soon.
As for testing the soil, I’m sure my soil has plenty of iron, as the previous owner used to bury old nails in it…found plenty of them while digging. But I always add magnesium, for green vegetables love it and grow profusely when I remember to put some, scattered about. And always add a but if fertilizer, want it or not. And I figure if I see a lot of worms, there’s enough goodness in the soil. And full of life. (Not/sure if I want to see my soil under a microscope.) And I always rotate my plants, be year a seed producing plot will become a flower plot the following year.or a strawberry plot.rotating is good because some plants will take the nutrients of e element whereas another pant will leave it behind. For my tomatoes plot of soil I always burn some newspaper, as tomatoes love a little ash in their space. But I sure wish I knew what those slimy snails
hated, as I would put more in the soil to discourage them from hanging around, and those green tomatoes bugs with the horn, saw one east year. Haven’t seen them n ears so I wonder hat I’m doing wrong that they came back after many years.
Yes, I’m ready for my garden. Anxious as anyone else whose tired of winter. Love to enjoy my space…every year I too learn something new.there’s always lessons go be learned from a garden. To get kids interested, I always gave them a jacket of seeds. Got a neighbor kid interested. Such I could get my whose tin interested in growing beautiful gardens. Makes you want to live outside all the time! I love it when I can touch the soil with my bare hands…..did you know people ho do, are healthier than those who don’t garden? I knew this woman whose mother lived to be 103, and the daughter felt it was due to her interesting in gardening. As she didnt like it, but she did grow these beautiful flowers. The daughter only lived to be 98! So working a garden has its blessings….hard work keeps you young! Go garden! Happy gardening!
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Sue! I love hearing about the muskrats! Thanks for sharing. Your garden sounds lovely. Don’t be afraid to get soil testing…it won’t scare you! What it will tell you is if you need something or not, and the pH of the soil. For instance, ash makes soil more acidic. Also, it is possible to get too much of a good thing, even fertilizer, so testing tells you the exact needs of the plants you’d be planting. I totally agree with you about gardening – keeps ya young! My grandmother was born on a farm, and I remember her happiest times were in her garden. I still can’t look at a rose and not think of her. Happy gardening, and happy spring, sweet farmsister! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Kristy says: I grew up in the New Haven area. In 1967, Easter was March 26, and I wore a straw hat, a spring coat, and my winter boots. The following week, my fiance was in Hawaii and sent me a lei. Mom took a picture of me, wearing a dress, no coat, the lei, standing in front of my Skylark convertible with the top down. The only snow was the stuff that had been plowed up on the sides of the roads.
Plowing seems to make the snow denser. Spring has sprung here in Indiana, and even the stuff on the sides of the roads is gone. The huge mountains of snow in the parking lots however, are still with us.
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Kristy,
Lucky you, that snow is almost gone there! I love the story you shared. I bet that is a treasured photo, and a great one at that. I grew up in Houston, Texas. Easter there, was of course, warm. Sundresses and sandals. Since I have lived in Connecticut, I find it goes either way. Warm sometimes, or the pendulum swings the other way -and we could get a blizzard. The trick is to be patient, of course, but I can’t wait to see something green! Thanks for commenting, Kristy! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Joan says: We didn’t get nearly the snow but our COLD happened and we have to be concerned into late April early May for night freezes – it has been known to freeze late May – so all our new gardening has to be put undercover and the perennials sometimes get nipped – we do feel your pain of not being able to get out there and ‘do dirt’. Congratulations on becoming a Master Gardener – real talent in those people. God bless.
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Joan! Thank you. It is not an easy task to become a Master Gardener, and I have a long road ahead, but I am enjoying it. Anything worth doing isn’t always easy, of course.
Nothing is worse than a spring freeze, especially after the gardens and flowers are planted. I feel your woe, and hope that your plants survive. Good luck!
As I hear the March wind blowing today, I am reminding myself that I will not complain about the heat this summer. Not one complaint, and my farmgirl sisters can hold me to it! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Bonnie ellis says: Oh, Nicole, I so know where you are at now. Minnesota usually has tons of snow and we have cabin fever. But we got hardly any snow and they are talking drout. We all need a happy medium. Congrats on your master gardener program. It is so worth it. Your sweater and its color left me drooling. Hang in there and think Jubilee
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Bonnie! I think we got all of your snow! Another two inches (not much, but I don’t want any now) is expected Friday. And it is so very cold still. I hear ya…think Jubilee! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
ulla christensen says: Hi Nicole.
I like to read your blog , and I always looking forward to see what you have written this time, and see your pictures.
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Mor! Tak! Hugs to all in Denmark! -Nicole
Vivian Monroe says: Nicole, I am praying for all of you people in the northeast to have Sping weather and lots and lots of sunshine soon. 🙂 Here in the piedmont area of NC we are experiencing some spring weather, of course we have a few cold days ahead but not bitter cold. Being from La. I appreciate the four seasons here. We get just enough of each season to not be overwhelmed. The next season pretty much starts the day the calendar says it should. 🙂 I also took a Master Gardener’s course at home at LSU Ag Center, it was so much fun and so full of exciting things to learn. We did the soil test as well, only we didnt have to send our off because it was there on the campus. 🙂 I was very surprised to learn how some people really do destroy their soil for many years because of just adding lime and things they it doesnt need. Sort of sad. 🙁 Well here is to wishing you lots of Spring blessings coming your way and that beautiful color will for sure make any day brighter. Be Blessed. Neta
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Vivian! Thank you for the wishes of warm weather. Today was sunny but cold, but bundled up it is still nice to walk outside. Tomorrow we have heard reports of two to six inches of snow! Blech!
Awesome that you did the Master Gardener’s class,too! Already, I look at the world and my surroundings differently. I also attended the NOFA (Northeast Organic Farmers Association) Winter Seminar at WestConn a few weeks ago. I took three courses there and spent the day looking at all the vendors offerings…if I can’t get outside and garden yet, I can at least learn about it (and dream)! Hopefully soon. I do enjoy the four seasons here, too, being from Texas originally, but this winter just won’t let go! Thanks for saying hi! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Beverly Battaglia says: I really enjoyed reading the information about the soil we plant our vegetables and flowers in. Never knew any of this! Your pictures are all so pretty. Love the tulips and last summer when I was there in July, I saw and tasted your garden vegetables and herbs. Beautiful and delicious. You fed me well! I am so proud of you becoming a Master Gardener soon, and your pink sweater is lovely and well made. Glad you are using the talents God blessed you with.
Love you,
Mother
Nicole Christensen says: WoW…thank you Mama! Love you, Nicole
Hello from snowy Higganum, CT! I’m so happy to have found your blog. I can’t wait to get my hands into the soil this year…if it ever stops snowing.
Good luck with your spring sweater – it’s such a lovely color!
Jennifer
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Fellow Frozen Farmgirl! I hear ya! I wonder with all this snow how long it will be before anyone can get outside! Thank you for the compliment – I love the color, too. Thanks for “stopping by’ the blog! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole PS Your soaps look lovely!
Farmgirls re-purpose! I love finding new uses for vintage and antique items from the forties, fifties and early sixties, when things were meant to be aesthetically pleasing as well as made to last! My latest re-purposed “treasures” harken to an era when traveling by plane and train was a glamorous occasion!
Dori Troutman says: Nicole, First off I LOVE those vintage suitcases (you’re not surprised are you?!)! I have several that I use in my craft room to hold fabric! I love how they look stacked up. Using the train case for your knitting supplies is fabulous. I love that idea.
As for the Stewardesses. I just finished a book written by my mother’s childhood friend and later college room-mate, Argie Hoskins. She was an American Airlines Stewardess in 1957 until she married in 1960. (Back in those days when you couldn’t be married and be a Stewardess.) Anyway, her book is fabulous – it is all about her experiences as a Stewardess. She was on the Inaugural flight of the first 707 commercial jet flight and it is so interesting to read about. The name of the book is: More Than A Ticket, by Argie Ella Hoskins. I have read it twice I loved it so much.
So… once again, here we are on the same wave length, Nicole – Farmgirl minds think alike?! 🙂
Hugs – Dori, the Ranch Farmgirl –
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Dori, Using suitcases for fabric is another awesome idea! Love that.
Interesting sounding book. I will have to check it out. The airline that my friend’s mom Brenda worked for was United. All of the regulations and requirements are so unheard of today (unless maybe you are a Rockette, right?) Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Denise Ross says: Love the vintage thins from those eras and the stories that go with them.
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Denise! I do too! I remember you said you are from Australia. Have you ever heard of the Leopard Lounge Vintage Hair salon in New South Wales? I want to go there! Wish we had a salon that specializes in vintage hair! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Beverly Battaglia says: Very interesting blog, Nicole. Nice story about Andrea’s mom and life in the early days of being a stewardess. It was more fun to fly or ride a train to my grandmother’s farm in the forties. I remember dressing in a suit and high heels to fly in the 60’s and even 80’s!
When I was younger I had a train case too but I do not remember what I did with it. Also a Neiman Marcus makeup travel bag with their white and beige designs on it.
Enjoyed reading this very much. Love you
Mother
Nicole Christensen says: Thanks, Mom! Do you know I still can not bring myself to wear denim when traveling? I’ll do casual, but not denim! Love, Nicole
Marci D says: Awesome ideas. I have a blue circle vintage case that was my mom’s that I am using right now in my daughter’s room as a wardrobe for all her doll clothes. I would like to find another and mod podge it with my old paper dolls.
Nicole Christensen says: Marci, I love both of those ideas! I wish I still had my old paper dolls…I spent hours playing with them as a child.Thanks for sharing today. 🙂 Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Karen(old cowgirl) Montoya says: Hi Nicole,
One of my favorite memories is receiving American Tourister luggage set for my High school graduation. Mine were blue also. I loved that set. I found out it was made in Seattle Washington which I had a Grandmother and two Aunts that lived there. I have lived in Oregon most of my life. We went to Seattle in the summer most of my growing up years. When I found out they were made there I called them and told them how much I loved them. They sent me some special tags that only there workers got. Through the years they got lost and so when my husband asked me what I wanted for our first anniversary, I told him some American Tourister luggage. Well, he bought me a beautiful maroon colored set. I still have the small plane case and the “make up case” that you have. We used to put our makeup and all the other products that would spill in it. Along with our hair things. We were aloud to carry that one with us and put it on the floor. When I was out of school I wrote to United to become a Stewardess. I was 5′ 8″ tall and weighed 120 lbs. I never heard from them until one night a phone was for me and it was one of the ladies from United. They wanted me to go with her, take the schooling ( which was 3 months) and become one of there attendance’s. It would cost $300.00, which at the time was a lot of money and no one in my family had it so I had to decline. I have never forgotten it. I would have loved it.
Hugs Farm/Ranch girl style
Kay
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Karen!
What great stories you have! Thank you for sharing another with me here. Funny, my hubby bought me some luggage when we first got married too. I still have my train case but it is small and not as cool as the more retro ones (it’s from 1992). You must have been so disappointed to decline the offer from United, but thing always happen for a reason, I believe. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Love the cases! I have a few myself, one of which is from the set my parents bought me for my high school graduation, a very long time ago. I use one traincase that I embellished with a lot of lace for my personal toiletries when traveling. Another case I embellished with “farmgirl” fabric prints is my project case, with papercrafting, embroidery projects, etc. in it. The others all store and get used for glamping trips.
You talk about dressing up to fly. I did dress up in a suit to fly from my college to my sister’s one time back in the last 60s. Yes, I believed that was the thing to do in those days. I really prefer comfortable clothes for flying, especially for long flights. You need to be able to relax, sleep, etc.
CJ
Nicole Christensen says: Hi CJ! I remember your amazing cases you did up! So cool. I still think I may do something like that to my black case from the 90’s. If you still have the link to the page where you decorated your cases, please post it here. I’m sure everyone would love to take a peek. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I just bought a red hard cover American Tourister at the Flea Market :). I worked for TWA before they closed, and we would hear great stories. Our oldest international stewardess who flew into Frankfurt was 88!!! 😉 Great piece, love the pictures!
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Heike, Awesome story. What a neat lady that stewardess must have been! Glad you enjoyed the post. Thank you! Enjoy your case – do you plan to do something specific with it? Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Meredith Williams says: I remember as a little girl, my mother dressing up my little sister and I whenever our family flew anywhere! And I remember the first flight I took by myself after college, not dressing up and feeling strange about it. Times sure have changed!
I still have my grandmothers train case as well as my own. I will have to dig them out and give them a job! Thanks for the ideas Nicole!
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Meredith, Glad that you enjoyed the post. Thank you. How special that you have your train case, and your grandmother’s! I love sentimental items, too. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Brenda Towsley says: What a lot of great info you have provided with your post. I love your train case. I also have one I have re-purposed to carry hand stitching with me. Although mine is not as nice and the insides had to be re-done. The outside is more of a fake alligator paper look. I may one day recover with mod podge.
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Brenda, I just saw one recently on the “Glampers on the Loose” Facebook thread all done up so pretty! That’s the fun thing…some look great “as is” while others are fun to change up. Glad you “stopped by”! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Vivian Monroe says: Hey Nicole, How great your timing on this article. I myself have fell in love with these train cases, and I just recently purchased from an estate sale, 3 train cases and one med size case. The med size samsonite is almost in perfect condition inside and out. I am actually going to use the train cases to turn into sewing/knitting/crochet cases to sell. I have seen so many great ideas on pinterest. Can’t wait to get started on this fun project, but also will be keeping one for myself. 🙂 Be Blessed. Neta
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Vivian, Lucky you! Sounds like you found a treasure trove! They are all just so versatile. I am now on the hunt for a red/burgundy train case myself. Thanks for “stopping by” the blog! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Marge Hofknecht says: I thoroughly enjoyed reading the information regarding flight attendants. I never aspired to become one but I did know of some girls in high school who had attaining that profession as their goal. Many of my high school friends had applied to the telephone company to be telephone operators. Good job, Good pay. I was a little girl in the Fifties and when I see something from that time period in a thrift store or in images online, it takes me back to those little girl days. That period was the last of what I consider the “elegant years” where besides dressing up to fly, you dressed up to go shopping in the big department stores in downtown Philadelphia and elsewhere. Men were well-mannered gentlemen and held doors for ladies who were respectful and considerate as well. The age we live in today is far too casual, I think. I hate to admit it but I remember my parents buying some of that “vintage” luggage in brand new condition when I was preparing for my first flight to Jamaica with my friend, Denise — the year? 1971.
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Marge, I am so glad you enjoyed the post. I always loved seeing the flight attendants dressed up so chic, but like you, I did not aspire to do that. I’m a “white knuckle flier” who is easily affected with motion sickness! Thanks for commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
susana says: Neat idea fir suitcases. I fir a few neat overs when I was in Europe and they/are just sitting in my attic….ya gave me and I think I will put my yarn in one.
Like the scarf touch for the bathroom. I have one that size. It would be a great cache place for my ladies toiletries. Probably look better than plastic containers in the bathroom. Thanks for those ideas.
Love the story about the airlines…. wanted go be a stewardess at one time as I had a friend that became one. Neat story! Thanks for sharing. I think a neat idea fr a gardener would to plant some posies in one….susana
Nicole Christensen says: Susana, I LOVE that idea, especially for a case that is missing the tray! Adorable. Thanks for sharing. Enjoy! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Jill says: Nicole,
Oh I love your vintage suitcases! Not long ago, I was lucky enough to find 4 matching ecru ones. The insides are a beautiful satin fabric, with gathered pockets along the sides and a separate compartment for hanging clothes. I use 2 of them for matching night tables in my bedroom – i just stood them on their ends. They are the perfect height! The other two have been holding out of season clothes and shoes in my closet, but now you have given me some other ideas for them!! Thanks so much!
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Jill, oh your cases sound divine! Thanks for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Jennifer says: That’s fascinating about how the airlines used to be run. I think I have my grandmother’s train case in the hall closet . . .
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Jennifer…get that train case outta the closet, you lucky girl! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Argie Ella Hoskins says: Nicole, Thanks for your interest in that which is near to my heart. My vintage suitcases are at the moment holding my Christmas decoration and will continue to do so until I make my journey to the real Christmas. Nicole, you will see one of my suitcase in my Inaugural Flight picture. Are we friends on facebook? I will look for you. Thanks, again, Argie
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Argie, thanks for reading and commenting! I love that you are using your vintage suitcases for Christmas decor! I have a red train case that I open up and put old Christmas photos in…now it will hold vintage Valentine’s. Aren’t the vintage suitcases and train cases so useful? I love them. I would love for you to connect via Facebook. I do have a ‘Suburban Farmgirl blogger’ facebook page. Thank you for reaching out! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I am touched by your precious memories. I found some modern days makeup train case review . What do you think of them?
Nicole Christensen says: Very nice, all of them! 🙂 Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
In my area, right now we are literally up to our eyeballs in snow! After a relatively mild winter until recently, we’ve had some major snowfalls since late January and haven’t gotten a break or a thaw since. This is when spring fever starts to gnaw at us. Seed catalogs are arriving, yet it feels like we’ll never see dry ground again. With so many layers of snow and ice piled everywhere, it’s easy to get cabin fever. We occasionally question why we reside where it so closely resembles the North Pole. This is when I remind myself there’s just a few more weeks of winter left, focusing on how awesome Connecticut is most of the year, beautiful and with so many great places to visit. Last year, while it was still warm, we headed to one of my family’s favorite destinations…Mystic Seaport!
Dori Troutman says: Nicole, I’ve never lived where there was much in the way of snow. I honestly cannot imagine the stir crazy, spring fever feeling you would get. We are iced in here in Tennessee this week and the icy white trees are just gorgeous from our hilltop; but after only two days I’m looking forward to some melting sunshine! Loved your post and loved the tour of Mystic that you gave us! It is my dream to visit the New England states… I’m thinking a trip to visit you in Connecticut and the Beach Farmgirl in Massachussetts is a must! Maybe someday. Hugs – Dori, the Ranch Farmgirl –
Nicole Christensen says: Dori, the first time I saw a big snow, over twenty years ago as a young bride, I phoned and woke my Daddy up at 4 AM I was so excited. By the end of the week, I was ready to go back to Texas. No really, it is not a big thing except when it gets like it has been lately. The ice on top of the snow, and repeated giant snowstorms with no break or thaw in between, does get a bit much. I can drive in snow but ice is dicey. Toward the end of the winter, like it is now, everything is so salt covered and there’s no where to really walk outside. Even the dogs get cabin fever, but it is all the more reason why we rejoice in spring. By the end of the summer, we are praying for a cool break, and I can’t imagine Christmases with no snow or cozy cold weather. It’s all good. I am done with the below zero temps, though. How do our mid-west farmsisters do it? As for you visiting New England…come on up! My guest room is ready! How much fun would that be? Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Diane Van Horn says: Love Mystic! I was there many moons ago and your pictures brought back wonderful memories. Thank you!
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Diane, I am so glad. Thank you. Hope you can visit it again sometime, they are always adding new things. (Let me know if you are in this area sometime)! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Karin Weaver says: These pictures really helped to warm me up. Jut got in from feeding the horses and other animals and it is below zero out there. It has been a relatively mild winter here also but old man winter saved the best for last. Snow and bitter cold. I have been doing a lot of quilting in between feeding times and have a bad case of “cabin fever”. Thank you so much for the pictures and I am going to add this destination to my bucket list….
Nicole Christensen says: I hear ya. Outdoor chores are unpleasant when it gets so cold. It was below zero here several times this week and again today. It doesn’t seem so bad when the wind isn’t blowing but when it starts whipping up – ouch! Like you, I have been doing a lot of crafting indoors, one aspect I adore about winter. Stay warm! Think spring! Hope you visit Mystic sometime, it is truly lovely. Thanks for “stopping by today!” Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Barb Delaney says: Thank you Nicole. Another great article about your adventures. Your articles suck me right in. Hmm I wonder where you will go next?
Nicole Christensen says: Hmmm…keep reading…Glad you enjoyed the post, Barb. Thanks so much! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Adrienne says: Well, Nicole, we here in California would happily take most of your snow and use it to help relieve our drought conditions. A recent ski competition was cancelled because of the lack of snow. However, you do have Mystic Seaport to enjoy and we had a great time hosting your chantey singers at our monthly sea chantey singing event in San Francisco at the Maritime Historical Park. It’s part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the most visited national park last year. Remember to think like the ants do: think winter all summer while you prepare; think summer all winter while you reap the harvest of your preparation. I hope your daughter feels much better very soon!
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Adrienne, I love that…”think like ants”! So true, (very much so with firewood)! Now California is somewhere I want to go (so does my daughter). I have a cousin there, but I have never gotten that far west yet. (Arizona is the farthest state that direction I have been to).As for the snow, DH and I were thinking that very thing yesterday…wish they could bottle some up and send it to drought-ridden areas! We have plenty of snow to give away! 😉 Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
We’re right there with ya sister! Piles and piles of snow with no end in sight! Loved the get away to Mystic Seaport… We’ve not yet visited but it’s on our list! I think we are less than 2 hours from it! Thanks you for sharing your family visit with us! It helped me forget about the snow ( for a minute or two anyway ) … Stay warm!
Deb ( Beach Farmgirl )
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Deb! Darlin’ I was wondering how you are all doing up there! I heard that Massachusetts is more buried than we are! By the way, your area and Plymouth are somewhere I want to visit too! I haven’t made it past Boston yet. Maybe soon. After the thaw…will that ever happen? Think how great that first warm, sunny day will feel! Just a few more weeks, right? Stay warm! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
CR LAGROUE says: Just read your blog on Mystic. Every time I go out on my patio I see this hideous bird statue and it reminds me of our trip there. As you recall we went to multiple shops there in an attempt to find a statue like the one you had in your living room. All we found was this super ugly bird statue which we found repulsive. Later I called a Mystic shop and they said they had the statue we were looking for. Upon arrival in the mail, I received that totally ugly statue we had rejected. It always reminds me of our frantic shopping trip to Mystic.
Nicole Christensen says: Back story here: my brother loved this little sea bird statue I have that I got in Mystic. We went everywhere there – all over the museum shops, and every gift store within miles. When he returned home, he called to see if he could get one…maybe more were coming in. They said yes. We were all so excited but what arrived was a wooden, primitive bird on a stick. Not very pretty at all. Actually, so ugly it is funny. Funny thing is…he still has that bird. And in the end, we found him the statue he wanted. 😉
Russell, that was fun though… Nicole
Thanks for the “trip”! Looks like a place I’d love to visit. I know you’re buried in snow and are tired of it . . . we’re still waiting for snow. We are afraid we’re looking at another year of severe drought!
Hang in there!
CJ
Nicole Christensen says: CJ, Hi sweetie. I did not realize you all did not get any snow this year! Has it been cold there, or very mild? I wish we could send you some of our snow. We have extra… Big farmgirl hugs, Nicole
Torben Bagh says: Hurra Nicole!
For din flotte artikel og at du nævne den store indsats der blev gjort under 2. verdenskrig for de danske jøder, ved at der i alle havne med fiskerbåde i Danmark, satte fiskere deres liv på spil for a redde de stakkes Jøder og bringe dem i sikkerhed i Sverige Gerda var den mest aktive !!
Fordi Sverige var Neutralt land. Flot at du huskede det.
Knus fra Danmark
Torben
Meredith Williams says: Hi Nicole! I love Mystic Seaport! It has been 13 years since we visited ( my pictures show my daughter at about three years old(!). Such great memories you have brought back for me…. Thank you!
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Meredith! Glad you enjoyed this post! Thanks so much! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Cindy Cope says: I pass Mystic everytime I am on the Amtrak train to go visit my daughter in the Boston area from NJ. Maybe sometime I will plan to stop there and take a walk around. Liked your pictures. I am there in Salem now, and I cant believe the amount of snow there is up here!
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Cindy, Mystic is definitely worth stopping for! I hear ya about the snow…it is like we got it all it once. The last photo on the blog was just a few days ago, not it is piled even higher. Spring can’t get here fast enough! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Bonnie Ellis says: Nicole: I’m really sorry you guys are getting dumped on for snow. We normally have lots of snow here in Minnesota, but we’re having artic temps (below zero) instead. We are 14″ below snow normal. You should hear the complaints. We are a winter sport mecca and the skiers, snowmobilers are really disappointed. We got your snow last year. Its hard to know what to do with it all. Mystic Seaport is a wonderful get away. Wonderful pictures and its fun to see your daughter grow up.
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Bonnie,
You are so sweet! I am so thankful for my farmsisters! Right now we have your sub zero temps, too. My dogs are congregated by the wood stove. I hope to someday visit Minnesota. I have never been that direction yet! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Diane Loehr says: Hi Nicole –
OMG I have such cabin fever it is not even funny. Worrying all the time how much more snow we are getting and how my roof will hold up! They are saying now on Sunday that we will have rain and we don’t need that at all. I hope to go to Mystic soon with my daughter. It looks like a great place to go and as I live in Wappingers Falls, NY it is not a far trip to take. Thanks for all the summer photos. It warmed me up on such a very cold day! 🙂
Diane
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Diane! I hear you. We are supposed to get that same rain this weekend (ie: ice). Having all this weight on our roofs is a concern when it gets like this. Hopefully we will all dry out!
I know exactly where Wappinger Falls is! Not far from my area, either. Hopefully we all get spring soon! I am so happy you liked this post, thanks for the comment! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Beverly Battaglia says: I loved the time you took me to Mystic Harbor before Audrey was born, I think in 1998. I loved it and the blueberry ice cream they sold from a horse drawn cart was so memorable! I remember going on the old ship but I do not remember which one it was. I am five two and had to bend over to walk and the beds were terribly small! I still have a couple of items I bought there, one a red Christmas ornament and a jigger that says Mystic on it. Atlanta is 0 degrees today. We are breaking records everyday here. No snow yet.
Love you
Mother
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Mom! Wasn’t that trip to Mystic so happy and fun! Miss you! Stay warm. Love you, Nicole
I live along the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in northern Colorado. We get some snow! The east coast has gotten hit hard this year, harder than us. But here, we rarely stay inside, even in terrible weather. There is so much to do outside, and the snow here is dry and powdery and the sun is always shining so it doesn’t feel cold. And we never get ice. Much different than my Midwestern upbringing! But I, too, dream about the fun things we get to do when the weather is nice. Thinking of those helps get through those long, dark days of mid-winter. Our big snows are yet to come – our biggest snows come in March and April. We’re kicking it off right with a big snowfall this weekend – could be a foot or up to two feet!
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Susabelle!
I don’t mind the snow so much, either, when it is like you describe. But now it is frozen hard, like a rock, with ice everywhere. Mountains of dirty, salt covered snow are everywhere you go. It’s another record breaking low today! I am so ready for spring! I can’t wait to get outside. I walk my dogs everyday as long as it is over 25 degrees. Can’t remember when that was… think warm thoughts! Stay cozy! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Great trip to Mystic, thank you for sharing. We were there about 10 years ago, would love to go again. Your photos remind me how interesting that little town is. I have a photo I took of that light house in my kitchen, and one of one of the ships – don’t recall which.
Snow is coming down here right now, I’m with you have cabin fever and I am over it. Great post.
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Kim, Isn’t Mystic a wonderful little town? There are so many neat towns here to visit. It makes these long winters so worth it. Spring has to be here soon! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
susana says: I saw that movie, Mystic Pizza, and loved it. Never Knew there was an actual place. Love the photos. I love these mini trips too. I’m sorry I never got to travel thru Conneticut, beautiful state from your photos. The photos are just great! Thanks for sharing.susana
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Susana, Wasn’t that movie cute? I miss the movies from the 80’s and 90’s. Mystic Pizza was a pizza shop before the movie. We stop there for dinner on the way home from time to time…it’s a fun place with movie memorabilia all throughout and the movie playing on televisions. Thanks for commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Denise Ross says: I love your photos Nicole, the history is fascinating. I’ve never lived in a place where it’s snowed as much as where you are, but I’m sure I’d be feeling a little over it by now.
I hope your daughter is feeling better very soon. Stay well, and I’m sure is not far away for you. I’m actually over our summer now and am looking forward to the cooler weather of autumn.
Hugs forms Australia
Denise
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Denise! Thank you so very much! I am so glad you enjoy my posts. I have to admit, we are all getting a bit worn out from all this snow. Two weeks after this post ran, as I answer your comment, it is snowing. We are expecting four inches tonight. Nine more later in the week. Since we can’t control the weather, I am taking the extra indoor-time and working on some new knitting projects! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole PS I’ve never been to Australia, but it is a place I’d love to visit (and my daughter does too, after she did a geography project on Australia).
Mary Ellen Interlandi says: Hi Nicole, I just came across the farmgirl/MaryJanesFarm bloggers site. I’m not familiar with how any of this works but I was certainly excited to see someone from Ct. I live by the shoreline in Ct. but lived in Northwestern Ct. and grew up on a dairy farm in central Ct. Does anyone ever get together or plan road trips? I would love to connect with like minded souls. I will google more about MaryJanesFarm to learn more, but if you can clue me in, I’d appreciate it. Thank you, Mary Ellen
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Mary Ellen! Welcome to the world of MaryJanesFarm! I am so glad you took the time to write. Hope you come back to visit the blog, and I will message you privately. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
In my area, right now we are literally up to our eyeballs in snow! After a relatively mild winter until recently, we’ve had some major snowfalls since late January and haven’t gotten a break or a thaw since. This is when spring fever starts to gnaw at us. Seed catalogs are arriving, yet it feels like we’ll never see dry ground again. With so many layers of snow and ice piled everywhere, it’s easy to get cabin fever. We occasionally question why we reside where it so closely resembles the North Pole. This is when I remind myself there’s just a few more weeks of winter left, focusing on how awesome Connecticut is most of the year, beautiful and with so many great places to visit. Last year, while it was still warm, we headed to one of my family’s favorite destinations…Mystic Seaport!
Dori Troutman says: Nicole, I’ve never lived where there was much in the way of snow. I honestly cannot imagine the stir crazy, spring fever feeling you would get. We are iced in here in Tennessee this week and the icy white trees are just gorgeous from our hilltop; but after only two days I’m looking forward to some melting sunshine! Loved your post and loved the tour of Mystic that you gave us! It is my dream to visit the New England states… I’m thinking a trip to visit you in Connecticut and the Beach Farmgirl in Massachussetts is a must! Maybe someday. Hugs – Dori, the Ranch Farmgirl –
Nicole Christensen says: Dori, the first time I saw a big snow, over twenty years ago as a young bride, I phoned and woke my Daddy up at 4 AM I was so excited. By the end of the week, I was ready to go back to Texas. No really, it is not a big thing except when it gets like it has been lately. The ice on top of the snow, and repeated giant snowstorms with no break or thaw in between, does get a bit much. I can drive in snow but ice is dicey. Toward the end of the winter, like it is now, everything is so salt covered and there’s no where to really walk outside. Even the dogs get cabin fever, but it is all the more reason why we rejoice in spring. By the end of the summer, we are praying for a cool break, and I can’t imagine Christmases with no snow or cozy cold weather. It’s all good. I am done with the below zero temps, though. How do our mid-west farmsisters do it? As for you visiting New England…come on up! My guest room is ready! How much fun would that be? Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Diane Van Horn says: Love Mystic! I was there many moons ago and your pictures brought back wonderful memories. Thank you!
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Diane, I am so glad. Thank you. Hope you can visit it again sometime, they are always adding new things. (Let me know if you are in this area sometime)! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Karin Weaver says: These pictures really helped to warm me up. Jut got in from feeding the horses and other animals and it is below zero out there. It has been a relatively mild winter here also but old man winter saved the best for last. Snow and bitter cold. I have been doing a lot of quilting in between feeding times and have a bad case of “cabin fever”. Thank you so much for the pictures and I am going to add this destination to my bucket list….
Nicole Christensen says: I hear ya. Outdoor chores are unpleasant when it gets so cold. It was below zero here several times this week and again today. It doesn’t seem so bad when the wind isn’t blowing but when it starts whipping up – ouch! Like you, I have been doing a lot of crafting indoors, one aspect I adore about winter. Stay warm! Think spring! Hope you visit Mystic sometime, it is truly lovely. Thanks for “stopping by today!” Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Barb Delaney says: Thank you Nicole. Another great article about your adventures. Your articles suck me right in. Hmm I wonder where you will go next?
Nicole Christensen says: Hmmm…keep reading…Glad you enjoyed the post, Barb. Thanks so much! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Adrienne says: Well, Nicole, we here in California would happily take most of your snow and use it to help relieve our drought conditions. A recent ski competition was cancelled because of the lack of snow. However, you do have Mystic Seaport to enjoy and we had a great time hosting your chantey singers at our monthly sea chantey singing event in San Francisco at the Maritime Historical Park. It’s part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the most visited national park last year. Remember to think like the ants do: think winter all summer while you prepare; think summer all winter while you reap the harvest of your preparation. I hope your daughter feels much better very soon!
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Adrienne, I love that…”think like ants”! So true, (very much so with firewood)! Now California is somewhere I want to go (so does my daughter). I have a cousin there, but I have never gotten that far west yet. (Arizona is the farthest state that direction I have been to).As for the snow, DH and I were thinking that very thing yesterday…wish they could bottle some up and send it to drought-ridden areas! We have plenty of snow to give away! 😉 Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
We’re right there with ya sister! Piles and piles of snow with no end in sight! Loved the get away to Mystic Seaport… We’ve not yet visited but it’s on our list! I think we are less than 2 hours from it! Thanks you for sharing your family visit with us! It helped me forget about the snow ( for a minute or two anyway ) … Stay warm!
Deb ( Beach Farmgirl )
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Deb! Darlin’ I was wondering how you are all doing up there! I heard that Massachusetts is more buried than we are! By the way, your area and Plymouth are somewhere I want to visit too! I haven’t made it past Boston yet. Maybe soon. After the thaw…will that ever happen? Think how great that first warm, sunny day will feel! Just a few more weeks, right? Stay warm! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
CR LAGROUE says: Just read your blog on Mystic. Every time I go out on my patio I see this hideous bird statue and it reminds me of our trip there. As you recall we went to multiple shops there in an attempt to find a statue like the one you had in your living room. All we found was this super ugly bird statue which we found repulsive. Later I called a Mystic shop and they said they had the statue we were looking for. Upon arrival in the mail, I received that totally ugly statue we had rejected. It always reminds me of our frantic shopping trip to Mystic.
Nicole Christensen says: Back story here: my brother loved this little sea bird statue I have that I got in Mystic. We went everywhere there – all over the museum shops, and every gift store within miles. When he returned home, he called to see if he could get one…maybe more were coming in. They said yes. We were all so excited but what arrived was a wooden, primitive bird on a stick. Not very pretty at all. Actually, so ugly it is funny. Funny thing is…he still has that bird. And in the end, we found him the statue he wanted. 😉
Russell, that was fun though… Nicole
Thanks for the “trip”! Looks like a place I’d love to visit. I know you’re buried in snow and are tired of it . . . we’re still waiting for snow. We are afraid we’re looking at another year of severe drought!
Hang in there!
CJ
Nicole Christensen says: CJ, Hi sweetie. I did not realize you all did not get any snow this year! Has it been cold there, or very mild? I wish we could send you some of our snow. We have extra… Big farmgirl hugs, Nicole
Torben Bagh says: Hurra Nicole!
For din flotte artikel og at du nævne den store indsats der blev gjort under 2. verdenskrig for de danske jøder, ved at der i alle havne med fiskerbåde i Danmark, satte fiskere deres liv på spil for a redde de stakkes Jøder og bringe dem i sikkerhed i Sverige Gerda var den mest aktive !!
Fordi Sverige var Neutralt land. Flot at du huskede det.
Knus fra Danmark
Torben
Meredith Williams says: Hi Nicole! I love Mystic Seaport! It has been 13 years since we visited ( my pictures show my daughter at about three years old(!). Such great memories you have brought back for me…. Thank you!
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Meredith! Glad you enjoyed this post! Thanks so much! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Cindy Cope says: I pass Mystic everytime I am on the Amtrak train to go visit my daughter in the Boston area from NJ. Maybe sometime I will plan to stop there and take a walk around. Liked your pictures. I am there in Salem now, and I cant believe the amount of snow there is up here!
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Cindy, Mystic is definitely worth stopping for! I hear ya about the snow…it is like we got it all it once. The last photo on the blog was just a few days ago, not it is piled even higher. Spring can’t get here fast enough! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Bonnie Ellis says: Nicole: I’m really sorry you guys are getting dumped on for snow. We normally have lots of snow here in Minnesota, but we’re having artic temps (below zero) instead. We are 14″ below snow normal. You should hear the complaints. We are a winter sport mecca and the skiers, snowmobilers are really disappointed. We got your snow last year. Its hard to know what to do with it all. Mystic Seaport is a wonderful get away. Wonderful pictures and its fun to see your daughter grow up.
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Bonnie,
You are so sweet! I am so thankful for my farmsisters! Right now we have your sub zero temps, too. My dogs are congregated by the wood stove. I hope to someday visit Minnesota. I have never been that direction yet! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Diane Loehr says: Hi Nicole –
OMG I have such cabin fever it is not even funny. Worrying all the time how much more snow we are getting and how my roof will hold up! They are saying now on Sunday that we will have rain and we don’t need that at all. I hope to go to Mystic soon with my daughter. It looks like a great place to go and as I live in Wappingers Falls, NY it is not a far trip to take. Thanks for all the summer photos. It warmed me up on such a very cold day! 🙂
Diane
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Diane! I hear you. We are supposed to get that same rain this weekend (ie: ice). Having all this weight on our roofs is a concern when it gets like this. Hopefully we will all dry out!
I know exactly where Wappinger Falls is! Not far from my area, either. Hopefully we all get spring soon! I am so happy you liked this post, thanks for the comment! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Beverly Battaglia says: I loved the time you took me to Mystic Harbor before Audrey was born, I think in 1998. I loved it and the blueberry ice cream they sold from a horse drawn cart was so memorable! I remember going on the old ship but I do not remember which one it was. I am five two and had to bend over to walk and the beds were terribly small! I still have a couple of items I bought there, one a red Christmas ornament and a jigger that says Mystic on it. Atlanta is 0 degrees today. We are breaking records everyday here. No snow yet.
Love you
Mother
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Mom! Wasn’t that trip to Mystic so happy and fun! Miss you! Stay warm. Love you, Nicole
I live along the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in northern Colorado. We get some snow! The east coast has gotten hit hard this year, harder than us. But here, we rarely stay inside, even in terrible weather. There is so much to do outside, and the snow here is dry and powdery and the sun is always shining so it doesn’t feel cold. And we never get ice. Much different than my Midwestern upbringing! But I, too, dream about the fun things we get to do when the weather is nice. Thinking of those helps get through those long, dark days of mid-winter. Our big snows are yet to come – our biggest snows come in March and April. We’re kicking it off right with a big snowfall this weekend – could be a foot or up to two feet!
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Susabelle!
I don’t mind the snow so much, either, when it is like you describe. But now it is frozen hard, like a rock, with ice everywhere. Mountains of dirty, salt covered snow are everywhere you go. It’s another record breaking low today! I am so ready for spring! I can’t wait to get outside. I walk my dogs everyday as long as it is over 25 degrees. Can’t remember when that was… think warm thoughts! Stay cozy! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Great trip to Mystic, thank you for sharing. We were there about 10 years ago, would love to go again. Your photos remind me how interesting that little town is. I have a photo I took of that light house in my kitchen, and one of one of the ships – don’t recall which.
Snow is coming down here right now, I’m with you have cabin fever and I am over it. Great post.
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Kim, Isn’t Mystic a wonderful little town? There are so many neat towns here to visit. It makes these long winters so worth it. Spring has to be here soon! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
susana says: I saw that movie, Mystic Pizza, and loved it. Never Knew there was an actual place. Love the photos. I love these mini trips too. I’m sorry I never got to travel thru Conneticut, beautiful state from your photos. The photos are just great! Thanks for sharing.susana
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Susana, Wasn’t that movie cute? I miss the movies from the 80’s and 90’s. Mystic Pizza was a pizza shop before the movie. We stop there for dinner on the way home from time to time…it’s a fun place with movie memorabilia all throughout and the movie playing on televisions. Thanks for commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Denise Ross says: I love your photos Nicole, the history is fascinating. I’ve never lived in a place where it’s snowed as much as where you are, but I’m sure I’d be feeling a little over it by now.
I hope your daughter is feeling better very soon. Stay well, and I’m sure is not far away for you. I’m actually over our summer now and am looking forward to the cooler weather of autumn.
Hugs forms Australia
Denise
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Denise! Thank you so very much! I am so glad you enjoy my posts. I have to admit, we are all getting a bit worn out from all this snow. Two weeks after this post ran, as I answer your comment, it is snowing. We are expecting four inches tonight. Nine more later in the week. Since we can’t control the weather, I am taking the extra indoor-time and working on some new knitting projects! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole PS I’ve never been to Australia, but it is a place I’d love to visit (and my daughter does too, after she did a geography project on Australia).
Mary Ellen Interlandi says: Hi Nicole, I just came across the farmgirl/MaryJanesFarm bloggers site. I’m not familiar with how any of this works but I was certainly excited to see someone from Ct. I live by the shoreline in Ct. but lived in Northwestern Ct. and grew up on a dairy farm in central Ct. Does anyone ever get together or plan road trips? I would love to connect with like minded souls. I will google more about MaryJanesFarm to learn more, but if you can clue me in, I’d appreciate it. Thank you, Mary Ellen
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Mary Ellen! Welcome to the world of MaryJanesFarm! I am so glad you took the time to write. Hope you come back to visit the blog, and I will message you privately. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
To teach is a gift, but to also inspire is extraordinary. I still vividly and fondly remember my most influential teachers, those possessing a certain magic. Inside Newtown Middle School, there’s a unique classroom. Part hands-on workshop, part retro-museum, this amazing class was constructed by an equally fantastic teacher.
Luanne Bailey says: How well I remember the real “Moxie” – great to see some of their advertising in your pics. For anybody outside New England, Moxie is a soda pop that is sweet and a little bitter at the same time. I haven’t seen it since I moved to PA in the 1980’s!!!
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Luanne, I myself had not heard of it until my daughter told me all about it from Mr. Ramsey’s class. I had, of course, heard the expression, ‘moxie”. I now have a can of the soda sitting in my office on a shelf, but have not ever tasted it. It is still regionally available. The outside of the can is pop art in itself. Now you are making me curious to try it…Thanks for stopping by! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
ulla christensen says: Wow, what a picture! Nice collection the teather has done.
Good work Nicole.
Love Torben an Ulla
Nicole Christensen says: Hej Mor, Hej Far, Tak! It is a very cool room, indeed. Audrey learned so much in the six weeks she was in the class, too. Everyday she came home excited to tell us about what she learned. I was a bit worried when she had to do a to-scale project and she decided to make a model of Edmond Town Hall. She used Kim’ tools, and wanted no assistance. In the end, her project was amazing! It is sitting on a shelf, and we are so proud of her. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Adrienne says: I’ve been blessed to have many great teachers over the years: Miss Hanson, the missionary who made her way out of the jungles of Brazil after her guide was killed and took over the sixth grade class when our teacher died a week into the semester, and who changed our lives by teaching us Spanish, Portuguese and how to make a shrunken head; Mr. Anderson who believed I could play the violin and gave me a lifelong appreciation of music; my friend Kenn who said, “When you teach, don’t bore your students.” It must have worked because I’m looking at the Faculty of the Year plaque on the wall awarded by the students at the college where I taught English, study skills, developmental reading, developmental writing, developmental grammar, Shakespeare, literature and psychology, etc. It’s really a shame when an athlete is paid more than the teacher who gave him the life skills and knowledge to have a great present as well as a promising future. Sigh.
Nicole Christensen says: Adrienne, wow! Congratulations on having been awarded that “Faculty of the Year” award. That is an awesome achievement. You know there are students out there who would name you as an inspiration in their lives…that must be such a great feeling. What interesting teachers you had! Love this comment. Thanks so much for sharing. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
susana says: You are so right…athletes make way too much money….teachers should make more…. instead they fork over much of their pay for students work supplies for those students who …either forget their paper and pens or who can’t afford them.I think every city should have a donation bin for students school supplies ( pens, composition books, writing tablets, etc) so teachers can have a decent wage….and not have to worry about other students bring prepared. Because many teachers give their students those supplies when they try to teach. I know because my daughter is a teacher and many of her students don’t come to school with paper or pens or what they need to learn. And teachers dont get reimbursed for these things either!
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Susana,
I hear you. A good friend of mine is a teacher and I am amazed at what she puts into her class to make her kids happy…out of her own pocket. Sounds like you raised a wonderful daughter, kudos to her for what she does. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Hi Nicole! This is a fantastic post! I really spoke to my homeschooling heart. It’s so wonderful to see out of the box teaching ideas in place in public schools… We all know they’re out there, we just don’t hear enough about it. My memory of a teacher with Moxie goes out to my 9th grade history teacher. He brought history alive in his class! Rather than sticking with the boring text book way, he instead chose to read allowed to the class. When we studied the tragic story of The Donner Party he read the entire book to us in a 6 week block. Every day he sat on a stool in front of his desk and read. Sometimes kids fell asleep, ( we were sleep-starved teenagers after all) but most of the time we were on the edge of our seats as he read to us in his deep narrative tone. He was a history buff outside the classroom as well. He spent his spare time studying ( and visiting ) Nevada Ghost Towns and Western American History. Imagine, reading allowed to a group of high school freshmen today? I remember dozing off one time, only to be awakened by the loud pop of a small mini-cannon he kept in his classroom. He was great about it. We all had a good laugh over it! I loved him and his class AND I got a B in the class which never would have happened to this daydreaming freshmen with a different teacher. So, thank you Mr. Horelacker for teaching with “Moxie”! And, thank YOU Nicole for this wonderful post. What an amazing man your Mr. Ramsey is and how lucky for his students!
Nicole Christensen says: Deb, Thank you so much! I love your comment. I was chuckling at the mini cannon! Hilarious! Sounds like your Mr. Horelacker was an awesome teacher, as well. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Joan says: I want to go to school there – oh but I can’t because I am – well in my own school of ‘old age’ and loving it BUT what a spectacular way to learn. Too bad there aren’t more schools with teachers, encouragers, leaders like this. Good luck to Mr. ‘Moxie’ Ramsey in learning the trumpet – get the lip. Thanks Nicole for sharing – great inspiration. God bless.
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Joan! I am glad you enjoyed today’s post. Love your comment! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
What a guy! What a classroom. Thanks for sharing such fantastic stuff. He’s influencing kids in a totally unmeasurable way. Years will go by and some adult will figure out how wonderful his/her life is because of this man.
Nicole Christensen says: Slyvia, I agree! Imagine how many lives he has touched in thirty-seven years. Our school is lucky to have him. I am so thankful my daughter enjoys her middle school like she does. Thanks for commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Nicole Christensen says: My turn! One favorite teacher was my fourth grade teacher at Sharpstown Christian School in Houston, Mrs. Sandy Jackson. In her class, we read a book about the civil war, and she presented it in such a way that I have always had an interest in anything from that period of time. She had a baby in 1982, yet still taught school that year and managed to make time for us kiddos after school as an awesome Girl Scout leader. I remember being so excited to go to school everyday…she made learning fun.
Another teacher that I won’t ever forget is Ms. Bernadette Aboud from Pershing Middle school. She taught French. When I was in her class, I had been transferred to a middle school where I knew no one. She must have sensed that it was a difficult year for me (middle school age is awkward as it is), and she made me feel like she took me “under her wing”. She had us kids always doing things beyond learning plain ol’ french. She had us learn the can-can and perform it for the school, and at Christmas, she arranged a “Progressive Dinner” for the French club. It was so special, with “buche-de-noel” for dessert. Her stories made me want to travel and learn about other cultures! As an adult years later, when my husband took me to Paris, I thought about Ms. Aboud when I stood at the top of the Eiffel tower. 🙂
Farmgirl Hugs,
Nicole
Dori Troutman says: Nicole, the thought I kept having when I read this post was, “The kids in that school are SO LUCKY”! He is a one-in-a-million. What a special man. And what an awesome classroom… I would love to visit that room! I’d like to have about half of that stuff in my house and the other half in my husband’s work shop! Ha Ha! Thanks for sharing, I loved it! – Dori, the Ranch Farmgirl –
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Dori! Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed the post. I am laughing because that is exactly what I said…I especially LOVE the tin Studebaker sign! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Beverly Battaglia says: What a teacher, Nicole! I could not believe his classroom is in a public school either.
He really does have “moxie”! I would love to have been in a class like his when I was young. I remember Ms. Aboud but not Mrs. Jackson at Sharpstown Christian School.
My most inspirational teacher was my third grade and low fourth grade, (we had low and high grades in the forties and fifties), teacher, Mrs. Helen Hayes in Houston, Texas. She had a citizenship club for our class with a notebook and we did a short talent show every Wednesday. The notebook had lessons on Honesty, Loyalty, Tact, Cooperation, Friendliness, etc. We spoke of all these good character traits every week and then I sang a song, and a boy and girl in the class did a tap dance for us.
My high school speech teacher called “Pappy” by all the students was loved by everyone. He taught me how to speak correctly and inspired me to do public speaking.
Your pictures in this blog are wonderful. Loved reading it. Wish all school teachers were like your Mr. Ramsey. Love you,
Mother
Nicole Christensen says: Wow, Mom! I did not know all this! Audrey is indeed having a great year, loving school because of wonderful teachers like Mr. Ramsey. A great teacher makes for a great experience. Isn’t that classroom amazing? The pictures don’t do it justice! Love you, Mom. -Nicole
Marge Hofknecht says: What a beautiful tribute to this hard-working teacher! My husband is a retired teacher and I’ve heard him often talk about getting students excited about the learning experience. It’s a real art, so to speak. One of my most memorable teachers was Mr. Richard Town, my 11th grade history teacher. He didn’t have a room all decorated like Mr. Ramsey’s but he did inspire in me a love of history. He was funny and down to earth and made a subject that many think as boring just really come alive. Here’s a shout out to all those teachers who put their hearts and souls into their profession and live to inspire their students to learn.
Nicole Christensen says: Marge, I love that…teaching is indeed an art. Your husband sounds like he was a great teacher, too. Thanks for the beautiful comment here. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Nancy Zychek says: Mr. Ramsey is indeed an inspiring teacher! Your daughter is very lucky to have him. I’m a high school teacher and it is not easy to motivate and inspire students today. It is so wonderful when students get excited about what they are learning in school and even more wonderful when they come back to visit and tell you that you made a difference in their lives. That’s what keeps us going. I’m sure that ‘s what keeps Mr Ramsey going.
My fifth grade teacher is the teacher in my life who had moxie. Mrs. Kaplan made every subject interesting. I always liked to be creative and she nurtured that interest. She had a little group after school that helped decorate the bulletin boards for each month. She also taught us to sing together as a class. I remember the experience of all of our voices finally blending together after many attempts. The whole class felt a feeling of bonding. It was in her class that I actually got the courage to speak I front of the class to try out for a poetry contest. I didn’t win the contest but had that experience to build on.
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Nancy, I can imagine how difficult it must be to teach high school nowadays. It must really be wonderful to have students come back and say you made a difference. Kudos to you and other teachers like you for doing what you do. Thank you for “stopping by” Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Lisa Lahey says: Thank you for honoring my step-dad. A well written piece.
Nicole Christensen says: Lisa,
Oh, thank you! It was an honor to write this piece. Your step-dad is a wonderful man. My daughter and other students are blessed to know him.
Farmgirl Hugs,
Nicole
susana says: I can remember several teachers but only two stand out, one good and one bad memory of their behaviors. The one bad teacher….he’s probably dead by now, I had him for art in high school…and nothing I did seem to evoke a praise from him….and then he needed to know why I would paint everything brown and black…..I was depressed in his class. All he did was brag about his own artistic prominence. He’s paint murals on the chalkboard. But was very critical towards everyone, even his niece who was in my class. I realized later why she was always so dejected and never ventured out of her shell.or should I say…Hell? Because he was a terrible teacher to everyone but those rich kids!( I won’t mention his name, because he’s not worth mentioning….I want to forget him, because he affected my life so much…I stopped painting because of him!)
But the OnE teacher I loved made the best/affect on my life….because she practice what she preached. She taught us to respect others no matter he bad we felt. She would ever embarrass her students when they did something wrong, but she’d ask them to come up to her desk, get the student to sit down or stand very close to her, and she’d whisper all she said so no one would know what she said….I will never forget what she said to me…that I looked like Mona Lisa and she explained to me who she was, and she’d would lecture as she went, talking you as if she were a nurse to a patient. Man I wish we had more patient teachers like her. She captivated my attention and motivated me to dream! And she gave me responsibilities…. because she saw my potential in me….I became a safety patrol, took it quite serious. She opened up my mind to better uses of the time I had in her class. She made me the head honcho over a project, building a castle and getting supplies for the other kids. Before that class I couldn’t care less about history….but she connected it to me on a personal level….its why I love history and geneaology today. She/expanded my horizons! Its what a good teacher does…. teach and reach into the hearts of her students….Mrs. J was my greatest teacher! May she rest in peace with the fact that she was a great teacher. She pased away. But I will always remember her with gratefulness….she was there for me in the sixth grade….But her influence lasted my whole life…because I can still hear her cheering and rooting me on.
Nicole Christensen says: Susana,
Your history teacher sounds like she was a wonderful, inspiring teacher. You should start painting again…as a tribute to her!
Farmgirl Hugs,
Nicole
susana says: Thanks for that encouragement! I been trying to paint on cloth for quilting, but I had a stroke and lost my photographic memory and it causes me to stutter n my thoughts, so any SRT project is a struggle, but I smash remember what my teacher taught….you need to preservers no matter what adversary trues to prevent you! May it be poverty, health or just depression, she was right, do I push to be what she desired in me, not perfection, but persistance in all I undertake! I still hear her rooting me onward and upward! To complete the tasks at hand and do all to the glory of G*d. Right thinking keeps you on track! Slowly BuT surely all win the race, just at different speeds!
Nicole Christensen says: Susana, I love your attitude! Bless your heart, you are an inspiration. Thank YOU for the life lesson. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Denise says: What an amazing person. Lot inspire a generation would be fantastic. It certainly takes a particular person to do this. I think my form 3 English teacher is one that I adored. She took me under her wing and encouraged me. Something that I really needed at that time in my life.
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Denise,
Wonderful teachers like yours are like little guardian angels. Awesome. Thanks for commenting.
Farmgirl Hugs,
Nicole
is a certified farmgirl at heart. She’s happily married to her beach bum Yankee husband of 20 years. She went from career gal to being a creative homeschooling mom for two of her biggest blessings and hasn’t looked back since. Debbie left her lifelong home in the high desert of Northern Nevada 10 years ago and washed up on the shore of America’s hometown, Plymouth, MA, where she and her family are now firmly planted. They spend part of each summer in a tiny, off–grid beach cottage named “The Sea Horse.”
“I found a piece of my farmgirl heart when I discovered MaryJanesFarm. Suddenly, everything I loved just made more sense! I enjoy unwinding at the beach, writing, gardening, and turning yard-sale furniture into ‘Painted Ladies’ I’m passionate about living a creative life and encouraging others to ‘make each day their masterpiece.’”
is a “MaryJane Farmgirl” who lives in a large metropolitan area. She is a lawyer who has worked in both criminal defense and prosecution. She has been a judge, a business woman and a stay-at-home mom. In addition to her law degree, she has a Masters of Theological Studies.
“Mustering up the courage to do the things you dream about,” she says, “is the essence of being a MaryJane Farmgirl.” Learning to live more organically and closer to nature is Rebekah’s current pursuit. She finds strength and encouragement through MaryJane’s writings, life, and products. And MaryJane’s Farmgirl Connection provides her a wealth of knowledge from true-blue farmgirls.
an old-fashioned farmgirl with a pioneer spirit, lives in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. As a “lifelong learner” in the “Live-Free-or-Die” state, she fiercely values self-reliance, independence, freedom, and fresh mountain air. Married to her childhood sweetheart of 40+ years (a few of them “uphill climbs”), she’s had plenty of time to reinvent herself. From museum curator, restaurant owner, homeschool mom/conference speaker, to post-and-beam house builder and entrepreneur, she’s also a multi-media artist, with an obsession for off-grid living and alternative housing. Cathi owns and operates a 32-room mountain lodge. Her specialty has evolved to include “hermit hospitality” at her rustic cabin in the mountains, where she offers weekend workshops of special interest to women.
“Mountains speak to my soul, and farming is an important part of my heritage. I want to pass on my love of these things to others through my writing. Living in the mountains has its own particular challenges, but I delight in turning them into opportunities from which we can all learn and grow.”
Dori Troutman is the daughter of second generation cattle ranchers in New Mexico. She grew up working and playing on the ranch that her grandparents homesteaded in 1928. That ranch, with the old adobe home, is still in the family today. Dori and her husband always yearned for a ranch of their own. That dream came true when they retired to the beautiful green rolling hills of Tennessee. Truly a cattleman’s paradise!
Dori loves all things farmgirl and actually has known no other life but that. She loves to cook, craft, garden, and help with any and all things on their cattle farm.
describes herself as a goat charmer, chicken whisperer, bee maven, and farmers’ market baker renovating an 1864 farmhouse on an Ohio farm. With a degree in Design, Mary says small-town auctions and country road barn sales "always make my heart skip a beat thinking about what I could create or design out of what I’ve seen.”
Rooted in the countryside, she likes simple things and old ways … gardening, preserving the harvest, cooking, baking, and all things home. While you might find her selling baked goods from the farm’s milkhouse, teaching herself to play the fiddle, or sprucing up a vintage camper named Maizy, you will always find her in an apron!
Mary says, “I’m happiest with the simple country pleasures … an old farmhouse, too many animals, a crackling fire, books to read, and the sound of laughter … these make life just perfect.”
is a budding rural farmgirl living in Palmer, the agricultural seat of Alaska. Alex is a graduate student at Alaska Pacific University pursuing an M.S. in Outdoor and Environmental Education. She lives and works on the university’s 700 acre environmental education center, Spring Creek Farm. When Alex has time outside of school, she loves to rock climb, repurpose found objects, cross-country ski on the hay fields, travel, practice yoga, and cook with new-fangled ingredients.
Alex grew up near the Twin Cities and went to college in Madison, Wisconsin—both places where perfectly painted barns and rolling green farmland are just a short drive away. After college, she taught at a rural middle school in South Korea where she biked past verdant rice paddies and old women selling home-grown produce from sidewalk stoops. She was introduced to MaryJanesFarm after returning, and found in it what she’d been searching for—a group of incredible women living their lives in ways that benefit their families, their communities, and the greater environment. What an amazing group of farmgirls to be a part of!
Suburban Farmgirl Nicole Christensen calls herself a “vintage enthusiast”. Born and raised in Texas, she has lived most of her life in the picturesque New England suburbs of Connecticut, just a stone’s throw from New York State. An Advanced Master Gardener, she has gardened since childhood, in several states and across numerous planting zones. In addition, she teaches knitting classes, loves to preserve, and raises backyard chickens.
Married over thirty years to her Danish-born sweetheart, Nicole has worked in various fields, been a world-traveler, an entrepreneur and a homemaker, but considers being mom to her now-adult daughter her greatest accomplishment. Loving all things creative, Nicole considers her life’s motto to be “Bloom where you are planted”.
Hi Nicole,
Sooo glad that it is spring time for you now! I love that tick twister – I’m going to have to look for that here. It looks like a nifty tool.
I’ve only ever been to Niagara Falls in New York and I know that doesn’t really count – I’d love to see some of that state. As well as all of the New England states. Someday. I bet staying at your friends lake house was so enjoyable. What a gorgeous area.
– Dori, the Ranch Farmgirl –
Hi Dori, I think you should really think about a trip to New England, hint…hint…;) Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Hi Nicole, like you, I can’t wait to get to my vegetable garden! My seedlings are doing very well, but it better get warmer quickly because my bean plant is sending out tendrils to my plant stand! Yesterday morning, I saw a bluebird at one of my bird feeders! I haven’t seen one here in 18 years! I got a bluebird box and pole and will be installing it tomorrow.I hope the bluebirds nest there! Of course I’m thinking about spring cleaning, washing my woolen sweaters, opening the windows for fresh air! I love your photos especially the farm in NY. You are right most of NY is rural with lots of farms. I used to see them driving to Syracuse University. I hope they’ll always be there! Hugs, Jackie
Hi Jackie! I love that you saw a bluebird! I hope you get little babies in the box. Keep us posted. I cleaned out my sweaters yesterday and and putting the rest up for the summer, too. Good idea to wash all the woolens. Good luck with your beans- hopefully we have a nice growing season; I think we earned it, don’t you? Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
What a fun trip!! thanks for sharing. We aren’t quite that Spring’y along – only 38 here at about 9:00 a.m. and a cloudy day too. We don’t do a whole lot until after Mother’s Day – just not safe for most outside things but fun to see yours. God bless.
Hi Joan! We’ve had some chilly mornings this week, too, but next week the weather forecast is all warm! Yippee! Hang in there…Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I enjoyed your blog. I have already taken your advice and switched from plastic to Pyrex. What a difference it made.. Glass is so much better to cook, store, and clean..
Thanks! Isn’t it, though? And there’s no funny tastes or smells when food is stored in glass in the fridge. ~Nicole
Like you, I love spring, and the first thing I noticed some baby daffodils. I saw my columbines put some shoots out and some leaves, as well as my red raspberry buds on the vibe. Thought I would snip the tops off, maybe tomorrow. But today I modes the law. And I actually did that in one hour a d 30 minutes, but my time was less by 30 minutes. Then I cleaned around my hibiscus bed. Can’t wait til summer gets here to see them in bloom. I need to get some mulch tomorrow to cover the bed where the hibiscus lie. Then I will work on another bed. I did see one Hollyhock pant that/came back, but only one. I was kind a disappointed that more did not produce more. I am just ticketed out after being outside this afternoon…..but it did feel good to be outside today. Hopefully .longer tomorrow.
Loved your pictures especially if the lake.,,,we have quite a few in the stare if New York I wish I could share photos…..
Hi Susana! Yes, doesn’t it feel like a “good” tired when you come in from working on the garden after a long winter? I don’t mind the sore muscles one bit! Soon it will be full speed ahead with the gardens and planting. Enjoy! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole