I don’t often watch a lot of television. Not content to sit still too long, I’ve recently joined the ranks of those simply smitten with the drama, Downton Abbey! The show not only has me glued to the television for each entertaining episode, it’s inspired me…
I don’t often watch a lot of television. Not content to sit still too long, I’ve recently joined the ranks of those simply smitten with the drama, Downton Abbey! The show not only has me glued to the television for each entertaining episode, it’s inspired me…
JULIE says: OH YES**** I Love Downton Abby** I relate to all the Women….upstairs and downstairs. It shows that things can change –in a moment, all people have responsibilities even with $$money and how we feel for all that Help us….loyality, ethics, & more.
Thanks for your share…. Reality is always adjusting!
JULIE jw
Hi Julie, I agree. I think we all can relate to many of the characters in one way or another. They are all so well-written. Thanks for commenting! – Nicole
Lisa H says: I am a HUGE Downton fan, Nicole. Knowing there will be a season V now I think I will plan to host a season premier party. Wouldn’t that be fun? The only kicker is you never know what the weather will be like then around here. This winter has been BRUTAL. I read where another club was having a tea cup exchange. I am going to suggest that my craft club do this and then make the tea cups into candles. My sister bought me Downton jewelry for Christmas. It is so beautiful. I just pre-ordered Season IV on DVD. Amazon had a special price for it and I couldn’t resist. I am curious, in episode 2 of this season, were you pleased with the way they handled the Anna situation? I couldn’t help but think if the show had been filmed here in the U.S. how graphic it would have been for shock and ratings. I hope that American television will take a hint here and realize the point can be made without the graphics. Are you smitten with Sherlock as well? I got hooked on that one because my host daughter (exchange student) from Czech Republic loved it. It is FABULOUS too. Downton is still my fave though. Have you found with going back and watching them again that you missed things the first time through? I sure have. The post office came out with Harry Potter postage. I wonder how long until Downton? It could pull the postal service out of its financial woes. Ha ha ha! Can’t you just see the potential? Have a great week!
Hi Lisa!
Love your idea of turning tea cups into candles! I use some of my smaller, vintage cups as tea light holders. With the smaller cups, the tea light just fits right inside! I think next year I might hostess a "premiere party" too! What a fun idea! I remember when I was younger and "Friends" had its last show. I hosted a dinner party then.
I also agree with you on the way the violence was handled. It was not too graphic, as it would be here. Have you noticed, as well, that there is not a foul word to be heard? I can’t stand mainstream movies anymore. There is a lack of creativity when all you can write is raunchy language, I think. Love that there are no characters with cuss words coming out of their mouths constantly.
Did you happen to catch the actor who plays Matthew on the "Today Show" last week? I thought it was quite comical that he has husbands coming up to him asking him to apologize to their wives for leaving the show! 🙂
Thanks for commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I am totally addicted to Downton Abbey. I was a late comer also, I started watching last season but I did view Seasons 1-2 before so I could be caught up. Love your outfit. Especially the hat.
It sounds like an awesome town you live in. I don’t have access to anything as exciting as a Downton Abbey Tea. But it was fun reading about yours.
Hi Rebecca! Thanks! It was fun to dress up. Our library is still closed, several weeks later. I think our town is very lucky, they’ve always done such interesting, fun programs for as long as I can remember, usually free or very low-cost. It was the library that got me hooked on the show, too. One of the librarians gushed that I just had to watch it. (Our library has free DVD rentals, too). Like Lisa said in her comment, I catch all sorts of things seeing the episodes again. Thanks for stopping by! Farmgirl hugs, Nicole
Adrienne says: Downton Abbey is a wonderful show and I think because I’m now the eldest in my family, I would be the dowager countess saying whatever I wanted whenever I please. I have one special teacup and brew some of the Downton Abbey English Rose tea from the Republic of Tea while I watch. Then I can really appreciate the yummy Lord Grantham.
Lady Adrienne, thank you for your comment. You made me chuckle. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Lisa H says: Nicole,
I had not seen the interview on the "Today Show". I bet I can find it online though. It sounds priceless and comical.
You know I hadn’t thought about the language. I guess because of the period of time this takes place. It is refreshing though.
By the way your outfit for the tea was AWESOME! You said you made your hat. I am soooo impressed. You look like you stepped out of a magazine for that era. Very cool.
I have had many discussions with friends and family and I think it is very likely that should I have been born in those times I would have been downstairs rather than upstairs. I love the pride they have for the work they do that today would often be considered unrewarding and not a "real" job.
Have you seen the Downton cookbook? Oh my! I had no idea something like that existed until my birthday came along and my mom got it for me. I don’t know how anyone could like blood pudding. LOL.
Cheers,
Lisa
Lisa,
I didn’t see the today show interview when it first ran, but saw it first on the Today Show link on Facebook. Worth watching.
Thank you for the compliments (blushing). I did make my hat…it is knitted with one strand of worsted weight wool and one strand of mohair, then felted in the washing machine. I was smiling at my daughter; she snapped it on our way out one day.
I have not seen the Downton Abbey cookbook! I will look for that, sounds interesting. Although I agree with you on the blood pudding…ick. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Debra says: I have been wanting to watch the show for awhile and finally was able to catch the first 3 seasons on amazon prime video. I am enthralled! I have also wanted to start knitting again and just received an e-mail you and others might be interested in. Look for Knit Picky Patterns from AllFreeKnitting, they have a collection of patterns for Downton Abbey fans. I can’t wait to get started!
Hi Debra! I see you have been inspired, too! I love that a little glamour is back in style! You’ll have to pop back by and tell us what you decided to knit as a first project! Farmgirl hugs, Nicole
Terri says: Nicole, My dear friend hosted her second annual Downton Abbey premiere party at the opening of Season 3 and all the ladies came in fancy dress. Her Victorian house was aglow with flickering candles and shining silver and the dinner would have made Mrs. Patmore proud.
It is a marvel that this television series has entranced so many people from all over the world. Julian Fellows and Downton cast, hats off to you!
Terri, oh your friend’s party sounds wonderful! How fun! Farmgirl hugs, Nicole
I am indeed a fan, from the first moment of the first episode. I recently acquired a new cloche hat. And luckily for me, I was already a fan of all things Victorian/Edwardian, so I’ve got the tableware and linens, more than enough teapots and teacups to open a shop, some of the clothing, and a few other elegant items. Everything has to be kept from the reach of two active dogs and a curious, three-legged cat! I’m not a knitter (oh, I’ve tried and tried), but I am good at thread crochet so I have a lot of doilies, placemats, and lace-edged bedding. Now I just wish I had a staff to manage it all.
Hi Lexie! I hear ya! I’ve been a a fan of all things Victorian/Edwardian (who am I kidding – 1920’s through to the 1940’s, too!) even before those items were considered "in" . When I was fourteen, I wanted to dress like Molly Ringwald in Pretty in Pink. No staff here, either! Great comment, thanks for stopping by! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Ulla Christensen says: Dear Nicole
In Danmark are we seeing Downton Abbey now. I like this series too.
Love farfar og farmor Dk
Hej Farmor!
Won’t it be fun when we see each other again…tea, knitting, and Downton Abbey in the afternoon! Love you! – Nicole
Ulla Christensen says: Dear Nicole.
Im Looking forward to this ,Love you Ulla
Debbie Brozanic says: Great article Nicole on Downton Abbey! I enjoy watching Downton Abbey while I am sipping tea and loom knitting. So relaxing!!
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Debbie! Sounds like a fun to me! Season Four was released today here in the states on DVD/Blue Ray…Farmgirl hugs, Nicole
Kimberly Komar says: I’ve been a fan from the 1st episode! Love everything about the show from costume & set design to how well each actor was cast in their specific role. We’ve done tea in our family from before I was born as my Great-Grandmother Scarborough was from England. It’s very relaxing at the end of the day to sit whilst dinner cooks and catch up on everyone’s day. Your “costume” is great but even more so because it’s comprised of things you already wear. Me too! I’ve always been enthralled with everything British and even read UK versions of Country Living & Country Homes along w/ my MJF every other month! Cheers to a great blog and fellow DA fan & MJ sister!
Nicole Christensen says: Cheers, Kimberly!
I love the idea of bringing your own fancy tea cup and enjoying old and new friendships.
One place I lived had a Mother’s Day Tea Cup Brunch in May. We each bought a ticket that was used to choose tea cup and saucer to use at the brunch. The tea cup went home with the user as a special way to remember the morning.
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Jan! What a great idea! When my daughter was about seven, we attended a Mother’s Day and Dolly tea where we dressed up, and Audrey brought her American Girl doll. It was held at a local church. I didn’t see that they hosted another one (or we missed it) but I have such lovely memories of our special day together. I love the teacup idea of the tea that you went to. Thank you for sharing. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Doreenlee says: I love this show. It is so neat to see how that era of England lived. I can’t wait for more episodes. And I love your hat by the way.
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Doreen! I find how that era lived to be fascinating, too. Thanks for the compliment on my hat. I really enjoyed wearing it this cold winter, and it was fun to make. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Claudia says: I have watched Downton Abbey for a couple of years now, just love it. Ran across it quite by accident, meant to be kind of thing. I have watched seasons 1, 2 & 3. Have 3 shows from season 4 on my DVR but have not gotten round to watching them yet. I really need to prioritize.
I just love your tea cup. What company made it? I have really gotten into tea cups and have started collecting. It is great having all different cups for tea parties. We girls, and I use that term loosely of course, in the family have had great fun having tea parties. I would love to see if I can find a cup like the one you have.
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Claudia! Thank you! I just checked on the bottom of both my teacup and saucer. Unfortunately, that one has no markings whatsoever! I can tell you that it is very old, with a taupe lusterware-like sheen. Maybe check eBay for lusterware cups and saucers. In the meantime, I will see if I can do some research too. If I unearth anything, I will be sure to let you know. I’ve found all of mine at tag sales, flea markets, thrift and antique shops, and on eBay. Happy hunting! Oh, and I do love a good tea party, too! Such fun. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
December 14th, 2014 marked the one-year anniversary of the tragic event that occurred in my hometown. Residents of Newtown will never forget that day, and I have found myself thinking often throughout the entire year of the families who lost loved ones. There have been tributes to Sandy Hook School all over the world, but one of the most beautiful tributes I’ve ever seen was created by a local group of Girl Scout Cadettes.
Beautiful indeed. Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you, MaryJane. I am so happy to be able to share the tribute with you all here. Happy New Year to you and all at the farm! Much love, Nicole
Karen Crabtree says: What a beautiful tribute and in true, farmgirl spirit!
Thank you, Karen. I feel the same way. I was so grateful to be a part of it. -Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Maureen says: Many Blessings and indeed a touching and beautiful tribute.
This was very touching and oh so moving…a lovely lovely tribute.Thanks for sharing…as a parent I can not imagine experiencing such tragedy… EVER. Hoping this will help heal in some way. An amazing and lovely project and so special to involve the children.They will forever be touched and we as well.
I am so moved by the bird houses and think this is a wonderful, thoughtful thing for all, The girls did great job. May the Lord bless them very much. Juanita Massey, Virginia Farm sister #1020
Thank you all. It moves me even more when I think of the fact that a sweet eighth grader came up with the original idea. So proud of all of our girls. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
nameTina Stopa says: Hi, I think this is a very loving and caring project. We should all be very proud that is was done.
My prayers are with those that did this project and to those families that are represented by this project.
Thank you for posting this.
Tina
I am so glad you all can see it. To be standing there on a quiet afternoon with snow gently falling was such a peaceful, memorable feeling. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
CR LaGroue says: A moving tribute which will help all who see it remember the innocent lives lost amd how fragile life is.. Great idea for the girl scouts…
Adrienne says: Everyone is to be commended and all of you are blessed. What a beautiful tribute and these birdhouses will remind us that love is timeless.
Barb says: I love this idea. I think I have a few bird houses to paint and hang in my yard in the spring. Great job Audrey and girl scouts.
#2770
Nancy Bender says: I loved the project but did they put little white lights in them.
Thanks for sharing. Those are very thoughtful little girls.
Hi Nancy, No there are no lights in them. They were pre-built, unfinished houses with little openings on rope from the local craft store to start. Some of the houses were cut out by some of those who painted some, and many had trinkets or ornamental touches glued to them. There were no "guidelines" for the painters, only that they reflect the person they were meant to represent. Any lights you may be seeing are snow flurries against a flash. I took pictures several times, and the last time, it started to snow as we were standing there. -Nicole
Judy Lockhart says: I was touched to read what these young ladies did for the memory of those sweet, innocent children. As a mother, I know you must be very proud.
I’m a very proud mom to one scout and now a co-leader for our troop, as well. I am so amazed by all of our sweet girls and have watched many of them grow from small children to amazing, talented, thoughtful young ladies. Proud as a mother hen! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Meredith says: Hi Nicole! What a beautiful way to remember those sweet children. Thank you for sharing, and also for reminding me about the Ram pasture, I had forgotten that your town had such a special place preserved. I hope you and your family have a wonderful and blessed new year.
Hi Meredith, So glad everyone has enjoyed the post. I thought Gina, Clare and all the scouts did such an amazing thing, and I am so grateful I could share it with you all. I don’t know how long it’s been since you’ve been through Newtown, but the The Ram Pasture is as beautiful as it has always been. We did lose the big tree a few Christmases ago in one of the big storms, but a new one was planted and is looking great. It’s such a picturesque place. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Bonnie Ellis says: Wow! Those precious spirits have a beautiful place to rest. Ram park is a fitting place. God bless you all and thanks.
Mel says: What a lovely tribute……so sorry that it is even necessary but a wonderful way to remember the lives lost. Your article brought tears to my eyes. Thanx to those thoughtful Girl Scouts! 🙂
Sharon says: Wishing everyone a peace-filled 2014. These victims are always in my heart and in my prayers.
Joan says: Such a wonderful tribute, the girls did wonderfully. Thanks so much for sharing this, my heart is blessed. God bless.
Mary says: A wonderful tribute to the little lost souls!
Naomi says: I am a 44 year old Girl Scout. Our troop from Sandpoint, Idaho gets together yearly for a reunion to stay in touch. What a wonderful blessing to see that Girl Scouts continue to be busy with peace and love in this world. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Naomi, Once a scout, always a scout, right? What I learned as a Girl Scout when I was a child carries over as a farmgirl. I’m so glad that my daughter has wanted to continue with scouting since she was a daisy. How nice that you still get together with your troop! Farmgirl hugs, Nicole
Beverly Battaglia says: This is truly a beautiful tribute, Nicole. Beautiful pictures that made me cry. Tears are streaming down my face because there are so many little birdhouses. Thanks for sending this.
Love you,
Mother
Love you, too! -Nicole
Denise Ross says: Such a beautiful heartfelt tribute. Brought tears to my eyes
Nicole Christensen says: Thank you, Denise. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Merry Christmas!It’s such a magical day. Here in my neck o’ the woods, Connecticut’s a New England winter wonderland! Celebrate this special season with me…let’s getFarmgirlFestive!
Alice - Farmgirl #12 says: Great post, Nicole! Beautiful photos and lovely words. Merry Christmas! See you soon.
Love,
Ali
Merry Christmas, Ali! Hope you have a great day. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Adrienne says: And best wishes for a Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Merry Christmas, Adrienne! Farmgirl Hugs to you, Nicole
Joan says: Love your post, super great pic’s and such heartfelt warm words. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, God Bless.
Thank you , Joan, and Christmas blessings to you and your family. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Mary Rauch says: Did you tell your daughter that after she inspired me a while back I went to my local animal shelter and left a generous donation to support their work? It’s all because your daughter reminded me that I needed to take time to remember our helpless four-footed friends.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family.
Really enjoyed this Farmgirl Christmas card article.
Hi Mary, I certainly did! She was so happy to hear that, you brought tears to her eyes when I told her. I am so thankful you let us know, and thank you for helping animals, too! We had a wonderful, relaxing Christmas Day. Days leading up to Christmas, I felt more like the "Griswolds" as we kept having bad luck…things like several major appliances breaking and an unforeseen trip to the emergency dentist, but Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were, truly, magical. Hope you had a wonderful day, too. Happy New Year to you, Nicole
Beth says: Merry Christmas!!
Thank you! Merry Christmas to you, too! Farmgirl hugs, Nicole
Denise S says: enjoyed your post and poem! oh, and your pictures too!
Thanks so much, Denise! Happy New Year! -Nicole
My Farmgirl Sisterhood Chapter and I recently spent an afternoon learning a new skill and making some very beautiful Christmas gifts for friends and family! Grab a cup of tea, your sewing machine, and some girlfriends for an afternoon of creativity and fun!
What fun day Nicole! It’s such a charge to learn new skills isn’t it? Your table runner turned out great and the pillow is adorable! I’ve been painting mason jars, and I made a Christmas tree out of chicken wire to display vintage postcards on for my booth downtown. As for gifts, this year we are giving gifts that keep the creativity going all year long. A new photo printer for my hubby and I, a digital keyboard for our daughter, and a beat-maker keyboard for our son. We’ll be ready for a year of making music and beautiful photographs together! Love your posts!
Merry Christmas Nicole!
Hugs from the shorelines!
Deb
Hi Deb! Thanks! Isn’t it fun to make something new? I am now on my fourth or fifth runner and each one gets a little better.
I bet that chicken wire Christmas tree is adorable! I need to mosey on over to your blog and check it out! I will catch up on my reading in my next sewing break.;)
Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Farmgirl hugs,
Nicole
Rebecca says: What a wonderful way to spend the afternoon and the runners are beautiful. Thank you for the clear instructions. I plan to try one of my own and I have the perfect fabric to use. Nice Christmas-y prints. Merry Christmas to you and to your family.
Hi Rebecca! Thanks for stopping by! Have fun making your tablerunner! I’d love to see a pic when it is all done. Merry Christmas and Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Adrienne says: What creativity emanates from your home! I’m also going to try the guacamole and hummus combo. I like both separately but together sounds yummy. Thanks for the ideas!
Hi Adrienne, Those two dips are absolutely divine together! Enjoy! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Jan says: Great job, Nicole! I just love to get lost in a creative project…I am still working on decorating my front porch, as the weather is up to a balmy 27 degrees today after it’s visit to below zero wind chills. I FINALLY got out my childhood sleds and decorated them with bows and swags. One is by the fireplace and one will go on the front porch.
My last sewing project was curtains for my vintage travel trailer. I even lined some of them! Now you’ve got me thinking about my own patch work quilt for the bed…Hmmm..
A couple of years ago I took a class called ‘Viking Knit’ which is the process of ‘knitting’ wire around a wooden dowel to make cable like bracelets, etc. You can even incorporate beads in your weaving and make multicolored pieces. I think that it is therapeutic to get lost in your crafting!
P.S. Your dog is adorable…
Hi Jan! Your temps are about the same as ours. I’m glad I got my porch all decorated before the snow, but still have a few lights to put out front. I decorated a sled this year, too…check back next blog and I will post a pic. 🙂
Sounds like you are a busy farmgirl creating, too! How fun to have a vintage trailer. We have been looking about for something like that…maybe someday I can be an official Glamper! Hope so!
Thanks for stopping by!
Farmgirl hugs,
Nicole
Barb says: What a fun day. I am glad you are hooked and ready to find our next project. What a great group of women. Thank you once again for having us in your home.
Barb, I want to add that you have unleashed a sewing monster! I am hooked for sure. I just finished my fourth runner tonight and am starting a fifth one. Thanks so much for such a fun day and inspiration to try something I have wanted to do forever. Love you! – Nicole
Barb says: What a fun day. I am glad you are hooked and ready to find our next project. What a great group of women. Thank you once again for having us in your home.
Barb, Oh My Goodness! Thank YOU for your patience and inspiration. You are such a talented lady and I am so glad we met. Thank you for all you do. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
PS Several of the girls that had to miss have requested we do another tablerunner day. Would you be up to teaching us again? 😉
Heather says: Wish I could have attended this. I can only imagine what a great teacher and inspiration Barb would be to people wanting to learn the basics and more of quilting!
Hi Heather, Barb was an awesome, creative teacher, for sure! If you are local and would like to join our group, just let me know. You can reach me through the blog (mark the message as a whisper) or it sounds as if you know Barb, and she has my contact info. We are always doing something fun! Thanks for commenting! Farmgirl hugs, Nicole
Chris says: What a fun day! I’m jealous that you guys have Barb as a teacher! She’s great!
Isn’t she awesome? And our daughters are two peas in a pod, too, so the "farmerettes" have fun, too! When I count my blessings, Barb is one of them! Farmgirl hugs, Nicole
Patti says: Barb is da bomb!
I agree! – Nicole
I bought that same vintage look Christmas fabric, not sure what I will use it for yet. I think I need more vintage look fabric for some table runners! Love how yours all turned out.
Thanks, Brenda! I also considered making a Christmas apron from that fabric. Saw another pretty vintage-looking one last time I went to the fabric store. I love the colors that are out this year, too! Happy sewing! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Anne says: I am not a quilter but I have wanted to try to make a table runner for some time now. The directions here make it sound so easy I am going to pick up some material and batting tomorrow. This article was very inspiring. Thank you, Barb and Nicole.
Thank you Anne! Happy Sewing! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Rose says: Nicole,
it looks like you all had a fun day! Quilting is a great hobby!
The Table runner looks great! I love the vintage look pillow also.
I agree with you – a homemade quilt table runner would make a perfect Holiday or Burthday gift!
Rose
Dearest Sweet Rose, do I detect a hint? Hmmmm….Hugs! Nicole
The quilting is beautiful. What fun to learn this wonderful skill. I do not quilt myself but admire these beautiful creations. My mom and grandma quilted and so I have quilts in my closets from their creative efforts. You are lucky to have wonderful friends to share this with you. Happy Holidays.
Thank you! What wonderful treasures you have! Happiest of Holidays to you! Farmgirl hugs, Nicole
I knit, sew, and craft; I recycle, grow organic herbs and veggies, and flower garden. I do canning, bake bread and make just about everything from scratch. I crave the outdoors. But there was something missing…something that would make me feel like a real farmgirl… having chickens! Backyard chickens have been my dream forever, having even blogged about “chicken envy”! Now I’m crossing “chickens” off my bucket (pardon the pun) list. As a new “chicken mom” of four adorable chicks, I’m elated. Feed stores in Connecticut don’t sell chicks this time of year. How these chicks came to be is an interesting tale….
Jan says: What a great story to start my day! When I was a child I was gifted several lovely banty (bantam?) chickens. I used to raise chicks and sell them to my neighbors. These chickens were kind of a novelty, so I always sold out! Nothing sweeter than a little clucking hen. My favorite was Flicka! My best brooding hen was Topknot. She had a little bouffant tuft on her head. She would peck the heck out of you if you got near her nest! Such great memories…
Your Mama Hen story warms my heart!
Good luck with your clan!
Hi Jan! Glad you enjoyed the blog and that I brought back some happy memories for you. I’ll keep everyone posted on my progress. Have a Happy Thanksgiving! -Nicole
Adrienne says: And this year, you’ll have yet another reason to be truly thankful for your blessings. I look forward to reading about your growing chicks and their adventures. Happy Thanksgivukkah!
Hi Adrienne! Yes! That’s right…I am already so thankful for my "girls". Lots of blessings to you and your family, and big farmgirl hugs! -Nicole
cr lagroue says: Well I’m glad you fulfilled your life long dream of chickens… Too bad none of us knew this before now. We would have saved a lot of money during Christmas.. I guess now we will have to resort to gift cards to the local feed store. Enjoy your chickens.
Ha Ha, big brother! -Nicole
Laurie Dimino says: Hooray Nicole!
I love all of your posts, but this one is one of the best because I know how happy you are about your chicks, and it is a wonderful to see you so happy!!!!
Isn’t it just amazing how something so simple can make us SO HAPPY! My husband teases me constantly about my "girls" and how well I treat them. They truly bring me such joy, and have such personalities, something one can only understand once they own their own chickens. Of course the fresh eggs are a wonderful perk of ownership too!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family…wishing you all the Blessings you deserve!
Hugs to you my friend,
Laurie
Hi Farmsister! Isn’t it the truth how you just can’t explain the joy from these hens until you have some? There’s just something so peaceful and "back to one’s roots" about having chickens. I will be certainly overjoyed when I get eggs! And here we go, another something we have in common! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, dear friend. Farmgirl hugs, Nicole
Joan says: OH YEA!!!! for you and your family – chickens one of my favorite farm creatures – All Creatures Great and Small. Super names! No, as a child I did not get to name the chickens, we would get 1,000 at a time and they were strictly raised for meat – sad but that is how it went. Although I did get to play with them and some times some would get so they would follow me around the pen – it was great fun. Will be waiting to see the pic’s as they grow. Thanks for sharing. Happy Thanksgiving. God Bless.
Hi Joan. Yes, my father was a bit horrified that we named them. His parents raised chickens and they were strictly for eggs and meat. In my defense, we did have chicken casserole the same night we got the chicks, ha ha! Like you, I have happy memories of playing with chickens as a child. I remember being very small but playing with my aunt’s chickens when we would visit her little farm. I will keep y’all posted on my progress. Asking Santa for a nice chicken coop! Happy Thanksgiving, Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Julie says: Check out upcycling your feed bags via pinterest and etsy
Have Fun!
Great idea, Julie! Thanks! Farmgirl hugs, Nicole
Holly says: Congratulations.I know you will enjoy having them.I can remember being a little girl and going to visit the hen house with my Grandfather.One time I went alone and got in trouble.Years later my Dad told me that they had seen a snake by the house earlier that day.
True, chickens are prey to lots of critters. Snakes, foxes, and hawks all love chickens! Hopefully we won’t have too many issues with predators. Thanks for reading and commenting! Farmgirl hugs, Nicole
Beverly Battaglia says: I am glad these chicks made you happy too, Nicole. When I was ten years old my grandmother, Maude, your great grandmother, gave me a red banty hen for the summer on her farm. It laid very tiny eggs and I just loved to hold my little red hen. I cried when I had to leave her to go home on the train. I also love your story of the Mother Hen and her chicks. Pictures are great.
Love you, Mother
Thanks, Mom. Love you!
Congratulations Nicole! We are so happy for you! They are the sweetest little things when they are baby chicks and I love the little peeps they make. A Thanksgiving blessing for sure!
Look forward to future posts about your backyard flock!
Hugs from the Beach!
sister Deb
Hi Deb! Thanks! They are growing fast and are just the sweetest, for sure! Hope you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Farmgirl hugs, Nicole
Every generation has “fads”. I still can’t look at a Rubik’s cube without an instant migraine. “Beanie Babies” induce feelings of extreme guilt. This year, kids everywhere are trading bracelets created from little rubber bands, similar to rubber bangles I traded with friends when I was a sixth grader, that matched all of my neon eighties outfits {shudder}. Fads can be fun, especially for kids. Right now, my home is also abuzz with another current craze… it’s “Fox Frenzy”!
Heading to a slumber party in fox shirt, with fox stuffed friend
Adrienne says: How terrific you have a fox nearby and it posed for photos! That means you have a healthy environment where all creatures great and small can survive and thrive. Next year when you have chickens, I hope the fox admires them from a distance and will find other prey for nourishment. Congratulations!
Hi Adrienne! I just got baby chicks to incubate inside until Spring. I hope that Mr. Fox doesn’t think they are for him! He sure was beautiful, though! I felt like it was a real privilege to see him. Farmgirl hugs, Nicole
What a great story! I love foxes too, I have only seen a few. We have a lot of coyotes, I would rather see foxes. Just not in my chicken houses 🙂
Bambi
I hear ya, Bambi! We have coyotes here, too. I once had a den of babies some years back on my property. We could here the pups play and whine. My neighbor had some one evening "hanging out" in the yard and playing some years back. She was so scared for her chihuahua, but the smart little dog knew to hide under the porch steps until they left. Through the years we have seen them from time to time. They howl at night, too, and that sound is unnerving at night. I’d rather see the fox, too. Thanks for commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Joan says: Oh how great that you got to experience the FOX!! This reminds me of when we moved into our new home in ’06, we had fox that lived in our back yard and it isn’t an acreage, but the housing area is on the plains. So one day my 2 grandchildren were here, up for breakfast and what did we see 3 fox, 2 were frolicking and one was sniffing around. They did not feel threatened because we were the only ones there that didn’t have a dog, so here they stayed for about a year, we watched the kits grow and then they were gone. Never found out why but the wild animal people think it was because lack of food in the area, we did not feed them in any way but it was a year of great fun and learning. Like yours, they didn’t seem to care that we had our faces pressed against the bay window, they performed beautifully. Again thanks for the reminder. God Bless
Hi Joan! What a great story! Thanks for sharing. I am sure your grandkids will never forget their fox sighting. Sounds like great memories were made. Farmgirl hugs, Nicole
Laurie Dimino says: Oh Nicole, as usual, another wonderful and interesting post from my suburban farmgirl sister! Here on Long Island we have SO many fox! They seems to have made an appearance over the past 2-3 years. Luckily I have not seen any in or near my yard, since I have chickens, that would NOT be a GOOD thing! In fact my girlfriend who lives about a half mile from me, lost 2 of her hens to a fox over the summer, as did my brother about a year ago. Fox and chickens are not a good combination!
They are definately neat to see though, as long as it’s not in my " neck of the woods" LOL.
I am told fox are the top of the food chain here on Long Island, so there is nothing to keep the population down.
On another note, I am so excited to see that you will be getting Chickens come Spring!!! How exciting for you! Can’t wait to see/ hear all about them!
Thanks as always for brightening my morning with your post!
One day ( hopefully soon) we SHALL meet!
Big hugs,
Laurie
Hi Laurie dear! Sorry to hear your brother and your friend lost chickens to fox. Hopefully my fox will move on before my chickens are outside this spring. My neighbors lost a few hens too, but theirs were killed by hawks and coyotes. Can’t wait until we get to meet, either! Big hugs from your CT farmsis, Nicole
They are great at a distance but I have chickens and in the spring when they have young the male fox hunts closer to home and we have lost a couple of chickens to them. They can clean your coop out fast because they will kill hide and kill again then go back to retrieve from where they hide them. So as excited as we were to see the fox family the first year they made their home at the back of our 10 acres, we now have to watch for them closely in the spring. When they start showing up in the yard we cannot let the hens free range which makes them very loud and angry with us. I hope that it goes well with your future chickens. They are so much fun to have around!
Brenda, Oh goodness…thank you for the info. We will definitely need to keep a watchful eye on our flock! Farmgirl hugs, Nicole
Dinah says: Hi Nicole…great blog, as usual. I have seen the red fox roaming our neighborhood as well. If it is the same one, he is huge, with a very big fluffy tail. He shows no fear when he sees me, however runs off when I approach him. We have spotted him at least a dozen times in our front yard and running down the street, usually at night. So beautiful. I had bantam chickens several years ago, and the fox is a big threat…you have to have a very secure home for them. The fresh eggs are so good!! Love ya’
Hi Dinah! Isn’t that fox so pretty? But yikes! I don’t want him to get my chickens! I will have to make the coop like Ft. Knox! Just yesterday the gentleman that lives down the street who walks everyday stopped me and asked if I knew that Sunday a fox was sitting in my driveway! I guess Mr. Fox has decided to call our neighborhood home! Hugs to all…Nicole
Hurrah for the FOX! 😀
Have a wonderful day!
Mimi Foxmorton
Find us on Facebook at Sisterhood of the Goat
Hi there, Miss Foxmorton…checked out your Facebook page…love the goats in shirts! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I’ve always been curious about beekeeping. It’s a hobby that goes hand-in-hand with living a simpler, organic, environmentally-aware lifestyle. Not knowing where to start, I was thrilled when my family was invited to learn the art of beekeeping from another local family during their fall honey harvest!
Great write-up Nicole–a manual of sorts for the process of beekeeping. I’m sure your post will inspire someone to go for it!!!!! With the honey bee in a beleaguered place these days, we can’t spotlight them enough. Great post. Thanks for creating more honeybee enthusiasts this morning!!!!!
Thank you, MaryJane! I am so glad to share this with everyone. I really am looking forward to beekeeping this spring, and am so grateful to John and his family for showing me the ropes. There’s just so many good things bees bring! Much love, Nicole
Cathy H. says: Boy, did this post bring back memories! My dad raised bees as long as I can remember. He had a ‘honey house’ in the back yard and built his extractor and other tools. He made an observatory to watch the bees at work. I remember many a hot summer day/night working in the honey house putting labels on jars and filling them with the lightest pure honey made from white clover. He had several farms around the area that encouraged him to keep his bees at their place. Every year we gathered with other bee keepers at a ‘bee reunion’. It was a good way for families to get to know one another. With the onslaught against honeybees right now it’s more important that ever to protect this little miracle worker.
Cathy, what a lovely memory to share with us! Thank you! You are so right, bees are little miracle workers and anything we can do to help them is great. (And they reward us with delicious honey)! Farmgirl hugs, Nicole
Adrienne says: I love honey and it’s one of the reasons I’m not vegan. When I found out honey in Egyptian tombs was usable after thousands of years, I was hooked. Not only is it wonderful in tea and sweetening oatmeal, cream of wheat or rice, it was an antiseptic to help heal the radiation burns. Another use: scrub your face, dry it and apply honey liberally in a mask. Relax with some warm teabags over your eyes and you’ll have a salon-quality facial. Here’s a virtual toast to the beekeepers, especially the ones in San Francisco who create honey from their own neighborhoods for sale to everyone here locally. Salud!
Adrienne, what a great idea. I think I will try the honey mask this weekend. And isn’t that amazing that honey was found and still good in the Egyptian tombs? It’s definitely one of nature’s gifts. Thank you for commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Joan says: What fun!!! I am not a ‘keeper’ but my best friend about 1 mile away is and we wonder if all my great wild flowers are pollinated by wonderful bees and in turn if that is why her honey is so tasty. Anyway it is such a fun thing to help with. Thanks for sharing your experience and the product info, I will pass it onto her. God Bless
Hi Joan! Has your friend noticed a different taste and color to her honey, depending on the season and what’s blooming in your flowers? I bet you all can tell. My brother has a friend in Houston who is a retired police officer. This gentleman is a beekeeper and now bottles honey, and my brother sent me a jar one year. It was so good, and definitely tasted and looked different than the honey I found here in New England locally. To me, it’s almost like appreciating different wines! Farmgirl hugs, Nicole
Catherine Blount says: Beekeeping is an exciting and wonderful hobby! My husband gave me a beekeeping set up for Christmas three years ago and we set up our box and hive the following April. We have been very successful and have given away many greatly appreciated jars of honey to our friends and family. We have gotten much enjoyment out of our bees and their honey and in the process have learned a great deal. We did join a local beekeeping association and I would highly recommend that. It is a good way to learn quickly and to meet new friends.
Hi Catherine! Thanks for all the great info! Congratulations on your success in beekeeping…keep up the good work. There is a beekeeping association in my area, too. I will look into that this spring, as well. Thanks again! Farmgirl hugs, Nicole
Rose says: Nicole, Thanks for the informative article on beekeeping. I am interested in starting a hive in the next year or two. I will send you some Wisconsin honey!
The homemade cough medicine sounds interesting. I will have to try some this winter.
Rose
Hi Rose, Maybe next year, we both will have hives and will be TRADING honey! Wouldn’t that be something? Good luck with your hives! Farmgirl hugs, Nicole
Fall is such a cozy, beautiful season, and it’s this time of year that New England is in all her glory! In late September, everyone starts setting out colorful mums and hanging autumn wreaths tied with jewel-toned bows. Spicy hot apple cider wafts through the air as changing leaves dress the trees in water-color shades of red, yellow, gold and brown. But the star of fall for me is the pumpkin. I love pumpkins! I guess you could say I’m pumpkin-obsessed. Those plump little orbs of orange, yellow and white make me grin like a jack-o-lantern on Halloween! This fall, I’m thrilled to add “Backyard-Pumpkin-Farmer” to my repertoire! Come take a peek at my garden, then let’s head to the kitchen for some tasty autumn goodies!
Jan says: Wow! Thank you for the wonderful recipes..Great job!
This was the year of the pumpkin in our back yard. My husband worked out of town a bit this summer, so I just kept watering his ‘babies’ (pumpkins) A LOT. It seems that the largest was about 150# (also grown in the compost bin)! I had the idea to put them on craigslist and I couldn’t believe the response. It seems that there is quite a market for LARGE pumpkins! Of course I actually wanted them to go to ‘good homes’…One fellow was going to feed his to his neighbor’s goats when he was done with it. Woo Hoo!
What’s not to love about pumpkins?????
Thank you, Jan, so glad you enjoyed today’s post! Those are some HUGE pumpkins you grew! I did worry that mine might grow to be some hundred pound monster pumpkin, but the variety of seed I used doesn’t yield that large of pumpkin. 🙂 How smart to put them on CraigsList! There is a local diner in town that every year puts a gigantic, enormous, super big pumpkin in the middle of the median as Fall decoration. I don’t know where they always find them, but it must take a truck and a fork lift to set down. Good job with your pumpkins! Farmgirl hugs, Nicole
The proud photo of you with pumpkin says it all. Great way to start my day.
Thank you, MaryJane! Much love, Nicole
Adrienne says: Those are wonderful huge pumpkins and your recipes should create some tasty treats (no tricks on this Halloween)! I like making pumpkin tarts and sharing them with friends. They are just enough to satisfy the appetite and can actually be frozen. Since I’m vegetarian, my main Thanksgiving dish is another member of the squash family–butternut squash–stuffed with quinoa, chopped green onions, sage and a little veggie broth. It creates its own bowl too.
Hi Adrienne! I bet those pumpkin tarts are wonderful! Funny you should mention butternut squash…I bought an organic one yesterday at my local grocery store and am trying to figure out how I want to serve it for dinner tonight! Happy Fall! -Nicole
Elaine says: I so enjoy your photo series from flower to white pumpkin. When I get this year’s pumpkins, I’ll be thinking of your photos. I need to get brave and plant pumpkins next year!
Hi Elaine, thank you! It was really fun to grow them, and not really a high-maintenance type of plant. They just need lots of room. Good luck, and Happy Fall! Farmgirl hugs, Nicole
Oh my gosh! My friend just sent me the link to your post because she is fully aware of my Pumpkin Love. What fabulous pictures and delicious-looking recipes! I’ve pinned it to Pinterest so I can find it later!
My husband & I have some friends who have a giant pumpkin patch. Every October, they invite everyone from every town nearby (not really, but close enough) to come harvest. We took our nieces and nephews this year and told them if they could get it to the car, they could have it. My scrawny 11-yr-old niece found a way to haul an 80-pounder home. She may have inherited the love of pumpkins. 🙂
I use the leftover Jack-o-lanterns to make curried pumpkin soup. Well, provided the deer and squirrels leave me anything.
Thank you so much for this wonderful autumnal post! It made me very happy.
Hi Erica! Thank you so much! I hope you will come back and "visit" my blog again. Nice to hear from someone who understands my pumpkin craze! What a great story about your niece, too. Thank you for sharing. There is one pumpkin decoration I leave out all year long. It’s a hand-blown glass pumpkin that sits in my curio in the kitchen. But come late September, it’s pumpkin decor and pumpkin recipes through December! Enjoy, and thanks again for visiting. Farmgirl hugs, Nicole
Crystal Nielsen says: Mmmmmmm,I love pumpkin and all the cozy spices that paint it’s deliciousness in recipes…am going home after work to bake up your loaf recipe, it reads yummy.
Tak,
Skaal
Crystal Nielsen
Hej Crystal! Mange tak! Skaal, Nicole
Rose says: Congratulations on the successful pumpkins harvest. Thanks for the decorating ideas with the white pumpkins! I never knew there were white pumpkins until I read your blog today.
I love to eat all things pumpkin also. My favorites are pumpkin cheesecake and chocolate chip pumpkin cookies.
Hi Rose, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies??? You’ve got to send me/post that recipe! I will think I have died and gone to Heaven, for sure! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Marji says: What a wonderful affirmation of pumpkin love. I too love pumpkins and always have to have one on my table through the holidays. My this years pumpkin is there right now. I even kept a pumpkin all winter long one year. Next year we are building a new greenhouse where I will be trying to grow my own. Our ground is too cold and our growing season too short here in the Interior of Alaska.
I love your pumpkin bread recipe. Have you tried it with gluten free flour? I love your post. Happy Pumpkin Time!, Marji
Hi Marji! Thank you for commenting! I have not tried it with gluten free flour yet. If gluten free flour is a 1 to 1 ratio, I imagine it would work. How exciting for you to be getting a new greenhouse! Happy Fall, Nicole
Rebecca says: I love the picture of your daughter with the pumpkin so big only her fingertips will touch. I understand, though, because I also love pumpkins. There’s a local homeowner in my town who carves (with the help of the community) over 3,000 pumpkins every October and decorates his old victorian house and his yard. He adds lights and music to his decorations and people come from miles around to see them. A local charity uses the "innards" to made pumpkin bread and other pumpkin goodies.
Hi Rebecca! Isn’t that a cute photo of my daughter? She’s now eleven, but still loves to pick out pumpkins, happy squeals at the first sighting of pumpkins. We also put a little one on her nightstand every year, too. 3,000 pumpkins??? Wow! I bet that is an amazing sight! Great story, thanks for sharing! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Last week marked my twenty-first wedding anniversary. I’m a lucky girl having married my handsome, sweet Dane. I’m also blessed for another reason: my in-laws. They’re my “bonus” and I love them to pieces! Last month, we got to spend two weeks together when they came for a visit. We so enjoyed them! Living so far away, we always cherish the time we have together. In honor of my beloved in-laws, Torben and Ulla, join me on a “virtual tour” of Denmark, and enjoy some of our favorite Danish recipes!
Happiest people on earth? I’m moving! Thanks for the journey and warm fuzzy feelings this morning.
Good Morning, MaryJane! Glad you enjoyed the "tour"…I have to admit, Danes are some of the warmest, friendliest people I have ever met. Much love, Nicole
Shari Doty says: Thanks for the nice blog. We have a Danish town near us…Solvang. I am intimately familiar with aebleskivers, and have all the accoutrements. There is a shop there called Rasmussen’s, and they have old fashioned kitchen goods. That’s where I got my pastry cloth. If you’re ever on the central coast of California, you might bring your husband to Solvang.
Hi Shari! I have heard of Solvang, though we haven’t made it there yet. I am going to search "Rasmussen’s" and see if they have a website; thank you for telling us about them. Aren’t aebleskivers delish? I could eat my weight in them! Another favorite Danish treat are "kringles", which is a filled pastry, and I love Kransekage, an almond paste filled cookie "tower", used as a wedding cake. Oh, my mouth is watering. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Jan says: Sold! You have me contemplating a trip to Denmark. My husband came to the US (at the age of two and by ship!) from Germany. We have not traveled there yet…
I will simply have to make your meatballs! Sounds so yummy and the curry surprised me..I also have an aebleskiver pan that I need to put to use.
Thank you for the lovely tour,
Jan
Hi Jan! Denmark is such a great place to visit, I know you’d love it. "Boller i Karri" is one of my husband’s favorite dishes that his mom made when he was growing up. It’s one of our favorite dinners, hope you enjoy! Farmgirl hugs, Nicole
Good morning Nicole! Wow, I loved my armchair visit to Denmark! I think I’m moving too! 🙂 You are blessed!
hugs! Your blogging sis… Deb ( from the BEACH )
Hi Deb! The climate of Denmark is much like ours here in New England, but not as humid in the summers. Hope all is well at the beach! Farmgirl hugs, Nicole
Adrienne says: Part of my father’s family originally came from Denmark and moved to Sweden (and changed their last name from Andersen to Anderson). I have an aebleskiver pan and have baked them but used a mix purchased from the Prepared Pantry online. They are yummy topped with whatever seasonal fruit I have. Also, if you want to lower the sugar content, stevia comes in bulk powdered form to be used by the teaspoon or sprinkled food. Ufda!
Hi Adrienne! Thanks for the tip! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Beverly Battaglia says: Love this lovely story and beautiful pictures of Denmark. Cannot wait to make the meatballs! Very interesting about the castles and royalty. Love you,
Mother
Hi Mom! Isn’t Denmark beautiful? And the food…I always come home ten pounds heavier! Let me know how your meatballs turn out. I know how much you like the aebleskivers with my strawberry jam when you visit! Love you! -Nicole
Joan says: Thanks Nicole for the lovely trip to Denmark, yes your love of the Country sure shows and I appreciate your tour guiding, I can’t travel any more so this is a grand time for me. The yarns must be special and the museums spectacular, even though I would be half n half in viewing them, a quick look see then be in the out of doors. Love the recipes, somewhat like my Polish family recipes, will give them a try. Thanks again for sharing and God Bless.
Hi Joan! I’m so glad you liked today’s blog. Enjoy the recipes, and thanks so much for commenting! Farmgirl hugs, Nicole
cr lagroue says: Great blog….wish I could live there instead of the city…..as for your in-laws, they have to be the nicest people ever…I miss seeing them.
You should come with us next trip to see them and Uncle Jens! – Nicole
You captured my family’s home country perfectly. 🙂
Darn it, now I’m hungry LOL!
Hi April! Tak! 🙂 Nicole
I’d love to visit Denmark. I am half Danish, my dad being full dane. The family came from Kolding. I loved seeing your post.
Nicole Christensen says: Hi Kathy! Isn’t Denmark a great place to visit? I always tell my daughter, who is half-Danish too, to be very proud of her heritage. I am so glad you enjoyed the post! Tak! 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”.
OH YES**** I Love Downton Abby** I relate to all the Women….upstairs and downstairs. It shows that things can change –in a moment, all people have responsibilities even with $$money and how we feel for all that Help us….loyality, ethics, & more.
Thanks for your share…. Reality is always adjusting!
JULIE jw
Hi Julie, I agree. I think we all can relate to many of the characters in one way or another. They are all so well-written. Thanks for commenting! – Nicole
I am a HUGE Downton fan, Nicole. Knowing there will be a season V now I think I will plan to host a season premier party. Wouldn’t that be fun? The only kicker is you never know what the weather will be like then around here. This winter has been BRUTAL. I read where another club was having a tea cup exchange. I am going to suggest that my craft club do this and then make the tea cups into candles. My sister bought me Downton jewelry for Christmas. It is so beautiful. I just pre-ordered Season IV on DVD. Amazon had a special price for it and I couldn’t resist. I am curious, in episode 2 of this season, were you pleased with the way they handled the Anna situation? I couldn’t help but think if the show had been filmed here in the U.S. how graphic it would have been for shock and ratings. I hope that American television will take a hint here and realize the point can be made without the graphics. Are you smitten with Sherlock as well? I got hooked on that one because my host daughter (exchange student) from Czech Republic loved it. It is FABULOUS too. Downton is still my fave though. Have you found with going back and watching them again that you missed things the first time through? I sure have. The post office came out with Harry Potter postage. I wonder how long until Downton? It could pull the postal service out of its financial woes. Ha ha ha! Can’t you just see the potential? Have a great week!
Hi Lisa!
Love your idea of turning tea cups into candles! I use some of my smaller, vintage cups as tea light holders. With the smaller cups, the tea light just fits right inside! I think next year I might hostess a "premiere party" too! What a fun idea! I remember when I was younger and "Friends" had its last show. I hosted a dinner party then.
I also agree with you on the way the violence was handled. It was not too graphic, as it would be here. Have you noticed, as well, that there is not a foul word to be heard? I can’t stand mainstream movies anymore. There is a lack of creativity when all you can write is raunchy language, I think. Love that there are no characters with cuss words coming out of their mouths constantly.
Did you happen to catch the actor who plays Matthew on the "Today Show" last week? I thought it was quite comical that he has husbands coming up to him asking him to apologize to their wives for leaving the show! 🙂
Thanks for commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I am totally addicted to Downton Abbey. I was a late comer also, I started watching last season but I did view Seasons 1-2 before so I could be caught up. Love your outfit. Especially the hat.
It sounds like an awesome town you live in. I don’t have access to anything as exciting as a Downton Abbey Tea. But it was fun reading about yours.
Hi Rebecca! Thanks! It was fun to dress up. Our library is still closed, several weeks later. I think our town is very lucky, they’ve always done such interesting, fun programs for as long as I can remember, usually free or very low-cost. It was the library that got me hooked on the show, too. One of the librarians gushed that I just had to watch it. (Our library has free DVD rentals, too). Like Lisa said in her comment, I catch all sorts of things seeing the episodes again. Thanks for stopping by! Farmgirl hugs, Nicole
Downton Abbey is a wonderful show and I think because I’m now the eldest in my family, I would be the dowager countess saying whatever I wanted whenever I please. I have one special teacup and brew some of the Downton Abbey English Rose tea from the Republic of Tea while I watch. Then I can really appreciate the yummy Lord Grantham.
Lady Adrienne, thank you for your comment. You made me chuckle. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Nicole,
I had not seen the interview on the "Today Show". I bet I can find it online though. It sounds priceless and comical.
You know I hadn’t thought about the language. I guess because of the period of time this takes place. It is refreshing though.
By the way your outfit for the tea was AWESOME! You said you made your hat. I am soooo impressed. You look like you stepped out of a magazine for that era. Very cool.
I have had many discussions with friends and family and I think it is very likely that should I have been born in those times I would have been downstairs rather than upstairs. I love the pride they have for the work they do that today would often be considered unrewarding and not a "real" job.
Have you seen the Downton cookbook? Oh my! I had no idea something like that existed until my birthday came along and my mom got it for me. I don’t know how anyone could like blood pudding. LOL.
Cheers,
Lisa
Lisa,
I didn’t see the today show interview when it first ran, but saw it first on the Today Show link on Facebook. Worth watching.
Thank you for the compliments (blushing). I did make my hat…it is knitted with one strand of worsted weight wool and one strand of mohair, then felted in the washing machine. I was smiling at my daughter; she snapped it on our way out one day.
I have not seen the Downton Abbey cookbook! I will look for that, sounds interesting. Although I agree with you on the blood pudding…ick. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I have been wanting to watch the show for awhile and finally was able to catch the first 3 seasons on amazon prime video. I am enthralled! I have also wanted to start knitting again and just received an e-mail you and others might be interested in. Look for Knit Picky Patterns from AllFreeKnitting, they have a collection of patterns for Downton Abbey fans. I can’t wait to get started!
Hi Debra! I see you have been inspired, too! I love that a little glamour is back in style! You’ll have to pop back by and tell us what you decided to knit as a first project! Farmgirl hugs, Nicole
Nicole, My dear friend hosted her second annual Downton Abbey premiere party at the opening of Season 3 and all the ladies came in fancy dress. Her Victorian house was aglow with flickering candles and shining silver and the dinner would have made Mrs. Patmore proud.
It is a marvel that this television series has entranced so many people from all over the world. Julian Fellows and Downton cast, hats off to you!
Terri, oh your friend’s party sounds wonderful! How fun! Farmgirl hugs, Nicole
I am indeed a fan, from the first moment of the first episode. I recently acquired a new cloche hat. And luckily for me, I was already a fan of all things Victorian/Edwardian, so I’ve got the tableware and linens, more than enough teapots and teacups to open a shop, some of the clothing, and a few other elegant items. Everything has to be kept from the reach of two active dogs and a curious, three-legged cat! I’m not a knitter (oh, I’ve tried and tried), but I am good at thread crochet so I have a lot of doilies, placemats, and lace-edged bedding. Now I just wish I had a staff to manage it all.
Hi Lexie! I hear ya! I’ve been a a fan of all things Victorian/Edwardian (who am I kidding – 1920’s through to the 1940’s, too!) even before those items were considered "in" . When I was fourteen, I wanted to dress like Molly Ringwald in Pretty in Pink. No staff here, either! Great comment, thanks for stopping by! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
Dear Nicole
In Danmark are we seeing Downton Abbey now. I like this series too.
Love farfar og farmor Dk
Hej Farmor!
Won’t it be fun when we see each other again…tea, knitting, and Downton Abbey in the afternoon! Love you! – Nicole
Dear Nicole.
Im Looking forward to this ,Love you Ulla
Great article Nicole on Downton Abbey! I enjoy watching Downton Abbey while I am sipping tea and loom knitting. So relaxing!!
Hi Debbie! Sounds like a fun to me! Season Four was released today here in the states on DVD/Blue Ray…Farmgirl hugs, Nicole
I’ve been a fan from the 1st episode! Love everything about the show from costume & set design to how well each actor was cast in their specific role. We’ve done tea in our family from before I was born as my Great-Grandmother Scarborough was from England. It’s very relaxing at the end of the day to sit whilst dinner cooks and catch up on everyone’s day. Your “costume” is great but even more so because it’s comprised of things you already wear. Me too! I’ve always been enthralled with everything British and even read UK versions of Country Living & Country Homes along w/ my MJF every other month! Cheers to a great blog and fellow DA fan & MJ sister!
Cheers, Kimberly!
I love the idea of bringing your own fancy tea cup and enjoying old and new friendships.
One place I lived had a Mother’s Day Tea Cup Brunch in May. We each bought a ticket that was used to choose tea cup and saucer to use at the brunch. The tea cup went home with the user as a special way to remember the morning.
Hi Jan! What a great idea! When my daughter was about seven, we attended a Mother’s Day and Dolly tea where we dressed up, and Audrey brought her American Girl doll. It was held at a local church. I didn’t see that they hosted another one (or we missed it) but I have such lovely memories of our special day together. I love the teacup idea of the tea that you went to. Thank you for sharing. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I love this show. It is so neat to see how that era of England lived. I can’t wait for more episodes. And I love your hat by the way.
Hi Doreen! I find how that era lived to be fascinating, too. Thanks for the compliment on my hat. I really enjoyed wearing it this cold winter, and it was fun to make. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole
I have watched Downton Abbey for a couple of years now, just love it. Ran across it quite by accident, meant to be kind of thing. I have watched seasons 1, 2 & 3. Have 3 shows from season 4 on my DVR but have not gotten round to watching them yet. I really need to prioritize.
I just love your tea cup. What company made it? I have really gotten into tea cups and have started collecting. It is great having all different cups for tea parties. We girls, and I use that term loosely of course, in the family have had great fun having tea parties. I would love to see if I can find a cup like the one you have.
Hi Claudia! Thank you! I just checked on the bottom of both my teacup and saucer. Unfortunately, that one has no markings whatsoever! I can tell you that it is very old, with a taupe lusterware-like sheen. Maybe check eBay for lusterware cups and saucers. In the meantime, I will see if I can do some research too. If I unearth anything, I will be sure to let you know. I’ve found all of mine at tag sales, flea markets, thrift and antique shops, and on eBay. Happy hunting! Oh, and I do love a good tea party, too! Such fun. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole