Morning from the Ozarks,
Loved your post, the beautiful butterfly picture brightens my day this morning.
This morning I have John Denver songs going, have been for the past week or so, they bring back precious memories of raising our children in the mountains of Montana.
I now journal for my children, years of precious memories in little books stacked away in my hutch’s bottom cupboard, where they will someday read
all about our every day lives, all the dreams that have comes true in our lives, a few sorrows and tears, and prayers for their future.
Sentiment is grand, it wakes us up to realize every day is sentimental and to becherished…….Hugs from the Ozarks…..Diana, Noel, Mo.

Diana, your comment is so beautiful and moving.  Thank you. Hugs, Nicole

Our little birds DO grow up fast. I’d had a Christmas tree on my deck that we scrounged from the landfill AFTER the holidays for some magazine photos (we shoot holidays a year in advance). After we were done using our tree as a photo prop, I left it on my deck all winter. Unbelievably, it stayed green until about a month ago. I went out one day to move it and noticed a robin’s nest being built in it. So instead of moving the tree, I sat on my couch with tea and watched a robin’s home being built. Eventually, I took a photo of 3 blue eggs. I watched the mother come and go and brought my grandgirls up for regular inspections. One day they hatched and started to grow. Mother AND father brought worms. I watched them every day so I could take a final pic without them looking so frail and hairless and well, odd. On the day I thought I better get that photo taken, I brought my camera and tri-pod to the deck, loaded the battery but they were already gone!

Hi MaryJane!  I love that you left the tree so the birds could go undisturbed!  We have a lilac bush right below the deck in front and last year had a nest of bluebirds, too. We got to witness the babies from eggs to flying birds.  We checked on them every morning and evening, and even mama bird got used to us.  When they flew out of the nest, we all joked about literally having "empty nest syndrome"!  Farmgirl hugs, Nicole

Oh Nicole, I know exactly how you feel – sentimental! I know they are just things but THINGS ARE LOVE too. Am so happy that you found your broach and THE BAG. Holding dear to the childhood of your daughter is just what a Mother does and the special gifts from family and friends. I once thought I had lost 2 thimbles – not that they were very expensive gold and silver BUT because they were my special Grandmother and Aunt’s. They used them almost every day of my remembering life, my Grandparents and Aunt raised me, to make many things for many family and friends but also used them as teaching me how to stitch and embroidery. My wonderful sister, we live together, didn’t make a big deal of it but LOOKED continuously without letting me know and yes SHE found them. They are now in a very special place where we can enjoy them daily. So as for me – SENTIMENTAL is just the way I am. Thanks for sharing.

Joan, what a great story! Thank you for sharing it with me.  I am so glad your sister found your thimbles.  Farmgirl hugs, Nicole

Nicole,

I keep every gift and card you and Audrey send to me. Our growing children are our greatest treasure, and looking at the things given to me by my loved ones brings back so many good memories. I left Texas and moved to Georgia, and the sentimental things help with loneliness. They remind me that I am loved. Glad you found the bag Audrey gave to you, and the brooch is beautiful. The red candle holder is something my mother gave to me from her heart and glad you enjoy it.

Last year I threw away a box with other boxes in the closet and had forgotten I put pictures from the 1960’s in it to mail. It makes me feel ill every time I think about it.

I love you,
Mother

Hi Mom, I know the photos make me feel bad, too.  I’m sorry that happened.  I keep a note you wrote me in my wallet, along with a small note from Audrey, too.  Love you, Nicole

Hi Nicole,
I do know just how you feel… So far, I haven’t lost anything the kids have made for me… I have a drawer full of painted shells, macaroni necklaces, first tries and beaded bracelets and safety pin jewelery, and yarn necklaces and notes all made by our daughter. Our son isn’t one to be fiddling with those sorts of things but even at 17 I still get several hugs and I love you’s from him. One thing I have lost that still haunts me to this day is a birthstone ring one of my Aunts gave me when I turned 12. It was a beautiful square cut topaz stone in a pretty gold setting flanked by two small little rosettes. I took it off to do dishes one day when I was a teenager and it went missing… Never to be found…The ring was special not just because it was so pretty, but because my Aunt, her daughter, my mother and I all share the same birthday month and it was my turn to have the ring. It still bugs me to this day that it is gone. For years I would look for it in Antique stores thinking it might turn up. I’m so happy for you that your broach was just hiding out in your daughters winter coat! Great story!
Hugs!
farmgirl sis
Deb

Oh, Deb, I am so sorry you lost that ring!  I really know how you feel.  My parents gave me an aquamarine ring set in gold when I was a about the same age (12).  It was oval with a vintage setting. It was one of the last things they picked out together for me, as they divorced when I was thirteen. Later, my ring was stolen from my first apartment.  It still makes my stomach flip to think about it. 
I love that your son is 17 and still gives you hugs and I love you’s, so special.  Big hugs to you, Nicole

I can’t wait to try this….I don’t know why I’ve never thought to do it sooner. When I was growing up, my mom made jelly from everything imaginable. And she and my dad knew all the safe weeds to eat. Needless to say, we ate a lot of them! I love your post; it brought back some very good memories.

Thanks, Rebecca!  I’m glad you enjoyed the post!  I think of all the jams and jellies I’ve made, this is my favorite, despite being a bit tedious.  Try eating it on bread with a slice of cheddar and the jelly on top.  Let me know how your jam turns out! -Nicole

Hi Nicole!
Looks like you had some fun with this one- not to mention, I bet you proved a lot of "doubting Thomas’" wrong!
I have never made my own dandelion jam, although I have tried it and liked it. My friend actually came over to my yard a few years back and picked my dandelion flowers, because she knew I did not spray any chemicals on my lawn. LOL
She did gift me with a jar when she made it which was great!
Hope all is well with you, and that the warm weather is finally here to stay!
Hugs to you my friend!
Laurie

Hi Laurie!  Another great reason NOT to spray chemicals on your lawn, right?  This was a fun adventure! Farmgirl hugs back at ya, Nicole

Nicole, I loved the article and wildflowers too. I once made a colored sketch in Texas Hill country of them. You must have a lot of dandelions on your property!
Your writing is very interesting and you are brave to try some of those "weeds". Love you, Mother

Hi Mom!  Your next goodie box will include a jar of this jam!  Love, Nicole

I think your blog is great and that the Sunshine Jelly looks great to make.
Just have to find an abundant amount of dandelions somewhere when they start growing.
Thanks.

Darlene, thank you!  Glad you enjoyed the blog. Write me back and let me know how you jelly turns out when you make it!  Enjoy! -Nicole

What a lovely day you had! For sure chickens come from the T.Rex. What a funny waddle/run they have. To this day, it cracks me up when I see my chickens run. But Henrietta running in an apron? Hilarious.

Hi MaryJane!
Chicken antics "crack" me up too…can’t wait to get my own little backyard flock.  Soon…
Much love! -Nicole

Hi Nicole!
I enjoyed following along on your journey. We took our kids there years ago when they were younger and "into" dinosaurs. Definitely a hidden gem!
I laughed when you brought up the "purple" dinosaur. Every now and then we break out in song singing some of the famous songs from the show. My kids (although they don’t admit it now) were addicted to Barney, Baby Bop, BJ and the rest of the gang! LOL
Would love to visit the seed shop….you must have been in heaven!!!!!
Thank you as always for sharing a glimpse!
Hugs my friend,
Laurie

Hi Laurie!  My girl was so enchanted by Barney when she was a tot, back when Selena Gomez was a child star on it.  Now she is a "Selena Gomez" fan again.  They both have grown up so much.

As for the seed shop, I’ve promised my Farmgirl Chapter an organized trip now that I have had a chance to check it out first.  Next early spring.  Hopefully you can join us for that one.  I’ll keep you posted on our other activities this summer…I’m determined to get ya out here! Farmgirl hugs,  Nicole

This sounds like it was a wonderful trip. I’m starting to discover how beautiful Hartford county is too. Brian and I took a trip to Fairvue Farm in Woodstock, CT and had lunch at an adorable place called The Vanilla Bean Cafe in Pomfret and stopped at a gift shop called Celebrations Gallery, also in Pomfret. I can’t wait to go back! I always wondered about the area which is called Quiet Corner in Connecticut and I want to explore it further! Even though I don’t have my own garden (yet), it sounds as thought I would have loved that seed shop!

Ali, our sisterhood chapter will go one day.  Container gardening! Sounds like you found a neat place to go, too.   Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

Sounds like a great day Nicole, thank you for sharing.

Hi Barb!  It was a great day, and we found the dinosaur park by "accident" just by noticing a sign for it on I95 once before.  Like a hidden gem! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

Greetings, Nicole! Your articles are always a treat! I truly enjoy the simplest things and you always make them sound very special! Always well done! ella

Hi Ella, thank you!  It is true, the simplest things in life are the best.  Farmgirl hugs, Nicole

Hi Nicole –
I too can’t wait for Spring and the warmer temps to arrive and stay for a while. I don’t have a green thumb, but I do have to get my yard in order. I loved your idea about the suet cage and extra yarn. I always toss mine and now I now exactly what to do with them. GREAT IDEA! Thanks for sharing that. Also, can you please tell me what those green plants are. They look like they would be great ground cover by my shrubs. Enjoy today! Temps are warming up a bit!
Diane

Hi Diane!  I hear ya!  We’ve got way more clean up than usual due to the Superstorm Sandy and the snow that arrived last Halloween.  Our yard did not have its proper fall cleanup.

Today was a very beautiful day, with temperatures up to 68 degrees!  Happy Spring and thank you for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

So glad your finally getting a little sunshine on your face. Let’s hear it for green leafy vegetables!

Love the sun! Big hugs to you, farmgirl sister! Nicole

Hi Nicole! Even in Virginia it seems Spring is taking its sweet time! I wanted to tell you how much I love your idea of putting the yarn in the suet cage! Not only is it great for the birds but it is pretty too. Here on our farm we commonly see nests made out of tail hairs from the cows and horses, and from baling twine. This year my husband has purchased hot pink baling twine (I haven’t gotten to the bottom of that yet!) and I look forward to seeing pink nests next year!

Hi Meredith!  I never thought about birds taking hair from the tails of cows and horses!  Love it.  I’ve been doing this a couple of years now, and it’s funny to see glimpses of yarn in nests, and what yarn the birds like best. One year we had a nest just under our deck, so we could peek between the slats and get a "bird’s eye view"!

Happy Spring…hope it arrives soon! -Nicole

I am sitting here with tears in my eyes. Your blog was beautiful. It is wonderful to know that something so perfect is filling the children’s lives now, when something so horrible touched you all such a short time ago. My husband and I share our life with two dogs and every day they show us the wonder and goodness of a simple life. We laugh because of them, sometimes our patience is tried because of them, but always they show us their love and are there for us whenever we need a little pick up from daily life.

Judy, thank you!  You are so right, there’s so much we can learn from our dogs. Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

My dad was diagnosed with congestive heart problems and he went into a depression, sitting in his recliner, basically waiting to die. He was convinced he couldn’t do anything. I had recently been surprised with being pregnant and knew my dachshund, Crystal, would not be happy about there being a baby around. Solution? I gave my dog to my mother for her birthday. (Dad didn’t want a dog, he said.) Sure enough, Crystal became my dad’s shadow and I soon received letters about how dad had to walk around to find the dog and then fix the fence. Crystal made him get up and do things and he was soon back to normal. Except, now he had a little friend who adored him! That was one of the best gifts I have ever given anyone.

Becka, how beautiful!  It’s me with tears in my eyes now.  Thank you so much for sharing your story.  -Nicole

How wonderful!

What a great idea!! I recently spend some time at the veterans’ hospital and had my dogs with me. Everybody wanted to pet them. The older gentlemen wanted to hold the small one on their laps. Dogs can be very soothing. Maybe having a dog in the schools would be something that should be looked into.

I agree!  I saw first-hand what an amazing effect they have at our school.  It was really miraculous.  I am so glad they will be staying until the end of school, but it would be great to have them all the time.  – Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

Nicole, what a wonderful article. I agree that it is an amazing addition to the classroom for children. I also wonder if it would be beneficial with ADD and ADHD children. How great it would be if having dogs could help reduce or eliminate the use of drugs in these kids!

Hi sweet Nicole!
What a wonderful post. Without a doubt, our furry friends offer so much to us all on a daily basis, never asking for anything in return.
Our library has the same program one of the other readers mentioned- At our library it is called Book Time with a Dog-where young readers are given 30 minutes to read to a dog. Because the dog does not "judge" the child’s reading skills, the child builds confidence and strength. Its is wonderful, and my own children participated when they were younger.
The power of therapy dogs is nothing short of a miracle, and I am so happy that Newtown is being blessed with their presence! How wonderful for everyone!
Hugs,
Laurie

Hi Laurie, I love hearing about this program!  What a great experience for all involved. 
The dogs at our school are truly a blessing.  I also want to say that I saw how hard the handlers work, and I hope they know how we all really appreciate their efforts.
Thanks for commenting! Farmgirl, Nicole

I am a therapy dog owner/handler and have seen first hand what a dog can do for children ,the elderly, and men in prison but most of all those of us who take the dogs to visit. It is a wonderful way to give back!!. I’m sure the handlers received as much if not more from being with the children. I too have tears thinking of your children.

Thank you for your note, Nancy.  -Nicole

My neighbor’s dogs, Siena and Drago, are two of the therapy dogs that have traveled to Newtown to be a comfort to those children and adults. These dogs are so loving and adorable and have been a wonderful playmate for my own dog. Siena and Drago have also been "listeners" to beginning readers at my school and brought me joy every time they entered the school. Working in a K-2 school in the area we all grieved for the loss Newtown has suffered and thinking about that horrible day still makes me cry. Knowing two of the therapy dogs, I appreciate the kind words you spoke of these loving creatures. Thank you for acknowledging these furry heroes!

Karen, I know all about Drago and Siena!  I have not personally met them, but my daughter comes home and tells me all about them!  Please give them both a big hug from my family!  Thank you so much for your kind words.  -Nicole

thank you so much for your story! i understand how you feel and those kids are so special. i have two rescue dogs and when my husband died unexpectantly 3 yrs ago, they ended up rescuing me. they have brought such comfort and joy to me and i don’t think i could have made it without them.

Janie, I am so sorry to hear you suffered such a loss,  but it is heartwarming to hear that you and your dogs "rescued" each other. I’ve heard that some of the dogs that were in our town are on their way to comfort Boston. 

Thank you for reading and commenting. Hugs, Nicole

Thank you Nicole for that wonderful story. My dog Kona and I are one of the teams that visit weekly. It is truly amazing to see the unconditional love between the dogs and children. It is the best hours of the week for us. We will be there as long as the schools want us.

Hi Sandy!  I have heard lots about Kona from Audrey!  Thank you for all your time and effort.  We will never forget what all of you have done for our kids.  Hugs to Kona from us! -Nicole

Awesome Website, Continue the good job. Thank you!

So sorry for the loss of you sweet kitty, Muffin. Our furry friends are such a blessing.

Here’s to taming those March "lions"! And a very happy birthday to you!

Thank you, Lori!  Happy Spring! – Nicole

Take five minutes for sitting down with a cup of chamomile tea and put your feet up. Then close your eyes, smile while you sip, and have an "attitude of gratitude." Be thankful for what you’ve accomplished and create a plan for a calm future even if it’s just for 24 hours. A suggestion for the tooth fairy: next time you’re at the bank, pick up some gold dollar coins and put them aside for those pleasant emergencies that pop up. I got 50 cents for my baby teeth, by the way.

Enjoy!

Great idea, Adrienne!  My daughter has to be running out of baby teeth soon…
Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

I’m so sorry about your cat’s passing. What a beautiful kitty she was! My cat Zachary died last year at age 18 and just like you said so well even though we were on borrowed time it still was a devastating shock to me to lose someone I’d spent almost 2 decades of my life with. They are so hard to lose.
I enjoy your column- Happy Spring!

I’m sorry to hear about your Zachary.  We now are left with just one pet from out original "herd", our kitty, Badger.  He is about twenty now.  He is happy to have Mittens as a buddy, who is now about ten months old.  He’s outlived all his other "girls".  We miss them all.  They are our kids who never grow up.

Thank you for reading and commenting.  Happy Spring to you, too! Hugs! -Nicole

I’m 70 yrs…back in the "old" days the tooth fairy slipped a quarter under my pillow! All this sharing about the Tooth Fairy reminded me that when my Mom cleaned out my Dad’s bureau after his passing, she discovered a gallon size plastic bag filled with all of his six kids’ teeth. I always wondered what TF did with all those teeth!!! What a surprise! He was such a dear Dad to all of us. BTW what does the TF at your house do with her findings?

I have heard a rumor that she keeps them hidden away, that tooth fairies use the teeth if they need "more magic in fairyland".  Or so I am told. 

Thanks for commenting and sharing your cute story with us! – Hugs, Nicole

There’s a sock fairy somewhere who’s well-supplied with socks. Glad to know she visits your house, too!

Nancy from Live a Savory Life

I think you are right, Nancy!  -Nicole

So sorry dear about your baby kitty Muffin,I have a Muffin but it is a dog she is sweet too…Like you said they are borrowed love to make us happy .And I am in Florida the sunshine state..reason in letting you know the last part…my Garden is partially in. Tomatoes,onions,Beans,Cucks and Corn.Working on flowers next ,the food was important lol.So good luck everyone reading this with their gardens!Enjoy!

Hi Georgette! And thank you for commenting!  Your garden sounds lovely!  I’m chomping at the bit to get outside and plant, I tell ya.  My seedlings have sprouted but it is still pretty cold.  It is supposed to warm up by next week to the sixties…keep your fingers crossed for me!  Give your Muffin a hug from me, and enjoy that Florida weather! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

so, this wonderful pizza dough — have you shared/would you please share the recipe? it really sounds too good to be true!

l love your pictures. Pizza is beautiful. Funny and cute article.
Love you,
Mother

Thanks, Mom!  Love you, too.  Glad you enjoyed it.
Big hugs, Nicole

OK, here goes. My first kitchen disaster came as I, a new bride, decided to make sugar cookies for my husband to take to work in his lunch. I thought how tough can this be? I have all the ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder…um, no, I have baking soda. Shrug. Same thing. The sugar "cookie" covered the entire cookie sheet and was 1/2" thick. It tasted fine so I broke off hunks and put them in a plastic bag. When my husband came home with his empty lunchbox, he told me with a laugh how much the other guys at work liked my "cookie." Yep, he announced at lunch that his wife made sugar cookies. They waited hungrily until he pulled out the broken hunks of the "cookie" to share. While they were giggling and stuffing their faces, he related my cooking disaster. I never baked anything for him again and that’s one of the reasons he was my first husband.

Oh my!  Silly boys – didn’t they realize that they were Cookie Bars?  Thanks for sharing!  🙂
Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

Why not try MaryJane’s pan bread recipe? It makes a fabulous pizza crust, and requires no yeast.

Of course, that is a wonderful recipe, too. Her Irish Soda bread is another great recipe if you are looking for something without yeast – I’ll be making that a lot this month! -Nicole

I thought I would include a bread-related, disappointment-turned-delicious story. I made whole wheat bread dough yesterday. I used dough enhancer, vital wheat gluten and potato flakes. All the tricks for a fluffy loaf. Oh, not so! The dough never rose more than about 10%. The dough tasted fine, and it was getting close to dinnertime, so I cut off small pieces of dough, rolled it super thin and "baked" it in my cast iron skillet like naan or tortillas. It was a hit! And because I didn’t use the whole thing, I put the dough in the fridge for later. I expect it to last about a week, depending on how much more we all want. Happy accidents, you’ve got to love them. Thanks for the blog. I love reading it.
You new friend,
Jennifer

Hi Jennifer, and thank you for reading and commenting!  Great story, and love how it turned out.  Did you know that it was by accident my (and America’s) favorite cookie was made?  In 1930, the owner at the Toll House Inn tried to substitute chocolate chips for baking chocolate in her cookie recipe.  They did not melt, thus the invention of the Chocolate Chip Cookie! Happy Cooking and Baking!  Hugs, Nicole

Nicole,

Thanks for another great blog and pizza dough recipe! I have just gotten my KitchenAid mixer and Cuisinart from my storage unit. I am ready to start cooking and eating healthy again.

Yesterday, I was in the grocery store and looking at instant pancake mixes. I thought of you with all your good homemade cooking and put it back on the shelf. You inspired me to buy the ingredients to make them from scratch. I even bought organic butter!

Got a recipe from buttermilk pancakes? My cookbooks are still in storage.

Rose

Hi Rose!  I am so proud of you!  You will notice such a difference in how you feel when eating organic.  I have a great buttermilk pancake recipe!

• 1 cup flour (use unbleached organic)
  
• 1 TBSP sugar (use unbleached organic)
  
• 1 tsp baking powder (use aluminum-free)
  
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1 beaten egg
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2TBSP cooking oil (can use organic coconut oil)

Stir together dry ingredients; make a well in the middle and set aside.  In another bowl, combine wet ingredients.  Add to dry ingredients and mix just to moisten (batter will be lumpy).    Pour 1/4 cup batter onto hot greased skillet and cook on medium heat until bubbly, flip and cook a few minutes on second side.  Enjoy with organic maple syrup!

I am so happy I inspired you, means a lot.  Thanks for commenting! Hugs, Nicole

Hi Nicole,
As always, I love your website. Your pizza looks amazing and thanks for the recipes. I enjoyed seeing the pic of Audrey too. Hugs, Joey

Hi Joey!! Thanks, darlin’!  Hope you are doing well!  Farmgirl hugs, Nicole

Good Morning,
Lucky, lucky you to get all that snow!!
In Noel Mo. this morning we are waiting for a winter storm to arrive with sleet,
ice and snow tonite, but we are ready for it!
This past year when grocery shopping, I bought a extra case of whatever was on sale to stick in my pantry, it is the best way to stock up without spending a fortune with the budget, and now my little basement pantry has enough for a couple of year’s of ice storms!
Loved all your snowy pictures and your wintry words this morning,
and the Texas Chili looks so tempting, it will be simmering on my old cookstove tonite! Hugs from the Ozarks, Diana

Hi Diana!  That’s a great way to stock up!  It makes it easier when a big ol’ storm comes through if you only need a few little things at the store before it arrives, instead of a cart full.  Enjoy your chili!  Hugs, Nicole

Oh yes I remember those great snows and sledding – this was in Nebraska and now I live in CO. where today we are in snow alert – everything is stocked and fortunately I have a neighbor man with a snow blower that is always there to help because, you see I’m now at the age that snow is not fun to be in – enjoy it from inside. But I am so happy that you got to go sledding – hope you get to do it again. And more than that I am happy to hear that you made it through without problems. God Bless

Thanks, Joan!  I agree…when everything is stocked and ready there’s  no problems.  Snow is such a pretty sight…enjoy your snowfall and stay warm!  -Nicole

Nicole,
Thanks for sharing your snow. I live in Southwest Mo. we rarely get snow, but today it is coming down so beautiful and gentle.
I am 61 and still feel like a kid when it snows, If we get enough I will be outside playing and making snow angels.

Many Blessings
Peggy

Have fun, Peggy!  Make a snow angel for me!  Hugs, Nicole

What fun….. good for you for enjoying. I live on the westcoast of Canada and no snow for us this year 🙁 sounds like so much fun.Thanks for sharing.

Hi Susan!  We’ve had winters like that before, with no snow.  As much as everyone here likes to complain about the snow, when we don’t have any we all sure do miss it!  Thanks for reading and commenting! -Nicole

This is my first look at your blog. I am in Utah so we do get some great snow. I am not a skier, I am more of a "snuggler". As in snuggle in front of our wood burning stove. We have large windows in the family room and love to watch the snow. Growing up, I lived on a steep hill. Just getting home was a chore, but it was great sledding. The snowy days seemed longer then. I hope your kids enjoy this time. It all ends too soon. Keep writing, I really enjoy it.

Hi Jennifer!  Thanks for reading and leaving a comment!  Aahh…a wood burning stove.  That’s a great, warm place to snuggle.  Enjoy the beautiful snow there. I have not been to Utah, but a friend of mine lived there for awhile.  From her photos it looks like a picturesque state.  Stay warm! -Nicole

I now live in Houston but I’m from Independence,Missouri originally.The only thing I miss about mid-west winters is playing in the snow.We have actually had snow a few times since Christmas 2004(my daughters 1st Christmas).But it does not last long.My husband is from the West Indies and lived in Waterbury,Connecticut for a while but he does not like snow and decided to move to a warmer climate.I have many wonderful memories of fun times with my brothers in the snow.

Hi Holly!  There are things I miss about Houston, too…but I don’t envy you in the summer with the mosquitoes!  😉 Thanks for commenting!  Hugs, Nicole

reading this brought back memories of N Y and sledding with my kids. having been transferred to houston , tx. 20 yrs. ago, we are now having warm winters. Enjoy it. We miss it, (just not shoveling the driveway)

Barbara, I moved here FROM Houston twenty years ago.  I have pictures growing up of me next to the Christmas tree in shorts and bare feet.  What I do miss about a warm weather climate is when we get snow on Easter! Don’t wanna wear a sundress and sandals then, and who wants to hide Easter eggs in slush?  But I wouldn’t change the four, distinct seasons for anything. Thanks for the visit! Hugs, Nicole

Thanks for the mention of Punxsutawney Phil, my hometown Seer of Seers! While I will enjoy what is left of the winter weather I still look longingly toward an early spring.

(Giggle)…I’m a big fan of Punxsutawney Phil!  – Nicole

Don’t you just love the liquid aminos? Also, be sure to try making some kale chips if you haven’t already. Just when you need that CRUNCH So addictive! I purchased the organic dried garbanzos to make some of my own hummus, but haven’t tried that yet. I have made quick hummus out of organic canned chick peas. Also, did you know that you can roast the drained chick peas, for another crunchy treat?
Have fun with your spring projects!

Jan, I forgot about that…I have been wanting to try roasting chick peas, and I bet the liquid aminos would be so tasty on them!  I have not tried kale chips, would love for you to tell us how you do them.  Yum!  Thanks so much for the ideas! -Nicole

It’s good to see you using my old method of dryer lint-TP tube-candle wax fire starters. When I was on the road as an RVer and stopped at a laundromat, I would take the dryer lint with me and some of the other women (and a few men) would look at me strangely until I explained. As I did my laundry, I would go to the stove in the RV, heat water and brew some orange spice tea. The aroma would even erase the fabric softener smell and a few people would share a cuppa with me. Great way to make friends!

Hi Adrienne!  It is such a great way to use, re-use and recycle.  The first time I saw homemade  fire starters was at my first farmgirl sisterhood chapter Christmas party.  Every year, we trade gifts, but they must be homemade.  One farmgirl, Kathy, made homemade fire starters, wrapping them up all pretty…they were the biggest hit.  So smart.  So many of the "old" ways are still the best ways, don’t ya think?  Also, as an "RVer", being able to be somewhat self-sufficient is important, I bet.  I also bet you had a great time.  It’s been a dream of my husband’s and mine to someday hit the road in an RV.  Great fun!  Thanks for reading and commenting! Big hugs, Nicole

Nicole: I am so glad the sunshine can be seen again in your spirit and in your town. Your blog had great ideas (like the fire starters). Your tearoom is lovely and I would gladly join you (I’ll make the raspberry scones) because we grow raspberries. I can’t think of anyone better to farmgirl of the month. Happy Valentine’s Day. Love Bonnie

Bonnie, raspberry scones!! OH MY! Delicious! Yes, we are feeling in much better spirits here.  Thank you for your sweet comment, and hope you have a wonderful Valentines Day, too! -Farmgirl hugs, Nicole

Nicole,

Love your idea for a craft dresser! I had a craft room in the big house I previously owned. Now, in my town home, I am limited on space. I will use an old family cedar chest to store my craft items!

Rose

Thanks, Rose! 

Thank you, Nicole, for sharing this update on how things are from someone who is actually living it, every day. Your perspective is helpful to me . . helps me know more about the reality and how to pray!
Our phone chat the other evening was also such a blessing! I’m so glad you called and we were able to "meet" over the phone. I appreciated, so much, what you shared with me then because, again, it helps me have a "reality" understanding.
I’m sooooo grateful to see the acts of kindness and caring!
Thank you, again! Hope to talk with you again, soon!
Hugs!
CJ

CJ, it was great fun "meeting" you on the phone.  I still hope that we get to meet in person someday!  You are always such an inspiration, and someone who really radiates kindness!  Hugs from Connecticut, my Colorado friend! – Nicole

Dear Nicole, As usual your post was great. I have been uplifted by the incredible outpouring of support for Newtown from all over the world. I wanted to tell you about the 26 candles everyone lit on Christmas Eve. That was begun by the daughter of my cousin, John Dee,of Bethel. Ashley posted the plan on Facebook and it spread like wildfire. The reason I wanted to tell you about her is that I am so proud of her efforts, and to let you know that those candles were burning nationwide that night. Newtown was wrapped in a huge hug from all over the country, and even though the candles are gone, the sentiment remains. Love to Ct. From Va., Meredith

Oh Meredith!  How exciting…thank you for telling me this!!  Your cousin’s daughter Ashley should be very proud of her efforts;  it was a beautiful, wonderful idea and it was so peaceful and moving.  Big hugs back to you in VA, and to Ashley. -Nicole

Nicole: I have your whole town in my heart and pray for you daily. Isn’t it great what LOVE can do. It’s the only thing that can overcome evil. God Bless.

Thank you Bonnie, hugs to you! -Nicole

Thanks- for taking time to help us all understand. It is kind of you to share. My kids have been members of Sunbury Halter and Saddle 4H club for many years, Nici has been president for the past year and they wanted to make snowflakes to decorate the new school. The advisor heard that they had more than enough, so now they will be sending them to a local nursing home instead. We do community service projects every month of the year to help our kids understand paying it forward. How nice of you to share with us, how very small the world becomes sometimes. Thanks, Cheri

Hi Cheri, I heard that they had so many snowflakes, but that the school in Monroe that they are using looked so beautiful for those kids.  I bet the nursing home will appreciate them, too.  I used to volunteer at a nursing home in my early twenties, and it was something I will never forget.  Thanks for sharing, Cheri.  -Nicole

I still pray everyday for you and your community’s continued healing.Hugs to all from someone who wishes she could do so much more for you and your community.I am glad other beautiful people continue to help you on this difficult journey.Blessings to all
Sue

Sue, thank you. Prayers are powerful! -Nicole

Hi Nicole, Wow you have been strong through this all. You are amazing. Thank you once again for your message-Be Kind! Sad that it has taken a tragedy for people to pull together, let us all remember we should be kind to one another. hugs to you and Audrey, hope to see you soon.

P.S. I am convinced Bonnie is a person in a furry dog suit.

Hugs and prayers for all the families affected by this tragedy.

Thank you, Barb!  It was so great to see you and your sweet daughter and we hope to see you again soon. 
As for Bonnie, I agree.  She thinks so, too.  🙂  Big hugs, Nicole

Thank You so much Nicole. Thank you for sharing. It is good to know that there are so many good people out there. Our farm is open to disadvantaged youth and children that have been abused and we try to share that there is good in the world but when young their world seems small. Thank you for sharing.

Thank you, Karin! -Nicole

Very nicely written, Nicole. It must represent the sentiments of every Newtowner.