You should be so proud of yourselves!! What a wonderful addition to your family. I have a Cissy cat (I spelled it with a ‘C’ to make her even more unique!) that looks like your original Harriet. Mittens looks like our wonderful Pete that we lost awhile back. Maybe Pete came back in the form of Mittens!
I have always been a cat woman and it’s nice to know that there are many more in the making, in the form of your sweet daughter…
What’s not to love in a kitty????

Thanks, Jan! Aren’t kitties great?! I just love animals and guess it totally rubbed off on my daughter!  I like your cat’s name, "Cissy" with a "C".  When I was a little girl, I had a Welsh pony, and that was her name, spelled the same way!  Thanks for commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

What a lovely story! I love kitties too, and I know your family and Mittens will be happy together in years filled with love! Thanks so much for giving a rescue kitty a furrever home! Mary Beth

Thank you, Mary Beth.  It’s going to be great to see Audrey and Mittens grow up together.  Love rescues…they rescue our hearts right back, don’t they? Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

We have a "Matty-boy", of the canine type. Our last child had married and my husband decided that it was not good for "mom" to be alone, so for our 33rd anniversary we went to the humane society. For Matty at 6 months, my husband was love at first sight. Now, you have to know that Matty was probably abused, found in a cardboard box next to a dumpster and had been taken to a shelter in MO,then moved up here to NE. He clearly had a terror of tall men, particularly wearing hats and heavy shoes. But, Matty took to "dad" right away and he has become my "little fur-baby". (Well, I should mention that he is a shepherd/collie so he’s not exactly on the small-side.) But he is tender and sweet and responds to love. The plan was that he would be my walking buddy, but that is too much for the timid little guy (who is now 6 years old). Though, he has finally mastered himself and proudly accompanies me down to the end of our city drive to our mailbox. I’m quite proud of him too. Maybe some day…………we’ll get to the end of the block : ]

Carol, that is the sweetest story!  Bless you for giving Matty-Boy such a loving, patient, wonderful home.  We know our Bonnie was abused, too, and she loves us with her whole heart…(and her 85 pounds).  Rescues know they’ve been rescued, especially ones like Bonnie and Matty-Boy.  Much love to you all. Thank you for sharing! -Nicole

AHHH how very great for both Mittens and Audrey – a lovely family for sure. Congratulations all.

Thank you!  🙂  🙂  -Nicole

Your daughter’s fur-baby is beautiful. But even more beautiful, if that is possible, is your daughter. Her smile is so warm with eyes so full of love. Our children grow up so fast. Keep her close while you can.

Louise Marie, thank you ever so much!  -Nicole

Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I have really enjoyed browsing26 your blog posts. In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!…

Evelyn, thank you so much!  I am so glad to know you enjoyed reading the blog! -Nicole

Here, Here, Mom! You are on the right track. Time goes way too fast. I remember those days with my little girls…the urge to step beyond their years. I often told them to "enjoy being a ‘little’ girl, because once you cross the line to womanhood, there is no going back. Along with the privileges comes much responsibility." My girls are now married with babies of their own. I just recently heard the author of the book, Be the Mom. She had a lot of Wisdom to share with moms today.

Thanks, Carol!  You are so right!  I love what you say…’once you cross the line to womanhood, there is no going back.’   I’ll also have to peek at that book!  Thanks so much for the comment! -Nicole

Nicole. I think you are lucky to have time for those things. Childhood is just too precious to miss. I have two boys and was lucky that my husband could be home sometimes too. I loved the childhood years and had those moments as a mom with my boys. My sons were taught to be independent and of course move away from home. I am lucky that one lives in my city. When we have times together now, they are extra precious. Enjoy your daughter and I can see you will do everything you can so she doesn’t "grow up" too fast.

Thank you, Bonnie!  It’s so hard when our kids are little sometimes, to not say we are too tired to play or to read with them; life can be so hectic, but each year seems to go go by like a blur! 

Thanks so much for reading and commenting!  Farmgirl hugs, Nicole

Nicole, I remember the picture of Audrey at two years old giving the bottle to her baby doll. I was there when we took her shopping. She is so sweet in the green dress I gave her! Audrey would not leave that store until we bought the doll stroller, even though she had another stroller at home. Audrey knew what she wanted at two years old!
I loved reading to you when you were small and then you memorized every book before you could read! When Audrey visited me, here in Georgia, she would read to our dog Sarah. Thanks for writing these memories about your dolls and books. I love you,
Mother

Didn’t we have fun that day?  Remember she also knew EXACTLY what lunch she wanted for her birthday!  Sometimes I wish I had her decision-making skills!  Hard to believe that day was over eight years ago.  Miss you and love you, Nicole

I have been crazy about horses (I’m 71 now) since I can’t remember when. Having access to a library (finally) when I started school, led me to the Walter Farley Black Stallion series. I have never enjoyed dolls, in fact I think I probably disappointed my mother in that respect. She wanted a daughter, which she got, but that one was a tomboy. The second daughter turned out to be the doll gal. Anyway, I’ve collected statues of horses, book about horses, and even spent a summer/fall taking care of someone’s horse for them. Have a great summer/fall, everyone.

Betty, I love this comment!  I’ll tell you, my girl is also an animal and bug girl, and when she was smaller, she played more with rubber snakes and bugs than dolls for awhile. I was pretty happy when she got more into the dolls, about six or seven years of age.  Horses are another great thing for a girl to be in to.  For me, it was the Marguerite Henry books.  I loved those as well as Laura Ingalls’ works, and my room as a child had horse posters.  For Audrey, it’s cats.  🙂  Thanks for the comment! -Nicole

Nicole, you are a beautiful mom, giving so much time and love to your daughter is the best thing you can do. You are setting her up for success! I’m a big fan of nurturing the soul, and by giving her the fine example you are, she will go out in the world knowing she is loved and that is what will keep us all going!
My son is now 24, and I can hardly believe it. All the years of cub scouts, travel, music, reading and playing have helped him become a fine young man. He still has so many friends from childhood, and I get a real kick out of seeing a bunch of "men" hanging out at my house (when they are all back in town), watching cartoons. I guess some things will never change!

Dianne, you are too sweet!  Thank you for such a nice compliment…it means a lot to me.  I love how your son and his friends "hang out" at your home and watch cartoons!  You sound like a great mom, too.  Hugs, Nicole

I didn’t experience that with my boys though my eldest had his first son at 19. Then two girls and another son. So I would certainly say it’s true of my grandchildren. My eldest grandson is taller than Grandpaw, Daddy and Uncle at age 14.

Debby, I hear ya…my daughter already wears the same size shoe as me.  I love to share my jewelry, I’ll be happy to share my clothes, but I’m funny about sharing my shoes.  They never come back in the same condition.  Since her foot hasn’t grown in two years, I guess she’ll stay the same size as me (and my mom)!  God’s got a funny sense of humor!  -Nicole

I would love to grow raspberries and squash and sunflowers. I do not have much of a green thumb. I’ve been dying to make stuffed squash blossoms. Yum.

Hi Sandi!  Not sure where you are as far as region, but I didn’t always have a green thumb, either.  I think much of gardening is not only soil, water, sun, and seeds, but practice, too!  You could always start with one plant some season and see how it goes.  Good luck, and thanks so much for reading and commenting! – Nicole 

Nicole,I loved reading this blog! The story of the little pale tree frog was so funny. I cannot wait to make your cobbler.
I am very proud of your writing.
Love you, Mother

Thanks mom!  Love you too!  As for the cobbler, I was taught to cook and bake by the best – you! -Nicole

I live nearby (same town) and I too have been picking the wild tassel raspberries and a few blackberries. And I have the scratched up legs to prove it. Mine are way in the back out of harm’s reach of the snowblower. I freeze some so we can have raspberry pancakes in the fall.

Hi Carol!  I like to freeze them, too.  They are something we really look forward to all year.  Raspberry pancakes sound delicious!  I like to make them into muffins, too.  Drop me a line if you’re ever looking for a local farmgirl sisterhood chapter!  Thanks for reading and commenting! -Nicole

Wild raspberries were always a favorite for my family. They were picked in one of the city’s parks (New York City) and taken home where my mother would make raspberry ices. Delicious!

Oh, Norma, that sounds wonderful!  I will have to remember that and try to do a raspberry ice next year!  Do you have one of your mom’s recipes? Sounds refreshing. Thanks for commenting!  -Nicole

Beautifully written and inspiring. I, too, find my serenity in my garden. Though I have to be off to work every morning I take the time to visit my garden for a moment and look at what’s new and blooming. I spend my weekends there, too. I also like to craft, and I love love love your little tea cup birdfeeder. I would love to make one for my garden. Thanks, Nicole!

Thanks for writing me, Mary Ann.  Hope you make a bird feeder.  They are so cute and easy to do.  -Nicole

I too am a suburban farmgirl, right across the sound from you in beautiful Port Jefferson. My serenity stop overs include my garden (where I can get lost for days)a long walk at the beach (so good for the soul) or a peaceful paddle in my kayak on Long Island Sound. There is so much beauty in our area, don’t you agree?
Your gardens look amazing! I love your teacup feeder, so cute, and hummingbirds! How cool. I just installed a "hummingbird rest stop" in my yard. I’ll send you pix if you like!
Please keep on writing. I truly enjoy your blog!

Hi Dianne.  My husband and I have talked about taking the ferry over to Port Jefferson numerous times, on our list of day trips to take.  I agree that there is just so much beauty and charm in our area.

I’d love to see a picture of your "hummingbird rest stop".  Please send me one…I’m intrigued!  Is it something you made?  Sounds cute.  Thanks for commenting!  Farmgirl hugs, Nicole

Wow! Now I’m just going to HAVE to get some bee balm started. A couple of days ago I saw a hummer checking out one of my sedum pots that had turned a brilliant red from the sun exposure (we’re having a week of mid to upper 90’s which is quite uncommon for this area!). My hubby took me to a job site where he found a hummingbird nest. I took a delightful photo of the nesting mother. The nests are so tiny and intricately woven…
You gave me an ‘awwwww’ moment, hearing about your times spent with your daughter. I love summer and the memories of my family…Those memories will stay with you and comfort you in later life!
Have fun!

Thanks, Jan!  I do feel like the luckiest mom on earth!  Speaking of moms, how cool to see a hummer nest!  Isn’t it amazing how mama birds nest and care for their young?  We watched our robins and they left the nest just the other day. (We are suffering from "empty nest syndrome"…literally)! 

You will love the bee balm!  It is a great perennial, very easy to care for.  Just make sure it is in well-drained soil.  It will spread like wildfire each year, but is pretty easy to transplant.  The hummingbirds just love it!  Happy Summer, and thanks for sharing! -Nicole

Lovely writing. I learned that I can mentally shut out everything and have a moment of peace. It comes from within ourselves. I used to find it after the kids were in bed. Now I find it with a moment on the porch in the early morning with my iced tea listening to the chickens next door and laughing as they compete with the traffic. I find serenity in my flower or vegetable garden or smelling the dried sheets I hung on the line. I find time to lay on the grass and imagine the critters in the clouds. Wearing my apron and smelling the fresh bread gives me peace too.

So true, Bonnie!  Sounds like you and I are kindred spirits.  Thank you for commenting…what you wrote is beautiful.  Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

Hi Nicole,
Just reading about your serenity article calms me. You write so beautifully. Thank you. Miriam

Oh, Miriam, thank you so very much!  Your comment is an amazing compliment, and I am grateful to you for it.  -Nicole

Hey Nicole,

This flea market sounds great! I wish we had something comparable around here to peruse and spend a lovely Sunday afternoon. Happy flea marketing!

Best,
Alex (your rural farmgirl sister)

Hi Alex!  I feel lucky that this one is so close!  I’ve also been to some on vacation in Florida and Pennsylvania, but the Elephant’s Trunk is my favorite!  -Nicole

In the Ozarks, we have a flea mrkt. open from spring till fall, every third weekend of the month. It is in Afton OK, where you can find all kinds of wonderful things from baby goats to goodies to eat! We love to go there, it takes us back in time just walking up and down the aisles and all the folks there are so friendly, some in their overalls and straw hats selling really neat things. Its quite the treat for us, we rarely buy much, my last buy was a electric canner from the ’70’s, a prickly pear cactus too. The most fun is looking at all the baby farm animals and hearing the old folks stories as you browse thru the mrkt.
What a treat! Blessings, Diana

Oh, Diana, that sounds like so much fun!  That’s how I feel at the Elephant’s Trunk – I get to go back in time.  Your canner sounds like a great find!  Happy flea-marketing!  -Nicole

I live near Mansfield, CT and go to the flea market there. It’s held at the drive in theater corner of Rte. 31 and 32, every Sunday also. The Elephant’s Trunk looks huge and must have so much you can’t see it all. I will have to go one of these Sundays. Thank you for the great story and pictures. Maybe I will see you there some Sunday.

Hi Mary!  I have a method when I go…I start at one row and go up and down, until I get to the very end.  I’m a pretty fast "scanner".  I always wear my Sisterhood Necklace, thinking there’s a chance I might meet other farmgirls!  Have fun! -Nicole

I have a stained glass chicken lamp too. I love it! It sits on the hearth next to my fireplace.

Hi Susabelle!  Aren’t the stained glass chicken lamps the cutest!  So homey!  I first saw my mom’s.  She bought it down South on a vacation at a gift shop.  Mine isn’t just like hers, but I was thrilled when I found it at the flea market.  It was such a bargain!  The man selling it didn’t know if it would work or not, so I figured I’d re-purpose it in the garden if it didn’t.  I was thrilled to find it worked.  Mine sits in my kitchen and is always lit, so I never come home to a dark house.  The hearth sounds like a good place, too.  Thanks for reading and commenting!  -Nicole

My husband and I also enjoy the Elephant’s Trunk and have been going for years now. Have you ever gone to the one at the Stormville Airport in Stormville, New York?  It’s not far from here. It’s divided into two sections ~ antiques and new. It’s huge so plan an spending the better part of the day there. Check it out at http://www.stormvilleairportfleamarket.com.
Happy Hunting~
Chelle

Hi Chelle! No, I’ve haven’t heard of that one!  Thanks for the link – I will definitely have to check it out!  Thank you for letting me know!  -Nicole

Hi! I live in the North Okanagan in British Columbia. and I think I have found a kindred spirit! I, too , love putting my "treasures" in my flower gardens! We have no flea markets close by, but thrift stores do a good job! I especially watch for unique cookyjars such as my mother hen, and my smiling peanut – and also little ceramic houses, and a couple cute pigs. My garden is fun even if the rain has been hard on my flowers!
I’d love to visit your "Elephant’s Trunk
Pat N.

Hi Pat!  Sounds like we have lots in common!  I bet your smiling peanut and mother hen jars are just the cutest, and I’m sure your garden is just delightful!  Thanks so much for writing me!  -Nicole

Nicole, always a good write!!! Love your pics from your surroundings!! We aren’t quite that far along but looking forward to each changing day. Thanks for the fly cure and for the grill cleaning tip – don’t need anything extra in our tummies. Thanks again for the blog.

Thanks, Joan!  So glad you enjoyed visiting!  Happy summer! -Nicole

If you go fishing, use the guts, heads and whatever else you don’t eat and bury them around your plants and flowers, also after I boiled corn and the water cooled I pour the "corn" water on my plants. Wrap bottoms of your stems of your veggie plants and bugs can’t climb up them. Can I send you some iris bulbs? I got plenty I got to thin out this fall…lol also can send some violets…lol! I enjoy your blog. And if your copper pot gets full of gold I’m going to buy me a copper bowl! LOL!

Kimberly, thanks for the great tips!  I will be trying some!  Will let you know about the copper pot… Nicole

Nicole, thanks for all of the great tips! I can tell that you have been busy. Love all of your garden pics, and I especially love your hosta garden. I hope that you and your family have a great summer!

Hi Pam!  Glad you enjoyed the blog; thank so much for reading and commenting! -Nicole

Hey Nicole! Looks as if spring is in full swing at your house! I love all of the old fashioned blooms you featured today…I DID see MJ’s Peony article and loved it of course. I have two plants that bloomed while we were away at the cottage this weekend! I’m going to cut some this evening when it cools down a bit! We know all about poison sumac and poison ivy too. Seems like almost everyone in our beach community has a story to tell about being broken out with the rash at one point or another. It’s all over our little island! WE have to be careful that the poison sumac doesn’t end up in any bonfires. The smoke can cause a break out! Love your deal on your potting shed too! I’ve been busy in the greenhouse and planting my raised beds with flowers and veggies! Enjoy this wonderful season!
xo Deb
Happy almost Summer Nicole!

Hey Deb, Thanks for the reminder…I meant to include that fact in my blog….NEVER burn poison ivy, poison sumac, or poison oak.  Like Debbie pointed out, the smoke can carry the poison.  It can also infect the lungs, too. (This happened to my brother once). Happy Almost Summer to you, too, Debbie! -Nicole

HI Nicole!
Your yard and gardens look great! How fortunate you have been to see so many different birds! I’m jealous! LOL
I am glad to hear that your Poison Ivy seems to have been killed, and that you were able to do it naturally! Good for you! Glad you found the vinegar/salt/dish soap to be successful!
Great score on that potting bench too! What a find!
Enjoy the gardens- I certainly have been enjoying mine here across the sound on Long Island!
Farmgirl Hugs,
Laurie
Farmgirl Sister#1403

Hi Laurie!  Made a new batch of "Poison Ivy Poison", boiling the salt and vinegar…which worked great-no clogs! Thanks for the tip! The poison ivy rash is gone, and I am back to normal.  Still putting coconut oil on the marks, since I look like I’ve been hugged by Edward Scissorhands!  Another week and I think it will all have faded.  Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

Hi Nicole, Thanks for the poison ivy recipe. I’ve been using plain vinegar in an empty dishsoap bottle to squirt between my patio bricks to keep the weeds away but I had no idea it was strong enough to spray on poison ivy, which I try to keep at bay along my forest tree line. I hate using the chemicals and will be making a batch of this up right away. Also loved your dad’s idea with the pallets. It’s so great to pick up ideas from each other!

Thanks, Nella!   For the composter, use hook and eyes to attach the pallets.  That way, you can open up each side to scoop whatever compost is ready to be used in the garden.  The slots allow air to circulate. Thank you for reading and commenting!  -Nicole

Hey Nicole, sorry about the poison ivy. I hate it. I too have allergic reactions and I use Tecnu, my husband knew some cable/phone guys and they say that is what they keep on their trucks for the guys when they are working in the weeds. My doctor told me once though and he was so right when someone asks what to do to get rid of poison ivy, wait 10 days. No matter what we do, we will keep it for 10 days. HA! Happy summer and stay away from that stuff.

Vivian, Isn’t it horrible?  But…not keeping me from being outside.  I am being very careful, for sure!  I don’t want to go through that again!  Thanks for reading and commenting.  Glad to know the Technu works.  It also says on the bottle it can be used for skunk oil. (Hope I never have to try it for that, ha ha).
Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

Nicole. Thanks for such an informative blog! I wish I had more time to do the activites that you do.
Have you heard of Jewelweed? It grows next to poison ivy and can be used in a salve to treat poison ivy rash. I am glad that you are feeling better!

Rose, thanks for commenting!  I have heard of Jewelweed from several farmgirls on the Forum, but need to research to see which weed it is.  Thanks for the recommendation! -Nicole

The cure to removing poison ivy from your body..the Key to not breaking out with poison ivy is to get the urushiol off of you ASAP. DO NOT USE HOT WATER.The irritant in posoin ivy is urushioil. It is a sticky oil. If you come into contact with it, it will cause problems until it is removed from your skin and anything that comes in contact with your skin. There are several products sold just for this. I’m very allergic to urushioil and have tried many. The best and most readily available is the same soap that your mechanic uses to remove motor oil from their hands.Because urushioil is a sticky oil it does require a little more scrubbing but it works 100%. Directions for removal:1.Apply the soap dry (DO NOT ADD WATER) to the affected area.2. Scrub for 2 minutes. The soap needs to get between the urushiol and your skin. It will temporarily break down the oils ability to stick.3. Wash off completely with COLD water. If you use hot water, then you may be in for an unpleasant surprise!Note: The residue soap will now contain the urushioil, and when the residue drys it may become sticky oil again.4. All itchiness should be gone. If not repeat the process. I like Lava and JoJo brands the best. The grittier the better. Walmart, KMart, Your local auto parts store will all carry this soap. I usually buy the 16 oz squeeze bottles for around ~$2.This soap also gets the urushiol and many stains out of clothes. Just be sure to hose the residue off the clothes before adding them to your laundry.

Hi, the Tecnu wash is the same concept, but is a liquid and is easy on the skin.  I wondered about Lava soap; I remember it from my childhood, and will look for it.  I found out the hard way about hot water!  Thanks for the tips.  The invisible sticky oil in poison ivy is derived from a Japanese word.  Thanks for all the tips, hope you have a poison ivy free summer! -Nicole

Isn’t it wonderful to meet such fantastic folks with clear visions of their hopes and dreams?!?! What great examples for your daughter…Being that I know how much work is involved in keeping my gardens and property in order (we live on ONE acre), I can appreciate the Hogan’s efforts. Simply beautiful!
The front of Barry and Liz’s home is a masterpiece of re-purposing. Seeing how much two people can accomplish is refreshing and stimulating for us all!
Thank you for the visit, Nicole!

Jan, aren’t they amazing? My family has commented for years how we miss seeing the wild quail everywhere…when I was small there was never a weekend without many a sighting. My father’s property is named Quail Run because the birds used to be so prolific.  I too, admire how Barry and Liz share their dreams and efforts with their family, and their friends.  I feel so fortunate to have met them. Thank you for reading and commenting, Jan.  -Nicole

Wow, Nicole, the Hogans are an inspiration to us all. I’m pretty much a city girl, but this (and Farmgirls) inspire me to try and do my part. Thanks for the great story.

Thank you! Remember what MaryJane always says…"Farmgirl is a condition of the heart."  One of my favorite ‘farmgirls’ lives smack dab in New York City! Bloom where you are planted.  -Nicole

As you can see, Quail Run is very fortunate to be next door to the Hogan Ranch. We get so many benefits plus living and knowing such fine and interesting people. In Texas, we are able to work with Texas Parks And Wildlife and establish your ranch as a wildlife management area. Quail Run has been a part of this program for some six years and the Hogan Ranch really helps. Really enjoyed your visit looking forward to another visit soon Maybe you and Audrey can meet some of the other interesting ranch owners, next time, too.

Love Dad & Karen

Dad, We are still talking about our trip!  It couldn’t have been better.  Missing you and Karen, and all of your wonderful friends.  Thank you again for everything…so much of my love and knowledge of nature and gardening is directly from you.  Love, Nicole

Thank you so much for sharing this glorious retreat. I was fascinated with the size of the garden and then the birds. I hope the Hogans can make their dream come true and create a place open to the public.

Maxine, thank you for reading and commenting.  Looking at those bird and water pictures is so relaxing.  It was Heaven to be there. -Nicole

Your dad called and asked to come over to take Audrey fishing and of course we were excited to get to see him and Karen and meet Audrey. What a thrill that it has been to meet you and MaryJane’s Farm and see this on your wonderful blog site. We are so isolated and we work so intently on our sustainable nature vision that we do not get much feedback or reflection. Your readers comments are humbling and it feels so good to tap into so many folks that have similar interests and values. Please come back anytime and send friends. You and your friends are welcome in Texas.

Dear Barry and Liz, Thank YOU so much for your wonderful hospitality and valuable time you spent with us.  Audrey and I had an amazing visit with you, and you and Liz are such lovely, incredible people.  You both are so inspiring!  Keep up all the wonderful things you do…and I look forward to keeping in touch, seeing you all again, and "checking in" on how the birds and gardens are doing!  Much love, Nicole

Like always your visit was so short lived. As always your visit brought back so many memories. I hope your trip did the same for you and Audrey. Never say you can’t go home, as time stands still at Ouail Run-you can. Hope you enjoyed your trip. As the sign says YOU’ALL COME BACK!
Love, Dad

Thanks Daddy.  And thanks for all of your wonderful hospitality.  We had so much fun.  Audrey and I are still talking about it.  It was a perfect trip.  Be back as soon as we can.  Miss you so much!
I love you!  -Nicole

I too am from Texas but have lived in Washington state for the past 21 years. But Texas is HOME. I don’t get back there as often as I would like either. When I do, the time just flies by. Texas and Washington are very different but but both are beautiful in their special way. Texas people and the food are the best. Thanks for sharing your trip home with me.

Thanks, Debbie!  Hope you enjoyed it.  I’ve never been to Washington state yet, but have a friend there who says it is a nice place to live and visit.  Thanks for reading and commenting!  -Nicole

Thanks for sharing a little bit of TEXAS! 🙂 I am from Germany, and will always be German, no matter how long I live here :). I was laughing, whenever I go home, or tell stories, it centers around food. Looks like you and your daughter had a wonderful time, something you will probably have to repeat often now that she has a taste!
Greetings,
Heike
FarmGirl #2245

Heike,
Thanks for commenting!  My husband is from Denmark, and the same holds true for him – stories and visits center around food most often!  Thanks for reading and commenting.  By the way, some of the best German food I ever ate was up near the Texas Hill Country in a town we’d visit, Fredericksburg, Texas.  We used to stop and eat at a German restaurant there.  Thanks for commenting!  Farmgirl hugs, Nicole

Wow! Thanks for a trip back to Hill Country. My husband is a relative of Sam Houston and our son lives in Austin. Hill Country is my favorite! We see why you love it. Thanks for sharing your pictures.

Hi Bonnie!  How cool is that, your husband being related to Sam Houston!  I hope you get to visit Austin often.  It’s so pretty there.  Quail Run is close, and I am familiar with all the towns around there.  Maybe next trip I will have more time and can go visit some of the areas, although, we didn’t want to leave the ranch once we got there!  Thanks for commenting. Take care, Nicole

What a wonderful "going back home" story! And better yet, you got to share it with your daughter. Thanks for sharing it with us!

Carol, thanks for reading and commenting! -Nicole

I grew up in Connecticut and am now in the Midwest. Lake County Indiana is a lot like CT, hilly, green and with a ton of older buildings. I’m not very homesick, which is good because I have no family there to visit now.

Loved the GRITS.

I did not know that about that area (the Midwest).  I have yet to visit that way, but want to someday. Thanks for commenting, Kristy!  -Nicole

LOVED all the great photos. Thank you for taking us along. How thrilling for your daughter to spy a great arrowhead. That really is a rare find nowadays!! She’ll cherish it forever and it will be a tangible symbol of a trip she’ll remember all the days of her life.

Thanks, Shery! You’re right… I still can’t believe she found that arrowhead!  No one has found one in years.  The whole trip was such a memorable one.  Farmgirl hugs, Nicole

Nicole, you are right. Many of us may never win a Lotto, yet we can pay it forward, in small ways perhaps, but over a lifetime, well, that turns out not to be so small after all. Bless you in your paying it forward as you are lead. Blessings & Hugs

Norma, Thank you for pointing that out…what a beautiful sentiment. I never looked at it that way before, but it’s so true! Thank you for reading and commenting.  Farmgirl hugs back at ya! Nicole

Oh Nicole, As always your blog catches my attention and holds it. I think we all had a day or two of "dreaming" what we would do if we won the money! LOL. We had a pool at work, and my boss even matched it- so we had over $200 in tickets (needless to say we didn’t win). But as the days leading up to the big drawings came and went, all I could think of was what an insane amount of money that was, and how much I hoped that LOTS of people won it. Of course I wouldn’t mind being "comfortable" in life financially, but I think that money is, unfortunately, something that changes people, and not always for the better. I hope that the "3" winners of that money do alot of good with it, not just for themselves, but for others around them- perhaps even strangers. Paying it foward will make their lives richer than any amount of money ever could. Farmgirl Hugs, Laurie, Farmgirl Sister#1403

Laurie, isn’t that the truth…a rich life is when you do for others, for sure! Thank you for reading and commenting! Farmgirl Hugs, Nicole

I love your ideas about helping others. I have thought about it and I would help my family first and then reach out to others. When I have noticed an elderly person in the market checkout line behind me, I would write my check over the amount I owed and tell the checker to give the remaining money to the elderly person in my line. Then I would quickly grab my children and hurry out of the store. It is wonderful when we can bless someone else as we have been blessed.

Oh, Jeanne, what a wonderful thing you have done! I love that! I am sure the person behind you in the checkout line was so amazed and grateful. Hugs to you! Nicole