farmgirl photos...

Time flies, as they say...
whether you're having fun, or not.

So we've made it our mission to have as much fun as possible this summer.

Movie marathons, hometown fireworks (wearing sweatshirts and cozied up under blankets too, I might add!), splashing in the pool, Cub Scout camp, sleeping in, chasing fireflies, goat races, and mowing, mowing, mowing...although I'm pretty sure hubby doesn't count that as "fun"!

The weather has been crazy, from evenings cold enough to have a bonfire & toast s'mores, to endless rain, then blazing heat.

So many things make up summertime on the farm...here are few of my favorite snapshots of what's happening in our little corner of the world, Midwest, USA.

poppies in bloom...

a bee enjoying some lunch...

look at those eyes...

summer also brought bee swarms...2 in 10 days!

sweet baby llamas...

To quote Jack Lemmon from, The Great Race,
"We're under water!"
No, there is not normally a pond in the middle of the cornfield!

the annual balloon festival...great fun!

well-worn cowgirl boots!

And so it goes...
hope summer is happy in your corner of the world!

Happy 4th of July!

My Country 'tis of Thee,

Sweet Land of Liberty...

Thanks to the good folks at Capper's Farmer!

A heart-felt "thank you!" to the staff at Capper's Farmer magazine...

for printing my article in their Summer issue...

 

I'm thrilled to again be a part of their magazine! Every issue is filled to the brim with terrific articles, recipes, and how-to advice for homesteaders, farmers, or wannabe farmers
(that includes us farm-girls too).  


Thanks Capper’s!


 

the wonderful world of cast iron!

Cast-iron cookware ... even cooking, hard-working, and when properly taken care of, it will last a lifetime. What more can we ask?

In our kitchen we have several sizes of skillets, a traditional Dutch oven, and two Dutch ovens with legs for outdoor cooking. They're always in use for soups, chili, roasts, and even baking bread. And come July, when we celebrate Pioneer Day, there's sure to be a tripod over the campfire ... and in the air, the heavenly aroma of savory pot roast. Off to the side, nestled in the glowing coals, will be a couple more ovens, one baking bread, another filled with a
sweet dessert. 

Those outdoor meals taste so wonderful, I almost forget I'm cooking over a campfire in the heat and humidity that is July in the Midwest! And if I'm getting into the spirit wearing full pioneer clothing, (long dress, apron & bonnet) forgetting the summertime temperature is a blessing!

Cast iron is so easy to take care of, that a few simple steps will keep the surfaces rust-free and non-stick.

If you're fortunate to have seasoned cookware that's been handed down and is in terrific shape, all you need to do is hand wash, immediately dry, and then rub on a light coat of vegetable oil. Add enough oil so that the cookware has a sheen, but isn't sticky or overly oily. Use a paper towel to remove any excess oil before you store the cookware.

If your cast iron hasn't been used recently, and has a bit of rust, that's easily taken care of. Wash the cookware in hot soapy water, then use a stiff brush to remove any rust. Rinse well and dry thoroughly. Rub the inside and outside with a thin coating of melted shortening, or vegetable oil. Place a sheet of aluminum foil on the bottom rack of your oven, then heat the oven to 400 F. When the oven is hot, place the cookware upside-down on the top rack ... the foil will catch any drips of shortening or oil.

Set the timer for one hour. Then, after an hour, turn the oven off, leaving the cookware inside to cool as the oven cools down. Once the cast iron has been removed from the oven, simply wipe off any excess oil before storing it.

Oh-so easy ... you'll wonder why you waited so long!

 

And if you're really lucky, you'll find a gem like this cast-iron stove which belongs to our neighbors, Tom and Susie. This stove has an amazing story, and has come full circle.

What's so amazing? Well, the stove came up for auction, and our neighbors were lucky enough to give it a new home. And while that's not so unusual, what is wonderful is it's the very stove that was in the home Tom grew up in.

He has delightful stories remembered from childhood ... what a treasure!

happy May Day!

"The merriest month of the year arrives bringing with it sunshine,
birds singing, apple blossoms, budding lilacs, and longer days to enjoy life
as spring's promise is finally fulfilled.

...the delights of a pretty garden, the relaxing comforts of lemonade and cookies on the front porch after school. We seem to laugh more..."

-Sarah Ban Breathnach

spring...celebrate the bounty

 

 April in the country...the old lilac bush at the edge of the yard is beginning to bud, the grass is greening, the bees can be heard buzzing, and the sky is a heavenly sapphire blue.  And while, far off in the distance, we may see the hint of a spring shower to come, right now, it is time to open our hearts to the promise of another season.

The winter has been long and harsh...and Saturday we attempted to put away most of the memories of that season. Bales of straw that had been blocking Old Man Winter's fierce storms were moved away from the chicken coop and beehive, heated waterers were stored, and fallen limbs gathered. We wrangled goats for a spring hoof-trimming (that's a story in itself!) and it was good to feel spring racing at full tilt.

We admired, and were grateful for, daffodils in bloom, the sight of bees returning to the hive heavy with pollen, and the sounds and fragrances of spring as chores were done.  To ward off a slight evening chill, we lit a bonfire and enjoyed s'mores. And as the day ended, we felt April in the country had rewarded us...the signs of a changing season are here.

Should I mention we woke up to snow two days later? 

Ah yes...life continues in all its richness.

Happy Easter to all!

Charlie Brownies...yum!

At last...

the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the bees are buzzing! 
Even though there's still a strong breeze from the north (quite chilly at times) it's beginning to look a lot like spring!

I see little patches of green grass, daffodils are beginning to push their way up through the earth, and the girls are laying eggs. I will not recall that only 12 days ago we had another snowstorm.

All-in-all it's pretty delightful...

except for the spring cleaning part. All that sunshine certainly brings to light the cobwebs and dust-bunnies. And just how I'll ever get through the teetering stacks of papers and clothes/boots/shoes that seem to collect over winter is beyond me.

However, I'm determined!

Little Man was heard to say..."You say that every year."

Ouch...and so, (she firmly says, still determined!) it is always a good idea to call before dropping by. 

At least let me take off my apron, tuck the broom and dust-mop away, and "hide" a few things in the closet.  (I am I the only one who feels this?!)

You will NOT find this... 

source: here

And while more realistic, this too, is a stretch...

source: here

And so, even on a day filled with whirlwind cleaning, a treat is necessary.
Here's one of our kids' most-est, favorit-est goodies ever...hope you enjoy it, too!

Charlie Brownies

2/3 c. butter
1 lb. brown sugar
2-1/2 c. all-purpose flour
2-1/2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
3 eggs, beaten
1 T. water
1 t. vanilla extract
12-oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips


Melt butter; stir in sugar. Blend well, then let cool 10 minutes. Sift together next 3 ingredients; set aside. Beat eggs into brown sugar mixture; add water and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture, add chocolate chips.

Spread in a well-oiled 15x9 baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Remove from oven, cut into squares while still warm. Makes approx. 4 doz.

is it winter break or spring break?

Mother Nature is at it again...
she insists on playing tricks, as if she has no idea it's officially spring. 

And while this was the lovely sunset we enjoyed at day's end...

this was how it looked throughout the day. The snow began falling softly at first...it was oh-so pretty. You know the kind of snow...it drifts down gently bringing sweet dreams of a day spent in front of a crackling fire with a good book. Then, I watched it begin falling harder, bringing a chilly wind along to keep it company.

 

And yet, windy as it was, nothing kept our faithful guard dog from seeing what was going on. Truly, I think even she was stunned by this sudden snowfall.

The chickens were nowhere to be seen. I felt sorry for them as the snow continued to blow straight up the ramp and into the coop. Glad I hadn't packed away my Carhartt coat just yet,
I slipped it on, tossed the girls a little scratch, and tucked them in early...I think they were grateful.

And so it goes...

Soon, I'll be grumbling about the heat & humidity and will wish for these days. (Secretly, I'll take a few more like this...I know, I know, let the tomato-throwing begin! But my best-laid plans for spring cleaning are falling more than a bit behind, and I could desperately use more time! )

So what's my thought for the day?

 
   

again...good things come in 3's

Back in October, I posted here about good things coming in 3's.

And so this week, it's been fun to rediscover that good things continue to come in 3's.

1 ~ two new hens have joined our little flock. A friend decided that chicken-keeping wasn't for her right now, and so she shared with us Cookie, a pretty Barred Rock; and Nilla, a sweet Golden Buff Orpington. We're still undecided about whether or not to keep their names...and I laughed out loud, and heartily agreed, when our son suggested Lucy and Ethel!

2 ~ after months of snow, ice, sleet, freezing rain, and below zero temperatures, it was a delight to see the sun shining and a find it was a balmy 68-degrees today!

Do I even want to do the math? That's 94 degrees warmer than our coldest day 5 weeks ago. Yes, that's a good thing!

3 ~ and last, but not least, a package arrived from Courtney, at Eggcellent Life... she creates the prettiest egg carton labels! I was fortunate to be chosen in a giveaway at Tilly's Nest, and these terrific labels were tucked inside our mailbox. 

I can't wait to dress-up our egg cartons with these...thanks so much, Courtney!

Ahhh...it's been a good week.

thought for the day...

I came across this lovely print a few weeks ago...

 

it can be found here...

while the complete scripture is...1 Thessalonians 4:11

And so, I think I will focus more on living this direction.

I'm sure the pace of life will continue to be full,

but there's no need for it to be frenetic.

...yes, a quiet life seems just right on this snowy Sunday afternoon.

farmgirl photo...

Lately, naptime has found Tinker Bell curled up in the hay racks, and she's most content to spend the day there.

That is, until the goats decide it's time for a snack.

Too bad there aren't sprinting contests for cats ... she's one fast feline!

no business like snow business!

Another snow day from school...the kids are getting used to this, and have found a happy routine they stick to.

First ~ enjoy sleeping late under flannel sheets and cozy quilts as long as possible,
until the aroma of this makes its way upstairs...

Home-baked cinnamon rolls...this yummy recipe is from Kim at Life in a Little Red Farmhouse  (her bread is terrific too!) 

Second ~ After enjoying the warm rolls and glasses of ice-cold milk, it's time to build this...

a crackling fire in the kitchen fireplace...as the saying goes, the kitchen really is the heart of the home.

Third ~ Little Man decides it's time to check goats...who are keeping snug & warm in their goat coats. (Is it just me, or is Glowbug smiling?)

Fourth ~ that visit to the barn finds us rosy-cheeked (it's not a long walk at all, but it's the goat races that wear us out!)  Back inside, it's time for hot chocolate. 

Finally...it's time to settle in for a good, old-fashioned movie-fest.
What do we choose?


                                            

Yep...
a day to remember!

contemplating February...



Fluttering prints of wings captured in the snow.

February...a strong wind is whistling around this old house, and although the sun is shining brightly (fooling us into thinking it's possibly warmer than the thermometer reads), it does little to chase away the cold.

As the wind rattles the roof and slips in through every nook and cranny it can find, it almost sounds as if the entire house will set sail...of course it never does. It stands strong...fighting against the howling wind and staying firmly anchored as it's done for 150 years. On days like this, it's blissful to be inside.

However; I find myself bundled up (Carhartt chic!) and ready to head into the chill. The weatherman calls for 6 to 10 inches of snow tomorrow evening, so it's a good idea to carry wood from the barn and refill the wood rack. The past few weeks of extreme cold have significantly lowered the logs kept close at hand. It's also a good time to completely fill hay racks, tote buckets of water, and rake straw bedding for the goats and chickens. Anything that can be done now, will save time later when the drifts make walking to the barns and opening doors difficult.

And while it may seem bleak, February offers the richness of any other month. Still, cold days when the air is clear and sharp; dazzling icy trails that lead from the house, to the coop, to the barns; the sound of snow crunching underfoot. And yet when we stop, we find the quiet after a heavy snowfall that's unlike any other.

Yes...it's cold.
Yes...it can be uncomfortable.

But bracing ourselves against such weather, will make the comforts of home and hearth all the more endearing.

farm chic...

This, my friends, is Farmgirl Chic when the temperature is -26...

Yes
-26 degrees...

Stylish?

No...

Warm?

Yes...well, as warm as I could possibly be.
(did I mention MINUS 26 degrees?)

And so to quote Cary Grant...

"If you can't be chic, be odd."

.......................................................

While not chic, I think I've got warm (and possibly odd) covered!

snapshots of winter...

The winter wonderland outside our doors:


barns and milkhouse hardly visible...

 

 

somewhere out there are tire swings...

 

 

and chairs.

Left behind are pretty drifts...

and one goat who was curious enough to take a look...Glowbug!

the weather outside is frightful!

 

Snowy days of quiet beauty...that's how I like my winters. I've always thought this season was lovely with her drifting, swirling snowflakes and sharp, clear, brilliant blue skies.

I've been firm in my belief that winter should last from Thanksgiving to the end of February. During those many evenings you would find me in a comfy wing chair pulled close to a crackling fire, sipping chocolaty cocoa, while I read a favorite book or work on my knitting. I may even drift off to sleep...

Snap out of it!

Winter on the farm doesn't mean evenings like this can't happen...they do, but only after several trips out to the coop and barns in the ferocious, howling wind. (Can I mention "in and out" repeatedly throughout the day?)

When it's this cold, a trip to the coop starts our day...is it warm enough? Is the heated waterer still working? The girls scramble to greet me knowing they'll get a treat of warm oatmeal on days like this. Once we're sure they're tucked in, it's off to the goat barn. This is the kids' first winter...are they snuggled into the straw keeping warm? Do they still have hay and sweet mix, or do they need more water in their heated bucket? 

Look at these faces...how can I not worry?

I wonder about the bees as I pass by, but there's nothing more I can do for them. In late fall the hive was wrapped and surrounded by bales of straw...I'll just have to wait for a warm day to see how they've braved the snowstorms.

It was 4 degrees when I drove the kids to school this morning (they're thrilled about a week filled with 2-hour delays!). Tomorrow calls for 3 to 6 inches of snow, and next Monday the forecast is for -13...brrr. Paired with strong winds, that makes for many bone-chilling trips outside.

And yet, while I do my fair share of complaining, when I come inside, there's warmth to be found. Today it was found in home-baked cookies and giggling kids...tomorrow it'll be something new.

So now, at day's end, as I write I'm listening to the rising wind and pausing often.

Yes...life is good.

does anyone actually enjoy taking down the Christmas tree?

I've asked the question before, so I already know the answer...yes, there are some folks who are ready December 26th to pack up the holiday finery and get back to "normal."

I am not one of them.

Our tree usually stays put until the middle of January...luckily for us, we always bring home a Concolor or Frasier fir tree. They do a terrific job of keeping their needles soft (as well as staying put on the tree!) for several weeks...I highly recommend them.

However; by mid-January it's time to try and stir up some enthusiasm for undecorating something that was so much fun to decorate 6 weeks earlier.

It seems that part of the trouble are the memories tied up with each and every ornament...
for me, there's just something a bit sad about packing them away. 

Some ornaments, like these, are handmade and heartfelt...made by the kids, or given to us by dear friends.

Others ornaments stir up memories...the cheery yellow school buses declaring "my first day of school", a glittering seahorse brought back from a vacation to Assateague Island (we'll always remember the ghost crabs!), and precious little footprints from the kids' first Christmases.

January seems to find itself always facing two directions...looking forward, yet reflecting on the past. After this week, when the decorations are again packed safely away in the old trunk which sits in a cozy corner, there's time to think about days gone by and days to come. 

2014 is a clean slate...a brand new year waiting to be filled.
What will we do with it?
What will we change or improve?

My hopes for this year...

It's a time to consider what we will do with the days ahead...one thing is for certain - just how many sweet memories and happy days fill this year, is entirely up to us. 

surviving the Polar Vortex!

image source:imagebroker/Alamy

 

As the old-timers might say, "I had a feeling in my bones" that this winter was going to be a cold one.

Earlier this week, the temperatures plummeted, and January started off with a chilling blast. With temperatures at -15 and wind chills at -40 degrees, it's certainly been a time to remember. The ancient maples surrounding our 150-year old farmhouse creaked and complained as the cold, ferocious wind howled, and snow drifts piled up in front of every door to be found.

And as someone who is always cold (I might thaw out a bit at the 4th of July picnic!) I did my fair share of complaining as well. This weather was a true test, and while going outside, style was not important. Layer-upon-layer of sweaters, scarves, gloves, socks, and long-johns could be found under the warmest coats we could pull from the closet.

The bundling-up process went on several times a day as we went out to the barns to check on animals, refill water and feed bowls, and make sure all was well. Our goat kids sported "goat coats" to keep them extra cozy, while chickens were fed bowls of warm mash and oatmeal.

Indoors, we kept a blazing fire going, while mugs of homemade cocoa were passed around, chili bubbled away on the stove, and bread baked in the oven. We watched movies, played games, roasted marshmallows and made s'mores.

Today we woke up to more snow, but a much gentler wind was blowing through the pines. As I watched the boughs swaying, I thought about the year that has just passed. We have been richly blessed by family, friends, and experiences. Even the Polar Vortex brought us closer together as we cared for animals and each other...each experience we have helps us to grow.

And so with the Polar winds behind us, and plenty of winter still yet ahead, it's with renewed enthusiasm that we look forward to the dawn of a new year!

happy new year!

Wishing you a new year where all your dreams come true!

 

wishing you a very merry Christmas!

The days have flown by here on the farm...from piano recitals, orchestra & choir concerts to shopping, wrapping, and hiding gifties, it's hard to believe it's almost Christmas!

Sweet Girl baked 33 dozen cookies this week to share with missionaries far from home,

and Little Man has been busy goat-herding and nursing GB back to health
(and he's done a terrific job...GB is bouncing around like all the other goats!)

I was in my jammies at 6:30 last night...that says it all!

And so, before the next few days also slip by, we wish for you a warm & cozy Christmas filled with joy and time spent with those you love. 

there's a change in the weather...

Yesterday it was 70 degrees when I drove the kids to school...
no kidding, 70 degrees!

This morning, we found Mother Nature had played a trick on us...what a change!
Take a look around the farm...there's snow everywhere!

A snow-covered chicken coop ready for Christmas...

The Goat Barn sports a cheery wreath...after all, it is the boys' first Christmas!

  

Our dinner bell has two little icicles...and if the weatherman is right, it sounds like there's more ice on the way.

But that's okay...we're warm & cozy. There's a crackling fire in the fireplace, a Dutch oven on the stove bubbling away with chili, cornbread in the oven, kids giggling (and still in their jammies!), and Christmas music in the air.

So it's a happy Friday...this little fella says it all: 

Hooray for Snowy Days!