| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Aug 03 2013 : 1:32:38 PM
Hi girls -
In what season do you come alive? What season makes you feel at your finest? And for what about it are you most grateful?
My favorite time of year is autumn. With its crisp, clean air and vibrant colors dancing all around, I feel so wonderfully alive and feminine... Cozy sweaters, time-worn jeans, leather boots, funky hats, hand-knitted scarves, fingerless gloves… The wind in my hair… Apples, pumpkins, berries and damp fallen leaves… I'm totally in my element - even in the rain... I just love the autumn rain. Love, love, love, love it. Don’t you just love the way the damp turning leaves cast their fluorescent glow against the backdrop of a graying wet sky? <sigh> It’s an absolute feast for the eyes. All I want to do is blanket myself in the marvelous wonder of nature, especially by losing myself in the deep of the silent woods. You will also most certainly catch me be-bopping down the roads belting out my favorite songs this time of year… James Taylor and Carole King, Simon and Garfunkle, Fleetwood Mac, Elton John, The Carpenters, John Denver, The Eagles, U2… Sure, I may be a little off key and look slightly mad, but I don’t care one iota what people think! The fire of autumn is burning deep within! I'm happy! I'm free! I’m part of God’s wonderful creation and I am grateful, grateful, grateful. I love everything about the season, and I celebrate every single moment with thanksgiving in my heart. Let the onlookers laugh… perhaps they'll feel a little bit more alive and happy, too! :)
Fall…It’s just such a magical time for me! ’Makes me swoon just thinking about it. And - be still my heart - it’s just around the corner… I can almost feel it… Let the anticipation begin!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Sep 04 2013 : 2:07:03 PM
You know, girls, early this morning when I got up to let the dog out, there was the distinct nip of autumn in the air. I just couldn't bring myself to go back to sleep! I just sat there on the back deck with my pumpkin spice coffee (just a small cup) and treasured the anticipation of fall soon to come. What a lovely, lovely way to start the day! :) It's coming! It's coming!!!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| Annika |
Posted - Sep 04 2013 : 10:49:29 AM
Autumn! Autumn! Autumn!!!!!!! I absolutely adore the first breath of autumn. The first cool morning, the beautiful leaves in colorful coats swirling down, the first light scent of woodsmoke, the first time that I wear my favorite sweaters...pumpkins, earlier dusk and ripe apples...the beginning of baking season, warm socks and steaming cups of cider. Mmmmmmmm! These are a few of my favorite things. Always autumn! 
You must do the thing you think you cannot do
-Eleanor Roosevelt
Annika
Farmgirl & Sister #13
http://thegimpyfarmgirl.blogspot.com/
http://pinterest.com/annikaloveshats/
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| pnickols |
Posted - Sep 03 2013 : 07:03:01 AM
I love Fall the best. The drier cooler temps, the crunch of leaves and the smell of a campfires, the gorgeous colors, sweatshirts, sweaters, boots and jeans,watching the geese fly in formation overhead, college football and marching band season ! the semlls when baking pies and pumpkin bread, cookies and muffins, stews and chili and yummy soups...:) |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Sep 01 2013 : 09:07:36 AM
Mara - Your school memories just brought back so many memories! I loved - LOVED - the first day of school! When I was entering first grade, my Mom drew a little picture chart for me of the things I had to do to get ready: brush my teeth (toothbrush and toothpaste coming out of a tube), comb my hair (smiling face combing long hair with a bow), get dressed (a dress, tights and shoes), have breakfast (cereal in a bowl, a spoon, and a glass of juice), put on my coat (she drew a pic of a raincoat and galoshes), grab my lunchbox (a lunchbox with an apple and a thermos), grab my school bag (a schoolbag)... she even drew a big alarm clock with the hands set at 7:00 next to a school bus... How cool was that? I remember staring at my chart the night before trying to memorize all the steps, and she just came in, told me not to worry, it would be all there taped to my wall in the morning. She tucked me in, said prayers with me, and kissed me on the forehead before turning out the light. I remember having butterflies in my stomach, but Mom's chart gave me the confidence I needed to start the day right. I think that was part of the beginning of my love affair with autumn... My pretty plaid jumper and shiny patent leather MaryJanes looking so fancy against the whiteness of my brand new tights; nervously holding my best friend Sherry Prest's hand as we waited at the bus stop; the school bus ride under the damp-leafed glowing arch of the trees; learning the Pledge of Allegiance; singing, "My Country 'Tis of Thee;" the way my teacher (Mrs. Strickland) elegantly glided her chalk across the board to make the letters of the alphabet; sharpening pencils for the first time; reading "Dick and Jane," and "See(ing) Spot" for the first time; Stevie Mallon pretending to be Curly from the Three Stooges, and me trying to avoid getting poked in the eyes; Billy Firth pulling my hair; the sudden waft of cafeteria food entering our classroom mid-morning; our Janitor, Mr. Poirier, always telling us silly jokes as his mop swished in and out of the bucket in the hallway; the metallic smell of milk and apples and graham crackers in my lunch box; playing bombardment on the playground; shaving crayons onto waxed paper to be iron-pressed into stained glass "windows;" cutting apples and pumpkins out of construction paper and taping them to our classroom window; making turkeys out of our handprints; singing "We Gather Together;" and dressing as Pilgrims for Thanksgiving... The day after Labor Day was always full of magical anticipation of all the exciting new things to come... and that still holds true for me today!
Usually autumn is when my hubby and I do all sorts of work on the house. We have a big list of "to do's," "really want to do's," and "hope to get to do's" this year. If we get to half of them, it'll be a miracle, but at least we've got goals. The one thing we MUST do, besides the usual preparations on the house for winter and pointing the brick (ugh), is some landscaping in the front yard. We lost almost all of our lilacs over the past couple winters, and all summer I just kind of let it go wild out there. It's good for the soil, though, so I don't feel too bad. ;) Right now, the tough decisions include what type of bushes or trees we will plant. I want so badly to plant fruit like grapes and blueberries and raspberries and apple trees, but my hubby said the birds will make too much of a mess. The birds and I have a great friendship, so that doesn't really bother me too much, but I have to compromise, and it's turning out to be a little more difficult than I anticipated. The other thing we really want to do is put in a little picket or wrought iron fence with an arch at the entrance of our walkway. I would love to have some bittersweet vines and/or roses and/or morning glories growing out there to welcome guests! I don't know if we'll get that far, though, because autumn is when everyone and their brother (including all my husband's siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins) need help with their heating systems, need help firing up their boilers or having piping and plumbing issues. My husband always has the best of intentions with the home stuff, but if someone calls, he's out the door to help in a jiffy. (He kind of likes to be the hero - I kind of like that about him!) It's all good. We'll just chip away at it little by little. The way we figure, by the time we're in the nursing home, our son will have a really nice home to enjoy with HIS family! LOL!
Larie - I love the name you gave your daughter!!! :)
Happy day, girls!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| Larie |
Posted - Aug 23 2013 : 3:36:39 PM
I love the season of Autumn so much that I gave my daughter the middle name Autumn.
"When you have the country in your heart - all things are possible." |
| Rosemary |
Posted - Aug 22 2013 : 08:09:09 AM
Autumn, for sure. It's energizing! And it always feels to me like a season for beginnings, I guess because I loved school. When I was little, we always wore crisp little plaid cotton dresses, freshly ironed, with starched white collars. And you got a new lunchbox, new pencils and all. Gee, just writing this also reminds me of my first fountain pen and the Scrip Washable Blue Ink we used. I have a bottle in my collection now and sometimes I open it just to enjoy that beloved fragrance.
What new projects do you like to start in Autumn? |
| Calicogirl |
Posted - Aug 17 2013 : 07:39:07 AM
Winnie,
Thanks for sharing your photos. Very Cute!
Farmgirl Sister #5392
By His Grace, For His Glory
~Sharon
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| Red Tractor Girl |
Posted - Aug 16 2013 : 10:01:25 AM
Beth-- You go girl! Some states are having nice cool mornings so pre-fall weather is happening and you should go with the flow! This thread has turned into a support group for all of us Fall enthusiasts! Ideas are pouring forth and we are all enjoying learning about how other Farmgirls celebrate. Nini and I have been kicking around the idea of a virtual fall celebration event here on the forum and what that might look like. A tea has been suggested or a virtual progressive dinner all complete with photos. If you have any thoughts, jump in with your suggestions!
Winnie #3109 |
| Hoosiermom |
Posted - Aug 16 2013 : 07:48:24 AM
Fall is my time! I love the colors, smells, & crispness of the day. I always seem to be more motivated in the fall & try to get everything done that I didn't take the time to do in the summer...cleaning, painting, and usually my time to get on track with exercise. I love wearing sweatshirts & drinking coffee & hot tea seems so much better with a chill in the air. I love hearing my son & hubby get excited for hunting season and all the festivals this time of year. As you can tell, I can't seem to find anything bad to say about fall! I started today although it may be too early for some, I've began to sneak out a few of my fall decorations.
Beth |
| katmom |
Posted - Aug 15 2013 : 9:37:00 PM
as much as I love Autumn.. I have to say, 'Spring is my Thing'... love the excitement and joy I get perusing the Garden shops for new plants, planning my garden and shedding my Winter clothes!
:>)
>^..^<
Happiness is being a katmom and Glamping Diva!
www.katmom4.blogspot.com & http://graciesvictorianrose.blogspot.com
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| Killarney |
Posted - Aug 15 2013 : 7:21:07 PM
Nini, I love your recipe! Thanks for sharing!!!
Imagine....#3392 |
| Sue Feely |
Posted - Aug 15 2013 : 2:42:39 PM
I would have to say the summer makes me come alive! Our winters here in Buffalo, NY can be quite cold, long and harsh. Summer gives us a chance to get from under our blankets and couches and get things done and of course enjoy the outdoors as much as possible! |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Aug 15 2013 : 1:21:22 PM
Okay, girls... I'm going to pull out my very special autumn tea set, just for you! :) We'll just have to have a virtual tea, that's all!
Sherone - honest to Pete, my garden is so confused. I have all this stuff coming in, but it feels like I'm waiting on the edge for it all to be ready to be picked! I'll definitely be busy with winter preparations soon. I just got the new Farmer's Almanac yesterday - looks like we're in for some chilly weather!!! How long are your winters in Wyoming?
Ruby - I love that feeling that the holidays are coming, too! What a wonderful time of year!!!
I LOVE it, Winnie!!! I think that's a great idea!!! I really hope Sharon considers doing the fall event! 'Can't wait to hear what she has to say! At the very least, we'll have to do a tea... But I think a virtual Autumn gathering would be awesome!!!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| Red Tractor Girl |
Posted - Aug 15 2013 : 12:57:36 PM
Hey everyone-- I looked up an old posting I did a few years ago about apples on the MJF Connection. It gives you a picture of "My Apple Tree" which is up again already as my pre-fall season decorations!! If we do a virtual fall event here, I might resurrect the My Tiny Farm as the framework. What do you think??
http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/snitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=52958
Winnie #3109 |
| Ruby V |
Posted - Aug 15 2013 : 09:54:45 AM
Fall for me! I love the excitement of knowing Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner!
Ruby ~ Sister #3597 |
| sherone_13 |
Posted - Aug 15 2013 : 07:15:54 AM
Definitely fall for me. We enjoy hunting, canning, reaping from the garden. I get very domestic this time of year. Preparing for the long Wyoming winter.
Sherone
Farmgirl Sister #1682
Thirty-One Independent Consultant
www.mythirtyone.com/233237
My Blog
www.annapearlsattic.blogspot.com
My Etsy
www.etsy.com/shop/annapearlsattic
Women are angels. When someone breaks our wings, we just jump on our broomsticks and fly! We are flexible that way! |
| laurzgot |
Posted - Aug 14 2013 : 8:41:20 PM
Ya'll wait for me. Looks so yummy Nini.
Laurie
"Smile and be yourself everyday"
Country girl at heart
Laurie
Aprons and More by Laurie is on my FB page. www.facebook.com Aprons and More by Laurie/2487022
www.etsy.com/people/Aprons And Home Decor |
| Calicogirl |
Posted - Aug 14 2013 : 3:27:58 PM
Wait for me CJ!
I'll bring Michael's home-roasted Coffee :)
Farmgirl Sister #5392
By His Grace, For His Glory
~Sharon
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| ceejay48 |
Posted - Aug 14 2013 : 3:24:33 PM
Okay, I'll be right over! YummmmmM!!!
CJ
..from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665.
2010 Farmgirl Sister of the Year
Mother Hen: FARMGIRLS SOUTHWEST HENHOUSE
my aprons - http://www.facebook.com/FarmFreshAprons
living life - www.snippetscja.blogspot.com
from my hands - www.cjscreations-ceejay.blogspot.com
from my heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
from my hubby - www.aspenforge.blogspot.com |
| Red Tractor Girl |
Posted - Aug 14 2013 : 12:46:41 PM
Oh Nini, these look so delicious!!! How lucky you have a 63 degree day!! It is 95 here and it already rained two minutes so it is unbearably humid. These photos were such a lovely treat to find today. Sure wish I could stop by and visit over a cup of tea with you . Mmmmm!!!
Winnie #3109 |
| Ninibini |
Posted - Aug 14 2013 : 10:08:04 AM
I'm pretty sure I've posted my recipe before, but just in case you'd like to have it:
Nini's Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins (also great as a pumpkin bread!)
1 1/3 c. flour
1 c. sugar
1 T. pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp. baking soda
¼ tsp. baking powder
¼ tsp. salt
2 large eggs
1 c. pumpkin
½ c. butter, melted
1 c. chocolate chips
Oven to 375°
In large bowl, mix well: flour, sugar, spices, baking soda, baking powder & salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, pumpkin and butter until well blended. Stir in chocolate chips.
Combine wet and dry ingredients all at once. Fold with spatula just 'til dry ingredients are moistened.
Using an ice cream scoop, scoop batter evenly into greased muffin cups (I use organic coconut oil or the butter remaining on its wrapper). Bake 20 - 25 minutes until puffed and springy to the touch. Turn out to cool onto a rack.
Makes one dozen.
These are great warm, but even better if you let sit overnight - especially in the fridge! :)
Enjoy!
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| Ninibini |
Posted - Aug 14 2013 : 09:36:47 AM
Okay... Well, I think when it's 63 degrees out and the weather lady remarks, "It's fall like weather out there!" it's okay to fire up the oven, break out the pans and make some pumpkin chocolate chip muffins! This is for all of you fall lovin' farmgirls!
After making a triple batch, and even after using my extra large muffin pans from Salmon Falls, I still had enough batter left to make two breakfast breads to freeze for later...
I sure wish you were all here to share a pot of tea and a muffin with me! My son texted at lunch, and I told him what I was doing... Apparently he thinks I'm "Mother of the Year!" I just pray his friends don't find out... LOL!!!
Hope you're enjoying some cooler weather out there, too!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| knitnpickinatune |
Posted - Aug 13 2013 : 2:41:18 PM
Fall! Can't wait for Equinox,and then Halloween. Grateful for the turning of the seasons and the Harvest!
http://www.mandolinbabe.biz
https://www.facebook.com/MandolinBabesPickinParlour
http://www.banjobelle.info
@MandolinChick on Twitter
mando pickin,uke strummin,clarinet playin Farmgirl #702 |
| Red Tractor Girl |
Posted - Aug 13 2013 : 12:39:33 PM
How did I miss this thread??? I was just commenting on the thread about when do you decorate for Fall? Just add me to the list of Farmgirls who have so perfectly covered the aspects of what makes Fall their favorite season. Sharon, that photo you shared is AWESOME!!! One of my favorite treats is Pumpkin Spice coffee from The Fresh Market. Oh my, it is pretty special, in my opinion! I also crafted a homemade recipe of coffee I call Warm Apple Pie by mixing together various different blends of coffees. It is pretty good, if I say so myself. Recently, I have been enjoying fall planning with the Fall Fun swap and the upcoming September dishcloth swap. They were the perfect excuse to dig into fall ideas and have some fun making items for my swap buddies.
While I agree that every season has it's fun and special qualities, nothing inspires me more than Fall. It always has been that way. Maybe it came from the air of the Blue Ridge Mts and that Virginia soil growing all those delicious apples!!!
Winnie #3109
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| RachelLeigh |
Posted - Aug 13 2013 : 09:44:31 AM
Add me to the legions of Fall fans!
I anticipate that first whiff of woodsmoke in the chilly, dark hours of early morning. Love the sound of the leaves crunching beneath my shoes, and I anticipate that cold splatter of rain against my skin. I'm always more creative during this time of year, too.
Farmgirl Sister #5159
My blogs: http://14thandoak.com & http://thehomefrontkitchen.com
My Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/HandmadeHomefront
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