| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Calicogirl |
Posted - Jan 01 2014 : 12:16:00 PM
Farmgirls, join me in celebrating
***Winter***
.jpg)
Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home. It is no season in which to wander the world as if one were the wind blowing aimlessly along the streets without a place to rest, without food, and without time meaning anything to one, just as time means nothing to the wind.
~Edith Sitwell
Winter is such a beautiful time of the year. The way the sun shines upon the snow, the beauty of the aftermath of an ice storm. For those who live in a southern climate, another opportunity to grow and harvest. Winter is also a time of reflecting. Reflecting on the previous year, noting changes, new things to try, a fresh new start with a fresh new year :)
For some, Winter may be a sad time, but I would like to encourage those of you who may not be so fond of Winter to explore :) There are so many things one can do whether it be participating in Winter sports, taking an art class or quilting class, gearing up for your garden and ordering your seeds, snuggling by the fire and finally catching up on all of those books you have been wanting to read. Check out your community calender and see what events may be going on. Pamper yourself.
I for one, love Winter. For me it is a time for coziness and cuddling, for sitting by the fire and reading. For crafting and trying new warming recipes. In February (in our neck of the woods :)) we have Sled Dog Races (snowfall permitting), I still have not made it yet but am hoping that this year I can.
Here is a craft on my list of ones to try for decorating for Winter, Iced Branches:
http://www.save-on-crafts.com/icedbranches.html
Please join me in sharing your thoughts and plans for Winter. Any craft ideas or recipes. Or decorating :)
Farmgirl Sister #5392
By His Grace, For His Glory
~Sharon
http://amerryheartjournal.blogspot.com/
|
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| nndairy |
Posted - Feb 08 2014 : 5:50:24 PM
Sharon - that is too funny! Look what I just made for my niece:
Glad to hear you're finally getting some snow.
Ally - That snow can be tricky! Glad you had some help and everything ended up OK. Sounds like you're having a great time now though.
I made a treat for everyone to help beat the winter blues:
.JPG)
Enjoy!
Heather
Farmgirl Sister #4701
http://nndairy.blogspot.com/
|
| Calicogirl |
Posted - Feb 08 2014 : 08:38:34 AM
Wow, Linda, that's alot of snow. I agree with Nini on the Peppermint Mochas. In fact I think I will pull out my recipe for Peppermint Mocha Creamer today :)
Ally, I need to try that Love Syrup recipe too! You are a girl after my own heart, I would be adding Cayenne too!
We finally have gotten snow and it is such a blessing. Now the farmers and ranchers will be able to get their full shares of water . It is so beautiful outside and I love watching our dog Cookie play in the snow, she is loving it. Yesterday I was playing 'catch' with our pig Endeavour. He is so funny and sweet.
Nini, it is such a blessing to be prepared. It may be tough in the warmer months preparing and taking care of the garden and all of the preserving but when you see that snow outside, you have a fire in the woodstove, and you see the pantry lined up with the fruits of your labor it is so worth it :)
Check out this craft:
http://www.save-on-crafts.com/bucofsnow.html
Aren't they cute? 
Stay warm ladies!
Farmgirl Sister #5392
By His Grace, For His Glory
~Sharon
http://amerryheartjournal.blogspot.com/
|
| AFinkberry |
Posted - Feb 07 2014 : 8:21:14 PM
Well it has snowed here! I am just shocked at the amount! I'm not new to snow (my mom lived in Tahoe for five years) but boy were we unprepared!!! We live at the top of a hill, but our driveway just didn't want to cooperate and I got stuck between two hills. I couldn't get up either side! It was funny thinking about it now, and there was no damage, but boy was I embarrassed!! I kept going back an forth, trying to gain enough momentum to get over one side without go fast enough to slide out of control, and after about the tenth time of trying to get up either hill, I almost got to the top of one, but couldn't quite make it over that last bump! Thankfully, I didn't slide and with the help of a few good neighbors, we got it up over the top of the opposite hill, where we left it for the night! Today, DH went and bought some chains and now we got it back into our driveway! Lots of adventure here!
But, my boys and I have been having a blast playing in the snow! Snowball fights, snowmen, snow angels!! I made the Love Syrup from MJF magazine and it's really yummy! I added cayenne to give it a little more heat and it made the perfect cup of cocoa! After changing our socks and making the hot cocoa, we snuggled in to read! Just a great winter's day!
Stay warm and toasty, everyone!!!! This next system is a whopper!
Ally
Farmgirl Sister #5672
"There is no need for temples, no need for complicated philosophies. My brain and my heart are my temples; my philosophy is kindness." ~His Holiness the Dalai Lama |
| nndairy |
Posted - Feb 07 2014 : 11:04:48 AM
That's funny Nini - thanks for sharing!
Winnie - Good to know! My weather radio says the temperature of Lake Erie is currently 32! While 72 might not be swimming weather for the locals down there, I might be tempted to try it out :)
Linda - love the pictures - especially the snow angel!! It turned out great! A peppermint mocha sounds wonderful right now!!! I asked about the wrist warmers. I'd love to see your pattern. Especially if it's easy! I wanted to attempt to make some heart decorations and the first pattern I found said to cast on 30 some stitches then divide them between 3 needles and then I was lost! I need a little more of simple knitting before I add more needles!!!
Hope everyone is staying warm. It's a blinding bright day out today, but only 6 degrees here!
Heather
Farmgirl Sister #4701
http://nndairy.blogspot.com/
|
| prayin granny |
Posted - Feb 07 2014 : 08:18:13 AM
Can't find the post where one of you asked about wrist warmers?
I have a very easy beginner pattern I could email !
Let me know!
Hugs,
Linda
http://grannysbirds.blogspot.com/
Country at Heart
'For I know the plans I have for you......'
|
| prayin granny |
Posted - Feb 07 2014 : 08:13:06 AM
Loving these posts !
We have about 9 inches here from this week. Not melting and roads pretty icy still.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Our cars are buried! Lol
.jpg)
My daughter went down and made a snow Angel! :)
.jpg)
At her work, she had to shovel a path to the dumpster so they could get the packing boxes unloaded!
Although winter is not my favorite season?? I'm adjusting and learning to appreciate the 'being stuck indoors'
I enjoy the beauty of the snow (just want it melting sooner ;)
I love my peppermint mochas, knitting and crafts, a pot of hot soup on the stove.
A warm and cozy blanket while reading or watching a favorite show on tv!
And yes, always steaming hot cocoa with mini marshmallows!!
Enjoy and stay warm, all of you in snow laden areas! :)
Blessings,
Linda
http://grannysbirds.blogspot.com/
Country at Heart
'For I know the plans I have for you......'
|
| Red Tractor Girl |
Posted - Feb 07 2014 : 05:54:06 AM
Heather, I will be happy to provide some photos of what is happening around here. Really, really Farmgirls, Spring is moving upwards from the South. I promise! The Robins arrived here this week on their annual migratory stop off, the Sandhill Cranes are leaving now for the far north in huge groups, and the temps in the Gulf of Mexico are warming up! The Gulf is our ticket here right now for all of you in the middle of the country because the relative warm air masses will move up through the country. Depending on where the Jet Stream is at any given day, the warm air wants to move upwards. Remember that old adage, warm air rises?? Well, the Gulf warm air starts pushing up and makes it further and further as the days tick towards March. The water temp off the west coast of Florida up my way right now is about 72 degrees and it is a degree or two warmer way down state. Not balmy swimming temperature but a huge water mass that warm has some mojo. Help in on the way! For example, that Gulf air kept the recent cold front above the Florida border and gave us about 3 days in the upper 70s. It turned cooler yesterday but not nearly as cold as the week before. I realize that weather is complicated and there are many other factors besides the Gulf water temp at play, but the Gulf does and will be a big factor in pushing warm air northwards. So, even though you feel like there is no end in sight, things are warming up and will be able to push back against the cold front lines and move further and further inland. Stay tuned!
Winnie #3109
|
| Ninibini |
Posted - Feb 06 2014 : 6:35:36 PM
LOL! Ooooooooohm'gosh... A good friend just sent this to me and I just had to share: http://www.youtube.com/embed/WsOMeru8pxQ
I thought you girls who are cursing the snow would love it! Enjoy!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
|
| Ninibini |
Posted - Feb 06 2014 : 6:23:11 PM
Hmmmmm... I'm going to have to dig around, Heather. I haven't seen Maurine since our wedding day, and the only "recent" images I have of her are on my wedding video from 25 years ago! I know I must have some from when we were kids somewhere... I'll have to see what I can find! :)
Yeah, they showed one of the local salt distribution centers on the news tonight. It was looking pretty sad. One of the managers from the road crew said that he was really scared by the shortage - he has never seen it this bad, ever. Not exactly a comforting thing to hear.
I still love the winter, though; I really, really do. But we're blessed to be prepared for it for the most part. Some people are just not in a good way - the elderly, the infirm, the poor, the homeless... (Not to mention that I really hate that my husband drives all over creation for work in this snow and ice every day.) For their sake, I pray that this weather lets up soon. :)
Stay warm and safe!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
|
| nndairy |
Posted - Feb 06 2014 : 5:52:02 PM
I don't think you can do anything to stay ahead of it at this point Winnie. We just make many trips out side to make sure the heaters are all working and fix what freezes. Luckily it hasn't been too bad. We've had minor things like a water line freeze and the other day our vacuum pump belts must have gotten some moisture on them that froze during the night. They broke when we went to start up the milkers. As long as cows have food in their belly they stay very warm. We don't have any young calves - we're working towards becoming seasonal - so all our cows have their babies in the spring and summer. That is a big worry gone! I hate to see baby calves shivering. I always feel so bad for them. I believe if we domesticate the animals and force them to stay in certain spots with fences then we need to provide for their needs. I'm not trying to upset anyone so please don't take offense if anyone has animals that stay outside. I know that different parts of the country have different weather and the animals are very comfortable - and better off - without shelters, but it's not the case here. We don't have any hills or valleys or woods for protection. Anyway - about the red tractor - it's a must that's for sure. I'm just looking forward to one day being able to get one with a cab on it!!!
Nini - I would love to see a picture of my twin if you have one. I've always wondered if I'd ever meet my "everyone has a twin out there somewhere" twin. When I was a senior in high school my mom got a bit carried away with calling colleges and requesting information for me. When she called one in Indiana (I lived in Michigan then) she gave them my name and they said - "she's already enrolled for the semester". I don't know what she looked like, but apparently there's someone that had my name too! And if that isn't funny enough - my sister-in-law is Heather too! We had all kinds of issues the first couple Christmases!!!
I've heard about the salt and propane shortages. They won't fill anyone's propane tanks unless they're under 25% and then they'll only fill them to 50%. I'm very thankful for our woodstove this year! Be careful out there on those roads!!! I agree - you better stick to the hills and curves! LOL!! Hopefully this weekend won't be too bad.
Lori - I usually love winter, but I'm ready to start counting down to spring too. I'm just glad there's some snow to go with these cold temperatures so at least it's pretty. I find it depressing when it's so cold and bare. Winnie can show us some pictures soon so we can watch spring head our direction! That would be fun!
Heather
Farmgirl Sister #4701
http://nndairy.blogspot.com/
|
| Ninibini |
Posted - Feb 06 2014 : 07:09:10 AM
Wow... look at all those great projects and pics!
Heather, looks like Carey wants a snow kiss! Too cute! And you're just adorable there, knee high in the snow! :) You look SO much like my girlhood bff from Cape Cod! They say we all have a twin out there, but wow! The resemblance is uncanny!
Thank you for that recipe, Ally... sounds yummy! We really like garlic, too. As Grandma used to say, "It's good for what ails you." :)
I had no idea you girls weren't getting this same miserable snow weather as we are, Sharon & CJ! If I could send some back out your way, I gladly would. We are almost out of rock salt in our county and there is a propane shortage, too. Such beauty all around us, and yet it is so treacherous. When my hubby was leaving for work this morning, they had warnings on the news that salt trucks crews would be concentrating on salting only hills and curves. Sure enough, our road had not been plowed. Charlie said most roads have been covered in sheets of ice hidden under slush or snow. No sooner did he say that, the newscaster further warned of dangerous black ice everywhere. He smiled and assured me to play it safe he be sure to stick to hills and curves. Hardee har har. They said salt won't have any effect at temps lower than we seventeen degrees, either. What fun. We are expecting another major snowstorm this weekend,too. Yay. More ice, more snow. I'm thankful none of us will have to go out in this come Saturday.
Wish old Phil had had better news for everyone on Sunday. ;) Ah, well... at least it has given me great reason to stay put and catch up on cooking must-do 's... I've been making good use of my oven, dehydrator and canner. My cupboards are starting to look quite Amish, as I have always dreamed they would... Silver linings... Always look for the silver linings, girls! ;)
Keep warm, sisters, but stay cool!
Hugs,
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
|
| Red Tractor Girl |
Posted - Feb 06 2014 : 05:47:29 AM
Wow, Heather, you do NEED a red tractor to get through these winter weeks of snow! Nothing like a trusty red tractor to muscle your way through the snow and manure!! I cannot imagine your life on a farm with the kind of weather that keeps plowing down from the Arctic. Love that photo of you in your winter garb! Let's assume that all this snow will mean a very green and lush Summer! Stay warm and keep us posted on how one stays ahead of the deluge of snow!
Winnie #3109 |
| crafter |
Posted - Feb 06 2014 : 05:33:29 AM
Heather,
You have posted some awesome pics- thank you!!
We have a wind chill advisory and snow up higher than I can measure. I am now counting down to spring!! I want to plant my garden and work in my flower beds...two things I didn't get much of last year. So, if anyone wants some snow c'mon over!! :)
Lori
God has promised strength for the day, rest for the labor, light for the way, grace for the trials, help from above, unfailing sympathy and undying love.
We are here to love each other, serve each other and uplift each other. |
| nndairy |
Posted - Feb 05 2014 : 6:23:46 PM
I'm glad you're getting some much needed snow. We're getting more too!!
Last night it was snowing so hard at times you couldn't see the barn!
.JPG)
Winnie - the red tractor didn't mind though. (We were hauling manure)
.JPG)
What it looked like this morning:
The round bales are 5 feet tall
It's almost up to my knees
.JPG)
Hope everyone is staying warm and healthy!
Heather
Farmgirl Sister #4701
http://nndairy.blogspot.com/
|
| Red Tractor Girl |
Posted - Feb 05 2014 : 10:02:39 AM
So glad to hear that! We hear about the frightening low levels of snow this season out west which is quite worrisome for fires this summer.
Winnie #3109 |
| ceejay48 |
Posted - Feb 05 2014 : 09:10:26 AM
For those of you who are tired of so much snow . . . please bear with me.
We have NOT been getting snow and our part of the world has been dry, bare and brown . . . last summer was terrible!
So, we are grateful for the snow, which we been getting over the last three days.
CJ
.JPG)
..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 heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
from my hubby - www.aspenforge.blogspot.com |
| HodgeLodge |
Posted - Feb 02 2014 : 11:42:04 AM
Not a big winter person, and ive been way too busy this year so far to enjoy a relaxed snow day. But i love to cook some comfort food, lots of beans and ham, with a rustic cornbread recipe that i adore. Want to try some rabbit and dumplings. Its on my winter list of things to do. I'll keep you posted.
Farmgirl #4817-The greatest gift of the garden is the restoration of the five senses. ~Hanna Rion
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Hodge-Lodge-Clothesline/285366378259342
|
| nndairy |
Posted - Feb 02 2014 : 09:44:03 AM
Love the socks! The slippers look great too! I'm still working on dish cloths for Christmas gifts, but I've now made 2 of different designs with no goofs!!!
Yesterday felt a bit spring like - it rained all day! I finally went outside without my coveralls on. They got a much needed soak in the washer! But, sometime during the night it all turned to snow. Now we have about 3 inches of fresh snow on top of a nice layer of ice :( and it didn't melt all the snow from before so there's some snow under the ice in places. There's no sign of spring on any of the plants around here, but there's not supposed to be yet. I guess we're going to get hit again on Tuesday with more arctic air and snow. I'd say for Ohio winter is still holding tight. Maybe I should check out that slipper pattern soon :)
Heather
Farmgirl Sister #4701
http://nndairy.blogspot.com/
|
| Calicogirl |
Posted - Jan 31 2014 : 10:48:17 AM
Winnie, those look great!!! The slippers will make the perfect Christmas gifts :)
Cj, thanks for washing the windows :) MY garden will thank you this summer :)
Farmgirl Sister #5392
By His Grace, For His Glory
~Sharon
http://amerryheartjournal.blogspot.com/
|
| ceejay48 |
Posted - Jan 31 2014 : 09:44:46 AM
Well, my window washing worked! Last evening it started raining and today it is snowing!
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 heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
from my hubby - www.aspenforge.blogspot.com |
| Red Tractor Girl |
Posted - Jan 31 2014 : 05:22:44 AM
I just wanted to post a photo of my latest knitting projects. So, I took a sock class on January 18 and learned how to make socks with the heel. In this photo you can see a pair of tube socks (black/white yarn) that I did in order to get the hang of knitting on 4 needles and working a simple pattern. Then, the sock class used a smaller needle and yarn weight to work on the whole heel/foot thing. They turned out really well after lots of ripping out and having the teacher help me get the hang of it. Now, I am working on a second pair( see the one purple sock) that is shorter and acrylic so not too hot for spring wear. Next up are socks with a cotton yarn that requires #2 needles. Gulp! Teeny, tiny in comparison but I am motivated, I think!
The wild green/hot pink felted slippers came from Teri's blog at White Sheep Farm. These were easier to make than I imagined and really do help keep your feet warm with my tube socks on! I am motivated now to keep working on this pattern idea and maybe make cute felted slippers for a few Christmas presents next year.
We have been having lots of cold weather here in Florida and perfect for wearing wool socks (i have my new ones on) and getting into knitting skills I have wanted to learn for many years. Retirement is such a delight!!
Weather forecast for this weekend says the temps are going to be back to 80 degrees! I can't believe it but it is not uncommon here in this part of the US. Signs of spring are already happening. My azaleas in the back yard are already popping open, the Japanese Magnolias in town are in full bloom, and even a few Redbud trees have opened up. Yes, pretty soon, we will be closing the winter conversation down here and moving on to Spring. I just hope the hot, humid weather doesn't arrive by April!!
Winnie #3109 |
| ceejay48 |
Posted - Jan 28 2014 : 09:53:30 AM
I live just a few miles from "Calicogirl" and I'll take the snow. However, I DO NOT want the wind . . . NO THANK YOU!!!!!!
I washed windows yesterday . . . it's been a very long time since I have and it's okay if it makes for some precipitation. :D
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 heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
from my hubby - www.aspenforge.blogspot.com |
| Calicogirl |
Posted - Jan 28 2014 : 09:42:34 AM
I'll take it Heather! It has been unseasonably warm here in the Rocky Mountains. There is actually rain/snow in the forecast. hopefully we will get some moisture otherwise it will be a dry year. Your dishcloth looks great!
Ally, that sounds wonderful! Thanks for sharing :)
Winnie, I hope that you are staying warm. I here that there is a cold front heading your way. I can't wait to see pics of your socks too!
Farmgirl Sister #5392
By His Grace, For His Glory
~Sharon
http://amerryheartjournal.blogspot.com/
|
| Red Tractor Girl |
Posted - Jan 28 2014 : 07:08:07 AM
Oh Heather-- A photo of a red tractor that is an international Harvester brand which was the origins of the first red tractor I ever had!! Love this and thanks for thinking about me. Your new dishcloth looks great with the windows. I like the simplicity of the pattern you came up with. I finished my socks and will take a photo and post soon. The needle size was a bit large for purposes of learning but I have started a second pair on a smaller size which I hope will be much better. Yesterday I was able to get the hard part done with only a few ripping out sessions which is a huge improvement over the first go around!! LOL!! We have been having some cold weather even here in north Florida and more is on the way tonight. My wool socks are working out pretty well!!
Winnie #3109 |
| AFinkberry |
Posted - Jan 27 2014 : 9:14:30 PM
My favorite winter recipe is anything from the oven! My MIL makes this wonderful dish she calls 40 Garlic Chicken! It pretty easy and there's no recipe for it, it's just a throw-it-together type meal!
~Chicken (any part, whole or in pieces, breast or thighs)
~40 cloves of garlic (DH loves garlic so I usually add more. This is where all that pre-peeled garlic comes in handy!)
~2-3 sweet potatoes, cut into 1-in. cubes (I leave the skins on, but it's up to you!)
~3-4 other potatoes, cut into 1-in cubes (again, use any kind you like. I love reds, but I've used purple before and it's very lovely!)
~1/2 - 1 cup Olive oil....I don't know if I'd use a whole cup. My MIL does, but I've used less and had good results.
~salt and pepper
Cover with foil and cook @375 until chicken is almost done, then take off foil to brown the chicken until it is completely done! So the time depends on how your chicken is prepped, so I'd look it up just to be sure. My MIL is good at knowing when it's done, whereas I'm a "Nervous Nellie" and usually overcook my chicken, so I leave that part of the recipe up to you! This is my favorite meal when I'm with my MIL!
Ally
Farmgirl Sister #5672
"There is no need for temples, no need for complicated philosophies. My brain and my heart are my temples; my philosophy is kindness." ~His Holiness the Dalai Lama |
|
|
