| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| TwoWildflowers |
Posted - Aug 06 2005 : 09:22:26 AM
I'm sitting here with my green tea and Country Home (Sept 05) magazine and came across the article "On Top of The World" which tells about MaryJane. I often read magazines while online since I have carrier pigeon Internet service and lots of time is wasted while pages load! I guess this is the only down side of country living...poor Internet service. Since online I though I would check out MaryJane's site, and what a treat!
I am just about to become an empty nest mom filled with all the mixed fillings that brings. I have degrees in both Home Economics and Interior Design, creating home has been a big part of my life. As I move into this next phase of being a couple again with my husband I need to fill a new empty void with new friends.
Living in the country for the past 26 years is a treat greater than I could have ever dreamed. No street lights, no sidewalks, and no smog! I grew up in southern California and enjoyed the sun and beaches, but when I married we moved north to what is called God's country, actually it is close to where the Gold Rush of 1849 started. I have a back yard that is a wild animal nursery this year and have delighted in watching does and fawns relate.
I am so delighted to find this site and look forward to many good reads, ideas, and friends
.
Friends are my flowers in the garden of life |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| mdotterer |
Posted - Aug 19 2005 : 12:07:54 PM
I love Bodega Bay! We always stop there on our way to visit friends in Gualala (which has to be one of the Best Places on Earth)and we love to walk around the beaches. I've always wanted to stop at that sushi place on the highway - is it any good? Anyway, the area you're in is just beautiful.
I'm in Pleasant Hill, right next to Walnut Creek. I'm definitely in for doing a wine tour! So, Meadowlark, let us know when you're coming! My daughter is an innkeeper at a B&B in Napa, so we have a place to stay and she can get us good deals at the wineries!
Marlene |
| lareyna |
Posted - Aug 19 2005 : 10:49:27 AM
Oh Melissa, WAY north of you I think, heard of Bodega? or Bodega Bay? I will have to look at a map, heard of Arcada, but can't remember where it is. The Birds was filmed here lol. Only claim to fame we have, pretty sad. Just kidding that's why I love it here, that and the weather, for an old gal who's post menopausal the cool weather is a big plus. my hubby was born and raised here his family has owned this 12 acres for 55 years. We are actually back here due to my mother in law's health. She was sick so we moved home, (were in Idaho for 12 years) now she is healthy as a horse at 87 years old and will probably outlive us all. ( I sure hope so, I love her and she is a wealth of info)She comes over and helps me snap beans etc. We don't have what you would consider a farm I guess, just some cows, rabbits, chickens, a peacock and Yorkies.My hubby grows a garden every year and I get to put up the veggies. We also have enough blackberries to make jam for all and peaches, pears, plums, apples, the trees are all very old but still produce. We have 5 kids and 10 g-kids so I always can enough for everybody. Problem is my job, I would like to take off during canning season but my boss objects, go figure. |
| sqrl |
Posted - Aug 19 2005 : 10:35:20 AM
Hey Arlene, where abouts is your town, I too am about a couple miles from the beach up in Arcata. Are ya near by?
Blessed Be
www.sqrlbee.com/artisan
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| lareyna |
Posted - Aug 18 2005 : 10:21:11 AM
Hi all!!! Joined today and can already see that I am going to LOVE this forum!!!
I am also a dyed in the wool California farm girl, born and raised here. (although "girl" is really pushing the limit lol)
I live in a very small Northern California town, 4 miles from the ocean.
My empty nest syndrome has come and gone, kids are 21-38 with 10 grandkids to make up for the loss.
I am a nurse by profession, I work in Long Term Care and love it.
My husband is the gardener in the family, he has a bumper crop this year and I am spending my days off canning, freezing and wondering what to do with some 25 pound banana squash, thinking about donating to a soup kitchen lol. Anybody know if you can freeze what you can't eat?? |
| lamamama |
Posted - Aug 17 2005 : 5:49:08 PM
Hi, Kathleen (and all!)
To answer your question, I came to the SF Bay area for a common reason - did it for the husband's job. He is a true city boy, & now he is an ex-husband. The Bay area for me is far, far too over-populated, polluted, self-absorbed, etc. I know there are some wonderful folks here, but it is not for me. I've seen some lovely, more rural areas around here, but they are certainly completely out of the price range of a single Mother. So now the kids & I are searching for our dream home........
Penn Valley sounds wonderful! I looked @ Nevada City, & was disappointed to see the price of real estate there. Presently I'm focusing on central/southeastern Wa. north central Or. Nothing too rainy (bothers my asthmatic child).
If any Ca. Farmgirls want to start something - count me in!
All best blessings,
Melanie |
| little feather |
Posted - Aug 17 2005 : 3:48:21 PM
I guess that Jet Plane is out of the question then! 
I always like driving better too! Unless I have to go across the ocean on course
I love to be able to SEE where I am going and we live in such a beautiful country!
It's nice to find another wine appreciator! Reds are my favorite! Unless it's hot then a cool white or rose is nice.
When you do drive out here you have a place to stay with us!
Where ever you go, go with all your heart!
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| MeadowLark |
Posted - Aug 17 2005 : 3:28:45 PM
I'm leavin on a jet plane... Naw, just kidding ya! Tawnya I have tried the Alexander Valley wines and they are great! I like the Russian River Valley wines too! I'm learning so much about this beautiful country we live in because of my sisters here...it is so great! I need to get back to Calif. I still have memories of it as it was in the early 70's...it's time for an update! When I do come I would probably drive...takes 3 days from here. I hate flying!
Being is what it is. Jean Paul Sartre |
| little feather |
Posted - Aug 17 2005 : 3:01:27 PM
Hmmmm, I wish there was a local winery. The closest are in the Livermore area. But, I would be happy to take you on a tour there! I've been to them all....
My favorite is Alexander Valley off the Mendocino Coast! It's so amazingly beautiful. The wines are very nice too!
So- when are you coming =)
Where ever you go, go with all your heart!
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| MeadowLark |
Posted - Aug 13 2005 : 6:59:31 PM
Thanks " California Girls"! Hey Tawnya, are there any vineyards near were you live? Seems I have heard of wine from Walnut Creek before. I'd love to have a native take me on a tour!
Being is what it is. Jean Paul Sartre |
| little feather |
Posted - Aug 13 2005 : 6:52:37 PM
MeadowLark,
You are always welcome to join in! We'd love to have you for coffee.
Or better yet, if you ever do get out this way, I'm in for a wine tour!!
Where ever you go, go with all your heart!
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| TwoWildflowers |
Posted - Aug 13 2005 : 01:26:05 AM
Of course you can join us! We are a friendly mix of people out here with lots of ideas and lots of dreams. You would smile if you could see those "hippies" of the 70s today...they are still around, rather burned out and remain idealistic. But we love them since they add and interesting element to our vastly varied culture!
You want to visit a beautiful area of California. Lucky for me I get over in that part evey month or so since my mother lives there, and I lived there for a few years. When you get ready to come out I will give you some hints about places to stay, etc.
Glad you have you here on our porch!
Kathleen
Friends are my flowers in the garden of life |
| TwoWildflowers |
Posted - Aug 13 2005 : 01:17:06 AM
Sounds like a good plan!
Kathleen
Friends are my flowers in the garden of life |
| Bridge |
Posted - Aug 12 2005 : 7:05:39 PM
Welcome to all the Cali gals!!
Glad to meet you. Can't wait to get to know ya better!
Bridge |
| MeadowLark |
Posted - Aug 12 2005 : 5:44:12 PM
Can a Kansas farmgirl join this California Farmgirl coffee clatch? Want to welcome all the Golden State girls here to the forum. I have to admit the last time I was in California was in June of 1970 and I was a hippie wannabe/ chubby/ugly adolescent absolutely in love with the people and scenery of Calif. I remember seeing all these beautiful "California girls" in their big bell bottom jeans, long straight blonde hair and leather headbands, tan and fit and I was soooo wanting to emulate them! I spent time with my parents there and we visited LA area and San Diego. I LOVED Coronado Hotel and Beach there. AHHHH memories. Anyway want to do the wine tours of Napa, and Santa Barbara, Sonoma...my dream....sooo glad you are all here!
Being is what it is. Jean Paul Sartre |
| little feather |
Posted - Aug 12 2005 : 4:58:41 PM
Ohhh, I'm thinking that we need to get us N. Cal. Farm Girls together!
Who's in??
Where ever you go, go with all your heart!
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| FarrarFarmgirl |
Posted - Aug 11 2005 : 09:21:58 AM
Welcome Kathleen
You've made a good choice for "filling the void with new friends" right here. And when I read that, it clicked for me, too. That is exactly why I am loving every minute of being here. It's like I can't get enough of everyone with all the encouragements, laughs, ideas and opportunities to share. I've always had a hard time saying good-bye whether it's with a group of close friends or a family gathering and that's how it is when I decide I have to get off of here or I will never get anything else done.
All that to say, it does help fill the void of being an empty-nester. I've been in that position for the last two years. At first there was the thought of freedom, but that was immediately replaced with "what am I going to do?" and "how do I redefine my purpose?" It truly is a transition. The conclusion I came to is that it is more of a mental and emotional transition than anything and maybe that's why it is harder to make. AS for the household duties and such whether there are kids at home or not, I still have to shop, do laundry, pay bills, clean, take care of the yard and all that stuff. What I don't have to do is coordinate multiple schedules in my head and keep track of who is doing what and going where. That's where I felt the emptyness the most. Yes the house is quieter, but that sound came gradually as each left one at a time. So it's nice.
It's taking me a while to figure it all out. Many times I have found myself coming home from work and just vegging out for no apparent reason, only to realize (much too late)that I could have gotten something done, but didn't because I didn't have the urgency to do it as I did when the kids were home. So for me, having the dicipline to create a personal routine is a challenge because when the kids were home I had no choice it was always a very busy schedule and as the mother that's what you were there for. While they are home their schedule IS your schedule it is only when they are gone that you realize how much you lived through them and now you have to find or create a schedule of your own. At least that's how it is for me, so now I have taken on so many projects I have more than I can put into a schedule. Isn't that so ironic? LOL I guess I'm "cured" of the empty nest syndrom, uh? :o)
Fortunately, I do talk with each or our children at least once a week, more with our daughter(as most girls will). Trust me, they do come home and it's always a welcome reunion, but don't get too used to that either, usually it's so they have a place to drop off their stuff as they run to visit and catch up with friends. Soon enough though and God-willing, they eventually get married and then, guess what happens? Two come home, so you double your population. And then if they bring children in tow, you get to start all over by being a grandparent - oh happiest of days, it is such fun! One thing is for sure, whether they are here to stay or just drop off stuff, you will always, always be their mother, that status does not change, you may have to redefine it a few times (and they will help), but once a mother, always a mother; a blessing in every sense of the word and beat of your heart.
Nana Naomi said it right about them being in and out and back in and then out. We have 4 children; oldest is married, daughter still in school, but on her own, next one is engaged to be married next year and own his own and then there's the youngest - he's finished with school and just moved back home (actually followed his girlfriend, she decided to come home too - they were in school in Louisville, KY at the same time)...for the next couple of years - maybe. He and his girlfriend are very serious and wedding bells are ringing for them in a couple of years. I'm enjoying the fact that he's home, but I think he is the one whose style is being cramped more than mine. As he eloquently put it "Now that I've lived on my own for a while, you don't expect me to have to follow any rules, do you?" So honestly, I don't see him waiting too long to get his own apartment again, which is what he had in KY. He just got a job as a sauce chef at a country club so now he has a regular paycheck - I give it 6-9 months; my husband says sooner. I hope I get dinner out of it or something nice.... :o)
How's that for a lengthy welcome? Sorry for the rambling, it seems we have so much in common and could probably sit and swap stories, tears and laughs for a good long afternoon. I'm just glad you are here and hope you enjoy the company of your new friends/sisters/farmgals as much as I do; everyone here is a blessing in her own unique, style and spirit.
God bless you with all you need to embrace your new roles as wife and mother.
In His hands,
Lynda
Pray in faith and you will not live in doubt. |
| TwoWildflowers |
Posted - Aug 11 2005 : 08:57:32 AM
My brother lives in your town! 2 of my nephews own the Quiznos in that area! Big California...small world!
Kathleen
Friends are my flowers in the garden of life |
| sqrl |
Posted - Aug 11 2005 : 08:27:05 AM
Welcome Kathleen and Melanie our two new Cali. sisters. I live up in Arcata about 5 hours north of you gals. If this state wasn't so darn big we could start a CA chapter. Well enjoy, there are sooo many wonderful ladies here, everyone is full of ideas and advise it's a wonderful place to visit, I make it a daily ritual.
Blessed Be
www.sqrlbee.com/artisan
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| littlehippiechick |
Posted - Aug 10 2005 : 10:46:11 PM
Hi Two Wildflowers! I am also new to this forum! I've been looking at it for about a week before I decided to join up! I'm where you were 26 years ago...starting a nest out in the country...except my neck of the woods drops to -62C(F?) in the winter. I don't miss the city at all...crazy people, crazy drivers, etc. We have deer that drink out of the pond that I made for the frogs and toads that live with us on our "little piece of heaven". I'm a huge conservationalist and volunteer with various groups.
How did I get hooked? Well, my husband and I are always looking for ways to protect our environment. Of course there is always room for improvement on our part, but everyday we get better and more clever at it. So I was looking around for better and safer alternatives to laundry detergent and came accross this forum. Such wonderful ideas from everyone, and I'm enjoying reading postings from other women who are in the same boat as I...new family, new surroundings, and new ideas!
Hope you enjoy this forum as much as I am! My husband is enjoying it as well because I keep getting so many good ideas!
Take care!
Little hippie chick
No man is ever worth crying over, and the one that is...won't make you cry!!! |
| TwoWildflowers |
Posted - Aug 10 2005 : 10:12:31 PM
Welcome Melanie! It is nice to see another northern California "farmgirl" and I agree it is nice to have "this" frontporch from which to chat.
If you are ever up in my neck of the woods, do let me know you are coming. We have a little bit of everything except humidity. I love having the 4 seasons which are beautiful. Not all of California can brag about that. I also track seasons by the sheep farm across the street and all the activity that goes on there. You know it is fair time when you see the sheep being loaded to take to the fair shows. My favorite part is lambing season and seeing the little ones play in the fields.
What brought you to the bay area?
Hope to chat more...
Kathleen
[ size=1 ] Friends are my flowers in the garden of life [ /size=1 ] |
| lamamama |
Posted - Aug 09 2005 : 8:21:31 PM
Hi, Kathleen!
Count me as another newcomer (just joined today!), & another California girl (although originally Kentucky born & bred). Presently mired in the SF Bay area (the peninsula), but desparately looking for a town where I can live my farmgirl, small town dream. Thanks for the tip about the article. And may we both bloom here - on the virtual front porch.......
Melanie |
| TwoWildflowers |
Posted - Aug 09 2005 : 7:43:56 PM
Thank you! True we don't have too many California girls here! I guess they are all out worshiping the evil sun...lol.
I live north east of Sacramento in the foothills of the Sierras. If you ever go to Lake Tahoe or Reno via 80 you pass close by the area I live in. Here is a quick trip to the towns near me: http://www.ncgold.com/
Walnut creek is where I go to shop sometimes and stay in motels when I want to visit SF. I park there and take the BART into the city!
Glad to meet you, and hopefully we can inspire more California girls to get involed here!
Kathleen
[ size=1 ] Friends are my flowers in the garden of life [ /size=1 ] |
| little feather |
Posted - Aug 08 2005 : 3:51:19 PM
Welcome Kathleen from another CA Girl.
Where is Penn Valley? I'm in Walnut Creek. More Suburb than country! But, we have Mt. Diablo and I have a yard to make the most of things!
I'm really excited to hear more about you! You have come to a great place to meet some very true friends-
Where ever you go, go with all your heart!
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| The Handmaiden |
Posted - Aug 06 2005 : 2:16:48 PM
Hello Kathleen and welcome! I'm the mother of 4...ages 20-27 and empty nest is indeed different,quieter and requires some getting use to. but believe me tho' they'll be back and forth for food, advise, hugs and love time and time again. for me, with alittle distance, everyone grew to appreciate each other more...and that's a good thing. so enjoy this next stage of life and MJF is a good place to start i think.
"Faith shall finish all that Hope begins."
joan walsh anglund |
| mollymae |
Posted - Aug 06 2005 : 1:08:30 PM
Hi Kathleen, I grew up in the Fresno area, so I know all about the smog  . I don't miss it one bit!!! Welcome to the group, I look forward to knowing you better!
Cead Mile Failte,
Molly
"If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain. If I can ease one life the Aching or cool one pain, or help one fainting robin unto his nest again, I shall not live in vain" ~Emily Dickinson
**When life throws scraps your way ~ Make a Quilt!**
Sisterhood of the Traveling Art |
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