| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Kuiu Kate |
Posted - Jul 24 2008 : 3:58:48 PM
Just moseyed over from the Dispatch where I've been enjoying getting to know some of you already. Thought I’d say hey over here as well. (My thanks to Sunny and Gabe for getting me squared away.) Kinda long winded and repetitious for those who've already read it at the Outpost, but here's my story...
I’m Kate, 52 this year, sharing the same birthday as Emil. (The Sweetest Day indeed :o)
I was born a farmgirl in Pennsylvania and over the years I’ve been a rower, telephone operator, blackjack dealer, crosscut saw and axe throwing competitor, vet tech, waitress, endurance rider, groom, hot walker, dog handler, ski lift operator, landscape laborer, Christmas tree shagger, groundwoman for tree climbers, wood splitter, ranch hand, gardener, EMT, SAR, first aid and CPR instructor, and currently am payin' the bills as a small town postmaster. I was the first woman a few of those outfits hired and am proud they were pleased enough with my work that they hired other gals after me.
I’m married to an Army veteran and logger from SE Alaska. He accepts my hermitess ways and dines and dances with me by candlelight, although I do think he’s still in withdrawal from no TV. (I haven’t had one since 1973)
I’ve got dogs, horses and a donkey, chickens, honeybees, a couple steer and a veggie garden (organic of course) and split firewood for fun for myself now instead of for wages. I recently found out that when we first got together my Mr. bet a number of his friends in town that I could out split them and made winnings off me from them all. I demanded my cut! I wondered why we had so much help making firewood that year!
For the last 25 years I’ve been blessed to be the caretaker on a 5800 acre ranch off the grid in the north coast mountains of Cali. The ranch is bordered by a larger ranch and miles and miles of timber lands. This wild mountain country is my stompin’ grounds and nourishes my soul.
I just found MaryJanesFarm & Outpost.
At work we share magazines with each other and the community. I had just returned to the office after taking off a few days to help the Mr. cut a firebreak around the ranch house, (we’re in the middle of 4 wildfires (among the thousand plus) that were started on the summer solstice by lightening strikes and we had been on stand-by to evacuate since the fires began and found on my desk a copy of MaryJanesFarm, the She’s a Keeper issue. I liked the looks of the cover, and with the words “farm”, “organic”, “outpost” and “she’s a keeper” I figured it was right up my alley. That evening, as soon as the garden and animal chores and supper were done, and hot bread and a big pot full of stew taken up to the firefighters, I grabbed my headlamp, put my tired tootsies up and started reading. Cover to cover in one sitting! Well, boy howdy, she’s a keeper fer sure!
I’ll be darned if for the first time in over 3 weeks, I forgot about my smoke burned self and all the craziness of livin’ in the path of wildfires. Dumb struck I’d never seen the magazine before but guess that’s what happens when ya shun goin’ to the big city for years on end. It felt like I’d found kindred spirits, and I was amazed. I didn’t think there were so many like minded gals out there. Folks always made me feel like I was an anomaly. Not that I cared about being different, I’ve always followed my heart, but it’s sweet to learn there be other gals of similar thinkin’. I’m mighty glad to make your acquaintances!
Out there Farmgirl Sister
"May I live simply, so that others may simply live." ~Gandhi |
| 23 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| LivingWell4You |
Posted - Aug 22 2008 : 11:52:29 AM
Kate, welcome, welcome, welcome! I'm way behind on welcoming the new girls to the farm. I'm pretty new myself - been an MJ farmgirl since July. Really enjoyed reading your story. Isn't it the best feeling to find out you're not alone?
God bless -
Karen
Farmgirl Sista #311 |
| handyam |
Posted - Aug 06 2008 : 04:55:11 AM
Welcome Kate from another Kentucky farmgirl. You are a strong farmgirl. Keep up the good work.
www.adasadorableaprons.blogspot.com
This is the day that the Lord has made. |
| paradiseplantation |
Posted - Aug 05 2008 : 11:27:03 AM
A warm southern welcome from one of the Louisiana farmgirls. Wow, Kate. You are truly an inspiration to us. I'm really looking forward to getting to know you better!! I'll pray for y'all in regards to the fires.
from the hearts of paradise... |
| Lainey |
Posted - Aug 05 2008 : 08:39:53 AM
Welcome Kate! Wow, it sounds like you've had quite a life with a lot of accomplishments. I'm looking forward to getting to know you better.
Farmgirl Sister #25
http://countrygirldreams.blogspot.com/ |
| KatyDo |
Posted - Jul 30 2008 : 5:20:12 PM
Kate,
Welcome, can't wait to hear more about your adventures. As I read more and more of the farm girl's stories such as yours, I realize just how little I do and how much more I should be doing--I get a lot of inspiration from this site as I'm certain we all do. Stay safe from the fires.
Kaye in Utah
Follow Your Bliss |
| Suzan |
Posted - Jul 30 2008 : 5:00:02 PM
Welcome Kate, I'm pretty new here myself and I can tell you you will be so happy! It is so good to find some others who you feel will understand you and to fit in! Lots of friendship and support, as well as lots of good ideas and tips. Looking forward to hearing more about your life - you can tell there are alot of us who are quite envious... |
| Kuiu Kate |
Posted - Jul 30 2008 : 4:03:48 PM
Wow ladies, thank you all for the warm welcome!
I should have added that at times I get online only sporadically, so my apologies for the delay in responding.
While I've managed to wear quite a number of hats over the years, really it's no different than farmgirls everywhere doing what ever we have to do at any particular time to pay the bills and keep life moving forward.
'Kindred sisters' I'm glad to have found you all :o)
jpbluesky - the "Dispatch" is MaryJanes Outpost forum: http://www.maryjanesoutpost.org/snitz/
Out there Farmgirl Sister
"May I live simply, so that others may simply live." ~Gandhi |
| CabinCreek-Kentucky |
Posted - Jul 27 2008 : 9:49:33 PM
welcome kate .. you will find lotsa' kindred sisters here! xo
True Friends * Frannie
adopt a 'rag-chile'
http://sistermercysfoundlinhome.blogspot.com
treasures .. new and olde .. http://mudpiemanormercantile.blogspot.com
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| ca.gal |
Posted - Jul 27 2008 : 12:59:15 PM
WOW, Kate. I am so impressed at all the things you have done in your life. Anyway, welcome from California. We live in Sacramento. However I grew up on a ranch in northern California. Country life has always been in my heart though.
Evelyn |
| electricdunce |
Posted - Jul 27 2008 : 07:29:13 AM
Kate, Just what we needed, a really wild farmgirl! I am so imp0ressed with all you r adventures, it is going to be fun getting to know you. Welcome aboard!
Karin
Farmgirl Sister #153
"Give me shelter from the storm" - Bob Dylan
http://moodranch.blogspot.com
http://domesticnonsense.etsy.com |
| Carol Sue |
Posted - Jul 26 2008 : 10:38:31 PM
Kate,
How wonderful to hear about your life. I really enjoyed the read, not the fact that you are in the midst of wildfires but about your life. So glad to have you here.
Carol Sue
listening to the quiet moments
Farmgirl #39
www.Quitemoments.blogspot.com |
| Kathie |
Posted - Jul 25 2008 : 08:22:58 AM
Hey there Kate!1
So honored to know you!
Whew! I'm wore out from all your activities!
Ok let me catch my breath!
Can't wait to hear more about your adventures & travels!
Sounds like you may have one or two stories to tell!!!
So glad you found us all.. !
We've been waiting for ya!
Kathie..
Farm Girl Sister #29
"In a World Where You Can Be Anything, Be Yourself.."
www.nitegardener.blogspot.com
www.NitegardenerLite.blogspot.com
http://www.nitegardener.etsy.com/
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| downbranchroad |
Posted - Jul 24 2008 : 7:19:36 PM
Howdy Kate! Sending a warm welcome from another Kentucky girl. You will fit right in here! And I too love MaryJanes Magazines and books. That women is amazing. Gosh, what an exciting life you have lived!
Welcome again! So glad you found MaryJane, so glad you found us!
Appalachian Girl
Jem
*If you always do what you have always done, you will always get what you have always got.
My new blog!
http://downbranchroad.blogspot.com |
| KYgurlsrbest |
Posted - Jul 24 2008 : 7:05:09 PM
Hey Kate! Welcome from a Kentucky girl! Sorry about the fires, you deserve a rest. And hey! I say, "boy howdy" too :) Nice to meet ya!
Farmgirl Sister #80, thanks to a very special farmgirl from the Bluegrass..."She was built like a watch, a study in balance ... with a neck and head so refined, like a drawing by DaVinci"...
NY Newsday sportswriter Bill Nack describing filly, Ruffian.
http://www.buyhandmade.org/ |
| Bear5 |
Posted - Jul 24 2008 : 7:03:04 PM
Kate:
You are the definition of a farmgirl in my books! Welcome to the Farm Site. You'll fit in here great, and you'll love it. You've been a busy person all of your life. Good for you. I love being busy. You also have the job of a lifetime. Have a great day.
Marly |
| lilyblossom |
Posted - Jul 24 2008 : 5:55:56 PM
Hi Kate,
Welcome to the farm. You are a very active farmgirl. Can't wait to get to know you better.
Donna...true blue KY farmgirl, farmgirl #86 |
| electricdunce |
Posted - Jul 24 2008 : 5:23:28 PM
YaY, so glad you are here. I am very impressed with all your activities, Welcome...
Karin
Farmgirl Sister #153
"Give me shelter from the storm" - Bob Dylan
http://moodranch.blogspot.com
http://domesticnonsense.etsy.com |
| Sandra K. Licher |
Posted - Jul 24 2008 : 4:58:13 PM
Welcome Kate! I was like you, although I don't have your impressive resume, but finally at 59 found women I could relate to...HERE! So many times I felt the "odd woman" out and had pretty become a hermit ( that was my first career choice I might add but that's another story!) You will love it here. They are all so nice and supportive and we learn so much from each other and I know we can learn alot from you! Glad to meet ya!
Sam in AR..... "It's a great life if you don't weaken!"
Farmgirl Sister #226 |
| Ga Girl |
Posted - Jul 24 2008 : 4:56:01 PM
A big Georgia welcome goes out to ya too. Im with the rest of the girls cant wait to hear more about you! Karen
Create in me a pure heart,O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalms 51:10 http://farmgirlingastyle.blogspot.com/ |
| jpbluesky |
Posted - Jul 24 2008 : 4:42:53 PM
wowsers - from those of us who just bake bread and make aprons, welcome!!!!! Lordy, it is fascintating to know women like you with your strength and fortitude....and I am so looking forward to hearing more of your stories!!!!!
Oh, and what is Dispatch????
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Jul 24 2008 : 4:29:10 PM
Welcome Kate!! I am going to love getting to know YOU here..you sound so fun!
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| ruralfarmgirl |
Posted - Jul 24 2008 : 4:13:31 PM
Hi Kate,
Sorry to hear about the fires, UGH! But glad you found MaryJanesfarm and I am thrilled to see that you are in the sisterhood~ as I am sisterhood coordinator for MaryJanesFarm. Sounds like you may already have some badges under your belt (just havent applied for the yet). I truly look forward to getting to know you better sounds like there is a lot I could learn... again, so very glad you found us.
Rene~Prosser Farmgirl #185
"Despite the gardener's best intentions, Nature will improvise. ~Michael P. Garafalo
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| farmgirlkate |
Posted - Jul 24 2008 : 4:10:25 PM
Howdy from Texas Kate! if you're not a farmgirl sister, I don't know who is! You will be right happy here, I can promise you that. You stay safe in those wildfires-they look pretty bad from what I see on the news. You take care! I can't wait to get to know you better and hear some of your stories-I'll bet you've got some doozies!
Welcome aboard!
~kate
"You only have what you give...""
www.xanga.com/k8tthelate |
