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Merit Badge Awardees - Woo-hoo Sisters!:  Farmgirl Sisterhood Merit Badge Awardees |
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16652 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16652 Posts |
 Posted - Jun 01 2025 : 09:25:12 AM
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Karen Martell (Jokamartell, #8422) has received a certificate of achievement in Garden Gate for earning a Beginner Birds badge!
"After researching the native birds in my area, I was shocked to find that there are many species of birds in my area. From warblers, nuthatches, to hummingbirds, waterfowl and birds of prey! Because of my close location to the Columbia River, many types of ducks, grebes, coons, and gulls are near by. Frequently I see American Robins, American Crows, Mourning Doves, and various “LBBs". Which stands for Little Brown Birds!! lol. Those birds swallows, wrens, and finches of different varieties. The birds of prey in my area include 3 types of owls, many varieties of hawks, and the Golden Eagle.
On my list of birds I would love to observe in the wild, is a Cedar Waxwing, a Yellow-headed blackbird, a gray cow bird, a violet green swallow and a Bullock’s Oriole.
I learned that there are species of birds that call my area home only in the winter season. These birds include the Bald Eagle, Brown Creeper, Pine Siskin, Dark Eyed Junko, and the white crowned sparrow.
It was fun to learn about the different birds that come to my bird feeder very often. They are sparrows, finches, and the dark eyed Junko (in the fall and winter). On occasion, a Coopers Hawk has been known to to sit on my fence and watch the birds on the feeder and the lilac tree that is nearby!"
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16652 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16652 Posts |
Posted - Jun 01 2025 : 09:37:53 AM
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Karen Martell (Jokamartell, #8422) has received a certificate of achievement in Garden Gate for earning a Beginner Herbs badge!
"The 5 herbs I chose to learn about were the following: lavender, chamomile, parsley, rosemary, and lemon balm.
Lavender has both culinary and medicinal properties. In the kitchen it can be used in teas, baked goods, and even as a replacement for rosemary. Medicinally, its calming scent is known to soothe anxiety, stress and allay nausea. It is a healing amen for insect bites, minor burns and cuts.
Chamomile soothed weariness and inflammation of the bowels. It is also known to soothe skin. It can be found in herbal teas, and cosmetic
Rosemary helps to treat headaches, poor circulation, and epilepsy. It is also used in the kitchen to add flavor to fish, poultry and other meats as well as sauces, soups, and breads.
Parsley is believed to have spiritual uses. It can be used for contacting the deceased, and increasing strength, vitality, and passion. In the kitchen parsley can be used in pesto, egg, pasta, and rice dishes. It can also be used in salads, butter, sauces, and seafood and vegetable dishes.
Lemon balm aids in digestion and soothes digestive issues like bloating and gas. It Haley’s to improve sleep, reduces stress and anxiety. It has a calming effect that can improve mood. It helps to smooth cold sore symptoms.
I enjoyed learning about different herbs. It’s amazing to me how little plants can aid people both medicinally and in our kitchens! I look forward to learning more."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16652 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16652 Posts |
Posted - Jun 01 2025 : 09:41:43 AM
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Karen Martell (Jokamartell, #8422) has received a certificate of achievement in Each Other for earning a Beginner Her-story badge!
"I choose to research Dolly Parton. She was born Jan 19, 1946. She is a singer, song writer, author, and philanthropist. Dolly attended Sevier County High School as a teen. She played drums in her high school marching band. She is set apart from others who perform country music by her philanthropy. She has invested in students who live in the area where she grew up, offering scholarships to graduating seniors who would attend Hiwassee Community College. She created The Buddy Program in the late 1980s where she encouraged 7th and 8th graders to find a buddy to partner with. If the buddies went on to graduate from high school, she would award them $500, giving them an incentive to stay in school.
Dolly also created the Dolly foundation in 1988. The original goal was to help the regional children achieve educational success. This developed into Imagination Library in 1995. Imagination Library sends books to children all over the world for free from the ages of birth to 5. In 2018, Dolly shipped her one millionth book!! She also supports those who go into the teaching profession by bringing winners to Dollywood for one week. Winners are chosen from those who have overcome obstacles in their life in order to make a difference in the lives of children. She has donated money to local hospitals.
I read an autobiography entitled Dolly Pardon Story Teller. It gave her history as well as the history of the songs she wrote and performed. It was very interesting. Dolly is an inspirational lady."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16652 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16652 Posts |
Posted - Jun 01 2025 : 09:43:54 AM
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Karen Martell (Jokamartell, #8422) has received a certificate of achievement in Garden Gate for earning an Intermediate Herbs badge!
"I started out by growing chamomile and lemon balm. I harvested the chamomile and dried it by hanging it. Then I made tea with it. With the lemon balm, I made some lemon balm tea as well and used it in a bag to hang in my bath. I was not really a fan of the lemon balm tea. I haven’t given up on it yet! :) lol. I will try again as I am learning to not add as much sugar to my tea!
I learned that my hot beverages need to be very sweetened! lol. I also learned that lemon balm is similar to mint in how it spreads and grows!! :) I have it contained now but it still confuses to try and grow where I used to have it! Lol"
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16652 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16652 Posts |
Posted - Jun 01 2025 : 09:48:55 AM
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Karen Martell (Jokamartell, #8422) has received a certificate of achievement in Garden Gate for earning a Beginner The Good, Bad, and Ugly ... Bugs badge!
"I researched insects and bugs common to my garden area.
Four good bugs for your garden are bees, butterflies, lace wings, and praying mantis. Bees and butterflies are pollinators! Of the world’s food crops, 85% rely on bees being a primary contributor to pollination. Some studies suggest that the buzzing of bees may have therapeutic benefits including a reduction in stress and relief of anxiety. Bees also produce honey and bees wax which can be used in candle making and cosmetics. Butterflies also play a crucial role in pollination but are also a vital food source for birds, reptiles, amphibians and rodents. The presence of butterflies in your garden is an indicator of a healthy environment. Lacewings and praying matrices are also beneficial to gardens. They provide natural pest control which can reduce or eliminate the need for chemical pesticides.
The four bad bugs are young caterpillars, leaf beetles, stink beetles, and tomato hornworms. Caterpillars are harmful because they can damage plants causing harm to leaves, stems or even killing the plant as they eat it. Stink beetles suck the sap out of a plant which can lead to a variety of issues including blemishes, discoloration, and deformed fruit. It can also stunt plant growth. This results in a reduction in crop yield. Leaf beetles feed on stems or even roots of plants causing damage. This weakens the plant and encourages the spread of disease. Both the adult or larvae eat leaves and cause a lot of damage. Tomato hornworms are a significant garden pest destroying leaves or entire plants. When the leaves are eaten, it weakens the plant opening it up to diseases.
I also researched organic pest control methods and plants that can be beneficial in controlling pests. It was fun to learn this information. Pest control methods include introducing beneficial bugs into your garden, hand picking the bad bugs off the plants and out of the garden. Using things like neem oil, citrus, cinnamon, peppermint or lavender oils. You can also plant herbs and other flowers that will help naturally repel bugs. Planting flowering plants will attract bees and butterflies to help pollinate your veggies and help your flowers grow."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16652 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16652 Posts |
Posted - Jun 01 2025 : 10:01:35 AM
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Karen Martell (Jokamartell, #8422) has received a certificate of achievement in Stitching & Crafting for earning an Expert Crochet badge!
"For the expert badge I chose a granny square bag to make. The bag is made from 18 granny squares connected together. I then added a circular crochet base, finished the top with a scallop edge and made a cinched closure and strap. Because the bag is made of crochet which in places has a loose weave I also hand sewed a flannel insert and attached it to the inside of the bag. This project taught me a lot about crochet and I can see how my work has progressed from the beginning to the end.
The bag is really cute and I’m very pleased with it. These past few months of crocheting at this level has been rewarding. I look forward to trying something new and then being able to come back to crochet later and take it further."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16652 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16652 Posts |
Posted - Jun 24 2025 : 3:03:51 PM
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Karen Martell (Jokamartell, #8422) has received a certificate of achievement in Garden Gate for earning a Beginner The Secret Life of Bees badge!
"I’ve planted bee friendly flowers and veggies. We also have 2 apple trees, a peach tree and a cherry tree. The bees love the blossoms!! :) I am growing lots of wildflowers as well as marigolds, sweet pea peas, and geraniums.
I love how my yard has lots of color sprinkled throughout the different areas. One of my favorite places to be in the spring is in our orchard area. There is so much bee activity there. :)"
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16652 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16652 Posts |
Posted - Jun 24 2025 : 3:09:10 PM
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Christine Kenney (bellepic, #8680) has received a certificate of achievement in Farm Kitchen for earning a Beginner Get It Together badge!
"I recycled a lot of lids!
The kitchen drawers feel a lot more spacious and organized.
I am still hunting for better alternatives to plastic storage containers. Also, if any sisters have tricks for removing or preventing rust on canning jar lids, I would love to hear them."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16652 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16652 Posts |
Posted - Jun 24 2025 : 3:10:45 PM
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Christine Kenney (bellepic, #8680) has received a certificate of achievement in Garden Gate for earning a Beginner The Secret Life of Bees badge!
"I watched a documentary about commercial bee keeping, evaluated the bee-friendly flowers in my yard and added a few more to the wish list, and read Secret Life of Bees.
Blog post here: https://steamstead.blogspot.com/2025/05/bees-natures-little-wonders-book-review.html
The Pollinators documentary I watched will haunt me. We can agree that commercial agribusiness isn't an ideal arrangement, but within the supply chain, there isn't a clear "bad guy." Everyone is working so hard to do the best that they can for the environment but acknowledging they've had to compromise their ideals to avoid going bankrupt."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16652 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16652 Posts |
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16652 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16652 Posts |
Posted - Jun 24 2025 : 3:15:11 PM
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Christine Kenney (bellepic, #8680) has received a certificate of achievement in Each Other for earning a Beginner Farmgirl Grammar badge!
"The Wildflowers hen house has a discussion thread for this topic. I chose the word of the day from May 26 through June 8. These included whom, diacritics, beausage, sanguine, heffalump, chimera, Shavuot, monocausotaxophilia, cryptic, bailiwick, echt, penultimate, and a long list of words that describe animal collectives.
The word of the day exercise reminded of gratitude journaling. As soon as I was on the lookout for interesting words, they seemed to be everywhere."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16652 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16652 Posts |
Posted - Jun 24 2025 : 3:16:22 PM
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Christine Kenney (bellepic, #8680) has received a certificate of achievement in Garden Gate for earning a Beginner What's Your Beef badge!
"I researched commercial beef farming practices and tucked into a slice of local regenerative smoked meatloaf on Father's Day. Blog post here: https://steamstead.blogspot.com/2025/06/whats-your-beef.html
I learned that "grass-fed" is not the same as "pasture-raised." I am thinking more about what quantity of meat one can responsibly consume, assuming it is high-quality and ethically sourced. This also opened a dialog within our family about our individual values when it came to meat source versus price."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16652 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16652 Posts |
Posted - Jun 24 2025 : 3:40:05 PM
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Debbie Klann (debbieklann, #770) has received a certificate of achievement in Make It Easy for earning an Intermediate Candlemaking badge!
"For this badge, I made 2 different candles, using both beeswax and soy wax. I had a brick of beeswax that I had been saving and melted it down. It had the beautiful honey color to it until I added some essential oil for scent and it turned cloudy.
The soy wax melted and cooled easily!
I’m more happy with the soy candle; it has a nice, light grapefruit scent. I should have left the oil out of the beeswax candle and just enjoyed the honey scent on its own. Next time!"
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16652 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16652 Posts |
Posted - Jun 24 2025 : 3:43:52 PM
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Debbie Klann (debbieklann, #770) has received a certificate of achievement in Make It Easy for earning an Expert Candlemaking badge!
"My daughter and I signed up for a candle making class at our local bath store. We learned more about candle making and the ingredients used for both candles and other bath products. All can be made with supplies you have at home! We also enjoyed a delicious charcuterie board while we were being creative!
Several years ago when visiting the Oregon Trail Center, I got to make a hand dipped taper candle. They used paraffin wax. I loved it! Candle dipping would definitely be my favorite pioneer chore…very relaxing!
I posted under Merit Badge Chitchat about Penelope’s candle ingredients and why I believe them to be safe."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16652 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16652 Posts |
Posted - Jun 24 2025 : 3:51:41 PM
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Candy Hogan (Tigger9777, #8283) has received a certificate of achievement in Each Other for earning an Intermediate Blogging badge!
"I started my blog on a free site called Blogger.com.
The name of my blog is:
Badge Blog with Candy through Mary Jane's Farmgirls.
I sent an email to:
blogsites@maryjanesfarm.org to ask to be added to GirlGab.
So far, so good..."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16652 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16652 Posts |
Posted - Jun 24 2025 : 3:56:09 PM
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Candy Hogan (Tigger9777, #8283) has received a certificate of achievement in Stitching & Crafting for earning an Intermediate Dyeing for Color badge!
"I learned to dye using natural dyes like coffee, tea and plants. I made my swatch cards and will post on the Chat room.
I used blue dye on natural cotton yarn, synthetic dye on fabric to make a silly shally and a hot pink dye on a fabric.
I dyed natural merino roving and the spun it on a from spindle. Then I crocheted a mug rug for my farmgirl thermos.
It took me a long time to do all the different projects."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16652 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16652 Posts |
Posted - Jun 24 2025 : 4:05:29 PM
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Heather Neeper (nndairy, #4701) has received a certificate of achievement in Each Other for earning an Intermediate International Civics Challenge badge!
"I continued my researched on New Zealand's government to answer the following:
Identify the major parts of this government and how they work together.
New Zealand's government is similar to ours in that they have 3 branches of government. The legislative branch makes new laws and updates old ones. This branch is the "house of representatives" and is referred to as parliament. The elected member are referred to as MP's (members of parliament). They check the actions of the Executive branch. The executive branch is "the government" It is made up of ministers of the crown. They make the day to day decisions on how New Zealand should spend their money. They also bring laws to parliament and decide what policies get put into practice. The executive branch is also responsible for funding and administering the courts, which is the judiciary branch. The judiciary branch is responsible for interpreting the laws. They can decide on the legality of laws passed by the parliament and actions of the executive branch.
Are there elected officials? If so, identify the primary positions and their term lengths.
Yes, there are elected officials. Unlike the US, the elections are held every 3 years (special circumstances can result in an election sooner, but it's very rare). All members are elected on the same year so there are not elections every year. Every position has a three year term, but an elected official can be re-elected. Voters get 2 votes in the election - one for the candidate to represent you from your area of residence, and one for the party that you want to represent you. New Zealand voting is done on a mixed member proportional system. Each candidate that won the vote gets a seat in parliament. The remaining seats are filled from the list of candidates submitted for the party based upon the share of the party votes each party won. The party or group of parties with the most seats becomes "the government". It's my understanding that all positions are then determined by the majority members of the parliament (similar to determining the speaker of the house in the US).
How are laws created in this government?
This process is very similar to our system. Bills are introduced to parliament where they are then subject to a process of reviewing, voting, changing, reviewing, voting.. at various stages if the bills do not pass a vote they are defeated and that's the end of the bill. Once a bill is reviewed and voted on in the parliament it then has to obtain royal assent before it becomes a law. A more detailed explanation can be found at https://www.parliament.nz/en/visit-and-learn/how-parliament-works/how-laws-are-made/how-a-bill-becomes-law/
How are laws enforced in this government?
This is also similar to the US - police are the enforcers of criminal laws and various regulatory agencies enforce laws in their areas of expertise.
It was difficult to understand some of their methods, but interesting at the same time to discover a different version of government.
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16652 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16652 Posts |
Posted - Jun 24 2025 : 4:06:38 PM
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Heather Neeper (nndairy, #4701) has received a certificate of achievement in Each Other for earning an Expert International Civics Challenge badge!
"I finished my research on New Zealand's government to answer the following:
When was this government established?
The current form of government was slowly established over time. It began in 1852 with the New Zealand Constitution Act and slowly evolved into the system that is now in place. The last major change, the MMP (mixed member proportional) representation system, was adopted in 1996.
How does this government view individual rights and civil issues?
The New Zealand Bill of Rights Act was adopted in 1990, reflecting a strong view of individual rights and civil liberties which are essential to a free and democratic society.
What were the significant historical events that led to the institution of this government?
Some significant historical events were:
- The Constitution Act of 1852 which was an act of British parliament granting new Zealand self governance by establishing an elected legislature.
- The Statute of Westminster Adoption Act of 1947 officially granted New Zealand the power to make it's own laws (including those affecting the monarchy).
What forms of government existed before the current government?
The best I can determine - the only form of "government" that existed before the current form was that of clans of natives, much like the native American tribes in the US. Some of them came together and wrote a declaration of independence stating they held the power to make and enforce laws in their land. This document has influenced laws and decision making various times throughout New Zealand's history.
I was surprised that there wasn't more to the development of their government."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16652 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16652 Posts |
Posted - Jun 24 2025 : 4:17:40 PM
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Angela Engel (Mimilife, #8695) has received a certificate of achievement in Make It Easy for earning a Beginner In the Garden badge!
"I made my own garden trellis by using old lattice and PVC pipe to support my beans in my garden.
It looks so great in the garden and gives tons of support."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16652 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16652 Posts |
Posted - Jun 24 2025 : 4:27:55 PM
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Hilary Weston (Hgweston, #8702) has received a certificate of achievement in Each Other for earning a Beginner Bibliophile Badging badge!
"I have a library card and I posted a picture of my current TBR to the chat.
Great! I love reading!"
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16652 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16652 Posts |
Posted - Jun 24 2025 : 4:30:35 PM
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Hilary Weston (Hgweston, #8702) has received a certificate of achievement in Each Other for earning a Beginner Languages/Culture badge!
"I chose German culture. I have learned to count to 10 and several traditional greetings.
I love it! German just makes so much sense to me."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16652 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16652 Posts |
Posted - Jun 24 2025 : 4:31:48 PM
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Hilary Weston (hgweston, #8702) has received a certificate of achievement in Stitching & Crafting for earning a Beginner Buttoned Up badge!
"I started a button collection.
It turned out good. It’s a little addictive."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16652 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16652 Posts |
Posted - Jun 24 2025 : 4:32:55 PM
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Hilary Weston (hgweston, #8702) has received a certificate of achievement in Cleaning Up for earning a Beginner Shopping Green badge!
"I collected 6 reusable bags and I committed to using them.
It’s so much easier to carry the groceries in with reusable bags!"
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
16652 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
16652 Posts |
Posted - Jun 24 2025 : 4:33:39 PM
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Hilary Weston (hgweston, #8702) has received a certificate of achievement in Stitching & Crafting for earning a Beginner Sew Wonderful badge!
"I made a sewing kit for my mom.
I was pretty pleased with it."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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Merit Badge Awardees - Woo-hoo Sisters!: Farmgirl Sisterhood Merit Badge Awardees |
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Farmgirl Sisterhood Merit Badge Awardees
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