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**Welcome Wagon:  Hi from Wisconsin !  |
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ocoochgirl
Farmgirl in Training
17 Posts
Kim
Soldiers Grove
Wisconsin
USA
17 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 16 2006 : 7:05:04 PM
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| Hi, I'm Kim. I'm from an area in Wis known as the "Driftless Region" or the Ocooch Mtns. It means that this area was missed by the last glacier,(although you wouldn't believe it sometimes). It's a very beautiful, hilly region. WE've been homesteading or small farming here for 26 yrs. We moved here when our 3 boys were little guys, and we milked 40 goats for the local cheese co-op. Now they're all grown, my youngest is 25, and I just turned the big 50! Just sinking in on that one! But it seems like I'm just getting started- I have a lot of interests. Spinning,knitting,cooking( although I do that as a job,I cater and cook for a local folk and blues club on Fri nights). I know a lot of you ladies work full-time, and that's cool, but are there any out there that feel that working on the home place is pretty satisfying too? |
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Julia
True Blue Farmgirl
1949 Posts
Julia
Shelton
WA
USA
1949 Posts |
Posted - Mar 16 2006 : 7:30:33 PM
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Welcome Kim! I think I would like to have tea with you. I have 3 girls, 23 and married, 21 and newly in love and 14. I have been married for almost 25 years and have always been a home maker, and wouldn't change a thing. It has been most satisfying! That's not to say that if I had worked it would have made things financially easier at times, but we just made due this what we had. I have made egg money over the years, sewing for people, making and selling crafts and such, but always from home.
I am learning to spin and knit. I love baking, wish we could live on breads and desserts. Glad you have joined us. Oh and I love goat cheese!~
"...the setting sun is like going into the very presence of God." Elizabeth Von Arnim |
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sugarsfarm
True Blue Farmgirl
272 Posts
Leah
Woodward
Iowa
USA
272 Posts |
Posted - Mar 16 2006 : 8:14:11 PM
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Hi Kim!! Welcome!! Your home and family sound wonderful!! Youll fit right in here!!
You must be the change you want to see in the world.
Mahatma Gandhi |
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ocoochgirl
Farmgirl in Training
17 Posts
Kim
Soldiers Grove
Wisconsin
USA
17 Posts |
Posted - Mar 16 2006 : 8:51:21 PM
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| Well,you both have touched my heart and I thank you! It's so nice to feel like I fit in- sometimes I feel so out-of-step with the fast-paced world! Yes,it's true that money is pretty scarce, but I also think it would be pretty boring to be rich! I really appreciate those kind words and look forward to getting to know you all! |
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Fabulous Farm Femmes
True Blue Farmgirl
792 Posts
Diane
Lakebay, Tacoma
WA
792 Posts |
Posted - Mar 16 2006 : 9:43:20 PM
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Hi Kim from another stay at home person who is nearly 50!!
I raised three girls, youngest is 22, and still haven't gone back to work.Seems like every time I make up my mind to, there is some sort of family trauma that falls to me as I am home!
Truth is, I love being at home and am never bored!
Going to have to look up just where you live.Welcome aboard! |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Mar 16 2006 : 10:17:34 PM
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Welcome Kim. I am another stay at home mom determined to stay that way if I can. I have four kids still at home now..but my older ones are 28, 26, and 21 and all boys. I am 47. I have been at home all the time I could..I did have some time when i was single that I worked as a waitress and at a couple dog grooming shops and stores, but mostly did child care in my home and whatever I could to be home. I agree that being rich would be boring. It dosn't appeal to me at all.
I love our old falling apart house and love cutting corners and scrimping to make it all work. I wouldn't have it any other way. I am NEVER bored!!!
Your place sounds great. I am sure glad you found your way here..you will fit right in!
Jenny in Utah
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 |
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celebrate2727
True Blue Farmgirl
989 Posts
Beth
MJF
Farmgirl
989 Posts |
Posted - Mar 17 2006 : 07:20:48 AM
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I wwould love to stay at home with my kids. I did for about 6 years but unfortunately with the cost of living I can't. Now that I have a small farm, I am hoping to wean away from work as soon as it is profitable. I don't make much at my job and with daycare costs, it's tough. So I am crossing my fingers!
Happy St Patty's to all
beth
Dreaming of Friday Night Lights
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owwlady
True Blue Farmgirl
899 Posts
Jan
Tomahawk
WI
USA
899 Posts |
Posted - Mar 17 2006 : 07:43:23 AM
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| Hi Kim...YEA! another WI farmgirl!! Where is Soldiers Grove? I'm in SE WI in Germantown (20 miles from downtown Milwaukee). My guy lives in Price County in the township of Spirit (North Central WI). I'm 54 on May 3rd and also feel like you do about just starting. I've learned so much on this website and I'm sure you will too. The farmgirls are just wonderful. Welcome, we're looking forward to hearing more from you. |
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Christine in Clark Fork
Farmgirl in Training
34 Posts
Christine
Clark Fork
Idaho
USA
34 Posts |
Posted - Mar 17 2006 : 08:49:59 AM
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| Welcome Kim, I am another newbie, too. I quit my job to stay home when my oldest was born 8 years ago. I love being at home. However, I think I work harder now than when I was employed. Homesteading and milking goats seems a lot more rewarding than pushing paper around. I remember reading once that wealth is measured by how much of your time you control. That makes all us farm girls rich. Nice to have you on board. |
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lonestargal
True Blue Farmgirl
607 Posts
Kristi
Texas
607 Posts |
Posted - Mar 17 2006 : 08:53:52 AM
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| Hi Kim and welcome!! I'm 29 and a stay at home mom as well, I have 2 little girls. I LOVE being at home and will stay at home as long as possible. Like others here, money is VERY tight but it's so much more important to be with my family than have money. As long as we have a roof over our head, food, and clothes I'm fine. We make do without a lot of stuff but I'm so happy at home, I wouldn't want it any other way. Glad your here, I'm sure you'll fit right in! |
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grammazena
Farmgirl in Training
17 Posts
IA
USA
17 Posts |
Posted - Mar 18 2006 : 5:37:17 PM
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| Hello,Kim! Our family has traveled quite a bit in Wisconsin. Just a beautiful state. I do work full-time, but have opted to stay home with the kids a few years throughout their growing years. I loved being at home..don't think I would ever get bored. There is so much to do. And,you are right..I'm going to be 58, and just getting to the good part. |
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bboopster
True Blue Farmgirl
1140 Posts
Betty Jo
West Bend
Wisconsin
USA
1140 Posts |
Posted - Mar 18 2006 : 5:47:49 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by owwlady
Hi Kim...YEA! another WI farmgirl!! Where is Soldiers Grove? I'm in SE WI in Germantown (20 miles from downtown Milwaukee). My guy lives in Price County in the township of Spirit (North Central WI). I'm 54 on May 3rd and also feel like you do about just starting. I've learned so much on this website and I'm sure you will too. The farmgirls are just wonderful. Welcome, we're looking forward to hearing more from you.
Hello Jan, We are only miles apart. I am in Hartford until my new house is finished in West Bend. It is so cool to find a Farmgirl so close. 
Pray for our troops to come home safe and soon.
Enjoying the simple life :>) |
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bboopster
True Blue Farmgirl
1140 Posts
Betty Jo
West Bend
Wisconsin
USA
1140 Posts |
Posted - Mar 18 2006 : 6:03:30 PM
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Hello Kim, Seems there is a number of us Wisconsin girls here on this forum. I am presently in Hartford about 45 miles from Madison and Milwaukee. But will be moving in the next few weeks to the West Bend area. I too stayed at home as often as I could with my children but at times needed to work because of single motherhood. I presently work for a local high school as an special education aide. I have never been bored at home. One day I found myself having such a good time hanging laundry out that I thought I should be commited, only to realize that this is what life was all about. Making mud pies with my children, raising vegtables and flowers, hanging laundry, cooking dinner, and just enjoying the simple life. I have recently become a empty nester much to my dismay and am finding it very hard. Stay home with your kids, enjoy everything they present you with. Money is the root of all evil and has change our kids values. Your children are our future. Be proud of all you are doing!
Pray for our troops to come home safe and soon.
Enjoying the simple life :>) |
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sillyfoulks
True Blue Farmgirl
164 Posts
Elizabeth
Illinois
USA
164 Posts |
Posted - Mar 19 2006 : 12:16:55 PM
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Welcome Kim! I am pretty new myself around here. I have been a stay at home Mom for about 12 yrs now. Married 13 yrs in May, with an 8yr old and an 11yr old. We live in central Illinois, and have 3 acres. The Farmgirl forum is great, the women are fantastic, open, and encouraging. You love it.
Can't wait to get to know you!
Elizabeth
Not how long, but how well you have lived is the main thing.
http://livingcountrystyle.blogspot.com/ |
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ocoochgirl
Farmgirl in Training
17 Posts
Kim
Soldiers Grove
Wisconsin
USA
17 Posts |
Posted - Mar 21 2006 : 8:05:51 PM
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| I am just so thankful for all of your kind and encouraging words! It's really made a huge difference in the way I feel about myself and my way of life. Don't get me wrong, I'm not against working outside the home. My Mom had to- she was widowed with three little girls, and I respect and love her for working so hard for us. We do what we have to do! Sometimes we don't have a choice.I guess I was feeling that I might have made the wrong choice by not having a high-paying career. I never felt that way when I was raising my kids! Maybe it's menopause! Whatever it was you all helped me to be happy with myself. I loved reading about your lives,and hearing about your children. Thanks for the welcome and I send my love to all of you! |
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ocoochgirl
Farmgirl in Training
17 Posts
Kim
Soldiers Grove
Wisconsin
USA
17 Posts |
Posted - Mar 23 2006 : 4:50:36 PM
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| Hello again! Today I went up to the big new food co-op in Viroqua to apply for a part-time job! The only problem is that we are right in the middle of boiling maple sap and now it's also time to transplant all my veggies that I started not to mention all the yard work. Plus I'll probably have to get a nose ring and a tatoo to fit in with the folks working there in other words WHAT WAS I THINKING? |
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JennyWren
True Blue Farmgirl
201 Posts
USA
201 Posts |
Posted - Mar 24 2006 : 10:20:46 AM
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Hi Kim and Everyone...
I live in Milwaukee WI. I have 3 children ages 27, 19 and almost 17. I too did childcare in my home for nearly 10 years, until I realized I never had a day off..Even when my youngest daughter was born on a Thursday I went back to work on Monday. I also had 2 other jobs at the same time as a custodian and a floral designer. I did that so I could keep my children with me. I was single during that time,it was the only way I could keep us afloat. And I just thought the kids needed to be with me, and I needed to be with them too.
I've been a parent since I was 17..and when I had the chance I went back to school. I have not finished school yet, I am on the slow road. I recently tried getting a job. When you have been home for a couple of years (I quit working when my youngest daughter was diagnosed with cancer) and you are a little older (I am 45) employers look at you like you a dinosaur or something.. And the younger people are so disrespectful. I thought to myself.. forget this. I am going to finish scool (agriculture and business) and write a business plan and get a loan for displaced homemakers/ non-traditional business owners and sell my house between that business loan and selling my house I will buy land and start my own business. I know I will be 100% happier.
My husband and children are very supportive of me... in fact my youngest daughter and my son are both interested in being apart of the business! :)
Off the subject here a bit.. Does anyone know of a dairy or dairy farmer who I could buy whole milk from to make cheese?
Take care,
Carla...
If you treat an individual as what he is, he will stay that way, but if you
treat him as if he were what he could be, he will become what he could be.
-- Goethe
www.jennywrensurbanhomestead.blogspot.com/ |
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ocoochgirl
Farmgirl in Training
17 Posts
Kim
Soldiers Grove
Wisconsin
USA
17 Posts |
Posted - Mar 28 2006 : 6:11:16 PM
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| Oh Carla, you have been through so much, you make me sound like a wimp! First, I hope your daughter came through it and is ok. That's something that will set priorities right. And I do agree with you about the age thing. It's so unfair. I admire you for wanting to start your own business-I didnt know there was such a thing as a displaced homemaker's loan. I do know about some women's org. that gives business loans. So good luck! As for the milk question, I just went to a local dairy farm and asked. My husband works with their son so there was a connection, but you could try! |
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rosebud74a
True Blue Farmgirl
109 Posts
Stacy
Maryland
NY
USA
109 Posts |
Posted - Mar 28 2006 : 6:28:21 PM
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Welcome Kim!! Did you say boiling maple sap?? My husband and are trying are hand at it for the first time. I am loving it!! So glad that you have joined us, sounds like you have really enjoyed rasing your children and living a simple life. I am still in the rat race, so envious of those who are not. Good luck with the co-op job...make sure your nose ring is small they look so much better when they are small...lol.
Stacy
No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
Eleanor Roosevelt, 'This Is My Story,' 1937
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bboopster
True Blue Farmgirl
1140 Posts
Betty Jo
West Bend
Wisconsin
USA
1140 Posts |
Posted - Mar 29 2006 : 1:56:24 PM
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Hello Kim,
Beautiful area you live in. I enjoyed my stay last weekend. I understand the job thing. I have a job that I love but an employer that I hate and uses me to no end. I have been looking for another job for the last year. I am either over qualified or under qualified or to old. I have even tried fast food and no luck. So I am hoping to subsidize my income through craft camps, retreats and garden parties. I always loved my time at home and really would love to be able to get back there full time. My hubby also works out of the home. Insurance is our problem. My employer does not offer it and private has been very expensive and getting worse since we both our in the 50's age group with normal heath issues for people our age. Health insurace is only for the young and healthy. Don't get the tatoo's and priercing. Not a good look for women our age. Be proud of being at home. Our Grandchildren will thank us when we are able to pass on the homemaker skills that we have.
Pray for our troops to come home safe and soon.
Enjoying the road to the simple life :>) |
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ocoochgirl
Farmgirl in Training
17 Posts
Kim
Soldiers Grove
Wisconsin
USA
17 Posts |
Posted - Mar 29 2006 : 6:15:11 PM
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| Hi Stacy and Betty Jo! The sap is really running this year,we hauled alot of buckets today. The sap is nice and clear and that makes high- quality syrup. Stacy, you really live in Maple country- it must be beautiful uot there, I've never beenout East. Betty Jo, I'm glad you got out this way, and that you enjoyed your trip.I loved what you said about our grandchildren-that is so true! Stacy, I'm going to remember the quote from E.R.That's just what I needed to hear.( how bout a small tongue stud?) Maybe I'll lose some weight..... |
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bboopster
True Blue Farmgirl
1140 Posts
Betty Jo
West Bend
Wisconsin
USA
1140 Posts |
Posted - Apr 02 2006 : 3:56:39 PM
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Hello Kim,
Take a look at this, Farmgirl Chapter projects: Upper Midwest Farmgirls.
Maybe you can join us, seems to be in your neck of the woods.
Pray for our troops to come home safe and soon.
Enjoying the road to the simple life :>) |
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celebrate2727
True Blue Farmgirl
989 Posts
Beth
MJF
Farmgirl
989 Posts |
Posted - Apr 07 2006 : 5:07:19 PM
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Hi Kim. I agree you should meet up with us in Viroqua this summer. Check in with one of us and let us know if the weekend works for you.
blessings
beth
Dreaming of Friday Night Lights
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ocoochgirl
Farmgirl in Training
17 Posts
Kim
Soldiers Grove
Wisconsin
USA
17 Posts |
Posted - Apr 09 2006 : 6:46:02 PM
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| Hi Beth, thanks for the invite! I will check it out,sounds like a blast! |
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celebrate2727
True Blue Farmgirl
989 Posts
Beth
MJF
Farmgirl
989 Posts |
Posted - Apr 09 2006 : 10:13:56 PM
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great lets do it. i'll let you know the plan.
blessings
beth
Dreaming of Friday Night Lights
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bboopster
True Blue Farmgirl
1140 Posts
Betty Jo
West Bend
Wisconsin
USA
1140 Posts |
Posted - Apr 10 2006 : 5:41:02 PM
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Hello Kim, No tongue stud either!!!!!! There are better ways to diet, besides have you looked at some of the younger generations and their bodies? I am personal proud of every roll, stretch mark, and liver spot (let not for get those areas that gravity has hit hard) be proud we have earned our bodies. Maple syrup MMMMMMMMMM! My father used to make it and it is soooooo wonderful in coffee and pancakes! Hope you can make it in August for at least a part of the fun.
Pray for our troops to come home safe and soon.
Enjoying the road to the simple life :>) |
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**Welcome Wagon: Hi from Wisconsin ! |
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Hi from Wisconsin !
