Hello Farmgirls - I too just discovered MJs book in Borders last weekend. I was sucked in by the photos of her long braid because I have one just like it and have been covertly thinking about scissors!
I was a newspaper reporter in my former life, now mom to 4 kiddos ages 2-14. We live on 6 acres with jersey cow, many turkeys and chickens and a few hogs and calves each year. I struggle to keep up with the big garden. I wear aprons and skirts and love simple things. I guess I've always been a farmgirl!
Nice to have you, I'm new from Ohio too (northeastern -- Portage County). Where are you located? My Mom and I are in this farm thing together and she is also a former newspaper reporter and current writer and sculptor. Your life sounds fantastic. Gardens are a struggle, but the putting up of the harvest is worth it throughout the year!