| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| granitelakegoatgirl |
Posted - Sep 20 2010 : 8:34:49 PM
I grew up in the country in SE PA, 45 min outside Philly but still in the country back then...went to college in Scranton, PA, then I moved to MT after living in Reading, PA for a few years. Vacationed out here and decided I had to move out here. Met my hubby that year and we got married in 98. Had my dtr in 01, son in 03 and then my mom died in 05--devastating for me. Life has been truly altered since but I am steadily creeping out of that fog. We moved to a 12 acre mini farm that has everything we wanted:seasonal creek, gravity fed or well water, wood heat, root cellar. Hubby is a gunsmith and wanted to be able to test fire and have a small range. We have end of the rd/ USFS border and a seasonal brook, 26 goats, 2 cows, 1 mini horse, 1 duck, several chickens, 2 beehives, 2 cats, 3 dogs. So, you can imagine we are busy people. Oh, and I do go to work 5 days a week somewhere in there as a Physical Therapist at our local nursing home. Rob is the worker bee on the farm. I make yummy goat cheese and could be persuaded to send packages in the mail if you can muster some interest!!!!!Chevre is the soft type I have perfected but am still working on hard cheeses to get them just right. I have made mozzarella and feta also. I am truly wanting to live the homestead/self sufficient lifestyle but we still need $ so have to work! We raise our own beef, chicken and goat meat, drink fresh goat milk --all hormone and antibx free-of course. I have really been researching food health--not your typical teaching, either. Weston Price and Nourishing Traditions--check it out--very thought provoking......so MaryJanes Farm was calling me from the shelf the min I saw it! I stopped buying bread at the store except for the occasional organic loaf in the summer (too hot)and joined a CSA this summer. Used to quilt but traded that for now for beading cuz I like the design part of crafting and quilting takes too long, mroe stuff to haul...I scrapbook some too. What else do you want to know about me???? Oh, I am 39 and holding
~Amy~ THE BEND IN THE ROAD ISN'T THE END OF THE ROAD UNLESS YOU REFUSE TO TAKE THE TURN
Wish I could stay home more to be a fulltime homestead wife/mom....SOMEDAY! Part time will have to do for now! |
| 24 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| katmom |
Posted - Dec 04 2010 : 10:11:48 PM
Amy, I have to laugh about your comment about your place being a work in progress....but that it's looks pretty under the snow...Ours looks great at this time of year,,,the rest of the time, 'a work in progress'...lol!
>^..^<
Happiness is being a katmom.
"Is it time for my Dirt Manicure yet!"
www.katmom4.blogspot.com & http://www.graciesvictorianrose.blogspot.com
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| granitelakegoatgirl |
Posted - Dec 03 2010 : 8:13:17 PM
I totally lost the rest of my post to marianne and fiddlehead farmgirl--I am bummed.
@ marianne: I was saying that after 5 yrs finally i can talk about my mom's death w/ crying. Nice for the fog to finally start lifting.
@fiddleheadfarmgirl: I would live to start a grassroots movement to allow 5 hens and 2 goat does in small plots. I had rabbots and chickens and a duck on 1/3 acre and the next owners kept 3 pet goats there. It can be done. Check and challenge your local ordinances. Real raw milk and eggs are fabulous for you. Some websites I like are:
Weston A. Price Foundation
The Healthy Home Economist
Nourished Kitchen
Good nutrition info that dispels many myths about modernized food.
~Amy~ THE BEND IN THE ROAD ISN'T THE END OF THE ROAD UNLESS YOU REFUSE TO TAKE THE TURN
Wish I could stay home more to be a fulltime homestead wife/mom....SOMEDAY! Part time will have to do for now! |
| granitelakegoatgirl |
Posted - Dec 03 2010 : 8:06:08 PM
@ Tommie: Weeeeellllll, my hubby took a class hosted by a local apiary--ok , well it was like 1 -1/2 hrs away but we found the guy's honey and flyer at the coop store we like that is also that far away. We had already been given 2 hives and lost the bees we tried 2 yrs ago. So...we got some more from Western Bee in Polson, MT and got about 2 gal of honey from just one extraction that we did from one hive. They had all gone into one hive. We just got a new catalog but not sure from where. We borrowed the extractor and bought the smoker nand part of the suit, Some was given too, but between books, classes, travel, equipment and bees, I think we had 750-1000 into it. You can make your own hives and frames and paint them. He got some pollen pads and "honey be healthy" from the teacher. He also feeds them sugar water and you leave them sime of
~Amy~ THE BEND IN THE ROAD ISN'T THE END OF THE ROAD UNLESS YOU REFUSE TO TAKE THE TURN
Wish I could stay home more to be a fulltime homestead wife/mom....SOMEDAY! Part time will have to do for now! |
| cntrygrl |
Posted - Dec 03 2010 : 08:52:33 AM
Amy,
You sound like a hoot to be around! I'm new and some pretty nice people said Hi to me, so I thought I'd say Hi to you. What stuck out in your post for me was BEES!!! We had bees when I was a kid and I desperately want them again. I'm trying to figure out a good spot for them, all of our pastures have cows and one person in the family has a bee allergy. I've been reading up on bees, but I have to admit, most of the books are a snooze. Do you have any words of wisdom or great places to get equipment?
Thanks for any info!
Tommie |
| rough start farmgirl |
Posted - Dec 01 2010 : 05:25:03 AM
Hi Amy,
Welcome,
I hit 39, am unable to hold it any longer and just fine with that . . . what is the other choice? Frankly, I'll be 49 in two weeks so I better be OK with it!
So nice to hear your excitement. Milking; animals are a lot of work, but a special relationship don;t you think? I also lost my mom about the same time as you. It has surprised me has profound a loss it was and how long the grieving process is. I had lost my dad 8 months before so it was a double whammy but still . . . best wishes to you
marianne |
| Fiddlehead Farm |
Posted - Nov 25 2010 : 06:20:12 AM
A big Wisconsin hay dare to ya Amy! We are so glad you joined us. My DH saw your introduction and said I want what they have! We are looking for our hobby farm. DH retires in 2012 so we have some time. In the meantime we are practicing on our double city lot. You will find a lot of friendly, helpful and talented farmgirls here.
http://studiodiphotosite.shutterfly.com/
farmgirl sister #922
Happy to be a "Raggedy Ann" in a Barbie World!
I get up every morning determined to both change the world and have one hell of a good time. Sometimes this makes planning my day difficult.
- E. B. White |
| laura58 |
Posted - Nov 20 2010 : 7:35:55 PM
Hey,Heather. My husband and I were campground hosts at Jed Smith 1n 2006. We really liked it up there. I did manage to break my leg while hosting.No fun.
Laura
http://livinginasnow-globe.blogspot.com |
| granitelakegoatgirl |
Posted - Oct 08 2010 : 5:07:30 PM
What is "your place" like. Believe me, it's not very dreamy in its looks, just it;s farm feel!!! Farmers that work FT never have time to clean--esp. ones w/ kids and milk animals.
~Amy~ THE BEND IN THE ROAD ISN'T THE END OF THE ROAD UNLESS YOU REFUSE TO TAKE THE TURN
Wish I could stay home more to be a fulltime homestead wife/mom....SOMEDAY! Part time will have to do for now! |
| rosarita78 |
Posted - Oct 08 2010 : 06:41:12 AM
Amy, sounds like you live on my dream place and that you're in the right place here at MJ's farm. WELCOME!!!!!!
Reina
http://reinascountrykitchen.blogspot.com
http://icookinnewmexico.blogspot.com |
| 4HMom |
Posted - Sep 24 2010 : 9:11:15 PM
Hi Amy....Would LOVE to meet you, but am in Deer Lodge this weekend for a 4-H thing....let me know next time you're in the neighborhood!
"Be the change you want to see in the world" -Gandhi |
| maggie14 |
Posted - Sep 22 2010 : 9:50:39 PM
Hi Amy!! I am so glad you are here!
Hugs,
Hannah
Farmgirl sister #1219
Lifes not the breaths you take, but the moments that take your breath away.
Just a small town country girl, farmgirl,loggergirl, trying to live her dreams. :)
P.s. I've been playing around with the spelling of my name ( weird I know) and I've decided that I will stick with Hannah for good. Sorry I got you all confused. Hugs!! |
| granitelakegoatgirl |
Posted - Sep 22 2010 : 8:59:39 PM
And Heather, I do know them actually. I needed DH to jog my memory. They had a tiny little house in town. DH worked w/ Rob at the mill. He has the best red hair and is a handsome fellow. I didn;t really kkow them, just who they were and I am pretty sure I did a Pampered Chef party for her a LONG time ago. Their kids were very young then. Small world!
~Amy~ THE BEND IN THE ROAD ISN'T THE END OF THE ROAD UNLESS YOU REFUSE TO TAKE THE TURN
Wish I could stay home more to be a fulltime homestead wife/mom....SOMEDAY! Part time will have to do for now! |
| quiltin mama |
Posted - Sep 22 2010 : 12:28:55 PM
Amy,
Rob and Ida
my blog www.mountainhomequilts.blogspot.com
handmade quilts on etsy www.mountainhomequilts.etsy.com |
| granitelakegoatgirl |
Posted - Sep 22 2010 : 06:10:07 AM
It is ~60 mi from Cody from what I am told.
~Amy~ THE BEND IN THE ROAD ISN'T THE END OF THE ROAD UNLESS YOU REFUSE TO TAKE THE TURN
Wish I could stay home more to be a fulltime homestead wife/mom....SOMEDAY! Part time will have to do for now! |
| farmgrlchick |
Posted - Sep 21 2010 : 11:10:29 PM
Is Fromberg near Red Lodge? Columbus is very close!!! Alot closer then Libby :( I bet it is beautiful where you live! we are about 40 miles east of Billings. That would be so much fun!!!
Theresa
http://withlovefrommontana.blogspot.com/ |
| granitelakegoatgirl |
Posted - Sep 21 2010 : 10:53:54 PM
Where exactly is Columbus?
I have to meet a gal in Fromberg someday. I met her on Pioneer Living site. She and I traded beads and cheese for heirloom seeds she saved! Fun, huh? Can you say ROAD TRIP!
~Amy~ THE BEND IN THE ROAD ISN'T THE END OF THE ROAD UNLESS YOU REFUSE TO TAKE THE TURN
Wish I could stay home more to be a fulltime homestead wife/mom....SOMEDAY! Part time will have to do for now! |
| farmgrlchick |
Posted - Sep 21 2010 : 10:37:02 PM
Hey Amy!
I love your life! Not sure I am a good farmgirl for the welcome wagon, but I always love to say "hi" to fellow Montanans....I am just reconeccted with the internet after two years. I love MJ's all the wonderful people and so full of inspiration. I know we are a distance from each other, but if you are ever out this way, come by a see me.
Theresa
http://withlovefrommontana.blogspot.com/ |
| granitelakegoatgirl |
Posted - Sep 21 2010 : 10:24:23 PM
Kelly, didn;t I write on another post--I forget which one already!!!!!!!Check out my chevre barter if you are interested. I am coming to Olney on Sat to Sun for a girl scout camp, then shopping before I go home. Will come up thru Eureka, then home via Kali. Where are you in Kalispell? I worked there for a yr doing home care, so am pretty familiar w/ the area. I could try to meet you this time around. I'll be w/ my 9 y.o DD.
~Amy~ THE BEND IN THE ROAD ISN'T THE END OF THE ROAD UNLESS YOU REFUSE TO TAKE THE TURN
Wish I could stay home more to be a fulltime homestead wife/mom....SOMEDAY! Part time will have to do for now! |
| 4HMom |
Posted - Sep 21 2010 : 10:13:55 PM
Hey There Neighbor! I'm in Kalispell....an easy drive so maybe one day we can meet! Welcome to the Farm!
"Be the change you want to see in the world" -Gandhi |
| granitelakegoatgirl |
Posted - Sep 21 2010 : 9:53:25 PM
Mind you, Annika, much work is needed to be dome here to make it pretty! It looks its best covered on snow! We neglect work inside most of the time except for dishes and laundry and cooking. Forgot to say we raise dust bunnies!! My neice's name is Anika.
Kimberly, a lady I worked w/ lived in Longview, Mike and Sharon Young. They are in Spokane now.
Karen, I have a sister named Karen, affectionately known as Auntie K, PS we are younger than her! She is 42.
Heather, I do know some of the Rowe's. Who is it?
Thanks for the welcoming. MT is where I'd like to live out my life, so w/ all prayers and blessings, that will happen!
I am the 3rd in line of 4 sibs. Cathy, 46, is also a PT living in Coeur d'Alene, ID, married and has 2 redheaded girls 6 and 8. Then there is Karen in PA who is single and works in the banking, credit card industry, my younger brother Mike lives in Mass and has a "country" house and an apt in Boston. They have a dtr 3 and son almost 1. We all have very different lives. Our dad lives in the same toen I do and is not a healthy man. Is on dialysis, has had diabetes for a long time and had heart bypass a 1 1/2 yrs ago. So, life here is busy and usually a bit complicated but farming/homesteading/becoming omre self reliant is the therapy that keeps me going. Oh, and a few bites of chocolate, a sniff of roses, and prayers for patience along the way.
~Amy~ THE BEND IN THE ROAD ISN'T THE END OF THE ROAD UNLESS YOU REFUSE TO TAKE THE TURN
Wish I could stay home more to be a fulltime homestead wife/mom....SOMEDAY! Part time will have to do for now! |
| Annika |
Posted - Sep 21 2010 : 09:26:49 AM
Hello Amy! So glad that you've joined us! My mamma passed away in 96 and I still have times of grieving her. I do understand. MT is beautiful country, and your farm sounds lovely. Looking for ward to reading more of your posts!
=)
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
Palouse Prairie Girls Chapter
http://palouseprairiegirls.blogspot.com/
http://prairiegirlsjournal.blogspot.com/
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. ~Leonardo DaVinci
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| MommaJ9 |
Posted - Sep 21 2010 : 09:11:19 AM
Welcome Amy!!! We went through MT a couple of years ago and fell in love with it! If we had the money, I'd be a resident for sure!!
Farmgirl #783
http://jabezfarm.blogspot.com |
| Ga Girl |
Posted - Sep 21 2010 : 08:25:59 AM
Hello Amy, I am also 39 and holding lol! So glad you joined us, sounds like you are quite a busy lady, but also enjoying it all. Looking forward to getting to know you more! Blessings,Karen
Create in me a pure heart,O God and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalms 51:10
Farmgirl sister #1156
www.KKJD1.etsy.com
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| quiltin mama |
Posted - Sep 21 2010 : 07:13:04 AM
Hi Amy! Glad you're here! One of my best friends used to live in Libby...how small is your town? Maybe you'd even know her! She moved here to CA about 8 years ago. Their last name is Rowe.
my blog www.mountainhomequilts.blogspot.com
handmade quilts on etsy www.mountainhomequilts.etsy.com |
