| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| desertwillow |
Posted - Jan 11 2011 : 4:01:57 PM
I just joined and it looks like fun. I'll be 71 the end of this month but I'm very active and don't feel like I'm that old until I look in a mirror. I raised 7 children and then 16 years ago I remarried a man with four children so we have 34 grandchildren between us and two greats on his side. We live in the high desert in CA and it gets very hot in summer and very cold in winter. We don't get snow very often but we did last week, all 3 inches of it. Since we're surrounded by mountains we sometimes get snowed in so that all the passes are blocked from snow or mudslides. I knit, crochet, quilt and do crosstitch and read. I also have chickens, quail, canaries, parakeets and finches. I also have a 14 year old German Shepherd that was my sons until he passes away. Gardening her is challenging but we are doing well with it. We even put veggies in the freezer this year and grew red potatoes. I love bearded iris and roses and African Violets but love the cactus and such that grow so well here. We live on 2.5 acres with a fantastic view of the Sierra Nevada mountains from out front porch. I'm a country girl at heart even though I wasn't born in the US but found out early in my life that I hate living in the city. We have our shops here for necessities but If I want to go to a fabric store or a large clothing store we have to drive 76 miles. I look forward to hearing from anyone that wants to chat. |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| ChickieMama |
Posted - Apr 28 2011 : 11:35:49 PM
Hello and welcome from Oregon!
Farmgirl Sister#2808
"Happy Hens make Happy Eggs"
http://lazyjoranch.blogspot.com
http://etsy.com/shop/lazyjoranch
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| paulas party flowers |
Posted - Apr 28 2011 : 10:10:19 PM
hi betty..and everyone else... Just found ur post.. I am pretty new. Betty I so love ur stories.. I'm the kid at bedtime, pleaseeeee just one more story...thanks...
so many of you on this post, iv been in the same places. I lived in southern california..started in pomona, moved to la quinta, married a marine, live on base at 29 palms. Bought house in josha tree. Move to san diego..we got out of service, back to la quinta. Got divorced. Left there, moved to high desert of arizona.. Been here 17 years now. Cold in winter, hot in summer with no rain, makes a tough time for gardening. Imagine paying for water to garden when everyone in east getting rain and tornados?
have a great time everyone...
theresa, what years did you live in la quinta? I was there mostly 1980 to 1993..
the best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched.they must be felt with the heart. Helen Keller |
| desertwillow |
Posted - Jan 16 2011 : 12:27:22 PM
Hi Judy, Thanks for the welcome. I grew up with no brothers or sisters and was lonely as a child not to mention dealing with WWII so I enjoy each day as it comes, Love to decorate for the holidays even though there is just hubby and me. The children and grandchildren are scattered all over the US, mainly here in CA at least several hours away, WA, KS, MO, FL, and NC. You guessed it! We do a lot of traveling..... Will check out the other section and join you gals with coffee, tea or what have you.
Betty |
| herblady55 |
Posted - Jan 16 2011 : 10:17:13 AM
Welcome Betty! WOW! You've had a full and fasinating life so far and sound like your game for lots more. You sound like the kind of woman I'd love to sit on the porch with and sip tea and listen to all of your life lessons. That reminds me, you should join us over on the "Virtual Porch" blog under "A Farm of My Own." We sit in virtual rockers, gliders, and on the steps and drink our virtual tea,coffee & chai and eat virtual treats (that have no calories BTW), and just tell all about our day. We just had a tea swap, since most of us are tea lovers. We share and swap Laugh and cry and have lots of warm, fuzzy moments together. Please feel free to drop in. I'm sure all the girls would be tickled to meet you, any of you!
Welcome to you too Anita, so glad you found us too.
This is such a great place to make new friends. I only have 1 real Sister, no brothers, so this site was a Blessing to find. I'll soon be 56 and have made great friends and learned so much on MJFarm!
Again, welcome!
Sister-chick# 905(Sept.14th 2009)
Judy
Hugs&Squeezles!
I am not contained between my hat and my boots! -Walt Whitman-
"Why couldn't I have been born Rich instead of So Good Looking?" |
| desertwillow |
Posted - Jan 15 2011 : 10:39:43 PM
Hi Teree, Lake Isabella is a 45 mile drive from here over Walker Pass and is a favorite place of mine. We almost bought a place in Bodfish but my hubby wanted to be closer to a bigger town and not worry about making over a pass in the winter. Ridgecrest is 15 miles east of us but even so we have to drive at least 76 miles for any big shopping like Costco, Joanne's. Penneys. We're only a mile off 395 so we have a lovely view of the Sierras's. |
| happyworkerbee |
Posted - Jan 15 2011 : 7:16:36 PM
Hi there, I spent 18 years in La Quinta Calilfornia and another 9 in the El Centro area. I have to admit that I do not miss the desert heat. Was raised in Eureka california and after moving to St. Maries Idaho 4 years ago I never plan to move. I LOVE IT!!! I have truly found Gods country. More power to those who can stand the desert heat. |
| RawPrairie |
Posted - Jan 15 2011 : 6:54:29 PM
Welcome Betty!!
I'm new too...and I've really enjoyed your posts...isn't this fun??
I live in the Central Sierra's...you can probably see me in your view...lol, I live on the west side of Sonora Pass. I also have a little house in Bodfish near Lake Isabella...is that anywhere near you?? My Dad retired to that area and I spent a few summer's there before he passed away. Anyhoo...I hope your warm and cozy and it will be fun hearing more about you! Teree
Teree~
Farmgirl Sister #2548
Not everyone can be a star...but everyone can twinkle! |
| desertwillow |
Posted - Jan 14 2011 : 7:51:27 PM
We had a good day here in the high desert today. It was sunny and about 65 and best of all no wind....... It's going to turn cold again and the frost will get the new leaves coming on my roses and trees. My chickens, quail, canaries and parakeets were all out in the sun and the canaries were just singing away. |
| prayin granny |
Posted - Jan 14 2011 : 06:32:07 AM
Frances, it sounds just beautiful where you are. I have been to Wash. It is beautiful there, enjoyed Canada as well! Traveled most of the U.S. as a kid/teen with my parents. I will be going home to Joshua Tree in a month or so for a long visit. So fun that some farmgirls know of the area!! Betty, you have much to share with all of us, looking forward to getting to know you! Habe a great day everyone!! Blessings, Linda
http://www.scatteredlittleblessings.blogspot.com
Country at Heart |
| Francypants |
Posted - Jan 13 2011 : 11:49:29 PM
I have fond memories of a vacation I took to Joshua tree when my oldest son was 4 months old. It was early April and it was cold and spitting snow, but we had a great time and really enjoyed the scenery. I used to live in Chester, Ca. which is near Mt. Lassen volcano in northeastern California not far from the Nevada border and just a bit south of Modoc. We had very snowy, long winters there and short summers but we always had a great garden. I've lived in Washington for 12 years now and can harvest something from the garden 12 months of the year. Kale and collard greens get me through the winter! Currently I have three large pumpkins in my garage and several boxes of apples from my orchard that I still hope to enjoy before winter's over and I plant my spring garden. We do have cold, snowy weather here, but it never lasts long. We're more of a rainy climate than a snowy one. One of my neighbors has said it's like fall here all year long! I live close to the Strait of Juan de Fuca and can see Victoria and Vancouver Island to the north and the beautiful Olympic Mountains to the south. It is so interesting reading everyone's posts! Oh.. and I forgot to mention that when I lived in north eastern California I taught in a two room school! Take care...I've got to go to bed so I can be fresh for the toddler class I teach tomorrow.
Do your part for art! |
| desertwillow |
Posted - Jan 13 2011 : 8:25:47 PM
Thank you cajungal. I have done a lot in my 71 years. I was born in the UK during WWII and my mom and I were the only members of our family to live through it...came to the US in 1948 and traveled all over. I married at 16, had my first son at 17, and that was in 1957 and had my eighth in 1980. I raised seven of them, four boys and three girls with two of my sons gone now but it's been quite a life. One of my granddaughters is reading the book about Ann Frank and when she found out I was in the UK during the war she's been full of questions. No one can say I had a dull life that's for sure. I've also lived in Wales, and Okinawa and seven of the US states. I've been in almost all of the states at one time or another with the exception of ND, WI, OH, and AK. Would be nice to join you in a cup of tea and tell some of my stories. |
| buffypuff |
Posted - Jan 13 2011 : 8:23:46 PM
Hi to both newcomers here...Betty and Anita. I live in WA state close to the Idaho border. I am 65 and a retired nurse. Having worked all my life, there are many things I put off until retirement. I am so glad I too found MJ farmgirls. We really become sisters...sharing ideas, talents, swap things we make or things from our area. The sky is the limit. Hope you wander around and look in all the nooks and crannies. I still am finding something new everyday. Blessings to you both!
Buffypuff/ Claudia
Farmgirl & Sister #870
"Half of success is the assurance of support along the way." cr
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| cajungal |
Posted - Jan 13 2011 : 8:07:33 PM
Welcome, Betty!
I could sit in a comfy couch and sip tea and coffee and listen to your stories all day! What an amazing life you've led and how blessed we are to now share a part of it.
Blessings,
Catherine
One of the best compliments from one of my daughters: "Moma, you smell good...like dirt." |
| desertwillow |
Posted - Jan 13 2011 : 1:31:54 PM
Welcome pine creek gardens!! As I'm sure you know, I'm new here too. Everyone seems so friendly.It sounds like you have an active life also. Your quilt show sounds fabulous. I'm on another forum at Backyard chickens and we do quilt block swaps for cancer patients. It's fun and means a lot to people that receive them. You must get more rain than we do since you're up north although you may be more east of the worst of the rain. We drive up to WA to visit my daughter that lives just over the OR border. We like to drive 395 and stay off the busy I5. The scenery is so much better. I look forward to another chat and I'm sure someone else will add to this. |
| desertwillow |
Posted - Jan 13 2011 : 1:22:09 PM
Hi praying granny, I know where you used to live. That area is southwest of us about a 4 hour drive. I have a friend I worked with at the hospital who retired when I did that lives in Landers in the Johnson Valley not far from Yucca/Joshua Tree. I call her about once a week and we e-mail. My hubby is from KS. What part are you in? He was born in Paola but has lived all over. We go back every year to visit his family.
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| pine creek gardens |
Posted - Jan 13 2011 : 11:19:37 AM
Good Morning Betty, yours is the first post I've read, as I am new too! I live on the Calif./Oregon Border, 1/2 mile off 395 North, 4800 ft elevation, so I too, have very short summers and very long winters, from Nov. til April, but we have big gardens, orchards, and flowerbeds everywhere. We sell, give to the food share bank, senior center, and just give lots away to friends. We grow a pumpkin patch for the little school here and others, our school has 12 students. We are a farming, ranching community. I write a monthy Garden Column in the Modoc Independent News, and the Lake County Examiner. I sew, quilt and do canning, love to hike, and walk.We have 6 children and 16 grandchildren. We have guest cabins [Pine Creek Guest Cabins] and I put on a Quilt show, luncheon, breast cancer fund raiser here at the gardens last July. There were 102 quilts hanging everwhere, and vintage aprons, and two friends brought their vintage trailers all done in cowboy style! so cute, they sold vintage treasures for breast cancer. Mary Jane sent 2 of her Lifebooks for our silent auction. Rene' Groom who was one of her former bloggers came and spoke, she brought her redwork to display. It was a wonderful day. The ladies really enjoyed themselves. I was blessed. We will do it again on July 30th ,come join us. Love to meet you and all farm girls. We have chickens, I sell eggs, straight from the "Egg Palace" and a sweetie of a horse named Ruby, 2 cats and one old Molly dog. Lots of birds too, we are on a birding trail. Just a beautiful area to live in. We've been here 11 years, came from Auburn CA. area. Blessings, Nita
www.cabinsatpinecreek.com |
| prayin granny |
Posted - Jan 13 2011 : 10:03:25 AM
Welcome Betty!!! Wow! This has been so fun! I am not sure where exactly your area is. But I am from the Hi-desert near Palm Springs/Palm Desert, I am from Yucca/Joshua Tree area. Moved to Ks little over a year ago. Been a HUGE change. From rural house to city apt living. Enjoy the forum, you will totally love it here! The farmgirls are just the greatest group of ladies.
Blessings, Linda
http://www.scatteredlittleblessings.blogspot.com
Country at Heart |
| desertwillow |
Posted - Jan 12 2011 : 10:24:30 PM
I've been to Trona. We share our pastor with Trona since both towns are small. It's run down in some areas and some of the homes have burned. The mining in that area is still active but the town isn't growing much and neither is Inyokern. My husband taught school for 41 years and he knows all about those one room school houses having taught in KS and MO. I went to a one room school house when I lived in Wales before coming to the US so I know what they're like. We went to Trona a couple of years ago for a pot luck at the church and the folks over that way are very friendly. Our area is also. If someone needs to be gone for a few days or on vacation someone will feed animals while you're gone and water plants, etc. That's why I like country. |
| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Jan 12 2011 : 8:34:40 PM
Wow, I don't think I have met anyone who knew where Trona was. Do you ever go there? I haven't been in tons of years. My dad taught at the only school, which was all grades in one building. Can you tell how long ago that was? And there was a big ole huge community pool where we went to swim all summer.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
| desertwillow |
Posted - Jan 12 2011 : 4:27:10 PM
Hey! Kristen, Trona is about 26 miles from me. I'm west of Ridgecrest by about 15 miles, just off the 395 about a mile. |
| katmom |
Posted - Jan 12 2011 : 11:18:57 AM
heu Betty welcome, always room for anothe farmgirl...
my mom lives in palm Dessert (almost your neighbor)...
I sure miss my SO CAL weather....I am (formally)form the Ventura area.
>^..^<
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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| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Jan 12 2011 : 09:53:57 AM
Hi Betty. I was born in Trona, Ca. I don't know if you are near there or not. It's about 100 or so miles from Sacramento, in that area. Anyway, welcome. You have had a busy wonderful life. I'm sure with all those kids and grands it keeps you feeling young.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
| Fiddlehead Farm |
Posted - Jan 12 2011 : 09:53:01 AM
A big Wisconsin hay dare to ya Betty! We are so glad you joined us. Wow, a very interesting life, maybe you should write a book!
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 |
| graciegreeneyes |
Posted - Jan 12 2011 : 09:27:01 AM
Welcome Betty - wow, you have a lot of grandkids!! I'm 41 and I have one granddaughter and one grandbaby on the way. Hope you enjoy the forum!!
Amy Grace
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without"
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| desertwillow |
Posted - Jan 11 2011 : 8:19:47 PM
I've had quite a life. I could almost write a book. I was born in the UK and came to the US when I was 8 after surviving the war. I got my citizenship in 1973 so I could travel to Okinawa with my ex who was in the Marine Corp at the time. I've been all over but do most traveling to NC where I have children living there and to OK where my husband went to OK Wesleyan and to KS where his two 90+ year old sisters live and his children and grandchildren. I also have a daughter in WA state. |
