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**Welcome Wagon:  new-old farm girl in Memphis, Tennessee  |
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katiem
Farmgirl in Training
25 Posts
kate
memphis
tennessee
USA
25 Posts |
 Posted - Aug 04 2007 : 06:53:16 AM
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I'm new to the Farmgirl Connection and new to any kind of online chatting but "old" as a farmgirl (at least in the heart). I'm currently farming my tiny suburban homestead with 2 raised veggie beds and a couple of what should be flower beds by most suburban designs. I have summer squash, green beans, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, watermelons and herbs. There is just my husband and I and my 18 yr old daughter at home and those few plants give us all we need and some to give away.
Though I'm not in the country now I have had several opportunities to live the country life. As a girl in Michigan for 4 years - where I satiated my love for horses by owning and showing several in local equestian events. Loved ice skating and sledding in winters there and pheasant hunting with my dad.
Got married with the intent of homesteading in Alaska but alas a baby boy born during our first year of marriage waylaid those plans, but we did spend the second year of marriage living on a farm owned by my sister in NE Missouri. We had goats and chickens, well water and a garden. Even a woodstove in the parlor. Our community entertainment was "bring your guitar down to the corner gas station on Saturday night and join in a hoedown" It was a wonderful year. Job loss and need for income forced us to move to the city but several years later we were able to build a log cabin (from a kit - and with constuction help) and live on several acres in north Mississippi. My husband's parents also built a log home at the same time on adjoining acreage - so we had a little family commune.
We had a pony, rabbits, ducks along with a great garden and blackberry patch. I home schooled my 2 boys and we had a great time.
Job and finances again forced us back to the city in 1988 ( I cried my eyes out for weeks) and here we still are. But I decided to quite moaning over the fact that it may be a while before I get back to the rural life and instead just create my own little homestead right where I am. It can be done on a small scale.
The new home we've been in for the past three years has great indoor/outdoor fusion and right now I'm sitting in my sunroom looking out on my back yard paradise. I have a bird-feeding station right out the window all made of recycled fence wood and topped with a cool galvanized tin birdhouse. The post and trellis have morning glory vines climbing all over it and the birds are constant at the feeders. I have a bubbling spring-type water feature on the ground by the bird station and birds, chipmunks and squirrels drink there. It's surrounded by coral and white impatiens, japanese painted ferns and my squash plants. One side is shaded by a nice sized wax myrtle tree. Past the bird area and across the crushed stone path is my terraced perennial flower area that has a low stacked stone wall and is planted with white daisies, blue cat mint, indigo and peach salvia and white cat's whiskers. The butterflies, bees and hummingbirds are all over the flowers and the metal sign on the fence behind the flower bed says "grow".
The large raised planter (about 30 ft. x 12 ft) to the right of the perennial bed is 3 feet high and is bordered at the back with a fence of open work wood trellis in large 8 inch squares and you can see through to the field and woods behind (owned by someone else who did not want us to clear any undergrowth between our fence and his fence that would provide us with a better view of his lovely pasture) where we occasionaly see deer or an armadillo. My husband built two vegetable boxes for me and put them on the raised planter so my bush beans are at chest height and no bending over required.
At the right end of my raised planter are stone and timber steps to access the top of the planter and then a semi-circle 2 tiered stone wall with the fist tier having a deep flat area that serves as a seating wall. On the ground in front of the seating wall I put crushed stone in a large circular area and built a fire pit in the center. We also have to the right of that a coverd large charcole grill and a outdoor cooking station. We built the grill cover and cooking staion out of recycled fence wood and corrogated tin roofing and stone like tiles from the local home improvement store.
As I write this description it sounds tacky but is really a cool mix of an earthy/industrial look if you can imagine it.
My next project is in the planning stages. I'd like to take on a personal challenge to live outdoors for a month. I think a tent on the patio would be fine. We have a large 20 x 30 ft patio off of the sunroom covered with a wood arbor. You can't survive outdoor living in the summer here in Memphis with outdoor temps of 105+ degree (heat index figures) and the 90% humidity so I think I will have to wait until October. Right now I am thinking and making lists of what I need and how I will do it.
This endeavor will be kind of a birthday gift to myself. i will turn 53 in September and need to determine if my desire to "live off the grid" is a silly idealistic dream or something sustainable. Can I simply "pull it off and endure it" or would I embrace it and be able to "settle in" to the simple life.
I shared my crazy idea with my co-workers and got the raised eyebrows and wagging of heads and sideways smiles, but I expected that. I work at a stationery/initation/gift store as their fine artist/graphic artist/typesetter/printing department manager/IT expert, ect. My co workers - "the girls" are all women my age and most of them are truly suburbanites with maids and landscape maintenence men or pool boys to do the outdoor labor. They are'nt surprised by much of my eccentricites after 2 years with them. They think it is cute that I ride a tiny yellow scootor to work or walk or ride my bike to work and that I bring them veggies from my garden or zucchini cakes. They just chalk it up to the fact that I'm an artist-type.
Well - so sorry for the ramblings - I told you I was new at this.
I put my husband on a plane yesterday for a two week trip to the island of Fiji in the south pacific. He goes almost every year to teach at a small college there. I will have two weeks to think and plan for may back yard extended camping extravgaza, so send me any ideas. I need a good bug-proof, rain-proof tent for starters and I don't think I have the extra time to make one myself - since I work 40 hours a week so I guess I'm in the market for a good large camping tent, although a lovely canvas tent like Mary Jane's would be much more appealing esthetically - and baby it's all about lookin good, Right?
Ok signing off - I've killed enough time here at this machine - there's suburban chores to do.
that's all for now ya'll from Memphis
where the heat is unbearable, the crime rate is high, the public schools are a joke and the politicians are all corrupt.
Can any body find me a job in Idaho?
Katie M
Kate, the closet farmgirl |
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Marybeth
True Blue Farmgirl
6418 Posts
Mary Beth
Stanwood
Wa 98292
USA
6418 Posts |
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Corinnelouise
True Blue Farmgirl
957 Posts
Corinne
France
957 Posts |
Posted - Aug 04 2007 : 07:08:07 AM
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Welcome Kate, so glad you joined us. I am sure you will find ideas and help to succed in your tent project, looks like fun. Welcome to the farmgirl, the artist and the garden lover in you. Cannot wait to know you better.
Corinne |
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knewslady
True Blue Farmgirl
555 Posts
Kathy
Russellville
KY
USA
555 Posts |
Posted - Aug 04 2007 : 07:10:42 AM
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You sound like one interesting lady and I know you are going to love it here. Welcome aboard. I have been after my husband for months for a wall tent so please be sure to keep us posted on your living outdoors for a month, I am anxious to learn more about it.
Kathy
Will always be a farmgirl at heart
Visit my online shop at http://thebackfence.etsy.com
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Maryjane Lee
True Blue Farmgirl
2195 Posts
Maryjane
CA
USA
2195 Posts |
Posted - Aug 04 2007 : 09:06:48 AM
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A BIG warm welcome to you Kate! 
Hugs,
Maryjane Lee
The Beehive Cottage~
est. 1971 |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Aug 04 2007 : 09:49:24 AM
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Welcome Kate!! I have that dream still too..the "off grid" one. I know I would love it, but alas, don't have a husband who would..so I don't know if I will get to do that one..but you never know. I hope YOU get to..and I loved hearing about your other adventures! I think life is so interesting..so many not so hot things happen..but always another fun thing or a dream comes true along the way... I wouldn't change anything.
You will love it here..lots of kindred spirits!
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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Cheryl
True Blue Farmgirl
919 Posts
Cheryl
Magalia
CA
USA
919 Posts |
Posted - Aug 04 2007 : 3:50:01 PM
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Welcome Kate, Your backyard sounds wonderful!
Cheryl :) |
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mkmomus
True Blue Farmgirl
248 Posts
Merle
Greensboro
NC
248 Posts |
Posted - Aug 04 2007 : 4:09:27 PM
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Kathy,
Welcome! I hope you will post some pictures because your yard sounds great!
Merle |
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Linda K. Miller
Farmgirl in Training
43 Posts
Linda
Dunnville
Kentucky
USA
43 Posts |
Posted - Aug 04 2007 : 8:16:41 PM
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Hello & Welcome Kate!!
Girl your place sounds wonderful and anyone reading about it would not realize it is the suburbs. I would also like to see pictures. I think your camp out is exciting, just go for it. How much fun can a farm girl have, just stay around here with all these great farm girls and you will find out!!  So happy to have you here, Kate.
Justmama from Amish Kentucky |
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queenofdreamsz4u
True Blue Farmgirl
3845 Posts
Stephanie Suzanne
Smoky Mountains Tennessee
USA
3845 Posts |
Posted - Aug 04 2007 : 9:20:45 PM
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Hey there and welcome to the group. I know you will find all kinds of ladies that are gardening!
Container gardening is the way to go when even if you have lots of land...it just doesn't take much space to produce alot of food Would love to see pictures of your garden. It sounds wonderful.
I'm moving back to the Nashville area soon...can't wait...good to meet another Tennesseean! For now I'm in northeast Alabama at Lookout Mountain.
Hope to know you better soon!!
...til next time - queenofdreamsz
www.dreamkingdomdesigns.com
www.dreamkingdomdesigns.blogspot.com
"hold close your inner child and always listen to the gentle whispers" ~queenofdreamsz
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katiem
Farmgirl in Training
25 Posts
kate
memphis
tennessee
USA
25 Posts |
Posted - Aug 04 2007 : 9:54:22 PM
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Went to a nearby little town today to a local farm supply store and priced a nice big galvanized metal tub for my outdoor baths. I've been practicing having 1 or 2 gallon baths this past week in my inside bathtub and have done fine. I think I can live with that. I also went to a little hardware store on the square that sells all sorts of neat things and I got a nice white enamel dish pan and a scrub board for doing laundry. So I feel I have gotten a little start on preparing for my extended camp out. I also walked a couple of miles to the nearby bookstore and sat for an hour reading Mary Janes book in the sections on Outposts and tents. I don't have her book but it is on my birthday wish list. I can wait till Sept 1st.
After reading the chapter on tents - I may want to tackle making my own frame and buying a nice canvas cover. We'll see.
100+ degree days like today - there won't be any plants left to take pictures of.
Well- good night all
Kate
Kate, the closet farmgirl |
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Shirlaroo
True Blue Farmgirl
297 Posts
Shirley
Australia
297 Posts |
Posted - Aug 05 2007 : 12:29:48 AM
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Hello kate. What an interesting life you lead. I am new to this posting thing too. Don't worry, you will learn to relax and enjoy posting.
Friends are the best collectables. |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22944 Posts
22944 Posts |
Posted - Aug 05 2007 : 07:17:52 AM
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Hi Kate!
I would suggest buying a Wall-Tent. These are what MaryJane has on her farm and you can get them in almost any size. They are made specifically for camping for extended periods of time.
For a couple hundred dollars you can buy one that will last a long time and keep you dry. Here is a link: http://www.walltentshop.com/
It sounds like your yard is fantastic! I was thinking that you sure have done a lot! Good Job! Let us know how your oudoor living goes! What does your husband think of off the grid living?
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora!
http://home.test-afl.tulix.com/aleeandnora/ |
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Annie S
True Blue Farmgirl
756 Posts
Annie
Custer
S.D.
USA
756 Posts |
Posted - Aug 05 2007 : 09:24:54 AM
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Welcome aboard. Your place sounds great! And being a "farm girl" is your attitude about life, etc. - and you've got what it takes. You'll love everybody here. Jump right into all the different forums and have a blast.
Peace and love.
Annie |
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Once upon a Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
57 Posts
Ivy
Bartlett
TN
USA
57 Posts |
Posted - Aug 05 2007 : 11:31:13 AM
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Welcome Kate! It is nice to see another MidSouth girl jumping in.
Ivy |
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katiem
Farmgirl in Training
25 Posts
kate
memphis
tennessee
USA
25 Posts |
Posted - Aug 06 2007 : 05:45:35 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Alee
Hi Kate!
I would suggest buying a Wall-Tent. These are what MaryJane has on her farm and you can get them in almost any size. They are made specifically for camping for extended periods of time.
For a couple hundred dollars you can buy one that will last a long time and keep you dry. Here is a link: http://www.walltentshop.com/
It sounds like your yard is fantastic! I was thinking that you sure have done a lot! Good Job! Let us know how your oudoor living goes! What does your husband think of off the grid living?
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora!
http://home.test-afl.tulix.com/aleeandnora/
Kate, the closet farmgirl |
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JudyBlueEyes
True Blue Farmgirl
657 Posts
Judith
Spokane
Washington
USA
657 Posts |
Posted - Aug 06 2007 : 08:56:36 AM
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Kate, Welcome! And your garden sounds wonderful. Please share some pictures! Maybe you could do a blog to keep us all updated on your campout experience. Or start a thread here at MJF under the "Outpost" topic...then we would know where to go to find you and hear about your adventures. And isn't it fun when you start sharing your "farmgirl tendencies" with "the uninitiated" - It really is such a natural thing to grow your own food and flowers, even - and people just think they couldn't possibly do it! I'm glad to meet you and look forward to your stories! Judy
We come from the earth, we go back to the earth, and in between, we garden! |
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Nance in France
True Blue Farmgirl
1438 Posts
Nancy
St. Laurent de la Salanque
France
1438 Posts |
Posted - Aug 06 2007 : 10:43:56 AM
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| Welcome, Kate! So glad you joined in the fun; this is a great place to learn and share what you know. Loved your yard and garden description, too, with all those winged critters! Nance |
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katiem
Farmgirl in Training
25 Posts
kate
memphis
tennessee
USA
25 Posts |
Posted - Aug 06 2007 : 4:06:14 PM
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Thanks for the suggestion. Sounds like a good idea. Guess I'll need to finally get a digital camera.
Am I doing this email response correctly?
Do I click on the "reply with a quote" and then type response here?
Let me know if there is a better way to do it?
How do I set up a blog. I might as well start now with posts on how to prepare and plan for my backyard outpost. Maybe that's a good title "Backyard Outpost"
Gosh I guess because all you "gals" have read my intro and plans for this crazy venture - I'll have to go through with it! Ha ha.
Just kidding- I really am going to do it.
I told my hubby that I wanted a wall tent for my birthday.
Let me know input on how to set up the blog or if you have a better idea. I'm ready to start posting. I go price cameras this week. I've been wanting one for a long time.
Thanks
kate
quote:
Originally posted by JudyBlueEyes
Kate, Welcome! And your garden sounds wonderful. Please share some pictures! Maybe you could do a blog to keep us all updated on your campout experience. Or start a thread here at MJF under the "Outpost" topic...then we would know where to go to find you and hear about your adventures. And isn't it fun when you start sharing your "farmgirl tendencies" with "the uninitiated" - It really is such a natural thing to grow your own food and flowers, even - and people just think they couldn't possibly do it! I'm glad to meet you and look forward to your stories! Judy
We come from the earth, we go back to the earth, and in between, we garden!
Kate, the closet farmgirl |
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katiem
Farmgirl in Training
25 Posts
kate
memphis
tennessee
USA
25 Posts |
Posted - Aug 06 2007 : 4:10:06 PM
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Thanks for the response,
A french farm girl, ehh! Cool
My sisters are diligently tracing our geneolgy which has an extensive French component. They have been to France tracking down the ancestors. Supposedly our family inheirited a large French estate sometime after WWI or WWII and no one ever claimed it. They are checking into in. Think it was somewhere in the south of France. I'll get facts sometime.
Thanks again for the response.
Kate
quote:
Originally posted by Nance in France
Welcome, Kate! So glad you joined in the fun; this is a great place to learn and share what you know. Loved your yard and garden description, too, with all those winged critters! Nance
Kate, the closet farmgirl |
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sherone_13
True Blue Farmgirl
2460 Posts
Sherone
Evanston
WY
USA
2460 Posts |
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ColdAntler
True Blue Farmgirl
89 Posts
Jenna
Sandgate
VT
USA
89 Posts |
Posted - Aug 06 2007 : 4:41:55 PM
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| welcome! i'm up in idaho by way of knoxville, it's colder here! |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
Posted - Aug 06 2007 : 6:22:03 PM
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| Welcome! This place is the best! |
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Buttercup
True Blue Farmgirl
1433 Posts
Talitha
Vermont
USA
1433 Posts |
Posted - Aug 07 2007 : 01:31:21 AM
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well I really enjoyed your discriptions of your yard and gardens! And I think the outdoor camping adventure sounds really neat and fun... I hope you learn much and enjoy it even more! I am in Japan and have a yard the size of my bedroom, and the heat *sigh* then the humidity *bigger sigh* ... lol... needless to say I am not outside hardly at all June through September (well except for weekends to the beach and Dh's softball tournaments!) so I do understand the need to wait for cooler weather! I can't wait to hear more! I look forward to getting to know you better as I see you round our farm!
Hugz!
Talitha
"If we could maintain the wonder of childhood and at the same time grasp the wisdom of age, what wonder,what wisdom,what life would be ours" |
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Miss Bee Haven
True Blue Farmgirl
4331 Posts
Janice
Louisville/Irvington
Kentucky
USA
4331 Posts |
Posted - Aug 07 2007 : 06:05:22 AM
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Welcome from Kentucky, Kate! Your upcoming tent adventure sounds wonderful.
"If you think you've got it nailed down, then what's all that around it?" - 'Brother Dave' Gardner |
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paradiseplantation
True Blue Farmgirl
1277 Posts
julie
social springs community
Louisiana
USA
1277 Posts |
Posted - Aug 07 2007 : 08:44:00 AM
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| Hi, Kate! Welcome from one of the Louisiana girls! You're going to love it here! |
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**Welcome Wagon: new-old farm girl in Memphis, Tennessee |
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new-old farm girl in Memphis, Tennessee
