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Merit Badge Awardees - Woo-hoo Sisters!:  Farmgirl Sisterhood Merit Badge Awardees |
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
17074 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
17074 Posts |
 Posted - May 14 2026 : 5:40:23 PM
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Shennandoah Connor (#8578, shennandoah) has received a certificate of achievement in Farm Kitchen for earning a Beginner Apples badge!
"First I researched the history of the apple. The apple tree originated in Asia. It was traded along the silk road and brought to Europe by the Romans. European settlers brought fruit trees with them to the Americas in the 1600s, cultivating them in New England. Many of these earlier varieties were used for cider, while the fresh eating and desert apple varieties were developed over time.
Four ways apples used in every day living:
1. Apple cider vinegar is used as a base for dressings and as a healing tonic for humans and poultry
2. Apple sauce is used as a replacement for sugar and/or eggs in some recipes
3. Dried apples are often used for decoration and in potpurri
4. Apples are eaten fresh and baked providing many health benefits
I live in South Texas, Zone 9a. Since most apples require 500-800 chill hours, and we get less than 400, there aren't apple orchards nearby. However, there are a lot of backyard apples gardeners grow, including some that are common in the grocery store (and others that are not).
Varities for my area including:
Anna
Dorsett Golden
Ein Sheimer
Fuji
Granny Smith
Pink Lady
Fuji, Granny Smith, and Pink Lady are all common in the grocery store (and varieties I have eaten). I'm not found of granny smith - they are too sour for me. Dorsett Golden and Ein Sheimer are both varieties commonly used for deserts, cider, and canning.
I did try out a few new apple flavors in the grocery store: Gala, Jazz, Envy, and Honey Crisp. Of those four, I liked Gala the best, though Fuji is my go to.
I shared the insights about the chill hours with the farm girls, as well as what varieties I identified for my area. I was surprised at how many high chill hour apple varieties the box stores try to sell - they may grow but are unlikely to fruit. My goal is to plant several varieties on my property and one day be able to pick enough apples to make apple pie and apple butter (like my German grandmother would make!) I have her recipe written in her handwriting too :-)"
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
17074 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
17074 Posts |
Posted - May 14 2026 : 5:43:37 PM
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Shennandoah Connor (#8578, shennandoah) has received a certificate of achievement in Farm Kitchen for earning an Intermediate Recipes badge!
"For this badge I created a recipe box for my niece Taylor, and recipe books for my two daughters. I hand copied several core recipes in triplicate - which took some time. I've also given hand written recipe cards with birthday and Christmas gifts. For example, I did a Bridgerton Tea Party basket for my niece's birthday, and included my cream scone, Devonshire cream, and savory feta scones recipe cards with the Bridgerton cookbook I bought for her.
My eldest daughter moved a couple months ago and lost her recipe book during that time. So I have bought new recipe cards and binder for her and will work on rewriting all the recipe cards (hopefully this one doesn't walk off!)
My niece and eldest love having the recipes and receiving recipe cards at the holidays. My niece especially was very appreciative of having a recipe box and of the two cookbooks I bought for her. I have two other niece's who have now requested recipe boxes. So I have bought more cards and tins and am slowly making my way through the core recipes. I have terrible handwriting, especially if I go too fast, so I have to take my time."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
17074 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
17074 Posts |
Posted - May 14 2026 : 5:44:51 PM
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Shennandoah Connor (#8578, shennandoah) has received a certificate of achievement in Each Other for earning an Expert Community Service badge!
"I looked at my community and identified the following needs I could help fill:
1. Making newcomers feel welcome to town
2Connecting and supporting special needs families in the area
3. Accesss to affordable activities for kids and adults
4. Fighting loneliness with opportunities for social connection/creating inclusive spaces
5. Supporting Underfunded teachers
I've continued to volunteer at Artable Curiosities/The Impact Project. We were able to secure an additional suite at our location. So I helped move our studio to the new suite and set up the teacher's store in the old studio space. We doubled the size of the store and have set up a new donation area.
I've also continued to host our monthly Knit, Hook, and Stitch meetup and am working with the founder to set up some fiber demo days and some beginner knit and crochet classes for kids. I've done several impromptu lessons for kids at the shop already. We've also been expanding our offerings for the special needs community with several art days for special needs children and adults and joint events with local day programs for folks with intellectual disabilities. I continue to make weekly pick ups of cardboard to use in my garden (full truckload each time).
Our impact has grown steadily. Each month we are able to divert 20,000-40,000 lbs of materials away from landfills. We also give away roughly $25,000 in supplies to teachers each month. We have 30 volunteers and do 30-60 workshops each month. We also just received "Most likely to save the planet" award at the Seguin Earth Day celebration.
I am terrible at tracking my hours, but the ones I did remember to log total 87hrs."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
17074 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
17074 Posts |
Posted - May 14 2026 : 5:50:44 PM
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Christine Kenney (#8680, bellepic) has received a certificate of achievement in Each Other for earning an Intermediate Community Service badge!
"Up to 30 cumulative hours! It has been a joy as parent group treasurer helping collect and disburse funds for field trips, school dances, history festivals, and teacher appreciation lunches. Plus we are in the final steps of reinstating our non-profit status.
The balance of the time was helping to co-lead my daughter's girl scout troop. I can't believe the girls have been meeting for almost 3 years and how fun it is to watch them all grow up while expanding our tribe of local parent friends.
My latest crusade has been challenging a major barrier to volunteering. Many organizations require volunteers to get a background check and fingerprinted. Fair enough, but a state law prohibits sharing the results with multiple organizations. So every time you want to volunteer, it is another trip to the UPS store, another $90 scan fee, and another wait for the host organization to receive your results. So I sent a letter to my state assembly member to see if his team could investigate a better way. I also solicited ideas from community service-oriented sisters in other states on the merit badge chit chat forum.
Service log posted here: https://steamstead.blogspot.com/2026/01/community-service-log.html
(Next quest: find a stickier place to post this tracker so it doesn't get buried so deeply in my blog feed)."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
17074 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
17074 Posts |
Posted - May 14 2026 : 6:01:23 PM
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Heather Neeper (#4701, nndairy) has received a certificate of achievement in Outpost for earning a Beginner Fishing badge!
"I learned how to tie the clinch, Palomar, turle, and barrel knots, along with the double surgeons loop.
It was fun to discover proper ways to tie your hook on your line. Or to tie lines together. I also think I'm going to try the Palomar knot on a water bucket that a very ornery calf keeps dumping. They say it's one of the strongest knots - we'll see if it's a multipurpose knot as well."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
17074 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
17074 Posts |
Posted - May 14 2026 : 6:02:58 PM
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Heather Neeper (#4701, nndairy) has received a certificate of achievement in Outpost for earning an Intermediate Fishing badge!
"I downloaded a copy of the fishing regulations for Ohio. I discovered that catfish, bass, trout, walleye perch, carp, and crappie are popular fish found in Ohio lakes and rivers. I researched methods and bait used for catching each type.
I've seen the colored, glittery, fake worms in stores and often wondered if fish were really fooled into thinking they're tasty. My research showed that some fish like some of the artificial options, but that you can use worms, minnows, chicken liver, and even corn to catch different fish. I would have never thought to use corn!"
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
17074 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
17074 Posts |
Posted - May 14 2026 : 6:03:38 PM
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Heather Neeper (#4701, nndairy) has received a certificate of achievement in Outpost for earning an Expert Fishing badge!
"Before spending the money on a license that I'm not sure I'll use much, I went fishing at a friend's pond.
It was cold and windy, but the fish were biting! It was fun to catch a few fish. At the pond owners request we released them back into the pond, so I didn't learn to clean them yet. Ohio has free fishing days in June (where residents can fish without a license). My husband and I might go fishing in a bigger lake with some friends to see how we like it."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
17074 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
17074 Posts |
Posted - May 19 2026 : 3:23:28 PM
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Ginny Frankowski (#6994, GinnyBelle) has received a certificate of achievement in Each Other for earning a Beginner Bibliophile Badging badge!
"I already have a library card and am aware of the stuff my library offers, so that part was easy peasy!
As for my TBR pile… I just recently started keeping a reading journal. In the front is a place for a running list of TBR’s. I find this to be super helpful, as much of my reading is done on my Kindle, or borrowed from the library when I get the chance to go. I did, however, take a picture of my list and posted it in the Merit Badge Chit-chat forum.
I already had a good start on this badge, so I think this turned out pretty well!"
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
17074 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
17074 Posts |
Posted - May 21 2026 : 3:37:15 PM
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Ginny Frankowski (#6994, GinnyBelle) has received a certificate of achievement in Farm Kitchen for earning a Beginner Mrs. Potato Head badge!
"To earn this badge, I looked at several different potato recipes. I love potatoes, so that was no hardship at all. I settled on my mom's scalloped potato recipe that I grew up on and a new recipe for Greek Lemon potatoes.
I also researched how to grow organic potatoes.
Both recipes turned out really well. I switched my mom's recipe up slightly by using a can of nacho cheese soup base instead of the plain cheese soup base. That gave it a nice cheesy fiesta potato vibe that went great with our taco night.
The Greek lemon potatoes turned out really good also and were perfect along side our chicken gyros. The only thing I might change is next time I will either make them in the regular oven, or if I make them in the air fryer/oven again as I did this time, I will turn the heat down. I think they got slightly darker than I would have liked. But still extremely tasty!
The potato planting research was pretty straightforward and I already knew a lit of it because my husband grows potatoes out in the yard."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
17074 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
17074 Posts |
Posted - May 21 2026 : 3:45:34 PM
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Deborah Rock (#8737) has received a certificate of achievement in Outpost for earning a Beginner Fishing badge!
"Tied some fishing flies with my husband. He taught me how to do the knots.
At first, they slipped and did not hold, but after about the 10th time, they held and worked!"
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
17074 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
17074 Posts |
Posted - May 21 2026 : 3:46:59 PM
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Deborah Rock (#8737) has received a certificate of achievement in Outpost for earning an Intermediate Fishing badge!
"We researched the lakes around us. I fish with my husband regularly, but this time I was researching what fish were at the lakes that we commonly fish at. We fish a lot at Hillsdale lake, and I had no idea there were so many large mouth bass at the lake. I thought it was just really Crappie and Walleye heavy.
I loved learning about the stripper bass at the lake and the depth of which they like to hunt at and how the turning over of the lake affects their feeding habits. And now is the perfect time to fish at Hillsdale. The lake's oxygen levels are pretty equal in all depths for a few weeks. The bite is on!"
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
17074 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
17074 Posts |
Posted - May 21 2026 : 3:48:14 PM
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Deborah Rock (#8737) has received a certificate of achievement in Outpost for earning an Expert Fishing badge!
"We went fishing at our Daughter-in-Law's stepdad's farm pond. Actually, it is considered a lake since there are parts of the lake that the sun does not penetrate the water all the way down to the ground. I learned that is the difference between a pond and a lake. So even a lake can be small if it is deep.
We caught some HUGE lunkers! Our grandson helped me so much with the reeling of the fish in."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
17074 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
17074 Posts |
Posted - May 21 2026 : 3:57:30 PM
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Rea Nakanishi (#8284, Lacey) has received a certificate of achievement in Garden Gate for earning a Beginner Be the Farmer in Your Market badge!
"In my area which I now live, there are 5 farmers markets which you can visit. Three of the markets are on Saturday, one on Sunday, and one on Wednesday night.
When I had my ranch in another county I inquired about the local farmers market for selling flowers and herbs. This particular market is year round. Thus it required year round participation which I could not do at that time. Unfortunately I no longer have the acreage I used to have for growing flowers, herbs and livestock.
I still buy at the local farmers market in my new area, because I like the organic farms that are selling the products I use."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
17074 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
17074 Posts |
Posted - May 21 2026 : 4:22:00 PM
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Rea Nakanishi (#8284, Lacey) has received a certificate of achievement in Garden Gate for earning a Beginner Terrarium Glass Garden badge!
"What you need for a terrarium.
Glass container preferably clear.
Moisture loving plants.
Catus plants
Rocks or pebbles for drainage.
Charcoal for filtration.
Soil.Creeping Fig, Ferns lipstick plant and most cactus plants.
I have a small fish bowl size container that I would put on my dining room table where the light is bright but not direct.
I look forward to putting together my terrarium to add to my variety of indoor plants."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
17074 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
17074 Posts |
Posted - Jun 04 2026 : 6:58:22 PM
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Terri Reynolds (#8204) has received a certificate of achievement in Make It Easy for earning an Intermediate Music badge!
"This was a fun project. I worked on it during my lunch period at school. Occasionally, I had students join me. We explored various sources of music. It was interesting to see their reactions to some music they had never experienced. We listened and compared the instrumentation, rhythms, music, and overall qualities of the works.
I have enjoyed exploring more music and exposing my students to more. This was fun."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
17074 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
17074 Posts |
Posted - Jun 04 2026 : 7:10:51 PM
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Heather Neeper (#4701, nndairy) has received a certificate of achievement in Each Other for earning an Expert Her-Story badge!
"I read Dutch Girl: Audrey Hepburn and WWII by Robert Matzen, and The Woman They Could not Silence: One woman, her incredible fight for freedom, and the men who tried to make her disappear by Kate Moore. I posted about the books on the forum.
These were both great books about incredible women! Both lived through situations that are unimaginable- a married woman having no rights, only whatever her husband grants her, and a teenager stuck in the middle of a world war. I highly recommend both books."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
17074 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
17074 Posts |
Posted - Jun 04 2026 : 7:13:21 PM
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Heather Neeper (#4701, nndairy) has received a certificate of achievement in Farm Kitchen for earning an Intermediate Carpe Cocoa badge!
"I learned all about cocoa beans. I did know there was a limited area they can be grown in, but I didn't realize all the work that goes into making chocolate! I learned to temper chocolate and made a couple new recipes.
It was fun and disappointing at the same time. I enjoy learning about chocolate, but it's very disappointing to learn that my cocoa powder is basically the leftover bits. I researched how I can get my own beans and make my own chocolate and I found a great website www.chocolatealchemy.com that offers all things for chocolate making. Again, there was a little disappointment when I learn that a melanger is needed and costs approximately $500. I'll put it on my wish list and start saving up for one. In the mean time I'm going to look for better quality chocolate to replace my powder with. I know that chocolate doesn't have to be dessert, but we really like it for dessert so my 2 recipes were for dessert. The "very best brownies" recipe was really good. The "chocolate dessert" recipe looked great but just tasted O.K."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
17074 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
17074 Posts |
Posted - Jun 04 2026 : 7:15:43 PM
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Heather Neeper (#4701, nndairy) has received a certificate of achievement in Farm Kitchen for earning an Expert Carpe Cocoa badge!
"I learned to make ganache and used it for frosting a cake. I made some hot chocolate using fresh milk, cocoa powder, and a little maple syrup. And I made truffles for a Mother's Day truffle party.
The ganache frosting was delicious. The hot chocolate was also delicious. In doing some research I found brewing chocolate and plan to buy some and try it. Instead of cocoa powder (left overs), brewing chocolate is coarse ground roasted beans (similar to coffee) that are brewed like tea for a hot drink or made like sun-tea and refrigerated for a cold drink. The truffles were a BIG hit. I made a milk chocolate and white chocolate version of each type: hazelnut, peanut butter, heath bar, orange, and peppermint. I also made plain white chocolate and milk chocolate ones and then white chocolate centers with milk chocolate coating. Everyone had their own favorite - mine was the milk chocolate peppermint ones."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
17074 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
17074 Posts |
Posted - Jun 04 2026 : 7:16:54 PM
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Heather Neeper (#4701, nndairy) has received a certificate of achievement in Garden Gate for earning an Intermediate Heirlooms Forever! badge!
"I thought I already applied for this badge but my records do not show it, so I apologize if this is a duplicate. Last year I learned how to save seeds from a lot of my garden vegetables and some of my flowers and herbs. My garden was over 25% heirloom varieties.
It felt fantastic to save seeds to plant this year!"
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
17074 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
17074 Posts |
Posted - Jun 04 2026 : 7:17:41 PM
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Heather Neeper (#4701, nndairy) has received a certificate of achievement in Garden Gate for earning an Expert Heirlooms Forever! badge!
"I planted over 50% of my garden to heirloom varieties. I planted lima beans, green beans, calendula, and sunflowers from seeds that I collected last year. I did not get my tomatoes and peppers started from seeds this year, but they are heirlooms. I shared seeds from last year with friends and relatives. I will save seeds again this year and hopefully add a few new varieties such as luffas!
It was wonderful to not buy seeds and to watch the plants start coming up from the seeds I saved. Hopefully mother nature cooperates and the plants continue to grow. I do have some extra seeds saved just in case she continues to be moody!"
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
17074 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
17074 Posts |
Posted - Jun 04 2026 : 7:19:46 PM
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Heather Neeper (#4701, nndairy) has received a certificate of achievement in Cleaning Up for earning an Intermediate Water Conservation badge!
"I researched the concept of grey water and how it can be used, and I set up a rain barrel system.
It was interesting to learn that grey water is regulated in my state and that a permit must be obtained for subsurface irrigation - no above ground irrigation is permitted. I believe I can collect the warm up water to water my houseplants though.
My rain barrel works great for watering the outside flowers and garden. It's also handy to rinse garden tools and hands and feet!"
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
17074 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
17074 Posts |
Posted - Jun 04 2026 : 7:20:59 PM
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Heather Neeper (#4701, nndairy) has received a certificate of achievement in Cleaning Up for earning an Expert Water Conservation badge!
"To lower the water usage in our house I implemented a few changes. I bought some more towels for the dairy cows so that I only have to wash them every other day versus every day, we make sure to turn the water off while brushing our teeth, I have my husband put some water in the sink for shaving rather than leave it run, and I keep water in a pitcher in the fridge so the faucet isn't running to get cold water.
It was easy to make these changes and we will be able to continue these new practices without any trouble."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
17074 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
17074 Posts |
Posted - Jun 04 2026 : 7:34:41 PM
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Shennandoah Connor (#8578, shennandoah) has received a certificate of achievement in Stitching & Crafting for earning a Beginner Quilting badge!
"For the beginner project I chose to do a quilted Christmas stocking from my son in law. I found a cute pattern labeled for beginners. He wanted stripes, so I followed that design by first cutting the squares, then sewing 1/4" on either side of center, then cutting, and laying the new bi-color squares into the stripes. I then sewed those squares together to form each row and then to each row. I quilted the front of the stocking to the backing with a simple top stitch. I then sewed the lining, cuff, and then used some gold iron-on letters for his name.
I was happy with it turned out, and my daughter and son in law loved it. I had knitted her a stocking years ago, but my SIL did not have one. It's nice and sturdy and was able to hold lots of stocking stuffers. The pattern I chose has some other designs using the same squares in different combinations. So I went to the fabric store and picked up some vintage style rings so I can make some new stockings for our house. I have some old store bought ones that I purchased with my ex-husband. So need new ones that fit my and my current (and last) husband's taste."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
17074 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
17074 Posts |
Posted - Jun 04 2026 : 7:37:29 PM
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Shennandoah Connor (#8578, shennandoah) has received a certificate of achievement in Make It Easy for earning a Beginner Jewelry Making badge!
"For this badge, I first went through my jewelry, focusing on the things I wear most and find most comfortable. My style is a mix of vintage and boho, with lots of colorful beads and stones as well as seeds and wood. I have a ton of earrings that I hardly ever wear these days, so I focused on the necklaces and bracelets I liked.
I spent a couple of months collecting organizers from the thrift store, as well as jewelry supplies from the craft stores and the creative reuse center. I amassed a good assortment of beads and findings. I also ordered some enamel charms and some jewelry making tools off of amazon. I focused on collecting lobster clasps, beading wire, crimping beads, and jump rings as my findings.
As a result I was able to put together a decent stash to use for a jewelry making get together with my eldest. She and I always spend a day together crafting for my birthday weekend. This year we decided to work on our jewelry making beginner and intermediate badges together. I'll share what we made in my intermediate badge submission, but I was able to get quite a few things done during our time together.
I have everything in small containers inside a basket. Long term I want to get a better carrying case so I can transport it."
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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MaryJane
Queen Bee
17074 Posts
MaryJane
Moscow
Idaho
USA
17074 Posts |
Posted - Jun 04 2026 : 7:40:05 PM
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Shennandoah Connor (#8578, shennandoah) has received a certificate of achievement in Farm Kitchen for earning a Beginner Icing on the Cake badge!
"For this badge I decided to double up - I asked my family to do activities with me to help me earn badges as my activities for my birthday (May 25th). One thing I wanted to do was take a cake decorating class. Just so happened that my sister met a woman who started a business doing private cake decorating classes. She came to my sister's house and taught me, my sister, my mom, my eldest daughter, one of my nephews, and two of my nieces the basics of cake decorating.
First she showed us the different icing bags and tips we would use. Then, she showed us how to snip the bag and place the tip over the bottom of the coupler and screw it together. She showed us how she ties the end of the icing bag with a rubber band to keep the icing from coming out the top (huge for me as that's one of my biggest issues!). She showed us how to twist the bag and hold it in the "wedgie" of our hand and squeeze in a way to maintain constant pressure. She then gave us each a laminated practice sheet and showed us how to make stars, rosettes, shells, scallops, and ribbons.
After practicing, she gave each of us two tiers of a mini cake and a mini rotating cake stand and showed us how to assemble and ice the exterior of the cake, including how to create a smooth surface. She then guided us through the process of adding decorative elements, all while giving us some tips on ow to achieve different effects.
The class was a success! I learned lots of tricks and really got engrossed in the process. Everyone had fun (a win in itself) and I feel more confident trying my hand at decorating a cake on my own. The instructor also loved that we were doing it so I could earn a badge lol. I got a little fancy with my cake, taking inspiration from a coloring book of mine. Now I need a reason to bake and decorate a cake!"
MaryJane, Farmgirl #1 Plowin' Thru ~ giving aprons a good wrap for 45 years and counting ~
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Merit Badge Awardees - Woo-hoo Sisters!: Farmgirl Sisterhood Merit Badge Awardees |
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Farmgirl Sisterhood Merit Badge Awardees
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