I've been missin' my lil' buddy!

Our lil' cowboy has been visiting his other Grandma and Grandpa and I have surely missed him. He turned 9 months old today and I did have the pleasure of having lunch with him. Time is flying by and before we know it we will be having birthday cake for this lil' one! Don't you just love how his Grandpa feeds him....



The hay is done except for putting it in the barn until winter arrives. The cows are sure to be happy come winter time. Lots of hay for cold winter days. Hard to think of cold right now with the temps soaring into the high 90's.











This ol' buzzard returned to scavenge for field mice. He stayed quite busy looking for his supper.






I did find a spare moment to finish up a needle punch and have already begun another. Tomorrow I hope to over~dye some more floss for some fall items I'm wanting to do. Hope each of you are having a fun~filled summer and taking time to have a cold glass of lemonade or iced tea.

Happy Trails to You.....Ginger

Farm Livin' is the life for Me!

What a day! You name it and it happened. The sun came up and instead of blazing saddles it was blazing tractor seats. Occasionally you could feel a breeze but it was a warm one. TROUBLE.....began early. Johnson grass is evil~ it will make your day miserable when trying to rake it or bale it! Countless times spent digging it out from the baler and untangling it from the rake wheels.

Spit and sputter...next thing you know the tractor is coming to a stop...what could it be???? It was hollering for more diesel and I needed a great big gulp of tea. I think I must have drank a gallon today.

More time spent on pulling out the evil johnson grass out the baler and making some adjustments, adding more diesel to the little blue tractor and once again we can begin again.

Dad made a few rounds raking for me...whew, I'm off to drink some more tea...just can't seem to get enough of the sweet stuff.

TROUBLE....digging out the evil Johnson grass once again just before dark and what do you know ~ TROUBLE ~ a flat tire on the hay rake! I'm calling it a day!

Green Acres is the place to be
Farm livin' is the life for me
Land spreadin' out so far and wide
Keep Manhattan, just give me that countryside

Happy Trails to You....Ginger

Needle Punch and Farm Life

I've been going through a needle punching frenzy! This is just a portion of pieces I have done over the past week. Now to just finish up...oh what should I make them into????
The flowers in the folgers can was a special order. I need to finish two more pieces and then they will be on their way to their new home!

These two pieces will be listed on eBay Monday morning.


Within a few days I should have more completed. I'm already in the mood for fall. So the pumpkins are becoming plentiful in my little sewing room. I actually have planted several rows of pumpkins in our garden ranging from the tiny little ones to the ones that grow to several hundred pounds...we shall see if they grow. If not I guess my needle punched ones will have to do!

We have finished the hay cutting at our homestead...but are working on our nearby land just a few miles down the road. Danny and my dad finished the cutting yesterday and Lil' Dan started the raking late this evening. Tomorrow I plan to climb on the little blue tractor and do some raking myself. Dad taught me how so... hopefully I can help out some while the guys are at work tomorrow.
I stopped by yesterday to give Danny a few refreshments...got to keep him happy so he can keep on working!


Fresh mowed hay smells oh so good...but the buzzards flying high above are busy looking for little field mice, rabbits, and snakes. There was about 20 or so diving into the hay patch looking for a snack! I don't know what I dislike more...snakes or buzzards!

Late this evening was a time for some repairs on the tractor. The air conditioning has went out so the plans are to have it going strong in time for baling the hay tomorrow! The little blue tractor doesn't have a cab so I'm hoping for a good ol' country breeze...

Happy Trails....Ginger

*~*~Happy 4th of July*~*

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY TO ALL MY FRIENDS & FAMILY! Here's wishing you a safe ~ fun ~ Holiday weekend!!

We were fortunate enough last October to visit NYC and Washington DC. The Statue of Liberty is an awesome sight to behold. We took a cruise around her and she stands so magnificent welcoming all.




We also went to Arlington Cemetary and watched the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier. It is a very solemn place. Hill after rolling hill of men and women who have served to give us the freedom and liberty we all here in America enjoy today!
May God bless all those who have served in the past ~ present ~ and future.








Happy Trails to you....Ginger

Happenings down on the Farm

Don't they grow up so very fast. I so enjoy watching Sloan as he learns about this big world we live in. We go outside during the week when I have him for the day and we touch the leaves on the trees, watch the hummingbirds as they with hurried flight race from one feeder to another. He oohs and aahs at the sound of the morning birds and as late afternoon comes just before his Mom or Dad picks him up we go for a quick bicycle ride. He has quickly learned how to make the horn give it's loud squeak. Sometimes we make our way to the nearby small city that he lives in and grab a snowcone to share and head out to the lake. There we watch the Canadian geese that have made their way back for yet another year.




Lazily the geese swim watching for someone to offer them bread crumbs. They are very friendly and keep in groups as they travel across the lake area.


Just down the road someone built a little pond with a fountain. You can almost feel the coolness from the spraying water and at night it is lit brightly giving it such a wonderful glow.


I've been busily at night keeping my punch needle busy. I designed this little rug and just love the prim flowers. The little rug was made using 6 strand of floss and gives it a look and feel of a mini hooked rug. I wish I could hook with the wool strips as fast as the needle punch goes but I just can't seem to make that hook fly!


I also finished a really large penny rug that I designed. Depicting a simple family farm with a hit and miss penny border. For now I have it hanging in my sewing room. The stacks of pennies were done while on past weekend travels.



Also, be sure to visit the Lemon Poppy Seeds this week. Beginning July 1st...we will be having Christmas in July. Your sure to find lots of wonderful items by some very talented folks.

Happy Trails to you....Ginger

Primitive Needle Punch "Summer Time Fun Down on the Farm"

If you follow the crooked path way behind the big oak trees lies a little farm where the sun has risen in the eastern skies for yet another day. Way up on the hill is a saltbox home shaded with a willow tree that has been around for generations.

The farmyard is already coming alive for another day. The rooster has crowed his good morning welcome to all and the sheep are happily munching on the rich green pastures. The garden will need a bit of tending later but for now a lil' bunny has found his way to the lettuce patch.

The baby ducklings are out for a quick morning swim and Tom our ol' barn cat lazily soaks in the warmth of the sun.

Join the Primitive Rug Hookers Group in the Hot Fun in the Summertime Launch. When you find a few spare minutes in your day stop over at eBay and just type in PRHG into your search to see all the offerings this group has made. Wonderful offerings of hand~made hooked rugs, needle punch, and much more.
Above is a needle punch that I designed and made using a 3 strand method....oh the countless stitches in this piece. As I drew it it just kept growing but I just love how it turned out and I almost don't want to let it go....

Happy Trails....Ginger

~*My Favorite Cowboys and a lil' Supper*~

My two favorite cowboys seem to be discussing some serious business. You know farm work is hard and sometimes it's nice to sit back and just see what's been going on with one another.

My Dad & Mom bought a farm after all of us girls grew up and moved away from home. We grew up in a small town not far from where I live now and at the time Dad often found time to take us girls fishing and sometimes hunting. I was the lucky one.... mmmhhh.... being the oldest of four girls to help with the cleaning of fish, doves, squirrels, whatever. Did you know you have to undress squirrels if they are coming for supper! Of course when the mystery meat hit the table it was always called "chicken" seems like we had a lot of chicken.

Frog legs also made their way to the table...but not before the excitement in the frying pan. Do you know if you don't cut the tendons they will jump in the pan~ NO KIDDIN'~so Mom being the prankster she is..we girls found out the hard way! I think she liked to hear us SCREAM!


This little squirrel was frozen in action coming down a tree as I took his picture. Believe me he was safe from me. I had no plans to undress him for supper!


Here is a great alternate to squirrel, frog legs,....
I'm not sure of the name of it but it is super quick and simple

~*~You'll need~*~
9 x 13 baking dish
12 Hawaiian Mini Loafs
Shaved Deli Meat (Your choice)
Sliced Cheese (Your Choice)
Make little sandwiches with the above then pack your 9 x 13 pan. Set aside.
Mix together:
2 TBS Mustard
2 TBS Poppy Seed
2 TBS Dried Minced Onion
2 tsp Worchestire Sauce
2 Sticks of Butter (melted) you can actually decrease this some!
Mix all this together and then pour over the top of the sandwiches...Right over the top!
Heat your oven to 350 degrees and bake for 15 to 18 minutes.
Serve warm and enjoy!

I didn't have mini loafs just the Hawaiian rolls and they worked fine. I cut the recipe in half for just us two and it was more than enough....and we saved a squirrel!




I actually finished a small hooked rug. The pattern is by Buttermilk Basin and was fun and simple to do. I'm still pretty new at rug hooking and still see lots of room for improvement. I've actually finished a couple more redwork Santa's for my Christmas quilt. It's amazing what you can accomplish waiting at doctor visits and of course....Tractor Supply!

Happy Trails~~~~~Ginger

~*Family Reunion...A Time To Remember*~

Lots of families have family reunions and once a year our family on my Mom's side gathers at a nearby Great Uncle and Aunt's House. Food is overflowing, new faces appear each year, some faces grow older each year, but as time goes by we take time to remember those that are no longer with us. This year as we gathered I couldn't help but remember Grandma. She always cooked enough to feed the entire crew...we would unload her car from front to back. She had a funny side as well. Matter of fact all of her brothers and sisters have that too. Today you could see Grandma just by looking in my Great~Aunt's eyes...they all have the same eye color. It's been six long years since she went to see Jesus! What a reunion she celebrated that day!



My Uncle and Aunt have a wonderful place. They built a home long ago that was partially underground to accommodate a very large family. A swimming pool sits up on the hill and under the shade of the trees is a playhouse for the kids. A homemade olde looking car sits out front and they enjoy giving their grand kids rides.


Family came from many states some as far away as California. My mom's brother came for a short visit and my Mom was happy to see since it's been quite awhile.



We were able to get a quick picture of all my uncles and aunts before leaving for home. It's always a good time when families take time to get together even if just for a few hours. I always come home feeling better than when I left.
Hope each of you steal away for some precious time spent with some of your family!

Happy Trails to You....Ginger

*~Primitive Punch Needle Booklet Finished~*

It sure feels like Fall today with the cooler temperatures. Quite a nice change from the soaring temperatures we've been having. Welcome rains have been falling all day. It sure saves on watering the garden!

I finally put the finishing touches on the booklet Jenn and I designed. I thought I would share a picture of the needle punch that Jenn made that started it all! The little cat still needs an eye stitched on and a backing added to the needle punch. She did a terrific job and this piece is a whopper for a needle punch. I believe it is about 10" square. Inside the booklet you will find 4 Pumpkin head sisters, dancing jack's, stacks of jack o~lanterns, friendly witches,cats and moons, and perhaps even a pumpkin fairy! You can reduce or enlarge them to suit your craftin needs. Enjoy them for rug hooking, needle punch, wool applique, or painting!

If your interested in our booklet you can find them on eBay under the username....nyafarmgirl

I had so much fun drawing up these prim line drawings...it's got me to thinking about Christmas but I'll save that for another day! Well off to do a little punchin'....

Happy Trails to You....Ginger

Primitive Halloween Booklet

I have been working away at some line drawings for a new little booklet. I was inspired by a needle punch Jenn did some time ago. I told her that I thought it would make a great pattern for hooking, applique, stitching, maybe even painting.

So I thought why not make a little booklet....so at work today instead of getting paperwork done(it will wait til' Monday) I started drawing. We had a neat little store in the town I grew up in that had a Five and Dime store with wood floors, high ceilings, and isles filled with goodies. Oh, to visit that store to see all the treasures. What we now call Vintage Halloween....could be found there along with costumes for the upcoming Halloween night. We didn't have a big department store at the time but we enjoyed this store along with the malt shoppe and pharmacy next door.

I think Mom must have enjoyed the Halloween fun as much as we did. She always found the most interesting, scary masks. We might be in the kitchen late at night doing the dishes and look out the window and there she was with that mask on...talk about your heart racing, screaming, and running for your life!

I have to admit Fall is my favorite time of the year. We sometimes have our church family over for hayrides, games, lots of food, and a campfire. Guitars, fiddles, and banjo's finish of the evening with a sing~a~long around the campfire! OOOOh I can hardly wait for Fall to come again!

Check back soon and I'll post a picture of Jenn's Needle Punch that started this little booklet. If your interested in our booklet just click on the link and it will take you to our Lemon Poppy seed pattern shop! The booklet sells for 9.99 and has 10 line drawing patterns and we ship for free!

Primitives By The Light Of The Moon Patterns

Happy Trails....Ginger

~*June*~ A month of Plenty

It's hard to believe we are already into June. The dog days of summer are here on the plains of Oklahoma with soaring temps into the 90's. Oh to be a kid again and run barefoot and play in the pool. It seems like work lurks around every corner.
Living on a farm brings work from every direction. Fences always need mending, cattle need worked, gardens need weeded and eventually hay will need to be cut.
June brings many birthday celebrations...my kid sister "Jane" will celebrate a birthday and a wedding anniv. Her hubby "Brian" also has a birthday. My nephew John hits a milestone and turns 15. Soon he will be asking for the car keys! My brother~in~law "Dennis" also has a birthday. Of course Father's Day will soon be here. It sure to be a busy month.

I did find a little time to make a penny rug or two and finish up a few needle punch pieces. Hope each of you find a little time to enjoy some quality time with family, friends, and a few of the things you enjoy!

Happy Trails....Ginger

~Primitive Pinkeeps made by the Light of the Moon~

I have finally been back to doing a few stitches...Of course most are made late into the night and wee hours of the mornings. Here is a few of the pinkeeps that I have finished. I should have a large penny rug done by tomorrow and I hope to get to that big old stack of needle punch pieces begging to be finished.




We have no big plans for Memorial Day weekend just a relaxing weekend at home! Yeah right, the yard needs mowed, more weeding, and some planting in the garden just to name a few.



Our 7 1/2 month old grandson "Sloan" has been crawling for about 10 days now. He has decided that crawling isn't near enough so he has ventured into standing and with one hand. His mom found out he can also climb. He climbed up his little chair onto their couch. It looks like I better add baby proofing our home on the list for this weekend also. Hope each of you have a safe and happy weekend....

Happy Trails...Ginger