Well Howdy Sugar Pie! How is your summer going so far? I hope you’re enjoying the warm weather! Boy, after such a harsh winter here, I sure am! As usual, here in the Ozark hills of Branson, Missouri, the views are absolutely breathtaking! This is my backyard view. That little red roof barn over on the left makes me so happy along with the sounds of roosters crowing in the distance. I love the fluffy clouds that fill the sky like generous dollops of meringue on a pie! :D
We’ve had lots of summer storms bringing lots of rain, which is a good thing because it fills up our well that we depend on for water. But I have to say that I’ve been yearning for some bright blue skies and sunshine. Happily we headed out West for a wee little vacation where there was sunshine a-plenty!
Just before we left, I got busy, trying to be a Farmgirl, in my garden. My daughter Summer and I planted pumpkin, corn and sunflower seeds. I love wearing my vintage Granny apron!
I watched a Youtube video on planting pumpkin seeds in round mounds. So I thought I’d give it a try. I planted seeds in 4 little hills and carved a mote around them to fill with water to saturate the roots once sprouted.
My daughter, Summer Rose, was a part of FFA (Future Farmer’s of America) in her Agriculture Structures class this past year in 9th grade. It was her favorite class! She was happy to help me plant our pumpkin and corn patch…I’m hoping it will spark her inner farmgirly-ness! She’s not into the farmgirl thing as much as I am, but ya never know! She might end up marrying a farmer one of these days! Can I get a YEE HAW?!! Heehee!
I can’t believe my baby girl is going to be 16 in August! What???? She is such a joy! I’m so proud of her! Her heart belongs to Jesus, she’s funny, caring, helpful, compassionate, adorable, is a great little cook and makes straight A’s…something I never did!
In my horse-trough planter I’ve got my tomatoes growing again. My little salad garden is just outside my kitchen door.
My big green tomatoes remind me of one of my favorite movies Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe.
Charming Photo source: The Style Box
Crispy, fried, green tomatoes, served hot out of the frying pan are a Southern Thang! They sure are yummy, especially with a fruit jar filled with ice-cold sweet tea! That’s a whole lotta special right there! The photo above was taken at the actual Whistle Stop Cafe in Juliette, Georgia…y’all!
Cherry tomatoes are my favorite! Especially warmed by the sun!
I’ve got apples on my trees!
When we got back from our trip I was thrilled to see my corn stalks sprouting!
But then a few days later, this is what I found. My corn sprouts were nibbled on! And so were my sunflower sprouts! I think I know who the culprit is! It’s a fat and sassy groundhog that lives nearby. Oh good gravy! It’s a good thing I’m not depending on my harvest to sustain my family! Anyone got any ideas on how to get rid of this critter? Everyone in these parts tell me the only answer is to use a 22 Rifle. I don’t have one of those. For now I’m going to make a scarecrow. (Or should I call it a scare-groundhog? Heehee!) I found a great pair of faded, farmers overalls at a flea market and a flannel shirt and plan to stuff it soon. Once I stand it in my garden I’ll hang some pie pans from twine to create movement, clanking noises and reflect the light, to hopefully, scare that varmint away! At the very least it will look cute in my pumpkin patch! :D
Fortunately, it has not touched my pumpkin plants…yet!
Well, I’ve not only been busy as a bee trying to be a farmgirl, I’ve also been having fun gussying up my wee little shop at Spring Creek Tea Room & Antique Mall in Ozark, Missouri!
I brought out the flags and bunting in honor of Independence Day. My flicker timer candles are a big seller and create a cozy glow. Yummy candles like Lemon Drop Cookie, Vintage Lilac, and Snickerdoodle make your mouth water. Lanterns, a milk-cow creamer, and chippy white enamel pans, all add to the “farmy” feeling.
You know I have to sell chalkboards! I love ’em so much I wanna marry ’em! Fruit-jar Sippy Cups, a slice of watermelon, and a piggy BBQ sign, all seem to shout “Hooray for Summertime!”
I’ve been asked several times about selling my things online. Hopefully some day I’ll be able to. I would need some help to do that. Right now, it’s just me trying to juggle everything. But it’s something I would love to do!
Well, the 4th of July is just around the corner so I thought I’d share with you my most favorite veggie dip!
It’s just 6 ingredients…things that you probably already have on hand!
You just mix them all together…
Pour the mixture into a cute bowl (mine is vintage, Hobnail, Milk-Glass)
and chill for a few hours or make it the day before.
Wash and chop a variety of “dipping veggies”…broccoli, carrots, celery, cauliflower, bell peppers, cucumbers etc.
I like to put a tea towel under my cutting board to keep it from slipping or wobbling. I love my Aunt Martha’s Tea Towels, there so homey and farmy! They come in different colors…my favorite are the BLUE and the RED striped!
Summer loves this dip so much she just couldn’t wait for me to finish my photo shoot! It’s a great way to get your kids to eat their veggies!
Click here to get the recipe! It’s the perfect dip for your 4th of July celebration and for all seasons!
Any day now, my eBooks, Watermelon & Fireflies and Pumpkin Pickin’ & Hayrides will be available to purchase year-round in my New General Store! I’ll be adding more videos too soon! Click here to go to the General Store!
I want to thank all of you, my dear Sugar Pie’s, for purchasing the first, of many, Sweet Home Revival Homemaking Video Series! Your glowing feedback truly warmed my heart. I pray that it was a blessing to you! Your support will help me keep my blog up and running so I can continue to bring you farm-fresh decorating ideas, recipes, helpful hints and all things homemaking to encourage and bless you!
Well, darlin’ thank you so much for stopping by! I always love to hear from you! If you have any gardening tips… (or ideas about getting rid of groundhogs! Hee Hee!) I sure would love to hear! But mostly, it just warms my heart to know that you took the time to read this and say howdy! Have a wonderful 4th of July!
Sending you love and hugs!
God Bless your darin’ heart!
Aunt Ruthie
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Oh my goodness that looks yummy! I can’t wait to try it out! Thank you for sharing!! I hope you and your family have a wonderful 4th of July!!!
That dip looks so yummy! Thank you for sharing the recipe! I love your posts so much, Aunt Ruthie…they are always so cheerful and homey. :-)
God bless,
Shannon
Hi friend! Love your latest post. I was glad you included photos of your shop. I’ve been wanting to see it but haven’t made it by quite yet. It looks as darling as ev-ah!
Aunt Ruthie,
What a great post! I hope you can take care of you critter problem. I can’t believe how much Summer has grown :)
I was wondering where you purchased the pig by the vintage scale, or if you are selling it. I would appreciate if you could let me know :)
Thank you and God bless!
Sharon
Thanks for sharing love all the photo’s. Good luck on your garden and getting rid of the groundhog. We had a family of them they ate all of my tomatoes. My husband had to get the pellet gun after the papa he thought he just nicked him as he ran under the shed where the rest of his family was. Well a few days later there he was half under the shed and halfway in my flower garden Dead as a door nail. Well mama and the kids packed up and moved out after the death of papa. We haven’t seen any since that’s been two years ago.Sad but you may have to get the gun out.Good luck.
Hi Aunt Ruthie!
Your little garden is so cute! I’m sorry that Mr. Groundhog has helped himself to your plants. Have you heard of Groundhog repellent spray? You can buy it online- I haven’t tried it yet, but it seems to have pretty good reviews. http://www.imustgarden.com/groundhog-repellent-32oz-spray Maybe you could give that a try.
Hopefully you’re able to frighten the critter away!
The veggie dip sure looks yummy. I may have to give that a try- my parents are coming out for a visit this weekend and everybody likes veggies and dip! :)
I look forward to your new videos!
Have a wonderful day and God bless you and your family!
Mandy
Hi Ruthie,
I can’t tell you how I would love to buy both your video’s one one home making and one on Laundry making but I have a computer virus and will have to wait till I get that dern thing kicked off my computer. I’d love to wack that dern virus and whoever created it likethe game “wack a mole” LOL! But till then I will continue to read your ever encouraging blog, that brightens my day! God bless you for sharing your heart!
Cathy
Beautiful ideas, lovely pictures, love the recipe! Your daughter, Summer is as cute as a pea in a pod, and God bless you both for your gardening and homemaking and sharing!!
Hi Ruthie, I’ve been reading your blog for ages, love it and all your pretty ideas:>) That groundhog will eat your garden tot he ground! If you can get (or borrow) a large live trap you can trap that bad boy and relocate him in a wooded area far far away. Or maybe (gulp) get a neighbor to , ahem, shoot it for you once it’s trapped? They really are destructive creatures. If you don’t get rid of it you may as well plow that garden under and put it back to lawn because they love those tender new plants more than anything!
We have tried everything to get rid of those destructive groundhogs. Repellents, traps, ammonia, filling in the holes, you name it. Everyone tells me the only thing that works is the gun. It makes me sad to say this but they can ruin the foundation of the house and barn where they like to burrow. I love your blog and your heart.
Your veggie dip sounds yummy. It is one of our favorites for dipping veggies and it is one way to get our grandsons to eat veggies. You could have a deer eating in your garden instead of your pest like we do. Fresh vegetables no matter how many you get always taste great this time of the year. Cookouts and fireworks will be the specialty of the week. I always enjoy reading your blog and seeing the pictures. We use to come to your hills twice a year in the Spring and Fall with all of the changing of the color.. That changed when my hubby fell shattering the socket in his hip. Have a wonderful day. I hope you will share some pictures of your trip. Hugs and Prayers from your NW Missouri Friend.
Hi, Aunt Ruthie! My friend told me about your website and this is the first time I’ve had the chance to browse through it. I’m planning on making your delicious-looking veggie dip. I’m an old-fashioned apron-wearer myself, and even though I’ve only looked at your site for a few minutes, I see lots of interests we seem to have in common. You and your daughter are both adorable! Thanks for the great recipe! I’m sure everyone will enjoy it on the Fourth of July!
Love you posts. I just want to suggest getting a few barn cats(outdoor and partially wild). When I have cats I few problems snakes, moles, lizards all kept to a minimum. If I don’t have cats I’m over run with other kinds of critters. In the last several months my cats have left me gifts of dead moles, tree lizards, geckos, one dead copperhead, birds and unfortunately one dead cottontail and mice of course.
Summer is beautiful and I know you hate to let her grow up. Lol
We have quite a few varmits that love our garden here in Western North Carolina. We have had the most success with a live trap baited with a Little Debbie honey bun. I laughed when my husband first came home and told me his co-worker’s suggestion of a honey bun. We had tried all sorts of bait, even sardines for raccoons with no luck. We caught groundhogs, possums, and raccoons with the honey buns then relocated them up on the mountain away from houses.
Aunt Ruthie, it all looks FABULOUS! And have I got some grand news for you: if you love the movie ‘Fried Green Tomatoes’ you will ADORE Fannie Flagg’s other book that shoulda been a movie by now too! The name of the book is “I Can’t Wait to Get to Heaven’ and I promise you will love it so much you’ll wanna marry it!!! I just want to say ‘thank you for being YOU’!!!
Hi Aunt Ruthie I absolutely love your website. Your posts are so beautiful and helpful I live on a farm in North Carolina and have my hands quite full. Between the animals and the garden and the kids my time just flies by everyday. I sit and read your blog at night and I so enjoy it. Thanks for all you do
That dip looks so yummy, no wonder your Sweet Summer Rose loves it! Have a blessed summer! Ta-Wanda!!!
Thank you for the yummy dip recipe and for sure I have all those things on hand. There is even volunteer dill in the garden right now so I could make it really fresh! So sad about your critter problem–what came to mind was the motion-activated sprinklers that people use for deer. Do have a look at them online to see if they might also work for smaller varmints.
Your baby girl is growing into a lovely young woman. Time does fly by too quickly so I know you are storing up all the joyful memories as they happen.
Have a lovely 4th!
Molly
You have been mighty busy farm girl! :-)
Your lovely daughter is the spittin image of her momma. Love your blog.
Thank you for the sweet post on this way yummy veggie dip. I just love your quality posts. I know you put a lot of effort into your blog. :-).
Thanks so much for another delightful post. Your daughter is sure growing up fast. So happy to see you both working in the garden together. That is soch a blessing to see. God bless your entire family. — Betty G. in TN
Can’t wait to try the dip! I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your video series so far, I can not wait for the fall ones. My daughter in Montana purchased the videos too. We are always talking about you in our phone chats. Have a wonderful rest of your summer, i’ll be anxiously awaiting for the fall videos.
Elizabeth (Loagan Ranch)
Did I miss something…what is the measurements of how much to use to make the dip?
I was just going through this month’s Rural Missouri co-op news and there you were in the Neighbors section under “Mom on a Mission”!! I’m a Calif transplant myself but up north in the KC area of Missouri and love our country life, too! I started following your blog last winter and look forward each month to see what you’ve been up to. By the way, we have a ground hog taking up residence out back too this year and I’m guarding my melon plants. Hopefully he’ll either just be happy with clover or move on cuz the only remedy I’ve been told is a 22, too and I just don’t have the heart!
I was just in Ozark and Branson this past weekend and was wishing I knew where your shop was (didn’t realize it was Ozark instead of Branson). I will have to write this down for when we go the next time (usually a few times a year). Thanks for the recipe! I will be using that on the 4th this year. Happy Independence, y’all!
Hi, Aunt Ruthie! My goodness, you and Summer Rose have sure been busy – and lookin’ cute in your pretty boots! So sorry about your critter problem – my flowers were mostly killed by a neighbor’s spraying something too close, so I sure sympathize! Hope you can find a happy solution! Veggie dip looks yummy – will have to try it! :)
Hello Sweet Lady mam,
I really love all your ideas and am thankful for what I have as a backyard farmer. I have gophers from the wrong side of town that is destroying my garden. I’m trying to flood them out, so I get the prairie dog thing. God is so good.
Happy 4th of July aunt Ruthie! <3
I have been subscribed to your posts for a very long time, however, I have not received any new posts in several months. I have tried to re-sign up but it just says I have already signed up for posts. Love your blog and I hate missing any of your posts. What can I do?
Hi Aunt Ruthie. I’ve enjoyed your blog for a long time now and I just want to let you know how much reading it makes my heart smile. Bless you!
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