Blogs
February 15, 2013 | Betsy's Backyard
This was a week of surprising news on many fronts (the Pope retires!), but in Iowa, where wrestling is king, the news that wrestling may be dropped from the Olympics got the most attention. The Iowa high school wrestling state tournament is going on...see all
February 14, 2013 | Betsy's Backyard
This poor guy isn't too happy, but he's going to be fine. Bob surgically removed three "stuffing-free dog toys" out of his stomach this week. Those toys are popular right now, and no less dangerous than letting dogs chew any old stuffed animal. The...see all
February 12, 2013 | Betsy's Backyard
This is the view from the end of our lane. (That vet truck needs a wash!) The retirement home is expanding, and the YMCA in the distance is only months from its grand opening. Our 36-acre farm will have many more eyes on it. We bought seven sets of...see all
February 11, 2013 | Betsy's Backyard
This time last year we had this cute set of quads on the ground. However, their caretaker -- Caroline -- went off to college, so all the goats were sold after the county fair. I miss them, but Bob does not. Goats jump over every fence.
We still...see all
February 7, 2013 | Betsy's Backyard
I am planning projects for our acreage this spring. 2012 was the Year of the Front Porch. After 100 years, the brick was cracked, the floor rotted, and the concrete steps crumbling. We found several local craftsmen to do the work, selected brick (I...see all
February 6, 2013 | Betsy's Backyard
The end of Saturday mail service has Living the Country Life readers stirred up. What do you think? Join the discussion here.
Most people are just glad to not receive bills in their mailbox on Saturday.
I don't mind, IF they keep our post office...see all
February 4, 2013 | Betsy's Backyard
The highlight of the Super Bowl for many people in rural America, based on my Facebook and Twitter feeds, was not who won the game, but the two-minute commercial by Ram Trucks "God Made a Farmer" in the second half. You can watch it here.
Speaking...see all
February 1, 2013 | Betsy's Backyard
I attended Ag Connect Expo this week in Kansas City. My favorite session was by Cheryl Mohn, founder of Udder Tech in Lakeville, Minnesota. Cheryl was milking full-time on the family dairy operation when she dreamed up a product to shave 20 minutes...see all
January 28, 2013 | Betsy's Backyard
Many of you have read about my Uncle David, Dad's younger brother, who had schizophrenia. I have shared parts of my grandmother's journals detailing his suffering.
David died on Saturday in Pennsylvania from heart failure. He was 72. For the past...see all
January 28, 2013 | Lisa's Kitchen
When you try a recipe from our sister site, Better Homes and Gardens, you KNOW it's going to be good! I have had the pleasure of visiting the BHG Test Kitchen on several occasions, and I am telling you, the folks who work there know what they're...see all