Lifestyles

"Country view" asks you to address subjects on which you are the experts. This month you share your favorite holiday traditions.

When the sap is running, this Minnesota couple runs with the sap.

On the Hemmer farm, gorgeous gardens and abundant animals coexist in a family setting.

A second career in art sculpting proves profitable for former farmer.

Betsy Freese visited the Iowa State Fair this summer and took some fun photos. Take a look!

Volunteer with 4-H, and you'll help guide and counsel our country's future citizens and leaders.

The science of agrometeorology has become a very helpful Internet tool, often with real-time data to help producers plan around the weather.

Small towns all across America are celebrating the Fourth of July with parades. Do you know the proper flag etiquette? Here are some reminders.

If your grandparents farmed, chances are they got a brand new copy of the Old Farmer's Almanac each year.

Instead of scanning your property for the next chore, cast a creative eye on it. You might be surprised at how many craft materials are in your backyard.

The concept of outdoor kitchens and living rooms is growing, and that means a need for stylish and comfortable weather-tough furniture.

There's a new patio table out this year that grows its own shade and will even water itself.

You may have recently received a 2007 Ag Census form in the mail. Here's what that means.

Farmer's markets are a great way for city residents and non-gardeners to get fresh produce straight from the grower. For acreage owners, this can mean extra income.

It's a good idea for every household to have an emergency kit in case of a natural disaster or other emergency. But when you live in the country, it really is a necessity.

Someday, organisms called cyanobacteria -- which can be converted into biodiesel when exposed to the sun -- may be fueling our vehicles.

We've got answers to ten commonly asked questions on rural living, ranging from nuisance wildlife to renting cropland.

Keeping track of the weather is important when you live in the country, far from the storm sirens in town.

There's no better place for kids to grow up than in the country, but along with all the benefits come some very real dangers.

While a handshake between hunter and landowner may once have been sufficient, today it's a good idea to have hunters sign a legal agreement.

There's nothing quite like a live auction. You'll find stuff you didn't know you wanted and have a blast bidding on it.

If you're concerned about rising oil and gas prices, consider collecting firewood to keep your house warm this winter.

Different kinds of firewood burn differently, and no matter what kind of wood you use, it has to be properly dried.

During the holiday season, mantles, stairways and front doors are festively decorated with holly, mistletoe and fresh evergreens. Each of these types of greenery has its roots in history.

Although living the country life has many perks, building a sense of community can sometimes be difficult for the rural homeowner. When you're physically separated from your neighbors, it's often necessary to make an extra effort to encourage communication. The country wave, perhaps accompanied by a friendly smile, is one way to accomplish this.

Holiday Gift Guide Links

The holiday season has officially arrived, and it doesn't get any better than a country Christmas. Use these links along with our Holiday Gift Guide to view each product's Web page.

• 2009 Holiday Gift Guide slideshow 1
• 2009 Holiday Gift Guide slideshow 2
• 2008 Holiday Gift Guide Links
• 2008 Holiday Gift Guide slideshow

All Around the Homestead

• Ideas for a versatile trellis, tool storage and more.
• Ideas for gardening, clotheslines and more!
• Ideas for a rolling gate, chain saw protection and more!
• Ideas for cleaner floors, dealing with rodents and more!
• Ideas for an attactive gate, moving chickens, and more!

Agritourism

• Agritourism insurance
• Agritourism safety

Being a good neighbor

• Being a good neighbor: Dealing with farm spray
• Being a good neighbor: Dealing with farm smells

Country View

• Country view: Summer fun
• Country view: Acreage blunders
• Country view: Ponds
• Country view: Good fences
• Country view: Winter weather
• Country view: Wild things
• Country view: Neighbors
• Country view: Best pets

Country View: Audio stories

• Country View: Camrose Hill Farm
• Country View: Thistle Cove Farm
• Country View: Heritage Farm
• Country View: Nashville Star's Shawn Mayer
• Country View: Dave Buchanan -- Acres of Nature
• Country View: Hurricane dog
• Country View: Ugly gardening
• Country View: Butterfly farm
• Country View: Belted Galloway cattle
• Country View: Land for trails

Country view slideshows

• Country view: Wild things
• Country view: Neighbors
• Country view: Best pets

Betsy's best

• Betsy's life: Acreage 'blunders'
• Betsy's life: Balancing work, family and the acreage
• Betsy's advice: Gardening in the shade
• Betsy's advice: Soil problems
• Betsy's advice: Answering reader mail
• Betsy's advice: Dogs, lawns and compost
• Betsy's advice: Answering reader mail
• Besty's reflections: Fourth of July fireworks
• Betsy's reflections: Pop-Pop's turkey farm
• Betsy's reflections: Living in the country list

From my place to yours

Living the Country Life editor Betsy Freese shares snapshots from her country home. She talks about her family, their many animals, and projects around her acreage.

• My favorite pond
• Making hay, and a little profit too!
• Planning for spring planting
• Waiting eagerly for spring
• Fencing and wood chippers
• Hacking down my hackberry
• Rebuilding a beautiful, functional barn
• The family values of chores
• Controlling wildlife
• New at raising chickens

So you're living the country life

Brent Olson has lived in the country his whole life, and he manages to find the humor and enjoyment of the lifestyle, even in his native Minnesota winters. Well, maybe not those.

• Getting ready for the long, cold winter
• Tidying up for fall
• Knowing when to quit and enjoy summer
• Your place is a work in progress
• Getting ready for graduation
• Excuse the mess; we're remodeling