The Good, The Bad and The Ugly...And A Giveaway

And....not necessarily in that order.

First, the ugly:

#1
O'Malley has a rip roaring case of conjunctivitis.
Her eye is closed in this picture...but believe me, if it were open...
it would definitely be a stink-eye!


#2
Our grapes are dying on the vine...
drying up and rotting before ripening.
Heartbreaking.
I surmise it is due to the fact that we have had such wet, cool weather.


The bad:

#1
Hubbs spent a few days rebuilding the platform for our platform tent that was demolished
this winter by a heavy storm,
only to find that the tent, which we had kept in storage...
was riddled with holes made by a very fat little mouse family.

#2
Oakley has a rip roaring ear infection.
Ear swollen shut.
I am guessing a result of the frequent baths he received post skunking.


#3
It is impossible to get grass to grow with hungry guinea fowl around!


The good:

#1
The flowers are loving the weather that is killing the grapes.
Everything looks lovely!


#2
Our entire new family of ducks remains.
One week has passed with no fox attacks!


#3
Our 3 bee hives are all doing well.
I am holding my breath that they will make it through the winter...
giving us a honey harvest next year.


#4
Annie has learned to respect the farm animals...
and has become the perfect farm dog.



One thing that life on the farm has taught me...
you absolutely have to be able to take the bad with the good.
The way I see it is... the bad makes the good all the sweeter.

I think it is part of the balance of life.
We cannot have all good, or all bad...
achieving a balance between the two might be the best goal.

And now....
I have had much success in selling my bracelets, so I thought it was time to gift one.


I am also going to include a couple more items from the farm...
some honey from our bees and a big bulb of organic garlic that was just harvested.


Daphne and Chloe will pick a winner on Friday
 and I will post the winner on Saturday.


I must confess, however, that I have a request in return...
please just leave me a quick message, email, or comment with your first name
and where you are from, and how long you have been reading my blog.

(If you are reading this on Facebook and do not want to comment....
could you just "like" the post so I can see how many readers are reached?)

I am trying to figure out how many people read my blog and this will help tremendously!
Thanks!

Comments

Dixie said…
Dixie-Bridgewater, VA-reading 1 year and loving it! Thanks!
daisy g said…
Yes, we must take the bad with the good in life as well as on the farm. The good news is really good! Go, Annie!

I'm daisy and I have been reading for a while now. Fell in love with your neat-n-tidy farm and have pinned you more times than I can count. We currently live in Central Florida, but are moving toward a more rural property as soon as we sell our home and your farm is one of my inspirations. Thanks for the chance to win one of your gorgeous bracelets and the homegrown goodies!
Unknown said…
Stephane from Colorado and I've been reading your blog for several years now
Tuesday said…
My name is Tuesday. I live on the Nature Coast of Florida, and I have been reading your blog - nearly every weekday morning with my coffee - for almost 2 years.

I think with all things there is good and bad and you end up with balance.
ligirlva said…
Carolyn - Fairfax VA, I LOVE reading your blog which I discovered in May of this year. I especially love reading the antics of all your the animals.
Anonymous said…
Hello,
I have been visiting daily your blog since 2012 and I love it.
My best reading is when you tell us about your pets and I always think of your home as a spot of paradise on earth.
Maria from Switzerland
Cindy said…
I'm Cindy from Indiana and I have been reading for several years. I can't remember when I started:) Thanks for the giveaway!
Gone Country said…
I'm so happy that the ducks have been safe thus far and are doing good.

Ah, the poor animals with ailments, but, I know they are in good hands :).

And the grapes? I would've thought they would've thrived in a cooler, wetter environment. Go figure. Maybe they're diseased? Strange.

What a thoughtful giveaway. Love all the goodies! I have been a reader for several years now. I also see your posts on FB and many times will access your blog from there. I'm crossing my fingers that Chloe will grab my name :)!
tpals said…
I'm Jennifer and I'm afraid I don't know how long I've been reading. It's really confusing because I went back and read many of your early posts.
Gosh, it's been so long I don't remember!! I read your blog first thing in the morning on week days. Love it!
Sherry Wrublesky, Adairsville, GA
Anonymous said…
I have been following your blog for almost a year and enjoy reading all about your animals. I am in love with the Daphne and Chloe and am more than a little jealous of you and your lovely farm life - the good and the bad. Your bracelets are fabulous and look to be very well made and would be honored to wear one. from Ranee in Minnesota
Kathy said…
Kathy from St. Paul, Minnesota. I've been reading your blog about a year now, I'm guessing. I found you from another blog....I've forgotten who it was but I think it was 7MSN.
Kathy said…
Hi Bev, Kathy here from New Kensington, Pa. I have been looking forward to reading you every morning for over 2 years. And just recently I discovered your previous sewing blog! Even though I own and love one of your bracelets, I could never pass up the opportunity to own another! Thank you for the generous give-away!
Barbara Beach said…
Hello! My name is Barbara and I'm a California city-girl. I'm guessing I have been reading your blog for at least 2 years and very much enjoy your love and passion for your world. Continued blessings to you.
Anonymous said…
Hello, I am TerriC from Tidewater Virginia and I have been reading your blog for about 3 years. It's been fun following you and the farm's adventures and bittersweet when things happen like dear Edith and sweet Hickory leaving. I want chickens and my city has just started allowing them soooooo..........I might be going that route soon!
Anke said…
Good morning Bev. I'm sorry some of your furry babies are having health issues, hopefully they'll all be better soon. I'm not sure how long I've been reading your blog, but I know it's been years. You know I live in Alabama, but was born and raised in Germany. :-) Hope your week will only be filled with good things! Anke
Anonymous said…
Good Morning. Barb from near Valley Forge, PA. LOVE your blog and have been reading it for about three years. It is the first think I read in the morning and look forward to it every day.
Dar said…
Hello! Darlene from central Mississippi. I have been having coffee with you weekdays for several years. Your pictures and writing style are so very enjoyable. I love all the bracelets!
Shoot, I believe I have been reading for 2 1/2-3 years? I get what you mean about the wet wiping out some crops. Same is happening here. Name & place is in my username :)
Hi Bev. I live in California and have no idea how long I've been reading....I know it was before Tyler was born, or just shortly after. I love the bracelets and I just know your honey is awesome. Thanks!
Anonymous said…
Julia from Houston here. I can't remember how long I have been reading. At least one full cycle of the seasons, maybe two. I found you on 7MSN and still get to you from there every morning. Thanks for sharing your farm life with us in all its ups and downs.
Northern AB gal said…
Love your blog and have been following for a couple of years now, came via The 7MSN Ranch blog.
Not sure if Canadian readers are included in your give-away, but if they are, would love to have one of your bracelets. I live in northern Alberta, Canada.
Candice said…
Bev, I've been reading your blog for awhile (2 years?) but, like Jennifer, have gone back and read earlier posts to get to learn more about you, your family (furry and not-so-furry) and your lovely farm. I love everything about your life at Bee Haven Acres as you so beautifully share it with us on this blog. I hope to be able to purchase some of these goodies you're offering come Sept. ;)
Candice in Austin, TX
Sarah C. said…
I have been following your blog loosely for about a year and more intensely for about 6 months. I eagerly follow your gardening tips ( definitely having a separate pumpkin patch next year) and love to hear your progress on the blueberry venture (gathering steps for one of my own down the line perhaps). It's also always nice to spend a few minutes with the girls. :)
Anonymous said…
Hi, my name is Donna and I am from Felton, DE. I have been reading your post for 2 years, but it seems like longer since I also enjoy the older posts that I missed in prior years. My co-worker and I always say "Did you read the post today? Hurry and read it!" I have a great love for donkeys and so enjoy seeing the interaction they have with you. My goal is to one day owning a couple. You are very talented, and I would love to own one of your give-away bracelets! Come on Chloe!!!!!!
Suzan said…
Hey Bev,
Suzan from Marietta (almost Atlanta), Ga. I've been visiting you on your blog for a couple of years now. I bought one of your aprons for my niece for a bridal shower. And I've commented several times on your old log spring house. Love the fact that you have a farm that is no kill!! You are very Blessed to have so much space!!
Amy said…
I have been reading your blog daily for 3-4 yrs now.....I love animals and your pics are great!!! Thanks for sharing the farm life with us. I am in Richmond, VA.
Janice Rehmeyer said…
Bev, Your flowers are just beautiful. Getting rain here today. Loving it. Wanted to enter your contest. Have a great day. Janice
dustbunny8 said…
Hi, a lurker here.I have been reading about a year and love your blog.Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful animals and home with us.
Lynne said…
I am Lynne from Michigan and I have been following you for two years of more.
Nice giveaway . . . I like the honey and garlic too.
I wore my bracelet yesterday . . . and was asked, "where did you get that cool bracelet!"
Lynne said…
OR instead of OF . . .
Anonymous said…
Your blog is the first thing I read in the morning with my coffee...in fact I feel lost on the weekend without it...I probably have been reading it for a couple of years now since I discovered it but have gone back on old posts to update where you've been til now...I don't comment because I don't have a blog and didn't know if I could in fact do so...but got to tell you, I so enjoy yours...
Bee Haven Bev said…
Thanks...can I have your first name and where you are from? I will enter you in the drawing!
colleen said…
Good Morning. Colleen,from Maine, here. Not sure how long I've been reading and enjoying your blog as my "morning newspaper" but I can say that I will be following as long as you keep writing and I can read. :) Your bad is bad and your good is good...like you say I think they balance each other out. Giveaway?!?! Sounds like fun!!
Tee said…
I live in rural southern Minnesota. I have been reading for less than a year. I love every photo, every animal, every wag of the dogs' tails. I travel for work too much to have animals, so I live through your blog.
marina said…
My name is Marina and I live in SW Michigan. I've been reading your blog for over two years, every day! I long to have a little farm someday. I have a 4 mo old son and would love for him to grow up around animals. Your kale chips from the other day looked delicious. I never thought of putting maple on them. My husband evaporates maple syrup every year, so we are always stocked with it.
Kendalle said…
I live in Millerstown and I found your blog after your Medical Mission trip to Haiti and have been reading ever since. Like others I enjoy your blog every morning, it's a great way to start my day. I admit, I sometimes wonder if you think me a stalker. LOL Thank you for your daily posts! I really enjoy your writing and sense of humor! All the best to everyone at Bee Haven! Kendalle
Oma Linda, I live in New Mexico and have been reading your blog for a little over 2 years. I'm such an animal lover and envy your beautiful rural life and enjoy your sense of order and life.
Anonymous said…
Good Morning! I have been reading your blog for about a year now. Thanks for starting my day with a smile!

Cheryl -- Oklahoma
Cassie said…
My name is Cassie, I live in western New York, I have been reading for about a year and find your blog very interesting, informational, not to mention entertaining. I love to see all the animals looking so happy.
Anonymous said…
Good morning. I have been reading your blog the first thing every morning for about 3 yrs .I love your stories about the farm and your animals.Your humor and pictures are wonderful. Thanks for sharing the farm life with us. Rhonda from San Jose, CA
Anonymous said…
Hi my name is Allison and I live in Massachusetts. I have been reading your blog for 2 yrs. and I look forward to reading about your animals and what they are up to and I love your pictures of them. You have a beautiful farm and home. I like your bracelets very much and would love to win one of them. I love honey and garlic too : ).
Liz said…
Hello from Liz in Minnesota. I have been reading your blog for over a year and loving every entry. I enjoy hearing about the animals and wishing I had a green thumb like yours every time I see your garden and lovely flowers. And now seeing your talent at making jewelry makes me green with envy!! You are such a talented gal.
Unknown said…
Hi! I read this blog daily and have been doing so for over a year now. Love your farm!!
Grandma Zee said…
Grandma Zee from Utah. That is really my name ! Love your blog, have been reading it for a couple of years. I have a half acre and love my yard. Have chickens and a large garden. Planning a greenhouse to be built this fall. Enjoy the antics of all your animal friends.
Anonymous said…
Hi, I'm Donna from PA. I have been reading your post every morning while eating my breakfast, I enjoy all the farm tales and really enjoy the photos you put on. I have been following this post for about 3 years, it's the next best thing to be there.....thanks for the daily boost!!! Love the jewelry too by the way, and your knitting projects.
jaz@octoberfarm said…
i always wonder how many people read my blog too. sorry about your grapes. i didn't even get any on my vines this year and i am not sure why. when did i start reading your blog....hmmmm...i have no idea! maybe 3 years ago? you know i read it every day though!
Anonymous said…
I am Marcia [Mar-see-ah] in Canon City, CO and I'm not sure just how long I've been reading your blog, but it's been a few years now and was so glad to see you are on FB, too! I have told you a few times how clean and pristine your farm is ... just so beautiful!! I look forward to my visits every morning and miss you on the weekends! :o)
Junebug said…
Good Morning, June from Oregon with my cup of coffee and my morning read. Let's see, huuum, I started my blog in 2010 and I had been reading yours for sometime before that. So, so true on the farm but also in life. You have to take the good, bad & the ugly. Enjoy your day, love your bracelets, Hugs!!
Cherity said…
Cherity, from Central Illinois. I think I've been reading for about four or five months. I love it.
Pam said…
Bev you have been inspiring me for about 2 yrs. I have 4 goats, 6 chickens and 1 great dog in Gold Hill, Oregon.
Anonymous said…
Hi Bev, My name is Kathy. I'm from Phoenix, AZ (formerly Pittsburgh, PA), and I've been reading your blog about 2 years. Yours is the blog that starts my day as the country, animals, and organic gardening/farming represent such harmony for me and obviously for so many others--not the awful news of the world (that just makes me sad). Please keep blogging and I'll keep reading :)
I live in Early, IA. Been Reading your blog for three years. I love everything you post :)
Anonymous said…
Hello! Pam from Massachusetts. I came across your site a few years ago when I was doing a search for dwarf goats and I have been reading your blog every morning since. I find it a refreshing and inspiring way to start the day! I feel that I know all of your animals and love to watch your farm pass through the seasonal changes. I was admiring your bracelets the other day and am considering purchasing one so I am excited about the giveaway - awesome having Dafne and Chloe do the picking! (I wasn't sure how to connect to post a reply so chose "anonymous")
Deairdre said…
Hi! I am in The Willamette Valley in Oregon. I have been reading for about a year. I miss having a small farm and am now living vicariously through you (and other's) blogs :)
Patsy from Illinois said…
Patsy here from Marshall, Illinois. I have been reading your blog for at least 4 years, maybe more. Don't think my mind travels back that far! Lol. I am the one who loves the littles so much. I love the dragonfly bracelets. I always think of my late father when I see a dragonfly. I don't live near water but when I am outside, there is a dragonfly that follows me around and I know it is him keeping an eye on me.
Cotton Blossom said…
Hi, I'm Robbin from Georgia. I have been reading daily for many years and enjoy all the tails from the farm!
Anonymous said…
Hi, my name is Anna and I have been reading your blog for maybe a year. I found you from the 7MSN blog. I read you every morning and love every minute of your farm life. Then I go to 7MSN site and love every minute of her life. Thanks for sharing!
Anonymous said…
Bev,
I have been following your blog for about 3 years. I look forward to your updates everyday.
Deb D.
Lewisberry, Pa
Elizabeth said…
From Eastern Iowa! I've been reading off and on for several years!!! So jealous of your farm!
Abby Frances said…
My name is Abby and I live in Eastern NC in a very small town with not much to see or do. We live in a very agriculture rich county but I must confess, not like your farm! We mainly see cows in pastures, chicken and hog houses, and fields full of crops like tobacco, corn or cotton. You have such a beautiful place I get so excited to read it. I've been reading your blog for about a year and a half now and I can say I've learned how to deskunk my dogs and cats, collected many great tips on gardening and how to have fun while doing it all! Thanks for the smiles and laughs!
Anonymous said…
Bev,
I have been following your blog for about 3 years. I look forward to your updates everyday.
Deb D.
Lewisberry, Pa
Anonymous said…
I live in the Atlanta GA area and have been following you daily for at least 4-5 years, don't remember exactly. I love your blog and your life on the farm. When can I move in? I'm not good at gardening, but I'll take care of the animals!!! QueenMarcy
Boni said…
You may get this twice. Bonnie from Hbg. Been reading your blog for a few years now. Love it!!!
T & C's Travels said…
I am in Hardy, VA. Love your blog...and the animals!. I have been reading for about a year.
Anonymous said…
Hi Bev! This is Meghan from San Antonio! My mother and I both read your blog faithfully. We always discuss the wonderfulness that is your farm!
Cris said…
Hiya! I'm Cris, in northwestern Wisconsin. I think I've been reading now for at least a couple of years :) I love your blog, skunky dogs and all. :)
Margy said…
I have been a follower for quite a long time - since your grandson was teeny tiny! And before Ginger and Mary Ann came to stay!!! I love in Northern Kentucky just near Cincinnati, Ohio and not far from Indiana. I love all the animals and seeing your day to day fun (and work) Keep up the blog - I love it! Margy in KY (also a bracelet customer)
Anonymous said…
Love your blog! I have been reading the blog for two-three years. Grew up in Wisconsin but now live in southern Minnesota. Love your garden and especially your fence post project. Also, love your animals and tours of your farm and woods!
Denise from Minnesota
stephanie said…
Hi, Stephanie from Saskatchewan, Canada. I've been reading your blog since about February of this year.

It is hard sometimes to take the ugly on the farm isn't it. I have had a few things just make me cry this year as well. Ok,call me emotional too but one of my gilts lost 4 of her 7 babies shortly after delivery. I was kicking myself afterwards because I was sure she was in labor when I did my nightly checks, but I second guessed myself, thought I would give her a few hours and.....I shouldn't have....I still want to cry thinking about it.
Sarah said…
Sarah Peoria IL and I've been reading your blog for about 6 months.
PJS said…
I'm Pat from Poulsbo, WA. I've been starting my day with coffee and your wonderful blog for many years now.
Mooster said…
My name is Stefanie and I'm from Utah. I haven't been following you long, but yours is one of many blogs I live vicariously through since my family had to sell the farm I grew up on and my husband has horrible animal allergies limiting what furry friends we can have. We currently have a standard poodle and a mini schnauzer, since neither sheds, and two goldfish. Thank you so much for sharing your home, farm, and furry friends. (Sorry if this posts twice, it was being weird)
Diana said…
Diana, Twisp Washington. I've been reading your blog for three years
Anonymous said…
I've been reading your blog every weekday for about two years now. Love it! I live in Mission, British Columbia, Canada.
Lori
Sharon said…
I love your blog and having been reading it everyday for about two years. I live in Mechanicsville, VA. My favorite pictures and stories are about Ginger and Maryann.
Anonymous said…
Life is always lessons in good and bad, isn't it?! I'm Patty and I have been following and enjoying your posts for well over a year now. We moved early this spring from the West Coast to the East Coast in Feb with our 5 pets. Currently fixing up a 230 yr old cape in Nova Scotia that we call The Wreak. : )
This N That said…
I live near you and have been reading your blog since day #1..Love the give away..I guess I'm not eligible ?? Family and all that stuff..Wow that's a bunch of bad but you're lucky that the good balances it out...Blogger tells you how many readers you have each day ! You have a bunch , for sure..Lovin' this rainy day even if I do hurt...See..Good with the bad..Hugs...
Pat said…
Hi Bev, I found your blog a year or so ago and just love it. You are my first read in the morning, a great way to start my day. Love your bracelets and the garlic and honey look yummy. I'm from Hollister California.
Michle said…
Hello I am Michle Machala from Baytown, Texas. Baytown is located in the hot, humid gulf coast of Texas. I have been reading your blog for several years now. You are so lucky to have a vet living next door. My email address is michlemachala@gmail.com
Patricia said…
Good morning from Northern California. I've been reading your blog for quite awhile now; I probably found you from Missy's blog during one of her visits to your farm. Not sure, it could have been your blog first and then through the comments found Missy. Ah well, it doesn't really matter. I still like seeing what you are up to with the animals, the garden, and your sewing etc. Take care, Patricia
Anonymous said…
Yes, Bev...my name is Sharon and I'm from Sault Ste Marie, On, Canada...
Anonymous said…
I live in Washington State and your blog is the first I look for every day. I have been reading your blog for quite some time now. You are so upbeat and the love and respect your animals have for each other and you amazes me. I even send your blog to my friends to brighten their day. Oh and your husband and grandson are jewels. I don't have a website or use Facebook. Thanks for making my day.
Anonymous said…
I'm from Tennessee & have been reading for at least a couple of years. I check it out every day & miss you & animals on the weekends.
Anonymous said…
I have been following you for last two years (at work on my lunch hour). Makes me happy to see the happy farm animals and I admire your industrious nature. I have a hobby farm as well but it looks nothing like your beautiful & pristine homestead. It is something I aspire to.

Erica from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
happyone said…
I've been reading your blog for around 10 months or so. I'm Karen from Garrett County, Maryland.
Love your blog. You live my fantasy world. : )
I'd love to win the giveaway!!!
Thanks for a great blog.
Anonymous said…
Good Afternoon! My name is Steph and our family lives in Fargo, ND. I've been reading your blog for at least a year and enjoy every minute spent on here!
Lee Anna said…
Hi! Lee Anna from Mesa, AZ. I've been enjoying your blog for about a year and a half. Learning about living on a small farm. Thanks!
Unknown said…
Sorry for your woes, glad you have others that are good. I have been following forever! Ha! Don't really remember when I started. Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful farm.

Looking forward to the giveaway, adorable bracelet and honey....yummm.
Anonymous said…
Sandy from Delaware 2+ years. Love it
Anonymous said…
Hello, this is Cindy from Barnesville,Ohio. I am the one that messaged you a while back about our new puppy and what to feed him. Just wanted to say I followed your advice and he loves the Blue Buffalo large breed puppy, and he is doing great. I read you blog every morning and you are a great inspiration to me. Thank you so much. We need more people like you in this world.
Unknown said…
Hi! I'm Tracy from Corvallis, OR. I have been reading your blog for close to 3 years I think- I found it on the sidebar of the Coop Keepers blog. I love your beautiful photos, all of your fun animals, and of course your beautiful spirit that comes through in EVERY post!
rosedel said…
I'm Rose from Delaware. I've been reading for about two years.
JudiB said…
Oh my I will have to check how long I have read your Blog. Years for sure. I am not sure what part of your Blog I love more. Your stories roam into so many aspects of life in the country never mind farm life. Love of animals and respect for the land is what I love about you and your stories. Thank you for sharing Bev. Love the new jewellery line and will have to chat about that sometime. Keep well..Judi.B. Ontario, Canada
Pia said…
I´m Pia from Germany (near Heidelberg). I read your blog during lunchbreak at work for at least one year. I love animals, flowers, good food and always try to see the beautiful small things allong my way.
Thanks for sharing your wonderful photos and stories!
Rebecca said…
I am from Utah and I have been reading your blog for about 3 years. I love hearing all about the farm, gardens and animals! Thank you for sharing this!
Unknown said…
I just started reading your blog over the summer. I live in the Southwest, so I love reading about and seeing your farm. thank you
Meri said…
Meri from WA... Been reading for many years... I have laughed and cried with you... Thanks for allowing us all in to your life.
Anonymous said…
I'm Jennifer from Ardmore, TN. I have been reading your blog for 2+ years!
Joyce F said…
I am from southeastern Kansas and have been reading your blog for over two years. I love reading about the farm, garden and animals and seeing their pictures. I miss you on the weekends.
Cappy said…
I'm Cappy from Bowie, MD. I found you from 7MSN's page a couple of years ago... Love to follow what is going on... grin
Unknown said…
I am sorry to hear about grapes, but glory be for those ducks! I am from Marysville, California and I have been reading your blog for 4 years.
Unknown said…
I am from North Carolina and have read your blog for 3 years.
Anonymous said…
I am Cathy from Harrisburg and have followed your blog for about 3 years. They always brighten my day (except on your sad days) and love hearing your stories and learning from you. Thanks for being there!
Denny144 said…
Denny from Troy, Michigan and I've been a fan for 2 years.
Rosanne Jett said…
My name is Rosanne and Im from Looneyville, WV. You passed within an hour when you went to Huntington to pick up Ginger and MaryAnn. I have been following your blog for at least the last 3 years and look forward to visiting with you every day.
I made 11 quarts of grape juice and 4 1/2 pints of grape jelly today. Im sorry your grapes are not doing well. We still have at least 10 gallon more grapes to pick. These will go to a neighbor.
Thanks again for an enjoyable blog.
Anonymous said…
Hi Bev! I'm Lisa from Lancaster County PA. I've been reading your blog since 2009; it's the only one that I faithfully read every day. Your thoughts and ideas about caring for the earth have inspired me to do what I am able to lessen my family's footprint, thank you!
Jennifer said…
Hi! I've been reading your blog now for a few years but I HAVE gone back to the very beginning at one point and got "caught up". :-)
Anonymous said…
Linda from WA - I've enjoyed your blog for about a year now.
An American in Tokyo said…
You don't have to put me in the raffle, but I just wanted to say hi and that I enjoy your blog whenever I can! I used to live in California, but now live and work in Tokyo. I enjoy your photos and stories and think the dragonfly bracelet is beautiful! =)
Diane C said…
HI! I love your blog....I've been reading it for about 8 months now....every day! I am Diane from Campbellsport, Wisconsin. We live up on a hill in the country!
Melanie said…
I have been reading your blog for about 6 months. I found it by reading the 7MSN blog. Love your stories and pictures! I'm from Salem, Virginia.
deodar said…
I believe I found your blog 6 or 8 months ago. I enjoy it a lot. Have you tried "Swim Ear" for the dogs after bathing? My folks had a pool and all the grandkids got drops of it in their ears after swimming. I've started using it for our dogs after they swim or are bathed and haven't had ear problems since. It dries up any water pretty quickly.
LauraS said…
I'm Laura from Arkansas. I think I've been reading your blog for about 6 months now when I found it on the top farming blogs list. I love all your stories about your homestead and animals!
Lisa said…
Hi Bev. Lisa in Maine! Been reading your blog for awhile now!
Lisa
50 X 100 said…
Hi, I'm Brenda from Vancouver Island, Canada. I've been reading your blog for a few years now and truly love it. I want to be able to have donkeys, goats and chickens, but until that time comes I'll just have to love yours!
Jessica said…
Hope the sickies feel better soon!
I'm currently in Orange, CA, but from Evergreen, CO! I've loved your blog for a long time now. I had to go back and check in the archives.... I've been reading since 2009. I remember Bobby (he reminded me of my Maine Coon) and the construction on the house finishing up.
Pony and Petey said…
Pony in Boca Raton, Florida. Formerly of Bear Creek, Texas :)

I've been reading several years now...thanks for posting so consistently. Wish I could do the same!
Susannah said…
Wow, Bev, 108 comments already! That is wonderful. I am from the Finger Lakes of New York. I think I have been reading your blog for about 3 years or less. I love it. You are always doing something that is very creative and pushes me to get going!!! LOL! The bracelet is so beautiful and perfect and would love to try your wonderful honey. I can not believe you are giving your honey away. Great give-away! It's fun. Thank you!

Susannah
Ellen in Oregon said…
Sorry about the grapes Bev. Same thing is happening here where the first rain in 3 months is about to happen the same time as all the vinyards are about to harvest. Poor timing by Mother Nature for the wineries., but It does take balance to make life sweet all around Hope Oakley is feeling better soon.
I'm Ellen & I think I have been following for about 3 years from Portland Oregon.
Anonymous said…
Hi! I have been reading your blog for a long time.......found it by reading The Old House 2 blog. I live on a small farm in SE Indiana and so enjoy reading about your animals, gardens, and whatever is going on. :o)
Tami said…
Gosh...I think I've been reading you for a least a year now! You're living my dream life BTW. If I could I'd have tons of critters too. We're on a 1/2 acre outside of Charlotte NC. Hubby is fine with my fruit, veg and flower gardening but says "NO Chickens!" when I point out that the shed would make a perfect coop. Three rescue pups round out my family (for now). LOVE your positive attitude.
Marcia said…
I'm Marcia from Hemlock, NY and I have been reading your blog for approximately four years. It starts my day off right - with a smile.
Moggie said…
I'm Nancy from Austin Texas, I've been reading your blog for over 2 years I think. I remember sweet Sadie...anyway, besides the great everyday living you show, I've bookmarked your post for the skunk kit, and guess what? Yesterday before work both my poodles came to the back patio - skunked! The bath your recommended worked perfectly, so thanks, not only for a great beginning to my day, but for saving the day!
Gayle from Oklahoma! said…
Gayle from Oklahoma here! I have enjoyed your blog for about 2 years! It's been following your journey with everything but especially the animals. I've enjoyed the transitions of the gardens through the seasons and your love for everything in nature is a joy to read.
Unknown said…
Linda -- Nashville, TN, I've been reading your blog daily for a year or so. Grew up on a farm in IL and love this connection to farming, critters, gardening, etc.
mrscravitz said…
I have been following your blog for about a year now. I am from Umatilla Oregon. I have THREE BLOGS I read EVERY SINGLE MORNING, and yours tops the list, (alphabetically!) LOL. Anyway, I love your blog and my day is not complete until I get to read what is happening in your paradise.'
Thank you,
JODY BRITTAIN aka mrscravitz
Anonymous said…
I am Sara from Central PA (near Mechanicsburg)....I read your blog everyday and it is always a refreshing read. I'd love to have a farm someday like yours, so I really enjoy reading about the daily life and of course all of the animals. I posted something yesterday but it might not have gone through. I have been reading your blog for about 3 years and it is part of my daily routine. Thank you!
Unknown said…
I've been reading your blog as long as I can remember - it's the first one I visit every day. If there were an award for best blogger - you'd win it! Your Annie looks so much like my Buddy, they could be twins - even the markings are similar. I just drool everytime I look at your garden and farm - it's so beautiful. I did finally manage to get some good veggies (especially tomatoes) this year by moving my garden from the front to the back - it just got too shady in the front. Oh and I'm from Riverdale, GA - just south of Atlanta. I think I'd rather have your weather LOL Well maybe not the snow in the winter though. Hugs!
Anonymous said…
Hi! My name is Yvette. I've been enjoying your blog for about two years now. We live in northeast PA in a VERY rural area. We are living in our "little" summer cabin while we are building our new log home. Your lovely pictures and posts inspire us to keep homesteading - even though it is hard work, it is very rewarding. I sympathize with you on the skunk issue, we've had our share of skunks & porcupines. Plus, our dogs need constant bathing from swimming in the lake.....Life in the country is worth it though. Keep up the blogging - I look forward to reading your posts every morning! Thank You!
Katmom said…
Oh Bev, hugz to the critters in the BH Infirmary... knock on wood right now my two fur kids are between 'issues'... as for your grapes, I hear ya! I went back to Spokane for 2 weeks came back to discover that our local 'Rats w/Antlers" devourered all our grapes, and a good portion of the leaves,,, not to mention my sunflowers and even went so far as to 'taste' my tomatoes! uuggh!, that being said, we are in a Stage 2, water drought,,, so I can't blame them... and have resigned myself to it is what it is...
Well, back to blogland,, I wish I were as diligent as you to keeping up my blog... but truth be told, I would much rather sit w/a cup of tea and read yours then work on mine! snork, giggle.. Happy Wednesday...
Katmom said…
Oh Duh! I should have read your instructions.. duh, I-R-Blond... me, Grace, Calif. following your blog for ever... 2007 ???
Anonymous said…
Hi! I'm Carol, and I've been reading and loving your blog daily for several years. I grew up in Central PA, and am living vicariously through you! I would love to have a farm, but I know my husband would never go for it. We live in a suburb near Philadelphia. My in-laws are in Harrisburg and have had the same problem with their grapes. So sad...no jelly this year!
Jennifer said…
Meant to add (and thought I had) that I live in southeast TN. Quite a spell from you but what's distance between friends. :-)
Susie2 said…
Susan from SLC Utah. I've been reading and loving your blog for three years.
GeorgiaHoneyBee said…
Hello! Rebekah from Douglasville, Georgia here! I've been enjoying your blog for over two years now. I first found it when I was looking for a name for my small business. I am a hobbyist beekeeper and I wanted to have a name for my labels. So, naturally, I thought of Bee Haven and that is the magical moment I stumbled on your site. I also have an interest in homesteading, and I love the things you do on your farm. I had a baby about twenty months ago, and she loves, loves, loves all of the animal photos and videos you post. I have a bad joke for you. What did the mama skunk say to her baby skunk? Let us spray!!!! hahaha! Hope you have a great weekend!
Thefarmerswife said…
Been reading your blog for about a year from East Tennessee. Love it!