April Country Fair Blog Party

 Welcome to the April Country Fair Blog Party ! We are so happy that you are here. Please take a minute to look over all of the great linkups from the March linkup. We had everything from recipes, to craft projects, to how to buy a bull, to fitness tips. You find it all at the Country Fair!

Here are my Purple Ribbon Winners from the March Country Fair:

Vickie’s Kitchen and Garden – Chocolate Gravy

“Growing up in a family from the South, Chocolate Gravy was a staple in our diet at least once a week.   It was our Saturday morning breakfast.   While other kids were begging for waffles, we were begging for Chocolate Gravy!” – Vickie

Little Blog on the Homestead – 10 Easy Seedling Starters

“When it comes to my seedling starters I prefer options that I can make or reuse rather than buying those plastic seedling starters from the store.” – Nicole

Dirt Under My Fingernails – By the People

 “To be twelve is to be old enough not just to learn historical facts, but to begin to feel a sense of history, to appreciate the past and compare it to the present.  To touch and visit our landmarks and monuments; to meet, even briefly, those who represent us and govern our country, is to become a participant in our nation, not a bystander, and thus to help bear the burden of the past and future.” – Julie

Just like a local Country Fair, we have friends, food, family, farming, animals, crafts, cooking and comedy!

Be sure and check the link to this month’s blog party to see what great blogs link up. If you are a blogger, then please link up to three of your posts. It does not have to be new, just one you love or one that you want to share.

Blessings to you,
Laurie – Country Link

Be sure and check out my lovely co-hosts blogs!

Jan of Tip Garden  Nicole of Tales of a Kansas Farm Mom  Val of Corn, Beans, Kids and Pigs

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Mama’s Journal – Bull crap…

Here on our farm we only have mature working bulls for a few months. They are “cleanup” bulls that we lease to use after the cows are artificially inseminated. (A.I.) If you A.I. your cattle, you are going to need cleanup bulls. For more on this see my post, “Romance is Gone”.

Crap is here on the farm ALL OF THE TIME. As this is a full disclosure type of post, I am telling you that if you step on this farm, you might indeed just step in it. Literally.

Now bull crap on the other hand, or in the case of yesterday actually on my hand, is a bit rare. The bulls come to us in December, do their work, and then head back to their home in March. As a term of this lease, we needed to take them to the veterinarian and have them retested and DNA taken before they could be picked back up. That was my job today. Hauling the bulls to and from the vet’s. Oh, and their crap.

Why am I mentioning this? Again this is a full disclosure post and I am letting you know that bulls have a lot of crap. Literally. It was all over the inside of the trailer, on the outside and because they were in the trailer together, it was on them. It was especially on their tails and that is where the DNA sample comes from. And who’s job was it to pull tail hairs? (Two guesses and the first does not count.)

Really, this is no big deal and I have actually pulled lots of tail hairs. Each year when the calves are of age and have made the “list”, I pull tail hairs and put tattoos in their ears before they can be sold. (I just realized I need to add tattoo artist and DNA collection specialist to my list of abilities! I will give you a complete list one of these days.)

If it is no big deal then why mention bull crap in the first place? Do to the fact that it was not only on the inside of the trailer, the outside of the trailer and on them, but also all over me. I was trying really hard to be careful! I really was because of where I was needing to stop after the bulls were done being tested. What to take a guess as to where I was going next?

Did you guess the Bank? You could of guessed Wal-Mart and the bank happens to be right next to one, but I have a feeling no one would of really given me a second look there. So, yes, I was needing to stop at the very bank that we were at on Saturday morning getting things lined out for this crop year. I was needing to meet with the very banker I gladly shook hands with on Saturday when we arrived and left, and today neither one of us extended our hands in this customary greeting.

It could of just been me, but I have a feeling it had to do with the bull crap.

Blessings to you,
Laurie – Country Link

 

 

 

March Country Fair Blog Party

Welcome to the March edition of the Country Fair Blog Party! Please take a minute to look over some of the blog posts linked up in February. You will find more recipes, art, book reviews and great photography! You CAN find it all at the Country Fair!

My Other More Exciting Self – The Basics of Egg Nutrition
“I’m here to tell you that whatever eggs you pick, you’re getting an excellent source of protein and other nutrients. You really can’t go wrong and a simple comparison of two egg brands will show you that an egg really is an egg.” – Lara

Green Grass Girl – Confessions of a Rookie Farm Wife
“They say confession is good for the soul. I’m a rookie farm wife, and I need to do some confessing:” – Rachel

The Stories I Meet – Spring in Huasna Valley
“And I’ll never believe that heaven could be anything other than this: sleek cattle on rolling hills blanketed by new grass, the murmur of water bubbling over rocks in the river, and a meal under the oak trees after a hard day’s work.” – Katie

Just like a local Country Fair, we have friends, food, family, farming, animals, crafts, cooking and comedy!

Be sure and check the link to this month’s blog party to see what great blogs link up. If you are a blogger, then please link up to three of your posts. It does not have to be new, just one you love or one that you want to share.

Blessings to you,
Laurie – Country Link

Be sure and check out my lovely co-hosts blogs!

Jan of Tip Garden  Nicole of Tales of a Kansas Farm Mom  Val of Corn, Beans, Kids and Pigs

February Country Fair Blog Party

Welcome to the February edition of the Country Fair Blog Party! Please take a minute to look over all of the great linkups from January. Once again our bloggers did not disappoint! They shared with us their top posts from 2015, plans and thoughts on the new year, more great recipes and pictures of cute barnyard animals. You CAN find it all at the Country Fair!

Here are my Purple Ribbon Winners from the January Linkup. (Yes, there are a lot of recipes this time. Yes, they all looked fantastic!)

Of Kids and Cows – Homemade Marshmallows
“For those of you unfamiliar with homemade marshmallows, you’re in for a treat. They are nothing like the store bought variety. Soft, pillowy and flavorful best describe this little delights.” – Jodi

Blogdacious – Light & Creamy Mocha Cheesecake
“For this recipe, I opened up the Steele family cookbook and found a classic vanilla cheesecake recipe and just modified it to be what I wanted.” – Chantal

Just Plain Living – Living Without Refrigeration
“The first step to going fridge-less, no matter where you live, is going to be seasonal, local eating. The more seasonal and the more local, the better.” – Marie

Diaries From the Dirt Road – German Chocolate Cake
“I recently learned that German Chocolate Cake does not originate from the country Germany but rather a man by the name of Samuel German who formulated the bittersweet blend of chocolate that they use!”  – Erin

Just like a local Country Fair, we have friends, food, family, farming, animals, crafts, cooking and comedy!

Be sure and check the link to this month’s blog party to see what great blogs link up. If you are a blogger, then please link up to three of your posts. It does not have to be new, just one you love or one that you want to share.

Blessings to you,
Laurie – Country Link

Be sure and check out my lovely co-hosts blogs!
Jan of Tip Garden  Nicole of Tales of a Kansas Farm Mom  Val of Corn, Beans, Kids and Pigs

January Country Fair Blog Party

Welcome to the 1st Country Fair Blog Party of 2016! We are so happy that you are here to ring in the New Year with us. Please take a minute to look over all of the great linkups from December. We had everything from Christmas gift ideas, to crafting fun, to tasty recipes, to chicken coops! You find it all at the Country Fair!

Here are my Purple Ribbon Winners from all of the great posts:

Vickie’s Kitchen and Garden – Christmas Gifts I’ve Made this Week 11/11/15
“I have little imagination so I kind of have to rely on other people’s ideas. Thank goodness for Pinterest!” – Vickie

Kimmi’s Dairyland – Cherry Mint Sugar Cookies
“Back to those cookies! I’m sure the cows would gladly steal a few if we’d let them.” – Kimmi

Just like a local Country Fair, we have friends, food, family, farming, animals, crafts, cooking and comedy!

Be sure and click the little blue frog to see the January blog party. If you are a blogger, then please link up to three of your posts. It does not have to be new, just one you love or one that you want to share.

Blessings to you,
Laurie – Country Link

Be sure and check out my lovely co-hosts blogs!
Jan of Tip Garden  Nicole of Tales of a Kansas Farm Mom  Val of Corn, Beans, Kids and Pigs

Christmas in the Country 2015 Gift Reveal!

Here we are again! It is time to reveal what was given in this years Christmas in the Country gift exchange! This is by far my favorite part of the exchange. Through all of the signing up, matching up, emailing, tracking packages and finger crossing, this is the part that makes all of that time worth it.

I really think this year was our best yet and I think I am beginning to see why. Being our third year, we have had several repeat participants. Each time they participate, we get to know them a little bit better and that knowledge of them and their blogs makes for better matching up of individuals.

This year we had 53 Bloggers; 52 women and 1 man. We had 19 states represented, stretching from Pennsylvania to Oregon. We had Bloggers who are dairy farmers, cattle ranchers, agricultural industry leaders, custom harvesters, agriculture teachers, extension agents, pig farmers, photographers, greenhouse operators, row crop farmers, poultry farmers, farm/country women and all around fantastic individuals. I also had three co-hosts who this could not of been done without! Thank you Jamie, Lara and Kirby for all of your help, all of your time and for just being there when I had a question or needed to run something by you. Thank you for everything!

This year we also had delayed packages, packages left in obscure places that took the receiver a day or five to find, a package that was returned to the sender by the shipping company, packages that arrived early and even a package that the family pet got a hold of before sending. I think we saw and or had it all happen this year! Through it all though, we could not of asked for better understanding and attitudes from all of the participants. Thank you to all of them!

This time Lori from Home on the Range Exchange had my name. I love the name of her blog and that she is from Kansas, a place I still refer to as my second home. Lori and I have more in common then similar first names. We both were born and raised on our families diversified farms; she is a fifth generation and I am a fourth. She is an Extension Agent and my mom has been in Extension for over 30 years. She too loves photography and is also very crafty. We both also love to cook. Didn’t I say something about making great matches this year…

Lori sent me some great handmade items, an awesome little cookbook that I can’t wait to use and a pretty new camera strap that she also made. My current strap is just black and works great in the cattle lot or in the tractor cab, but is not very stylish for when I am other places. Now I am set!

Thank you Lori for the lovely gift you sent. You really did take time to get to know me and your gift could not of been more perfect. I wish you the very best in 2016 and can’t wait to continue to get to know you better!

Each of the 53 Bloggers will be adding their reveal posts to a special LINKUP that is open from now until the 12th. Check the linkup so see what I sent to Chelsea of Boilermaker Ag.

Blessings to you,
Laurie – Country Link

 

 

 

December Country Fair Blog Party

Welcome to the December addition of the Country Fair Blog Party! My apologies for being late with this months linkup. I planned ahead to have this done because we are always breeding cows the 1st of December, and then at the last minute, I forgot. I am always honest with my readers and this gal just forgot to get this posted. So, here is the December Linkup and my Purple Ribbon Winners!

 

In Between the Sunsets of Life – Adoption Series 2015

“Today begins the Adoption Series 2015 on the blog!  We are excited to let you know that we have four adoption stories to share with you this month!  Please be sure to check back every Monday for those!  We hope to add some other adoption related posts of our own too!” – Julie

Farm Fit Living – 7 Reasons Teamwork Makes or Breaks FarmLife

“It’s extremely important to understand that farming is not just a job. It is a lifestyle. Teamwork must be there to make or break farmlife. The life you want to live.” – Mindy

Cooking With Carlee – Pumpkin Slab Pie – A Guest Post by MiMi

 “I found no recipe for a slab pie that fit my criteria.  That’s okay.  I have fun creating new recipes and Carlee can share them on her blog.  That’s a win win for us and a very special birthday treat for Steve.” – MiMi

Now it is time to linkup your posts for December! Please share up to three of your favorite posts form the past or present. I am always on the look out for great gift ideas and Christmas crafts, so PLEASE share those! Just click on the little blue frog icon below to take you to the linkup.

Blessings to you,
Laurie – Country Link

Be sure and check out my lovely co-hosts blogs!

Jan of Tip Garden  Nicole of Tales of a Kansas Farm Mom  Val of Corn, Beans, Kids and Pigs

Signup for Christmas in the Country 2015

SIGNUPS FOR 2015 HAVE NOW CLOSED.

Welcome to this years Christmas in the Country Aggie/Farm Blogger gift exchange! We are so glad you are here to signup! By following a few simple rules, filling out the information form and linking up your blog, you will be ready to spread and receive a little Christmas cheer.

*We as hosts, enjoy organizing and participating in Christmas in the Country and we enjoy getting to know all of you and seeing the joy that is shared.  We do know that this is a very busy time of year, but we can not stress enough the importance of making sure that each participant participates fully in the exchange. Full participation includes: shipping ON TIME, blogging and linking up to the online party before it ends, taking the time to really get to know your person and sending them something you think they will enjoy and thanking your gift giver for your package. (We as hosts of the exchange do reserve the right to not let someone participate because of lack of full participation in the past.)

Now for what you all have been waiting for, the ins and outs of this years exchange. We did have to make some changes, so if you have participated before, please read this blog post carefully!

Dates to Remember:
November 20th – signups begin
November 30th – signups close
December 1st – receive your name via email
December 15th – Shipping deadline for your package
January 5th-12th – Share on your blog and in the linkup about CITC2015

How the Exchange Works:
First you fill out the sign-up form so we can get all of your important information. Then, after sign-ups close you will receive a name – do your research (be sure to keep this a secret, don’t let them know that you have their name), then pick and send the perfect gift! Be sure to include a note in your gift revealing who you are and your info so your person can contact you to say thank you! In the mean time, someone else is doing their research on you and your gift is on it’s way! When you receive a gift, snap some pictures and thank your person! Then, on Jan 5th-12th, share a blog post on your experience and the gift you received, then link it up on a new linkup.

Rules of the Exchange:
Each participant will fill out an information form. This information will be sent to another blogger who will be your “Secret Santa”. You in turn will receive a name and information of a person whom you will be sending a gift. (All exchanging of information is done via email, so please provide an email that you check on a regular basis.)

Each participant needs to add their blog URL to the Christmas in the Country Linkup. This is a great way for all to see who is participating and a chance to find a new blog or two. This year we are limiting the exchange to only bloggers. 

Everyone who signs up will send and receive a gift. Once you receive your persons name and information, head on over to their blog and other social media sites and take a minute to get to know them. The more you can learn about your person, the more personal you can make your gift. Suggest price range for gifts are $15-$25.  (Local and handmade is great, but specific and personal is even better.)

Packages must be sent by December 15th. We are requesting that everyone send a photo of the tracking number or an email with the tracking information. If the hosts do not hear from you by the 15th, we will be emailing you to ask for the information! Also, if you do not trust a package being left on your doorstep, then please provide an address to an office or other location where you are SURE to receive you gift. (We as co-hosts are not responsible for lost or stolen packages.)

Blog posts need to be posted on your blog and linked up between January 5th-12th. This is to ensure that each post will be seen after the busyness of the holidays is over. The co-hosts will post the new linkup for the blog posts on their blogs on the 5th. (Once you do receive your package, send a timely thank you to your “Secret Santa”. )

Share the love! Please take a minute to follow the host blogs, and like their Facebook pages – this will help to reminded you of all the important dates coming up for the exchange. Also, please take the time to check out the Linkup to see who else signed up for the swap. Leave some comments, find some new blogs, and make new friends! If you feel so inclined, we would love it if you would share about the swap on your blog or Facebook page – the more the merrier! 

Right click on the image to add it to your own blog

Thank you for signing up! We hope you enjoy this years exchange!

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

Blessings to you,
Laurie – Country Link

 

Jamie Rhoades – This Uncharted Rhoade
Email – thisunchartedrhoade@gmail.com
Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/ThisUnchartedRhoade
Blog – http://unchartedrhoade.blogspot.com

Lara Durben – My Other More Exciting Self
Email – ldurben@charter.net
Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/MyOtherMoreExcitingSelf
Blog – http://www.myothermoreexcitingself.com

Kirby Linebach – 15009 Farmhouse
Email – kirbylinebach@gmail.com
Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/15009farmhouse
Blog – http://15009farmhouse.blogspot.com

Laurie Link – COUNTRY LINKed
Email – laurie.link@gmail.com
Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/CountryLinKed
Blog – https://countrylinked.wordpress.com

 

September Country Fair Blog Party

Welcome to the September addition of the Country Fair Blog Party! Now that school is back in swing, things around here have changed. We are getting back on a school schedule with the kids adjusting better than this farm mama. With this shift in change, also comes a shift in the seasons and soon harvest will be here! If you are feeling the change of the seasons like we are, then join us at the Country Fair where all are welcome!

During the August Party I was inspired by all of the great blog posts! Thank you everyone for your continued participation! What a joy it is to know that we will have a successful link-up each and every month.

Here are my August Purple Ribbon Winners:

CHARMING FARMING – The Problems With Dress Code Defiance

“Surely there are better ways to help our daughters change the culture than encouraging them to defiantly bare their bellies. If this generation of young women would use some of their anger and energy to take on the entertainment and advertising industry, they might someday make real progress in the fight to empower women.” – LC

FOR FARM AND RANCH WOMEN – Tying off the Rain

 “With our own throbbing, cold fingers, absence of arguing, and with the redeeming smell of rain on our skin, we stood in the weather and admired not what we expected, but instead the humbling experience God gave us that day.” – Jessie

FARM GIRL COOK’N – Grandma Charlie’s Purple Ribbon Cinnamon Bread

“A simple recipe with quality ingredients is always a winner!
This recipe is reminiscent Amish Friendship bread, without the long term commitment.” – Mary

MINNESOTA FARM LIVING – Agvoacy Through Baseball and “Big City” Foodies

“And our goal? To have a conversation, make connections and learn from each other. Many of our guests have no connection to farms or farmers, just as many of us pig farmers have no connection to foodie urbanites.” – Wanda

Now be sure and come back though out the month and check out all of the posts that are added. This month we will not be having a theme, so share up to three of your favorite posts. Recent or last month or last year. As long as you have not linked it up before, then we want to see it!

Just like a local Country Fair, we have friends, food, family, farming, animals, crafts, cooking and comedy!

Be sure and check out my lovely co-hosts too! They each pick their favorites from the month and one of theirs might be one of yours!

Blessings to you,

Laurie – Country Link

September Link-Up

CFBP – June – Summer Lovin’

Welcome to the June addition of the Country Fair Blog Party! Did you have many CELEBRATIONS in May? May started out with one celebration after the other for us. From graduations, to a birthday, our anniversary, the last day of school, corn planting done and a 90th birthday party for my Grandma. We had a full month!

Here are a few of my favorites from the May Link-up: Click on the picture to go to the post. 

Ally’s Sweet and Savory Eats

I can’t wait to try this recipe! I have it added to my recipe box and hope to make it this summer while the kids are all home. Who would not love a good Fiesta/Celebration? Thanks Ally for a fun new recipe to try!

15009 Farmhouse

Kirby shared the celebration of their wedding and I could not stop looking at the pictures! The bride was beautiful, the groom handsome, the location breathtaking and all the little details so classic and charming it made me want to have a wedding again. (My same groom, of course.)

Oak Hill Homestead

Kathi and I have the same thoughts and passion for Redbud trees! We currently have three planted here close to the house and I can’t wait for the smaller two to be big enough to bloom. I celebrate every time I see them staring to bud in the spring.

Time to link up your Summer Lovin’ post for the June link-up party! You can link up to three posts and be sure to add the post link not your blog URL.

Thanks for joining the Party! I hope you enjoy reading all of the great posts as much as I do!

Blessings to you,

Laurie – Country Link

June CFBP Link-up

Your Party Co-Hosts are:

Corn, Beans, Pigs and Kids
This Unchartered Rhoade
TIP Garden 
A Kansas Farm Mom