Thursday, February 25, 2010

Who ARE you people?

I'll admit, when I started blogging almost two years ago, I always hoped someone would read my ramblings. I didn't know if I'd have one reader (thanks mom) or a hundred readers, but I think anyone who takes the time to write hopes someone will take the time to read.

One of the strange things about blogging is that you really don't know how many people read your blog. There are a few readers who often take the time to comment (thanks to my "regulars" - it means a lot to me!), but there are plenty more of you who visit on the sly - not leaving a trace that you peeked into my blogging life.


I visit blogs daily and I only have a handful that I routinely comment on, but many, many others that I read without ever saying a word. I'm not sure why I don't comment on so many of the blogs I read - I think some blogs become like a newspaper column to me - I read it, enjoy it and then move on. Sometimes I don't comment because I know the blogger probably doesn't read the comments section and other times I simply don't know what to say or have time to say it. Writing "hi, I read what you wrote and enjoyed it" doesn't seem comment-worthy to me, but maybe I SHOULD write that from time to time on other people's blogs...

So here is my chance to ask you. Who ARE you? If you stopped by this blog - even for a moment - tell me who you are - where are you from - are you a secret blog reader stealthily reading random blogs on the down low? Just hit the comments link down there and give me a quick "hi" so I can see who my silent readers are. I know my site statistics show hits from all over the world... so I'm dying to see who you people are...

THANKS!
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55 comments:

  1. DarlaFebruary 25, 2010 at 5:09 AM

    You already know me, I'm a repeat offender here...Oh what the heck,
    Hi, I'm Darla From North Florida. I enjoy reading the antics about your chickens and gardening attempts. I don't comment on all the blogs I snoop around on...

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousFebruary 25, 2010 at 8:01 AM

    OK, I'm in Los Angeles, and when I found your blog went through the archives and read it from the beginning. I love to garden and have done it all my life, but can't anymore, because at 75 my body just won't let me.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Jeff VandiverFebruary 25, 2010 at 8:54 AM

    Kate - ok, ya got me - I've been secretly reading your blog for about 2 years now. (Haha, just kidding). I feel the same way, and frequently don't know what to comment about certain blog posts. Your wit is what I love most about your writing. It's truly one of a kind.

    ReplyDelete
  4. karen08February 25, 2010 at 9:19 AM

    I'm in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (Roll Tide!!!!).
    Not sure how long I've been reading your blog (at least 6 months), but I get the RSS feed in my Outlook, so every time there is a new post, I read it. I started following you because of common interest: gardening (novice), you are in central Florida (I was born in Sanford), dogs, cats, and kids. I too love gardening, but have no idea what I'm doing. This will be my 3rd year at trying.
    I also love your blog because you are a delightful, refreshing writer! With beautiful pictures that help tell the stories.
    Keep it up! And THANK YOU for blogging and sharing your life with all of us! - Karen

    ReplyDelete
  5. Ivy MaeFebruary 25, 2010 at 9:27 AM

    I'm Ivy from South Carolina. *wave* I'm a high school English teacher for 3 more months until I transition into full time motherhood. My husband and I are the adoptive parents of a 6month old boy, and are looking for a house with more room so that we can induldge our passions--art, sewing, gardening, etc.

    ReplyDelete
  6. BillFebruary 25, 2010 at 9:30 AM

    Hi, I'm Bill. I like chickens. I enjoy reading your blogg because you remind of someone I use to work with. She was a dork and you seem a little dorky. But dorky in a good way.

    ReplyDelete
  7. LGJFebruary 25, 2010 at 9:35 AM

    Google Reader recommended you to me. I'm in north Florida and I was excited to find a gardening blog so close to my area/zone.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Kate and CrewFebruary 25, 2010 at 11:25 AM

    Okay - this is totally, totally fascinating to me!!! Nice to meet all of you secret readers! Hi to my new friend in LA, Karen in Alabama, Ive Mae in SC and LGJ in FL! And howdy to Darla and EG too! I'm getting one of my main blogging questions answered and finally getting to see who some of my readers are. It's the little things that get me through the day.

    And thanks Bill - I miss working with you too! LOL. I've always been dorky in a good way. That's why you like me :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. scooterwenchFebruary 25, 2010 at 11:45 AM

    Fay here in Santa Barbara, CA. Regular - irregular reader for about 1 year now. I have terrible clay soil in my garden and every Spring I break my back amending tyhe soil and every Summer I cry because nothing really grows in my garden. A couple weeks ago hubby built raised beds for me so hopefully it will be a good year in the garden. Homeowners Association prevents me from having chickens, but thats why I love your blog.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Annie*s GrannyFebruary 25, 2010 at 11:53 AM

    Hi, I'm Carol (also known as Granny) from Pasco, Washington. I read your blog because it is entertaining and funny, and I keep you on my blog roll so I don't miss a single post. You just happen to be one of my favorite bloggers.

    But you knew that, didn't you ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  11. AnonymousFebruary 25, 2010 at 12:07 PM

    Hello from Kentucky! Although I am not a gardener I love following your blog. I have two grandsons who had their first garden last summer and truly enjoyed the experience. We have made the Treasure Photo Game and Memory Photo Game - love both!!! These have been passed on to many families!

    Thank you for all your hard work and for sharing your life and family!

    ReplyDelete
  12. MaureenFebruary 25, 2010 at 12:15 PM

    Hi, I'm Maureen from Exeter CA. and I can't remember how I found your blog but it's on my 'list' and I read it pretty much every day. I think I was drawn by the title (totally relate:) but stayed for the substance.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Amy @ www.yardtofork.wordpress.comFebruary 25, 2010 at 12:36 PM

    Hi Kate! I can't remember how I found your blog but I love it -- and I so appreciate you reading mine. Your photos and stories make me laugh. The thing that really made me love you was the Santa outfits on your chickens! I had just been telling my husband how funny it would be if we could take a Christmas photo with the "girls" dressed as Santa and then you posted your photos. Too funny! :) Amy from Oregon

    ReplyDelete
  14. StefaneenerFebruary 25, 2010 at 12:44 PM

    Ha. I come from the land of four season gardening and rowdy children.
    But maybe I'm just faking all those pictures.

    ReplyDelete
  15. HannahFebruary 25, 2010 at 12:55 PM

    I'm Hannah in Arizona. I'm pretty sure I've commented before but not regularly. I've been reading your blog regularly though. I check it everyday for updates. You're actually part of the reason we got backyard chickens a few months ago! I also blog about gardening and my chickens and the rest of my life. It's lots of fun. I promise to try to comment more often!

    ReplyDelete
  16. AnonymousFebruary 25, 2010 at 1:42 PM

    Its me Kate, your stalker, I read all about your life and I look for landmarks in your posts so that I can figure out where you live, BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!! :) you know me and all my jazz, but I lack comments sorry

    ReplyDelete
  17. RibbitFebruary 25, 2010 at 2:15 PM

    Kate! You send me the fantastic gnome in GA. He's still hanging out in the onion bed.

    I'll be back!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Tracey @ iGrowVegFebruary 25, 2010 at 2:43 PM

    Hi, I admire your writing technique, this post certainly woke me up into commenting on your blog!

    I'm from Essex, UK and a blogoholic when it comes to gardens, veg growing & cooking. I have 84 blogs setup on my Google reader (including yours). I do try to comment on other blogs when I'm not writing for my own blog.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Jeff VandiverFebruary 25, 2010 at 3:18 PM

    Oh crap.....you've got an Alabama fan reading your blog. Well, all I have to say to Karen is WAR EAGLE!!!!hehe

    ReplyDelete
  20. AnonymousFebruary 25, 2010 at 3:57 PM

    I'm one of the stealth readers. I found your blog from Backyard Chickens and have read through most of your archives. I love your writing style and content, I check every morning to see if you've posted (I'm in San Diego so when you post in the morning it's before I head to work). Thank you for putting the effort into this page, it brightens my day to read about your life and family.

    ReplyDelete
  21. badgerpendousFebruary 25, 2010 at 5:20 PM

    Ok, I'll play! I've posted before, I believe, back when you first got your chicks. I'm an urban chicken owner in the Bay Area in California. I have the exact same thought about posting "Hi, loved the post!" posts, and always wish I could have a meaningful comment to contribute. Alas. Your talk of gardening doom brought me in, and your perseverance and humor bring me back.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Momma_SFebruary 25, 2010 at 5:29 PM

    I've been enjoying your writings for about--oh, gosh... I don't even know how long because I've recently become a blog-aholic and read too many now to keep track of when they all crossed my screen. I found your blog by way of EG, Granny, and Ribbit (whom I all "met" via gardenweb). I don't always comment, but I always stop by. You introduced me to backyard chicken (I'm citychickenmom) and am hopefully on my way to building a coop, and getting chickens in May. Oh yes. I'm in East Bay CA.

    ReplyDelete
  23. MattFebruary 25, 2010 at 6:10 PM

    Matt here. Lurking on your blog from Austin, TX. I stumbled across your site when I was thinking about getting chickens - and subscribed to your RSS immediately after seeing yours in costume. I read your blog in Google Reader (along with 156 other fine folks).

    ReplyDelete
  24. KellyFebruary 25, 2010 at 7:27 PM

    Well, I have been following you for about a year now, though I don't ALWAYS comment. You make me laugh and I love that.

    I am a SFG, a homeschooling SAHM, a dog lover, and a New Englander. :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. CaroleFebruary 25, 2010 at 7:38 PM

    You can always rely on Mum to read your blogs not just because you are my daughter, but because I really enjoy your writings, humor and honesty. Oh..for other readers I was born in London and then moved to Billericay, Essex, England UK. Moved to Fort Myers Beach Florida in 1982 when Kate was just a little girl.

    ReplyDelete
  26. AnonymousFebruary 25, 2010 at 8:00 PM

    Started reading your blog when your 'Chicken House' arrived from your mom. We used to have a few chickens and truly enjoyed them and their gifts of warm eggs! Many years ago we moved them (and us) from Maryland to the mountains of NC in a station wagon, along with 2 geese that honked out the window at passing trucks. (Husband and kids in separate car!!!).
    Anyway, love your stories involving gardens, chickens, dogs, kids and life in general. Keep it up!
    Claudia from western NC

    ReplyDelete
  27. KymmcoFebruary 25, 2010 at 8:11 PM

    My name's Kymm and I'm in Seattle WA. Obsessive gardening runs in the family, but I've only come down with a case in the past few years. So I identify with your tales of beginning a new gardening venture - and as other posters have commented, love your humor.

    I grew up with chickens though, shudder, so I don't think I'll be jumping on the backyard chicken bandwagon.

    ReplyDelete
  28. OhiofarmgirlFebruary 25, 2010 at 9:36 PM

    Hi! I found your blog from your BYC ID (or maybe a post)...i'm Ohiofarmgirl on BYC, SS, and BYH. The post that got me was the one about putting the hens in the wagon and driving them to their day spot. I can't help it - I'm a fan.

    and

    you inspired me to start my own blog!

    ReplyDelete
  29. ChristaFebruary 25, 2010 at 11:25 PM

    Hi Kate! I am from NH and I love checking in on your blog, you are a great writer and your blog is very entertaining!

    ReplyDelete
  30. MarthaFebruary 26, 2010 at 2:23 AM

    Howdy do! I'm, uh, me. Chicken glutton, perfume freak, really lazy gardener, all that. I just extra recently discovered your blog. I like it.

    ReplyDelete
  31. UnknownFebruary 26, 2010 at 12:02 PM

    Ok,I'm guilty. I'm a 33 year old stay at home mom from Albuquerque New Mexico. My husband and I are looking to find a simpler life. Our son was diagnosed with autism several years ago and that set us on a path to evaluate our whole belief system. We are removing processed foods and chemicals from our diet and home and hope to expand the garden. Thanks for the inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  32. PenelopeFebruary 26, 2010 at 1:54 PM

    "hi, I read what you wrote and enjoyed it"

    Just Kidding!

    I'm another San Diego reader albeit a sporadic one. I was thinking of adding chickens but don't think I'm cut out for it. :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. ChristinaFebruary 26, 2010 at 3:29 PM

    Hi, I am one of your all over the world readers ;). My name is Christina and I live in Germany. Have been enjoying your lovely blog for a while now, I think I found it through another bloggers blogroll. I am a student and only have a balcony as a garden right now but I am already planning my house and garden in the country that I will hoefully live in sometime... Keep up the great work!

    ReplyDelete
  34. SusanFebruary 26, 2010 at 8:19 PM

    You got so many comments from your secret readers...how exciting. Now you've got me curious about who's visiting my blog...hmmm, I think I'll give it a try, too. I've commented before, so I think you know who I am. Great post!

    ReplyDelete
  35. ChrisCFebruary 27, 2010 at 9:17 AM

    Actually,this is the first time I have visited your blog.I came to it from Central Gardener.I know how you feel.Love your blog and I shall be returning,even if I don't always comment.BTW,I also live in Fl.Central West Coast.

    ReplyDelete
  36. AnonymousFebruary 27, 2010 at 9:23 AM

    Hi there! I found your blog thru I think Annie's blog.. or maybe it was EG's... you know how you get on one blog and click someone on their list and then someone on their list and then someone on their list and before you know it you have 25 tabs open of blogs you *must* read! hehe I just have really enjoyed your humor, love the pics and the REAL gardening stories! Triumphs and the pitfalls, cuz that's what REAL gardening is about! I spent a day going thru your entire blog and loved reading about the chickens. That's something that really inspired me.

    I also have been toying with starting a gardening blog, if I could just stop reading the blogs and start actually working on the garden beds that might be a good start! :)

    Thanks for all your fun humor and wow, the pics of the rambunctious pup are just hilarious! I can totally relate!

    Hugs,
    Wendy

    ReplyDelete
  37. Daphne GouldFebruary 27, 2010 at 5:51 PM

    I've commented before and during the season I love Death Day. But it being winter in the north, every day is Death Day with its icy white fingers. Right now I'm at a little B&B in NH feeling its true force. Well not really its true force. In reality I'm sitting in front of the fire and drinking wine so I'm not feeling the effects of winter all that much at all. In fact I'm feeling quite nice right now and thinking waiting for spring isn't all that bad.

    ReplyDelete
  38. CherylFebruary 28, 2010 at 9:09 AM

    Hi, Kate:

    I'm one of your faithful regulars located in Chicago. If I only have a few minutes on the computer I always take at peek over here and at Granny's and EG's blogs. I've seen you go from "Gardening Without Skills" to "Gardening With Mad Skills." Love you sense of humor, and you've got the cutest kids.

    I can relate to the "don't know what to comment" comment. But even though I may not comment, I always leave with a smile on my face.

    ReplyDelete
  39. donnaFebruary 28, 2010 at 9:37 AM

    You already know me, I visit here often and it's always a pleasure. I live in Wisconsin and struggle not to be jealous of your pretty weather (for the most part pretty). Your sense of humor keeps me coming back.

    Time is always an issue with blogging. People who leave comments on my blog are appreciated more than they can ever know. I rarely have time to comment on the comments they leave, but use my time to visit their blogs and leave comments. Am I rambling???

    donna

    ReplyDelete
  40. AnonymousFebruary 28, 2010 at 3:10 PM

    I've been reading for some time, not quite a year, maybe. I think I found your blog doing a search for Central Florida garden blogs, but I really don't remember. I live in Central Florida, about five minutes from the downtown area of the "big city;" the one that the Mouse built, that is. So I'd imagine we are not too far away from each other. I have a tiny yard, and therefore a tiny garden, and also am not allowed to have chickens, but I read your blog anyway, just to see if we're experiencing the same ups and downs of gardening in zone 9B. I am also enjoying sharing time in the garden with my young son (although he mostly plays in the dirt, lol).

    Becky

    ReplyDelete
  41. Kate and CrewFebruary 28, 2010 at 4:49 PM

    WOW everyone!!! I'm humbled by the responses! I honestly thought about 5 to 10 people regularly read the blog, so I was so astounded to read all of your comments! It was seriously one of the coolest experiences in my blogging life to see how many people stop by and read what I write! I'm just so floored by it... So THANK YOU ALL for commenting!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  42. RamonaMarch 2, 2010 at 11:54 AM

    Hi, folks! Sorry to be late to the party! I'm Ramona from Houston. I think I might have found you by way of Pure Florida's blog, but I'm not sure.

    I have been lurking for several months and really enjoy it! Yer funny.

    I am reclaiming my yard after a three year absence necessitated by a quick turn through higher education. Funny thing is -- even with complete neglect (except the occasional watering), lots of things are doing BETTER than when I dusted them gently with a paint brush or worried over magical fertilizer concoctions all night and day. Anywho, I mostly have roses and perennials of the butterfly-attracting type, and grow tomatoes and herbs with some success. (Who doesn't, you ask? Well, thanks, buzzkillers.)

    I am also starting my own business -- The Texas Art Asylum -- opening in May of this year (hopefully). And, I started my own blog several months ago to keep friends and family updated on the startup process.

    And, I have been trying to talk my husband into a goat, or some chickens, for several years now. He also said no to bees, but finally ok to worm composting, which it turns out it's really too hot for here in Houston, unless I keep them in the house all summer, which ... no.

    So, hi to everyone!

    ReplyDelete
  43. AmyMarch 3, 2010 at 3:42 AM

    Hi
    I just found your blog by mere chance when I googled Plymouth Rocks. I have four 10 week old bantams and am planning a veggie patch, I live in Sydney Australia.

    ReplyDelete
  44. MelissaMarch 3, 2010 at 8:28 AM

    Hi Kate,

    I stumbled upon your blog while visiting another. I also write a blog called Natural Family on a Budget. My husband and I are interested in beginning to grow our own food, among other things. Thanks so much for posting!

    Melissa

    ReplyDelete
  45. UnknownMarch 15, 2010 at 11:05 AM

    Hi Kate,

    I stumbled upon your blog while researching on how to keep chickens about a year ago. I never comment but I have added you to my google reader - mostly because I enjoy your writing, I'm interested in gardening (I don't have a green thumb, I was happy enough with the small handful of peas I was able to get last summer), you're in Florida (I'm in Minneapolis now) and you keep chickens.

    I was really tempted to dress up my two hens as well for Christmas but I was already being made fun of for considering chicken diapers so I decided not to go that route.

    Thanks Kate, I think you're great!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Three Little BirdsMarch 16, 2010 at 8:35 PM

    I just found your blog when I did a search for leggy seedlings LOL. Now I'm hooked! We have a little flock of small town chickens. I'm gardening way up north without a lot of skills--making some mistakes but learning as I go and loving it anyway. I have a 6yo, 4yo, and 1yo who love to help me.

    ReplyDelete
  47. KrisMarch 18, 2010 at 9:14 AM

    I'm Kris and I'm from Mt. Dora. I'm a knitter, a mom, a pediatric nurse practitioner and a wannabe homesteader. I found your blog via a friend of mine.

    ReplyDelete
  48. AnonymousMarch 25, 2010 at 10:58 PM

    Hey, I stop by now and then to see how your garden is doing. I live in Winter Park, so much of the weather is the same here. I am starting a garden - 2nd year - and also without skills. I am learning along the way. Herbs are my favorite. I just keep trying to keep the 2 year old out of the garden!

    ReplyDelete
  49. orbitgirl77March 26, 2010 at 11:43 AM

    My name is Erica and I'm from Temecula, CA with my husband, pets and our garden. I just started reading your blog today when it came up in a search I did for weird tomato-looking weeds. My facebook has been getting flooded with all sorts of heavy political messages about healthcare lately, so I've decided to take refuge here on your blog while things cool down. Thanks for sharing your hilarious insights into life.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Danielles GardenApril 17, 2010 at 11:02 PM

    hi. I garden blog in Palm City and found you on Meems blogroll. Cute blog.

    ReplyDelete
  51. swiggettApril 29, 2010 at 5:35 PM

    Hi - Emily in Indiana. Just bought a house, and looking forward to failing miserably at my first attempt to garden with gusto.

    Just recently found you through... I don't remember. I think I might spend too much time looking through blogs...

    ReplyDelete
  52. Diana StuderJune 28, 2010 at 5:30 PM

    Welcome to your Terrible Twos. No wonder you felt a rant coming on. I love how you keep your header alive and on the ball. Diana in Porterville, South Africa

    ReplyDelete
  53. EnjayJune 28, 2010 at 7:48 PM

    Hey there! I'm Enjay, I'm a stay at home mom in SC. I can't quite remember how I found your blog, I read annie's garden blog, and I read the backyard chicken (although I don't have chickens) so probably a link from one or the other. I do remember the first time I read your blog you had a lovely picture of a pretty yellow lab on it, very similar to the one laid out flat and snoring over there *pointing vaguely*. That caught my attention, and we have similar interests, skill levels, climate, and humor so I keep coming back.

    ReplyDelete
  54. AnonymousJuly 1, 2010 at 10:05 AM

    Olá
    sou portuguesa vivo num pequeno lugar, adoro jardinagem. conheci teu blog por acaso. vim pesquisar sobre hortas e galinhas, parei gostei e de vez em quando volto.Um abraço de Portugal.
    Não sei Inglês uso o tradutor do google.
    Margarida

    ReplyDelete
  55. AnonymousJanuary 9, 2011 at 10:55 PM

    I have read your blog from start to finish... I live in Alabama and am seriously wanting to dress up my backyard hens thanks to you! LOL

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by Gardening Without Skills and leaving a comment! I read every single comment that my readers are kind enough to leave on this blog. I do my best to reply to as many of them as I can. Thanks again!