Sunshine and rain help my garden to grow. We have had sunny days and some rain, but I have been watering the new plants. They need tending. Friendships also need tending. Kindness and words of encouragement are a blessing in a relationship. I have been thinking about a book my…
The lilacs are in bloom! Usually they bloom in May, but this year they are early. The trees and bushes are leafing out and perennial plants are emerging from the soil. I am looking forward to planting the garden. I have tomato plants, plus some herbs and flowers, that I…
During a gift exchange last Christmas, I received a little book, Dandelion Medicine by Brigitte Mars. The book has chapters on foraging, growing and harvesting dandelions. It also has chapters on the medicinal properties of the plant, recipes for both tea and vegetable dishes. The dandelions are beginning to bloom in my lawn,…
During a recent trip to Galveston, Texas, our family enjoyed time on the beach. The young ones walked into the crashing waves, riding the waves. I was content to listen to the rhythm of the waves while sea gulls and pelicans made designs in the sky, traveling in groups. We…
The crocuses and snowdrops are blooming. It is time to tour my yard and see how my plants have weathered the winter. During the frigid temperatures I saw rabbit tracks in the snow but I didn’t know what the critters were up to. I am dismayed to see that the…
The plants in my bay window thrive with sunshine and care. Some plants need to be watered twice a week. Recently one of my rosemary plants had a powdery fungus and I treated it with neem oil. I moved it closer to the window for brighter light. I am delighted…
When I look out my window, I see rabbit tracks across the snow. I wonder how they manage to survive when it is so cold. Some days we have bright sunshine and I am grateful. We have a south facing window, a bay window, where I have my winter garden.…
Olia Hercules has written a memoir that gives insight into a family’s life experience in Ukraine. I came across the book, Strong Roots, on the shelf of new releases (2025) at the library. I don’t often read memoir but I was drawn to this book. Hercules is a chef. I enjoyed…
In November I began receiving e-mails for Black Friday sales. Now, in December, the e-mail ads continue. I have spent time scrolling through the catalogue of sale items, looking for gifts. It is good to give gifts at Christmas, but it is more important to receive God’s gift. God sent…
As I sip my morning coffee, I can see the autumn leaves of the cherry tree through the kitchen window. The sun is shining and brightens the golden color of the leaves. My husband and I collaborate on making coffee. I set up the coffee in the evening and my…