• Berries - Gardening

    Owls in My Cherry Tree

    Every Friday the FMF community writes for five minutes on a prompt given by Kate Motaung. Sometimes the first five minutes of writing stimulates more thought, and I continue on . . . Today’s prompt is: EXPECT expect: to anticipate or look forward to the coming occurrence The sweet cherry…

  • Berries - Gardening

    A Sweet Reward in the Garden

    It is always a special delight to find fall raspberries as I clean up the   backyard. I savor the sweet treat and bring a few inside to share. Wilting vines A layer of leaves, Flash of red Ripe fall raspberries I am giving thanks for the glory of autumn,…

  • Berries - Gardening - Nature

    Lacy Loveliness of the Elderberry Bush

    Strawberries, blueberries and raspberries are familiar. We see them in the grocery store. God has created a multitude of other berries. I feel blessed to have elderberry bushes in my backyard. After reading about the benefits of elderberries I ordered bushes from nursery catalogues. Now I have four bushes and…

  • Berries - Faith

    One Word for the New Year

    The practice of choosing one word  for  the  New Year  has been an    inspiration for me. Last year my word was gracious, and having this word in mind I was more conscious of my conversation and actions. I paused a little more, seeking kind words. I have been thinking…

  • Berries - Gardening - Herbs - Recipes

    Preserving Herbs: Thyme Vinegar

    The mild fall weather is so welcome! Yard work is pleasant and I have found some fall raspberries to savor while I work. Wilting vines And a layer of leaves Yard clean-up Sweetened by fall raspberries My calendula is still blooming and my rosemary and thyme are still growing. I…

  • Berries - Gardening - Health

    Elderberries in the Garden

    I look upon the pleasure which we take in a garden, as one of the most innocent delights in human life. Joseph Addison (1672-1719) This year the branches on my elderberry bushes are laden with abundant berries. The dainty flowers came first, adding a lovely lace among the green.  …