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.…
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Ukraine: Food and Family Life
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…
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Potatoes with Rosemary and Thyme
Rosemary and thyme are flourishing in my garden. I am drying some for the winter, but also using it fresh. Rosemary and thyme flavor potatoes nicely. Here is a recipe that I have shared before. Ingredients 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, minced 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, minced ¼ teaspoon…
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Herbs in the Garden for Summer and Winter
During the summer it is wonderful to have fresh herbs from the garden. They are easy to grow! Stone Cottage Adventures has good information for growing herbs. I have perennial thyme and sage. Rosemary, basil, marjoram and oregano grow in pots. The herbs add flavor and nutrients to food. These…
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Investing in Home & Community
Twice this week I have been reminded about gardens, farmers’ markets and community. I am reading the book, Home Fires, by Julie Summers. Summers has researched and described the work of the Women’s Institute during World War II. Women in villages and towns throughout England formed groups to take care…
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A Special Flower and a Prayer
We have the blessings of nature around us and we have the prayers of faithful people in the Bible.
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Family Friendly Garden
The Wichita Botanical Garden is family oriented. The great variety of flowers, herbs and trees delight the eyes. And at intervals there is a surprise for children (and adults). Huge lego animals appear throughout the gardens. The dog pictured above had a sign that explained dogs are dichromatic (two kinds…
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In My Garden: Heirloom Tomatoes and Herbs
It is still the month of May and my tomato plants have flowers! I enjoy the heirloom varieties and now save seeds from one year to the next. I started my seeds indoors at the beginning of April. My granddaughter took over the care of the plants when we traveled,…
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Seasons and Thyme
When it snowed on Wednesday, I realized that the mild fall weather was turning towards winter. Thankfully I had brought my potted herbs indoors prior to the snow. It is a blessing to have fresh herbs year around. I have a sunny bay window that is the perfect spot for…
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Calendula: A Flower and a Herb
Last week it was a treat to see trees in many shades of color in Upper Michigan. I was also delighted to see some flowers still in bloom—roses and calendula. Calendula is sunshine bright It is also a useful herb. The dried petals of the flower have been called poor…