Calendula is a bright sunny flower and a herb. It has been called poor man’s saffron. The petals of the flower can be added to rice. The flowers can be dried for tea. I have enjoyed seeing the range of colors of that the flower displays from bright orange to…
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Personhood, Women’s Roles and Herbal Infusions
Most evenings I spend some time reading. Here are a few of the books I am enjoying. A friend of mine loaned me the book, Love Thy Body, by Nancy Pearcey. Ms. Pearcey addresses many of the controversial issues in our culture. She begins by discussing personhood. Some view human…
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Spring is Here : Looking Forward to Flowers and Herbs!
It is the first day of Spring and I am looking forward to the appearance of flowers and herbs. The snowdrops are up, and the robins have returned. The hyacinths are beginning to poke through the thawing soil. Before long the violets will be blooming. I plan to gather these…
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Simple Measures for Family Health: Herbs and Nutrients
Moms make many health decisions for their children. When someone in the family gets a cold there is a wide array of over the counter treatments to choose from. The pills and elixirs treat the symptoms but don’t help the immune system overcome the virus. Over the years I have…
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Thoughts of Spring on a Cold Day
It’s cold outside. Our thermometer reads -5 degrees. We have almost a foot of snow on the ground and when I went outside to take a picture my fingers became stiff in minutes. It is winter but spring will come. I have begun receiving seed catalogues. My thoughts turn to…
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Rosemary and Tansy in the Garden
Spring seems to be on hold as cold temperatures persist in Illinois. But I am beginning to think about my herb garden. I recently read that Tansy is a deterrent for Japanese beetles. I have seeds to plant, hoping that it will help get rid of the throng of beetles…
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Petite Purple Irises and Stinging Nettle
It is the last day of February and my dwarf irises are blooming. I was surprised to see their purple petals as I returned home from a weekend trip. Winter isn’t over, but my tulip and hyacinth bulbs are sprouting leaves. What will our spring be like? My thoughts turn…
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Daffodils, Crocuses, Flowering Rosemary, Oh My!
Spring is coming to the southern states. I am enjoying the colors that are brightening the landscape. And I wish rosemary grew as abundantly at my home as it does in New Mexico! Linking with Friendship Friday, A Little R & R, Seasons, Tuesdays with a Twist , the Homemaking…
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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…
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Apple-Sage-Cheddar Muffins
The sage in my garden is thriving. This summer it flowered. The beautiful weather this fall has extended our growing season. I have plenty of sage. The texture of the leaves has an artistic appearance, lovely to the touch. I am going to use it in some in apple-sage-cheddar muffins.…