The roses and cosmos are still in bloom in my yard. One rose has a lovely scent, and I encourage friends and family to sniff it. I enjoy having a vase of flowers in the house, but realize that in a week or a little more, they will fade. The…
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A Majestic Sight
Last week my sister and I spent several days in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We stayed in a house that was seven miles from the nearest small town. Lake Superior was just a little further away. One night I woke up at 4 a.m. and happened to look out…
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Mystery in the Garden: Cucumbers and Squash Blossoms
My garden has offered some puzzles this year. I have a cucumber plant that looks healthy but didn’t seem to be producing any cucumbers. I am aware that cucumbers can hide among the foliage, so I looked carefully. As I was walking away disappointed, I looked upward and saw a…
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Summer Vibes at the Local Farmer’s Market
In the summer, Friday mornings have a special vibe. I grab my cup of coffee and head out the door to the Farmer’s Market. At the market people of all ages, children, and women pushing strollers are visiting the booths. I have some favorite stops. At the organic farmer I…
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The Right Time
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…
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Dandelion Greens for Soup or Salad
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,…
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The Wonder of Heaven and Earth
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…
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Coffee on a Fall Morning
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…
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Applesauce Cake
The apples are abundant this fall. The trees on the old farmland were heavy with fruit.
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A Conversation About Truth and Beauty
My husband, my sister and I spent a week in Upper Michigan, enjoying the brisk breeze bringing the fall season. Each day the color of fluttering leaves became more vibrant. It was a visual treat as we worked—we had chores to do because we were closing the house for the…