Over the past months I have been reading a Psalm each morning before breakfast. The Psalmist speaks plainly about his challenges and his faith in God’s steadfast love. The focus on God brings both comfort and inspiration. By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness,O God of our salvation, the…
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…
My elderberries are beginning to ripen. The Johns elderberry bush ripens first, the Adams bushes ripen a few weeks later. Having a couple different varieties is beneficial for increased pollination and production of berries.. After picking each cluster of berries, clipping the stem behind the cluster, I bring them inside.…
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…
Let’s face it. A cherry tree in the backyard has pros and cons. This year the tree has produced an abundance of cherries. For five days I have been picking, pitting, freezing and canning cherries. I expect to see cherries in my dreams. Many of the cherries are perfect. But a…
Northern Finland is above the Artic Circle. During the summer, the sun never sets, skimming the horizon at night. The growing season is short, but the hours of sunlight are long. Wild flowers and berries flourish. My husband and I visited Finland during the summer and experienced the amazing hours…
As I spend time gardening, I am thankful for the wonderful variety of plants and bushes that God has provided for our enjoyment and nourishment. My love of berries might be due to my Finnish heritage. So many different kinds of berries grow in Finland, wild and cultivated. The strawberries…
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…
He made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows its time for setting. Psalm 104:19 The weather has warmed and the trees are in blossom. The robins and cardinals visit my yard, while the rabbits munch on grass. The squirrels are busy doing acrobatic exercises in the trees and on…
Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Psalm 127:3 Recently my husband and I went on a trip to Florida with our daughter’s family. It was lovely to see spring unfolding as we drove south. The azalea bushes were full of blossoms. We…