It is March 1st and spring is coming. The temperatures are still up and down, but I am beginning to have garden thoughts. I am looking forward to seeing the blooms from the bulbs I planted last fall. The delight offered by gardens has been expressed over hundreds…
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Garden of My Heart
The spring garden catalogues are filling my mailbox and I enjoy leisurely paging through the offerings. I am beginning to make choices for additions to my garden. God has given us an amazing variety plants and fruit bearing trees and bushes. Before long tulips and…
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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…
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Flowers and Wreaths at the Chicago Botanical Garden
We had a lovely afternoon at the Chicago Botanical Garden. The flowers were in bloom in the conservatories. Lovely wreaths adorned the walls. Poinsettias lined the displays and were hanging from the ceiling! A variety of trains were on display as a Christmas exhibit. The miniature trains travel on tracks…
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A Flower that Survives the Snowstorms
It is December in Illinois, and throughout our neighborhood there are winter decorations. We have a wreath on our door. My display of angels celebrating the birth of Jesus is in our foyer. We have had two snowstorms and to my surprise the calendula flower has two buds. It may…
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Promise of Spring as Winter Approaches
The mild fall that we have had has allowed me to spend more time in the yard. I have been planting and transplanting and raking leaves. My husband was working also, creating piles of branches. He has a chain saw and after he took down one tree he found lots…
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Hope in Chicago and at Home
For Chicago baseball fans, the Cubs are symbolic of hope. The excitement over the National league playoffs was vibrant this fall. Then four straight losses to the Mets. Once again the refrain is wait till next year. In my garden I have many opportunities for hope. I have been …
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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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Lovely Aroma in a World of Conflict
Are you discouraged by the conflicts and moray decay all around us? I am. The study of the book of Acts is giving me hope. I am glad that this book was chosen for the fall Precept Bible study. Sometimes political issues stir my emotions. Can political action groups solve…
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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.…