Canning Berries: Memories of Mom

As I canned cherries and gooseberries this summer, I thought of my mother. She had stimulated my interest in canning. We had made and canned thimbleberry jam together. It was a family project to pick and clean the wild berries. Gooseberries have stems and “pig tales” (the remainder of the flower). They also have a… Continue reading Canning Berries: Memories of Mom

Beginning the Day with Morning Coffee

In 2016 I wrote a blog post commemorating our anniversary (and our morning coffee). I was brought back six years as I read the post. Since then changes have taken place. My mother and brother have both passed away. I am no longer travelling to Michigan every other month. They are at rest. Our family has… Continue reading Beginning the Day with Morning Coffee

The Cherry Tree, Bewildered Birds and a Recipe

The cherry tree is in the center of my backyard. The blossoms in April bring hope and the joy of springtime. The tree draws the robins who march around it possessively and perch on its branches. When it produces red cherries, I pause in wonder, reminded to give thanks for God’s creation, the work of… Continue reading The Cherry Tree, Bewildered Birds and a Recipe

Experiments in Planting and Cooking

The Lord has blessed the earth with an amazing array of fruits, vegetables and herbs. Each produces seed according to its kind. I am thankful! I have begun to start a few tomato plants indoors, and I am looking forward to their fruit. I was happy to see that seed saved from currant tomatoes several… Continue reading Experiments in Planting and Cooking

A Meal to Spark Memories

My mother’s birthday was last month. We celebrated her 98 years. She is cared for in a nursing home in Michigan. She has significant memory loss and is wheelchair bound. She recognizes family as familiar people and is happy to see us. Sometimes she reverts to the language of her childhood, Finnish. I can only… Continue reading A Meal to Spark Memories