Autumn's harvest. It's gathering in end-of-summer and late-season maturation crops before overnight temperatures produce frost. It's also taking inventory of what produced especially well and added an artistic element to the garden. Some large-leafed plants that I will incorporate again into next year's garden are rutabaga, cabbage, zucchini, and cucumber. Large leaves quickly fill open…

Have you hesitated to plant expired seed? Don't. Hesitate, that is.   In early spring 2013, my frugal nature couldn't bear to toss out a previously opened package of zucchini seed packed for 2009. I planted one seed in each of twelve newspaper pots. Ten seeds germinated. The seedlings matured into beautifully lush plants that…

When my eyes fell upon the old hands planting a seedling. I knew. When the paved road suddenly turned into a winding dirt road. I just knew. And then I saw the grey weathered barns. Could my smushed nose press any harder against our truck's window? I saw the main street of a pioneer town. The mercantile…

Each year, April 17th is National Blah, Blah, Blah Day. Did you know that? I first learned of it as I listened to NPR while on my walk three mornings ago. The intent of this wacky holiday is actually to do the things everyone's been nagging you about (e.g., quitting a habit, completing home projects). I took the opposite…

I have two jars of raw honey and two handmade cozies to insulate empty almond butter jars. I just need tea. Medicinal tea… made from plants gathered from the wild and homegrown gardens. On the first day of May, my loose leaf tea will begin its journey from Seattle to my doorstep in central Minnesota. Three different hand-blended…

I have been making an intentional effort to use up what I have. Call it frugality, a challenge, making all things matter, or not wanting to run to the store… it's all that. Several days ago I had made a large pot of vegetable bean quinoa soup. Today, I was about to savour the last bite of soup when I noticed the…

Today, Dick and I attended an Ecofest at the Learning Gate Community School in Lutz, Florida a northern Tampa suburb. The event included workshops, demonstrations, vendors, music, food – all of the traits that comprise a stellar festival. There was so much to see and do that we camped out there the entire day from 9:30 to…

When I'm at home, I have all of my unadultered, unprocessed, non GMO, humanely raised, organic, local, raw product sources in place. When I travel, they are there. I just have to search… or visit my daughters who are like-minded and know where to find the good stuff. Adams Fairacre Farms in Newburgh, New York is my favorite grocery store for their stocking…

Today, I dug the last of the potatoes still snuggled under my garden's soil. Chunks of red (with pink flesh), white, and purple. So very pretty. If I'd had a sweet potato, I would have tossed it in for a pop of deep orange color.  

Standing on my front doorstep, looking out at our first snowfall of the season in central Minnesota. Snow-draped herbs, onions, and kale against a predominantly grey backdrop. Summer has not yet relinquished its grip.