And Finally, It Is Spring – An Ode to Crocuses

An Ode to Crocuses

This year, more than ever, the world held its breath for spring. 

Now that it is truly here, I feel the rushing out of breath held in too long 

Zucchini Flour Popovers - Popovers part 3

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Zucchini flour popovers = delicious! 

A Month In Pictures 8/12 - 9/12/2019

Cooking On The Grill - Keep the heat outside!

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Stir-fried vegetables, scrambled eggs, and reheating roast goose

I don't know about you but when it's over 75f degrees in the house I don't want to turn on the oven or the stove-top to cook anything. 

WIP Wednesday, April 4th, 2018 - 180degree Panoramic

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Creating is my passion, my sanity, my sense of being "up to something", my way of contributing a little bit. I always have a few projects going, many left to the side for months or even years before I pick up the best and carry on. Here's some of what I'm working on this week:

A lovely friend (with her family) from ages hence may park with us for a handful of weeks this summer.

Tucking things in for Spring

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As the days grow shorter and we slowly put the gardens to rest for the winter, I always love tucking new bulbs into the ground and a little extra care for the ones I've put in before.

WIP Wednesday July 19th, 2017

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Creating is my passion, my sanity, my sense of being "up to something", my way of contributing a little bit. I always have a few projects going, many left to the side for months or even years before I pick up the best and carry on. Here's some of what I'm working on this week:

WIP Wednesday, July 5th, 2017

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Creating is my passion, my sanity, my sense of being "up to something", my way of contributing a little bit. I always have a few projects going, many left to the side for months or even years before I pick up the best and carry on. Here's some of what I'm working on this week:

We had a marvelous family meal yesterday, and started helping cut out a path through their massive raspberry patch.

July Challenge - Buy local

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While I didn't post about it much, our June challenge of eating clean was such a success (we feel great!) that we're going to keep at it.

In addition, we're doing a month of Buying Local.

July Challenge: Buy Local

Five Things I Will Not Be Doing This Summer - Thank Goodness!

It's Midsummer's eve - tomorrow is the mid-way point of the year, in the summer (hence, Midsummer) and the the beginning of Summer. 

We live with a constant pressure to be busy, to do more, and to feel as though we "aren't living up to our potential" if we slow down to savor our lives as they are, if we take our bites slowly to make them last.

So here are: 

Five Things I Will Not Be Doing This Summer

WIP Wednesday, May 24th, 2017

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Creating is my passion, my sanity, my sense of being "up to something", my way of contributing a little bit. I always have a few projects going, many left to the side for months or even years before I pick up the best and carry on. Here's some of what I'm working on this week:

We're using up some more of the stumps from the downed trees at the side and edging another garden area. This time we're widening the driveway a little and making it easier to clear the snow in the winter.

Mom-Fu - Parenthood as Ninja Training

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So, you'd really planned to become a Ninja... But then you had kids.

Fear not. You are being trained well little grasshopper.

Cardinals in the Stick House

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Anyone who has been to our house has seen our stick house. 

Big enough for most adults to stand up inside (although you'll have to crouch to get in.

We've been watching a pair of cardinals working around there picking out just the right pine needles for a nest. More and more often I would see them fly in through the branches and then not fly away.

There's a red fellow on the back left garden bed in the photo below and the side of the stick house at the right.

Without invading their space, we tried to see if there were any nests.

A couple days ago C pointed it out to me - for whom a clear view was blocked by sprays of pine needles.

Today I grabbed my camera and headed over while the pair of parents were busy at the suet feeder.

A couple of quick photos revealed two baby cardinals in their cozy nest. 

What hunger to feed! 

No wonder we see their parents back and forth from the feeder all day long.

Cardinals, you are most welcome to use our stick house as long as you need!

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WIPWednesday - Inkle weaving April 26th, 2017

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Creating is my passion, my sanity, my sense of being "up to something", my way of contributing a little bit. I always have a few projects going, many left to the side for months or even years before I pick up the best and carry on. Here's some of what I'm working on this week:

I was recently given an Inkle loom (for making straps, ribbons, laces, etc) by a dear friend. 

Mountain of Soil - Happy in the Gardens

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Last week we got a delivery of loam/compost mix.

For the first time in my life, I have had as much dirt as I want.

April Challenge - 100 miles

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In March we focused inward and challenged ourselves to give or sell at least 124 things. We didn't want to just add things to a landfill, and didn't count anything repurposed to something else - like old clothes cut up for rags or a rug. 

WIP Wednesday, March 29th, 2017

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Creating is my passion, my sanity, my sense of being "up to something", my way of contributing a little bit. I always have a few projects going, many left to the side for months or even years before I pick up the best and carry on. Here's some of what I'm working on this week:

We're still getting rid of thing for our Decluttering Challenge where we've more than doubled our number since last week! I'll post a final post after the last of the month. Here's what else we've been up to:

Last July I posted about buying "not so perfect produce" and having spent $5. 

This past week we spend $22.50

Welcome Spring.

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Even though we still have snow, the first "official" day of spring is always so welcome. We have been reading "The Root Children" throughout the winter and excited that it's finally time.

Missed by Inches - Three Big Trees

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I was all set to excitedly announce our March Challenges today and recap last month's challenge.

But... At 3:45am HandsomeJoe and I were awakened by a loud-house-shaking-BOOM!

WIP Wednesday, February 8th, 2017

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Creating is my passion, my sanity, my sense of being "up to something", my way of contributing a little bit. I always have a few projects going, many left to the side for months or even years before I pick up the best and carry on. Here's some of what I'm working on this week: