growing hollyhocks

I once read, that if growing hollyhocks was as difficult as growing roses, then they would be just as appreciated.  I think this is true. 
Hollyhocks have always been one of my favorite flowers.  Their tall stalks seem to rise effortlessly overhead and the flowers, bright and cheerful, are like rays of sunshine, smiling at the [...]

Read Full Post »

just give ‘em dirt

Boy love their toys, and they love dirt.  I can’t seem to keep them out of the garden.  The other day, they tried to plow up the Egyptian onions that I had spent the day planting.  They felt, that I had ruined their roads, planting all those onions.
Now I have them reigned in to the [...]

Read Full Post »

first cucumbers

If you knew…
…how many times I have planted cucumbers 
…how many times I have dreamed of jars of pickles
…how many times I’ve had not a single plant come up
…or all the times my plants have been eaten by grasshoppers the moment they are above ground…
Then you would understand my joy at finding not one, but three little flowers today!  The [...]

Read Full Post »

dyeing wool

With three bags of wool sitting around my house, I could no longer resist the temptation to try dyeing some.  Those of you who have been reading a while know my fascination with wool.  It is one of those natural fibers I don’t think I will ever cease to be awed by.
As I sat and [...]

Read Full Post »

tenting it

With the sun shining brightly and storm clouds in the West, the boys pitched their tent in the back yard Saturday evening.  We had planned to go camping, but sickness had changed our plans. 
Not to be defeated, they decided to camp at home, and really, I think they  enjoyed it just as much as a [...]

Read Full Post »

carding wool

This spring we butchered a lamb and had planned to tan the hide, but it was not in very good shape, so I sheared it, cleaned it, and tried to figure out how to card it, without purchasing carders or combs.  Likely dream!  Okay, so there are ways of doing it, but they are not [...]

Read Full Post »

hidden treaures

While picking berries, we found this red mushroom.  I have no idea what kind of mushroom it is, but it reminded me to take time to find the hidden beauties in everyday life.  
It also reminded me of all the stories I have hear of the power of mushrooms to change things, like the little cap [...]

Read Full Post »

homemade ice cream

Ice cream is one of those summertime pleasures that is worth making by hand, at least once a year. 
With all the huckleberries we picked, the boys wanted to eat some over fresh ice cream.    A trip to the store was full of guesses, as we didn’t know  what exactly we needed, but we came home [...]

Read Full Post »

picking huckleberries

The middle of July is a special time of year here.  It is the beginning of berry picking season!  Huckleberries are the first berry to ripen.  They are small and tangy-sweet, a relative of the blueberry.  There are actually at least eight varieties of Huckleberries, all know by their characteristic dimples on the blossom end.
Today [...]

Read Full Post »

the magic of peonies

I am loving life in my garden.  Everyday has new surprises and joys.  It is fun to see the peonies blooming, after several looong years of waiting.  Their sent is one of the most magical to me.  Calming and yet invigorating!
This summer, thought it has only just begun is going by much too fast for [...]

Read Full Post »