https://youtu.be/RkL3WZQdGiM George's favorite is a red satin ribbon, about 2 feet long, that he enjoys hunting on the banister. He jumps up and sits on it during breakfast. (Our breakfast that is; we don't get to eat before the cats' breakfast.) He likes to play and pounce and … [Read more...]
Thanks to Loren for Switching Out Our Lightbulbs
I like saving electricity for lots of reasons beyond saving money. It's important, just like recycling. One of the easiest ways to reduce electricity consumption is to switch out incandescent and halogen bulbs for LED lights. We replaced the indoor lights we use the most often already but were … [Read more...]
Cleaning Up an Old Yard Mess – Perennial Grass to the Rescue!
When we put in our garden we got large deliveries of black dirt and gravel; unfortunately I forgot to put tarps down under either of these and we still have small piles of dirt and gravel out back. We also got extra edging pieces and I kept thinking we'd do something with them - and they are still … [Read more...]
Melt in Your Mouth – Mom’s Peanut Butter Cookies
These are the best peanut butter cookies. When we married I copied all my Mom's recipes including this one, although I've no memory of her ever making these. We make them when we want crispy peanut butter cookies that melt in your mouth. The sugar and shortening give the crispy goodness and … [Read more...]
What Will Next Summer’s Garden Be?
The flower and seed catalogs are strewn across my coffee table in the living room and stacked on top my desk in the office. I've already ordered three perennials from American Meadows. Gaillardia comes in bright, cheerful yellows and red, happily blooms all summer and is hardy here. Its only … [Read more...]
Right to Life Prayer Service in Bronson Park, Downtown Kalamazoo, January 23, 2016
Today is the 44th anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision that removed many states' prohibitions on abortions. Our Catholic Bishop Paul Bradley, Lutheran pastors Paul Naumann and David Sidwell, and about 250 others gathered in Bronson Park for a Prayer for Life, a short prayer … [Read more...]
Warm January Weather Melts the Snow and Shows the Mess
It's been unusually warm the last few days, 40s Wednesday - Friday, mid-50s today, 50 tomorrow, before we get back to our normal high 20s/low 30s. This is Michigan after all, and no matter what the groundhog sees on February 2, spring is at least a couple months away. The sun felt so good this … [Read more...]
How to Make Butternut Squash and Apple Bake
Ready for a succulent vegetable dish, one with sweet fall butternut squash and tart apples? Here's my recipe for a wonderfully satisfying casserole perfect to serve with a roast, ham or pork. Butternut Squash and Apple Baked Casserole 1 Butternut squash. I used one half a large squash, or … [Read more...]
Exploring for Mushrooms in Our Winter Lawn
Right now the snow is mostly gone, leaving grass and leaves and interesting mushrooms out for us to see. We had unusual mushrooms in our front yard this fall that I've not seen before. These oval ones all growing in a group remind me of mini loaves of bread. Each one has a crack in its … [Read more...]
How to Make a Cherry Pie
Before we get started, let's be frank, shall we? I am no pie maven and my cherry pie (or any other type) is not perfect. This is to show how to make a pie even if your crust-making and rolling out skills are, let's say, modest. Recipe for Pie Crust Easy Pie Crust from Mom 3 cups flour 1/4 t … [Read more...]