Category Home & Garden

First Blossoms of 2023

This is an exciting time of year for me. With more pronounced seasons in the Pacific Northwest than what I knew growing up in California, Spring has become my favorite season. It brings such a remarkable change from the dark,…

Read More

Melting Snow

The sun has come out and the snow has started to melt. We still have freezing days ahead, so it will take time. We are approaching record lows and expect freezing rain over the next couple of days. With two…

Read More

Snow Day

It snowed all morning and past noon, blanketing everything with white. Another quiet, chilly day, spent best indoors where it’s cozy warm. Here’s a short video of the snawfall.

Read More

Coyotes

I’ve seen coyotes come by my property numerous times. Occasionally I hear them howling in the distance—one of the eeriest sounds I’ve ever heard. Sometimes the howling will start when a service vehicle sets off it’s siren. Usually I just…

Read More

Homemade Vanilla Extract

I got a bee in my bonnet and decided to make my own vanilla extract. It’s surprisingly easy if you can be patient. All it requires is vanilla beans, vodka, and a jar. The reason I mention patience is it…

Read More

Pecan Shaker Cookies

This simple recipe is based on one from a Pleasant Hill, Kentucky recipe book. Pleasant Hill, Kentucky is a historic Shaker village and current destination open to visitors and overnight guests—an experience I highly recommend. You can learn about my…

Read More

Snow & Sunshine

It snowed through the night—a peaceful night, thankfully—and I woke to big fluffy snowflakes descending. Then the sun came out and made everything sparkle.

Read More

Snow Scene Art

Since the snow came so early this year, it brought down some of the fall leaves and made this pretty scene. I particularly love the yellow-greens mixed with the pale grays of slushy snow. Here are more pictures around the…

Read More

Snow Debris

Although the snow came down in a light dust yesterday, it persisted, accumulating as the hours of the day passed. Temperatures fluctuated above and below freezing, which caused the snow to melt and freeze again, becoming wet and heavy. This…

Read More