Chilly Yet? Time to Plant a Winter Garden

It’s officially summer, and while the sun might be shining I am thinking about my winter garden. Winter garden? Yes, that’s right. Winter gardens are a summer activity, however hot it might be. Summer time gives your plants the time and warmth they need to grow, and June and July are excellent times to install your winter garden. Those of us in temperate climes have it lucky. If you love food gardening and you don’t want to stop, you can keep on gardening right through the winter time with very little help. Yet winter gardening is possible even in colder … Continue reading

Halloween for Baby

Our son is not yet 3 months old. He doesn’t eat candy. We’re not especially fond of taking him into public places to meet strangers with H1N1 going around. We’re also not at “home.” All of this has made the decision to not trick-or-treat much easier. However, there is a part of me that is regretting not dressing our son up like something for his first ever theatrical opportunity. My love of “pretend” is somewhat being squashed by circumstances beyond my control. A lengthy trip tomorrow (at least a whole day of driving) followed by scrambled organization for returning to … Continue reading

Marriage Christmas Traditions

Mick had his turn of looking after me, now it’s my turn to look after him. On Sunday night we went to carols at the beach. Despite the heat of the day and the fact it’s summer here in Australia, that evening turned quite cold and windy. Next thing, Mick’s come down with all the snuffles, aches and pains of flu symptoms. He’s an easy patient to look after though. He’s spent the last few days on medicine and sleeping, sleeping, sleeping. I wish I could sleep like that when I’m sick, but I never can. Thankfully I’m now armed … Continue reading

Frugal Month in Review: November 2008

November to be is the beginning of two things. The holiday season starts with Thanksgiving, and then there is winter. Despite the fact that winter doesn’t officially start until next month, the fall seems to give way to the winter in November anyway. We had a day of snow already. Here is looking ahead to December and the end of the year! November 1st Frugal Month in Review: October 2008 “Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.” – George Eliot. November 2 … Continue reading

Home Blog Month in Review: October

As I sit here looking out my window at the backyard, the birds are hovering in the pine tree against a strong wind and steady rain. The temperature is chilly today, and the calendar reminds me that we have left October behind. October 1st Buy a Home for $1.75 It seems that the housing crisis has made some interesting news lately. Home Month in Review: September 2008 Has the weather turned cooler now that September has passed? Pretty soon, it will be time to get that heat turned back on! Meanwhile, check out all of the articles that were posted … Continue reading

Frugal Month in Review: October 2008

“Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.” – George Eliot October has come and gone, but we can still enjoy fall and the celebration of Thanksgiving and all of the great joys of the season. Take a look back at all of the ways to save money that were featured last month. October 1st Frugal Halloween Costumes It is fall and Halloween is approaching fast, are you ready? What do the kids want to be? You can make some great homemade costumes … Continue reading

Pumpkin Seeds 101

Have you carved your pumpkins yet? If you live in a warmer climate you might have held off until today to do so. When you get around to crafting your jack-o’-lanterns don’t forget to save the pumpkin seeds. Large pumpkins yield dozens of seeds that can be used in a variety of ways. GETTING THE SEEDS After you remove the top of your pumpkin carefully scoop out the pulp and seeds with a large serving spoon (or your hands) and place them in a bowl. You will need to separate the seeds from the pulp. I like to wash and … Continue reading

Men: The Weaker Sex?

Before I begin, I just want to say that, even though the title might suggest otherwise, this article isn’t intended to be a slam against men. Rather, it’s just some reflections on things I’ve seen regarding boyfiends and husbands over the past 10 years during my stint as a stay-at-home wife. Not that I’ve had all sorts of relationships with other men. But I’ve had lots and lots of talks with my women friends. It was when I was living in Jacksonville that I noticed a pattern forming where our husbands were concerned. And ever since I noticed it, I … Continue reading

Home Month in Review: September 2008

Has the weather turned cooler now that September has passed? Pretty soon, it will be time to get that heat turned back on! Meanwhile, check out all of the articles that were posted last month. September 1st Home Week in Review: August 25th Through August 31st As we all watch the raging path of the hurricane, we are praying for the safety of those affected. It seems like there have been so much weather phenomena making an impact recently. And, now one authority is predicting that this winter will see extreme cold. If you missed that post this week or … Continue reading

The Positive and the Negative

Two things struck me recently from a novel I read. Randall,the male character says ’we’re each of us given certain gifts and certain faults.’ I agree, although sometimes those faults can also be a gift. I’m inclined to think many, if not all, negative characteristics have a positive side to them as well. However it was this comment that intrigued me. ‘Sometimes it seems the more extreme person’s goodness is, the more extreme her weaknesses.’ What do others think about this/? The comment came from a novel Custody by Nancy Thayer LINK to write and read blog but it’s often … Continue reading