Writings about family, food, home and health
When I am having a down day or forgetting about my many blessings in life, I look to my garden for my recentering. Last Easter I received a potted Easter Lily as a gift. After the lily was done blooming, I transplanted it to my front garden in the late spring and crossed my fingers …
Oftentimes here in Pittsburgh the skies are overcast and rain looms. Pittsburgh is said to have more overcast days than Seattle, and while the weather can be depressing, the challenge is to find hope and beauty even with the dark and gloomy skies. Â Today while dodging raindrops, I captured beauty in my garden. The …
A welcoming front door signals a welcoming house-- or rather signals that the house is a home. Summertime is the perfect time to make your house feel like home-- to relax and enjoy time spent with friends and family in a cozy and inviting atmosphere. My way of welcoming friends and family is through creating a …
An eye catching perennial for a sunny spot in your garden is the blanket flower. I have the Arizona Sun variety in my garden. Its botanical name is Gaillardia "Arizona Sun" and is available in other varieties like Gaillardia "burgundy," Gaillardia "fanfare," and Gaillardia "goblin." It is classified as part of the daisy/sunflower  family and …
The peony provides beautiful, massive blooms for your spring garden. Blooming anywhere from the middle to end of May here in Pittsburgh, peonies are a great addition to add to your flower garden in almost any climate. (My peonies have started blooming immediately after my rhododendron faded, so there has been a constant bloom in my garden this …
I am a dog person, no question. I also love cats and other four legged creatures, but dogs hold a special place in my heart. Maybe it is because they offer unconditional love and are always happy to be with you and excited to see you. I love how they don't expect anything from you; …
Continue reading "So You Think You Want a Puppy: Destruction Meets Poetry"
Intricate, blue and elegant: these three words sum up the the Siberian Iris. A showpiece for your early spring garden, the Siberian Iris has thin grass-like stems that look beautiful even after the flowers have finished blooming. I love the color of the Siberian Iris. I am partial to the color blue and am always …
If looking to add a cottage effect to your garden, columbines are a great addition. This beautifully detailed, delicate looking perennial blooms in the middle of May here in Pittsburgh. Throughout my garden I have a smattering of columbines in the pink and white varieties, but they are available in other colors too -- including blues …
Continue reading "Columbine: A Great Perennial To Create a Cottage Garden Effect"
Allium, a pom-pom looking flower is an easy way to add whimsy to your garden. Part of the flowering onion family, this perennial bulb requires little to no maintenance, and is therefore a great addition to household gardens. Allium flowers are drought tolerant, thrive in almost any soil type, but bloom best if planted in full …
I am not a photographer. I don't believe I have the artistic vision that so many people have when it comes to photography. But, with the advent of the iphone, and having a camera at my disposal all of the time, I have improved on my photography skills through time, practice, and trial and error. …
Continue reading "Home Decorating Ideas Using the Photos on your SmartPhone"
Wicklow Wildflower 