Stocking up the Cabinet

A month ago, I shared with you a few suggestions for stocking up the pantry to easily provide for your family and company without having to go to the store at the last minute. These tips are also great for those times when inclement weather or lack of transportation interferes with your daily schedule.

But what about those non-food needs? A well-stocked cabinet not only covers emergency moments, but can also provide some fun family time. Pretend you’re going camping: turn off the lights, the TV, the computers and see what you can do without electronics.

Batteries for flashlights and … read the rest. . .

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Stocking up the Pantry

It’s only September, but chatter has it that winter will be wearing out its welcome with voracity this year. I’ve talked with many gardeners over the past few months who tell me their baskets are less than bushels-ful. The Farmer’s Almanac has the country abuzz with their predictions of an earlier, colder, and longer winter.

Now’s the time to start stocking up on those food items that can get you through any storm. They’re handy when there’s unexpected company. They’re reliable when you can’t get to the store. And most of the items are inexpensive, which allows you to save … read the rest. . .

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Hummingbird Moth at Lowe’s

I love Lowe’s Home Improvement Stores. I especially love their Garden Centers.

This morning, we drove over to get yard plants. There’s a feel to walking through Lowe’s Garden Centers. The sprinkler-induced humidity. The welcome birds being chased by feral cats. The families planning together. The newlyweds picking their first flower pot.

I love walking through Lowe’s. Away from computers and electronics. Away from televisions and radios and outside interferences. It’s a way to briefly reconnect with reality. Earth. Nature.

I love breathing in the pungent aroma of Privet followed by the fragrance of Jasmine. The color explosion on each … read the rest. . .

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My Housing Project: The Tree Stump Garden

When I first bought Bedford Manor, there were three trees in the front yard.

Before moving in, I had the overgrown Juniper shrubs, Lily garden and miscellaneous items removed. The Fruitless Mulberry closest to the driveway grew so quickly, there were times driving into the garage felt like a trip on Disneyland’s Jungle Cruise. We made the decision last year to have it cut down [you can read about it here].

That resulted in the stump that I surrounded with scalloped brick and tried to utilize as a flower garden.

Unfortunately, Southern California just went through one of the … read the rest. . .

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Do You See What I See (in my Garden)?

Remember about six weeks ago when I brought home some vegetation that looked promising? And then it didn’t?

Well, with some hard work, cooperating weather (less heat), and some Miracle-Gro and water, my crops are starting to, well, crop.

It took a full month of delicate, tedious care and prayer, and now my three plants are beginning to bear food. The tomato plant already blessed us with two beefsteak tomatoes last week, but I thought that would be all for this year.

Until this morning. I went out to diligently water, and in my pruning, peeking, and pouring, I found … read the rest. . .

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