Perpetual Learning
Elias Voss 
It happens to the best of us gardeners. You start with a small, unassuming plant, nurture it, give it good light, the right water, and maybe a bit of conversation. Before you know it, that little guy has turned into a giant, a magnificent specimen that’s suddenly taken over your living room. That’s exactly where … Read more
It’s been a patient wait, but my suburban backyard is finally yielding sweet rewards – literally! Today, August 7th, 2025, marks a significant milestone: the first substantial harvest from a peach tree I planted as a mere twig just three years ago. It’s a journey filled with simple lessons, a bit of faith, and a … Read more
Like many of you, I’m always looking for ways to make my home more efficient and kinder to our planet. My garden teaches me so much about living with the seasons, and I’ve found that extending that mindful approach into my home through smart technology has been a real win-win. Today, I want to chat … Read more
Home improvement projects. They start with such good intentions, don’t they? A fresh coat of paint, a new kitchen, maybe even that bathroom you’ve been dreaming about. But as anyone who’s been through it knows, renovations can be a bumpy road. Today, I want to talk about what happens when things don’t go quite as … Read more
Summer’s winding down, and as days shorten, many of us start thinking about what’s next. For young adults, this often means setting up a first apartment, navigating car troubles, or simply wanting to feel more capable in everyday life. I’ve always believed in the power of knowing how to do things yourself – it builds … Read more
Homeownership often means tackling little projects, and sometimes those projects bring up unexpected questions. Recently, I found myself dealing with two common homeowner puzzles: getting a perfect stain match for cabinet repairs and digging up proof of purchase for a water heater warranty. Cabinet Refinishing: The Art of the Stain Match We all have those … Read more
It’s something we all think about as our loved ones get older: how can we help them stay safe and comfortable in their own homes, especially if they live alone? I’ve been looking into how some simple technology, specifically smart home devices, can make a real difference. Think of things that just make life a … Read more
It’s mid-August here in the Midwest, and my tomato plants are usually bursting with ripe fruit. But this year, I’ve had a few puzzled emails and comments from fellow gardeners asking, “Why are my tomatoes turning black?” It’s a frustrating sight when you’ve nurtured those plants from tiny seedlings, only to see the fruit developing … Read more
You know that feeling? You just installed a bunch of smart bulbs – maybe Philips Hue or something similar – and they work great with your phone or voice assistant. But then, someone in the house flips the actual, old-fashioned light switch off. Poof! Your smart bulb is now offline and useless until the switch … Read more
It was a crisp morning on August 6th, 2025, and I stepped out into my garden, coffee in hand, ready for my usual dose of nature. My golden retriever, Buster, trotted alongside me, tail wagging. Suddenly, he stopped, head tilted, and then nudged something towards me with his nose. A gift! Except, this gift was… … Read more