Perpetual Learning
It sounds like a familiar scene in many homes: the kitchen sink is overflowing, and you’re not quite sure what’s happening in there. This week, I heard a story that really made me think about the unexpected things that can happen in our shared living spaces. A homeowner’s roommate, in an attempt to tackle a … Read more
Growing a giant pumpkin isn’t just about luck; it’s a calculated dance with nature, especially here in Zone 4b where our growing season is a bit shorter. This year, I managed to grow a pumpkin tipping the scales at nearly 1000 pounds, and I want to share what I learned along the way. Choosing the … Read more
I’ve got a love-hate relationship with my small bathroom. It’s cozy, functional, and usually gets the job done. But there’s one feature that throws a wrench in the works: a ridiculously large window. It lets in a ton of natural light, which is great, but it also means zero privacy and a whole lot of … Read more
This year, my suburban garden has been graced by the presence of some truly delightful cherry tomatoes. For those of us who love to get our hands dirty and enjoy the fruits (or in this case, the fruits!) of our labor, there’s something incredibly rewarding about watching these tiny orbs ripen on the vine. Growing … Read more
Living out here in the Midwest, I’ve learned to appreciate the rhythms of nature. But sometimes, nature throws a curveball – like an unexpected power outage. It makes you think about how much we rely on electricity for the simple things, like keeping the lights on and the fridge humming. Lately, I’ve been looking into … Read more
This year, I decided to dive headfirst into processing my cayenne peppers, and let me tell you, it was an experience! I learned a few things along the way, chief among them being the absolute necessity of good ventilation. My kitchen turned into a tear-jerking, lung-burning zone until I opened every window and turned on … Read more
This year, my garden threw me a curveball – a really, really big one. As a first-time zucchini grower, I was expecting a few modest squash, enough for a side dish here and there. What I got instead was a zucchini the size of my forearm, and then another, and another. It turns out, when … Read more
You know, I always marvel at the sheer power packed into a tiny seed. It’s almost magical when you think about it. You start with something so small, almost insignificant, and with a bit of care, water, and sunshine, you end up with a bounty of fresh food. This year, I was particularly struck by … Read more
There’s a certain magic that happens when the ingredients for a classic BLT come straight from your own backyard. This year, however, my garden has been a bit of a rollercoaster, thanks to an unusual amount of rain. While the excess moisture made some things flourish, it also presented its own set of challenges, especially … Read more
In my garden, I focus on systems that work together. My soil needs the right balance of nutrients, my compost needs the right mix of green and brown, and my plants need just the right amount of sun and water. It’s all about harmony. The same can be said for our homes, especially when it … Read more