Who’s Gabbing and Who’s Gushing

While living in California I was introduced to the essential oil Artemisia ludoviciana (Owyhee) by Jeanne Rose. Years later I moved to Idaho and tried to locate the plant in Idaho and Eastern Oregon. I would come across foliage that looked similar to pictures in identification books but was never sure if the ones I found were the true plant.

Now living in Alaska, I attended the State Fair last summer and was admiring plants and herbs in a garden exhibit. I could not believe my eyes as I read the sign. There was the plant. Of all places! I still have the bottle of essential oil which was distilled in Oregon many years ago ... Read more →

One of the things I love about living here is that, while I like the small town, four-seasons, cooler way of life in Flagstaff, the desert is just a few hours away. So, we can leave and warm up when we've had enough of winter and it's not too far away. Well, no need to warm up this year since we seemed to jump straight from fall to spring, but we went to Phoenix yesterday nonetheless.

Butterfly Wonderland! Have you heard of it? What a cool place. It's right off the 101 in Scottsdale and was such a treat. My husband and I took my parents as part of their Christmas present (a little late, I know). Anyway, you start by viewing a 15-minute, 3D movie about monarchs (beautiful, amazing). Then you go into the Emergence Gallery where you can see hundreds of butterflies hatching. Finally, you go into this big, warm, humid atrium where there are THOUSANDS of butterflies of all sizes and colors. They are everywhere. They landed on us. We had to be careful not to step on them. Just incredible! ... Read more →

Wow, has it been BUSY! Who is ready for a picture HEAVY post? I know you LOVE it!

We made our first batch of Maple Syrup! About 16 gallons of Maple sap, boiled down to a quart of PURE MAPLE SYRUP!!! I am sooo excited, I may make pancakes for dinner tonight!

Friday was my birthday. Another year….sigh…lol! It has been rather nice! Isabelle is calling my birthday week ... Read more →

Thanks so much for joining me for Simple Life Sunday. Grab your cup of tea or coffee and sit down with me and join me while I look through all the wonderful posts everyone has shared! Before you leave be sure to share one of your favorite posts.

I’d like to thank you all for your prayers and support for our friend’s Brooke and Ryan. Her surgery went well last Thursday. They removed a peanut sized tumor from her brain and removed some of the surrounding brain. She is doing FANTASTIC and is not impaired in anyway from the surgery. They have not received the results back from the surgery yet, but she is on her way home today. Continue to pray for their travel mercies and healing and whatever may lie ahead for them. God has his hand on her for sure! ... Read more →

Spring is coming ... Read more →

Just when you thought I wouldn't find another documentary about local food movements, tah dah! I found one. Funnily enough, it was an Amazon Instant Video recommendation.

Apparently, the buyer pattern enhancement software they use actually does work. Who knew. You go, marketing people. Sell me more video rentals like this one, and much fewer penile enhancements, and we'll be good ... Read more →

I took this view of the Fir-Conway Lutheran Church from across the Skagit River to show a different side. On Feb. 7th I showed the Church with Mt. Baker behind it. Be inspired to be inSPIRED go to http://inspiredsundaymeme.blogspot.com ... Read more →

I had another post planned for this evening, but I’ve just learned that William “Wild Bill” Guarnere – of the 101st Airborne, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, Easy Company – has passed away. Made famous by HBO’s Band of Brothersand excellently portrayed by actor Frank John Hughes, Bill gave a unique and lasting voice to the heroes of World War II. Having been captivated by their story and of the time in which they lived and fought, I have followed the stories of each of the men of Easy Company and, as each one passes, my heart grows a little heavier. Luckily, they allowed their histories to be told and then to be immortalized forever in such a fantastic mini-series, ensuring that their deeds and sacrifices will not be forgotten as they leave this earth ... Read more →

... Read more →

Snow, mud, more mud, muddy ducks, a broody hen sitting on eggs, eggs in the incubator, new curtains for the nesting boxes, perfect duck egg souffles and an invite to a holiday celebration this coming December that is NOT to be believed! All in all, a pretty awesome week around here! Share a bit with me ... Read more →

I just had to share what I received in a craft swap over at our Farmgirl Chit-Chat PageMy partner was Michelle of Michelle's Little Piece of Heaven Blog

Look at the beautiful fabric colors in the handmade rag rug. She is very talented.link here with a rug and her cat hereIsn't her homemade soap beautiful? I love the molds ... Read more →