Like thousands of other gardeners, I’ve been taking advantage of the warm weather. I haven’t actually planted anything but, I did get a large part of our upper vegetable garden prepared with some help from our chickens Last fall, I let the chickens clean up all of the left-over garden debris. They pecked and ate … Continue Reading →
Start your bicycle training now. And save a little money by registering before Sunday for the 150-mile One Day Ride Across Michigan. The endurance event also known as ODRAM will challenge your biking mettle with a coast-to-coast ride from Montague to Bay City — in a single day on Saturday, Aug. 18. Riders typically start … Continue Reading →
The warm spell in our area has broken all of the weather records. You don’t have to be an experienced gardener to see that everything is way ahead of schedule with all of the spring flowers blooming. We’re so far ahead of schedule that the National Weather Service has decided that the growing season has started. They even plan … Continue Reading →
If you’re looking for a fun and somewhat fast knitting project for an accessory that works with almost any outfit, then you’re sure to find something in Jean Moss’ “Sweet Shawlettes, 25 Irresistible Patterns for Knitting Cowls, Capelets, and More,” (The Taunton Press/21.95). Featured projects include a patch shrug, a cowl, a cape and more, … Continue Reading →
If you’ve ever entertained the idea of making vintage lingerie, or maybe just learning the fine sewing details used to making such garments, then you’ll find lots of helpful tips and ideas to get you started with a copy of “Vintage Lingerie, 30 Patterns Based on Period Garments Plus Finishing Techniques” ( St. Martin’s Griffin/$29.99. Written by Jill … Continue Reading →
While I was finishing up my chick order for this year, I wondered if raising chickens now falls under the category of gardening. It seems like gardeners have adopted chickens as the next logical, evolutionary step in gardening. Just a couple of years ago, a couple of chickens in the backyard would have been a novelty. Now, no one gives … Continue Reading →
If you missed the frivolity in Corktown Sunday, you still have time to make plans to join the St. Patrick’s Day fun elsewhere around the country. Fodor’s, creator of the gold-colored travel guides, has selected the Best Stateside St. Patrick’s Day Events. Topping the list is New York City, home to two big celebrations. The … Continue Reading →
This week I’m placing a tree order from our local Natural Resources Conservation Service. Every year they hold a tree sale to raise money for various conservation programs in our area. It’s a tradition that goes back many decades. Way back then, the NRCS was known as the Soil Conservation Service. Most counties in Michigan have their own field office and … Continue Reading →
Trying to stay fit on the road is a challenge, even at the best of hotels. Most roadside hotels are off busy highways, dissuading travelers from taking a run or a walk after check-in. The fitness center is often nothing more than a small dreary room crowded with outdated weight machines. The pool has limited … Continue Reading →