October 2012

Autumn aphids attack Brussels sprouts

Our killing frost finished off the rest of the vegetable plants in the garden. The only ones left were the cold-tolerant  types like Brussels sprouts, kale, turnips and a few others.  I thought I was done with them until it was time to harvest those crops later next month. Earlier this week, I went out to the … Continue Reading →

Fall colors great and small

Someone mentioned to me today that he had traveled to Northern Michigan last weekend to see the fall colors. He said they were the best he had ever seen.  That’s a pretty big statement coming from someone who is well over 70 years old. I’ll have to take his word for it because I missed … Continue Reading →

"Beautiful Winter" by Edle Catharina Norman

'Beautiful Winter' book giveaway

Enhance your home with lovely wreath designs featured in Edle Catharina Norman’s recently published book, “Beautiful Winter, Holiday Wreaths, Garlands & Decorations for Your Home and Table” (Sellers Publishing/$15.95). The book includes a fresh take on making wreaths and related items, including a hanging chandelier-like design with tiny gift boxes to a twig globe filled with tulips. … Continue Reading →

For storage, leave stems on winter squash

We had a pretty decent Butternut squash crop this year. I planted them in a new part of the garden, which I’m sure helped boost the yield. Plus, we had very few insects on the squash. As a result, we now have plenty of Butternut that will go into storage straight from the garden – unprocessed. If … Continue Reading →

'Quilt It with Love: The Project Linus Story'

Enter giveaway to win copy of 'Quilt It with Love: The Project Linus Story'

If you happen to be a quilter, “Quilt It with Love: The Project Linus Story” (Lark Crafts/$19.95)  is your way to discover new and exciting ideas for making a quilt that can help a “seriously ill, traumatized or otherwise in need” child feel better. Project Linus, a non profit organization consisting of 400 chapters nationally (in all 50 … Continue Reading →