Every now and then, you get to feel a little like Alice in Wonderland as you make your way through this old world. I did Saturday afternoon when I found myself wandering through one of the most beautiful, whimsical gardens I'd ever seen. And, like Alice, I stumbled onto the whole scene quite by accident. [...]
I have no logical explanation for the red and green explosion that is happening right now in my family room, where a couple of seeds we planted 2½ years ago continues to produce a plethora of peppers that would make Peter Piper proud. Against all odds, those little red hot chili peppers rooted themselves in [...]
I saw an unlikely daisy the other day and it reminded me of all the things I love about my second favorite flower. As a somewhat reformed matchmaker myself, I appreciate their Dolly Levi-ness, the way they gracious allow an earnest accounting of their petals to determine true love. I also like the way they [...]
Spring can be particularly fickle here in Wisconsin, slow to arrive and reluctant to stay. So, we celebrate it all the more, often with startling enthusiasm. “WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DAY,” we shout to one another as one warm breeze sweeps through town, coaxing the sun in its wake, and we dash from our houses with [...]
Even on the grayest days, we have a cheerful reminder that neither spring nor love ever fails, though sometimes they do take their time. We have other reminders too -- that challenged roots grow deep, tiny shoots are stronger than they look, basil makes everything taste better and grandparent vigilance stands eternal. All this because [...]