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I'm a Canadian now residing in Sunny Arizona since 2002. Although I've been a city girl all of my life, I've always loved the country and the laid back life it offers. My love of the Outdoors, Animals,and Gardening comes from my mom Cecile, who loved her home in the country, but sadly passed away in 2005. I promised her I would grow a garden in her name, And I finally did, five years later. One of my best memories of her is how much she loved her garden. The glow on her face when she would show me something new, always creating a life with things she loved. She loved all animals. She taught me simplicity, to enjoy the small things, and see beauty in everything. Today I find myself doing the same things she did in her garden and in life. This blog was created to keep track of my projects and adventures. They may not all be successes, but my goal is to remain unintimidated by whatever engages my curiosity. I want to share this adventure with those who can appreciate the small things, the trial and errors, the simplicity in it all, but mostly,what my mom knew how to do best,just have FUN! *This blog is dedicated to her*

Sep 30, 2010

My favorite Herb



Or at least one of my favorites :)
Summer Savory!
I just LOVE that smell! it gives everything so much flavor :)
It's so peppery and pungant.
I already ran out of it so I ordered more seeds and recieved them today!

Sep 27, 2010

End of Summer Compost

This year has been the hottest summer on record. Im so glad it's over. I'm Looking forward to spending more time outdoors in the garden. One good thing about this blazing heat is the result of my composted materials in the tumbler.
All the kitchen waste, plant clippings, newspaper, and chicken droppings gave me this wonderful dirt :D
I spread it all over my young vegetable plants for added nutrients.

Sep 23, 2010

Autumn has Arrived...

Today is the first day of Fall, and I can already feel a slight crispness in the air, Its my favorite season, and mornings are my favorite time of the day. My vegetables seem to have more life too. It's looking more promising in the garden :)
My chickens seem happier, their peeps and chirps have long gone, but their clucking
is a welcoming change. Soon I should have little surprises in their nesting boxes...

Autumn is renewal, it's a time where I reflect on small changes that need to be made. Both in my life and what surrounds me. I get craftier and more physical. This is where I think back at the times we'd go for long walks everyday with our dogs in the park and be in awe of the changing colors of the trees.

My sister, my best friend. I miss her. She has always been there for me, through it all. Although miles keep us apart she is still here, close to my heart. We've been through good and bad together. She has always been my rock. We've shared our secrets, lived together for years before I moved far away. Our dogs were our world, and still are. We have lost some, and cried together.
And today, her loving dog is ill, and will not be there to see the winter.

I hate to spend Autumn alone in this part of the world, knowing a part of me is feeling sadness today, and unable to be there for her. Sometimes renewal is good. Sometimes it is forced upon us. But this year Autumn will not be the same.

Sep 20, 2010

Baby Tomato

Dull Chairs with a New Life


A pair of plastic chairs were tossed in the trash down the street. I brought them home and I decided to paint them in pastel colors. All they need is a colorful matching pillow to be complete :) Now I have chairs to sit on in my garden.

My Pies turned out quite Tasty :)

Sep 16, 2010

Apple Pie Memoreis

Nothing beats the smell of homemade apple pie this time of year. The delightful smell of cinnamon brings back so many memories of my parent's home in the country.

Us siblings would take a drive up there to spend the weekend and make pies all weekend. Mom had lots of apple trees on her property.
There was no recipe, just us sisters and mom playing in the dough and slicing apples for hours...the fun we had, always laughing together.

We would cover all counter space with dozens of pies, enough for all of us to bring several back home. Then we'd bundle up, gather around the bonfire outside and joke all night. I really miss those days.
I miss my mom most around this time.

I haven't made an apple pie since her passing. I am thinking maybe this weekend that I should. And let that aroma take over my kitchen, like it did in hers.

Sep 14, 2010

Another Saved Treasure

It makes my heart smile when I save an old piece that could have been trash and forever gone in some landffill. when I find such timeless treasures I get anxious about getting started because I can see the potential immediately. I have used my sander and various tools on many, many pieces that came through my home, but this chair looks like it will be my most challenging project yet.

I cannot wait to see the stylish result of this piece! I can already see it sitting pretty in my room. :)

Sep 10, 2010

An Escapade worth Blogging about

I am feeling nostalgic...
Last week I visited a very dear person in my life.
A few days away from the arid heat did me tons of good :)
A spontaneous trip to California is exactly what I needed!
The oceanscapes and lush green coastline seemed to have triggered my creativity, something that has been dormant for some time. Hmm maybe it was the ocean air or fog. :D

I am itching to do something productive, other than gardening. I am even thinking about re-arranging this blog, since I have lots more going on than gardening.I want to make it more exciting and creative.

Come Autumn I always get this way, even in the kitchen. I'll take out my sewing machine, restore an old piece of furniture, or paint and redecorate. I've already started sorting my fabrics so I can make something special that reminds me of my trip.

My special friend is such a beautiful soul, thank you Collette, for having me in your wonderful, peaceful home.You inspire me to do and be more!