Breakfast

Recently I made an omelet and it turned out well although the photo isn't that great:(

I sauteed some freshly picked Swiss chard, basil, lemon thyme and Greek oregano in a bit of olive oil for a few minutes. After that I moved this veggie-herb mixture to the side of the skillet, added some egg whites into the pan (as these cooked I flipped the veggie-herb mixture on top of it). I sprinkled some salt and pepper on top (lightly!) and then some shredded Parmesan cheese and a bit of bruschetta (capers, garlic, olives, tomato type--purchased "Sicilian").

Very good, albeit a tiny bit spicy -- but then I LOVE spicy--and easy.

What do you use in your omelets?

Or are you more the cereal type (I love whole grain cereal with dried fruit and yogurt)? When I went to YWAM (Hawaii base) for a week of conferences, years ago, we had hot cooked cereal, a granola type cereal topped with seasonal fruit and I think honey too every day.

It was such a GREAT way to start the day! Believe me somehow papaya, pineapple and other tropical fruit tastes SO much better when you are there:)

Other favs of mine are Aebleskivers, Dutch baby pancakes (AKA German pancakes) & Swedish pancakes.

Oh -- I am getting so hungry just thinking about breakfast foods. I had better stop and get to bed. I think my body puts on weight just thinking about food.

Sunday Blessings,

Aimee

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Note: you could, of course use whole eggs and add milk if desired. And yes--I know the 'pancake turner' is really a Nordic cheese slicer but it works great in a pinch:) I should say that I tore both the veggie and herbs into small pieces before cooking them. For those who may not know--Swiss chard tastes similar to spinach.

Of Gooseberries

Today I spent a LOT of quality time removing the tips and tails from what was left of our garden's gooseberries. It was interesting...and a bit maddening. Actually it was a lot maddening but worth it...

Now, for those of you who've eaten a gooseberry before you'll understand why someone would be willing to spend hours and hours to preserve these delightful, totally yummy berries--for the rest of you let me tell you about my almost poetic love for them in hopes that you, too, will try some.

How do I love thee oh lovely berry of green? Let me count the ways.

1) You taste a bit like a lemon when you aren't totally ripe and I -- am the original lemon lover. For those of you who like their fruit sweeter, every recipe I have seen calls for sugar so you'll be happy too.
2) When you ripen totally you're a bit like a kiwi, sort of like the gold kiwis I bought last month. Yummy and sweeter then before.

3) You're a pretty little berry--all nice and green (actually I understand some of you come in red too) with a totally cool round design. So cute!!!
4) I am told that you make the best pies and other desserts. I will soon know that for sure, for tomorrow -- if it isn't HOT again -- will be baking day around here:)
5) Preparing you for preservation takes a LOT of time and patience, and I need to practice the latter (actually picking you takes a lot of time and patience too--and a watchful eye for thorns.)

Have any of you ever tried gooseberries and what did you think of them?

Blessings from the land of gooseberries,
Aimee
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Link:

Gooseberry info (wikipedia)

Recipe--still hunting around for a good one so no link yet:)

Photos:
Gooseberries, before the tips and tails were removed. I read that you can do this with either a knife or your fingers, I used the latter and it worked well for me.

Gooseberries, after the tips and tails were removed.

Gooseberries in quart freezer bags (about 3 cups per bag). Dry packed without sugar.

Tidbits

Pressing Need
My hubby loves perfectly shaped, uniformly sized beef patties and is able to make them with nothing more then his hands and some wax paper. Alas, his wife does not seem to be gifted in this area and requires assistance...enter the wonderful invention known as the hamburger press. Now I'm quite familiar with this kitchen tool, having grown up in a home where my mother had a beautiful wooden one and I know it works well, but still I

put off buying one until I was no longer able to get ready-made, USA grown beef patties locally. So now I am the 'proud' owner of a hamburger press (although mine is plastic) and I've been busy happily making patties for my hubby and I.

On the list of delectable items made (and to be made) with this new toy -- I mean tool -- are plain and stuffed beef patties (blue cheese, sauteed mushrooms, fresh herbs, marinated dried tomatoes, etc), buffalo patties and maybe fish and veggie patties.

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Herbs, herbs and more herbs

Recently I read about using fresh herbs to make herb sugar, honey or syrup and herb vinegar. I want to try this so I bought some cute little glass jars with lids and will use them to make such delectable sounding items as lavender sugar (I have some culinary lavender I brought home from a trip to a lavender farm) and lemon verbena or/and lemon balm sugar---just because I am such a lemon aficionado. I will be experimenting some with raw sugar as I do not like the granulated white sugar called for in the recipe.
For the herbal vinegar I will be trying the Mediterranean herbs: basil, Greek oregano, lemon thyme, etc. These too will be made in glass containers -- but I may look around a bit for just the right kind. I also am interested in freezing herbs (supposed to have a fresher taste then drying them). Right now my herb garden is going crazy so I will have lots to use--well all the herbs are doing well except two: the lemon basil which is alive but not thriving and the pineapple sage which broke. Sigh.
The last things I want to do with this year’s herb crop (other then use them in everyday cooking, salads and iced teas) is make a lavender wreath (I am SO into lavender this year as any visitor to my home can tell now)…and maybe a dried herbal wreath. We will see…I still need to finish the Garden for My Son (aka the Japanese-style garden; more about that in a minute)

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Harvest
We’ve enjoyed a couple days of the Red Fire lettuce (good with feta, onions, olives, tomatoes, etc). I also want to try a more fruity themed one with nuts, dried cranberries, etc). My Swiss chard still has not been harvested and is HUGE. Now I don’t say this with pride at all but rather as a sad confession that this should have been done a long, long time ago. The Bright Lights chard makes a beautiful ornamental but I hate to waste it; will try for today.

Of Goose and Blueberries
I am SO into my garden's berries and have been enjoying both of these for awhile (yes I love raw, non sweetened gooseberries--after all I sucked on fresh lemon slices during my childhood) but yesterday we picked almost all of the gooseberries and the ripe blueberries (blueberries will continue to ripen throughout this month). Plans for the berries: The gooseberries will be made into a tart (alnd I'll freeze some for later use); the blueberries never make it past my other son and my mouths. Have I said ---I LOVE berries!

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Of Cherries
Harvested most of the sweet ones but waited too long before freezing them and they taste--well for lack of other terms--a bit fermented; I may discard them....sigh...meanwhile I am eating some remaining fresh ones. Our pie cherries should be ready now and those will be pitted and frozen promptly!

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Of Being a REAL Pacific 'Northwesterner'
You know you’re a real 'Northwesterner'. or on your way to being one when you truly, deeply miss a good day’s rain. I SO love blue skies but I am super sensitive to heat, having had heat exhaustion before and the fields and forests are drying up earlier then usual which isn't a good thing because of the fire danger in the NW. Still I am nowhere near wanting autumn or winter-like weather yet but you can ask me again in August and you might get a different answer:)

The sunsets though with this period of sunshine have been amazing! Just about every evening I find myself drawn away from whatever is going on around me and transfixed by the color and awesome display in the western sky! Beautiful seems to inadequate a word to describe this world that God created!

Garden Update:
We now have a bridge (one my hubby made years ago for his mom) and

the upper pond has been drained and relined (after my sweet and loving hubby spent a LONG time transferring all the upper pond frogs to the lower pond and moving as many of the mosquito fish as possible to temporary quarters),

Additionally,
plants and trees have been pruned,

the raised beds weeded and some compost/potting soil added,

the rock wall has been rebuilt in the apple/blue bed,

bamboo bench repaired

and much, much more.

Due to Life Rule #399,000,000 (always expect the unexpected)

and my inability to work much in heat I, thankfully, had lots of help.

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In Other News

Hubby on vacation--I so LOVE this time of the year :)

He has been spending his 'free time' building a new deck and repairing water damage at his mom's house and doing tons of stuff around here. I really can hardly wait till he retires--I miss him when he's at work. It is nice to see him more then just in the evenings! I really LOVE that man!

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Recently I made a trip to one of the lavender farms in the NW (both the area around Sequim in WA and some areas in OR are known for their lavender). The views were amazing and so was the fragrance of the flowers blooming at that point! On the same trip we also picked some raspberries and tayberries and ate an amazing lunch at a cafe in that area. Photos will be forthcoming when I get a chance.

GOT TO GO---hubby is swimming in the pond and that means PHOTO OP:)

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Wishing you all a safe and blessed July 4th!

Pray for our Armed Forces!

Blessings, Aimee

"The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace." Psalms 29:11 KJV

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Photos:

A bunch of freshly picked lavender.

Earliblue & either Blueray or Bluecrop blueberries from our garden. Note: we have bad birds here! Bad but very entertaining:)
Two of four frogs rescued in the BIG pond relining project. I know, it's blurry--but I am working on getting over my perfectionism! It helps when I post the imperfect, ya know:)

Hubby on vacation!

In the Garden--For my little friend..

Hey there little friend!

I am Kevin Koi. Welcome to our garden again. I would show you around this time but I'm practicing my swimming right now so feel free to look around. You know the path; just stay on it and you'll be fine. Have fun and come see us again for dinner sometime! You did a GREAT job of feeding me and my family! We were really happy to see you!

This is Sammy's spiderweb. He is sunbathing right now so you probably shouldn't disturb him too much but it is OK to look at his web. There are a lot of spiders in the garden and they do hard work so Sammy deserves a little time in the sun! Your grandma really doesn't like them too much but I think she would like this web. What do you think?

Do you know what these are? Nope, they're not flowers, although they are very colorful like blossoms. They are seed pods; you can ask your grandmother what that means if you don't already know. Aren't they pretty?

Look below the other maple and you will see the baby ferns that were planted today. They are itsy bitsy and your grandma calls them steppable ferns. I think they are very cute; what do you think? I can hardly wait to see them growing all over under the tree; that will be very nice!

Hope you had a good time visiting! Maybe when you come again, you can eat some cherries or blueberries. What is your favorite fruit?

Talk to you later & thanks again for feeding me and my family!

Love, Kevin Koi and the other Koiettes.

Harvest in the NW

Looselead lettuce "Red Fire". As it matures the leaves become-in places-more reddish in tone. This is the 'second growth' of this plant; we had already harvested some off it earlier. EASY to grow; ours was grown in wine barrel halves (see earlier post if interested).

Sweet cherries. You do not want to know how we picked them --- but I just have to tell you anyway. Let me start off by telling you that our cherry is a 4 way supposedly semi-dwarf tree (I am hysterically laughing as I write the word dwarf). Talk about mislabeling --- the tree either has to be a standard or this is the tallest semi-dwarf fruit tree I've ever seen; the rest of our dwarf and semi-dwarf fruit trees are much smaller in comparison. OK and now to the harvesting of said tree---my hubby took a hoe and pulled on the lower branches and I stood on a ladder and picked them. After we filled a bowl full there are still PLENTY left for high flying birds -- of which are yard has been filled with lately.

For those who may be wondering. A 4 way (hope that is the right word) has 4 different kinds of cherries grafted onto one tree. Ours has Rainier, Bing (I think), and 2 others.We also have a pie cherry that is close to being able to harvest. It's a Montmorency.

Blueberries. Earliblue variety. The first to ripen each year for us; but these are off the one we just planted not too long ago--our other one of this variety is not ready to be picked yet. I cannot say enough good things about blueberries but I have a feeling this year the birds might give me a little competition for ours. Maybe--but they don't know I LOVE my blueberries a little on the tart side so ... we will see:)

More then ready to be harvested--at least in part-is the Swiss chard 'Bright Lights'. I say "in part" because per what I have read you can harvest the outer leaves and the chard will continue to grow more and more until frost. That sounds like a good deal to me for the cost of one plant.

Also I've been using our cilantro and basil for awhile now--may I say YUM again!! It is so great to have fresh herbs; I am really enjoying it! This year it's my goal to make herbal sugar with the lemon verbena and lemon balm, herbal vinegar with the Italian herbs and freeze some of my fav herbs so I will have some to use when winter's rain has made summer just a sweet memory!

What are you harvesting?

Blessings, Aimee

Forgot to mention the yummy gooseberry I are today freshly picked right from one of our bushes. YUM!!! Just like the lemons I used to suck on as a kid (now don't go calling me sourpuss!)

Bird song

One of the sweetest songs in the world was written by God many years ago. May His songs & His grace be with you this day & always.

Blessings,

Aimee

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"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him." Psalms 28:7 KJV

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Photo: One of 'our' bird visitors today.

A Walk in His Gardens--Peaceful Forest

The path led upwards--up further into the forest.

It was a simple path, made up only of earth held in place by what looked to be wooden 4 X 4's. It was unobtrusive, not too much and not too little--it fit in well with this woodland here blending in with the browns and greens of the forest it went through.

I hiked up this path--past the wooden bridge and the small stream of water; I continued up the hillside until I was surrounded on both sides by tall evergreens, deciduous shrubs and ferns. It was quiet here on this slope, the few people I had seen earlier were now gone and I had the area to myself--well except for my DH who waited below on the meadow like area.

Nearby I could hear the song of birds; their melodies sounded sweet to my ears which had tired of the news and the sights of the modern world.

I had needed this time here--alone in God's world. These few minutes in His world was like an oasis for my parched heart and I would leave feeling refreshed by being in a small part of the gardens God created.

"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me...O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise."

Psalms 51:10, 15 KJV

Blessings & peace,

Aimee

Photos: forest views from the Pacific NW

Note: Sorry about the few photos. I will try--again--to upload the rest later; having PC or blogger (or a combination) problems now.

Wonderful Peace

The other day in the wee hours of the morning I was sitting on the sofa half-listening to the TV while on my computer. All of a sudden I heard some rather distressing news; it was upsetting and I began to pray about this matter I could do nothing about and then the answer came--in a rather unexpected way--moments after I finished the prayer.

The words of a song I had not heard for years, and certainly was not thinking about came to my mind clearly and quickly. It was the lyrics to the old hymn "Wonderful Peace" and was exactly what I needed at the moment.

Far away in the depths of my spirit tonight
Rolls a melody sweeter than psalm;
In a celestial strains it unceasingly falls
O’er my soul like an infinite calm.

Peace, peace, wonderful peace,
Coming down from the Father above
Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray
In fathomless billows of love!

What a treasure I have in this wonderful peace
Buried deep in the heart of my soul,
So secure that no power can mine it away.
While the years of eternity roll!

I’m resting tonight in this wonderful peace,
Resting sweetly in Jesus’ control;
For I’m kept from all danger by night and by day
And His glory is flooding my soul!

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You never know what God will use to answer the earnest prayer of one of His children---sometimes it is a friend calling with words of support, at other times it is a verse from His Holy Word and on occasion (especially lately) it has been words of hymns written ages ago and learned by this writer as a young child.

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"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." Isaiah 26:3 KJV

Blessings & Peace,

Aimee

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Hymn: "Wonderful Peace"

(some of the lyrics here; full version and music on link above)
Lyrics: Warren D Cornell
Music: W George Cooper

For the Love of Bambi

Since I was a little girl I’ve always loved deer. Maybe it was my childhood viewings of Bambi the movie or perhaps the influence of my mother, who still to this day rejoices over the sight of a deer when we’re on a trip. But no matter the reason I am always filled with joy and wonder when I catch a glimpse of one of God’s most wondrous creatures.

Now since moving here, when our adult children were young, we've been blessed to catch a few glimpses of deer but it's been years since I last saw one our land. Now I am not sure if it is because I’m on Aimee time and they’re on deer time or if it is a case of our dogs barking is scaring them off or something else. Whatever the case, I’m told there has been a recent sighting near us and the other day……my friend pointed out tthat deer have been munching on our gooseberry bush! Now I know this news would not be considered good news by most gardeners--but I am more then happy to share a little of what God has given us with the fleet footed ones.

So until I am blessed to see one of our ‘own’, here are a few deer sightings from my travels around the Pacific NW and elsewhere.

For a not so good photo of a deer on our land years ago see here.

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“For who is God, save the Lord? and who is a rock, save our God? God is my strength and power: And He maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet: and setteth me upon my high places.” II Samuel 22:33-34 KJV

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“Knowest thou the time when the wild goats of the rock bring forth? or canst thou mark when the hinds do calve?” Job 39:1 KJV

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“The Lord God is my strength, and He will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and He will make me to walk upon mine high places.” Habakkuk 3:19 KJV

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“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after Thee, O God.
My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?” Psalms 42:1, 2 KJV

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Blessings,

Aimee

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Photos:

Olympic Peninsula, WA

Olympic Peninsula, WA - probably near Discovery Bay

Sunriver, OR near Aspen Lake

Wallowa Lake, OR area

Sunriver, OR again.

A Welcome Visitor

The day of the frog swim you might recall that I saw a beautiful blue dragonfly there too. Unfortunately, I couldn't get it on film :(

But the great thing is that with 2 ponds--lots of trees and other plants--and good weather, we get a lot of dragonfly sightings. So a few days passed and I was at the pond again; when all of a sudden one landed really, really close by me. Just a few feet away actually.

Totally unexpected, totally a surprise and totally a blessing!

But the question is---can you see him/her?

Look really hard now.

Actually since probably all of you have younger eyes then mine, I am sure you will see him right away. But for me and my 'antique' eyes here is another view.

Now isn't that neat?

Maybe someday I'll get a photo of that hawk which keeps doing 'flybys' over our home...

one can always hope.

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"Dear mother earth, who day by day
Unfoldest blessings on our way,
O praise Him! Alleluia!…
Let all things their Creator bless,
And worship Him in humbleness,
O praise Him! Alleluia!"

Lyrics:

All Creatures of Our God and King,
St Francis of Assisi, about 1225
Translated by William H Draper.

Link for music & lyrics - cyberhymnal

Blessings, Aimee

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Photos: dragonfly just a few feet away from me.

Frogs, Flowers & Blessings

I watch as a big green frog glides across the surface of one of our ponds, its cute 'froggie' legs spread out behind and under him. The sight is so adorable that I smile and then break out laughing!

A bird, no, two birds fly by me--one lands on some rocks along the water's edge not too far away and then takes off again. A large, beautiful blue dragonfly also flies by on his way to our other gardens. No way to capture any of these moments in film; they are just too fast for me!

Above me the sky is mostly clear except for some light clouds and the day is warm enough now for summer clothing; unusually so for the NW in May. It feels good at this moment but soon I will seek refuge in our air-conditioned home, a necessity because of my tendency to react to the heat.

In the gardens so much is blooming--deep purple irises, multi-colored miniature and the larger Tea roses, beautiful and very graceful pink, purple and white columbines, a white azalea and much, much more!

It feels really good and peaceful here in the garden this late Sunday morning and despite the pain I am feeling at the present time, I also feel a sense of happiness and serenity at being alive and here to enjoy the creations of God! And I remember that although pain and difficult challenges are a part of life in this world, so are the many blessings He gives His children.

Thank you, Lord.
Blessings, Aimee

Photos:
One of our 3+ bullfrogs that often entertain us and visitors.

Memorial Day -- May 30 (Traditional)

In honor of those who have given their all in service to this nation. May the government and people of this country they died for never forget these men & women. May we also remember the sacrifices of their families too.

Blessings, Aimee

Links: Memorial Day info--history of observance, etc (wikipedia); Another site with a lot of information (usmemorialday.org)

Note: Apologies to any readers for the lateness of this post. I was not feeling too well this weekend and so didn't post then; however I have chosen to backdate this short tribute to the traditional observance of Memorial Day. Soon I will be posting a more personal memorial to one American citizen who gave his all to protect the USA in World War II.

Container (Barrel) Gardening

This year I decided to go with container gardens for growing some of our 'food' crop in. With certain health issues I'm facing and the fact that we don't own a tiller, it was just easier for me to handle and still have some of the fun of growing fresh herbs, raspberries, strawberries and a few veggies to enjoy without so much work! Also there are just two of us now--not counting our drop in children and other family!!

I had done some container gardening before but it had been a long time since I had used wine barrel halves and I wanted to experiment a bit too with some plants. So far I am pleased with the results but the experiment won't end till the harvest is in!
First step: I purchased 3 authentic wine barrels from France. OK, actually I got them locally but originally they were from France -- it says so right on the bottom:) Second step: my wonderful, sweet and very patient hubby drilled 5 holes in the bottom of the barrels with some help from his 'lovely' assistant--me. These, as I am sure you have guessed, are for drainage. No one wants floating plants...well unless you are going with an aquatic garden which some people use these barrels for. But we have the ponds for that ...

Third step: at that same wonderful, sweet and very long suffering hubby's suggestion, I used some gutter (?) screening to cover the hole instead of the window screening suggested by one site. It did the job and was easier then cutting a big circle of the fiberglass window screening I had bought; besides we need to replace the screen on a sliding patio door (sorry no photo as I had both hands busy)Fourth step: together we filled the barrels with planting mix; it took about 3 cubic feet for each one. I so love the feel and the smell of planting mix!!! And there are no weeds in it, it is formulated just perfectly for this type of gardening and --- it is just so earthy and nice. BTW--we did not feel the barrels all the way to the top; the soil line is several inches from the top.

Barrel before we added more soil.

Fifth step: planted the veggies, fruit and herbs. Watered the plants and-of course-too photos of our new baby garden:)

'Bright Lights' Swiss Chard & 'Red Fire' Leaf Lettuce.

This year's garden list (in addition to our fruit trees, grapes, kiwi, blueberries, gooseberries, Waldo & Marionberries, rhubarb, lingonberries & evergreen huckleberries):

Herbs: Sweet basil, lemon thyme, cilantro, variegated sage, lemon balm, Greek oregano, sweet marjoram, rosemary 'Severn Sea' and pineapple sage. Note: some of these like a drier environment and I will have to move them in awhile but had to clean some smaller pots first. I also have some other herbs in a smaller container that still need transplanting to a bigger container (will try to post a photo later; need to make some alterations to this barrel garden)

Raspberries: 'Anne' -- a yellow fall bearing raspberry. Yum, love raspberries. This will be tied to a trellis--maybe a bamboo one. I love bamboo too!

Veggies: 'Bright Lights' Swiss chard (1), 'Red Fire' leaf lettuce (6). I may also try baby carrots---am into the whole baby thing right now. BTW---I SO wish I'd taken a photo of the roots of the Bright Lights Swiss chard. They were beautiful--not brown but multicolored like the top of the plant!

Strawberries: still awaiting a permanent home are three strawberry plants. 'Albion', 'Totem' and ???? Right now they are decorating my outdoor table and front porch.

Tomato: a small yellow one (in a 14 inch deep pot right now not a barrel; used a tomato cage to contain the plant so it wouldn't sprawl) (no photo yet)

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Still to buy: lavender (probably 'Munstead') and mints (would like Orange mint, a GOOD peppermint--I have only found one and may transplant some of that) and maybe 'Hillary's Sweet Lemon Mint'--if I can find it). All of these will go into containers -- although we let our mints spread in the garden--I want some on the deck just to nuzzle up to. Yea, I love my mints that much:). I will probably buy a few more herbs too--would love to try chervil and maybe dill. We will see---my hubby says no more wine barrels on the deck; this despite the fact that he builds everything to surpass building codes! I am thinking the area near the deck will do nicely for two or three more barrels.

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Notes:

• As I have read in a few places, and as common sense would dictate, please make sure your deck or balcony can support the weight of a filled barrel (or barrels) without causing damage. These things, as my toe sadly found out, are heavy-heavy-heavy...and that was an empty barrel. Ouch. I checked with my hubby to make sure they would be fine on our deck.
• If you are going to move the container later make sure you allow for that; ours are meant to stay where they are so no caddy or casters on them.
• Make sure your container plants will coexist nicely--in terms of sun exposure, soil, water needs, possible diseases, etc. Some of my herbs will have to be moved in time and I wouldn't plant my tomatoes with my strawberries.
• The oak of these barrels is thick and hard. Have a good drill and drill bit handy (we used a Makita and a 1 inch drill bit for wood)
• Shop around. I called three different places and saved quite a bit of money by doing that. While you are at it--do the same for planting mix.
• Method should work for many urban and rural gardeners like me. Good for many veggies and other plants; check your root depth (many are less then 12 inches).
• One of the reasons I chose the current location for these barrels was its great location: close proximity to a water source, close to our grill, outdoor table and the home.
• As I have said before --- I am not an expert on any subject, just a fellow garden lover:) Research and draw your own conclusions. Half the fun is in the dreaming and the other half is in making that dream come true!

Resources that might help: 'Sunset Western Garden Book', Sunset Publishing Corporation (I use this reference book frequently); 'The American Horticultural Society Illustrated Encyclopedia of Gardening: Container Gardening' (for root depth & more), American Horticultural Society (bought this at a Flea Market for a few dollars; well worth the investment) and several links on the web including this one here from AZ. There are plenty more -- just use the term 'barrel gardening' or 'container gardening'. I also checked a good herb book (I used the Ortho 'All About Herbs') and several other books. BTW---thrift stores, flea markets, garage sales are great places to find gardening books for very low cost. That is where some of mine are from:) Please note the above are just suggestions not endorsements; like I said I have many gardening, homesteading type books and there is always the Internet! Oh and your local Extension agent and plant nurseries, farmer friends, etc, etc.

Blessings always,

Aimee

A Walk in His Gardens--Crater Lake

A series of "A Walk in His Gardens" of the Pacific NW would not be complete without the inclusion of our 'walk' this week---Crater Lake, located in southern Oregon not too far from the California/Oregon border.

Imagine a big bowl, filled with the bluest water you've ever seen, set in the gorgeous snow capped Cascade mountains of the NW and you have an idea of what Crater Lake looks like....NOT!

Truly there is no way you can imagine this lake--the clear blue lake (deepest in the USA), the steep caldera sides, the beautiful lodge, Wizard Island and the other places that make this lake unique! Believe me--even the best photos cannot fully depict the view, the feeling, the atmosphere that one finds there in the National Park.

When I was down in the Rogue River Valley a few years back, I had the opportunity to make a day trip to the Upper Rogue, Crater Lake and other places in the area near the park. So to the sounds of Marvin Gaye my traveling companion and I took off....

On the way we passed amazing scenes--one of the Table Top Rocks, the Upper Rogue River and beautiful trees and mountains. Then we entered the Park and soon arrived there on the rim near the old beautiful lodge (I have a deep, abiding love for the old historic lodges of the National Parks)

I was a bit surprised to find snow there, in places,near the lodge and elsewhere; I shouldn't have been as this area gets a large amount of snow each year and as I have discovered it is not unusual for the NW mountains to have snow on the ground in late spring/early summer.

OK, I admit it.

This photo, in addition to it's poorer then I would have liked quality, it is not centered perfectly. There is a good reason why--can you guess it?
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The sides of the crater are very steep here and elsewhere around the caldera -steep and slippery because of ice and snow. I will not show you the photo of my traveling companion standing near the 'Danger Keep Back' sign. No--too scary:) Believe me--I didn't stand there. Fortunately they are very much alive and still enjoy hiking on cliffs and other high places. Good thing they are part mountain goat like my hubby ...

View of the lake from near the lodge. I believe the Rim Drive, which goes around the lake, was closed then.

I think it's closed right now too.

Another view of the lake. Wizard Island is to the left.

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Blessings from my home to yours on this beautiful spring evening,

Aimee

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Links:

Crater Lake--some beautiful photos on this site and information re: the lake (wikipedia)

Crater Lake National Park site: map, photos and more.

Story of a man who found out just how steep and dangerous those caldera sides can be in his search for a cell phone (Oregon online news site)

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Photos (note):

Sorry about the quality of the photos for this 'walk'. These are photos I took several years ago with my old camera and recently scanned onto my external hard drive; I was very excited to find them but they are a bit wanting for quality:)

Photos as described above.

A Walk in His Gardens--Foothills (& Mountains), Forests, Flowers

Shock! It has been more then a month since I posted a Walk in His Gardens bad blog owner that I am...

(sorry)

Well though I've been very neglectful here, I have made trips out in God's gardens (and of course spent a lot of time here at home in our little bit of His gardens). So how about --- forest flowers and such from a recent trip I took with a family member?

I love wildflowers! I'm not 100% sure about the flowers in the first photo, but the pink ones (second photo) are wild bleeding hearts. I have several other photos of them but liked this one the best because of the beautiful foliage. Green is so 'IN' -- in the NW!

In the same general area, midst the ferns and other forest foliage, was a native dogwood tree. You see lots of the 'cultivated' pink and mauve dogwood in towns and cities of the NW, but I am quite partial to our native, white dogwood.

This sight was pretty surprising! I wouldn't worry about our little feline friend though---I'm pretty sure he made it home that night as there were some homes we passed on the way up to this place.

A pretty waterfall on the hillside above the river. Lots of moss and ferns here. It is no wonder I like our native moss and ferns so well.

How can you not like that lush, beautiful green?

Mountains, a meadow and many trees:)

I can almost see my family in a little log cabin here with horses (of course), some little goats and/or sheep and ....my dogs!

Blessings, Aimee

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Photos:

mountain view

wildflowers,ferns, moss & other foliage native to the NW

waterfall

another mountain view

Armed Forces Day

Honoring & praying for those who serve in our nation's Armed Forces.

God bless you this day & always.

Dona nobis pacem.

Blessings, Aimee

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Link: Armed Forces Day (May 16 this year)

For My Mom

"Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her...Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised." Proverbs 31:28, 30 KJV

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Wishing you blessings this Mother's Day & every day thereafter.

Love always, Aimee

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Photo: White Orchid Azalea (might be a different name)

A Mother's Day Blessing for Military Moms

For you this Mother's Day~

Wishing you strength when you feel weak & tired.

Wishing you courage when you feel afraid & alone.

Wishing you joy when you feel sadness.

Wishing you peace when your heart feels fear.

Wishing you love this day & always.

Blessings, Aimee

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"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Philippians 4:13 KJV

"...my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:19 KJV

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

John 14:27 KJV

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Photo: Hotei Rhododendron blossom in sunlight.