Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Sow


 It is the time of the year when I begin to sow seeds for the coming season.  Discovered a different method on You Tube...they call it "winter sowing"



 


All you need are a few plastic jugs and some seed starter mix...scissors and a roll of duct tape or painter's tape (I used the latter).


You cut the jugs in half except for leaving the part where the handle is located intact.  That way you have created a hinge.   Cut a few holes in the bottom for drainage.  Place your soil mix to a depth of about 4" high and plant your seeds in the mix and water gently.  Then tape around the cut sides with your duct or painter's tape.  Put the lid back on the top and place the jugs in a sunny spot in your garden.  The video suggested that perennials should be started in January through March so they have time to germinate and harden to the cold and warmth.  Annuals and herbs you may want to start later closer to spring.  Tomatoes and peppers were not recommended for winter sowing because they need warmer temperatures to grow.  I have chosen to experiment with hollyhock, lupine, and foxglove as well as chives and basil.


  Will let you all know if this works out.  It is always fun to try something new.  Like the idea of starting seeds early but not having to find a place indoors for the containers. 






 

Well, wishing everyone a happy start to spring.  It officially arrives the 19th but today feels as if it may already be here. 

Hugs

Debbie

P.S.  Have a Happy St. Patrick's Day!


"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously."  2 Cor: 9:6 (NIV)

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Patience


 March is the month that always teaches me patience.   This year is no different.  We went from 70 degree weather to 50's.  The peepers were in full song for a couple of days but now they are quiet.

As always I am anxious to get outdoors and start digging.  It is too soon.  Just need to be patient a little longer.

In the meantime I will enjoy a  cutting of forsythia and pussy willows along with the last few petals of a Christmas poinsettia.








Also taking delight in a few houseplants.  Growing something indoors feeds one's soul until warmer days return.   







This thriller was suggested to me by a friend.  Stacy Willingham is the author.  Sounds like it will be a page turner.  Perhaps this will help to keep me patient.


Well take care friends.  Have a wonderful weekend.

Hugs Debbie


"Be patient, then brothers, until the Lord's coming.  See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains."  James 5:7 (NIV) 


        
















Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Extra Day


 February has given us an extra day this year.  There is  time to bake a batch of cookies...


Read a bit...








do some sketching...








and sample a new  recipe. (Blackened Chicken)  


What are you doing with this extra day of February?   Please share!

Hugs

Debbie


" The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day.  There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the Lord listened to a man..."  Joshua 10:13b-14 (NIV)

Sunday, February 18, 2024

"Come Back"


 Winter made a " come back" this weekend.  The windchill this morning was 3 degrees below zero.  

After a couple weeks of almost spring like weather we found the change to be bone chilling. 


Kelsey was content to get indoors after a brisk jaunt outside. We both like our walk but today it was a challenge with the wind blowing. 


 Mr. Nuthatch took shelter from the cold by clinging to his wind break.  Amazing how even with no leaves these old oaks yield a place that is warmer than out in the open.








The sunshine helped to add some warmth and even started to melt the snow.  By late afternoon patches of grass were peaking through.  By tomorrow we are to see temperatures returning to the 40's.  I am not sad!







Speaking of returning - finished "The Return" by Nicholas Sparks.  It was a good read.






Also found some time this past week to do a bit of sketching.                        





    






Even made a few plans for the coming spring.


Thanks for taking time to visit.  Hope you will share what is happening in your part of the world. 

Hugs

Debbie

 "Have you entered the storehouses of the snow" Job38:22a (NIV)

Sunday, February 11, 2024

"New Things"


 Sometimes new things can be scary.  Call it my age or the fear of change that makes the "new" bring angst.  Recently I had to purchase another phone because my old was not keeping a charge.  I felt comfortable with the one I was using.  Certainly didn't want to have to replace it.  In today's world though, we all have to stay connected.  Hmm makes me wonder how twenty five years ago one land line was all that was required for the average family.  Now everyone including the kids need their own personal device. 

Since I'm far from techie the challenge of setting up a new phone made me quite anxious.   Bless the young folks at the public library. 


They helped get it working.  (Let us "oldies" appreciate this new upcoming generation - they just may be our life - line to living in the 21st century!) 

I would much rather walk through these brambles than to figure out how to dump a contact list from one phone to another. 

Keeping to the same thought, have been procrastinating in buying a new computer.  Yesterday with hubby's help made another new plunge.   We are finally getting Windows 11 (been stuck with 7 and have managed to miss all the updated ones in between.)  Here again someone younger is getting us all set up.  He is a tech at the store and his expertise came with the package deal.  Hooray! 

Along with this new computer, high speed internet is being installed in our home this week.  The young man who is doing the job assured us that he will show us how to connect all our technical equipment once he has completed his work.  So thankful for all those younger people who are willing to come along side those of us who at times need "new things". 


Speaking of "new" have discovered a canvas called "Yes" that works with all media including watercolor.  A bit different that painting on paper but am enjoying working on this type of surface.  

Well hope you will share anything new in your lives that may be a bit scary! 

Have a blessed week. 

Hugs Debbie

                                                                                     "See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare, before they spring into being I announce them to you."  Isaiah 42:9 (NIV)   


Sunday, February 4, 2024

Glad

I am so glad you stopped by to visit.  We have been enjoying the unusual February weather.  Today it was in the 50's and sunny.


We took a long walk...


Counted over 15 squirrel nests around the place...








Visited the old apple tree...








Spotted Mrs. Tufted Titmouse.  She apparently was enjoying the nice weather.








Last but not the least; we had a nice sit on the swing.  Truly glad you stopped by to see us.  May all of you have a week of gladness!

Hugs

Debbie

"This is the day the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it."  Psalm 118:24





 

Saturday, January 27, 2024

Simple


Sometimes simple can be so good. 

This afternoon I made Yummy Pecan Chews.   They are put together with the simplest of ingredients.  Nothing extraordinary and easily assembled.  A hint of cinnamon is what gives them a special touch.






I am in the mode of working small and simple in the studio too.  Having fun with some new color combos and keeping things uncomplicated.    





On the other extreme though, this pile of books from the library does not appear to be the same .  Oh well, we all have to go overboard somewhere!

At least this post has been simple.

Have a lovely end to January. 

Hugs

Debbie


"You who are simple, gain prudence;"  Prov. 8:5a (NIV)

Sow

 It is the time of the year when I begin to sow seeds for the coming season.  Discovered a different method on You Tube...they call it "...