Fruits of our labor

Radishes, cucumber, and strawberries, oh my! Our little garden is growing well. We harvested and ate a little snack yesterday. The little kids all at least tried everything.

What one can find in one's own backyard

There are numerous weeds, herbs, grasses, and shrubs growing in some overgrown areas near our backyard. For years i have been fascinated with the availability of wild food. I will walk by some plants in a random field and I will notice all  of the edible plants. It may not taste the best but I bet I could live off the land for a little bit. these pictures are of wild carrot. I know you all have seen it beside most roads around here in Alabama. the flowers are pretty amazing. Take a moment one day to stop and take a good look. Check out more info here. T he book I keep going back to reference is this one....

Verbena Alabama

 I have the opportunity to work and spend some time in Chilton County. Where else can you see toilets in the front yard of a mobile home with plants growing in them!!!

My newest finds

I found some colorful measuring spoons and some Russian dolls that are actually measuring cups. The wooden spoon set I got for herb use when I make salves, potions, and charms. The small wooden spoon is not actually one of my finds. A friend of mine (OK my boss) found it at Pepper Place. Her 2 year old daughter just had to have it. The drink is a fermented dandelion and burdock "sodas". I want to find a shelf to place the colorful spoons and the dolls on. I believe Lyn and I may go for an early morning walk one day and find a circle to enjoy the "soda" as a mother and daughter time.

Whipping up a raspberry leaf tincture

Sara loves me...

My thoughtful co-worker brought me the small chocolate bars this morning. It meant so much to her to bring them to me that she actually took her make-up out of her purse to fit them in. She knows me so well. The two big chocolate bars were already in MY purse.... A girl can never have too much chocolate.

Beads for life again....

Again, here is Annika in her new necklace.If you want more info on this fundraising opportunity check out this website...

I do believe red is my favorite color right now

This geranium graces my front porch. Red is such a strong color. It lends protection and plain makes me feel better.

Beads for life...

Annika has such a big heart. I bought the necklace she is wearing to help two causes.  They were made by women in Uganda out of recycled material. They were then bought by a friend of mine to resale as a fundraiser to support her adoption.  When Annika was told the story of the beads she got a bit confused.  She thought my friend was adopting orphans from Uganda that are starving. I explained again what they were for.  With tears still in her eyes she asked if she could send more money to the orphans.  That was an easy answer... of course we can.

Evening Primrose

I just participated in a Webinar all about herbs. It was very enlightening. Now I want to just want to be able to grow everything and give it to those in need. Evening Primrose sounds good. I need something new to try.... Evening primrose was one of the main focuses today.

Breastfeeding in public again?

OK does my backyard count? Ben is 16 months old today and I am so happy to say that he is still breastfeeding and doesn't seem to want to give it up anytime soon. He will drink from an open cup for Dad during the day but mostly he just waits for me to come home to get some "mama's milk". He is still waking up at night to nurse too. Since I am away from him during the day at work I don't mind that unless he just wants to play and not go back to sleep. I am proud of him for learning how to latch at 3 months of age. I was confident in him and my body. I am hoping he will continue to nurse till he is  at least2 years old. We all seem to forget that the medical community recommends nursing a year as the minimum not the maximum of breastfeeding duration.