June

We've had endless rain in these parts.  Good for some plants not so good for others.  Mainly some of my veggies.  Hydrangeas are starting to bloom and my David Austin right outside the dining room window is bursting at the moment.  I like the idea of seeing flowers out every window.  Brings pure joy to the soul if you ask me.

June has been about breaking out of routines.  Not many projects or makings have gotten done minus some baking with the beans.  Rolling out of bed late, make believe, popsicles, bike rides, books, bathing suits, day trips and play dates have been filling up our days.  We've really enjoyed this time to just be.  How is June wrapping up for you?

Enjoy the week Friends!  

MAY

This is the time of year when the inside of the house becomes neglected.  When you live in a region that gives you less than 6 "good" months in the garden you can't mess around.  My hands and shoulders are sore and my garden boots are muddy.  After the beans go down for the night I retreat to the work room to get to work on several garden designs I have been working on for some folks.

I've been delivering plans in metal buckets for my clients with a bag of organic Bio-Tone Starter for their new plants.

Lungwort and Dwarf Solomon's Seal

Creeping Jenny along my newly lined beds. Things popping in this bed include Lady's Mantle, Catmint, False Indigo, Anise Hyssop, Dark Towers Penstemon, Autumn Joy, Joe-Pye Weed and I sowed some Poppies in this area for a splash of red.   

I recently bought three wired lanterns to hang above the deck...they add a bit of whimsy for those summer nights to come.

Blooms that I cut from my new David Austin Rose bush.  After I planted my rose I noticed that it was floppy perhaps from shock so I cut it back in hopes that it would lighten the load as it settled in. 

And some more blooms from my bleeding heart.

other blooms around the garden include.....

Foam Flowers

Geums

Lungwort

Hellebores

Anemone Sylvestris 

May is also the wind down of school.  We are really looking forward to some slower days ahead like this one we had a few days ago when we released our painted lady butterflies that the beans raised.

With the wind down I also hope to get kicking with my posts to show you all some projects that I've been plugging away at!  Until then......Happy MAY!!!!

oh January....

My computer is finally back from the shop and January is already coming to a close.  The fantastic program "Parenthood," one of my favorites, is also coming to a close.  A wonderfully written show about a family and the passing of time.  To say that watching it doesn't stir something in my soul would be a lie as this show captures the joys and sorrows that affect us all in life.

And speaking of life it has been a bit nuts around here.   Most days I'm running 5 kids this way and that so my creative time has been limited as I need to hit the pillow to get rest at the end of the day.

But in those moments where time just stops, just for that brief second, I'm able to see it.  Really see it...and I'm thankful for that.

Wishing you all some magical moments this weekend!

Linking up with.....The Enchanting Rose

change in the air...

Last weekend I took the beans to see the play Mary Poppins.... 

Winds from the east....Mist comin' in....Like somethin' was brewin', about to begin...Can't put me finger on what lies in store...

The change in the air is---------I'm going back to school for garden design!  

There is a Garden Design Certificate Program  at the Chicago Botanic Garden that I will be starting this spring.  I haven't taken classes since I finished my masters when I was in my twenties so to say that I'm nervous is an understatement.  But I'm also EXCITED!  One class at a time...new things to learn...a challenge with 3 beans....yes!  But I am determined to cross that finish line!  I'm not sure where the road will take me on this journey, but I'm ready to grow!    

Here is to the road of life friends!  Any changes brewing by you???? 

Happy Making, Baking, and Growing!!!!!

on the table....vegetable chili

When it is negative 25 degrees outside (with the wind chill) it's a good day for chili!  I learned how to make this chili from my older sister.  She came to my house when I was pregnant with bean number one and we made a giant pot.  This chili freezes fantastically so there is always some in the freezer.

Veggie Chili...

~2 cans of black beans

~2 cans of kidney beans

~1 bag of frozen corn

~2 red peppers

~2 green peppers

~3 green onions 

~1 small yellow onion

~2 jalapeños

~chili powder

~a pound and a half of ground turkey (or you can use beef)

~45 oz of caned diced tomatoes

~45 oz of canned tomato puree 

The first thing I do is pour all of the tomatoes in a big pot.  Next I slice up all the veggies (except the yellow onion) and heat the corn up in the microwave.  Make sure when you're chopping those jalapeños that you don't get any seeds in the mix!  Dump all the veggies in with your tomatoes and don't forget the beans.  Then slice up your yellow onion.  Add some olive oil to your pan and throw in your onions.  When the onions are looking a little colorful add your meat and season with chili powder.  Last pour your meat into the pot.  Cook your chili on low for 3-4 hours and there you have it!  

My sister, as some of you may know, is a photographer.  Her ability to capture the essence and beauty of the world around her is quite extraordinary.  

SCOUT PHOTOGRAPHY~Elizabeth Guzaldo

Can you tell I'm proud of her!?!  

And with the brutal cold outside today I reworked the mantle after taking all the Christmas decorations down.  I left the vintage candle sticks but added some jars of pinecones and some old books.

And then came a bit of lounging in the kitchen.  The beans love to cook with me so this a typical scene.

 End of the night fire with cookies and all is good. 

Stay warm friends and a happy week to you!