Bike Rack as Art

Is this the coolest bike rack you have ever seen, or what?  I love it.  It is whimsical and utilitarian, the perfect integration of form and function.  Looks like a racer participating in the Tour de France.  Is that Lance Armstrong coming down the block…?

Autumnal Appreciation

A few purchased silk sprays packaged with leaves and berries scavenged from my yard.  The week’s vacation has fast dwindled to a few hours, but part of the joy of some time off, was the opportunity to meander through the yard, casually picking the bones of an arrangement.  It happens during normal work weeks, too, but [...]

Homemade Applesauce

As a child, the apple orchard that had been planted long before we ever lived there, provided a spot for swings, tree-climbing, pies, applesauce and spur-of-the moment snacks.  Climbing the various apple trees were one of my favorite past times.  There were times that I would go outside, scrambling to the tippy top branches, as high as I could go.  My [...]

Recycling Eyeglasses

The recent purchase of a new pair of reading glasses sparked a quest for a way to donate the previous prescription to a group that would deliver them to someone who needs them.  A few clicks later, three choices were available: 

Many local Lions Clubs collect used eyeglasses.  Window decals and posters are common, identifying sites for collection boxes in public spots, [...]

Crayon Connection

Until the description of what is used to make crayons came to my attention, the notion that it is a good idea to recycle crayons never crossed my mind.  Crayons are made from what everything seems to be made from these days–petroleum!  Not only are they not bio-degradable, they are also getting more expensive. 
The collision of those two facts is enough reason to gather together the [...]

Brown Water

Brown Water is water that has been used, but doesn’t have any septic content or heavy cleaning chemicals included.  Describing water as brown seems to be a bit of a misnomer, however “Brown Water” can be a good thing.  As a child, living in the country meant nightly reminders to “Turn off the water, now!” when filling the bathtub.  Because we [...]

Minted Cantaloupe Dessert Soup

Reflecting on the dry heat of this August day, visions of something cool and sweet comes to mind.  A visit to the creamery for an ice cream cone is one possibility, but it’s one more stop, and it’s so out-of-the-way to get to the stand….  Hopefully, your pantry is well-stocked, but if not, a trip to the grocery store was on the [...]

The Mystery of the Multiplying Vases

Having recently completed the enormous task of cleaning and painting the insides of all the closets on the first floor of this house, the Mystery of the Multiplying Vases really has my powers of investigation stumped.  It begins innocently enough.  The florist arrives with a bouquet of flowers for the special occasion of the moment–birthday, anniversary, Valentine’s [...]

Fresh Cherries

The cherry tree has produced its newest drop of juicy, delectable fruit.  After years of “fruitless” anticipation, the past few years have produced enough cherries to have a few each morning for breakfast or as a snack while walking past to water the flowers.  Not sure what changed.  Several years ago, I pruned it sharply, [...]

Frugal Herb-Gardening Tip of the Day

Fresh herbs close to the kitchen door make for a sure-fire way to quickly and economically add zesty, bright flavors to your meals.  If you are lucky enough to have a small sunny patch within steps of your entryway, make a list of the herbs your family uses the most, plus one or two that are outside of [...]