Gardening At Dove Cottage A couple of years ago, I kept having a digestive issue that consistently took me to the hospital. Severe pain in my side. Not appendicitis, but they kept telling me I had diverticulitis, but the pain was on my right side. In the meantime, my body was swelling, and my abdomen looked horrendous. On another trip to the hospital I was told it's your age and it comes with age. I could not buy that, I was in pain! One night it was so bad I drove myself to

I stepped into the lower garden a week ago, a tranquil space that often serves as my refuge from the chaos of daily life, and as I did, I was suddenly enveloped by an unexpected sound. It was an old mill grinding sound, resonating through the air with an eerie yet precise quality that seemed to echo the whispers of time itself. Then, amidst the gentle rustling of leaves, I heard a loud SPLAT, which startled me and drew my attention skyward. In that moment, I was gifted with a

I was reminded of the little joys of summer canning during my hibernation, whilst reading Wintering by Katherine May. “There’s an unspoken rule to our preserving; you shouldn’t have paid for the main ingredient. It should be part of a glut, otherwise unwanted or impossible to use, or should be foraged from the wild, where it would only decay without your intervention. You don't have to look back many generations to see how this was an essential supplement to scarce fresh prod

I want to share a funny, but powerful story with you today. It’s about a little girl and her chickens. As most of you know, my granddaughter, Brailee is a farm girl through and through. Her dream is to have her own horse that will do everything she wants it to do in horse shows. Other than her horses, she loves her cat and chickens. I have pictures of her carrying around baby chicks when she was barely old enough to walk. It’s just something she loves. Her mom took her a few

We have now shipped our skincare to 15 Nations As we age, our skin changes in many ways. By the time we hit our 40s, you may notice fine lines, wrinkles, and changes in texture. While this is a natural part of aging, there are steps you can take to maintain healthy skin and tackle these changes head-on. Here are some effective tips to help you achieve glowing skin after 40. Skincare After 40: Understanding the Changes Aging affects your skin's structure, mainly due to a decre

I've been in the garden observing how the wheat and the tares grow together, and it’s quite a fascinating experience, filled with lessons and laughter. The juxtaposition of these two plants serves as a metaphor for life itself, where good and bad often coexist side by side, each thriving in its own way. LOL But it's quite a task to keep it bright and clean. The weeds seem to multiply overnight, and I find myself pulling them out by the roots, determined to maintain the beauty

This Fourth of July, America commemorates its “Supercentennial” anniversary—marking 250 years of being one nation under God. Throughout Scripture, the Lord often instructs His people to remember His acts of salvation, faithfulness, and provision (see Deuteronomy 4:9; Psalm 77:11). As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, I believe it is only fitting for us to reflect on the blessings of America’s legacy and the sacrifices that made those blessings possible. Two and a half ce

Patriotism often stirs strong emotions and deep pride in a country’s heritage and values. It shapes how people see themselves and their place within a nation. But beyond feelings, patriotism plays a crucial role in building national unity and strengthening a shared identity. Understanding this impact helps us appreciate why patriotism matters in everyday life and how it influences societies. A national flag waving in the wind symbolizing unity and pride How Patriotism Builds

I've been incredibly busy with the bake stand, a monthly community highlight, and maintaining the gardens, which are vital to our outreach efforts. Additionally, I've been preparing Dove Cottage for guests during an upcoming church encounter, involving organizing accommodations and meals to ensure a welcoming atmosphere. It's been a hectic few weeks, filled with challenges and rewards. I've received several invitations to sing the national anthem at events, which is thrilling

The Best Skincare Refresh for Spring & Summer Article from https://www.americasbeautyshow.com/ As the season shifts, everything naturally starts to feel lighter. Clothes get easier, the days stretch out, and skin that’s been tucked under layers all winter starts asking for a break. Less heaviness. Less fixing. Less doing the most. Spring isn’t about starting over—it’s about softening what’s already there. This is a transition period for skin. Not a detox or a dramatic reset,