2013 Garden

Bobby took some great pictures of this years Community Nursing Home Garden. I love the Gate with the shed in the background.

It's all cleaned up and put to bed for the winter.

Long Time Posting

Visited a Farm Northwest of Rockford. Irish Grove Farm. Heavenly - beautiful place. Over 200 acres and the owners raised beef. We toured a slaughter/butcher shop in Seward the morning of the tour. Then drove over to this incredible place.

I am coming up with material to add to the blog and will keep up with my postings. I am ready to put together a business plan and proceed with a farm. Life is too short to keep dreaming about one.

Crabapple tree in winter. With a nice birds nest.

I planted spinach, peas and red lettuce but the heavy rains swept them away. Replant.

Downers Grove Park District

Teaching 6 classes this summer. This link will take you to the Downers Grove Park District. The classes will be posted as soon as the summer edition comes out. I'll send the complete link once it's set up.

I will be teaching 3 workshops on Sustainable - Homestead Living and 3 on preserving food. I can't wait.  I really had a ball teaching the pickle class and want a repeat.  Two each Saturday of the Summer

Pickle Canning Class

Saturday was the pickle class at the Lincoln Center in Downers Grove, IL.  It was a small class but fabulous. I've left a message with the DG Park District to schedule more this summer.   Keep checking as I will post the dates here.  LOVED IT!

Spring is coming!  This picture is from last year - the Zinnia's were all the way around the garden.

On another note - if you are in Chicago this March, don't miss the good food festival - click here. Unfortunately I have to travel for my day job so I won't be around.

Desert Rose

Desert Rose Mother Plant - Right Trunk

Seed Pod

Seed Pod Opening

Seeds Appearing

Seeds Sprouting

Close up of Sprout

4 Months Old

Mother Plant growing new leaves

Mother Plant in Bloom

A little Time-line of the Desert Rose plant. They are the cutest little baby plants. Like little people.

Downers Grove Park District Class

I had to cancel the Jellies class - only one signed up BUT the Pickling Class is still a go on February 16th.

I'm looking forward to it.  I made yummy things to taste and take home too.

Teaching A Canning Class

January 26 10:00-11:30 at the Downers Grove Park District Lincoln Center.

Click this link and page to page 66.

First class will be jellies, jams and preserves.  I have Black Cherry preserves to share as well as some Peach Vanilla Brandy that has been soaking for months. YUM.

February 16 10:00-11:30 - Pickling.  I have dilly beans and carrots to sample.

Join me for a fun and learning experience.