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the glory of harvest
This time of year there is a subtle shift…the sun is in a different location. Gardeners spend so much time planning for spring, that summer slips right in. Time for harvest, time for county fairs, time...
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mid summer delight ~ peach rosemary jam
mid summer yellow peaches beg to be blanched and preserved the peeling process after a quick blanch squeeze lovely juice from peels six pounds of prepared peaches ready for preserving simmer, simmer,...
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the harvest continues…fast & simple, yet oh so tasty
oh those tomatoes About this time of year, those who garden have an abundance of these. Last week I processed many pounds into ripe tomato chutney, yet more crowded my kitchen counters and by week’s...
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on a roll ~ with a grape harvest
Three years ago when I planted one Concord Grape plant, I never knew what I was in for. The first two years I struggled with this indeterminate vine and its strange harvest until I consulted with our...
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the powerhouse herb…chives!
There are many presumptions regarding herbs—chives in particular. Many see them as a garnish, and push them aside. Yay whoa, let me share the reasons why this little herb belongs in your belly. First...
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~ another reason to share the garden
The following images came from willing yet fleeting creatures who visited my garden yesterday. Kindly view on a large screen for full effect… slightly tattered Monarch during migration. So glad it...
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strolling with Thomas Jefferson ~ his Grounds at the University
Although I have resided near Monticello and UVA on-and-off for more than thirty years, I never took the time to stroll with Mr. Jefferson on his Grounds at the University of Virginia—until yesterday....
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life is full
The end of October, I expected life to slow down a bit. Three hard frosts sent the garden to sleep. A bit of raking and a few applications of additional mulch finished most chores there. But then… tons...
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a very special place
South of town, tucked back off the main road, resides a very special place. The Monroe Institute® was founded by Robert A. Monroe in 1979 following years of research, experimental seminars, and...
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~ this holiday it is all about the critters
Ask anyone who knows me or who follows this blog and they will tell you that I am all about the critters. Since Miss Kitty’s passing in May of 2011, I turned my critter affection out-of-doors. Miss...
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Albemarle County ~ steeped in history
Heading in just about any direction from Swallowtail Cottage, history abounds. Yesterday, with camera in hand, I headed out to an estate sale, east of town. There a grand home awaited my lens. I must...
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lazy, Legacy, and lollygagging
Happy New Year to you! This rigid, frozen, January morning, it occurred to me that I have not posted for over a month. Goes to show that lazy settles in after the holidays. The only hourly demands come...
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beagling ~ a fine community
one of the joint masters calling beagles together in the field The sport of Beagling originates with a well-bred and trained pack of beagle hounds. They are managed and lead by a dedicated Hunt Staff...
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wild bird buffet recipe ~ LaSauce style
Those of you who follow my blog realize how I adore hosting wild birds in my central Virginia gardens. With frequent coaching from a local naturalist and a bluebird guru, I confidently care for wild...
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homage to Herbes de Provence
Today is Friday. A. Cold. Friday. Old man winter refuses to head north, so I decided to create a quick, hot, healthy dish while tipping my chapeau to seven generations of French ancestors and to an...
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ode to the American Robin…
Today was a snow day — again. embellished teuter My heart went out the hundreds of American Robins who are ambling here, eagerly awaiting spring in central Virginia. A few days ago when temps were in...
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in love again…
It is that time of year, when I am about at my end with winter. Nearly ready to take a long walk off a short pier. My rescue? My collection of heirloom daffodils emerge to save the day. Below is a...
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mower tune~up, from a woman’s perspective…
Last week I decided it was high time to spend real time with my 2008 Toro lawn mower. It was a splurge back then, as I chose the Personal Pace with electric start. After all, I am a single gal who is...
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May’s DIY project ~ heave ho!
Uncanny, how vistas change in a wee season and projects present themselves abruptly. This month, the wild bird bath waved its copper flag at me from across the turf…hey lady, this shrub is toast and I...
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June is garden delights month…
Below are a few images of my June garden delights here in central Virginia. Following a hard winter, the garden now rewards with color, texture, and edible feasts. Sunny rose in first flush, Red Hot...
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