Garden beds should be shaped and placed to match both the land and the intended use of the garden. Their size and form affect appearance, efficiency, and plant health. Placement Place beds where growing conditions match the plants’ needs. Vegetable beds should usually be in the sunniest part of the site Moisture-loving plants can go … Continue reading Shaping and placing garden beds
Month: April 2026
Hearty chilled black-eyed pea tossed salad
Black-eyed peas have a mild, earthy flavor with a creamy texture that absorbs bold dressings beautifully. When chilled, they become even more satisfying, making this salad a refreshing, protein-packed dish perfect for warm days. The combination of crisp raw vegetables, tangy vinaigrette, and fresh herbs creates layers of flavor and texture that get better the … Continue reading Hearty chilled black-eyed pea tossed salad
Adversity introductions
"Adversity introduces a person to themselves." – Unknown I am navigating a genuinely demanding life. Maybe you are too. This life is both beautiful and a sustained, compounding adversity in the most human sense. What I have discovered in the really rough patches of my life is a version of myself that I could not … Continue reading Adversity introductions
University of Minnesota (UMN) men’s hockey
Tracking and cheering for the University of Minnesota (UMN) hockey team. To track and cheer for the University of Minnesota (UMN) hockey team, I look at these websites that provide comprehensive coverage of college hockey: University of Minnesota Gophers Hockey is the official website of the University of Minnesota Gophers provides the latest news, schedules, … Continue reading University of Minnesota (UMN) men’s hockey
Resting heart
"Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time."– John Lubbock This quote speaks directly to the guilt many high-functioning people feel when they stop … Continue reading Resting heart
Hearty orange curry carrots
Roasting carrots with curry and orange transforms humble root vegetables into something genuinely crave-worthy. The natural sugars in the carrots caramelize beautifully in the oven, while the curry powder adds earthy warmth and gentle heat. Fresh orange juice and zest brighten everything with citrusy acidity that balances the spice, and a touch of honey deepens … Continue reading Hearty orange curry carrots
Hearty Minnesota NHL hockey
North Star State's NHL hockey prowess. MN Wild Schedule Watching the Minnesota Wild play is a fun experience that entertains me for numerous reasons. The team's dynamic style of play, blending skillful finesse with rugged determination, creates an unpredictable and thrilling spectacle on the ice. Their commitment to teamwork and strategic execution is impressive, fostering … Continue reading Hearty Minnesota NHL hockey
Hearty black beans and Mexican rice
Smoky, savory, and deeply satisfying. This dish is a weeknight hero. The rice absorbs a rich tomato-cumin broth while the black beans add creamy, earthy depth. Together they create a complete protein with bold flavor that rivals any restaurant version. Serve it as a standalone bowl topped with sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro, … Continue reading Hearty black beans and Mexican rice
Texture & form in flower arrangements
Create arrangements with genuine depth, complexity, and lasting interest. Texture and form represent two of the most powerful yet frequently overlooked design elements in flower arranging, capable of transforming a simple collection of pretty flowers into a sophisticated composition with genuine visual interest and emotional resonance. While color naturally draws our immediate attention and dominates … Continue reading Texture & form in flower arrangements
May Day
The first day of May. May Day, celebrated on May 1st, is a day with dual significance. Many events happen the week of May 1st also. It marks the traditional spring festival in many cultures, characterized by dancing, singing, and maypole festivities. This ancient celebration welcomes the renewal of life and the blossoming of nature. … Continue reading May Day