At Home in Sussex County

Spring Green & Easy on the Waist Line

Here's a super simple soup for a chilly spring day when we need something warm, but crave fresh, spring flavors! Click here--or the bowl--to read more:

A Cure for Spring Fever

These sweet little flowers are the first to bloom in my garden--and in a few short years, they have formed delightful colonies all over my garden. Crocus may just be one of the most overlooked, inexpensive, carefree answers to everyone's spring fever.
Click here to read more

I promise...

...Margaret Roach has written a wonderful book for gardeners!

“The garden's lessons are smart and scientific, but also sensual and spiritual; practical but also philosophical. It's what I call horticultural how-to and "woo-woo" and the "woo-woo" is really the best part of the harvest.” Margaret Roach

 

Please read my interview with her in my column for the NJ Herald --

if you are not a subscriber, you can read the column here, on this blog, at this link--

and make sure you come to Springfest for her presentation on Saturday, at 2pm.

Don't miss Springfest!

It is a really good show--as always. And...i'm falling in love with miniature gardens (click on the photos to view larger versions):

this little "fairy garden"created by Gardens of the World

and this marvelous indoor waterscape--complete with trickling waterfall, stream and living plants, created by Robert Dekker:

See these marvels and much, much more at Springfest, now through Sunday

 

Hot Chocolate Heaven in a Cup

It was 8 degrees this morning at our house...so what immediately comes to my mind? Hot chocolate--not hot cocoa--but realio, trulio hot drinking chocolate.
Click here to read more
(and, yes, i've been playing with those "drawing apps"...i think this one is recognizable...)

"i carry your heart..."

Any day is a good day for telling an important someone
just how much you care.
I've made a card that's perfect for Valentine's Day, a birthday, or Any Day...
Click here to read more and to place an order. 

Diary of a Sinus Infection

Hoping it's true that "Laughter is the best medicine"

Chapter 1: Symptoms
Maybe it's just a cold this time

Chapter 2: Diagnosis
When and why was i hit in the face with a brick?

Chapter 3: The Truth Hurts
Any minute now, my face is actually going to fall off

Chapter 4:The Meds Kick In
The once raging blaze is reduced to smoldering coals
and drainage begins

Chapter 5: Seeing is Believing
Holding several tissues in her hands, the patient blows her nose
then observes:
"Hm. So that's what brain matter looks like."

Chapter 6: It's a Cliff Hanger
Surely all the muck has been expelled
and the barking will end
before one breaks a rib.
5 blessed minutes pass in silence
well, almost
just a bit of a wheeze can be heard.
The patient thinks, "Sleep. Finally, some sleep."
She fluffs the comforter
plumps the pillow.
The cat curls up with a sigh...

So...how are you feeling?
It seems like a lot of us have been laid low with one bug or another.
Which is why I am offering up this reminder:
Tips for Preventing Flu, Colds & Sinus Problems

and this very comforting and super simple soup
Comfort in a Bowl

When you haven't much time
this one truly takes less than half an hour
Soup So Nice

Holiday Stars

When the weather keeps you all indoors, maybe it's time to have a little fun,
making something from almost nothing!
Click here to read more

Apple Love

Even though our local orchards where damaged by a strangely mild winter + too much heat too early in spring + a final frost in May--our local orchards have mighty fine apples. But there may be fewer of your favorites, so go early and go often to make sure you get your share of the harvest. And be sure to treat yourself to an easy, but special weekend breakfast treat.
Click here to read more.

Where Smiles Blossom All Day Long

It really is aMAZEing how much fun it is to meander through a field of sunshine!

Click here to learn about the delightful and fabulous Sussex County Sunflower Maze