Recipies and Gardening Tips

Black Iris

 

The time has arrived to let your soul believe that the sun will smile upon us again.  I am the first to admit, I am foul in the winter months.  It culminates in January and February to a point which feels like I am storming from within.  I opine to my husband, “why, why did our ancestors choose this wretched place?”  And, folks, I am well aware that I am merely in the heartland, so please do not feel the need to send me stories from Michigan and Minnesota… I lived in Michigan.  I *know* it’s worse there.

However, each spring, perhaps enhanced by the dark placed I once resided, I blossom forth with renewed joy.  Outside there are signs that spring is near.  Not today, mind you, with the temperature of 38 responding to yesterday’s glorious 70s.  However, my gorgeous black iris is showing signs of renewal.  It didn’t bloom last year, it was the first year I owned it, but this year, I am hopeful to share it’s debut.

I am no gardening genius.  I believe deeply that the only limit to a persons experiences is their own mindset that they, “aren’t green thumbs, can’t cook,” etc. etc.   If you want to do these things, you can.  You limit yourself, not your innate abilities.  Last year, with the help of my sister, Carleigh and my husband, I introduced a small garden behind my house.  It’s not a garden that produces green beans, tomatoes.  We are lucky to have family not far that have a farm and many delicious foods come from that large garden.  I focused on an ornamental garden that is at once, an herb garden but also a butterfly garden.  I didn’t use another’s formulation, I just did it.  I borrowed a tiller, brought in good soil, planted seed and watched it grow.  This year, I encourage you to plant some sort of herb garden.  Whether it be in your backyard or a collection of planters on the porch.  I will share the progress of mine with you to begin a community to tips.

It will make you happy and it will encourage you to cook well.  (see below!)

Do you Cook?  Well? At All?

Cooking is easy.  If you know how to cook  fresh meals.  My husband is always saying what a good cook I am.  It may possibly be the reason why he kept me around.  It feels great for me to be paid compliments by friends and family that enjoy sitting at my table for a special meal.  If you want to feel good, this is a great way to do it.  If you create a fool-proof system, according to your family’s schedule, it can become as ingrained in you as washing laundry, except that you enjoy it.

Each week, I intend to build up a schedule which will help you start a routine.  It will begin with making a spectacular Saturday night meal.  Saturday: absolutely no excuse that time escaped you.  Recipie and photos will be posted on Wednesday so you can shop ahead, if you need to.  Menu: Cornish game hen with smashed basil and garlic sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli.  I was in the kitchen for less than 45 minutes with this one.  Seriously.