This unusual beauty is a Spined Micrathena. She sits in her daily-spun web, right outside the window.
Continue reading “Haiku: Mesmerizing Micrathena”Short Read: A Snail’s Search, Part VII
As he contemplated how to get across the Gray, Sylvie’s warnings about its terrible dangers were still fresh in Gaston’s memory. Yet, he felt compelled to go there, feeling that some important event loomed in his future, and that it was inextricably entwined with his quest. He gazed at it with trepidation and worked up his courage.
Continue reading “Short Read: A Snail’s Search, Part VII”Sunday Spotlight: Colorado Potato Beetle…Or Not?
Gardeners no doubt wince (or unleash expletives, perhaps?) at the mention of this insect. The voracious eater of nightshade plants – and notorious potato plant pest – may be hated and reviled, but it has a lookalike that’s just as lovely and arguably less troublesome!
Continue reading “Sunday Spotlight: Colorado Potato Beetle…Or Not?”Haiku: A Healing Heart
Sometimes, it feels like an individual’s efforts don’t make much of a difference in the grand scheme of things. In the face of rapidly-escalating climate crisis, the evolving pandemic, and social and political unrest, the future (and present) can seem pretty bleak.
Continue reading “Haiku: A Healing Heart”Under Pressure: Deconstructed Cabbage Roll Soup
What happens when you decide to make borscht and then realize you don’t have any beets on hand? You make a thick and hearty soup with what you do have…and discover a new favorite!
Continue reading “Under Pressure: Deconstructed Cabbage Roll Soup”Ferment This: No Sugar Added Elderberry Water Kefir
It’s elderberry foraging season! Ever since I discovered how easy it is to make immune-boosting (and delicious) elderberry syrup in the Instant Pot, it’s become my go-to method. And that syrup is the perfect addition to the probiotic goodness of water kefir!
Continue reading “Ferment This: No Sugar Added Elderberry Water Kefir”