We carved pumpkins on Tuesday night.  Lil’s tiny pumpkin was a huge pain because the walls are so thin.  But look how cute it is! Lil wanted to be a ghost this year.  I didn’t see any reason to be fancier than the cut up thrift store sheet. When we adopted Hawise from the Capital Area Humane Society, her name was Hot Dog.  I saw a hot dog costume and knew she had to have [...]

The schedule for November classes is set! I will be repeating three classes from October at a new time.  I want to see how this time works for me personally and for drawing an interested crowd.  Please ‘vote with your participation’ and come to these afternoon classes if you want to see more offered at this time in the future. Thursday November 5 ~ 4:15 – 5 pm ~ Herbs Thursday November 12 ~ 4:15 [...]

When served meat, Lil often asks “What part of the aminal is this?” ‘Aminal’ is one of Lil’s last toddlerisms, meaning animal.  I am not ready for her to be all grown up and pronounce everything correctly! My heart gushes a little and not just because her pronunciation is cute. ~ In northwestern Ohio this weekend, Lil and I went to Sauder Village with my grandmother, aunt, cousins, mother, and sister.  It was the last [...]

A few things that might interest readers: PBS stations are showing a program based on the book The Botany of Desire: A Plant’s-Eye View of the World by Michael Pollan.  I highly recommend reading Botany of Desire and am excited to watch the show.  Watch a preview here. Columbus residents can view Botany of Desire on Wednesday October 28 at 8 pm. Wayward Seed farms is offering a Thanksgiving CSA.  Their Thanksgiving box includes the [...]

It is never too early to prepare for a spring garden.  Whether you are planning your first garden or are an experienced gardener, fall and winter offer time for reflection and forming new habits. If you are making a new garden or bed, lay out some newspapers or cardboard now in the spot you wish to create the new garden.  They will compost into the earth over the winter and prevent weeds from cropping up.  [...]

Today I was joined by ten  lovelies at Sprout Soup for the third October Kids Cook lesson. We started by making graham crackers.  This recipe is super easy and has the advantage of being egg free so kids can play with the dough without worry about salmonella. ¼ cup milk or buttermilk 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice or vinegar (omit if using buttermilk) ¼ cup canola oil 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup 2 ½ [...]

The response to the Kids Cook classes has been truly overwhelming.  I plan to continue and Sprout Soup is happy to keep hosting. The question I am contemplating is what day/time to offer classes.  Classes are currently held on Thursday mornings.  I would be open to holding an afternoon or Saturday morning sessions. If you are a reader with kids in Columbus, which time would you be most likely to attend?  Any other recommendations?