Harvesting Moringa

Have you heard about Moringa trees? The leaves are considered a super food, full of goodness. I use the leaves as tea. You can buy powdered Moringa to take as capsules too.  You should Google it, perhaps a Moringa tree is in your future.  I planted my Moringa tree from seed in May of 2021. Typically, these trees grow extremely fast, many feet each year, but mine struggled for the first year. My ground is so hard I don't believe it's tap root could penetrate deep enough to give it the start it needed. Moringas love the heat and as this summer began, it slowly started to grow, and after a few rains it really took off. It went from about 2 feet tall to just over 14 foot this year. I wanted to begin to harvest the leaves but chose to wait until the last minute. I noticed the flavor of the leaves changed from a mild radish taste to more of a spinach flavor, I'm not sure what that means. Next year the tree will be larger, and I will harvest as I have need.

Fall Garden 2022

This is my happy place. When I need to calm down, or take a break, rest, or recharge in any way; this is where I go. Its where I bring visitors and show off to the kids and grandkids. I visit it first thing in the morning and the last thing before dark descends. We had a good rain, one that was slow and gentle enough to soak into the ground rather than ran off; it was a good time to take pictures. 

Fried Apples

Fall is the perfect time for apple dishes. Fried Apples can be enjoyed anytime because they are quick and easy. My mother, who was so very frugal, always fried apples that were past their prime. When the skin begins to shrivel and the meat is a bit mealy, frying will give you a delicious dish that you can eat as is or over ice cream, yogurt, served with cookies, or even spread on toast. No need to toss them out!

Kids Can Kids Club Summer Fun

Summer time is prime Kids Can Kids Club time. During the school year I have found that most of the time the kids are so busy with after school activities that there just isn't time to squeeze in one more thing. I have an occasional tea party for the older girls, crafting sessions and special gathers now and then that are age related but in summer we gather once a week. And then sometimes kids are away at day camp or on family vacations, but I have 9 kids in Kids Club now so even with a few missing I have my hands full!

Fall Garden Journal 2017

I think this has been the worst gardening season I have ever had! And I thought my spring season was bad. Gosh it makes me want to just throw in the towel but I love to garden so I know I won't. And truly, I didn't give it the time gardening needs as I was stretched pretty thin with the Christmas season and my new soap biz.  

* Black Eyed Peas and Cornbread Cakes

I love Cornbread and I love Blackeyed Peas so why haven't I written this post before? I have no idea but I wanted to do something for New Years Day and you should be eating Blackeyed Peas for good luck on New Year's Day right? You have time to go to the grocery for ingredients before tomorrow. Here's how I make this dish. Remember that it's only Papa and I eating this (it is enough for dinner and lunch the next day) so you may want to double the recipe if you have more people to feed. This is a very frugal dish to make.

DIY Pizza Game

This post contains affiliate links.      I have slowed down making the kids gifts at Christmas time. There are so many of them and it takes a toll on me. Last year I purchased gifts but wanted to round out with a simple gift I hand made. The kids really loved the PB & J game I made so I used that as an inspiration and came up with this...the Pizza Game. It's super easy to make and inexpensive. It is easy to make several at one time too, checking off your gift giving list all at once.

Farmer's Wife Apron Game

Every year we have Family Harvest Day. I plan games for the kids, and the dad's play along too. But the mom's usually just watched. I decided we needed a game just for them. So, The Farmer's Wife Apron Game was born. Please excuse the not so great photos, they are from a few years ago. I keep forgetting to takes pics these days!

Hill House Soapworks Boutique

Hey everyone, I have opened a small Bath & Bodycare Boutique called Hill House Soapworks, on Facebook. I have some fun Halloween items in there, and will add more items as I have time. I plan to eventually carry a full range of Body care items. I would love for you to visit, Like and Follow. I also have a Facebook Group you can join, Hill House Soapworks Group, to hear about new items before they are stocked in the boutique. Thanks for your support!

August & September Garden Journal

I've waited so long to write this post that it almost seems pointless. But, this is for me as much as for you and I want to document life around here so I guess better late than never. Let's see what I can remember about August.