BHM_IDGC While the 2020 holidays were unlike any others in memory, one tradition in our home endured. Celebrated every year on the day after Christmas, it’s called Wing Chair Day. I highly recommend you plan one for yourself. The idea arrived years ago. Faced with a marathon run of shopping, wrapping, cooking and entertaining, I would … Read more
Where to begin? At the end? Yes, it’s finally the end of the old year that brought us so much turmoil and turned our lives upside down. So let‘s happily wave good-bye to 2020 and look forward expectantly to 2021. There is much hope in the air now with vaccines on the horizon so that … Read more
Buying poinsettias Never buy a poinsettia found next to a set of automatic doors that open every 30 seconds because it will have been damaged by the exposure to drafts or temperatures below 50°F which will cause the poinsettia to drop its leaves soon after being brought home. A healthy poinsettia plant will have … Read more
Holiday Craft Ideas These Putz Houses were by my grandkids. I helped with the cardboard houses (made with repurposed cereal, tissue, butter, or cracker boxes or any other lightweight cardboard that you can find), and they took it from there. The instructions can be found on … Read more
There is an old Mexican legend about how Poinsettias and Christmas come together. In the 1500’s, there was once a poor Mexican girl called Pepita who was sad because she had no gift to give the baby Jesus at the Christmas Eve Services. Her cousin Pedro tried to cheer her up, saying “I’m sure that … Read more
December is our most festive of months and twinkling lights have sprung up outside to cheer us into the Christmas season. Our weather has brought us the cold weather with most of our gardening outside completed. If you’re like me it’s time to buy a real Christmas tree, listen to Christmas songs and put up … Read more
It’s time to put your garden to bed….yes, tuck your perennials under a blanket of mulch or leaves, and put your tools away. Sit back for a moment and enjoy the peace of the upcoming holiday season. Instead of sadness caused by pandemic restrictions, savor the time to reflect on the real meaning of the … Read more
Poinsettias, holly, ivy, rosemary, mistletoe, evergreen trees—-there are so many plants associated with Christmas. Did you ever wonder why? Here’s a little history lesson… Greenery was used in ancient times to celebrate the Winter Solstice by warding off evil spirits. When Christianity came to Europe, the greenery was kept but given Christian meanings. Holly’s prickly … Read more
Aunt Ruth’s Sugar Cookies Preheat oven to 350° or less. I use 325° 3 cups sugar 2 cups lard 4 eggs 1 cup buttermilk 2 tsp baking soda ½ tsp baking powder 1 tsp nutmeg pinch of salt 7 cups flour, divided Cream sugar and lard together. Add eggs and buttermilk to sugar mixture. Add … Read more
It’s time to put your garden to bed….yes, tuck your perennials under a blanket of mulch or leaves, and put your tools away. Sit back for a moment and enjoy the peace of the upcoming holiday season. Merry Christmas, friends, and a happy, healthy New Year.