Living Well Etc.

  While enjoying one of my favorite past times, I had an epiphany.  I realized that there is etiquette involved when gardening, which I should have realized sooner.   After all, there is etiquette involved and expected in every aspect of our lives.  Except, I hadn't really thought much about "Gardening Etiquette" and what that might entail.  And, how about you? I wonder what all of you think of this concept.  Do you think there is etiquette when gardening (for our plants, for our land, for our neighborhood, etc.)?  The thought and question have my mind working as a mouse on a little wheel.  So, let's get that mouse running full speed here. Respect for Our Plants First, consider how we treat our plants.  Since we care about our plants and want to treat them with respect , we would also want to consider their comfort.  Yes, this means planting them where they would thrive and not in some dismal spot where they would suff...

Summer is the Best Season for Dieting! As a woman over sixty with an activity-limiting autoimmune disease, I must adhere to a calorie-reduced diet if I wish to fit into anything remotely resembling a swimsuit this summer.  However, the good news is that this is the absolute best season for dieting!   Best part, for me at least, is that most of my diet food choices come from my backyard.  I plant a few vegetable plants in the garden, apply a bit of water, and a flood of ripe, yummy, low-cal treats is my reward.  Interested?  Follow along to get summer-thin with me by eating healthy summer foods like these.    Low-Calorie Summer Breakfasts Can be Colorful and Delicious. Taking advantage of the plentiful fruit in summer , I begin the day with vibrant colors and unbeatable flavors.  My favorites include blueberries and halved strawberries topped with a 1/2 cup of fat-free yogurt--less than 200 calories.   ...

  Join Me for an Alfresco Dinner From My Organic Vegetable Garden Summer is the best time for organic gardeners.  This summer is no different.  Most days were hot, but not too hot.  Most nights were cool, but not too cool—perfect for a bountiful and healthy garden.  In fact, since the weather has been so perfect, my vegetable garden is overflowing with delectable goodies just ready to make their table debut.  Tonight should be ideal for an alfresco dinner on my herb and flower-lined patio, so let's get cooking! Munchies Are An Imperative. Purple eggplant orbs hang like plentiful ornaments just waiting to be plucked for my culinary masterpieces.  Today's will be a roasted-eggplant-herbal dip served with freshly harvested carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini cut into pencil stick pieces. Slicing the eggplant in quarters, I sprinkle it with olive oil and salt and roast it on high heat until done—about 20 minutes. It...