Easy, Green Earth Day Bucket Gardens

Earth Day, spring planting, summer produce--those conjure up happy green images. Do you love to garden but find yourself cursed with poor soil or a small yard? Or maybe you're one of those unfortunate apartment-dwelling green thumbs. Either way, it seems impossible to reconcile a love of gardening with a lack of basic garden essentials. You could join a community garden. In Michigan, these are flourishing (pun intended). We own our own home, but are joining a community garden in town because we love the concept (and our sumac has wreaked havoc with our soil). YIf you don't have a local community garden, start one. Or try this simple idea. You can have a produce, herb or flower garden right on your patio, deck or porch with bucket gardens. Read on  Easy, Green Earth Day Gardens

Hurrah, Hurrah for Detroit Tigers Opening Day

Pranksters may have anticipated April Fool's Day, but buzz here was Detroit Tigers Opening Day, March 31. And that's no joke, especially for winter-beleaguered locals. As if to say "hurrah, hurrah! Opening Day," Mother Nature is blessing Michigan with the first mid-to-high 50s temps in months. Spring weather bodes very well for Tigers and fans, says the Detroit Free Press.  Hurrah, Hurrah for Detroit Tigers Opening Day

Lenten Fish Fry at K of C and a Walk on the Water

Yes, you read that right. Husband and I walk on water. At least, we walked on the frozen sand and ice of Lake Michigan tonight. First we took the youngest out for a Lenten fish fry at our church St Patrick's Knights of Columbus. We live a few blocks from church and K of C. I love living in town. I'd never make it as a country girl, I'm afraid.   Lenten Fish Fry at K of C and a Walk on the Water - News - Bubblews

Home Wind Generator in Michigan and Maybe Mission Church

There's not much my husband can't do. A small-scale Renaissance guy. He's been researching alternative energy. He's always looking to repurpose and recycle. He shared an idea that was nothing short of genius: turn our old two story TV antennae into a wind turbine. The larger goal would be to bring a wind farm to our sister parish in Haiti.   We May Convert Our Old TV Aerial Antennae into a Wind Turbine

Six Ways to Shake Your Michigan Winter Blues

Raise your hand if winter is getting to you. Maybe you have SAD (seasonal affective disorder) or winter blues? Here are some things I found help.



*Don't fight it.. Mood cycles are normal. Most everyone experiences them. Don't blame nor shame yourself for feeling bad. Change things that are making it worse, but likely it's nothing you did nor can control. Just concentrate on staying healthy till it's passed.

Six Ways to Shake a Bad Mood - News - Bubblews

Michigan Rock Salt Shortage Reminds Us to Get Emergency Supplies Now

Well, it looks like Snowmageddon is back for, what round are we on now, like 26? 3-7 more inches coming down as we speak. Cold, blustery, drifts, lake effect snow, you name it. Husband announced there's a shortage of rock salt in West Michigan. He tried three home improvement stores and several big box vendors and finally found some at a little feed store. That reminds me, if you're in a winter storm zone haven't done so already, pack that emergency kit, just in case. those aren't just for floods and hurricanes.   Snowmageddon Causes Michigan Rock Salt Shortage Probably Others, Get Emergency Supplies Now

You Think Michigan Winter 2014 is Bad? You Missed Blizzard of 1978

Our daughter called from Lafayette, Louisiana to say that life has pretty much shut down there due to the ice and snow. And she's making with the "you people call this winter?" jokes! She is a product of Grand Haven, Michigan. Home of dune-inspired "lake effect snow." You basically have our Great Lakes to thank for sending you that white stuff in bulk.



Since moving down south, she kept the snow brush dad gave her in her car. She got a lot of ribbing in those 105 degree summers. Well, now no one's laughing. In fact they're queuing up to borrow it! Dad is so proud of his baby girl's German common sense. He quipped, "yeah, she's probably the only one in the whole darn state to have one, unless it's in a gag gift shop."   You Think Winter 2014 is Bad? You Missed the Blizzard of 1978