Category Archives: sustainable living

May Garden

Posted on May 8, 2017 by joanienaz

Year two in my vegetable garden is starting with cool weather crops. The abundant rain we have had along with mild temperatures has encouraged my leafy vegetables and root crops to get rolling. Yesterday I thinned the radishes, snow peas … Continue reading →

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Herbs in the Garden

Posted on April 30, 2017 by joanienaz

Here we are, approaching the middle of spring. The days are getting longer and warmer, and the veggie seeds you planted have sprouted and are beginning to look like real plants! While you wait patiently for your garden to mature, … Continue reading →

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Give a Fig

Posted on April 23, 2017 by joanienaz

On a recent field trip for my UC CA Naturalist class, I was able to obtain several cuttings of a white fig. I rooted them in water, but after some investigating I discovered that the cool weather may be impeding … Continue reading →

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A New Adventure

Posted on March 26, 2017 by joanienaz

Today I return to this beloved blog from a long sabbatical. I have been teaching full time again, and have become a grandmother. As if this weren’t enough to keep me occupied, I am starting a new project! The UC … Continue reading →

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In Search of the Elusive, Healthy Cookie

Posted on March 20, 2014 by joanienaz

I haven’t posted any recipes on this site in quite a long time. Those of you who follow my antics know about my obsession with oatmeal cookies. What is an obsession, really, but an attempt to find/create/enjoy a memorable experience? … Continue reading →

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The Great Tulip Experiment

Posted on March 14, 2014 by joanienaz

The deer haven’t been around much this winter. It’s been so dry. Now that some late winter rain has greened things up, however, I’ve seen a couple here and there, and heard them outside the cabin at night. When the … Continue reading →

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When Thoughts Turn to Stuffing

Posted on November 26, 2013 by joanienaz

Thanksgiving is upon us, and it’s time to make turkey stuffing. This traditional dish is very personal. Each of us has our own concept of the perfect ingredients. My own version has evolved over the past three decades, but certain … Continue reading →

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Wild Flowers

Posted on July 7, 2013 by joanienaz

Does Rose Mallow still qualify as a wildflower if it has been hybridized? I think not. But this beautiful bloom, more commonly known as Hibiscus, sure looks great in the garden! No time for a vegetable garden this year. Getting … Continue reading →

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Bigfoot

Posted on April 30, 2013 by joanienaz

During a stroll around the pond on our usual Nevada County, California walk yesterday, we came across a string of goslings across the path. There were four adults hanging around, including a goose of a different type than the Canada … Continue reading →

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Late for the Party

Posted on February 8, 2013 by joanienaz

It is a blessing for which I am grateful every day that I have the privilege of living in a rural area. I enjoy an uncluttered setting with fresh air, abundant scenery, intimate views of wildlife, and a sense of … Continue reading →

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