Category Archives: 55 Things

55 Things #10 – The Moon

55 Things, Gardening, Moon, Planting, Reflections,

Click here to learn more about my “55 Things” and here to view previous posts in this series.

The nearly full super moon was only intermittently visible through last night’s cloud cover. It is the first of three super moons that we will see this spring. The March full moon is also known as the worm moon, named this by Native Americans, since this is the time of year that worms begin emerging from the ground. Learn more about it here.  I attempted to take some photos but since my photography skills’ are lacking they are not nearly as impressive as it seeing it in person.

The following photos are unedited and are posted in sequence as taken. I am not sure what happened in the second photo, but while I would like to think that I captured some stunning other-worldly event, I suspect there is some type of technical explanation.

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While the actual full moon will occur tonight (March 9) the thick cloud cover will prevent us from viewing it. I guess I will have to try again in April.

This awareness of the full moon did remind me of a gardening method that we have talked about trying in the past but have not yet done. Since we have not yet started planting, I think this is the year to try planting by the phases of the moon.

This article from explains what types of plants should be planted during each phase of the moon.

  • First quarter moon cycle (new moon to half full) – Things that are leafy, like lettuce, cabbage and spinach, should be planted.
  • Second quarter moon cycle (half full to full moon) – Planting time for things that have seeds inside, like tomatoes, beans and peppers.
  • Third quarter moon cycle (full moon to half full) – Things that grow underground or plants that are perennials, like potatoes, garlic and raspberries, can be planted.
  • Fourth quarter moon cycle (half full to new moon) – Do not plant. Weed, mow and kill pests instead.

The article also says that while several studies have shown evidence that gardening by the phases of the moon can have positive effects there is no actual proof that it does.

In order to at least start planning for planting I found this handy chart which tells the date of that the moon enters each phase throughout the year. Planting season will begin soon. 🙂 Wish us luck.

Did you get to see the full moon? Have you ever planted by the moon?

Thanks for reading.

 

55 Things # 9 – Understanding Dogs

55 Things, Dogs, Reflections

Click here to learn more about my “55 Things” and here to view previous posts in this series.

I recently finished reading Dogs Never Lie About Love By Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson. It is aptly subtitled Reflections on the Emotional World of Dogs. As a dog lover I found this to be a fun read because I could identify with much the author had to say.

Today I decided to share one passage from the book that had me nodding my head in agreement.

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“It has been often said that humans are on an arrogant mission when they seek out life on other planets before they have adequately understood the alien lives on our own planet. I think this is particularly true when it comes to dogs, for here is another life form that is both immediately understandable and familiar, while at the same time there is an unyielding mystery at the heart of a dog. Just when we think we know them completely, we look into the eyes of a family dog and something about his radiance, his depth, gives us pause. “Who are you really?” we are inclined to ask at that moment. The dog might smile, a familiar smile, but will not answer. They keep their deepest mysteries to themselves.” ~ Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson

I don’t think we will ever really understand dogs. 🙂

Thanks for reading.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

55 Things # 8 – Send Me Some Sunshine

55 Things, Reflections, Sunshine

Click here to learn more about my “55 Things” series and here to view previous posts in this series.

We have been blessed with four days of delightful blue skies and sunshine, and while we have a mix of sun and clouds this morning our forecast is for increasing cloudiness today followed by several days of rain mixed with snow.IMG_6248 (2)

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Before you read any farther let me suggest that you look out the window. If the sun is shining, stop whatever you are doing (reading this) and go outside and soak up some sun. You can always come back here later. 🙂 I was out earlier with the boys before it started clouding up.

I thought maybe creating a “Sunshine Page” might help (at least figuratively) chase those clouds away. I am going to ask for your help though. I have started off by selecting and posting three “sunshine” songs. Click to listen and feel free to sing along.

 

 

Now here is your assignment should you choose to accept it. Send me some sunshine! Think of a sunshine song (there are many) and either send me the link in the comments section below or send me the name of the song (and artist if you know it) and I will try to find a link and add it to this page.

Wishing you all blue skies and sunshine and feel free to return to this page anytime you need to chase those clouds away.

 

This piece of sunshine was sent by Julie.

 

Please check out the other sunshine songs sent by readers in the comments section below. 🙂

55 Things #7 – Celebrating Our Love

55 Things, Reflections

Click here to learn more about my “55 Things” series and here to view previous posts in this series.

February 17, 2007 my husband and I stood at the alter and spoke our wedding vows before God and our family.

I remember my husband asking “what if I forget our anniversary?” My reply was “if we celebrate our love every day then that one day is really not that important.”

This scripture that was read at our wedding reminds us of what love is.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 New International Version (NIV)
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Happy Anniversary Sweetie and Thank You for loving me – every day.

55 Things #6 – A Sweet Treat

55 Things, Candy, homemade, Recipe, Reflections

Click here to learn more about my “55 Things” series and here to view previous posts in this series.

With Valentines Day just around the corner I thought I would share my secret candy recipe with you. Up until this point it is only a secret because I have not told it to anyone so now my secret will be out.

If you are a chocolate lover like me then you probably get excited when you hear or read reports about the health benefits of chocolate (cocoa) – right up to the point that they add something like “but all that sugar (and potentially other ingredients) in that candy bar are still bad for you so be sure not to eat too much”. 😦  What a let down!

So I decided to make my own chocolates using what I believed to be better ingredients.

Here’s my recipe:

1/2 cup dark cocoa

1/2 cup raw honey

1/2 cup cold processed coconut oil

Since coconut oil has a melting point of 76 degrees F (24 C) I put the whole jar in a bowl of hot tap water to melt. I then measure the amount of liquid oil I need and pour it into a bowl. I add the cocoa and honey and stir until they are combined. The mixture will be smooth and as the coconut oil cools it will become firmer. I line a pan or plate with wax paper and drop by teaspoon on the wax paper. I then pop them in the frig or freezer for a while. Once they are set I remove them from the wax paper and store them in a dish with a lid in the frig (because coconut oil melts at 76 degrees room temperature might be too warm for them).

To change it up a bit raisins, dried cranberries, coconut or chopped nut can be mixed in.

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I won’t make any claims about these being healthy but if you research the ingredients you can draw your own conclusions. I will tell you that they are rich in flavor and have a creamy texture that melts in your mouth. Yum!!! I also find that just one is enough to give me my chocolate fix.

I haven’t really given them a name but the first time I made them my husband told me they looked like turds so I told him they would be “the best s**t he ever ate”. 🙂

Are you a chocolate lover?