The end of April! Already? Where does the time go? Our garden and yard are exceptional right now. At least we think so... These two baskets of Inpatients are flashing color all over the place. Even though they live under the eve of the back patio, their riotous good looks can be seen by anyone driving…
Tee Shirt factory
This week we turned the studio into a tee-shirt factory. First we gathered up supplies: a dozen white 100% cotton tees from Costco, a colorful selection of permanent markers, some fabric dyes and some interesting graphics. Next I dug out the sewing stuff and transformed my drawing board into a sewing room. After the tees…
come quickly
"When you pray with other Christians, believing in faith, and God doesn't show up when you think he should, don't get discouraged. Many times I have prayed believing that my prayer was a part of God's perfect will, yet he didn't move as quickly as I wanted him to. One time I had to wait…
yellow april orchids
This charming little basket of yellow dendrobiums finally came into its own this week. I honestly have to say this is one my very favorite specimens from D's orchid collection. It is just so sunny and bright and cheerful! Nobile dendrobiums can be grown and flowered in the home or greenhouse. However, they have rather specific…
the sparrow’s home
'click' the cover to read the story The Sparrow's Home is a children's story - for adults. I wrote it years and years ago, when the first grandchild was born into our extended family. My dream was a glossy, professionally published, children's book that would endear Nana Ellen and her stuff to the next generation…
running with scissors
When I was growing up, my mama taught me many things; life lessons to guide me and protect me when she could not be with me:Never run with scissors Honesty is the best policy. Look before you leap. Actions speak louder than words. You can't please everyone. Laughter is the best medicine. You'll never be…
comfortable – at last
Yesterday was a Red Leather Day! The first thing on this week's agenda was a thorough spring cleaning. We took the living room apart, changed the drapes from dark stripes to light putty linen, washed the windows, moved the piano back to the front porch (see the april orchids post), cleaned the carpet and sat back to…
april orchids
The rain has stopped...at last! And the sun is streaming through the front porch, encouraging the orchids to bloom, bloom, bloom. These two mini phales are lovin' it. Plus, there are two baskets of Nobile dendrobiums visiting from D's greenhouse this month; these snow white beauties with a deep purple throat and a solid yellow…
Contentment Cottage 