We have had a relatively coolish spring, and May has been record tying/breaking rainy. I have struggled to keep up with the yardwork between raindrops–our yard has looked like a hayfield at times. BUT, the rain has also been good for the gardens. We’ll start out by the garden shed. This is the asparagus thatContinue reading “Garden Update–All this rain has been good for something…”
Author Archives: cathyboettner
Spring Gardening–Shitakes
So in the EARLY spring of 2023, my husband innoculated some sweet gum logs with shitake spores. We forced them to fruit last fall by soaking them in our big wagon filled with water. We did the same thing again this spring, and were aided by TONS of rain this spring. Here are some photosContinue reading “Spring Gardening–Shitakes”
The Ancient Basement–The Ceiling
We were SO optimistic when my husband took a couple of weeks off in March that we’d get the ceiling up in the basement during that time, but I only got some of the Hardie board painted (the wrong color as it turns out). This past weekend was Memorial Day weekend and the weather wasContinue reading “The Ancient Basement–The Ceiling”
Now is the PERFECT time to make Strawberry-Rhubarb Jam
My rhubarb produced enough harvestable stalks for me to put some in the freezer, and to make some jam. I love strawberry and rhubarb together and it tastes like summer to me and reminds me of my grandmother. Here’s how I made it: Ingredients: 4 cups of crushed strawberries 2 cups of rhubarb cut intoContinue reading “Now is the PERFECT time to make Strawberry-Rhubarb Jam”
The Ancient Basement–New (Old) Cabinets
We bought the sink and cabinet and the bath tub for the basement from Hudson Valley Houseparts–which is a salvage company that goes to houses that are going to be torn down and pulls out all the great architectural salvage that they can. I received an email from them about a kitchen and a butlersContinue reading “The Ancient Basement–New (Old) Cabinets”
The Ancient Basement–Long time, no see…
Sorry that I have been away so long. It’s been so busy around here since the middle of April when we spent 8 LONG days helping our oldest with his new (1932) house–pulling out carpet, cleaning, painting, putting down hardwood, putting up drywall, and refinishing floors. Shortly after that, we went to help our youngestContinue reading “The Ancient Basement–Long time, no see…”
All the Easter Table
I did a centerpiece that is all of the Eastery stuff that I have, plus some narcissi in little glass bottles. I have collected all of these items over an extended period of time–probably 15 years or so. Most are from thrift stores and estate sales, but I did buy some items new. It isContinue reading “All the Easter Table”
An Argument for Lenten Rose
I have a LOT of lenten rose planted in the perennial bed on the north side of our house. I love it because it stays green all year. It does well in dry shade–not many things do. It does well in part sun/part shade too. And the flowers (once seed pods have formed) are justContinue reading “An Argument for Lenten Rose”
Fun Floral inspires table
I went to a local PBS fundraiser with a friend to listen to the host of Life in Bloom, J Schwanke. He spoke about the show and upcoming episodes and made about 10 arrangements while he talked. It was really inspiring. At the end of the program, they announced that the centerpieces on the tablesContinue reading “Fun Floral inspires table”
Exquisite Easter
I started this table with a cute bunny runner; Smith and Hawken bunnies; silverplate compotes with paper eggs; and a Southern Living metal container. The place settings are Wedgwood MaxaDura Service plates; Mikasa Spring Ivory (embossed like a hibiscus flower); Mikasa Italian Countryside rim soup bowls; Williams-Sonoma napkins; and etched glassware.
