Saturday, April 26, 2014

Searching for Spring

I took the camera out searching for signs of Spring the other day, but mostly in hopes of finding some huckleberry blossoms.  I did indeed, but I think it's their leaves that fascinate me the most.



When they first come out they are a brilliant red, eventually turning darker until they become green like the rest of them.
I tried to get photos of the tiny blossoms, but there was a breeze and I didn't have the tripod (better luck next time).

I also found some interesting mosses on the ground that were spawning these tall tentacle like stems.  Pictured here you can't really get the dimension, but they are only about two inches tall.



As I strolled around the yard I also found these early bloomers.






What's happening in your garden?

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Happy Earth Day!

All Hippies and gardeners rejoice!  It's our day to celebrate mother nature in all her glory.


In the theme of earthiness - I have been experimenting with new recipes.  I just have to share a terrific new book I have been reading by Kris Carr and Chef Chad Sarno, called Crazy Sexy Kitchen.  This is a great read for anyone wanting some quick basic tips on good health and some super recipes.

While mostly about raw foods and gluten free, it is also vegetarian.  Last night I tried the black bean burgers which are made with some scrumptious ingredients, including brown rice, roasted sweet potatoes and tamari.
I don't have any photos of the finished dish, but it was delicious!!

So the new name is decided and posted.  We are now Huckleberry Hollow!  You can follow along via email, Google+, Google Friend Connect or just bookmark us at https://.huckleberry-hollow.blogspot.com .

Be on the look out for new photos and posts regarding the Spring happenings in the garden and around the hollow.

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Times a 'changing


Greetings blog peeps!  Spring is in full gear for most of us in the northern hemisphere, buds are popping, flowers are blooming and color is returning!!

I have been thinking about changing the name of this blog.  I think "New Pioneer" has served its purpose and it's time for a new name.  The theme will stay the same, we like talking about old mobiles and building and yard projects.  

As I look around me I am always being reminded how totally immersed I am in the Pacific Northwest, surrounded by tall pines and an abundance of huckleberries, salal, and Oregon grape.  Even my street name is called salal!  But mostly I see huckleberries, everywhere.  It's a huge food source for many of my birds here.  

I am thinking about Huckleberry Hollow.  It just feels so right.  I'm tucked back into the forest with a section of land carved out of the hillside.  The hill is covered with huckleberries!!  

So this is my first "warning" post of sorts, to let you know it's coming.  I'll be changing the blog name but you should still get my posts via whatever avenue you now get them.  I'll make another announcement again soon and on Google Plus.

This is going to be a great new start for the New Pioneer!  Forging ahead, creating new projects and carving out our place on the net!!

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Spring Indoors

In my part of the Pacific Northwest we have had rain for most of March, making up for a fairly dry winter I suppose, but it is slowing down my usual outdoor activities!

So I decided to bring Spring indoors.


One of the things I wanted to do this year was to use more fresh herbs in my cooking, and what better way than to have them in the kitchen!



Parsley in the windowsill over the sink, and an array of herbs in a nearby sill; rosemary, lemon thyme, spearmint and oregano.


The colorful pots are cheery and remind me that Spring like weather will indeed come eventually.  :)
I also planted some flowers in the sills of the mudroom for more trickery on my senses. 

What Spring activities are you planning in your part of the country?

Most Popular Posts