Tag Archives: lilacs

Sunrise Stroll in the Garden

Posted on May 6, 2025 | 6 comments
Lilac, Oak and Crabapple

There was never a night or a problem that could defeat sunrise or hope. -Bernard Williams

Edge of Garden with a Lilac Hedge

Normally, come flower season, I am out taking macro photos of whatever fancies my eye when strolling the garden.

Crabapple

I haven’t had my camera out and about this spring, except for a quick walkabout that I shared here. You may notice a lot of growth from that post to this!

So I thought to remedy that and took a few early morning photos.

Crabapple

I neglected to get the settings right on my camera, but that’s okay.

Apple Tree

If you want to be reminded of the love of the Lord, just watch the sunrise. ― Jeannette Walls, Half Broke Horses

Lilac

A Sunrise is God’s way of saying, “Let’s start again. ― Todd Stocker, Refined: Turning Pain into Purpose

Lilac

Crabapple

Ô, Sunlight! The most precious gold to be found on Earth. ― Roman Payne

Lilac

There’s a sunrise and a sunset every single day, and they’re absolutely free. Don’t miss so many of them. ― Jo Walton

See the world around you!

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Jam and Jelly

Posted on May 11, 2024 | 17 comments

When great weather arrives, bringing with it the bounty of sunshine, I spend less time in the sewing studio.

I have always enjoyed canning. Some of my most favorite memories are of my Mom canning and she passed on that love to me.

The rhubarb is ripe, and one of my favorite jams is a rhubarb, strawberry and pineapple mix.

Rhubarb, Strawberry and Pineapple Jam

I am also trying something new to me.

We have an abundance of lilacs all over the property.

Did you know that the flowers are edible?

Lilacs

I was very surprised at how easy it is to separate the flowers from the stems. It also doesn’t take all that much to fill two quart jars.

I did look for the darkest blossoms, so I didn’t harvest any from the shrub you see pictured above. I have several varieties of whites and purples. I want the darkest to get the most color that I can.

Lilac Blossoms in Jar

Hot water is poured over the petals to make a tea.

Lilac Tea

I left mine to soak several hours to be sure and extract all that goodness from the petals.

Lilac Tea

Boiled with lemon, sugar and pectin to make the jelly:

Boiled Lilac Jelly

I forgot to take a photo of the jars after the water bath, but you understand.

Delicious!

There are several recipes online. Here are two if you would like to try this:

Hilda’s Kitchen Blog

Practical Self Reliance

Have fun and carry on!

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A Stroll in the Garden

Posted on June 5, 2021 | 9 comments

Spring won’t let me stay in this house any longer! I must get out and breathe the air deeply again. -Gustav Mahler

Tulip

*Clicking on a photo will give you a closer look!

Tulip

I believe in process. I believe in four seasons. I believe that winter’s tough, but spring’s coming. I believe that there’s a growing season. And I think that you realize that in life, you grow. You get better. -Steve Southerland

Tulip

The spring wakes us, nurtures us and revitalizes us. How often does your spring come? If you are a prisoner of the calendar, it comes once a year. If you are creating authentic power, it comes frequently, or very frequently. -Gary Zukav

Tulip

Don’t wait for someone to bring you flowers. Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul. -Luther Burbank

Tulip

Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat. -Laura Ingalls Wilder

Crabapple

Science has never drummed up quite as effective a tranquilizing agent as a sunny spring day. -W. Earl Hall

Lilac

If people did not love one another, I really don’t see what use there would be in having any spring. -Victor Hugo

Lilac

Never cut a tree down in the wintertime. Never make a negative decision in the low time. Never make your most important decisions when you are in your worst moods. Wait. Be patient. The storm will pass. The spring will come. -Robert H. Schuller

Lilac

A kind word is like a spring day. -Russian Proverb

Lilac

Stay safe. Stay healthy.

See the world around you!

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