Summer weather has been slowly drifting our way here in Minneapolis. The first few iris and lily-of-the-valley are gracing my gardens, turtles sun-bathe on half-submerged logs in the ponds I pass on my morning walks, and a swell of deep …
a time to plant…a list of five
Yes, I realize that for many of you, mid- and late-May are long past your time of planting, but we in Minnesota are finally nearing the end of freezing temperatures (we hope) and can safely tuck our tomato plants in …
a second batch of fantasy!
Earlier this year I decided to devote some time to reading a bit more fantasy, looking for gems to recommend. In January, I posted one batch of titles which you can find here. Over the past months I’ve tackled quite a …
butlers, betrayals, and the gentlemanly game of cricket
Gary Schmidt wrote a couple of my favorite ever middle-grade novels, The Wednesday Wars and Okay for Now, both richly human, honest, painful, and redemptive stories that get my highest recommendation for ages 13 and up — which is not …
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five for sunshine and friendship…and giveaway winners!
First up: our give-away winners from last week, and may I say, I really enjoyed and benefited from all the comments telling us about some of your sustainable solutions. Thank you for such a great conversation! Charity Peterson is the …
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trees, glorious trees
Happy Arbor Day to you! Trees are one of the things I am most thankful for. Every time I set out on a walk, my heart is replenished by their beauty and splendor. Not only that, but they are critically-important …
the big, green, animalicious book give-away!
Today I’m continuing the Earth Day love with ten basic items for Earth-friendly living I love to use, four websites for further browsing, PLUS two swell book give-aways of four cool animalicious books perfect for ages 2-6! Moving towards a …
restorers are my kind of heroes
Today is Earth Day! Every year when I celebrate Earth Day here on Orange Marmalade, I find myself inspired to live in a more just, sustainable way, and filled with hope that more families will become seriously engaged with the …
nature poetry…April is Poetry Month!
This week is my last poetry post for the month. Today I’ve got two volumes by Minnesota-poet Joyce Sidman whose insightful, revelatory pieces on naturalist subjects are some of my favorites. In past years, I’ve recommended her Winter Bees & …
things spring brings
It is a little ironic that I’m writing this post on an April day buffeted by a winter storm here in Minneapolis! The view outside my window is decidedly wintery today! But that’s the thing about spring. It’s a season …
