Art in My World

Pineapple Sage Down here in the South this plant seems to weather well over the winter coming back strong and healthy. This plant has a heavenly, fruity scent both in the leaves and the flowers. It goes well in fruit salads, in fruit smoothies and teas. Though it tastes best fresh, it dries well and holds much of its flavor for a great cup of winter tea. So today I went out into the rain and harvested a bunch to dry for later use and made myself a cool smoothy afterwards: the weather here being hot and humid! This is the third year I have gotten to enjoy this plant. Later on in the summer I plan to make some cuttings to grow a new generation.   Pineapple Sage Tea (Spring or bottled water is used so as not to overpower the delicate pineapple flavor with any water-related aftertaste) 1 quart spring water ½ cup packed fresh pineapple sage leaves 3 T honey 1 lemon or lime Bring water just to a boil and pour over the sage leaves. Stir in honey and

Enjoying the Process-- Weeding the garden is part of the work and fun of keeping one. Oh, you can spread chemicals over everything to keep the weeds out, but you also keep the lizards out, the earthworms, the butterflies and....you get the idea. Weeding is just part of the process. Its work, but it can be relaxing, it can be good exercise, it can be joyful. In the South, one needs to get up early to beat the heat, but that too is part of the process: breathing the early morning air, listening to the birds singing their wakeup songs, and enjoying a peaceful time alone--just you and your flowers.   My Poor Windchime!   Bird Bath With Daylillies   Flowers Tucked In