May
15
We’ve been having problems with our electrical power since the ice storm in March. So we’re having our power lines buried today. It’s a major expense, and it’s wreaking major havoc on my little kitchen herb garden, but I’ll be glad when it’s done.
If we ever have another ice storm we won’t have to watch the ice filled trees lay on our power lines. The second reason I’m glad the lines are buried is my nine year old son. You wouldn’t think the power lines would affect him up that high, but a couple days ago he shot his Rocket Jet Cast Fishing Rod
I can replant a couple of my herbs to have the peace of mind my son won’t get something tangled in the power lines while he’s playing in the yard.
May
14
If you’re a gardener you may have heard of Fels-Naptha Laundry Bar Soap
1. As a plant spray to get rid of aphids and other small bugs. I shred one to two tablespoons of soap with a cheese shredder, and add it to hot water in a 16 oz. sprayer. Shake it up until the soap is dissolved. Then I use it to spritz any plants or flowers that have been infected with aphids. All my potted plants get a quick spray before they get to come into the house for the winter.
2. Fels-Naptha is a wonderful poison ivy remedy. Just wet the area where the poison ivy is, and rub the bar over top. Let the skin dry naturally, and leave the soap on. It dries poison ivy within a day or two. I use it as soon as I notice a bump. I also use it to wash if I think I’ve been exposed to poison ivy.
3. Fels-Naptha works great as a laundry pre-treatment for stains and spots (and it’s way less expensive than some of the other spot treatments). Just rub it on the stain, let it sit for a few minutes and add it to the washing machine.
You can find Fels-Naptha soap in the laundry detergent aisle at most grocery stores.
May
11
Happy Mother’s Day!
Filed Under flower growing, garden photos
Hope you all have a wonderful Mother’s Day. I always think of Mother’s Day as the day to really dig in the garden and get everything planted. It’s not going to happen this year. It’s been raining all night and all day.
Here’s a shot of my lilac bush when it was in full bloom a couple days ago, the blooms are starting to fade a little now.
May
11
Bunnies In The Garden
Filed Under garden photos
This baby bunny was in my garden this morning. He’s trying to hide, he needs to find a better hiding place before the cat finds him. They’re so cute when they’re that size. Too bad they grow up to be rabbits, and consume my garden along the way.
We’ve had a ton of rain today, I wonder if his hole was flooded.
May
11
Green Thumb Sunday
Filed Under Green Thumb Sunday, garden photos
Join
Gardeners, Plant and Nature lovers can join in every Sunday, visit As the Garden Grows for more information.
Apr
19
Spring Bloom Time
Filed Under flower growing, garden photos
My garden’s in bloom! I love spring blooms. They always bring a big smile to my face. I thought I’d share some daffodils with you.
Photos (c) Linette Gerlach
Mar
28
Bats have been suffering a similar fate to the bees in recent years. Their food supply (insects) is often tainted with insecticide. They’ve been suffering from disease in recent years, and the destruction of their habitats. Their populations are reducing rapidly.
Many people do not like or understand bats, but they play an important role in our eco-system. They help reduce the mosquito population, pollinate plants, and they’re prey for other animals.
Bats have been dying in record numbers, and scientists say their is an epidemic of White Nose Syndrome. Find out more on this video.
More on how pesticides and herbicides affect bees, bats, butterflies, and other beneficial creatures.
Mar
27
Turn Your Lights Out For Earth Day
Filed Under Green Earth
Millions of people around the world are turning out their lights for an hour on March 29th for Earth Day.
Mar
23
Happy Easter!
Filed Under Holidays
I hope you all have a wonderful Easter!
Mar
5
After The Ice Storm
Filed Under ohio weather
We’ve been without power for almost 24 hours from an ice storm that came through last night. It’s beautiful reflecting off the trees in the sun this morning, but our trees and yard are not very pretty. It looks like a war zone.
We have some major branches down on some of our oldest trees. Some of our trees are going to be a complete loss. One of my favorites, a lilac bush, appears to be split down the middle.
We’ll be trimming and picking up branches for weeks! Talk about spring clean up!
Tags: Ohio ice storm, cleaning up after the ice storm, power outage, ice on trees