AdventThe Episcopal Church Calendar Begins with Advent. “The first season of the church year, beginning with the fourth Sunday before Christmas and continuing through the day before Christmas. The name is derived from a Latin word for ‘coming.’The season is a time of preparation and expectation for the coming celebration of our Lord’s nativity, and…
What Is the Drinking Gourd in the Night Sky & How Did Slaves Follow the Drinking Gourd North to Freedom
Night sky illustration of the Big Dipper, or Drinking Gourd, in relation to the North Star and Little Dipper. nps.gov “As slave lore tells it, the North Star played a key role in helping slaves to find their way—a beacon to true north and freedom. Escaping slaves could find it by locating the Big Dipper,…
The Evening Prayer – Looking at Some of the “Other” Things Written in the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer & Comparing that to Other Evening Prayers and Light versus Darkness
I recently came across a phrase suggesting that other than the well-used “Dirty Pages” of the Book of Common Prayer, most Episcopalians know little about is written in their official book of prayers and services. I decided it was time to check out what else this book contains. At my recent Episcopalian Inquirer’s Class, our…
What Do Episcopalians Believe? Episcopalians Believe in Inclusion – Bishop Budde Spoke about Inclusion at the National Prayer Service in 2025
I have been an Episcopalian most of my life, but as a child, I was a Southern Baptist. Before I became an Episcopalian, I participated in an Episcopalian Inquirer’s Class, but that was many years ago. This past week, I have joined another Episcopalian Inquirer’s Class. It has been about 40 years since I became…
What Is A Garden Zone? How to Find Your Garden Zone – Check Again – Garden Zones Have Changed
Yesterday, I discussed Frost Dates. Today, I’m discussing Garden Zones. While you can find both your frost dates and garden zone by submitting your email in a specified place, Garden Zones and Frost Dates are not the same. A conscientious gardener needs to know both his gardening zone and his frost dates. Because of Climate…
What Is A Frost Date? How to Find Your Frost Dates – Distinguishing Between the Degrees of Freezing. & How It Affects Your Garden
Jacki Kellum Garden January 12, 2025 Note all the green plants on this wintry day–well after the first frost, Frost Dates Are Relative What Is a Frost Date? “A frost date is the average date of the last light freeze in spring or the first light freeze in fall. “The classification of freeze temperatures is based on their effect on plants:…
Picture This by Molly Bang – How Pictures Work – A Study of the Language of Shapes, Color, and Composition
Picture This by Molly Bang Published in 1991 Image Credit: Molly Bang on Amazon In her book Picture This, picture book illustrator Molly Baignng undertakes the task of telling the well-known story Little Red Riding Hood via nothing more than a series of shapes and colors, She begins with a red triangle, and she asks…
Jimmy Carter’s Life Celebrated – Imagine the Day When Another President Will Serve with Honor and Grace
Yesterday, I watched Jimmy Carter’s funeral service, and I wept throughout it. But when Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood sang “Imagine,” the floodgates opened. “You may think that I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one…” I’m not certain why I cried throughout the service for Jimmy Carter, but I think that I wept…
Variegated Iris Pallida – Fragrant Old Plant with Foliage that Adds Interest in Gardens
This has been a cold week, but today, the sun is shining, and the temperature is a degree or two warmer. I received my order of variegated palida iris, and I feel an urge to rush outside and plant these beauties. Variegated Iris Pallida Image Credit: Daylily Nursery Height: 2′ – 3′ Very Old Garden…
Common Flowers & Herbs: A Database – Growing Info & Plant Characteristics
Growing Guide for Amaranth “Amaranth is a versatile and vibrant plant, renowned for its brightly colored flowers and nutritious seeds. It’s a popular choice in gardens for both its ornamental beauty and its edible leaves and seeds. Amaranth plants are tough and fast-growing, often reaching impressive heights, and can add a dramatic effect to your…