Nine years ago, it was snowing outside. Today, it is 80 degrees F. Nine years ago, I held the soft, tender form of my youngest for the first time. Today, clad in a Life is Good t-shirt, blue jeans and navy blue Converse, she's following me through yet another garden nursery trying not to roll her eyes. She drifts away, looking for a playground amidst the trays and flats of spring flowers. I'm lost in a Viola reverie when she taps me on the shoulder and says "Can I have this plant?" Her slightly grubby hands are clasped around a rust-colored, plastic container. Silvery blue foliage peeks out from the top. A Dusty Miller. I'm not surprised at her choice. Just appalled. She is always drawn to silver, drought resistant plants like Lamb's Ears or Artemisia. Most of the time that's great. Noble even, but not now. Inside, I shudder....

Whew! I survived Easter Sunday again. I had all these posts lined up in my head for Holy Week, but I was too busy preparing for the big day. I'll do them next year. Easter at our house is a grand event and not just because the Lord has risen. All of HH's family (anywhere from twenty-eight to forty-three people) and my little one (two or three) descend upon our house bearing food and candy-filled plastic eggs; except Grandpa, who places money in his. The tradition began years ago when our child, Ashley, now thirty-one, was our only one. We start the day with church. Then, we run home, usually stopping at the store for last minute items on the way; we set up the remaining tables; put out what's left of the Easter decorations; and make last minute food. We pause, take a deep breath and the doorbell rings....

Daffodil sky Welcome, Spring! I created this soup for you because, yesterday, it was rainy and a little chilly here. I needed something bright and cheery to keep me warm. After going gluten and dairy free, I developed an intense friendship with Asian foods. When I crave something, it is usually a little spicy with a hint of curry. I don't mean traditional Chinese cuisine, which relies heavily on regular soy sauce (which we can't have,) but instead Thai and Vietnamese foods. After a long day, these rice based cuisines soothe my weary gf soul. Without further ado, I bring you: Asian inspired gluten free soup Asian Inspired Spring Soup One whole Chicken, cooked in salted and peppered water, and de-boned. I really like Smart Chicken. Chop up the meat into bite sized pieces. Into the remaining broth add: Two cups of gf noodles.I used Tinkyada penne. Cook the noodles...

It's time again for you to nominate your favorite gardening blogs for the Mousies. The Mouse & Trowel Awards were created by freelance writer and garden blogger Colleen Vanderlinden of In the Garden Online. According to her website, "the Mousies were created so that garden bloggers and webmasters could be recognized by the most important people: their readers and their blogging peers." Blogs, websites, and podcasters are honored each May. If you love garden blogs or have a favorite garden website, and who doesn't, go to nominate your favorites here. It's easy. It's fun. I already made my selections, and I can't wait to see the sites others choose. Go on . . . surprise me.