WHAT TO MAKE WITH FRESH APPLES: RECIPES AND IDEAS FROM OUR APPLE PICKING DAY

For years, our family tradition was visiting Emma Krumbee’s Apple Orchard in Belle Plaine, MN. My mom and I used to drive out there every fall just for their delicious apple pie. Once I got married and my oldest daughter came along, it quickly turned into an annual tradition, picking apples and wandering through their scarecrow festival. Sadly, Emma Krumbee’s never seemed to recover after...

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DISCOVERING THE BEAUTY OF SPRINGTIME

Wild StrawberriesThere's just something magical about this time of year! Spring and Fall in Minnesota are my absolute favorites, and I'm currently riding that springtime high. Give me the crisp air and pumpkin spice of Fall, with those stunning colorful newly fallen leaves, any day. But springtime? It's like the world is hitting the reset button. Everything is bursting back to life, baby animals are...

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FROM CHICKENS TO ALPACAS: EXPLORING THE DELIGHT OF SPENDING A DAY WITH FARM ANIMALS

Nestled in the picturesque landscape in a rural part of Prior Lake, MN, is Whispering Oaks Alpacas where they offer a delightful escape into the world of hobby farming. This charming farm invites visitors to engage with a variety of friendly farm animals, from curious goats to soft, fluffy alpacas. One of the most unique experiences is taking an alpaca for a walk - a joyful activity that brings both...

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THE BONFIRE CRACKLES, CRICKETS SING, AN OWL CALLS, AND STARS TWINKLE ABOVE

 I don't know what it is about a fire and the smell of wood smoke while the insects buzz all around, but it makes me feel more connected to nature than any other time. There's a certain magic in the flames that seems to draw me in, tapping into the primitive parts of my brain that pulls my thoughts back to when fire was first tamed. I feel a sense of nostalgia for a time when life was simpler...

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HOW BIRDS AND NATURE BECAME MY LIFELINE

Six years ago when my health journey began it was a time when I sunk to the lowest point of in my life because my body had betrayed me and I felt trapped in a prison of pain and uncertainty. I'd been to multiple doctors, each appointment filled with glimmers of hope that were swiftly destroyed by the harsh reality that none of them were able to explain why I lost my ability to digest food and why...

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LEARNING ABOUT THE HEALING POWER OF NATURE

About 15 years ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Lise Wolff at her elderberry tincture making workshop. Lise, a local registered clinical herbalist, possesses a wealth of knowledge in medicinal plants. With a Master's degree in Science in Herbalism from the Scottish School of Herbal Medicine, her expertise has made her a valuable resource for people in Minnesota. Every time I join her for a plant...

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DOES THE WOOLY BEAR REALLY PREDICT WINTER WEATHER?

What is a Wooly Bear? The Wooly Bear, also known as the larval stage of the Isabella Moth, is a delightful and fuzzy caterpillar that makes its appearance in the fall. This charming creature is not just an adorable sight to behold; it has a particular fondness for munching on my favorite medicinal plant, plantain. With its unique cocoon that resembles a fur ball, it's fascinating to note that...

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BEAUTIFUL CHICORY

Driving to my doctor's office today, I was delighted to spot a long, vibrant row of chicory flowers blooming alongside the road. Their delicate blue petals stood out agains the backdrop of lush greenery, a charming sight not far from her farm/clinic in Wisconsin. Chicory is undeniably beautiful, and I find myself captivated by its aesthetic allure. Although it's not a native plant to Minnesota, its...

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EMBRACING YOUR SURROUNDINGS: THE JOY OF LOVING WHERE YOU LIVE

Sixteen years ago my family and I made the decision to move into our current home in Apple Valley. At the time I didn't fully grasp the significance of that choice or how perfectly it aligned with my desires and needs. For years I had dreamt of living in northern Minnesota, longing for the tranquility and beauty of the landscapes I had envisioned. However, fate had other plans, and despite various...

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SPRING IS IN FULL SWING

SPRING BY CHRISTINA ROSSETTIThere is no time like Spring,When life’s alive in everything,Before new nestlings sing,Before cleft swallows speed their journey backAlong the trackless track –God guides their wing,He spreads their table that they nothing lack, –Before the daisy grows a common flowerBefore the sun has powerTo scorch the world up in his noontide ho...

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TRANSFORMING A SINGLE MAGICAL MOMENT INTO MULTIPLE

For quite some time my husband has been urging me to resume feeding the hummingbirds that once filled our yard with joyful activity. Memories of those days flooded back-the little feathered creatures flitting from feeder to feeder. However, I resisted, knowing my track record with maintaining their feeding station was spotty at best. In the past, I frequently forgot to clean the feeders or change...

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