We're in the middle of a huge surge and they are absolutely everywhere. On my morning walks they are crunching underfoot, and they are on every surface imaginable. I was driving the other day with my windows open, and the sound was deafening. I had a few cicadas fly into the car and I almost… Continue reading OMG Cicadas!

I know I shouldn't play favorites, but I can't help myself. I just absolutely love having vases full of peonies around the house!

I love this combination from our garden. It's second only to the peonies!

When I lived on the East coast fall was always my favorite season - I loved the chill in the air, the beautiful autumn leaves, and the smell. But it's very different in Chicago. The winters are long and cold, for one thing. And in our area were have mostly oak trees, which drop yellow… Continue reading Neighborhood in bloom!

So many beautiful details on this stem as the magnolia wakes up in the Spring!

I love the colors on the interior of this tulip as it fades ...

My wife brought home a beautiful bouquet of flowers for our holiday dining table!

I am trying to learn the basics about building a following on Instagram. Among other things, I am trying to improve my photography - apparently it’s not as professional if my hands are in the picture. More on that in a future post. One of the things I have had to learn was how to… Continue reading Simple band rings

After spending an afternoon experimenting with copper, I felt like I finally had the hang of etching enough to try sterling silver. Here are some of the lovely outcomes, which I can’t wait to incorporate into my jewelry!

Wishing you a peaceful holiday season with your loved ones. It's been a very difficult few months for me and my family. I have been out of work on medical leave for a few months, due to an adverse reaction to my second vaccine in May. I'm just now starting to feel better, but I… Continue reading Happy Holidays