Happy Valentines Day 2026

Happy Valentines Day 2026

multi colored roses 
from a local big box store
roses are non toxic to cats
so I can enjoy them on the kitchen table
thank goodness for small pleasures

Japanese Tea Gardens

 

Japanese Tea Garden San Francisco

Warmer weather is drifting in and my thoughts have gone to gardening. Visiting public gardens is a great way to gain inspiration for your own garden. A Japanese Tea Garden would be my choice of gardens to visit, hand's down. Years ago in the late 1970s I'd visit the tea garden in San Francisco almost every weekend. I'd meander the paths and then get tea and a snack in the Tea House. This garden is the oldest Japanese Tea Garden in the United States. I've also been to many other gardens in California. Here is a list of Japanese Tea Gardens in the USA.

Japanese Tea Garden, Portland, Oregon

I've also been to the Japanese Tea Garden in Portland, Oregon. If you get a chance visit a Japanese Tea Garden especially one with a tea house. Gibbs Gardens in Atlanta isn't listed but they have a wonderful Japanese Tea Garden among their many other gardens. Each season brings something new in shape, bloom, or color. Make time to visit a public park, a botanical garden, an arboretum, or especially a Japanese Tea Garden.

Stovetop Ginger Apples

Stovetop Ginger Apples

2 tart apples, peeled and cored and chopping in small pieces
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and micro minced
2 tablespoons real maple syrup
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Years ago in California I used to get the heirloom Pippin apple for pies and baking. Nowadays the pippin isn't seen at farmers markets but has been largely replaced by the Granny Smith apple.

pippin apple

Take chopped apples and soak them in water with the lemon juice to prevent browning. Melt butter in a small saucepan. Drain apples and add them to the saucepan. Add nutmeg, ginger, maple syrup, then vanilla. Cook till apples are soft. Tangy and good for a sore throat, for a breakfast, or dessert dish, healthy too.

Wild Rice

 Wild Rice

1 bag of wild rice, cooked
1 shallot, chopped fine
10 mini peppers chopped fine
2 garlic cloves, minced
olive oil for sauteing vegetables

 

Spruce up your wild rice dish. Cook the rice. Meanwhile sauté vegetables in olive oil. Add these ingredients to the rice and serve immediately. It's a quick and easy variation on wild rice. Actually wild rice is a grass/grain whose seed heads are harvested. Who knew ?