Autumn is here

As outdoor temperatures cool to a comfortable 78°F, fall cleanup begins at camp after a hot, dry summer. Mowing, clearing trees for firewood, and preparing for the camping season are priorities. A new battery-powered fuel can simplifies refueling the mower. A heavy-duty trailer is next for easier transport of materials.

Staying Safe and Hydrated When Camping in Hot Weather

There’s nothing quite like hitting the trails or a campground, pitching a tent, and soaking in the great outdoors. But while camping can be an absolute blast, it’s crucial to stay safe and hydrated, especially when the weather heats up like it does for us here in central Alabama. Being outdoors is fun but when…

Video: Creepy Cordyceps Infected Moth

Yesterday, after a storm that dropped 3 inches of rain, we hiked through our forest to assess flooding and discovered a Cordyceps fungus infecting a moth, which we left undisturbed.

☀️ Sunscreen Shouldn’t Be Optional

The sun’s UV rays significantly increase the risk of skin damage and cancer, necessitating daily sunscreen use and protective clothing. Regular skin checks are vital for early detection of issues. The author’s personal battle with skin cancer serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of skin protection. Protect your skin; it’s essential.

Stay Safe Outdoors This Storm Season

As hurricane season and severe weather increase, a NOAA Weather Radio is essential for outdoor safety. It provides real-time alerts in remote areas when cell service fails. With multiple charging options, these radios keep you informed, helping you seek shelter and avoid dangerous conditions. Investing in one enhances your safety during outdoor activities.

Finding Balance and Joy

The concept of “having it all” is explored as a balance between freedom, contentment, and gratitude rather than material wealth. The author emphasizes re-framing thoughts about finances and prioritizing well-being, suggesting that true fulfillment comes from creating a fulfilling life aligned with personal values and enjoying simple moments in nature.

Mediterranean Style Baked Chicken Thighs

Quick and easy recipe for home or at camp. Prepare a day before and store it covered in the refrigerator to save time and have a great meal in minutes! Easy clean-up!

Camp Update: Mini Table and Chair

🪑 DIY Furniture Makeover: Mini Table and Chair Transformation Giving old furniture a new life is one of my favorite weekend projects. Not only is it budget-friendly, but it’s also a great way to add charm and character to your space. In this post, I’ll walk you through how I updated a mini table and…

Easy and Budget-Friendly Vegetable Soup Recipe

This vegetable soup recipe is easy and quick, taking only about 30 minutes from prep to serving. It utilizes a thermal cooking method, making it ideal for camping or when you prefer not to use a slow cooker. Enjoy a delicious soup by supper time with this convenient recipe.

Taco Soup

This is one of my most favorite recipes especially when the weather turns cooler. It also does well in the freezer if you want to make it ahead of time.

Coyote Bush – Flower of the Day

Baccharis halimifolia Common Name(s): I found this interesting bush/flower at the edge of the forest next to our home. I’m not sure why something coastal would be growing in our area, but its possible that years ago a bird from the coast may have dropped a seed on its way migrating north. For Cee’s #FOTD

Lantana – Flower of the Day

I found this lone lantana flowering underneath a pine tree in the back yard. Now I’m wondering where it came from since its been many years since we had any lantana in the yard. For Cee’s #FOTD

Zigzag Goldenrod – Flower of the Day

Yesterday we spent the afternoon cleaning up the campsite on the property. It’s getting that time of year when temperatures are more mild and its bearable to be outdoors. Goldenrod was in bloom everywhere and I noticed this yellow flower that was a little different. I did not know this too was a variety of…

Siam Tulip – Flower of the Day

Follow my blog with Bloglovin Last year I received this awesome little tulip for my birthday from my awesome husband. After some time I decided to plant it in my flower bed. I had forgot all about it and assumed it didn’t like its new home since it did not return this spring. This week…

Hairy Clustervine – Flower of the Day

Meet Jacquemontia tamnifolia better known as Hairy Clustervine a member of the Morning Glory family. Just like morning glories these flowers open at night and close by mid morning. This one shares space in with the morning glories in one of my terracotta planters. It reseeds itself and returns every year as an annual. More…

Morning Glory – Flower of the Day

I hope you enjoy this morning glory flower for my flower of the day submission. We are currently in a drought in our area and there are only a few flowers in bloom. This one comes back each year in one of my large terracotta planters. Early in the morning they open to say Good…

Would You Go On A “Calm-Cation”?

A new trend is taking the camping world by storm: the “calmcation.” This type of vacation is designed to counter the fast-paced, stress-filled lifestyle that many people experience today. Rather than seeking out thrilling adventures or ticking items off a bucket list, a calm-cation focuses on relaxation, mindfulness, and a deep connection with nature. What…

Cold Soak Cooking

Cold soaking is exactly what it sounds like – preparing your meals without the need for a stove or fire. It’s light, simple, and surprisingly delicious! All you need is a container, some cold water, and a bit of patience.

Growing Fuchsias: Tips for Location, Watering, and Fertilization

Fuchsias are vibrant hanging plants that thrive in partial sun to full shade and well-draining soil. These tropical plants need frequent watering and bi-weekly fertilization. Most fuchsias are not cold-hardy, making container gardening a good option for colder regions, or consider cold-hardy varieties for outdoor growth.

Fuchsia – Flower of the Day

Fuchsia flowers, known for their vibrant, pendulous blooms in shades of pink, purple, red, and white, originate from the tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America, as well as New Zealand and Tahiti. The genus Fuchsia was first described by the French botanist Charles Plumier in the late 17th century, who named it…

Devil’s Trumpet – Flower of the Day

Devil’s Trumpet, Double Purple Flower Devil’s Trumpet, scientifically known as Datura, is a dramatic plant, famed for its large, upward-facing trumpet-shaped flowers. The Double Purple variety is particularly stunning, with its rich, deep violet blooms that add an exotic touch to any garden. Native to the Americas, Datura thrives in well-drained soil and full sun,…

Garden Update, Pasta Sauce, and Quilts

I roasted the tomatoes from this week with some olive oil and Italian seasonings. After they were roasted I removed the skins and now have a great sauce for pasta later this weekend.

“Butter and Eggs” Daffodil – Flower of the Day

“Butter and Eggs” Daffodil – photo taken at my Aunts home several years ago. There was a long row of them that would come up beside their garage. I often wonder if the new owners of the home enjoy seeing them bloom each spring. I should go drive by one spring to see if they…

Love & Peace Rose – Flower of the Day

Rosa ‘Love & Peace’, is a hybrid tea rose cultivar bred in the United States in 1991. This photo is from my 2003 archive. I really miss this rose. It was always so colorful and had a wonderful fragrance! For Cee’s #FOTD

Clematis – Flower of the Day

The Clematis vine is a delightful addition to any garden, known for its vibrant and abundant blooms. These flowers come in a variety of colors, from deep purples to bright pinks and crisp whites, making them a favorite for adding a splash of color to trellises and fences. Clematis vines are relatively easy to grow,…