Earth Day

Earth; its more than just a day! So be nice to our wee corner of the Universe!

St. Nicholas Centre

I can't say enough good things about this wonderful site, devoted to Nicholas, patron saint of sailors, archers, merchants, students and children. He is the model for our modern day Santa Claus, who's English name comes from the German, Sankt Niklaus.

There's a wealth of information on the site about Nicholas, including listings of churches worldwide that commemorate his feast day (usually December 6th), activities for children and, as I just discovered today, a wonderful screensaver. It includes a countdown to Nicholas's feast day and postcards from around the world, depicting the good saint.

Follow the link here; St Nicholas Centre

Nicholas; a man of compassion, justice and faith.

Talkin' Pumpkin!

Did you know that this sometimes giant gourd is actually a fruit, not a vegetable? It’s true! The pumpkin is a member of the Cucurbitacae family that also includes squash, cucumbers and melons.

Its important to know that while large pumpkins make fantastic jack-o’-lanterns, their stringy, tasteless insides don’t make for great eating. So when buying pumpkins for cooking and baking, choose those specially grown for the purpose. Varieties named “sugar” or “pie” will do the trick.

Here are a few great sites with more information on this iconic gourd;

Dill's Giant Pumpkins

Pumpkin Patch

History of the Jack o Lantern

How about knitting a pumpkin tea cosy!

I know of two methods for preserving your carved pumpkin for longer. One is to coat the inside with petroleum jelly to help seal in moisture and prevent fungi forming. The other is to spray all the cut areas daily with a solution of household bleach in water. Use a tablespoon of bleach to a pint of water. Keeping the cut pumpkin in a cool, dry spot will also help prolong its glory.

Happy Haunting!

Happy Easter!

Its so pleasant to see signs of Spring everywhere, the still chilly weather notwithstanding! Best wishes from my family to yours for a safe and happy Easter weekend.

Halloween Treats

Here's a couple of my favourite Halloween audio and visual treats!



Kumita, the Apprentice Witch

And here's the link to the original October 30, 1938 radio broadcast of War of the Worlds. Go direct to the site here:

War of the Worlds

Or listen here:

Many thanks to Gingerbug at Magical Holiday Home for this link to her Cranberry & Company blog. I've been looking for inspiration for the Autumn/Winter section of my household planner.

Cranberry & Company