Some moments in nature feel almost magical ā the ones you dream about for years, but never really expect to happen. Today I had one of those moments. This beautiful bird is a hoopoe (Upupa epops) ā or pupuÄ·is in Latvian. Seeing one is quite rare here. There are only a few hundred hoopoes in … More A Rare Visitor: My Unexpected Encounter with a Hoopoe
I was out in the garden when suddenly I noticed a little bird landing in the sweet peas ā only about four meters away from me. Moments like this make me so grateful for todayās phones. Of course, a camera would have been better, but there was no way the bird was going to wait … More Vacation Day 18 ā A Little Visitor
The morning started with another delicious salad straight from the garden. š„ I just love this daily ritualāfresh, simple, and full of summer flavor. The big news today? I finally brought my sewing machines back home. Itās been a whileāI originally gave them ājust for a weekāā¦ and never got them back. š But now … More Vacation Day 4: Sewing Machines, Zucchini & a Rare Rainbow
Itās the last week before vacation, and while many people are packing suitcases or making travel checklists, I find myself leaning into something much simpler: staying home. We donāt have any grand adventures plannedājust a short trip to SalacgrÄ«va to celebrate my brotherās birthday. The rest of the time, Iām looking forward to something that … More The Last Week Before Vacation
Today was one of those strange, breath-holding summer days. The sun was blazing, the sky nearly too blue ā and yet, the air was thick, heavy with a weight that felt like it was waiting to crack. I wandered out to the meadows to collect some meadowsweet, and then peppermint, hoping to dry a bit … More The Heat Before the Storm
One of the containers I planted tomatoes in had a few holes at the bottomānothing fancy, just enough for drainage. But with all the rain lately, it flooded a few times. Turns out, the roof rain collector was clogged, and all that water ended up pouring straight into that one unlucky container. My poor tomato … More A Surprise Under the Tomato Container
Yesterday, I spent way too long tidying up the greenhouseāand honestly, I donāt even like it. For starters, the entrance is a slippery slope. Literally. It’s built into a hill, and after any rain, it’s like trying to walk across soap. Iāve already slipped there twice and hit myself hard, and ever since, I tread … More A Love-Hate Relationship with My Greenhouse
Hello, June šæ I can hardly believe we’re here already. Usually in the middle of May, all the furrows are full of carrots, beetroots, potatoes, etc. The new growing season is started. But not this year! I still wait for the tractor to come and make a furrow in my field! Also, Iām feeling a … More June Goals & Intentions
The excitement is building upāonly two days left until Nelleās birthday party! We are busy preparing and can hardly wait to celebrate together. Also, the weather is terrible! SO, party will be inside! Yesterday, we had a lovely potato planting “party” in the garden. In Latvian, we call such a gathering a talka ā itās … More Till Nelleās Birthday Party Only 2 Days!
This Easter weekend was just what I neededāfamily, fresh air, and a little bit of progress in the garden. My mom and my brother came over with his family, and we had a lovely time together. The kids were so excited for the Easter egg hunt, running around the yard, finding little surprises hidden among … More Easter Egg Hunt and Garden Plans