My back isn’t getting better. It keeps hurting and limiting my movement, which makes even the smallest daily tasks feel heavier than they should. Today is another hot one — hot and wet, like being trapped in a sauna. I’m all sweaty, struggling to breathe, and honestly, I’m not a big fan of this kind … More Hot Days, Tired Back, and String Bean Harvest
Today, Jānis’s father started cutting the grass across all our 7 hectares — with a tractor, for hay. The storks kept a watchful eye over the whole process, like little supervisors in the field. I just love how everything looks after it’s cut down — so neat, fresh, and summery. We eat salads every day … More Vacation Day 10: Fields, Salads, and Starry Skies
This morning, I stepped outside, still holding my tea mug, and saw it. A little burst of color, climbing on a string —my first blooming sweet pea. And honestly, I almost cried. They really earned their right to bloom. I started them way back in January, in little plug trays on a windowsill. It felt … More First Sweet Pea Blooms – Against All Odds
One of the containers I planted tomatoes in had a few holes at the bottom—nothing 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
Hello, June 🌿 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, I’m feeling a … More June Goals & Intentions
After sharing how I lost half of my tomato plants, I wasn’t sure I’d even write another post about them this season… but here we are. The second half of my tomatoes are now planted out—and I’m crossing all my fingers and toes. These are my last seedlings. They were struggling in their pots (plugs!) … More Garden Diary: The Last Tomato Hope!
One of the most satisfying experiments I tried this year was winter sowing—and I’m happy to report that some of those little seedlings are now thriving in the garden! Back in the colder months, I sowed several types of seeds outdoors in containers, letting nature do its thing. I wasn’t sure how many would make … More Winter Sowing Update: The Calendula Surprise
This weekend felt like a little celebration—I finally planted out the monthly strawberries I grew from seed earlier this year! Watching them grow from tiny specks in the soil (it takes a lot of patience; they grow slowly) to strong little plants has been a gratifying process. These aren’t your usual garden strawberries; they’re monthly … More Planting Out Our Homegrown Strawberries 🍓
May brings fresh energy and blooming beginnings. This month, I’m focusing on garden tasks, creative projects, and grounding routines like journaling in my grimoire. With no big renovation plans (maybe just the bathroom…), I’m choosing to slow down, reflect, and enjoy the rhythm of spring—especially with Nelle turning thirteen! … More May Goals & Intentions
A few weeks ago, I decided it was finally time to sew some radishes. It wasn’t a big, planned-out gardening moment—more like a spontaneous little joy. I looked at one of our circular raised beds and thought, “Why not make it a bit more fun?” So instead of planting in straight rows, I made a … More A Spiral of Radishes
March passed quickly, and while I didn’t have official goals, plenty still happened! Now that April is here, it’s time to focus on what’s ahead. Spring is in full swing, which means more outdoor work, gardening, and home projects. Here’s what I’m aiming for this month: Home & Renovation Gardening & Outdoor Work Family & … More April Goals & Intentions
March flew by in a blur, and while I never set official goals for the month, plenty still happened! Looking back, I realize that even without a plan, we made solid progress in different areas—home, garden, and personal life. So, let’s go through what we actually got done in March! Let’s start with the gallery … More What We Achieved in March
Sunday was a slow, calm day—exactly what was needed. We finally tackled the living room windows, which had been in a terrible state. Paint splatters, renovation dust, and who knows what else had built up, making them almost impossible to see through. Scrubbing them was no easy task, but Jānis took on the challenge. Out … More A Calm Sunday with Window Cleaning, Greenhouse Prep & Cucumber Blossoms
a day in the life of a latvian mom 