Cottage Cheese Dill Bread with herbed butter

 

When chives are in bloom, dill weed is ready to harvest also.

Perhaps you’ll make Cottage Cheese Dill Bread

with herb butter for your celebration.

Cottage Cheese Dill Bread

2 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup cottage cheese

2 eggs

¼ cup plus 2 Tablespoons milk

2 Tablespoons sugar or honey

¼ cup melted butter

3 Tablespoons minced dill, or more

2 Tablespoons dried onions, or more

or ¼ cup fresh chive blossoms, separated, or more

½ teaspoon garlic powder, or more

Bake 50 minutes at 350 in buttered loaf pan.

Herb Butter

To room temperature butter, add any washed and dried fresh herbs

including blossoms such as chive blossoms.

Store in refrigerator or freezer until ready to use.

Cottage Cheese Dill bread is also good toasted.

GARDEN BAND

 

Garden Band

On a sunny day

the band comes out to play.

Who joins the garden band?

Come. See. You'll be a fan.

This morning the band is heard warming up.

Look. It's the bees in the borage. Yep!

Come listen. It's free.

They never sound off key.

Then a loud hum joins in.

Look quick. It's hummingbird wings.

He's a welcome addition

as he stops to audition.

He's directed to the string section

where there's a lot of vibrating action.

Someone imitates a violin

and there's the twang of banjo strings.

Another new member sits in the woodwind section

where everyone harmonizes in collaboration.

There are piccolo chirps.

Others imitate a flute.

Tweets

so sweet

that humans take note

of the song being wrote.

Tunes from oboes, saxophones,

clarinets, and trombones

are heard in this symphony

sung by visiting birds and bees.

A mockingbird joins the garden band.

His song is heard throughout the land.

He imitates trumpets, tubas, french horns

for mockingbirds fool from the day they were born.

Soon the bandleader's baton will point

to keynote speakers which do not disappoint.

Who is it that joins the band?

It's the crickets. A lively clan.

They sit in the percussion section

strumming louder for attention.

Rhythmic they strum

having so much fun.

Now a soloist joins the orchestra.

Who is it that whistles loudly just for show?

It's the caw caw of a crow.

He has the loudest voice, you know.

The garden band has many members.

They practice from April through October

then many members go on tour

as in October southward they soar.

Take time to listen to the free concert today

for soon the band members will be on their way

to entertain the senior citizens

in their Floridian winter homes.

* * * * *

When God's Word states “make a joyful noise unto the Lord”

someone literally took God at His Word – it's the birds.

But God's Word was written for you and I.

Are the songs we sing joyful or filled with why?

Do we daily thank and praise God with joyful hearts

or do we doubt God's faithfulness as each day starts?

Our words are our recorded music.

Words can be therapeutic.

Words like: “you’re a blessing” or “thanking God for you,”

“God is good,” “praise the Lord” or “to God be the glory.”

Let these words praising God or edifying others replace words

that curse, fight, slander, ridicule. Words that cannot be unheard.

What do you want to be remembered for?

An encourager, through your words and more.

Or will the legacy you make

leave behind only heartache?

Make music in your heart. Shout for joy.

Everyone around you will enjoy.

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth,

burst into jubilant song with music;

make music to the Lord with the harp,

with the harp and the sound of singing,

with trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn -

shout for joy before the Lord, the King.

Psalm 98:4-6

What she has done (said)

will also be told in memory of her.

Matthew 26:13

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

LARKS

 

Larks

Hark!

A lark

in the park

when spring starts

across hills and parks

with a song in its heart.

Spring

sings

as larks take wing

and their songs bring

a cheerful welcoming

to announce "it's spring!"

Concertos -

some high, others low,

sopranos,

or altos -

from larks and swallows,

and bluebirds and sparrows.

Songs

strummed,

sung out strong

all day long

from songbirds their life long,

somehow righting wrongs.

Teachers

these creatures

that feature

musical lectures

as unpaid preachers

making life richer.

Quiet

at night,

but morning quite

loud and blatant

thanking their Maker, that's right,

with a song from their spirit.

Grateful. Offering,

yes, daily praising

before receiving

their daily feeding.

A lesson they're teaching

those who are listening.

Who are these larks?

Robins start

by setting spring apart

from winter cold and dark.

Red-winged black birds and sparrows dart.

Be sure to watch for meadowlarks.

These larks

that dart

from hills and parks

wearing feathers dark

daily teach us grumbling humans to always start

each day with a song of gratitude in our hearts.

* * * * *

Do you have a song in your heart?

It's never too late to start.

Focus on what's right.

Your spirit will be light.

Focusing on what's wrong

quenches your heart's song,

zapping any joy or happiness

so peace of heart and mind will not last.

Focusing on what's right

will bring lasting delight

and you'll find there's a grateful song

bubbling up inside all day long.

So take a lesson from the birds

as each morning they are heard

thanking God before receiving

with a song of thanksgiving.

He put a new song in my mouth,

a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear

and put their trust in the Lord.

Psalm 40:3

Sing to the Lord a new song;

sing to the Lord, all the earth.

Sing to the Lord, praise his name;

proclaim his salvation day after day.

Declare his glory among the nations,

his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

Psalm 96:1-3

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth,

burst into jubilant song with music.

Psalm 98:4

My friend, Karen, taught me to thank God BEFORE receiving and again AFTER receiving. It seems that is what birds do when they welcome daybreak with a song in their heart before receiving their daily blessings. Then again at twilight they thank God after receiving when they say goodnight.

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.

Worship the Lord with gladness;

come before him with joyful songs.

Know that the Lord is God.

It is he who made us, and we are his;

we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Psalm 100:1-3

Shout for joy, O heavens;

rejoice, O earth;

burst into song, O mountains!

Isaiah 49:13

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.

Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,

always giving thanks to God the Father for everything,

in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 5:19-20

Is anyone happy?

Let him sing songs of praise.

James 5:13

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

SONGS

 

SONGS

A tweet

sounds sweet.

A chirp,

like syrup.

Unless it's 4:30 in the morning

when young ones start practicing their singing!

These young ones are not even on key -

sounding quite off key, according to me.

Eventually they will harmonize.

Eventually they wait until sunrise.

Eventually...but not today.

Today they can't wait to play.

They sound like a ruckus,

not a pretty chorus.

One is always louder than the rest.

One who probably thinks he sounds the best.

They call back and forth

as "good mornings" are versed

with each tweet, twitter, peep, and chirp,

thankful for another day on earth.

It's not the sound but the spirit of which they start each day,

this joyful spirit that we should emulate everyday -

happy to be alive,

knowing that God will supply!

It's an internal knowing -

like faith indwelling.

Knowing that God who is faithful today

will be faithful throughout all their days.

Now that's something to sing about!

Definitely something to get excited about!

And God will supply

for both you and I.

* * * * *

Do you awaken each morning

like the birds who start their day singing?

Even though they don't know what their day may bring

they start each day with a happy song to sing.

If each morning birds sing a new song of thankfulness to God,

then we, too, should sing songs of joy – in good times and in hard.

Singing will change our attitude

and erase any dour mood.

Turn on some music

and sing along with it.

Feel better? You'll find, if the truth be told,

this daily practice will lighten any load.

Wake up, wake up, break out in song!

Judges 5:12

He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.

Psalm 40:3

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth,

burst into jubilant song with music.

Psalm 98:4

Is any one happy? Let him sing songs of praise.

James 5:13

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

Mother's Day - 5/10/26

 Need a gift:

All available via Palmetto Publishing or Amazon.

KEEPING YOUNG

 

KEEPING YOUNG

Not only is gardening fun

when outside under the warm sun,

gardening will help keep one young

for every year one looks forward to

springtime and its colorful view.

I do. Do you too find that's true?

The gardener might plant bulbs in the fall

then looks forward to spring for spring is when all

the colors of the rainbow blossom; for all

the snowdrops, crocus', daffodils, tulips,

alliums, jonquils, narcissus,

bluebells, grape and fragrant hyacinths,

await to spring forth when finally the spring

rains begin to ping and birds are heard singing

to awaken the flower bulbs and bring

much joyous mirth

to all the earth

with each new birth.

Who isn't happy to see the rainbow

of spring bulbs and flowers – one's face glows

and there's a happy song, you know,

in gardener's hearts when they see

spring return in all its glory.

Gardeners have a youthful glee.

Yes, looking forward to springtime keeps one young.

Days spent out under the sun having fun

for the gardener's work is never done.

Fun returns everyday with songs to be sung.

Songs of joyful thanksgiving under the sun.

Those with joy in their hearts are forever young.

* * * * *

How to keep young?

One way is fun.

Another is joy,

smile, laugh, enjoy.

Plan something fun for yourself,

even if all by yourself.

Enjoy your time alone,

rather away or at home.

Smile for no reason.

You'll feel young and it's fun.

Don't you feel better?

And even healthier?

Have you had your Vitamin L today?

Vitamin L chases the blues away.

Vitamin L is laughter.

It's free to all, remember.

Find someone to laugh with for laughter

eases the pain when you suffer.

Anxiety and pain will abate

when there's daily laughter on your face.

Being worry-free will keep one young

for worry keeps one from having fun.

Fun is depleted and robbed

when worry becomes our job.

Find something you enjoy

then live a life of joy

for joy will abound

where happiness resounds.

* * * * *

There's a deeper joy than doing.

It's a joy found in knowing

the One who created us.

Knowing God is a must.

Quite often life beats us down.

We end up wearing a frown.

Outward joy is gone.

Absent every dawn.

But when you know God,

life isn't as hard

when you believe His promises.

Here's a few of God's promises:

1. We shouldn't ever fear

for God is always near.

He will never leave you

and will guard you through

whatever your situation

when you give Him permission.

Just ask in prayer.

God will be there.

2. We shouldn't be overwhelmed

with whatever comes around

for God is in control

when life seems out of control.

God is still on the throne

in heaven, His home.

He desires to be Lord of your life,

to give you peace when life brings about strife.

3. God will give you daily strength

to last each day at length.

We can be strong in the strength of the Lord

when life gives more than we can endure

for God's grace is sufficient,

make perfect in weakness.

Just ask for God's power

right now, this hour.

4. Envision God's arms around you

embracing you, sustaining you,

helping you, upholding you

whatever you're going through.

Doing what is fair, just, and right

for in you God does delight.

Never forget, you are loved

with an everlasting love.

Everlasting joy is found in knowing

the Lord God who gives blessings unending.

The joy of the Lord is your strength.

Nehemiah 8:10

Do not fear, for I am with you;

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

I am the Lord, your God,

who takes hold of your right hand

and says to you, Do not fear;

I will help you.

Isaiah 41:13

...they will enter Zion with singing;

everlasting joy will crown their heads.

Gladness and joy will overtake them,

and sorrow and sighing will flee away.

Isaiah 35:10

My grace is sufficient for you,

for my power is made perfect in weakness.

II Corinthians 12:9

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.

 

Race

When spring finally comes

green grass springs up among

the returning perennials and bulbs,

the spring flowering trees and shrubs.

It’s like there’s a race

in the yard at my place

to see which will grow fastest,

what will become tallest.

Will it be the weedy grass

or the blooming flowers that

win this race

post haste?

There’s flowering tree’s pretty array

above spring bulb’s blooming bouquet,

alongside green grass covering like a rug.

You might even see a buzzing bee, but don’t hug!

Will flowers supersede

or the grass filling in with weeds

as the cool spring rains rain down

refreshing what’s growing underground.

To look out the window

at the flowering rainbow

the view is tranquil

with daffodils and jonquils.

Soon tulips will dot the scene

adding to the serene.

You wouldn’t know a race is on

as there appears to be a calm.

Bouquets are picked,

lawnmowers fixed.

Soon gardening homeowners will weekly race

against dandelions growing at their place.

Though it seems the grass has won this race,

it’s the flowers that gardeners embrace.

After the grass is mowed then trimmed,

gardeners sit to enjoy their undertakings.

On your mark:

it’s time to start

as gardeners are in a race

to keep up at their place.

* * * * *

Spring brings with it renewal,

a time of renewed hope for all,

and also a rainbow of flowers which please

from fall-planted bulbs and flowering trees.

Spring brings with it more to do

as each year there is much ado.

The race is on each spring

becoming quite dizzying.

Another race we are involved in

is the race to share our faith often

so others will know

the God you know.

Tomorrow may be too late.

Make it a point this date

to share your hope

with other folks.

He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors...

II Corinthians 5:19-20

Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Colossians 1:27

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul,

firm and secure.

Hebrews 6:19

May the God of hope

fill you with all joy and peace

as you trust in Him,

so that you may overflow with hope

by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

Don't dandelions and wild violets make a welcome sight!

Life Is a Garden Party

is available via Amazon.