Arcadia's Edible Garden Tour

Arcadia is one of the older neighborhoods in Phoenix.  Many people have lived and grown up here.  But a growing number of younger families are moving in.  They're making improvements to their homes while still staying true to the original character of the area. Many are creating their own edible gardens in their backyard, with organic vegetables and a variety of fruit.  Orange, lemon and grapefruit trees line the streets and yards.

I love Arcadia!  It's where Greg and I relocated a little over one year ago. When I read about Arcadia's Edible Garden Tour, I knew I had to purchase a ticket.  I'm so glad I did!

Early Saturday morning I was prepared with my map, bottled water, sunglasses and camera.  I decided to create my own route instead of the numbered list I was emailed.  I was hoping to avoid the crowds. I headed out to my first stop.

The Boho Farm is located within walking distance of my condo. Since I had other gardens to visit, I decided to drive.  This 'farm' is nestled in a quiet neighborhood.  From the moment I stepped on to the grounds, I felt comfortable and welcomed.

I noticed many of the garden decorations.  I had an inkling that this was a Christian family.  And I was right! 

How inviting is homemade lavender lemonade?  I couldn't resist.  

I made several stops at other edible gardens on the tour and learned much about growing my own vegetables.  I really don't have much space at our condo but I have a back patio and front entryway that could accommodate containers for gardening.  I was getting some great ideas!

I was looking forward to my next stop; Hal and Jill's Sweet Life Garden. I follow her on Facebook so I was anxious to see their garden and orchard located in the heart of the city.  I wasn't disappointed.

There were numerous tables set up in the yard where you could purchase lots of goodies.  I immediately noticed The Simple Farm's caramels made with fresh goat milk.  I've tasted these caramels and they actually melt in your mouth.  I was so happy to meet Lara of Hotdish as we talked about Lylah, the owner of The Simple Farm (and my friend).

Carol of Grano de Vida was handing out samples of her homemade cinnamon raisin bread.  I couldn't resist buying two loaves after tasting this most delicious bread.  Carol bakes the breads for The Simple Farm.  When I mentioned that I finally got to meet Lylah in person at a recent tea at the Ritz Carlton, she asked me if I knew Venous.  Venous is a parent of three children in the school where I work and she hosted the tea (I wrote about it here).  She volunteers at The Simple Farm each Thursday. 

I decided to make one more stop on the tour.  This home was located on a very large lot.  As I entered through the gateway, I had to laugh.  Do you see them?  Two pigs roaming around looking for a drink.  

I was so glad I spent my Saturday morning visiting edible gardens in my neighborhood.  I was especially delighted that a portion of the proceeds go to benefit the House of Refuge community garden.

I look forward to next year's tour.

How thankful I am to experience the beauty of these gardens.  I love the way people are getting back to working the land, planting and harvesting as they feed their families.  There's something so pure about this to me.

#817 The beauty of God's creation

#818 Meeting new friends

#819 Tasting sweet lemonade

#820 Thankful for a beautiful neighborhood

#821 Appreciating all that I have

#822 My health is good

#823 I am getting exercise once again

#824 Looking forward to creating my own edible garden

#825 Tasting the best cinnamon raisin bread

#826 Seeing glimpses of God 

#827 Proceeds benefit a Christian organization that helps others

#828 Beautiful weather

#829 A respite from a busy week

I'm linking up with Ann of A Holy Experience for Multitudes on Mondays as I count my every day blessings.

I'm also linking up with Joan of The Beauty in His Grip for Sharing His Beauty.

Blessings and love,

Celebrating Nurses & Teachers

This has been the week for celebrating nurses and teachers.  I've been privileged to be a part of both professions.

To be a nurse or a teacher requires dedication and caring for others.  

I worked as a nurse for 25 years.  After personally experiencing open heart surgery as a child of seven, I knew what it felt like to be a patient.  I wanted to give back.  So I became a cardiovascular nurse specialist.  I met so many amazing people and had many life experiences.

However, I came to a point in my life when I was able to retire.  I thought I'd spend the rest of my life volunteering, traveling and having fun ...

But it was not to be.  Circumstances dictated that I return to work after an almost ten year hiatus.

So where did I go?  I went to work at Rancho Solano Private School working in a classroom filled with three and four year old children. This is something I never expected and yet ...it's been a blessing.

Since I was unable to have children (and I always wanted them), this was a perfect environment for me.  I remember as a child lining up my dolls on the window seat of my room.  My little sister Christine sat crunched in the middle of them.  I was the teacher and I would teach school.

 
Sometimes life doesn't always turn out as you expect.  But in the midst of those times, I've learned to count my blessings.  God is good and how thankful I am for the opportunities He gives to me.

After all, I get to spend my day with these precious little ones.  And I love each one of them!

So thank you nurses and teachers!  You are amazing!

Blessings and love,

Where Do You Turn When You're Hurting?

Working with little children is a delight.  However, they love to run up to me every day to show me their latest boo-boos.  They lift up their pant leg so I can see a tiny scrape.  Or they hold up their finger to show me their princess band-aid.  When the other children see this they have to run over to show me their boo-boos too.

But are we adults so different?  Where do you turn when you're hurting?  Do you pick up the phone to talk to a friend?

To continue reading, click over to Laced with Grace ...

Blessings and love,