Michigan Country Soapworks

We have lived here 17 years and have never seen a winter like this one. My husband is from Custer, lived there until he was 12 years old and he says he remembers very snowy winters from childhood.

For all of you who were raised here, what are your memories about winter snow? Are we breaking any records?

Ok, so I am a 62 year old woman who likes to try new activites. A friend of mine introduced me to this massive online game a week ago. I am totally addicted! Course I have playing video games on my PS2 for years which learned from my grandkids so I guess the jump to WoW isn't much of a jump.

My soap business, Michigan Country Soapworks, has been a little slower than usual this holiday season, thanks to the economy, but it holds it's own and supports itself so I am happy with that.

My project a… Continue

I have been making soap for six years this month and have studied herbs and their medicinal uses for eight years. These activities evolved from working in North Muskegon for Willbrandt Farms where we grew the largest selection of herbs in West Michigan. Marcia and Doug Willbrandt sent me to Master Gardener school and taught me everything they knew about running a greenhouse, herbs, and horticulture.

I still work at a greenhouse in the spring and summers; Carlton Creek in Rothbury. The soap and… Continue

After all the high temps we have had recently I am glad to see the cooler weather. My summer greenhouse job is over for the year which gives me time to work more in my own flower beds. Very theraputic for relieving stress...or causing it by seeing all the weeds that need to be pulled.

I mulched another large area recently with wood chips and it finally dawned on me how much more simple gardening is when beds are mulched. It's earth friendly because the mulch helps keep water from evaporating so… Continue

Nature, any part of it, is so awesome. Guess that is why I am a serious gardener and work at a greenhouse, ya think? Actually it's possible I have gone over the edge with gardening because it consumes so many hours of my summer days. Possibly this has become a compulsion to me...walking my yard and looking to see if all the plants are happy and what can be done to make them happier.

Nothing makes me happier than standing quietly in my yard and listening to sounds. It's amazing what you can hear… Continue