Kate Lloyd's Blog, page 12

Road Trip

Road trips are a long-standing rite of passage here in the U.S. I drove all the way across the country in a VW Bug many years ago. I see on the news that air travel is down, and I am among the many who do not wish to be crammed amongst strangers on jets even if my traveling companions are wearing masks. Road trips are the rage again this summer. Several of my friends have taken road trips and here are some tips they’ve given me.

One fr...

June $100 winner and Favorite Pics

Please help me congratulate Carol Graves, winner of a $100 Amazon gift card, plus her choice of one signed novel, An Amish Christmas Kitchen, Starting from Scratch, A Letter from Lancaster County; or one of 3 books from The Legacy of Lancaster County Trilogy — Leaving Lancaster, its sequel, Pennsylvania Patchwork, or Forever Amish; or A Portrait of Marguerite.

Kate’s Favorite Pics
Veggies in the City.

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I’m amazed by the efficient use ...

Victory Gardens Flourish

Have you heard of  the term Victory Garden, also labeled “War Gardens” and “Food Gardens for Defense” during World War I and WWII? These mini yet productive gardens were planted both at private residences and on public land during the wars to reduce the deficit of food.

Due to wartime government rationing, Americans were once urged to plant in every patch of available soil. In 1944 an estimated 20 million Victory Gardens produced about...

May $100 Gift Card Winner and Kate’s Favorite Pics!

Congratulations to Candy R., winner of a $100 Amazon gift card, plus a choice of one signed novel, An Amish Christmas Kitchen, Starting from Scratch, A Letter from Lancaster County; or one of 3 books from The Legacy of Lancaster County Trilogy — Leaving Lancaster, its sequel, Pennsylvania Patchwork, or Forever Amish; or A Portrait of Marguerite.

Kate’s Favorite Pics
Celebrating Spring’s lovely flowers.

These gorgeous rhododendrons caug...

Merry Month of May

I’m in shock. And thrilled. The month of May has arrived. Time to celebrate with a Giveaway!

Farm beds plowed and ready for spring planting at Silver Maple Farm of Washington

“April showers bring spring flowers” was my mantra last month. Now, a funny little song written in 1884 is looping through my mind.  And yet I know this May will be like no other. You never know, our country could blossom and spring back to life again. A worker at...

Kate’s Favorite Pics!

Thank you to author Laura V. Hilton, last week’s blog guest! Thanks to all who left a comment and entered to win a signed copy of her book. The winner isSusan Kelly!

Windmills in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

On a breezy day wouldn’t it be fun to own a Windmill?

Guest Post from Laura V. Hilton

Please welcome my guest, award-winning Amish author Laura V. Hilton, here to answer some questions I had after reading her up-comingnovel, Amish Wanderer.

Kate: Laura, how did Amish Wanderer get started?

Laura Hilton: Romans 8:38-39. I had no idea what Amish Wanderer would be about. I knew a blurb. I knew the characters names. I knew they used to be “sweethearts” before he moved away. That is all I knew. God usually gives me the verses in the middle or end of a book and this time, He dumped...

Kate’s Favorite Pics

Three cheers for Diane Wallace, winner of the exquisite Amish-made Table Topper from Lancaster County, plus a signed copy of one novel from The Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy: either Leaving Lancaster, Pennsylvania Patchwork or Forever Amish!

Thanks to all who entered, leaving pearls of wisdom, insights, and encouragement to keep learning new skills.

Fun Fall Decorations!

Can You Teach an Old Dog New Tricks?

When out walking with my girlfriend and her elderly Lab, the question of teaching old dogs new tricks circled in the recesses of my brain. Days later, the question wouldn’t leave me alone.

I called the most canine-savvy person I know, my friend Earlene Luke, former dog-show judge, handler, trainer, technical director of the movie Best in Show, and all around dog expert, and asked her the question: Can you teach an old dog new tricks?

13-year-old Sally investigating a turtle.

“Of course. Use a...

Kate’s Favorite Pics!

Congratulations to Deb Simmering, winner of the beautiful Amish-made pillow from Lancaster County, PA, and one signed book the Legacy of Lancaster Trilogy: Leaving Lancaster, Pennsylvania Patchwork, or Forever Amish!

Many thanks to those who left thought-provoking comments on my Blog. You are awesome!

Glimpses of autumn’s arrival over last weekend.

Our Cabernet grapes are ripening. Tart but delicious.

These red berries greeted us on our morning walk.

Finally, a splash of fall color!

U of W Ho...