Book 40 of 50 – From Plant to Plate

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Tami Bivens wrote From Plant to Plate (affiliate link), a vegetarian cookbook which goes beyond recipes. As a registered dietician, Bivens also put together a 21-day menu with the recipes from the book. On top of that, she added ideas and lists of ingredients and tools needed in the kitchen.

From Plant to Plate

Very useful cookbook, especially for the new vegetarian cook

I have been vegetarian for more than 30 years. The health benefits of this diet clearly show in my bloodwork every year. Also, on my face and body. Many people cannot believe my age when I tell them how old I actually am. Continue reading »


Book 39 of 50 – The Einkorn Cookbook

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You might know that I write a lifestyle column for my local newspaper, The Mountain Press. This local couple who reads my column regularly wrote to me about The Einkorn Cookbook (affiliate link) by Shanna and Tim Mallon, in response to one of my columns about eating gluten.

The Einkorn Cookbook

Great book to own

I bought the book because I was already experimenting with einkorn flour and other ancient grains and pseudo-grains. Reading a cookbook from cover to cover proved entertaining, enlightening, and relatively easy. I shall do it again and again. And hey, it counts as a book, right? Continue reading »


Book 38 of 50 – The Tall Woman

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A homeschooling mom friend recommended The Tall Woman to me. She said it was one of her favorite books. A novel set in the Smoky Mountains during and after the Civil War, The Tall Woman (affiliate link) checks all the boxes for a historical novel: accuracy of detail, realism, strong plot, larger-than-life protagonist and supporting characters, and romance.

The Tall Woman

My friend gave me a copy of this book as a gift.

Wilma Dykeman, the author, lived in this area. She was born and raised in Asheville, NC and got married in Newport, TN. Both cities are one hour from where we live, in two different directions. Continue reading »


Book 37 of 50 – The Story of My Boyhood and Youth

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Living 10 minutes away from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, we hike weekly on its trails. It was high time for me to read one of John Muir’s books. I chose to start with The Story of My Boyhood and Youth (affiliate link). This book contains a hilarious account of how Muir grew up in Scotland and then immigrated to the US with his family.

The Story of My Boyhood and Youth

Cover of the paperback edition

In case you do not know, John Muir is considered the Father of our National Parks. As a conservationist, he worked tirelessly to inspire people to preserve the natural beauty of the American landscape. Muir also co-founded the Sierra Club, a prominent American conservation organization. Continue reading »


Merry Christmas 2023

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From our homeschool to yours, Merry Christmas for 2023! May your wishes come true this holiday season and throughout the rest of the school year!

Merry Christmas

We are staying home for Christmas, enjoying each other, Santa’s gifts, lots of yummy food and maybe a cup of hot cocoa (or two). The day after Christmas we have friends and family over for a festive lunch. Continue reading »


Week 18 – Done

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And that’s a wrap – Semester One has come and gone. We have learned so much through it all. The biggest change from last year was that we dropped violin lessons and orchestra. The kids did not feel they wanted to practice anymore than they usually did. Therefore, we did not see much progress. Why bother? Besides, orchestra would have put us back home at 10pm every Monday – not exactly ideal.

Cinnamon Rolls

Cinnamon rolls I make from scratch – the bread machine makes the dough, so I don’t have to work that hard.

One other big change: both children take Saxon math and we love it. We have even discovered that we can work through two lessons per day. This helps with making up for co-op days or hiking days. Continue reading »


Weeks 16, 17 – Done

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We had a more relaxed week last week, without co-op and with a hike. No complaints here about staying home and “only” homeschooling.

Middle Prong Trail Bench

Middle Prong Trail Bench

These days, I find myself in the kitchen a lot. Not only do my children eat more, but they want healthier, from scratch meals. I really enjoy cooking for them. As a result, I have been buying more cookbooks and even reading some cookbooks from the Libby app. It’s fun. Continue reading »


Week 15 – Done

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Week 15 is the week of Thanksgiving, so I am not sure it was a full school week as far as book learning. But doesn’t all that cooking count as a cooking lab?

We had the last day of the semester at co-op. Another day of the week I took our daughter to Knoxville for her harp lesson in person. We also shopped for Thanksgiving menu items.

Traditional Thanksgiving menu

My plate for Thanksgiving – I love this traditional menu

Then, it was all steam ahead with cooking. We had two large meals, one on Thursday and another one on Friday, with different people. It was lovely.

Hope you had a happy Thanksgiving with your loved ones around. Thanksgiving is certainly my favorite holiday.


Book 36 of 50 – Women of the Smokies

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Courtney Lix wrote an extraordinary book (affiliate link) about 19 women who have lived in the Smokies, from the 1800s and on. Some of them are still alive. One used to be my neighbor before she moved out of state to be closer to her grandchildren.

Women of the Smokies

Women of the Smokies cover

These ladies accomplished many impressive feats, like Dolly Parton and Pat Summitt. Others, like Hattie Ogle, helped their family build an empire of real estate and shops. Ogle said everything she knew she learned from Irene Mize, whom I met just before she passed away. It’s a small world. Continue reading »


Week 14 – Done

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It is hard to believe, but this semester is coming to a close soon. Thanksgiving is this week. Last week, thinking about it, it felt like a big surprise. “Are you ready for Thanksgiving?” came the question from a friend at co-op. Absolutely not.

Mountain view

One of the vistas on the trail

The most excitement last week came to us on the hike. My son went back on the trail to help a friend connect with his mom, and the both of them took an extra hour on the trail. The group had finished the hike. We were all waiting at the trailhead next to the parking lot, not knowing what we should do. Continue reading »