Rose Bud Corner

Books

There's a lot about American history that I like reading about. One such book is MEDGAR AND MYRLIE by Joy - Ann Reid.It's a beautiful love story about Medgar and Myrlie and their life in America during times of race and discrimination. Medgar Evers was a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights movement. His life was cut short due to the turbulent times of the Jim Crow era. Growing up in the north I didn't see the tragedy and violence of everyday life in the south. But this book brings it to the forefront of what it was like to live in Mississippi at the time.

Another page turner that I knew nothing about is a book called THE BOOK WOMAN'S DAUGHTER by Kim Michele Richardson. Set in Appalachia it weaves an amazing tale of the people known as the blue skinned people. Talk about tragedy and discrimination!!!! In this day and time when book banning seems to be in the news, the Book Woman's daughter uses the power of books and reading to bring freedom and knowledge to a imprisoned people in the hills of Troublesome Creek.

If you read about the Holocaust, then check out a new book, THE HAPPIEST MAN ON EARTH. It's a true story about Eddie Jaku who survived the horrors of Auschwitz and lives to tell his experiences. He is now sharing what it was like so that we will never forget.

A book about slavery and the Civil War, called LIES WE NEVER SEE by Michael Lindley, set in South Carolina, is a compelling story about bravery, heartache, and the tragedies of war. The reader travels back to the days of war and then brings us forward to the here and now.

T.V. & Movies

A highly recommended movie that's out right now is CONCLAVE with Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci. It's playing in our local theaters but not streaming. The power of the Catholic Church is so evident all through history.

Whether you were able to see WICKED on Broadway or not, see the new movie. The choreography, costumes, special effects are over the top. It's a screen marvel. Not to mention the heart of the story line.

Dave Pilkey is a noted children's author. His series CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS has been a favorite of children everywhere. Now he has written about a new character, DOGMAN, that has come to the big screen. Take your grandchildren if you are able.

Gardening & Environment

Bark Scale Disease

We have had crepe myrtles in our yard for 19 years. Never had a problem with them until this year. I know that Crepe myrtles don't grow in the north, but they are a staple in a southern garden. The first thing I noticed was a sticky substance all over our deck railings and the railings, decking, and steps were turning black. Come to find out it's called Bark Scale Disease first coming to Virginia a few years ago. So I called a tree expect in our area and he identified the disease. The trees were sprayed in September and may require another treatment in December. They are not dying but the leaves have turned black. It looks like things are improving. For me this was something new, and since I shared it in garden club, other members noticed the same on their trees. I'm waiting until the leaves fall before the deck and railing get power washed.

I'll keep you posted as to the bark scale disease that affected all our crepe myrtles. I'm hopeful that three treatments applied in the Fall will have a positive affect on the trees.

Reporting here that the PA Groundhog saw his shadow and predicts 6 more weeks of winter. Don't tell that to the big box stores in our area. Their parking lots are full of bagged mulch ready to go on sale.

That's OK, gives all a chance to rest up until we can get into our gardens when the weather warms. My lawn service will be laying compost in my beds before mulch in the coming weeks. I highly recommend you do the same, as it kept me from using any fertilizer on my plants for the remainder of the growing season.

Fashion

Pantone Color Institute has set Mocha Mousse as the 2025 color of the year. You will probably see lots of home furnishings, decor, clothing in shades of Mocha this season.

Food & Recipes

I had some fresh cranberries left over from the holidays that I was planning to make into cranberry jam.

I have used Sure Jel for 55 years. I gathered all the jars, lids, utensils, and was ready to begin. Upon opening the boxes, there were no directions. Thinking that was strange, I called the hot line only to find out that as a cost cutting measure, written directions were no longer going to be included in the box due to printing and packaging costs. The young man I spoke to was very nice, however, I told him that this was just unsatisfactory to the consumer, and to please send me the written directions immediately. I was not going to use a QR code or scan my computer to get the directions while a pot of fruit was boiling on the stove.. I scrambled to put the directions together from memory, and the jam came out just fine. The directions arrived in the mail 4 days later.

Try this easy cookie recipe. Mix one box of brownie mix with 2 eggs, 1/2 cup oil, and 1/2 cup chocolate chips.

Bake 350 degrees for about 7 minutes - do not overbake.

Decor,Crafts & Floral Design

Following our trip to Italy this fall, we continue to marvel at the amazing works of the artists, architects, painters, sculptors, designers, chefs, builders, native to Italy. In France, we visited Monet's garden. I stood on that infamous bridge looking over the pond with the lilies. Enough to take your breath away. So many of my readers are gardeners, floral designers, landscape designers, and in related fields. So when I saw the beauty of the flowers in his garden I was again overwhelmed. While in Italy to see the most beautiful Oleander. Enjoy the few pictures here. Tune into Netflix and watch PASTA QUEEN. It originates in Italy and the Italian host is amazing, animated, and full of Italian/American humor. I just recently purchased her cookbook from Amazon.

Household Hints

Rose Bud Reflections

"Flowers don’t solve anything, but they can improve most everything".