by Sarah Loudin Thomas | Jul 15, 2021 | folklore cures, Nature, Writing
In The Finder of Forgotten Things one of my characters gathers and dries flowers to make Oswego tea. It’s a drink I’d heard of over the years, but didn’t really know much about. So I did a little research. Other names for the plant are bergamot,...
by Sarah Loudin Thomas | Jun 17, 2021 | Appalachian, Nature
Old wives’ tale? Myth? Made up story? I don’t know for sure, but I do know that in Appalachia most folks will tell you to leave black snakes alone. They’ll even work to make them feel welcome. Okay, at least not unwelcome! Why? There are a variety of...
by Sarah Loudin Thomas | May 20, 2021 | Appalachian, Hiking, Nature
We went on an orchid hunt earlier this week. When you mention Appalachia, not many people think–oh, great place to find orchids. But it IS. And I love that. Of course, if you spend much time around this blog or over on my Facebook or Instagram pages you know...
by Sarah Loudin Thomas | May 13, 2021 | Memories, Nature
Summer is right around the corner and that means WATERMELON time! Growing up watermelon was such a fun summer treat. We had it at Farm Bureau picnics, family reunions, cookouts, and any ole time for a refreshing treat. We even grew watermelon some years. A time or...
by Sarah Loudin Thomas | May 3, 2021 | Dreams, Hiking, Love, Nature
Last week I shared that my husband and I were spending our 25th anniversary walking around in the woods in West Virginia. I know–we’re wild and crazy kids! Well, we had the BEST time and today I thought I’d share some of the hiking highlights with...
by Sarah Loudin Thomas | Apr 22, 2021 | Hiking, Nature
I LOVE spring in Appalachia! Mostly because of the gorgeous wildflowers. I’ve always enjoyed flowers but these days I’m making the effort to learn more about them. And right now it’s trillium season! For a long time I thought a trillium was a...
