Lou Ann Homan is Out and About at the Gene Stratton Porter Historic Site.

In order to know Gene Stratton Porter, I am going to quote from William Lyon Phelps. He wrote an article in 1913 for "Educator and Critic." Enjoy.


"Gene Stratton Porter lives in a swamp, arrays herself in man's clothes, and sallies forth in all weather to study the secrets of nature. I believe she knows every sound in the forest, and can tell you what caused it.

"She is primarily a naturalist, one of the foremost in America and has published a number of books on the flora and fauna illustrated with photos of her own taking.

"Thus she hit upon the plan of writing sentimental novels, in which her observation of nature is brought to the attention of America.

"She is as full of energy as Theodore Roosevelt, and as hearty an American. She is eaten up with ambition, and with the joy of life: few have more fun in their daily existence than she. I have no doubt that if the public  could see some of her letters which she receives by the cartloads they would share her belief that she has not lived in vain."

I have always loved her work, and because of it, I travel as a storyteller sharing her tales as a first person Gene Stratton Porter. This show is available at Arts for Learning in Indiana. It is especially beneficial to fourth grade students.

As always, thanks for reading. Maybe you know a little more than you did before!

My June Garden

June is the month for gardening, at least it is so in the Midwest. All the work of April and May finally pays off and the garden blooms. 

At my House at White Picket Gardens I have tried to build an English cottage garden in my back yard. I have also registered my yard with the National Wildlife Federation.

My back yard is full of flowers, herbs and lots of vegetables. All are tucked away in lovely little places. Sometimes it is a bit like a puzzle or a maze, if you will. 

With a rain barrel, compost heap, clothesline, small gardens and a fire ring, I have a small farm inside of town.

Here are a few photos from my early morning stroll through the gardens. With more rain predicted today, I will  plant the last of the lavender and a beautiful new coreopsis.

As always, thanks for reading and listening.

Tomorrow is a new Out and About, stay tuned!

Lou Ann

Golden Yarrow

Old-fashioned roses over birdhouse

Early June peas on the vine

The mountains call us for a wedding...

Monarch Mountain in Colorado

I spent last week end in Colorado. It was a great family trip with scenic beauty to take your breath away.

Here is this week's column about the trip, and as always, thank you for reading.

I took hundreds of photos, but I think this is one of my favorites. 

Lou Ann


The mountains call us for a wedding - KPC Media Group: Kpcnews

Brookside Mansion

Brookside Mansion, Fort Wayne, Indiana

Today I want to introduce you to the Brookside Mansion in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The first cottage was built in 1889 but was destroyed in a fire. It was  replaced in 1903 by this mansion.

It was built by John Henry Bass (1835-1922), a native of Salem, Kentucky.

In 1944 The Sisters of Saint Francis of Perpetual Adoration bought the home and 65 acres from the Bass family. 

It is now listed as the John H. Bass Mansion with the National Register of Historic Places.

Yesterday I was fortunate enough to have a private tour of the home. Needless to say I was in awe and respect. 

This beautiful piece of history was recognized by Indiana Landmarks and received the coveted Cook Cup in April.

There will be more on this later, but for now, I just wanted to introduce you to  the Brookside Mansion. 

Peony in Bloom

Peonies in bloom in my garden.

One garden at a time comes alive at the White Picket Gardens. In the last two days my peonies have opened in full bloom. They join my Iris garden and my French lilacs. With all my windows open, the scent from these gardens waft through all the rooms in this old house.

I remember peonies in my grandmother's garden. They are perennial and, once established, they bloom for decades. In China these lovely flowers are as important as the plum blossoms.

The peony is the state flower of Indiana. This was decided by the Indiana General Assembly in 1957. It replaced the zinnia. Although I must say, I still love zinnias in my garden.

What is blooming in your garden?

Apology

Dear Friends,

I understand that yesterday's blog did not pay reference to the right column! Please go back and read the story. It was a delightful time traveling to St. Pete to have lunch with my son!

Lou Ann

Salvador Dali, St. Petersburg and my son Adam!

A couple of weeks ago I traveled to St. Pete to have lunch with my son Adam. Yes, it is a long way to go to have lunch, but moms must keep tabs on their kids!

We had a great time visiting, having lunch, walking the town at dinner with late night bistro dinners and his dog, Zoby, of course. Please sit back and enjoy this column and the video at the Dali Museum!

Click here for the story of my travels to St. Petersburg!