Did I see ducks at Langry Duck Farm? People keep asking. There was a meditation labyrinth, a patio where we roasted marshmallows, friendly cats and dogs and a breakfast casserole spread with juice in long-stemmed glasses. What a way to interact with nature.

The “duck” stands for Discovering, Understanding, Creativity & Knowledge for a Farm Alternative Restoration Model. Barbara Lange has this spread in Liberty and I was lucky enough to “win” a stay in the Breakfast with the Bishop silent auction fundraiser. My friends and husband spent an evening on the patio, retired to our lovely second-floor rooms and arose with the sun to walk the labyrinth. Then, breakfast was served.

Ms. Lange saw I was interested in her plants and herbs and took me for a walk around plantings surrounded by a fence made from bicycles. You read that right. Herbs and aloe were planted in every sort of vessel, including a retired coffee maker. This woman was a delight and told how she works with young people, veterans and other groups.

Want to know more about Langtree Duck Farm Retreat & Eco Center? Call 936-587-4325.

Resolution corner

I’ve hardly heard any talk of resolutions this year, but my January birthday gets me off to a later start. I do actually enjoy easing that stuffed feeling by experimenting with lovely vegetables after holiday excess.

Ever heard of “tight junction function?” Makers of RESTORE liquid supplement sent me a bottle and I started using it before the heavier eating of the Thanksgiving season began. It works by “increasing tight junctions to promote a healthy internal firewall, which helps create a more resilient system by supporting gut health, respiratory wellness, balance immune function and enhanced mental clarity in the face of environmental factors.” Okay, the layman’s copy also says that herbicides we come in contact with can damage tight junctions, the Velcro-like proteins that allow the body to absorb the nutrients it needs and block the toxins it doesn’t. I don’t usually buy any extra supplements, but did try this one, available at GNC. My experience: I certainly think daily use kept me on track. Just seeing the bottle every morning reminded me to make more healthy choices as the temptations reigned down. RESTORE is about your “gut health.”

darraghcastillo@icloud.com