Hackberry Trees, etc. #9

Hi Charlie...
It has rained all day, but at the moment it is 56*....and there are tornadoes south of us. Not near me, though. The cold weather will get here soon enough. I still haven't dug out my coat yet.

Glad to hear Buddy is better. I do hope your trip will happen. Wish I were going to be there too. I am staying busy writing and watering houseplants, and picking up all the leaves they drop...sigh....that's a full time job.

Daisy is still mad at Jazz and Jazz is walking around grumbling about something. He grumbles much like the cat in the video above. I wish he could enunciate more clearly, but maybe it's best I don't know what he is saying.

Hi to Carol, stay warm, and don't over work when you shovel that snow!!
Sharon

Sure the grumbling is about alpha girl, Daisy.
Thanks. Will be careful about shovelling.
Off to bed.
Nite Sharon.

Yesterday we had high winds all day and I thought I might just be blown away. The winds brought with them cold temperatures and I shivered and shook all day long. Still I am shivering, think it is about 19* out there now.

I took another warm blanket out in the garage for Cupcake and turned a little ceramic heater on for her. She seemed snug and warm a few minutes ago.

I am not a cold weather person, not at all. If I could hibernate till about March, I would...maybe April.
How's the weather up your way, Charlie??

Hi Sharon,
Weather not too bad here. Were periodically high winds couple of days ago and first big snowfall yesterday. Daytime temperature is generally a bit below freezing. Think it's going up to 4 degrees above freezing one day next week, but the snow and freezing temperatures are likely here to stay till spring.

Don't love the cold, but don't really mind it. Carol and I cleared the snow yesterday. As said quite enjoy that, though as you say, you have to pace yourself. Carol is much better at that than me, but the gardening in the heat of summer has forced me to pay some attention to it.

Thing I really don't like is the ice. Had to put a bit of sand down on end of driveway last night (for paper deliverer) because it was so slippery. Don't have the best balance (arthritis) and the ice really exacerbates the risk.
Biggest attraction of Florida for me, is being able to walk outside, without having to watch just about every step. The snow's fine. It's just the ice.

The roads get ploughed pretty quickly here and the sand and grit is great for traction. Exit incline up from local Canadian Tire store was pure ice today, but didn't need to gear down. Have the snow tires on. They're so much better than all season tires. Still don't like driving on ice either.

Was an offer on the cottage two days ago, but was too low. Also, the closing date was ridiculous (late January). You have to snow mobile in from an access road at that time up there.

Starting to decorate the house for Christmas. Tim put most of the lights on the tree, when visiting yesterday. Tim has to work Christmas and Boxing Days (junior guy, but gets 2 1/2 times pay for each!), so will have Christmas with Tim here on December 23: will go to neighbours' on December 25 and have Carol's family here on December 26.

Glad to hear Cupcake's comfortable. She's lucky having such a benefactor! Buddy, of course, also has very generous (=money spent on vet bills) benefactors. Guess a constructive way of looking at it is that he's now really worth a lot of money.
Charlie

Hi Charlie,
I don't like ice either. Don't know if you heard or not but we had what was called the Ice Storm of the Century last January. I was without electricity for 10 days, and we also lost a lot of trees and buildings at that time. My house was unhurt, I only lost all the food in my freezer and limbs from my trees, but it was a very huge mess.

I try to never have to drive in ice, it really scares me. Snow I don't mind as much. Luckily, our ice and snow don't normally last very long, if we have any at all. Even following the ice storm last year, we had 60* days, but still the electricity was down for 10 of them. The ice had broken and downed the lines for miles around.

So now I am just cold, though it was sunny all day long.

Be careful shoveling, both of you. And send pictures of your decorations. Bet your house is festive, you will enjoy 3 Christmas dinners, too. How fun! Any pumpkin martinis on the menu?? Or is it another flavor?

Be safe and be well...
Talk tomorrow.

Oh, have you been reading the threads started by Neil Muir on some of my articles? He often posts some delicious sounding English cuisine on them, particularly the last two on spices. You might enjoy them.
Good night!

Hi Sharon,
Read about the January ice storm. Know ice on trees fits the picture of a winter wonderland, but know how destructive ice storms can be to trees, houses and especially traffic. As said, my previous van was totalled last winter, because another driver did not know how to drive on ice. I really don't like no-fault insurance.
Looked up Neil Muir on Dave's. Read some of "Farm Life: European Union Madness". He really is a witty and informed writer. I must say, however, the thread contained some matter of a political nature. Am a bit sensitive to Dave's having a policy on no politics and then enforcing it inconsistently. Legitimate topics, such as Invasive Plants, generate enough vehemency, emotionality and dogma anyway!
Will definitely pursue the cuisine part. Tim's pushing me to cook and just gave me a vegetarian cook book with some great meals in it.
Charlie.

You are right in that Neil touches upon the politics as do some others. I think if it is a simple statement, not much is said about it, particularly if no argument ensues. I really don't know. I try to steer clear of it myself.

I'll be back later this evening.
Starving!!

Hello all from Nevada. Las Vegas is having a little snow storm. Maybe rain early am. Baby Luke came by today to see Grandma an Grandpa. Only a month old but he beat GP at chess two out of three. It is amazing how smart these children are today.

I have cutting coming in the mail and it is so cold in my garage garden I may have to move my working area into the laundry room. That is great because I spent about 4 hours cleaning it last week. But then I will have something to do because I cannot garden outside.

Charlie, If I add up what my little schnauzers have cost me at the vet over the last 11 years I could buy a championship quarter horse.

Sharron, who is Cupcake and why is Cupcake in the garage?

Sharon, my dear, Cupcake was abandoned as a child, and I rescued her from a horrible fate.

Actually, she is a lovely little gray cat who lived next door to me. When her parents divorced, they moved away without a thought and left her stranded. Since they abandoned her long before they actually left, I had already been feeding her, and even last winter when they still lived next door, I made a bed for her in my garage so she could get out of the cold. She is my garden cat. In the garage she has two beds, one up on a shelf so she can see out the window if she wants, and one in a sheltered corner nearer the heat source.

Here is a not so very good picture of her.

That is one smart cat. If I was a cat I would be looking for you, Charlie, Christie or someone like you.

What?? You wanta live in my garage??
Well, next time you are a cat, come right on. I'll even build you a perch.

You all have a good evening, it's time for me to close my weary eyes!

Had a very first this evening. DH and I were walking the dogs and getting the mail. Pine tree across the street had a large Owl perched on the top. Have never seen an Owl anywhere near here. I will have to investigate and see if they eat Koi. Have a very peaceful sleep Sharron #1.

For sometime now we have had a hawk in our area, very unusual. Can pretty much be assured when it is here as the crow go mad and carry on till they run it off. I think he is stalking the squirrels and that would be alright with me. His habitat has been destroyed by the building of 15 more houses just a block from here. He is easier to spot now that the trees are bare.

Goodness, still lots to do.......

Christi

Wonder what will happen when there are no trees left for birds.
Or shade.
Or protection from the winds.
Or wood for building or heating.

Positively balmy here today at 32*. Should be up to near 60* on Monday.

You all have a sunshiny day, I'll be back tonight.

It is 42 and raining. I am going to braise some short ribs and DH is making brown rice/wild rice. Also have fresh Brussels Sprouts for me. DH think they should be outlawed. Think of us around 7pm we will be having a wonderful hot meal. Have a wonderful day. I will check in later. If you have not figured it out Charlie, I have invaded your thread. I am a friend of Sharron's and I had to escape another thread and landed here. I will try to be constructive. I am 67, married 35 years, mother of 4, grandmother of 11 and retired. Gardened in Las Vegas for 49 years. Got it right about 15 years ago, but still learning. Especially from DG.

I am 68, married 48 1/2 years, 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, lived in this house since Feb. 10, 1967. Retired (both of us) 3 years.

I'm glad you're here "other Sharon".

Christi

Hope I'm not the one you are running from.....

Don't know anyone who would be running from you LouC.

It is the coldest 40* I've ever felt, I am chilled to my bones.
Back later.

Waaaaaaa, Sharon#2, I love brussels sprouts w/cheese. You've made me hungry.

No Christi, it was not you. Just please do not let anyone know where I have gone. I do not want to move again. Sharron, I am also cold. I have the temperature at 68 and I have two very thick throws over my legs. Last night I got real cold but I had cup of hot chocolate and that took care of it. I use to use Crown Royal to warm me up but I stopped drinking except on very specials occasions and being cold is not one.

Actually, I par boil my brussels sprouts in salted water with a splash of olive oil for 7 to 8 minutes. Then just a little pepper. Have never tried cheese. Probably will not. Unless I want to buy a whole new wardrobe when I gain weight.

I am making a big pot of chili tomorrow. DH loves when it gets cold because I make him all his Texas comfort foods. Have to make cornbread also. That should take care of him for the majority of the week. One thing I really appreciate about DH is he will eat left overs. We actually get left overs from neighbors because they do not eat left overs.

I have four very large bags of leaves for my worm bed. Just getting started with that. I have more coming Monday from the Hoa landscapers. Got the idea from Soil and Composting Forum.

Stay warm and dry. I am going to get on Google and come up with an idea on how to get Sharron warm. My idea is there has to be some kind of food that will raise her inner thermostat. Wish me luck.

Oh please do, I am so cold and I hate this. My fingers and toes actually hurt. And my nose.

Right now, I have on long knee socks, my winter fuzzy lined crocs, long knit jammie bottoms, a long knit sleep shirt, and a fleece robe. If I could type in gloves, I'd have them on too. My house is set at 71*, and it is 41* outside. This is totally ridiculous. And I am drinking Earl Gray tea with tons of honey and lemon in it.

Maybe you should try either Southern Comfort or Crown Royal. I will guarantee you two things. You will no longer be cold, or if you are you will not care. LOL.

Ha!
I only drink KY bourbon!!!

Not really, but if I did I would.
Actually, I used to like a good scotch.

Never have liked scotch. Never tried KY bourbon. When I get done here, I am going on Google.

Gin and tonic with a twist of lime......uuuummmm good.

Off to the freezer to see if we have any Brussell Sprout.s



Latah

Hi All,
Just got back from a fraternity alumni banquet. Good friends, very pleasant, but I also miss dancing. Got a wedding coming up and know there'll be the opportunity there.

Sharon SKW - thanks for trying to make us feel better about the current costs of running Buddy. I suspect your schnauzers may be more deserving of the expense than Buddy. You can't imagine the number of times I've warned Buddy to shape up.

Sharon SKW, of course it's no invasion. Any friend of Sharon or Christi is a friend of mine.

Another good cold temperature warm-up (if you're not driving) is rum.

Sad about the habitat destruction, Christi, Sharon. Very uneasy about grants for cultural activities, in our town, being given out by developers.
They have most of the money, not the conservationists.

Must admit I don't love brussel sprouts, but they're very useful, in junior chemistry, to illustrate the taste of a base (bitter). Of course, the students must never taste a strong and concentrated household base like draino.

Have spent a lot of time reviewing town council meetings recently. Just an idle academic interest. Very interesting. Today, it was announced that one member of our town council is suing five others, plus one of the two newspapers, for 5.25 million dollars. Her allegations include" malfeasance in public office, intimidation, injurious falsehood, conspiracy, intentional infliction of mental suffering and breach of confidence". Personally, I'm firm in my belief that she's an idiot.
Charlie

(idle, idyll, idol?)

This message was edited Dec 13, 2009 3:50 AM

Sounds a little like you might be right about her, Charlie. You do call them like you see them.

It's way past my bedtime...yours too, I'd think.
Good night, my friends.

Good morning. We had a nice rain all night long. It is weird but the swimming pool is just about full. Our pool is not large. It is actually a spool. That mean a larger spa. The grandchildren always ask where the wheelchair ramps are. They have their own gigantic pool but still have to make fun of grandma's spool.

I got two packages from DGer's with plants. One is cutting of a hardy hibiscus and another is an invasive plant in New York. I told my friend Pirl, invasive in New York is probably not invasive in Las Vegas. Anyway she warned me.

Going to make a large pot of chili and then cornbread to go with later this afternoon. DH is dancing in the street. He loves my chili. He is not stupid, he loves anything I make.

All i well but I do not think I am going outside and run around. My get hit by a falling tree. Got a big broken branch in the driveway. Have no idea where it came from. It is different than our trees. I looked for the Owl but he was probably blown into the next state. Love to you all.

Goodness, Charlie. The world of politics is sickening isn't it.

After the chatter about brussel sprouts last night I cooked a package (in the package) for my dinner. Ate everyone and would have eaten a second package if I had it. It was a night of catch as catch can for Mike and I.....just whatever you want. I sometimes crave just one particular vegetable so that is what I have.

The little madarin oranges are in season here for just a few weeks. Purchased 10 boxes Friday and distributed them around the neighborhood. Sometimes I eat 3 at a time. Takes that many to equal a sunkist orange. Oh sooooo sweet and no seeds, peels very easy. Hope they are available where ever you are.

Christi

Yes, bought big box and they are just about all gone. Here they call them Clementines.

Your right. I couldn't think of the official name. Aren't they great? Forget who wrote the article recently.

I like them so much better because they seem to be sweater, and love the no seeds.

Do you get Rainier Cherries there. They also have a very short season. Some time mid summer. They are yellow with a hue of red. They are out of this world. Expensive but worth it.

I have seen them but probably the cost threw me off. I will try them. I'm a fruit lover. If it were not so much trouble I could probably be a vegetarian like Sharon and Charlie.

One day last week we had pinto beans, brown rice and cornbread. Told DH it was better than steak. He didn't agree....big time meat eater.

Just may have to go get a couple of clementines now.

Christi, I am with you. Nothing better than pinto beans, brown rice and cornbread unless it is rosemary olive bread, toasted, buttered and smeared with roasted garlic and dipped in olive oil with balsamic vinegar with fresh ground pepper.. DO NOT GET IN BETWEEN ME AND MY BREAD..LOL

Amen, brother Ben. I have intentions of dusting off the bread machine but I don't really need fresh bread within reach. or potatoes. or corn. or peas. actually any kind of carbohydrate.

Carbs will not hurt you. It is the amount you eat that will. A fresh loaf of hot bread is my enemy. Out comes the butter and when I am done I would like to shoot myself. That is why I do not make bread anymore. When I am ninety five, I am going to eat whatever I want. But right now I have to watch what I eat so I can live that extra one to two years....When my mother was dying, someone brought her a box of chocolates. She knew she was dying. She was already in hospice. I offered her a piece and she said, "I cannot have candy. I am a diabetic." I responded with, "Mother, you are dying, eat the whole box." She had one piece but I do not think she enjoyed it because she had been brain washed for so long.

Crusted bread, roasted garlic, olive oil, my favorites all in one.

Easing up out of a teeth gnashing headache this morning.
But I'll be back before you even miss me.

I found a great article on Google but I do not know how to cut and paste. But I have read up on it and I am going to give it a try. If DG's blows up, I am so sorry. This article is get Sharron warmed up...

Costco makes that very bread. Mike goes out of his way just to buy a couple of loaves.

Sorry about your headache, Sharon.

Now this could be confusing. Sharon or Sharon.

Foods to Keep You Warm in Winter

Winter is on the wane now and as usual, it is going to be very cold. It is a season full of mist and mellows. It is the best season to enjoy abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. This is the time of the year when market places are overflowing with many fresh appealing foods and because of the lower temperature, appetites are high.

The shorter days and cooler temps enhances desire for comfort foods and TV-watching. If you want to stick to comfort foods this winter, you may. But how about eating foods that actually keep you warm this winter?

Food is the foundation of the body and it has the most amazing effects on our system. The concept of foods which have an intrinsic capacity to warm the body is an ancient one and is found in Ayurveda, Unani and Chinese medicine therapy. Now even modern science has started studying and researching a very important aspect of nutrition called "The Post-Digestive Effect of Foods". Simply put, it means that foodstuffs have certain qualities outside the body and once they are eaten and digested, they affect individuals in a certain pattern which is determined by the person's constitution and genetics.

Certain people have a warm constitution others have a cold one. In winters when the outside temperatures are dropping, individuals with cold constitution need specific foods which have an intrinsic ability to warm the body by stimulating certain neuro-transmitters in the body. Conversely, consumption of such foods in excess by individuals who already have warm constitution can lead to mouth blisters and loose motions (according to ayurveda, vata people have cold constitution and pitta people have warm constitution).

As I mentioned previously, it is very important to keep yourself warm in winter and it is really easy to do so. Just add these foods to your daily diet and you'll be able to enjoy your winter to the fullest:

* Til (sesame seeds): Both black and white til have been known to provide heat to the body after digestion. That is exactly why til gajjak, rewari, til laddus are standard winter groceries.
* Garlic: It is not only effective as a cholesterol lowering agent but also as a warming food. Winter is also a bad time for people having bronchitis and asthma. A wonderful remedy for them is to substitute a heavy dinner with a black channa soup with lots of vegetables and curative garlic for the zing!
* Ginger: You can have it in chutney or add it to soups or cooked vegetables.
* Cinnamon: Pulaos and Biryanis taste awesome when you add cinnamon sticks to them
* Onion: Have it as a hot French onion soup or add it to curries.
* Cumin seeds: Add it to flavor green veggies or simply garnish the rotis with it.
* Pepper: It is excellent for asthmatics; you can simply sprinkle some on your breakfast omelette.
* Clove: A great mouth freshener and it is also known for its antiseptic abilities.
* Fennel: Really good for the stomach and can be used as a digestive after meals.
* Fenugreek: Have 1 teaspoon pre-soaked methi seeds early morning; really good for diabetes.
* Almonds: Have 10 soaked almonds in the morning.
* Pumpkin seeds: Have it with sauté channa or murmura with a dash of oil. Also, tarbooz seeds go well with tea.
* Millets: Bajra, jowar rotis with green saags; simply delicious! (makki ki roti with sarson ka sag was invented for a reason). However, people with gas and flatulent tendency should go easy on it.
* Peanuts: we all love it! But because it is very gaseous, avoid over consumption.
* Honey: You should switch to this natural sweetener; great complexion is an added bonus.
* Saffron: Add it to your milk or pulaos. The rich taste will get you hooked!
* Fruits and Vegetables: Winter is the time when warming foods are in abundance. Fruit chat of like oranges, plums, peaches is most welcome. Also, you can make a salad of carrots, oranges, beetroot or just make a vegetable punch!

Foods which have to be avoided:

Maida, white-bread sandwiches, processed chips, aerated drinks, curd, raita, cold coffee, cucumber, alcohol, rice at night, too much butter and ghee and cold water after meals.

Lastly, avoid overeating at night as it overloads your metabolism and diminishes the digestive fire. There are a myriad of recipes online, which can be printed out and can be made in winter months. Perhaps you have your own recipes handed down from generation to generation. Treat the whole family to these exquisite meals that are not only healthy but are guaranteed to make you feel warm always.









Oh, I cannot believe I finally did it. Still do not know how to send the link but the article had some interesting things.











This message was edited Dec 13, 2009 11:04 AM

hold the right click down as you go over the entire area you want to copy. it should have a shadow of some color over it as you go. click "edit" in the master toolbar and the drop down menu will show copy. go to wherever you want to put it and click right finger again and a drop down menu shows paste.

we cross posted and you did it! yay for you!