tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84449185198486285122024-03-05T06:55:03.956-08:00The Merry BlogstersThe Merry Blogsters are a group of interested in herbs, oils, soap, jewelry, fiber and crafting of all sorts. We are business women who love what we do. We thought it would be fun to get together and share our ideas on a blog.Tina Samshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723071355189498268noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444918519848628512.post-32055820788051627082010-04-01T15:39:00.000-07:002010-04-01T15:56:25.680-07:00Herbal Blog Party!Spring is a great time of year to start planning or expanding your herb garden, and Corey at Aquarian Bath is having a party! An herbal blog party that is and has invited the following bloggers to share their ideas, and gardens.<br /><br />Take a minute to visit:<br /><br />Tina Sams of from the <a href="http://theessentialherbal.blogspot.com/2010/03/spring-herbs-what-are-we-doing-now.html">Essential Herbal</a> gives us a tour of emerging Spring herbs in Pennsylvania. Her Anise Hyssop photo is featured in this blog post. ~Cindy Jones of <a href="http://sagescript.blogspot.com/2010/03/spring-herbs.html">Sage Script</a> also shows us what herbs are coming up in Colorado, and discusses plans for herbal planting.~Sarah Head of <a href="http://kitchenherbwife.blogspot.com/2010/03/celebrating-herbal-springtime.html">Tales of a Kitchen Herbwife</a> in England shares a richly descriptive post on the first medicines of spring.~Lady Barbara of <a href="http://ladybarbarasgarden.wordpress.com/2010/03/31/now-that-its-spring/">Lady Barbara's Garden</a> in Oregon takes us on an exuberant Alice in Wonderland stroll finishing up with a treasury of Violet Magic.~Beth Brynne of the Garden Meanderings blog in Western New York also discusses emerging <a href="http://soapandgarden.blogspot.com/2010/03/herbs-of-spring-it-has-sprung.html">Spring Plants</a>. Visit Maggie McMillan's lovely farm. What beautiful animals she has. Maggie shares about making biiter <a href="http://camvalleyrambles.blogspot.com/2010/03/vegetable-plotting.html">Dandelion coffee and Dock syrup</a>.~Yael Grauer of Dirt Time is also "Embracing the Bitter" this month. Check out her post on <a href="http://www.dirttime.org/2010/03/31/embracing-the-bitter/">Horseradish</a>. ~Karen Vaughan of Acupuncture Brooklyn discusses the challenges and opportunities of <a href="http://www.acupuncturebrooklyn.com/alternative-health/springtime-in-an-urban-garden">Spring Time Urban Gardening</a>.~Here at <a href="http://aquarianbath.blogspot.com/2010/04/snapshots-from-spring-day-in-herb.html">Aquarian Bath</a>, my contribution to the blog party is Shapshots from my Spring day in the Garden at Fair Share yesterday. You will definately want to check out the new and unique "US mint" bed we started yesterday.<br /><br />Happy Gardening<br />KarenUnknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444918519848628512.post-58905803684143108872010-03-31T17:55:00.001-07:002010-03-31T17:58:03.923-07:00Spring has Arrived in the OzarksToday it seems like everything decided it was time. Forsythia, Dutchman's Breeches, and Bloodroot all were blooming on the county roadside. Tomorrow I'll try to take some pictures.Roxannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16716381674721778467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444918519848628512.post-50090890021347670842010-03-25T17:10:00.000-07:002010-03-25T17:14:23.121-07:00Earth Hour<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjElCFDSrxzxqQ2rUQ9zyPkcKdY3EP_hWKK7PtQBlZY5DRRlxw33RTFaeNWIp1u1gcUNSIAj2NKdJ2pqnOKMVhCvfQO9JhFFlyWHx6OzVBZxq_3NBSYqcwx0AZzwPCeg6aCSmqTZjCmPRTD/s1600/Vietnam-crowd-on-EH.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjElCFDSrxzxqQ2rUQ9zyPkcKdY3EP_hWKK7PtQBlZY5DRRlxw33RTFaeNWIp1u1gcUNSIAj2NKdJ2pqnOKMVhCvfQO9JhFFlyWHx6OzVBZxq_3NBSYqcwx0AZzwPCeg6aCSmqTZjCmPRTD/s320/Vietnam-crowd-on-EH.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452729186371185810" /></a><br />On Saturday, March 27, at 8:30 PM your local time, turn your lights off and unplug your appliances for an hour. You will be joining with millions of people and thousands of municipalities around the world in a dramatic demonstration of unified global cooperation for a sustainable environment. www.earthhour.orgUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444918519848628512.post-56786905331617201052010-01-29T10:06:00.001-08:002010-01-29T10:07:21.186-08:00Snowing hard now<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxAj1jRLY_-OYWGEjSrRma5-9WUlzsAuQEMGusXmD0rjlaCfJYBonNtHxuDgJ6XsAXp3kT4ep8j6fYiREYYcyM5Fgk13Zm1Jqe0fJLOnjIUTABRvOmjn5JzHyU4Ibw9A3j97NAcw-CgM/s1600-h/P1150322.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxAj1jRLY_-OYWGEjSrRma5-9WUlzsAuQEMGusXmD0rjlaCfJYBonNtHxuDgJ6XsAXp3kT4ep8j6fYiREYYcyM5Fgk13Zm1Jqe0fJLOnjIUTABRvOmjn5JzHyU4Ibw9A3j97NAcw-CgM/s400/P1150322.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432224888121114130" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGABZingZBapOio7kbTt-jm7DKj1S18HJfp5OQI9IY3b6ewFM5Vg4UnBXyFGS6IK6ytohFEUVPEpF4pr896DqQm-ODRaGPD6oaDDQtOTubVYSG0eE6m0Aj0rXHbsMxgRapU1MeEdAp9yw/s1600-h/P1150318.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 335px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGABZingZBapOio7kbTt-jm7DKj1S18HJfp5OQI9IY3b6ewFM5Vg4UnBXyFGS6IK6ytohFEUVPEpF4pr896DqQm-ODRaGPD6oaDDQtOTubVYSG0eE6m0Aj0rXHbsMxgRapU1MeEdAp9yw/s400/P1150318.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432224881108076658" /></a><br /><br />It's snowing pretty hard now, a blizzard, even.Roxannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16716381674721778467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444918519848628512.post-2208649669622393072010-01-13T19:18:00.000-08:002010-01-29T08:30:08.430-08:00Kitchen Cosmetics Blog PartyAs winter drags on in most parts of the country our skin is probably suffering from dryness. Here are a few links to blogs with simple recipes that you can try at home to help your skin get through winter.<br /><br />Cindy Jones from Colorado Aromatics at Sagescript Institute posted a recipe for a yogurt facial that is easy and soothing. You will find several good options for herbs to add to this right on your spice shelf such as parsley, thyme, even turmeric. <a href="http://sagescript.blogspot.com/2010/01/kitchen-cosmetics-blog-party.html">http://sagescript.blogspot.com/2010/01/kitchen-cosmetics-blog-party.html</a><br /><br />Mountain Mary posted some recipes for salt scrubs. Exfoliating is a great way to get more moisture into the skin.<br /><a href="http://mountainmarys.blogspot.com/2010/01/kitchen-cosmetics-blog-party.html">http://mountainmarys.blogspot.com/2010/01/kitchen-cosmetics-blog-party.html</a><br /><br />Maryanne Kudera posted a few recipes here; one of which uses 'old champagne'. Personally, I would never leave champagne around long enough for it to get old but you might try it.<br /><a href="http://maryannkudera.blogspot.com/2010/01/kitchen-cosmetics.html" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1264283474_0">http://maryannkudera.blogspot.com/2010/01/kitchen-cosmetics.html</span></a><br /><br />Maggie at Prairie Land Herbs posted a recipe for a lemon egg shampoo. Soon our chickens will be laying too many eggs for us to eat so I'll try it then.<br /><a href="http://prairielandherbs.blogspot.com/2010/01/first-up-obligatory-weather-related.html">http://prairielandherbs.blogspot.com/2010/01/first-up-obligatory-weather-related.html</a><br /><br />Cory Trusty of Aquarian Bath posted instructions for making an herb infused vinegar and them some great recipes using it. <a href="http://aquarianbath.blogspot.com/2010/01/kitchen-cosmetics-do-it-yourself-body.html"> http://aquarianbath.blogspot.com/2010/01/kitchen-cosmetics-do-it-yourself-body.html</a>This time of year winter makes itself known by giving us dry itchy skin. Besides the wonderful skin care products offered by Colorado Aromatics and other small independent companies, there is also alot that you can do for your skin from your kitchen using simple ingredients. My all time favorite is the yogurt facial.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444918519848628512.post-56205624183329024402009-06-15T14:08:00.001-07:002009-06-15T14:18:20.753-07:00Happy Father's Day ~<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-8bXk46AldZexe4d56IzdaHD8iIyz_ed2Wr8nG0fCd0vZwDgZenHf7zhJ54fxKnjojn-pFckWRCUa3zBw-xZ2vq7qjSIqKZEIKz11oU0cwvm9bMfDTBmuNVu5drcd-n3TQyP_YUxJ-0/s1600-h/I+Love+You+Dad+in+the+sand+beach.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-8bXk46AldZexe4d56IzdaHD8iIyz_ed2Wr8nG0fCd0vZwDgZenHf7zhJ54fxKnjojn-pFckWRCUa3zBw-xZ2vq7qjSIqKZEIKz11oU0cwvm9bMfDTBmuNVu5drcd-n3TQyP_YUxJ-0/s320/I+Love+You+Dad+in+the+sand+beach.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347664856163112914" /></a><br /><br />This weekend is <strong>Father's Day </strong>.. a day to celebrate and honor the men in our lives.<br />I was not fortunate in this lifetime to know my Dad ... however, my Grandpa and Uncles were very loving and positive roll models for me. <br /><br /><strong>Some quotes for Father's Day:</strong><br /><br />'It is not flesh and blood ..<br />but the heart which makes us ..<br />fathers and sons. '<br />- - Johann Schiller<br /><br />'Sherman made the terrible discovery that men make about their fathers sooner or later... that the man before him was not an aging father but a boy, a boy much like himself, a boy who grew up and had a child of his own and, as best he could, out of a sense of duty and, perhaps love, adopted a role called Being a Father so that his child would have something mythical and infinitely important: a Protector, who would keep a lid on all the chaotic and catastrophic possibilities of life. '<br />~ ~Tom Wolfe, The Bonfire of the Vanities<br /><br />"My father didn't tell me how to live; <br />he lived, and let me watch him do it." <br />-- Clarence Budington Kelland<br /><br />In honor of Father's Day ~<br /><br /><strong>Blog Watcher's Special: </strong><br />Free Shipping on all orders $50.00 or more<br />on UPS Ground in the continental USA.<br />This offer is valid thru June 22, 2009<br />Enter this in the 'comment section' when checking out.<br />We will only honor those that enter this code:<br /><strong>FD09 Free Ship</strong><br /><br /><strong>Our Father's Day Give A Way ~ </strong><br /><br />1 - (4 / 5 oz bar) Working Man Hands Handmade Soap<br />1 - (4 / 5 oz bar) Scandanavian Woods Handmade Soap<br />1 - 4 oz Peppermint Hydrosol for a cooling after shave spray<br /><br />Please be sure to put your name and email address so that we may contact you.<br />Pass this on to those that you think may enjoy our Give A Way.<br /><br />- until next time,<br />Rosanne<br />www.sunrosearomatics.comSunRose112@aol.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02491989866726278664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444918519848628512.post-36334088655508254272009-06-10T07:37:00.001-07:002009-06-10T07:49:04.344-07:00Roses are Blooming<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9sBqY9fTVu70dcHKw73672rhg8L5FT8UQw5Zn3P5yfYPm4hlRZkhUC_JevVuuvqClFe4jv0bu5IOXt9RGXUSFMkD3_c5qKcyJsql4jCCvcBmx6M97dGNoiHIUb7x5O_rHtLX6bNp8Y8Cg/s1600-h/IMG_1650.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9sBqY9fTVu70dcHKw73672rhg8L5FT8UQw5Zn3P5yfYPm4hlRZkhUC_JevVuuvqClFe4jv0bu5IOXt9RGXUSFMkD3_c5qKcyJsql4jCCvcBmx6M97dGNoiHIUb7x5O_rHtLX6bNp8Y8Cg/s320/IMG_1650.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345709161160843666" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU_ZaJngzDpdEsO5_ZOvqKMWiVoE_6ZKPyymquLGTAEnbU9cq4vqIyzCmBMxnc2GqmySbvtAKwJRTRum7WsQ0VWJjmgSJqVg1NE4i7gcHgdojDWNxuhv-dFA-99IxMNMsuwrbRUVQNCLHd/s1600-h/IMG_1659.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU_ZaJngzDpdEsO5_ZOvqKMWiVoE_6ZKPyymquLGTAEnbU9cq4vqIyzCmBMxnc2GqmySbvtAKwJRTRum7WsQ0VWJjmgSJqVg1NE4i7gcHgdojDWNxuhv-dFA-99IxMNMsuwrbRUVQNCLHd/s320/IMG_1659.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345709160616239730" border="0" /></a><br />I am very excited that the first roses started blooming This week. This is when I gather all my baskets to start picking roses and rose buds to dry and use later for Colorado Aromatics products and crafts I might do later. Some roses will be ground and used in bath salts and scrubs, some will be saved to use in potpourri. The buds will be saved for later use. One thing to do with buds is to string them like a necklace and put them on a lampshade. The warmth of the light will help release the scent. Later when more roses are blooming I'll harvest them for a small distillation run.<br />Cindy, SagescriptUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444918519848628512.post-62752436726334679712009-01-24T09:47:00.001-08:002009-01-25T07:55:10.340-08:00It's almost February - where has the long dark winter gone?I know that the northern readers are wanting to come down here and give me a talking to about my thinking that winter is almost over. My tongue is planted firmly in my cheek, because I know the worst is yet to come. I like to think about spring though. It makes winter more bearable.<br /><br />To be honest, I'm not much of a seed starter. Lancaster County is awash with greenhouses, herb farms, and the month of May (and parts of April and June) is crammed with herb festivals and herb farm open houses. It is a gardener's dream, and when I read of the people in other parts of the country who have nothing much except a hardware store or big-box store selection, I appreciate it even more.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294904141748153666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkCN6QHd5c9ngzebTjEUhoLJ3Pc1gzTw_fgaAq8gRHwfFgfjER_J5NpyQdDoA3tysEIS9nPKttSptVN55GZZl4CeOAtm07S1rIf3gFfkcRdT7ud2DUqBEY_OWF-IhUhbM2VL3D2bzSXpE/s400/HPIM0825.JPG" border="0" /> <div><div><div><div>So mostly, that is how my garden comes to life. Mostly I transplant what others have started and nurtured to a point that it might actually survive me.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294903198566752834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgo1u_jnsfbIMhgSJwg6R1QDJGLA6bux76HMhdEm7EkSW9zgWpXBycrRO3Ka86jhBPEizSXCDe-AWxvfT8fihof_THuvAwokjWJQu0rHwO2jkwUxR0CuRZyRhgob5jdxYxncdzACVytsU/s400/cover+shot+0507.jpg" border="0" />What manages to survive my forgetfulness usually falls victim to the roving gangs of bunnies or the insatiably gnawing hunger of the unstoppable groundhog. Then there are the giant deer hoof prints I find in the garden, and the birds that sit waiting for the berries to ripen. But never mind that. If I think about that too much I might give up - and gardeners NEVER give up. So where was I?<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294904144966880882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8T6mtsFXkn64h1dmQ8onFdcfKGGY8oUD0GTXoDBnbjphNmpg1LYRJyl-QIb3NMT6o9q7NIhFu-chTFMsJfGQ7dnbBSvQmvTThpUfRnam3QBH95VD-8xGY7AjOZANF4Hm9AoGCWisX404/s400/HPIM0824.JPG" border="0" />Oh. Right. We were talking about seed starting. There are parts of the country (and thriftier people than I) where seeds are the way to begin the garden. Many people wouldn't think of purchasing adolescent plants, and if they are vigilant, seeds will pay them back many times over.</div></div><div></div><br /><div>We were talking on <a href="http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/TheEssentialHerbal/">the Yahoo Group</a> for <a href="http://www.essentialherbal.com/">The Essential Herbal Magazine</a>, and some of the favorite seed sources can be found below:</div><br /><div><a href="http://www.fedcoseeds.com/">Fedco Seeds</a></div><br /><div><a href="http://horizonherbs.com/">Horizon Herbs</a></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.arborday.org/index.cfm">ArborDay.Org</a></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.therosemaryhouse.com/">The Rosemary House</a></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.botanicalinterests.com/store/shop">Botanical Interests</a></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.heirloomseeds.com/">Heirloom Seeds</a></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.rareseeds.com/">Rare Seeds at Baker Creek</a></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.seedsavers.org/">Seed Savers</a></div><br /><div><a href="http://landisvalleymuseum.org/seeds.php">Landis Valley Museum Heirloom Seed Project</a></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.abundantlifeseeds.com/">Abundant Life Seeds<br /></a></div><br /><div>They all have lots of great information, and I could spend several days just visiting seed websites. I DO grow most of my vegetables from seed. Things like eggplant, where I only need one or two plants, and melon, which takes forever to grow, I will buy the plants. Everything else in the veggie garden is from seed. Come to think of it, this should be a post about PLANTS! Maybe later.</div><div></div><br /><div>While you're thinking about gardening, consider our book, <a href="http://www.essentialherbal.com/shop/?cat=3">The Essential Herbal ~ Under the Sun</a>. There are several articles on different types of gardens, how to create good soil, how to care for seedlings, and get rid of pests.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294911110588725218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 141px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGSg5WFqY_fn5Vicz8kWVGn9fWYWWlzxTNe24dZEIhofFgfUgr_-2d58pTsoHiJhLjGL1YOmIoRfVReOPBsf2kIg_g-lCcNTuZnEDUrCFl2-X4uEVUVoZ-Crhxm_HgWyL2iO_ixRM6GJI/s400/underthesunblogsize.JPG" border="0" />We also have the CobraHead tool <a href="http://www.essentialherbal.com/shop/?cat=6">available on our website</a>. This is one tool you don't want to be without when you are out there doing battle with the dandelion, the sour dock, and the bladderwort. This baby is ergonomically designed to help you get more bang for your buck. Less wasted energy, more effect. And it is one of the few tools that can take me through season after season without rusting, bending, or breaking. </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294904808258817682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 118px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNg0CmvXmhGqT3gG6vRpndDnDTiXW3KIpNcGvTk3SIV1MWGrMOKZvSIBCeL9RCyLF4bJC__z92LUwMMuYoXWa6xrthxcmmLULgYI1P73QFOTPi0PPdJofA2cONTmm-AWN1qJUtdT-JTUk/s400/cobra-head.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><div>And before the season gets started and you need something for those tired muscles, head over and get your supply of Gardener's Soap, Arnica Rub and Gardener's Tub Tea from our sister site: <a href="http://www.siblinggroup.com/">The Sibling Group!</a></div><div></div><div>Credit for the pansy picture goes to Deborah Stiffler. Deborah, of Scent-sational submitted this photo for the cover of the May/June '07 issue of The Essential Herbal.</div></div></div>Tina Samshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723071355189498268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444918519848628512.post-64520032196971954172009-01-19T09:59:00.001-08:002009-01-19T10:00:43.233-08:00Operation World Smudge<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMV6bk0coxfMg5HNvutnYg7wXF6O1d_eGjnZn4gpQIjAUx-vVv0lNBh30bFah61wXzBR0VY_hgBp5bLvQS9XrTdmw4hrF7DYe3nluBfXfkZrWmLRm1Ja-2qWBRalxOXYENS0L_XK9sPah/s1600-h/world+smudge.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMV6bk0coxfMg5HNvutnYg7wXF6O1d_eGjnZn4gpQIjAUx-vVv0lNBh30bFah61wXzBR0VY_hgBp5bLvQS9XrTdmw4hrF7DYe3nluBfXfkZrWmLRm1Ja-2qWBRalxOXYENS0L_XK9sPah/s320/world+smudge.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293066265961583650" /></a><br />Yesterday I received an invitation to join Operation World Smudge. Anyone can participate. Maybe you'll want to, too! Here's the info:<br /><br />Smudge where you are! Participate from home!<br /><br />Smudging is a Native American tradition that involves the burning of herbs such as: sage, sweet-grass, tobacco and cedar for the purpose of purification. Join in the WORLD SMUDGE event and smudge your home, office or land on Inauguration Day. Help clear out the old administration and prepare a clear space for change.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444918519848628512.post-23408525603844561662009-01-11T14:46:00.000-08:002009-01-11T15:04:25.820-08:00Creative Work Spaces<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyTvIysqxA7MSK-RP5Nv_pSWNShKlMTF-3s2IR1QrU87nFs4GumaDTWboaclbbc2C-ra5z4JTgTEPNo9m-Gp3PFYTazdcmotVmjtBWcgXo758hHqp0l042XSzlH6s8oSwpUATgnUGmMShH/s1600-h/haha+picture.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290175706906197362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyTvIysqxA7MSK-RP5Nv_pSWNShKlMTF-3s2IR1QrU87nFs4GumaDTWboaclbbc2C-ra5z4JTgTEPNo9m-Gp3PFYTazdcmotVmjtBWcgXo758hHqp0l042XSzlH6s8oSwpUATgnUGmMShH/s200/haha+picture.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTJU7whlph6qWRefv-M1cfQIFD9Z7fYJNu2_KnoW19bd5dMCDaz43B6rR1ByLQ_N5ZqzJpJVZ3nSfm8kgkZXuGSP9uobJqYb17v6qJIQgjubmt8bJP_8XwxeHXRy3_UwmYVCjIej_H0C2/s1600-h/1950's+pixies.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290174477954849810" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTJU7whlph6qWRefv-M1cfQIFD9Z7fYJNu2_KnoW19bd5dMCDaz43B6rR1ByLQ_N5ZqzJpJVZ3nSfm8kgkZXuGSP9uobJqYb17v6qJIQgjubmt8bJP_8XwxeHXRy3_UwmYVCjIej_H0C2/s200/1950's+pixies.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tAAJyR1OBKPOsqcKgUeTpyr96eSyTI_hbRxOGk_uX_x3EHPBIyztpOsZ4HWWNYITmLA8iXZNoMWuCO5U3_aFl5pLaJKcHsi43OBePdGZ4FDSgOnvN2rqFrYRkPo_G1vrX9hXFScT83pC/s1600-h/computer+hutch.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290174180659650834" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tAAJyR1OBKPOsqcKgUeTpyr96eSyTI_hbRxOGk_uX_x3EHPBIyztpOsZ4HWWNYITmLA8iXZNoMWuCO5U3_aFl5pLaJKcHsi43OBePdGZ4FDSgOnvN2rqFrYRkPo_G1vrX9hXFScT83pC/s200/computer+hutch.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5hXZ5UYGMnKONAxKjBkkq9Ff6GGxIWH_y1hSL5dcL2Wq11Dn1Bfg15sI8qYeYjvVX88Jsx0Nx20AOdO4j06Dj_5LrbWm7M3Gqj2sJA3nt1KjDoqmAI0B1hyPnN3lorzoKbfhERTR_E1M/s1600-h/red+cabinet.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290173683434505170" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5hXZ5UYGMnKONAxKjBkkq9Ff6GGxIWH_y1hSL5dcL2Wq11Dn1Bfg15sI8qYeYjvVX88Jsx0Nx20AOdO4j06Dj_5LrbWm7M3Gqj2sJA3nt1KjDoqmAI0B1hyPnN3lorzoKbfhERTR_E1M/s200/red+cabinet.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Okay the holidays are over, winter has decided to visit North Georgia, so there is not a lot to do outside. This years Burpee Catalog came in the mail yesterday, and I have plans with a hot cup of coffee and a recliner later this evening pouring over the tomatoe section. I will report on all the great new vegetables and flowers tomorrow on my gardenchick blog <a href="http://www.gardenchick.com/garden-blog">www.gardenchick.com/garden-blog</a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>HOWEVER, today was the day to start crossing off the to-do-list, which is part of my 2009 goals. Today, clean and organize my office. I plan on making this years garden, and my Gardenchick business my priorities this year. I don't know about ya'll, but I can't think in clutter. I also have to have inspiration around me. Since I collect junk, what a great place to put it all together in my office downstairs. My son has almost finished painting (who would have known that the earlier green on the walls would have needed THREE coats of light yellow to cover it up.).<br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The computer hutch is filled with my gnomes, the 1950's pixies I just love, and old concrete dwarf I paid a whole dollar for at a flea market. On the top shelf you will see a picture of my mother and her sister in a cornfield (1930's). The red cabinet holds some 1950-1960 paint by number pictures, an old rose care kit, and other odds and ends. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>But just in case you thought I had conquered the clutter I included a "left to do picture".</div><br /><div>Karen</div><br /><div><a href="http://www.gardenchick.com/">http://www.gardenchick.com/</a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444918519848628512.post-66771714581869278892008-11-29T10:10:00.000-08:002008-11-29T11:33:55.145-08:00It's all a blur....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJXVLOMwcFeI5v4MsCyDUPA9E8enQKGmaf7wguz9jVkpdoaksHOayjlRJLbQIrXoDhCv4PaO1m3hvWGfNXR1OvWOIYMIavFNOSBAILmg9YE2Qbin9Spp8Qdt11X0aHWVzhsrm5kS19_eo/s1600-h/blg+4804.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJXVLOMwcFeI5v4MsCyDUPA9E8enQKGmaf7wguz9jVkpdoaksHOayjlRJLbQIrXoDhCv4PaO1m3hvWGfNXR1OvWOIYMIavFNOSBAILmg9YE2Qbin9Spp8Qdt11X0aHWVzhsrm5kS19_eo/s400/blg+4804.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274143853243352882" border="0" /></a>I know, I know.....the yellow leaves of the last post have long dropped off and blown away and we are nearly dipping our frosty toes into December days. The last few weeks have been simply a blur of big activity around here. I have no other excuse other than to admit that my creative focus has been bound in production to fill holiday demand and scheduling out classes for all of 2009. I am thankful that I have big orders to fill and that demand for classes has grown. Oh so thankful.The sense of urgency that comes naturally with the changing seasons from fall to hunkered-down winter is layered with holiday cooking, days "off" in the middle of the week, unexpected visits and a break with the normal rhythm of my days. Wrapping up another year of classes collides with a jump in the truck and a weekend of driving to bring the wayward Iceman from the North for a quick week at home. All the while, mulling over important travel details with darling daughter as she prepares to maneuver through three airports to arrive on a sunny summer Australian beach a few days before Christmas. The blurry image above is my first published attempt with my new camera after attending the class to understand it's workings. I was practicing my action panning shot without a flash...a challenge even to those with more experience than I. Anyway, it does artfully depict the crazy scene around here, so I chose to post it. Fast, blurry and challenging !! Over the years, I have learned to adapt to the balance that is required with operating a home-centered business. It takes alot of juggling, compromise and multitasking skills. But sometimes it's just worth getting up in the dark hours before the rest of the world, to get things done, think uninterrupted thoughts and feel that tiny creative spark that comes with quiet rewarding work. It makes it that much easier to share an hour cuddled up with a kid who has a story to tell, a neighbor who needs a helping hand or to follow a cooking muse in the middle of the day. The days can be mighty long but the benefits and rewards are so worthwhile. It's the best of all worlds and I can never say I've led a boring, unfulfilled life.Susan Hesshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00495303129321257560noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444918519848628512.post-33949353878673580292008-11-14T18:34:00.000-08:002008-11-14T18:44:55.932-08:00Fall fun<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGVAPk1_wOSnkwcfNJZ-kg-XH88lJBz5uoKfSNKrV10P7pKSn4ILRFt-7npvyyn_6sIswkGIcjWlPPgpZl2GGDYT0Hm0hQ4KdHRcwQdWv-f2QaBQTQkEeXHeV8trrEN5voISaGwyImC2V/s1600-h/kendall+and+worms.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268709482091083618" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwGVAPk1_wOSnkwcfNJZ-kg-XH88lJBz5uoKfSNKrV10P7pKSn4ILRFt-7npvyyn_6sIswkGIcjWlPPgpZl2GGDYT0Hm0hQ4KdHRcwQdWv-f2QaBQTQkEeXHeV8trrEN5voISaGwyImC2V/s200/kendall+and+worms.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9wr7B6ymebq6nLrUSUniQVtDgFNsmqllR3z8ThdvpjN9krcB9Nn5QNPvqUu7gzpj8jI6nHIKaKO_iaiKKQdhpdY1-pxYuLrnAcc9dKSbJeiQO-dUi1wVrZP-lpmPNafB2XtzvF_SIpoe2/s1600-h/kenzie+in+japanese+maple.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268709299391424978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9wr7B6ymebq6nLrUSUniQVtDgFNsmqllR3z8ThdvpjN9krcB9Nn5QNPvqUu7gzpj8jI6nHIKaKO_iaiKKQdhpdY1-pxYuLrnAcc9dKSbJeiQO-dUi1wVrZP-lpmPNafB2XtzvF_SIpoe2/s200/kenzie+in+japanese+maple.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgll7e8s8WWn2DST-gqDDz86pgWkO-8UPvqbf_LDr99_j-zo7O_SFDdvapO5M701tCsk8cmEmtAwQuIiqac64O1x5SIt7dDuaBpX-lTfbWwN8ANqOeh9f1oF8A2t7o16vklDaGOZJC4uT1e/s1600-h/girls+in+leaves.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268708701601460002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgll7e8s8WWn2DST-gqDDz86pgWkO-8UPvqbf_LDr99_j-zo7O_SFDdvapO5M701tCsk8cmEmtAwQuIiqac64O1x5SIt7dDuaBpX-lTfbWwN8ANqOeh9f1oF8A2t7o16vklDaGOZJC4uT1e/s200/girls+in+leaves.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>I know a number of people on the Merry Blogsters live in the Northern States, and I don't <em>MEAN</em> to rub it in but......it has been beautiful weather here in North Georgia (temperature high 50's, lower 60's). It was perfect weather to go out with my granddaughters and enjoy this fall weather. We have a beautiful maple tree that has just turned a golden yellow, and "blessed" us with a yard full of leaves. The girls and I went out to play in the leaves, and another one of their favorite things to do in the garden, "hunt for worms". If it makes everyone shivering from the cold feel any better, the forcast is for temperatures overnight in the low 30's with a possibility of snow flurries in the morning. Hope you enjoy our pictures! </div><div>Karen, Mackenzie, and Kendall</div><div><a href="http://www.gardenchick.com/">www.gardenchick.com</a></div><div><a href="http://www.gardenchick.com/garden-blog">www.gardenchick.com/garden-blog</a> </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444918519848628512.post-42611241211736901512008-11-11T09:02:00.001-08:002008-11-11T09:16:37.059-08:00Tea Swap<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpGoVu4ISoa5XQWYE90mRWiP0wJPm5wfOrh0OHWjF_i8vpUlrTdlPAFlw2UaLQgms0wpxN4xc4stwPTM81nbBCFcciTrGIv75YyxBBfjWbhOfz8ggPo7qxCY8Lb2xJ11tNJ7i8_o_peIYQ/s1600-h/swapteas.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267450029006646034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 227px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpGoVu4ISoa5XQWYE90mRWiP0wJPm5wfOrh0OHWjF_i8vpUlrTdlPAFlw2UaLQgms0wpxN4xc4stwPTM81nbBCFcciTrGIv75YyxBBfjWbhOfz8ggPo7qxCY8Lb2xJ11tNJ7i8_o_peIYQ/s320/swapteas.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Its getting cold here and they call for snow. I am getting that tickly feeling in the back of my throat that warns of a cold coming on so I thought I'd have a cup of tea. We sometimes do swaps here at Essential Herbal and recently did a tea swap so I looked through the teas I had for an appropriate one. Oh, so many good ones to choose from. I settled on Debra's because I knew the echinacea, astragalus, rosehips as well as the other ingredients would do me well on a day like this. So I brewed my tea and settled in at my computer for more work. However, now, hours later, I can't feel that tickle in my throat any more.</div><br /><div>Cindy Jones</div><br /><div><a href="http://www.sagescript.com/">http://www.sagescript.com/</a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444918519848628512.post-56522523875054621872008-11-06T10:11:00.000-08:002008-11-06T10:13:40.768-08:00Do You Recycle?Part of being green and sustainable is recycling and reusing. This is being made easier with a variety of websites dedicated to the cause. At Earth 911 you can look up information for your city on what can be recycled or disposed of and where. In fact, you can put in a specific item you need to get rid of such as used motor oil or electronics and then be directed to a location near you. It also carries news articles related to recycling. <a href="http://earth911.com/">http://earth911.com</a>.<br /><br />We are probably all aware of thrift stores such as Salvation Army, ARC, and Goodwill as places to find a variety of used household items and clothing. Thrift stores have been around for along time and have provided me with many needed items at a discount price. These organizations are also been a valuable resource when cleaning out my closets and drawers and hopefully my children’s used clothing have benefitted others. I have been on several phone lists for thrift stores that call me about every 6 weeks to see if I have anything to pick up. Its convenient for me and provides an incentive to clean.<br /><br />Restore is a store run by Habitat for Humanity and sells (as well as accepts) various household and building items for resell. I have bought many items there for the yard and office including fence posts, office chairs and room dividers. They usually have shelves and shelves of nails and screws as well as paint. Go here to see if there is one in your town: <a href="http://www.habitat.org/env/restores.aspx">http://www.habitat.org/env/restores.aspx</a><br /><br />The Freecycle Network was established to keep things out of the landfill and is an example of one person’s trash can be another person’s treasure. They have more than 4,000 local groups that are run as Yahoo Groups. If one person has something they no longer want and are willing to give it for free to someone else who needs it they can post it on their local Freecycle group for someone else to take. Go here to find a local group: <a href="http://www.freecycle.org/">http://www.freecycle.org/</a>.<br /><br />Craigs list is a site where anyone can post free classified ads. There are sites for over 500 cities. Many things on Craig’s list are free or at least inexpensive. I have used Craig’s list to find inexpensive yard tools and free firewood. <a href="http://www.craigslist.org/">www.craigslist.org</a>.<br /><br />I am posting these links and more when I find them on the right border of my website to make it easier to find them. Let me know if you know of any other useful ones.<br />Cindy<br />SagescriptUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444918519848628512.post-23031504240909009602008-10-18T17:09:00.000-07:002008-10-18T17:49:04.720-07:00Pictures from the fair - Sonny and Andrea are engaged!Today we were summoned to the renaissance faire. It was a simply gorgeous day.<br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258653112509245330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw__rT_4i201YrEetgOTpi7XWlCA_-JOa07v0cz3l4VGcjNIKnrIuwY-hKWEYCngCZgUXEMuyCa8VGPdMWv5Q91MrCteHACvGBvKSSppbIb-Mn-OhRv8iuRgg09fibIwOG50GwFLkJcSM/s400/straw+man.JPG" border="0" />The immense straw man greeted us as we entered, in stark contrast to the queen growing by the side of the mansion. Heh heh... I have gardening gloves just like the queen's!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8USYlkSD1PGpTkkEvaY0m7KKESVEaev9vMXAdcPLosVYZoG1bL83fxoLl5ut1yTvLdWjtr3zMd9dgQ4TsjgGbGV3Pdrh4RSjOO7huLf_KTaYa5t6F1t_2h8Zx062rphlZsg4dDt21pJs/s1600-h/queen.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258654119050795922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8USYlkSD1PGpTkkEvaY0m7KKESVEaev9vMXAdcPLosVYZoG1bL83fxoLl5ut1yTvLdWjtr3zMd9dgQ4TsjgGbGV3Pdrh4RSjOO7huLf_KTaYa5t6F1t_2h8Zx062rphlZsg4dDt21pJs/s400/queen.JPG" border="0" /></a> Our kids work there, and one of their best friends, Sonny, met his sweetheart there last year. Today he proposed to her on stage during the Queen's Court intro to the day. We were happy to go witness it. He did a fine job of it, too. Sonny approached the stage filled with confidence. We were all so happy when these two finally decided to stop the wild flirtation and finally date. They make a very sweet couple. They changed quickly and surely from 2 single people into a couple who are very much ready to make a life together.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258653425670364002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLkuHC9_5lPFDNm_CIdpVT8412UaHFVeyDxZtrq4LPqVQce65MfAQrevfnIQ2mFRdZ1IREp-Dxw4HRyplkFIL8xImTcldEHI6g672X4vgWlaNo8PiCkmI-Tgj21X0FgPA4kh1ecwXbPRA/s400/sonny+approaches+the+stage.JPG" border="0" />Andrea came forth, and Sonny gave her several dozen roses before dropping to one knee. He'd written what he wanted to say to her. I think the queen may have been in suspense, but how could any woman turn that down? Look at him! The ring was his grandmother's.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258653427722403234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVp8ABCFW6AcRuRhUFwAg_HLAz4_fHeJz_qy2ULPA2q3PhN8T3TfMxWkeEmi1-1N6JOHAqix1Roj3aQavhIx8mELq8VUjvYnlhytek615TuvlQVcdXw2GTABoqs5QrZsNRxYUPNbMeHpg/s400/sonny+pops+the+question.JPG" border="0" />And of course, she said yes. To my stunned surprise, I looked beside me to see my sister and daughter both in tears. I must be getting salty in my dodderage.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258653438140012274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoIhsGHesUimrLVO6KcJHTH8kosIIHJH_yuh5m1S7oADmHrTtWkmL8hLpsZkHEtdpdsh1TlxL_aVifp8DngTDwQUMKpEyw8XFcZdv98-Jz3ohr0oIXvqB9V4GUWEPplT1zI_xtAihuHQQ/s400/she+said+yes.JPG" border="0" /><br /> For the past 10+ years since we sold our shop at the faire, visits have been a quick walk around the grounds and out. It hasn't been fun for my sister and me. Today was different. There were some beautiful things to see, some old friends to visit - although it was crowded so there wasn't much time to visit. Below you'll see some of the things that caught my eye.<br /> A Harvest Moon Table<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtE3tctL1nnmXUCrZ2XUIrsMShWrb96lGyGVCtb6dZsF7SQTLESdU-dbosnOB327HjAECSmkCtfeXSsxeaieinWYlpTQT7N7Msb6XXQHdKIMuCwpWqAcKFDwUAaS2s0incKPCgiYKYdc/s1600-h/full+moon+harvest+table.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258653842997362898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtE3tctL1nnmXUCrZ2XUIrsMShWrb96lGyGVCtb6dZsF7SQTLESdU-dbosnOB327HjAECSmkCtfeXSsxeaieinWYlpTQT7N7Msb6XXQHdKIMuCwpWqAcKFDwUAaS2s0incKPCgiYKYdc/s400/full+moon+harvest+table.JPG" border="0" /></a> A Most Fine and Bountious Harvest Table<br />Our friend Fenris the potter is an artist in so many different mediums. These altars are his work and they are truly divine.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwCQFc0_06dE-K22hGrztxfWDXwh42cY5Bq73z2-KSf8ai_Hig92a6CWbFHrzL3tQwHLys136B2tRdgrPX0wCAI1ngEg3oAe0tZfZSIF-fAlj3-ppxztPVhc-sY1D2a1hjQ3VSge_KZw/s1600-h/harvest+bounty+table.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258653850940168242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwCQFc0_06dE-K22hGrztxfWDXwh42cY5Bq73z2-KSf8ai_Hig92a6CWbFHrzL3tQwHLys136B2tRdgrPX0wCAI1ngEg3oAe0tZfZSIF-fAlj3-ppxztPVhc-sY1D2a1hjQ3VSge_KZw/s400/harvest+bounty+table.JPG" border="0" /></a> A corner, almost out of sight held this vision. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5ezME6Bow-EZEIQrIjoawlqIc6BFhwTdcELFr0cQDv4nnWMaVF9lo49df4OuJ55EQhgHO_fRhYGINzEIpYMhxDJpb6wkQNkUM-Up64EZ5GYQSorhSjOyLTLMLko-JM-313q1J82Aj7M/s1600-h/harvest+by+the+ton.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258653856448868770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5ezME6Bow-EZEIQrIjoawlqIc6BFhwTdcELFr0cQDv4nnWMaVF9lo49df4OuJ55EQhgHO_fRhYGINzEIpYMhxDJpb6wkQNkUM-Up64EZ5GYQSorhSjOyLTLMLko-JM-313q1J82Aj7M/s400/harvest+by+the+ton.JPG" border="0" /></a> One of the celtic bands that took the stage today. These drummers were absolutely incredible and drove the crowd wild. The bag-piper held his own quite well too!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_igP4HPw_-twQsCSlwtOK1b3wyes_XQm_cGxqWme0a3yIr4um_HZenT5ajelQIl8WdGDFgKFLGPjSx4r9Zmbrqzjp3EUwK8r4J8JKeYrBD2MuhGnSLbmM1Ay2TPtV2Q1bCyc4v-YEdQ/s1600-h/music.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258653862058831042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_igP4HPw_-twQsCSlwtOK1b3wyes_XQm_cGxqWme0a3yIr4um_HZenT5ajelQIl8WdGDFgKFLGPjSx4r9Zmbrqzjp3EUwK8r4J8JKeYrBD2MuhGnSLbmM1Ay2TPtV2Q1bCyc4v-YEdQ/s400/music.JPG" border="0" /></a> The kids - Rob, Sonny, and Molly. Now for some reason THIS picture might make me tear up. They are all grown now. Seeing them in our old stomping grounds, forging (heh heh - little pun, sorry) their own way is odd. They relate in completely different ways to the things that we used to tell them about. It's just ...odd.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWuSCpUKgvB0BlmFKN5y-KVLOAtlm1IhGX12FzYxHdlNG6hL-v85GKzOajamXX7frXAS4IvfGbtKMErBkkY1FJb2Vwr6yJn_6bDzeWL2ImtVSEo8jWcKJSYKdFxMefH11q-s01GuLathc/s1600-h/our+babies.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258653871372527522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWuSCpUKgvB0BlmFKN5y-KVLOAtlm1IhGX12FzYxHdlNG6hL-v85GKzOajamXX7frXAS4IvfGbtKMErBkkY1FJb2Vwr6yJn_6bDzeWL2ImtVSEo8jWcKJSYKdFxMefH11q-s01GuLathc/s400/our+babies.JPG" border="0" /></a> The fountain in front of The Globe, dressed for Autumn.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFps6_6F0EL4cTn5bbcr9AzBskAkW9JRvWbsdq478lKzsRjvFUlWS6Xahig0LWhw5wwtDK6CYTHzyd-dj6Tj7WrO3U1-b5Bc8auvnZs_G1rnKrWq1kNDfJMt93iqdRh6uyx80KffZw7g/s1600-h/fountain.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258653114960411218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFps6_6F0EL4cTn5bbcr9AzBskAkW9JRvWbsdq478lKzsRjvFUlWS6Xahig0LWhw5wwtDK6CYTHzyd-dj6Tj7WrO3U1-b5Bc8auvnZs_G1rnKrWq1kNDfJMt93iqdRh6uyx80KffZw7g/s400/fountain.JPG" border="0" /></a> Another, more primal, straw man.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHniUixIjACJyPkXxJqsRW06YcyIs5W4Gf4BY7zG_TYL9wybv_pvR-2A-lj9b7WIYAFebAcXteIHqVYl2rQadpOj1dUivJeDG3Lw3Ejl6_2yx4B-9V_4FfPXwz_p3iBAnLk6hYbphAEc/s1600-h/strawman+2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258653124760890882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHniUixIjACJyPkXxJqsRW06YcyIs5W4Gf4BY7zG_TYL9wybv_pvR-2A-lj9b7WIYAFebAcXteIHqVYl2rQadpOj1dUivJeDG3Lw3Ejl6_2yx4B-9V_4FfPXwz_p3iBAnLk6hYbphAEc/s400/strawman+2.JPG" border="0" /></a> Maryanne (normal) and the kids (who've been too long at the faire).<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8uAniI3nfrEtqF32vacPAVOzGo7TBFLKbV1DuDs8MzP_dFMKT5gtUsx3-DlhVH7xKsRhbkchdHv_t1fBplVk3-7kBr5-L7yH0KEmGXOAHkK6OnboaXdjBkkQ5IkFHOIEUVDIF3mW9SWY/s1600-h/too+long+at+the+faire.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258653127248764290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8uAniI3nfrEtqF32vacPAVOzGo7TBFLKbV1DuDs8MzP_dFMKT5gtUsx3-DlhVH7xKsRhbkchdHv_t1fBplVk3-7kBr5-L7yH0KEmGXOAHkK6OnboaXdjBkkQ5IkFHOIEUVDIF3mW9SWY/s400/too+long+at+the+faire.JPG" border="0" /></a> The grounds of the shire were decorated to welcome the harvest more beautifully than they ever even came close to during our days there. We were very saddened to see that the giant ginkgo tree at the top of the hill was gone. On days like this, we'd look up and see the brilliant blue autumn sky (forever named "Emil blue" for Don Juan's shirt our first year there, which matched the sky, and Don Juan was portrayed by a gorgeous young man named Emil). The clear, pure yellow of the ginkgo leaves would contrast so strikingly with the sky that it would take our breath away.<br />Still, it was just beautiful, clear, cool, and crisp as any Autumn day could be. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258654124200919314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTBsqpHqjJ2L9ZjdNHSJLuF4ql4pjoGU1w1YBBT3egSkwRxUlCmKmgNyWPVTpZjJS5fD7ckEbTob3w188tu3XPLViN2lnXMhjlyry2D6uELDuI23yqkRVkEJCVMmKWEszQAsLdIiRqYI/s400/faretheewell.JPG" border="0" /> Fare Thee Well...</p>Tina Samshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723071355189498268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444918519848628512.post-84755942494687640012008-10-17T14:37:00.001-07:002008-10-17T14:37:17.201-07:00Early Morning AromasThis morning I woke to an odd smell. At first it smelled like burning plastic so I hurriedly threw on my robe and went to check the stove and breaker panel. Sometimes Gab will get up at night and cook something and it was possible she left a burner on. And Zack will even forget he was getting ready to cook something and leave the stove on. No fire alarms were going off, but I couldn't sleep without making sure anyway. Went downstairs, nothing. Checked every outlet and every plugged in electronic device and nothing was hot. So I went back to bed for a few more hours until the alarm would go off and wake me at 5:30. As I got back under the covers, it occurred to me that I had eaten a pasta dish heavy with garlic right before going to bed, so maybe it was just me smelling like that...but I sure hoped not.<br /><br />The alarm went off and the smell was still there and I still had not placed what it could be. Got dressed, started my coffee, and opened the door to tell the dogs hello - whoa! There was the source of the smell! Badger had gotten skunked and as the odor wafted up to my bedroom it smelled less and less like skunk and more and more like burnt rubber. I remembered now that I've smelled that before, haha.Roxannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16716381674721778467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444918519848628512.post-43531738697253788842008-09-02T18:43:00.001-07:002008-09-02T19:00:52.942-07:00Pictures Around the GardenThis is my favorite time of year; things are growing and the eating is good. The work load has slowed down some and there is more rain so it is not so hard to keep things alive. It gave me enough time to work on building a raised bed I will use next summer for herbs. I went through the garden to take some pictures to share.<br /><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZDffpLAAg19TYpRStio2oyzUUFnM-p_mf-gkJszp9TqqMuAFWivjVs59wMNB6kY1M7ZRomXwJaVGcfvYoHLLVeGNmzvq0z5o0u61aWoT0aDYx9tDGzZpZRooBxy5qjU6mJx5u9d7gKqh/s1600-h/IMG_0045.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241607288502987746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZDffpLAAg19TYpRStio2oyzUUFnM-p_mf-gkJszp9TqqMuAFWivjVs59wMNB6kY1M7ZRomXwJaVGcfvYoHLLVeGNmzvq0z5o0u61aWoT0aDYx9tDGzZpZRooBxy5qjU6mJx5u9d7gKqh/s320/IMG_0045.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p>Comfrey that has already been cut back once for distilling.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRl0sm9AC_RoLwW2j63Exci7gZ9PkeKOxgAZnTctsS_tXhs-DlYRS7065S0EZmjaCrhr7NscH-wN0SzqgWO1jC57rSXGNheo6GGSR2QhERMZQp8FVzkeU9VRDeEAOvgfzughkakXUzIvHv/s1600-h/IMG_0040.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241607291352136098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRl0sm9AC_RoLwW2j63Exci7gZ9PkeKOxgAZnTctsS_tXhs-DlYRS7065S0EZmjaCrhr7NscH-wN0SzqgWO1jC57rSXGNheo6GGSR2QhERMZQp8FVzkeU9VRDeEAOvgfzughkakXUzIvHv/s320/IMG_0040.jpg" border="0" /></a> Elderberries that are almost ready to harvest for syrup and for tincture.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-JqGS87dc_lNjMuM0_0_J-58Dgj2CxwTNKE2TwgTUApB0PU3FcfCZzSbrBCD20Yc5fIPQTLBuVIgSFassV75ME74NWaE8j_9Cuad_Q0_JhSIy9w4L_s1ir_1u-KuvuLNwK1Mk7KF8opw/s1600-h/IMG_3909.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241607292269778066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-JqGS87dc_lNjMuM0_0_J-58Dgj2CxwTNKE2TwgTUApB0PU3FcfCZzSbrBCD20Yc5fIPQTLBuVIgSFassV75ME74NWaE8j_9Cuad_Q0_JhSIy9w4L_s1ir_1u-KuvuLNwK1Mk7KF8opw/s320/IMG_3909.jpg" border="0" /></a> Larkspur, most of which has gone to seed and safely saved for planting elsewhere next year.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdYGCv2wKHu8SmN98r2WUp8PoBOrXOW6xK4tdgt3o8NkP3s8DPtUXLg-EYzPC0JYO9dXmJZ_0N-xxVgmLPyi24sgr4IHfyNof0FLNn2ah4LdBxfju3UL0SXRGv712lFVua9UEg-j2oYtX/s1600-h/IMG_4226.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241607296975251858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdYGCv2wKHu8SmN98r2WUp8PoBOrXOW6xK4tdgt3o8NkP3s8DPtUXLg-EYzPC0JYO9dXmJZ_0N-xxVgmLPyi24sgr4IHfyNof0FLNn2ah4LdBxfju3UL0SXRGv712lFVua9UEg-j2oYtX/s320/IMG_4226.jpg" border="0" /></a> Holy Basil which is growing quite slowly.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv2tFkuwJrSsJO0QpkprhlK1bwXAZLxhl4sFomP1Svica6U7CLzR0kPELhOxi-ZT9phTDoIoQoKqASXM531I0IDP0t5kK_ddjdOyHU1pQDXPppUYTFeJtyqBu7-BuOLbSH1tipXN6Dxayj/s1600-h/IMG_4222.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241607300096806674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv2tFkuwJrSsJO0QpkprhlK1bwXAZLxhl4sFomP1Svica6U7CLzR0kPELhOxi-ZT9phTDoIoQoKqASXM531I0IDP0t5kK_ddjdOyHU1pQDXPppUYTFeJtyqBu7-BuOLbSH1tipXN6Dxayj/s320/IMG_4222.jpg" border="0" /></a> My new raised bed which is one out of three that will go in this same area. Next year it will be overflowing with herbs.<br />Cindy</p><p>Sagescript Institute, llc</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444918519848628512.post-29133592074127140442008-08-28T07:19:00.000-07:002008-08-28T07:28:14.642-07:00A find on the trail...We were just walking up the hill and a beam of the setting sun seemed to draw my attention to something that I could hardly believe was some type of caterpillar. It was wound around a branch in a fir tree.<br /><br />Here's a picture of our "find":<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih7Pb4r5KxfN2Lyy3iQUk-CqzgdE2cLMV0t2yJhuMZ6SbWe-lQVZ1aEhVIhctz7W4fK6DvhvpQRczUh0r8qdM54i3YEQoRtLNeq_y9vMp63jmJ3l7nxtbIDArUmzjxlfkEBDWI2ojhSOsT/s1600-h/big-worm-with-lighter.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih7Pb4r5KxfN2Lyy3iQUk-CqzgdE2cLMV0t2yJhuMZ6SbWe-lQVZ1aEhVIhctz7W4fK6DvhvpQRczUh0r8qdM54i3YEQoRtLNeq_y9vMp63jmJ3l7nxtbIDArUmzjxlfkEBDWI2ojhSOsT/s320/big-worm-with-lighter.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236000896566638050" border="0" /></a>I took a shot of it next to a lighter to show the size.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3k4h73H0c1s/SKoDGV9w-YI/AAAAAAAAAug/GvEyvgzf2Hg/s1600-h/front-end.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3k4h73H0c1s/SKoDGV9w-YI/AAAAAAAAAug/GvEyvgzf2Hg/s320/front-end.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236000924281928066" border="0" /></a>We think this is the front/head end.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqC7oUPCXGcjeaWq61uqePjeOPqjNrs0NLg_KcSt_E3mQbP4kGY4BiiopUxsABdKdChat3noGmMrAShARrvtF7ZmlSL9-VQYmVRBaBngPM1q7DkimOjHhM4cRWz-OMqEid2ega1AHJcb4l/s1600-h/hind-end.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqC7oUPCXGcjeaWq61uqePjeOPqjNrs0NLg_KcSt_E3mQbP4kGY4BiiopUxsABdKdChat3noGmMrAShARrvtF7ZmlSL9-VQYmVRBaBngPM1q7DkimOjHhM4cRWz-OMqEid2ega1AHJcb4l/s320/hind-end.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236000927887523618" border="0" /></a>And this is the hind end.<br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">So, my DH identified our bizarre visitor as an Imperial Moth.<br /></div><br />From the Auburn University website (I deleted the pictures that were almost identical to the ones we took above - and we were right about which end was which!):<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.ag.auburn.edu/enpl/bulletins/imperialmoth/photo2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.ag.auburn.edu/enpl/bulletins/imperialmoth/photo2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><center><h2>Imperial Moth<br /><i>Eacles imperialis</i> (Drury) (<i>Saturniidae</i>)</h2></center> <p> </p><center>L.L. Hyche, Associate Professor<br />Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology<br />Auburn University<br />3/2000</center> <p> <a name="the">The</a> imperial moth is distributed throughout the eastern United States west to Texas and Kansas. The caterpillar feeds on foliage of a variety of broadleaf and coniferous trees. Some common hosts are oaks, sweetgum, sycamore, elm, hickories, walnut, maple, basswood, honeylocust, pines, red cedar, and bald cypress. In Alabama, the caterpillar is found on both pines and hardwoods.</p><p> </p><center><h3>Life Cycle, Description, and Habits</h3></center> <a name="the insect">The insect</a> spends the winter as a pupa in the soil; adults emerge in spring. The adult is a large moth with wingspread of 100-150 mm. It is sulfur yellow, marked in varying degrees with lilac to purplish-brown bands and spots. Females lay large yellow eggs or in small groups on either surface of host leaves.<p> <a name="the full">The full</a>-grown caterpillar is 75-100 mm long. It occurs in two color forms, green and brown. In the green form, the head is orange-yellow with vertical black or dark stripes on sides and front. The thoracic legs are yellow. The body is green and thinly clothed with long whitish hairs. The second and third thoracic segments each bear a pair of stubby, rough yellow horns, and rows of smaller yellow spines occur along the body to the rear. The last abdominal segment bears conspicuous yellow and black triangular plates. The spiracles along the sides are large, oval and pale yellow to cream in color. In the brown color form, the body, horns, and spines are tan to reddish brown. When fully grown, larvae leave foliage and pupate in the soil. Two broods may possibly occur each year in Alabama; however, the caterpillar is most commonly seen in August and September.</p><p> </p><center><h3>Occurrence, Damage, Importance</h3></center> The imperial moth caterpillar is a solitary feeder. It may occur on any of the many host trees, and is usually encountered most commonly in late summer and fall. These large larvae individually can consume a lot of foliage, but are seldom present in sufficient numbers to cause serious damage. Large, colorful, and armed with horns and spines, the caterpillar may look fierce and dangerous; however, it is harmless and does not "sting" or stab man.Maryannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03255455226592988188noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444918519848628512.post-55467486378768571512008-08-08T18:41:00.000-07:002008-08-08T18:54:22.414-07:00The Essential Herbal ~ Sept/Oct '08The next issue is in the mail, and it is such a great fall issue! We have articles on various herb crafts - from making tinctures to harvest soaps, several great recipes, gardening information, book reviews, and enough projects and ideas to make us almost look forward to the waning sun. Take a look at the table of contents below!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9BsW6FqV_xPTcuiKl0eYLEzEOd6f8H9AKZikMSJ72SoadtqDiSShAJbhHDLL7PDelc3aEiVGJTCazNhiNCarl8iKP2qBvCItEPqqimx76PAvAAD5En-VPIzKQ1koasRANx3yMlAkLiw/s1600-h/Sept-Oct-2008-web.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232328048766834994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9BsW6FqV_xPTcuiKl0eYLEzEOd6f8H9AKZikMSJ72SoadtqDiSShAJbhHDLL7PDelc3aEiVGJTCazNhiNCarl8iKP2qBvCItEPqqimx76PAvAAD5En-VPIzKQ1koasRANx3yMlAkLiw/s400/Sept-Oct-2008-web.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong> <span style="color:#996633;">TABLE OF CONTENTS<br /></span></strong><br /><div><span style="color:#996633;"><strong>Crossword Puzzle</strong> - A little botanical nomenclature.</span></div><div><span style="color:#996633;"><strong>Field Notes</strong> from the Editor</span></div><div><span style="color:#996633;">Suburban Herbie, <strong>Obsessive Gardening</strong> - Geri Burgert</span></div><div><span style="color:#996633;"><strong>Dia de los Muertos</strong> - Betsy May</span></div><div><span style="color:#996633;">List Article - <strong>Winter Preparations</strong></span></div><div><span style="color:#996633;"><strong>Simple Tincture Making at Home</strong> - Sarah Campbell</span></div><div><span style="color:#996633;">Down on the Farm, <strong>Seed Saving</strong> - Michele Brown and Pat Stewart</span></div><div><span style="color:#996633;">Book Review <strong>Unlikely Lavender Queen</strong> - Cindy Jones</span></div><div><span style="color:#996633;"><strong>Colours of Autumn</strong>, Mrs. S.J. Head</span></div><div><span style="color:#996633;">Book Review, <strong>The Priestess of the Forest</strong> - Sarah Campbell</span></div><div><span style="color:#996633;">SouthRidge Treasures, <strong>Horseradish</strong> - Mary Ellen Wilcox</span></div><div><span style="color:#996633;"><strong>Tealight Tutorial</strong> - Abbie Sewell</span></div><div><span style="color:#996633;">The Soap Pot, <strong>Harvest Soap</strong> - Alicia Grosso</span></div><div><span style="color:#996633;">Louisiana Lagniappe, <strong>Mushroom & Eggplant Pie</strong> - Sarah Liberta</span></div><div><span style="color:#996633;">Never Enough Thyme, <strong>Sunchokes</strong> - Susanna Reppert</span></div><div><span style="color:#996633;"><strong>Rebooting Your Brain</strong> - Susan Evans</span></div><div><span style="color:#996633;"><strong>Stuffed Shirts</strong> - Sue-Ryn Burns</span></div><div><span style="color:#996633;"><strong>The Twisted Sisters Tour</strong>~4 Days, 3 Cities! - Tina Sams</span></div>Tina Samshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723071355189498268noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444918519848628512.post-64474672899952064272008-08-04T13:26:00.000-07:002008-08-04T13:28:12.348-07:00Naked Lammas Ladies in Bloom!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SdIwk_bIX73Bi7oWJYgf_eAMuBe_eSM45FEswjATkVVEde-RU83K9fHr__eczkfEEi2Go2tG1l04gyJBdk0zUD_rYHZwbla9P7y1AdOrBxS61QB6t0EeZuyCOXOLkNbIvcfLLJmyUCFZ/s1600-h/Naked+Ladies,+August+1+2008+001.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0SdIwk_bIX73Bi7oWJYgf_eAMuBe_eSM45FEswjATkVVEde-RU83K9fHr__eczkfEEi2Go2tG1l04gyJBdk0zUD_rYHZwbla9P7y1AdOrBxS61QB6t0EeZuyCOXOLkNbIvcfLLJmyUCFZ/s320/Naked+Ladies,+August+1+2008+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230762010023807250" /></a><br />Scattered throughout my gardens are a gorgeous flower that my mother-in-law always called "Naked Ladies". They are a type of Nerine. The strap-like leaves come up in the spring, and die back completely by early summer. Then, at the first of August every year the flower stalks emerge from the ground like smooth green snakes, growing 6 inches a day, gradually opening to these beautiful lily-like pink flowers. Because they emerge at the first of August, I have taken to calling them "Naked Lammas Ladies". Green blessings, SarahUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444918519848628512.post-58425905304387198222008-06-25T21:18:00.000-07:002008-06-25T21:23:48.054-07:00Roses are Blooming<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAcwN-3NaQtGsWmzXk0LAr2CzDZZswgsng5cjX6Avd3oB7-HMnSq5O7G44U0lJ1bWt4x5vlC_cIQlA6vAxcIS5t8SP5trBCFp6naISeR1jdxXUWzn80zFFxh3WXV-8a5KnXZHO61lUhsG/s1600-h/rosebush.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216041095125808498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAcwN-3NaQtGsWmzXk0LAr2CzDZZswgsng5cjX6Avd3oB7-HMnSq5O7G44U0lJ1bWt4x5vlC_cIQlA6vAxcIS5t8SP5trBCFp6naISeR1jdxXUWzn80zFFxh3WXV-8a5KnXZHO61lUhsG/s320/rosebush.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I love the first summer at a new place; everything that blooms is a surprise. I have several rose bushes blooming right now but unfortunately do not know what they are. Some are slightly aromatic and some are beautiful pink and red hues. I love the large bushes on the property line (see picture) that I never water. I spent today cutting flowers and buds to dry for later unknown crafts. Because I want to have very aromatic roses for distilling I also bought several new ones this year. They include a Kasinlik, Golden Celebration and Mr. Lincoln. I am using my chicken manure to fertilize these so that next summer they will reward me with enough blossoms to distill. </div><div>Cindy Jones</div><div>Sagescript</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444918519848628512.post-73042304196157878572008-06-13T14:08:00.000-07:002008-06-13T14:12:17.250-07:00House progress!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjbgP6zACDd0zvD-grLNPiHhpdv7PGMmiJCzroyYKKIaZ9LONRaGUIbKLBQA9vikvTMWi_GyzRLuK4vY54FaF4vTWnAFqmDUNIpX3Ggt-x9l_QpvxODGfvRO5tsGvaKrT41_Cdp2mcaU/s1600-h/progress061308.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211476674349245730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjbgP6zACDd0zvD-grLNPiHhpdv7PGMmiJCzroyYKKIaZ9LONRaGUIbKLBQA9vikvTMWi_GyzRLuK4vY54FaF4vTWnAFqmDUNIpX3Ggt-x9l_QpvxODGfvRO5tsGvaKrT41_Cdp2mcaU/s400/progress061308.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Whew! So far this summer has been really really busy for me. My full-time job has been exceptionally hectic, plus we've been trying to get our house built. I'm sorry I haven't been posting regularly to my own blogs and this one. But I am so excited to finally see the walls of our house coming up! That's our daughter, Gabby in the kitchen window. The walls are 10' high on the ground floor. Since it's a small house, this will give it the feeling of being more spacious than it really is. Plus, it might help keep it cooler in the summer. Today they raised the interior walls and hoisted the trusses up for the loft bedroom floor. This weekend maybe we'll get the rest of the walls raised and next will come the roof. Gary and I have had a pretty good mind-picture of the house since the beginning, but the kids have had a harder time imagining what it will look like. Now that the walls are in place at least Gab is getting excited and more willing to help out. Garrison hasn't seen it yet, since he's on a summer trip to his grandparents house. But I'll be he'll be excited when he sees it, too. My oldest son, Zack, is on a road trip with his new trucking job, and I'm sure he'll be happy when he comes in, too.</div>Roxannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16716381674721778467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444918519848628512.post-57461983827028566362008-06-03T06:55:00.000-07:002008-06-03T06:57:21.937-07:00Tina one, Weeds zero - for today.We've had a couple of beautiful days here. Mild temperatures, low humidity, and a nice breeze. These were <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7fgrbUtmDCPXjDTOHTp-F4k2oelhZTUHsUFxmP5roFtGtaPgnvyH_ViKjfFttBmnY6bHHRMLiFyDT4PNafx_1n7NVwyUx7MCBp5I72scSeik-OJPlTSrdYTsORHEDji8vm7oZoHSRZvX2/s1600-h/one+dollar+wheelbarrow.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207635104999080162" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="370" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7fgrbUtmDCPXjDTOHTp-F4k2oelhZTUHsUFxmP5roFtGtaPgnvyH_ViKjfFttBmnY6bHHRMLiFyDT4PNafx_1n7NVwyUx7MCBp5I72scSeik-OJPlTSrdYTsORHEDji8vm7oZoHSRZvX2/s400/one+dollar+wheelbarrow.JPG" width="434" border="0" /></a>about the first really perfect days we've had for a while, with cool and wet being the typical forecast in May. So, like any self respecting gardener, I set about reclaiming the gardens. They aren't all under control, but it is a darned sight better than it was. There really should be some "before" pictures, but honestly that would have been to embarrassing. To begin, let's start out with my $1 wheel barrow that I found at the barn sale down the road last week. Don't ask me why (or even how) I've been working on all the different areas here without one. It was ridiculous. So that would explain why I swerved into the farm lane and tossed this baby into the back of the car. It reminds me so much of my first car. Looks like crap, but does a fine job. The fact that it's already been WELL broken in means that I won't have to feel bad about scratching it with a shovel, or leaving it out overnight when it might get a little rust.<br />The row of Grosso lavender is getting ready to bloom. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKptkNVFa2YGRUnSDSGP3kurU3WQnxhyphenhyphent942JI086tIGy8jzLvKnUZN5gaLCjZZ9Q6eQiFZfPGOcv4vg_2xwxKcjs1kMO2XmV_or4vqIKKWN-RSGP_RQeO-oVlehYTeh1RU5Gi6bd3ass/s1600-h/mulched+lavender.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207635099409819010" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKptkNVFa2YGRUnSDSGP3kurU3WQnxhyphenhyphent942JI086tIGy8jzLvKnUZN5gaLCjZZ9Q6eQiFZfPGOcv4vg_2xwxKcjs1kMO2XmV_or4vqIKKWN-RSGP_RQeO-oVlehYTeh1RU5Gi6bd3ass/s400/mulched+lavender.JPG" border="0" /></a>You can see here the thousands of spikes starting to form. It's time to stock up on some ribbons for wands, and this year we'll have plenty to sell in bunches at market. Maybe enough to distill, too. Just a few short days ago it was hard to tell where the field ended and the row of lavender began. Is it just me? Or do all gardeners suffer anxiety attacks when their gardens are looking invaded? Just looking at that crisp row makes me feel so much better! The Bergarten Sage in the foreground is just barely blooming this year, spending all of her energy on putting out those lush leaves. That's fine with me. The leaves are the part we use anyway.<br />At the far end of the lavender row we have a lush Lemon Thyme, some Mountain Mint, and Tarragon. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYWfDdT4wUWyENAcxG0s53_vo2bxDto5krUBrAd2CXGF7OThaQXVECwyxtk-G50TCvX5-uDvf8_kwslgyAtuFhXRKWZJAHWt9wgA-tsYxlZ8mwFcXxGCoqWdRePSxHslrihZJR_vn-kDp/s1600-h/thyme+tarragon+and+m+mint.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207635110534549042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" height="365" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYWfDdT4wUWyENAcxG0s53_vo2bxDto5krUBrAd2CXGF7OThaQXVECwyxtk-G50TCvX5-uDvf8_kwslgyAtuFhXRKWZJAHWt9wgA-tsYxlZ8mwFcXxGCoqWdRePSxHslrihZJR_vn-kDp/s400/thyme+tarragon+and+m+mint.JPG" width="431" border="0" /></a>They form the corner of the berry patch (protected by the lattice panels). Inside are lots of blueberry plants and some very healthy elderberry bushes. The blueberries aren't doing anything except growing yet. Same with the elderberries. I'm hoping that the warmer temps and the mulch will give them a little shove in the direction of blossoms. If not, there's always next year. However, 2 of the blueberries that I had considered nibbled to death by the rabbits or groundhogs have decided to start growing again. That was a pleasant surprise. Those varmints chewed them off right down to the ground. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKgm9maQENALm5rFrDdDkoX02VUMzNGRWvP08xhh-fGy0JdAlyxsKyj5QZh2iRoR3S5J94GowqwkdhRY7NF7IGRrGEhNmU4siZ9FLegTnAnra_EX1bTAUMyhXA-jmEmiAgaSNqf4FRZcdG/s1600-h/elderblossom.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207645315229731922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKgm9maQENALm5rFrDdDkoX02VUMzNGRWvP08xhh-fGy0JdAlyxsKyj5QZh2iRoR3S5J94GowqwkdhRY7NF7IGRrGEhNmU4siZ9FLegTnAnra_EX1bTAUMyhXA-jmEmiAgaSNqf4FRZcdG/s400/elderblossom.JPG" border="0" /></a> An elderberry facing another direction is already in bloom, but the leaves are yellow - possibly too close to a white pine? This is her third year. Last year there was just one umbel. The frothy elder "blow" is such a pretty thing. It's hard to decide whether to harvest the flowers or wait for the berries (and fight the birds for them). The birds are incredible this year too! Yesterday I saw an Oriole, brilliant orange swooping over the pines. The Gold Finches are everywhere, and a hummingbird sipped at the chive blossoms. Bluebirds? Yeah, we've got 'em.<br /><br />In the middle of the yard is a little oasis of Chamomile. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmirGe_w_CvjEOc65zn72hu_9Uj0iXQspOO4aCDoK-5DLuP5TZF5xETVWmFECK58Hpqwxmtz25HbRZv-p1Y1s2ZaBUAywZ-CqO_Sj1kdRiyJRA8SLMq0Jwbw_j4_yOkdDNQmh695LQjijn/s1600-h/cham+2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207634701017603314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmirGe_w_CvjEOc65zn72hu_9Uj0iXQspOO4aCDoK-5DLuP5TZF5xETVWmFECK58Hpqwxmtz25HbRZv-p1Y1s2ZaBUAywZ-CqO_Sj1kdRiyJRA8SLMq0Jwbw_j4_yOkdDNQmh695LQjijn/s400/cham+2.JPG" border="0" /></a> Just last week I picked off every single bloom for the still, and you can see that didn't give them a moment's pause. They just put out more flowers. They need another picking, but we're talking hours here. It is no small feat to pluck that many flowers. It is akin to picking the violets for syrup, except that the violets snap away from stem more quickly. Chamomile requires a small pinch to keep the stemmage to a minimum. It's such a cheerful little spot. I love to sit in the grass next to the patch, and watch the sun go down over the flowers while picking.<br />Out by the front door is the Valerian. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2e05MqTjE6ifHEQLrEEi02dVZYvKMHT7HDaCEEK4ZUkDdswZdvRbNk2Qbp15-nI6hZN2gpoj455UIZGGDPj8z7DivjQ_YUEMIAC631Qzt3wCvBflQE0cZ97SSzkb7BBiwn7Qfm_To-yRk/s1600-h/valerian+blossoms.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207635118835672754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2e05MqTjE6ifHEQLrEEi02dVZYvKMHT7HDaCEEK4ZUkDdswZdvRbNk2Qbp15-nI6hZN2gpoj455UIZGGDPj8z7DivjQ_YUEMIAC631Qzt3wCvBflQE0cZ97SSzkb7BBiwn7Qfm_To-yRk/s400/valerian+blossoms.JPG" border="0" /></a>It is in full bloom now, and the scent is amazing. Off to the left is an old-fashioned, late-blooming lilac bush. The day the lilacs stopped perfuming the entrance, the Valerian went into bloom, giving us a non-stop, breath-taking welcome to the outdoors every time we step outside.<br />Soon we'll be greeted with Bog Sage and Bergamot, but nothing will again come close to the fragrance outside the door for the rest of the year. It's hard to believe after seeing all the seed pods (and picking those that were reachable), but so far the Moonflower hasn't shown up.<br />Every year is a surprise. It never fails. Even if nothing new comes up, there are always plants that were forgotten somehow, and as they show up it's a little gift to brighten my day.<br />For instance, out in the front garden there is a Munstead Lavender that is starting to bloom. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3oNtst4POFzXWMQqbwGXbPjWYsFvm6W1H-0oClT7zVJH2yIO23yC9sKJ78HVw3Djr2pVC3TpHXRgX45LDWtEh7c4VhP1oN5G5F8yu1XR64V2rjEqhoJtjfX-qze8CYfzgZLQc-F10S1au/s1600-h/mother+and+baby+lavender.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5207634718680438706" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3oNtst4POFzXWMQqbwGXbPjWYsFvm6W1H-0oClT7zVJH2yIO23yC9sKJ78HVw3Djr2pVC3TpHXRgX45LDWtEh7c4VhP1oN5G5F8yu1XR64V2rjEqhoJtjfX-qze8CYfzgZLQc-F10S1au/s400/mother+and+baby+lavender.JPG" border="0" /></a> Next to it is a smaller version that came up on its own last year. It has a couple of little spikes this year. This is the first time I've ever had a lavender mom and baby. That was one of those great surprises!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXrdKGXvm10U7kZmqQzXJcJPz7qnWPvuGvoDdeAshgcgJzFbzPCoJ8HsKHT73APvCr6PFnwUngPbgDzZBA9OtRXFsjSfbigcyFj64jma5VYg4_Ue2QN3p2EabkjgqKDurc7aYNBSXn-Fx/s1600-h/cham+2.JPG"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPX1NxXXIxke1SmBzGv3_X6RXk5mRuilQink2rUX5H80bcFmBkkdSSnDcRIbW9IsUJeDv6SWxBaZ5YldZqqiJsNbsm2jMR7SiJS1ptqD0maBwFob8wQVvUneL7sg2pMzoVnXWt0qGouZ7n/s1600-h/mulched+lavender.JPG"></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Tina Samshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723071355189498268noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444918519848628512.post-61092082405798317212008-05-27T10:27:00.001-07:002008-05-27T10:32:18.038-07:00The Great Horned Owl<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHKAzDMQEoVQJ9nieKpKRaHgUORcLjngMEirmMty8XNBnjvVWOMx5L8wdUbT4KtKCPn2IzJbPrNBVHqfamgAkSTYJd1P_zF2cdC-36-j62F-QzfkHa-51o3-MyH-1KLU7cVtegyU6AOLs/s1600-h/owl.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205111420384224994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHKAzDMQEoVQJ9nieKpKRaHgUORcLjngMEirmMty8XNBnjvVWOMx5L8wdUbT4KtKCPn2IzJbPrNBVHqfamgAkSTYJd1P_zF2cdC-36-j62F-QzfkHa-51o3-MyH-1KLU7cVtegyU6AOLs/s200/owl.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>We have seen this great horned owl on our property several times. Owls hold a special place in many cultures so I find its visits interesting although it is scary to look into the eyes of a great raptor. In some cultures there are associated with energy, wisdom, and bravery, but also foretellers of bad fortune. I am hoping that on our farm it is a good sign and will bring good energy for all of our endeavors; herbal and other.</div><div>Cindy</div><div>Sagescript Institute</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444918519848628512.post-50625115439711949542008-05-10T21:26:00.000-07:002008-05-10T21:29:24.202-07:00A Mother's Day Tussie Mussie<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqiJIK9sRXT7xf8E2tNHYNcdCLFDtv53VMUIbhj7eS2b4u7kVF207oCJI6gfTJN-n1avFdHdcnQ-M6oWPEGPirW6T1Jx-AW3AwgQRnF9vcYztB-WEQr8FRilndj5Lo93sAw5Y9AuJFIGz/s1600-h/tussiemussie+(2).jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198972046772134514" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqiJIK9sRXT7xf8E2tNHYNcdCLFDtv53VMUIbhj7eS2b4u7kVF207oCJI6gfTJN-n1avFdHdcnQ-M6oWPEGPirW6T1Jx-AW3AwgQRnF9vcYztB-WEQr8FRilndj5Lo93sAw5Y9AuJFIGz/s200/tussiemussie+(2).jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>A Mother's Day Tussie Mussie can show your Mom how you feel in the Victorian Language of Flowers. I Remember making one for my Mom several years ago. Although she is no longer alive I will walk my garden (and look in my dried collection) to see what plants I have to pay tribute to her on this Mothers Day.<br /><br /></div><div>Basil for the unconditional love she gave me and my siblings.<br />Rosemary for remembering her and the lessons she taught me.<br />Sage for her endless wisdom and to represent my grief.<br />Scented geranium for our happy times together.<br />Lavender for her devotion to her family.<br />Thyme for her strength and courage in raising 8 children.</div><div> </div><div>Happy Mother's Day to all Moms.</div><div>Cindy Jones</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2