Leaves of the Yard and What Uses They Have

 Hello to all on this last day of June!  Hope you are all well and safe.  Hope everyone is staying cool!!  There have been so many storms lately, dust storms and fires.  I have friends in CO that have raging fires in their county.  I hope that the fact that they high in the mountains keep them protected.  It is all so sad.

The heat is on for a lot of Europe and for about half of the U.S.  It was 79*F when I got up this morning.  Looks to be going into the 90's.  I don't mind the heat, it is the humidity that makes things uncomfortable for me.

I have already been out to feed the animals, and I cleaned all the water holes and placed clean water in all.  It is SO needed by all creatures.  

It felt like you could wear the air this morning, then after I was out a bit, I felt a 'tiny' breeze and that actually felt nice.

Many asked about my extracts that I was making, and I had a question about grape leaves.  So today that is the conversation.

The extracts are soooooo very easy to make!  I have started lemon balm and mint.

Each one takes about a cup (give or take) of leaves and liquor - vodka or rum, either one will work.  For those thinking 'shame on me' - REAL vanilla extract purchased is made with alcohol!  If you use these in cooking or baking, the alcohol dissipates and the alcohol flavor is virtually nil.

I used vodka on the lemon and rum on the mint (I actually used spiced rum, as that is what I had) - I didn't have enough of one to use on both.

I pick my stems - bring them in a rinse well.  I kind of wrap for a bit in a cloth towel to absorb the water.  I them pull leaves off - I just pull from the top to bottom of stem.  It kind of tears some and bruises them, which is good.  Place about a cup of leaves in a pint jar - then add liquor to cover the leaves.  Lid and let them sit in a cooler space out of sun for about 6 weeks or so.

Drain the liquid and keep in a darker kind of bottle (if you have it) or place in a dark cabinet.  

It is great to use in flavoring baking, or a few drops in hot chocolate, hot tea, water, or in anything you would like flavored lemon or mint.  It lasts and lasts.  JUST THAT EASY!

Mine are now setting and infusing into the liquor.

Remember you can use the leaves in water to infuse flavor into it.  I mentioned placing lemon balm leaves in a gallon of water in frig a couple weeks ago - it tastes so refreshing and 'clean' when cold.  I love keeping that in hand.  I drink more water that way.

Many people grow basil - I have opal basil.  It is a perennial that comes back every year and has for years.

I used this to make flavored vinegar.  You can used any aromatic herb that you have and like.  It is basically the same procedure as above only using cider vinegar.  I cleaned, then pulled off leaves, make sure they are bruised of torn some (releases flavor) and put about a cup in a jar, add vinegar.  I put in the frig to marinate - for a few weeks.  It is great to use in flavoring in dressings or over a salad, or anything you want.

(I always dry plenty to use later as well)

Laurie asked about grape leaves - oh heck yes, you can use those for all kinds of things.  You basically want young and tender leaves.  You can dry them and add to water for herbal tea.  The leaves have a lot of antioxidants - so many people keep on hand for a hot tea mix when feeling like something is coming on (cold).

I use the leaves in anything that I pickle.  Instead of buying expensive bottles of items to help keep pickles crisp - use grape leaves.  I always put a couple in the jar first then add veggies and liquid for pickling, and process as normal.

Young leaves are great to add shredded to salads, especially Mediterranean type salads.

They can be used to wrap or stuff.  Great with various meats, great with fish and any rice dishes.  My little neighbor that used to live next door (she was German/Greek descent) loved to make a dish with them that she baked, it was kind of like cabbage rolls in a tomato sauce.  She used wild grape leaves - they pop up around the area - and she would let some grow just for her cooking.

There is kind of a peppery taste.

I am thinking about going out this week and harvesting some young poke to cook.  I know it takes time and patience, as you have to cook a few times, to get rid of tannins that are in it (they would taste bitter if you didn't do this).  It is hot out, and I will be inside, so no reason not to try it this week!  My brother was saying on Sunday, that they have made it a few times this year so far.  It is kind of like any other greens when cooked.

You pick younger leaves, clean and place in water - boil, until water turns color - dump and do it again, and probably again.  You want the water to be clear - before adding your seasoning.  Poke has been eaten for centuries in many locales.

Nature provides us to many items that we can use and that actually add many vitamins and minerals to our bodies.

I eat purslane leaves in salads.  I may try pickling some this year, if I pickle anything else.  I have heard that is great that way in salads too.  When pickling you leave the leaves on the stems and pickle it all.

I LOVE nature.

God provides what we need.  He gave us all that we need naturally to provide nourishment for our bodies.

Even many medicinal items have been originally derived from nature and plants.

Indigenous people have used plants for remedies for centuries, as have many other cultures.  My Amish ancestors use a lot of natural items.

We need to look back and take a page from our ancestors!

Have a great day to all.

STAY COOL!  STAY HYDRATED!

Weekly Wrap Up 6/28

 Hello and happy Sunday to all.  I hope you are all well and safe.

Hard to believe that we are already on the last Sunday of the month!  Man, this month flew by.

It is a muggy morning here and a little overcast.  Truthfully, I wouldn't mind if it stayed overcast all day - as it will help with heat.  Today is supposed to be in the mid 80's, but most of the week will be 90's.  I guess it is time!  I feel sorry for all in other countries that are experiencing a lot of heat (and some here) that have no AC.  It truly amazes me that it is not something everyone has.  

Friday and yesterday we did have some showers off and on.  The grass is sure green and things are growing.  Thankfully no storms here.  The southern part of the state sure has had a lot of rain this week.  Inches!!

I have been hearing cicadas at night now.  there are so many lightening bugs.  I still haven't seen any mosquitos, but boy, do we have flies!  There are so many flies.  It is hard to go in or out, without them trying to get in.

Notice the squirrel (upper left) sitting on the chair waiting for me to leave!  It sees a fresh snack at hand!!! LOL

My frugal week: (again quiet)

• On Sunday I gifted my neighbor some grilling utensils I had.  I got them as a gift a couple years ago and no longer have a grill.  He is hardly ever home with the family (works a lot), so seeing him BBQing made me happy.  He was thrilled 
• More weed pulling and cutting when I could.  Did a big fence clean-up on one side again (grrr).
• Did get mowed and trimmed between rains and when cooler
• Made hummer feed again - they sure are drinking a lot!
• NO grocery again - stayed home all week
• Laundry, used dehumidifier water, and line dried
• Also laundered all throw rugs and furniture throws
• Picked roses
• Put together a jar of mint (future extract)
• Made a jar of opal basil vinegar
• Rain barrels are full
• A few walks
• Was sitting out on the porch Friday enjoying the rain and noticed that a gutter was overflowing on the porch roof.  It really bothered me - so I got gloves and climbed on the porch chair and cleaned it out - flowing nicely now!  Must have been old leaves, old bird nests and just gunk (there was a big blockage right before the downspout)
• Picked 3 banana peppers and lettuce
• I have cleaned and cleaned 'dust bunnies' - boy those things really are appropriately named!  So many - and they are everywhere under and behind stuff
• Have the AC set pretty high - using just to remove humidity from house - house stays pretty cool - also have dehumidifier going downstairs

Meals this past week: (easy)

Rice and beef tacos (leftover rice)

Flat bread pizza (bread from freezer)

Breaded okra, chicken strips, cherry toms

Egg rolls (freezer) and scrambled eggs

Pintos and ham (freezer) and wilted lettuce

Nachos

Stuffed portobello mushrooms (mushrooms from freezer) (stuffing - nacho meat)

So there you have it, a quiet week for me.  I did keep busy, but nothing too strenuous - just busy work.  There is always busy work!

Friday while I was on the porch, it was raining nicely (not blowing) and it was so relaxing.  Not another soul to be seen outside, very little traffic and so enjoyed just listening to the rain and the birds.  That is what it is all about to me.  

How was your week?  I hope no one had any damage from storms - there were many again this past week.  Did you get any deals?  Using what you have?  Gardens?

Prayers that you are all safe and healthy and hoping you all have a wonderful week ahead.

Blessings to you and yours from my humble little home.

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When pride comes, then comes disgrace; but with the humble is wisdom.

Proverbs 11:2

Dear Lord, thank You again for all our many blessings, and for Your never-ending love.  Please help us each to remember to stay humble and kind, that we may be able to give someone else a little joy each day.  We appreciate all that we have, but please help us to stray from being prideful.  We are blessed and we are loved.  Thank You.  AMEN

Making Your List and Checking it Twice!

 Hello to all.  Hope you are well this fine day.  It was sprinkling when I got up this morning, now the sun is out and there is a nice breeze coming in the living room windows.  It looks very dark in the southern skies, as I think they are having a storm or two.  There are going to be a lot of rain chances in the next couple of days.  It feels a bit humid out this morning, as things are changing.  I tried to get a lot of outdoor work done yesterday while it was so pretty and dry!  Got to make the most of the moments that are available!

Looks like next week, we will be getting the heat that my friend out west is getting - the 90's!

This is my kind of list!  I just love this.

I am a huge list maker, always have been.  I sure try to accomplish the things I write down.  I mark them off as done.  I keep a list going for any grocery items I need to get or think I might want.

I keep lists at the holidays of what I buy and for who.

I keep lists of what I pick from the garden - and often the weights.  My dad did this and I got in the habit too - it is interesting to see how many pounds we grew and do a cost comparison at the end of the season. 

Gosh, when I worked there was always a list as long as a legal sheet of paper on my desk.  I do not use the computer for my lists; I do it the old-fashioned way - pen and paper.  I feel I more apt to remember things when I actually write them down and when I can continually see them.

But the list above, is one we should all have displayed and use each day.  It sure would make our lives more peaceful, stress free and just happier.

Life is too short to be anything other than happy and joyful.  I know things happen in life to make us sad - but even when that happens, we can still smile at beauty and little things.  We can give smiles and kind words - they cost nothing but can change everything.

Those are the things in life that are priceless.

Have a fantastic end to your week and weekend.  May you all find some joy along the way!

Blessings to all.

An Inexpensive Fix for Many Things

 Good morning, all.  I hope all are well.  It looks to be a lovely day here.  Right now it is in the 50's, going up to about 80*.  Today looks to be the day to get things done around here, as the rest of the week will be a bit unstable with many chances of rain.

I looked out this morning when I got up (before dawn), and there was a racoon with 3 youngin's running around the back yard.  Tis baby season for sure.  Baby kitties, racoons, groundhogs, opossums, birds, you name it.  I have seen them all.  The squirrels have been getting frisky for a couple weeks!  The rebirth of nature!

Today, just a small post about something most of us have around our homes but may not know how many uses it has.  Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).  It is a clear liquid, that resembles water but has an extra atom of oxygen - which really changes it.

It is cheap to purchase, usually around a $1, maybe a little more.  It has so many uses.

It can kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, mold spores, etc.  A little bottle with a big punch.

Make sure you get 3% or less for use around the home.  Higher percentages can be purchased, but those are more for industrial uses.

It is generally in that dark brown bottle - and there is a reason for that.  It protects it.  It can easily breakdown in light and lose its potency.  So make sure you leave it in the brown bottle.

NEVER mix it with bleach or vinegar, that can cause gases that can be harmful when breathed in.  NEVER swallow.  It can be used in the mouth, just don't swallow.

Now some uses:

• Mix about 1/4 C to a gallon of water to use as a produce cleaner - instead of buying those expensive products.  Rinse about anything (except tender greens), then rinse in cold water.  It also helps stop spoilage
• It is great for reducing random tooth pain.  Mix it half and half with water, and swish around the mouth in the area of the pain - it really dulls the ache.  It works great on cold sores, just dab with a Q-tip.  I used to get strep throat when I was younger, and the doctor always recommended a gargle of half & half (with water).  It really worked.  I still do that if I feel a sore throat coming on.  NO, it doesn't taste good AT ALL - but it works.
• Great for athlete's foot.  1 part peroxide to 2- or 3-parts warm water and soak your feet.  It is anti-fungal.
• Use instead of bleach in your laundry for your whites.  This is all I use and have for years.  It is natural.
• Use to clean wooden cutting boards.  Pour over the board and wipe down well, leave on for a few minutes and rinse with cold water
• Ever buy a tooth whitening kit?  Look at the ingredients - peroxide is one.  My dentist told me years ago to make a paste of peroxide and baking soda about once a week and brush my teeth with it.  I do this often
• In gardens it can help oxygenate the soil, help with plant diseases, and repel pests (just do a little research).
• Great for cleaning and sanitizing the toilet.  Clean your toilet as usual, the spritz down the seat, the base, the bowl - everything with peroxide.  Let it sit for several minutes and wipe clean - kills the germs
• Great for cleaning and sanitizing trash cans, sports equipment, pet cages, etc.
• It helps to cleanse a small wound or scrape on the body - not advised for major cuts
• When sick wipe down doorknobs, remotes, phones, light switches, etc. to remove germs.
• A few little drops in your ear helps to clear out wax build-up (you will hear a bubbling noise - that is normal). Use only on healthy ears - none that have holes or perforations w/ear drum

It is amazing what a simple, natural and inexpensive product can do.  Sometimes the easy things are the best!   So many uses.

You can do your own research - but trust me, this is a staple in my house.  I always have several bottles around.  I keep it in the bathroom, kitchen and laundry room.

Have a beautiful day and SMILE!

Foraging - We Could Learn From Nature

 Hello to all.  I surely hope everyone is safe and healthy today.  There were more storms that moved through the mid-section of the country again Sunday.  We just had rain and quite a bit of it.  I sure hope in the path of the storms are safe.

Yesterday was a very chilly day, stayed in the 60'sF.  I actually wore long sleeves!  It was cloudy and misty all day.  Today the sun is shining - it is to be dry and looks to be a near perfect kind of day.

I know we have talked about foraging before - but I thought I would mention it again.  New season, new worries, so why not.  

Now I know enough about natural plants to probably keep me alive!  Yes I do.  I wonder how many could survive from foraging if they HAD to?

Think about it - animals survive on nature (except when we feed).   They eat nuts and berries, nectar from plants, some actually eat the plants and flowers, they eat rodents and smaller animals than themselves, roadkill, garbage, you name it.  Now let me tell, I will pass on some of those options!!  But, there are people who do eat these things too.

Looking out my front door - Mr. Squirrel decided my sunflowers looked yummy.  The birds basically planted them (fall from feed) - so the squirrels take advantage for fresh food!  I am sure they will do this with all of the sunflowers eventually.  They hint and eat what they find.

People hunt and fish for meat - always have.  Most of us don't - but we could.  You can hunt for about anything.  If hungry enough, folks will hunt for about any animal or bird.  There are folks that catch crawdads and frogs as well.  I have had both over the years (at restaurants) and both were good!

Many garden 'weeds' are quite nutritious and have been misnamed 'weeds' in my book.  I have many, many plants growing wild in my yard alone - purslane, plantain, poke (leaves only), dandelion, clover, creeping charlie, etc. 

Shoot, with creeping charlie alone, I could feed the whole village!!  LOL

I do let certain areas of purslane, plantain and creeping charlie grow and do not pull it out.  Better safe than sorry is my thought!

There are nuts and berries that grow on empty lots, on deserted homes land, there are abandoned orchards, wild grape vines, etc. out there.  Many folks have fruit trees they no longer harvest, just go and ask if you can.  

Around Indiana in the woods there are persimmon trees, pawpaws, mulberry and wild grapes in abundance.  Out west there are lots of cactus - I love pickled cactus slices!  You can maybe find sassafras root - great for teas.  Dandelion roots for herbal teas and medicinal drinks, and dandelions make a great wine (daddy used to make).  Check your local woods and forests for wild foods.

Many flowers are edible.  They can be added to salads, or they can be breaded and fried.  Young tender shoots are good - like Hosta or fiddleheads.  I tried my first Hosta this year, and it was quite good - kind of peppery tasting.

Peels and cores of many fruits & veggies can be used to make juice, jellies, and edibles.  Bones from meat makes bone broth.

Of course odds and ends of leftovers can be made into new things.

Never overlook anything - it could keep your belly full.

No matter what the food situation may be, you can still eat.  It may take time and a little knowledge, but you don't have to starve.  Get some books on wild edibles or find a good site on the computer - BUT PLEASE write the info down on paper - if you use the computer (just in case).  Learn what you can.

Check your yards, the areas around your community and the woody areas where you live.  It will be amazing what you may find.  

It is good information to have just in case SHTF.  

Keep your deep pantries stocked to help you in case.  You can always add any of the fresh items I talked about to stretch the things you have.

It only takes 3 days for stores to empty!  Something to keep in mind.

(no politics please)

This is just a general life can change for any reason type of post.  Just ask those that have been in horrible natural disasters!

Know what is available and what you CAN eat in a pinch.  Stretch a budget, stretch a pantry, ad survive maybe. 

Have a beautiful day and be blessed in all ways.

Weekly Wrap Up 6/21

 Hello and happy Sunday to all.  I sure hope this finds you all well and safe on this fine day.  

In the U.S. it is Father's Day - I am a believer that Mom's and Dad's should be remembered and honored ALL the time - not just on one special day.  Today is summer solstice in the northern hemisphere - officially summer, and the longest daylight day of the year!

There sure was some nasty weather this week all over the place.  Southern IN had a LOT of damage, and the Governor has declared a lot of counties disaster areas.  It is so sad to see the damage, but heartwarming to know that no one died and that people have been helping people.  We have more storms coming in tonight - but they are not supposed to be anything like we had earlier.  Looks like the coming week will have highs right around 80*F all week.

Another quiet week - which I love.

• More weeding, pulling, and cutting this week - it never ends
• Had lunch out with grade school gals
• Mowed and trimmed everything
• Made more hummingbird feed and cleaned feeders and all the watering holes
• Lots of walks
• Got to have friend and family catch-up this week
• Picked up lots of sticks from storms
• Ran to the feed store
• Got gas while out for the feed store - 2.34/gal. with my discount
• Been using rain barrels for watering pots when not raining
• Started a jar of lemon extract from my lemon balm
• I did pick my first tomatoes!

LOL - 2 cherry tomatoes on Thursday and then a 3rd one on Saturday.  It looks to be a bumper crop of cherry toms - they are loaded!  My grapes are loaded as well - fingers crossed!

• AC off about 95% of the week
• NO grocery this week
• Had a sweet craving one afternoon - made a couple chocolate topped graham crackers (using choc chips in micro).  Nice treat!

Meals this week: (simple)

Chef salad

Beef hot dogs and fresh veggies

Out to lunch (MCL)

Beef & cheese quesadilla

Cheesy Brat, fresh veggies & watermelon

Tuna/egg salad with crackers, veggies

Dirty rice, salad

Life is quiet and simple here - I am not sure what has really changed - but this summer feels so calm and nice.  I really enjoy the peace it all brings.

The kitties are doing good and growing - 4 weeks old now!

What has been going on with you all?  I am missing some of you - it has been a while.  Please check in and lets us know that you are ok!  What is going on in your part of the world this week - gardening, shopping, healing?

I hope you all have a wonderful week ahead and that you all stay healthy and have a week of goodness.  

Blessings to you and yours from my humble little home.

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And let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart. 

Galatians 6:9

Dear Lord, through all bad things and illnesses this week, You have also delivered blessings and good.  Thank You for all.  Help guide us each to be better people and to do good deeds and have kind words for all, even those that speak against us.  Let me and each of us to be Your representatives here on earth and to be kind and spread love and joy to all.  Please continue to lay Your healing hands upon all in need.  AMEN

A Smile and a Helping Hand Up

 Hello all.  Hope everyone is safe and well today.  It is a beautiful morning after here!

There were storms all over the state last night and even yesterday afternoon.  Crazy storms.  They came from IL (hit hard). and moved in the western part of my state and moved east and south.  My area was again spared from a lot of damage.  The southern part of the state is a lot of hills and woods, that is where the Hoosier National Forest is - and it is massive.  Watching the news this morning - places were hit hard.  Fierce straight-line winds and several tornadoes.  So much damage - trees down, roads blocked, homes & businesses hit.  Amazingly there have not been any reports of death - thank God.

I have some limbs down, and I lost one line on the clothesline from a big limb.  Big whoop!  So blessed.

What I have been seeing on the news that is just amazing to me - is neighbor helping neighbor.  Many farmers are bringing out their heavy equipment and helping to clear backroads and helping their neighbors search through debris.  That is what it is all about!!!!!!

If we all try to be 'givers' the world would be such a wonderful place.  Oh heck, even though we all see bad crap on the news everyday - it IS a wonderful place!!!!  There is love and joy and helping and caring that never get mentioned.  That is what I try to do here.  Mention it, spread good cheer and you all help as well.  What a great group.

I have an old friend that always says "you can't be that happy" when she sees me.  She is always teasing that I must have a man hidden here at the house - to be so happy.  LOL

Well, it benefits me and it benefits others for me to be in a good mood and to be happy.  We can all choose to be nasty, mean, sad, etc.. - I choose happy!

This is how I try to see things.

Today, as I watch the news of the storms - YEP, bad stuff happened last night - BUT no one died.  Yes, people lost homes and possessions - BUT stuff can generally be replaced.  There were campers in tents in the forest - BUT they are fine.  Hopefully insurance helps folks and neighbors help each other and the workers that were out before daylight - have been helping and clearing and restoring power.  

It is just wonderful how many HEROES there really are in this world.

It may not be a storm - it may be someone who has been ill, or someone who has lost a job, or someone who is homeless, or someone going through a family loss - whatever it is - YOU can be a hero too.

A kind word, a helping hand, some groceries, a few dollars, a little labor, JUST a smile - it can be huge for someone else.  A PRAYER can also be huge!

Be a helper in some way!!!!!!

Have a bright and beautiful day.

I hope all are safe. (please check in)