Saturday
Wednesday
Tiny Baby Legs ....
"Tiny Baby Legs"
All together now....
AWWWWWWWWWWW!
I'm linking up to Jenny Matlocks for the letter "T"
Tuesday
My First Gardenia of the Season ...
I knew my Gardenia was about ready to burst into bloom.
Look what was out by the front porch this morning.
And of course I had to bring in the first two blooms and put
them on my kitchen window sill.
I'll just leave them up for you all to smell the wonderfullness of these beauties.
For the next week the front of my house will smell like
"HEAVEN"
My Gardenia Tree has literally hundreds of buds just waiting
to burst!
Now "This is Spring"
Too bad my Gardenia doesn't bloom all Summer long so I'll just enjoy the smell and sight of it's beautifulness for as long as I can.
I'm linking up to
((huggss))
Monday
The Healing Powers of Spice
Have you checked your spice rack lately?
Spices and herbs can do a lot more than add pizzazz to your cooking -- they can
also promote heart health, fight cancer, reduce inflammation and more. Here are
nine super spices and herbs that are good for you and taste good, too.
1. Garlic wards off heart disease
In addition to warding off Count Dracula, garlic, the spicy favorite in Italian fare, has been shown to improve cholesterol and lower blood pressure. According to the National Health and Medical Research Council, consuming half to one clove of garlic daily may reduce cholesterol by nearly ten percent. Your breath might suffer, but your heart will thank you. As an antibacterial, garlic is often used to treat minor infections.
2. Spotlight on cinnamon
Another ancient spice to recently come under scientific investigation is cinnamon. In the United States, cinnamon is usually thought of as the delicious spice in apple pie filling, but in other parts of the world, especially India and Asia, cinnamon has been used as a healing herb for centuries. Research is finally catching up to the wisdom of the East; many clinical studies have linked cinnamon consumption to lowered blood sugar. Both in vitro and human studies show improvement in insulin sensitivity with cinnamon polyphenols, as well as improvement in total and LDL cholesterol. Cinnamon is also thought to detoxify the system and stimulate brain function. Its antiseptic properties give it the ability to fight bladder infection, and if taken in the first 48 hours, a cup of strong cinnamon tea might just nip a bladder infection in the bud. Keep in mind that mixed study results make it difficult to prove these benefits on paper -- but it doesn't hurt to sprinkle a teaspoon into your next bowl of oatmeal.
3. Curry for joint health
Are your aching joints not jumping for joy in these spring days? Try sprinkling some curry on your veggie omelet. Curry, a staple spice combo in Southeast Asian cuisine, contains turmeric, the yellow spice that gives curry its distinctive color. The active component in turmeric is called curcumin. If you are a fan of curry, you will be happy to know that this substance is associated with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor, and anti-amyloid properties; amyloids are plaque-like proteins that build up in brain tissue, and are responsible for diseases like Alzheimer's and rheumatoid arthritis. In one randomized control study 107 patients with knee osteoarthritis received either 800 mg per day ibuprofen or 2 grams per day Curcuma domestica extract. Both groups showed improvement in pain on level walking and climbing stairs.
4. Star Anise aids digestion
As the name suggests, star anise is indeed star-shaped. Though it is not actually related to anise, star anise shares a similar licorice flavor, due to its content of anethole. Used to bring out flavor in slow-cooked meat dishes and long-simmered soups, this spice frequently makes an appearance in Indian cuisine and is an ingredient of the traditional five-spice powder of Chinese cooking. Star anise has been used in a tea to remedy rheumatism, and the seeds are sometimes chewed after meals to aid digestion.
Special combinations of spices and herbs can bring you a powerful immune zoom, which promotes a strong immune function and balances the energies of your whole body.
5. Cardamom improves energy
Found in curries, rice dishes, herbal teas, and breads, cardamom is the spice that gives chai tea its main flavor. In Asia, cardamom has long been valued medicinally for its ability to increase circulation and improve energy. Considered an aphrodisiac in the Middle East, cardamom may also improve digestion, asthma, bronchitis, halitosis, and even help improve a bad mood.
6. Clove curbs cramping
A delicious addition to cooked fruit, roasts, sweet vegetable dishes, and teas, clove has been used since ancient times in India to improve digestive function. You may chew on some to alleviate toothaches, sore throats, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
7. Cumin boosts immunity
An excellent addition to meat curries, stews, vegetables, seafood, and sauces, cumin is thought to boost the immune system and also to improve liver function, reduce flatulence, and aid in digestion.
8. Fennel Seed soothes your intestines
Often used to spice up recipes with meat, beans, or legumes, fennel helps digestion in two ways: It stimulates the production of gastric juices and also soothes the nervous system, regulating the action of the muscles that line the intestine.
9. Ginger: Remedies aches and nausea
A perfect compliment to vegetables, marinades, and sweets, ginger is also delicious in tea. Ginger may help relieve nausea, arthritis, headaches, menstrual cramps, and muscle soreness.
A word of warning: always discuss with your physician before treating conditions with spices to avoid any adverse interactions; for example, because garlic and ginger possess natural blood-thinning properties, individuals about to undergo surgery and those taking blood thinners should take extra precaution.
To maintain peak flavor, use spices within six months -- but the spice police won’t come knocking at your door if you keep them longer. They like to hang out in a cool, dark place in your pantry to preserve their oils and prevent loss of pungent flavors.
May you live long, live strong, and live happy!
Friday
" Pelican Flower "
Did you ever see such an amazing Flower?
I was at the St. Petersburg, Sunken Gardens and came upon a vine coming over a very large wall, and on that vine were several purple spotted flowers that I've never seen before
Then I saw the little marker with the words
"Pelican Flower"
From what I could see the Flower comes from a large pod of sorts and after the Flower is in bloom the pod hangs on the back of it.
It's the first time I've seen this unusual plant and would love to have a few cuttings. It would look wonderful dangling off my deck!
Hmmmm,,,, wonder if it will root? The only problem is the Gardens feel like a Tropical Forest and my yard is very dry and humid?
The Sunken Gardens is a must see if your ever in St. Petersburg, Florida.
This Sunday their having a very large plant sale so come on down!
I've seen Palm Trees in many different parts of the world and when I came upon the "Cuban Royal Palms" I was amazed at the size. They looked 6 stories tall. Their trunks around the roots must have been 10ft in diameter... Beautiful to say the least!
I hope your weather is as beautiful as
it is in my part of Florida.
"Have a great weekend"
((hugs))
Thursday
Congrats to my girl, Cyndi ....
her actual home, google images
This past few weeks I've been talking about my children.
Two sons and their adventures with the US Coast Guard and my youngest daughter finally after three years, moving back to the states from Guam.
Now it's my oldest daughter and her wonderful news.
Cyndi bought her dream house.
April 20th is the closing and she is on cloud nine.
Her new home is in Jupiter, Florida and sits in a neighborhood with many homes that each have more than an acre of property. In fact there are horse paths all through the farms....
(maybe I can get that horse I've always wanted)
Cyndi is a single woman and has been traveling with her job for years. She chose to work in the main office located in Jupiter and decided to settle down once and for all.
The home she chose was not an easy one to get. Three times she had to bid only to be turned down twice. Thankfully (well, too bad for them) the last two bidders could not get the financing..
She was told today "It's hers"
The home has a great room looking on the kitchen and there are so many possibilities in decorating.
I spoke to her while she tried to do her job and she said,
"I can't think and I can't work, I'm shaking"!!
I'll be driving to Jupiter next weekend to take a first hand look at her new home and then will go back after the closing with my yard tools and paint brush... We have some fixing and decorating to do once the moving truck gets there...
Moms going to spend a few weeks giving advice and a helping hand.
Maya and Tessa will love their new digs also.
(These two lovely girls are my grandcats)
I wanted to send out a "BIG CONGRATS" to Cyndi
If anyone deserves this special home, you do!
x0x0x0x
(mom)
I'm linking up to
A ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker
My daughter-in-law posted this story on FB and It brought tears to my eyes... wanted to share it with you all.
A Dog's Purpose?
(from a 6-year-old).
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa , and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa , and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch
in my throat as Belker 's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm,
petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood
what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.
He said,''People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?'' The Six-year-old continued,
''Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.''
The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's Death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.
Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.''
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try and live.
He said,''People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?'' The Six-year-old continued,
''Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.''
Live simply.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Love generously.
Care deeply.
Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure Ecstasy.
Take naps.
Stretch before rising.
Run, romp, and play daily.
Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.
* * * * *
"Happy Spring"
Wednesday
Most Pointless Supermarket Foods .....
Most Pointless Supermarket Lunch
Smucker’s Uncrustable Peanut Butter and Grape Jelly Sandwich210 calories
9 g fat (2 g saturated)
9 g sugars
Back in the day, homemade peanut butter and jelly sandwiches were considered a quick lunch fix, but Smucker's somehow managed to turn this old favorite into a processed junk food. Uncrustables are pre-made PB&J sandwiches with the crusts already removed, and unlike their classic counterparts, they're full of high-fructose corn syrup and heart-damaging hydrogenated oils. For a much more sensible snack, spread some peanut butter and jelly on half of a whole wheat English muffin. Or go with a full peanut butter and jelly sandwich on whole wheat bread.
Eat This Instead
Half a Thomas’s 100% Whole Wheat English Muffin with 1 Tbsp of Jif Creamy Peanut Butter and 1 Tbsp of Smucker’s Simply Fruit Concord Grape spread
195 calories
8.5 g fat (1 g saturated)
10.5 g sugars
Most Pointless Supermarket Snack
Yoplait Original 99% Fat Free Harvest Peach (6 oz, 1 container)170 calories
1.5 g fat (1 g saturated)
26 g sugars
This yogurt may be low in fat, but it harbors a whopping 26 grams of sugar—that’s more than you'll find in a Twinkie! The problem: The sugar overload will cause an energy crash later—not exactly what most people are looking for in a product touted as a healthy snack or low-calorie. When it comes to traditional yogurt, opt for options sweetened with only fruit or fruit-derived sugar (fructose), like Dannon Light & Fit. And for a more filling dairy snack, go with protein-packed Greek yogurt.
Eat This Instead
Dannon Light & Fit Peach (6 oz, 1 container)
80 calories
0 g fat
11 g sugars
Most Pointless Supermarket Treat
WhoNu? Nutrition Rich Chocolate Cookies
160 calories
7 g fat (1.5 g saturated)
14 g sugars
“Nutrition-rich” cookies? WhoNu the food industry could stoop so low as to market sugary, high-carb treats as health food? These cookies are advertised as being an “excellent source of calcium, iron, and vitamins A, B12, C, D and E” with “3 grams of fiber and 20 essential vitamins and minerals,” but they’re really just a processed junk food with some nutrients thrown in. You know what else has 4 grams of fiber and 20 vitamins and minerals? Apples. As do bananas, blueberries, grapes, nectarines, and dozens of other naturally sweet fruits that come without the refined flour and genetically modified ingredients found in these health-food wannabes. If you want a healthier version of a classic cookie, go with a less sugary, whole grain treat like Kashi’s oatmeal chocolate chip option, and get your vitamins in the produce aisle.
Eat This Instead
Kashi TLC Oatmeal Dark Chocolate Soft-Baked Cookies
130 calories
5 g fat (1.5 g saturated)
8 g sugars
YOUR NEW SHOPPING LIST: When in doubt at the supermarket, fill your cart with any of the 125 Best Supermarket Foods in America.
Most Pointless Supermarket Breakfast
Kraft Original Bagel-fuls200 calories
5 g fat (3 g saturated)
2 g fiber
Most people would agree that it's not too difficult to spread cream cheese on a bagel. But apparently the folks at Kraft think otherwise, because they're selling prepackaged, pre-stuffed bagels filled with an array of unpronounceable processed ingredients. Don’t fall for this gimmicky breakfast: Spread some whipped cream cheese on a fiber-filled whole wheat bagel and call it breakfast.
Eat This Instead
Pepperidge Farm 100% Whole Wheat Mini Bagel w/ Kraft Philadelphia Whipped Cream Cheese (2 Tbsp)
160 calories
6.5 g fat (3.5 g saturated)
4 g fiber
GAG-WORTHY INGREDIENTS: Some food additives are not only unhealthy, but they’re also downright disgusting.
Most Pointless Supermarket Drink
Tropicana Twister Cherry Berry Blast (8 fl oz)110 calories
0 g fat
25 g sugars
This is a classic move in the juice-trickery playbook: Use inexpensive fake food dyes—not actual fruit juice—to give the liquid an appealing color. Despite its name, Tropicana’s juice concoction contains 0 percent berry and cherry juice. What’s more, this bottle is guilty of what I call a serving size rip-off: It contains 2.5 servings, which means if you guzzle the whole thing (a likely scenario), you’ll take in more sugar than two packs of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups! When it comes to fruity drinks, 100% fruit juice is the only way to go, but you’re better off eating actual fruit—you’ll get more fiber with less sugar and calories. Or drink green tea, which is packed with heart-protecting, cancer-stopping nutrients called polyphenols.
Drink This Instead
R.W. Knudsen Family Just Cranberry (8 fl oz)
70 calories
0 g fat
9 g sugars
I found this article on Yahoo news and thought to share it with you all... I'm sure many of you have these foods in your home. I wonder what other boxed and caned/jar foods should be on this list?
Tuesday
NO More Disposal Swiffer Cloths For Me !!
Over the years I've always looked for the economical way to do my house work and to not buy anything that I had to use and toss in the trash. Like paper towels, napkins and so many other items that were both a waist of money and not good for the environment.
I finally joined the ranks of women/men who will no longer buy Swiffer toss away cloths.
After rooting through my old bath towels I found one and cut it into 6 pieces, zigzagged around the edges with my sewing machine and in a matter of 10 minutes had 6 washable Swiffer cloth's.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my Swiffer sweeper. It works so well on my floors and is easy to clean up in a matter of minutes.
I found that dry or wet Terrycloth works just as well picking up dust and dirt.
Yes, I can use my new Terry Cloth cleaners, and simply toss them in the machine to wash.
No more spending on disposal cloths. You know, I used two a day and that can run into serious trash and money.
I'm so proud of me!
I'm linking up to
Monday
Exploring the Sea,, Mariana Trench Floor and My Coast Guard Son #2
Last week I posted the adventure of my Coast Guard, Lt. Son, Tommy and the wonderful time he had up in Alaska while he watch the winner of the Iditarod as he and his dog's came in. Then he landed on an ice runway in the little town of Diomede, Ak. to teach the local people boat safety. You can watch this on an up coming episode on the Discovery Channel.
Well, today I'm talking about Son #2, Eric.
(he is really my son-in-law but I feel he is my son)
Eric is a YNI, in the Coast Guard and has been stationed for the past three years in Guam.
His thrill this past month was to be on a Coast Guard Cutter that sat out in the So Pacific Ocean, being ready when needed by the entire crew of Titanic director James Cameron. While Cameron worked to reached the deepest part of the Pacific Ocean as part of his underwater solo submarine mission.
(My daughter did not know of the mission until after it was over but did say, "He was gone this week"?)
This week Eric was "Exploring the Sea"
Cameron left the tiny atoll of Ulithi in the Caroline Islands of the
western Pacific Ocean on Saturday for the mission. His goal was to
become the first human to visit the ocean's deepest point in more than
50 years, and to bring back data and specimens. He aimed to take 3-D
images that could help scientists better understand the unexplored part
of the Earth.
Located in the western Pacific east of the Philippines and an average of
approximately 124 miles (200 kilometers) east of the Mariana Islands,
the Mariana Trench is a crescent-shaped scar in the Earth’s crust that
measures more than 1,500 miles (2,550 kilometers) long and 43 miles (69
kilometers) wide on average. The distance between the surface of the
ocean and the trench’s deepest point—the Challenger Deep, which lies 62
miles (100 kilometers) southwest of the U.S. territory of Guam—is nearly
7 miles (11 kilometers). If Mount Everest were dropped into the Mariana
Trench, its peak would still be more than a mile (1.6 kilometers)
underwater.
The Mariana Trench
Yesterday it was announced, Avatar film director James Cameron has completed the world’s first solo dive to the deepest-known point on Earth, reaching the bottom of the Pacific Ocean’s Mariana Trench southwest of Guam in a specially designed submarine.
The filmmaker arrived at the site known as “Challenger Deep” shortly before 8 a.m. local time on Monday, reaching a depth of 35,756 feet, or roughly 7 miles beneath the ocean’s surface, said the National Geographic Society, which is overseeing the expedition.
James Cameron
As a mom I can't tell you how exciting it is for me to hear the stories from my boys and how their lives in the Coast Guard has taken them to their dreams of adventure. One Exploring the Sea and One Exploring Nome...
I'm also happy to say both of their missions turned out to be safe, for all involved.
"Semper Paratus Guys"
* * * * *
I'm linking up to
Jenny Matlock@
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