Cris Fellows

Jay Angler wrote:I need a fancy outfit. I *don't* do frilly - which is what other people wanted me to wear.

I had heard about a "split side adjustable skirt" on another thread all about skirts. I got seriously pissed when lovely clothing I made 20+ years ago or a decade earlier, didn't fit me after 2 kids and menopause.

Jay, while I will definitely try this,  it is a wonderful idea...I must admit after possibly hundreds of emails with you in the lead...I thought you were a guy.  I mean,  you could be a guy who wears skirts,  but probably not one who has been through menopause.   😂   Cris... who has also been through menopause.

Teri Schuster wrote:I recently found info on this if you can't get the sticky goo off use a combination of baking soda and an oil like olive oil it works beautifully!!!

Or baking soda and dish soap made into paste.   Peel what you can,  then let this sit on goo.  If really stubborn,  add a little wire brush.  As an herbalist,  I am forever taking labels off of jars.   😂

First suggested by a pest control guy, but we have tried and can attest that they love them.   Oatmeal cream pies!!!  They don't even have to be unwrapped and they will go for it.   Unfortunately,  our live trap was not up to snuff and they escaped...multiple times.  We gave up and put chicken runs around my veggies which has been fairly effective, unless I forget to close the door...

In herbalism, a term that I don't see used much is "specific".  A single herb that ticks off all of the things you are trying to allay of the problem or the root cause.  For gout, Burdock is a specific.  I have seen good effect used as the primary herb in a tincture blend.  But since alcohol may be part of the problem, Burdock root (of the first year plant) is good eating.   It can be dehydrated into chips, although it is oily and I can never get it dry enough...I always end up with mold issues.   But in Japan it is used as a vegetable.

Thunderstorm asthma.  It's an actual thing.   Before/ during storms (not just rain) the pollen and mold are broken into tiny pieces, if you are sensitive when you breathe them in your allergies go crazy.

Cris Fellows wrote:Still stand by using preflowering Ragweed as tincture, along with Red Clover and Goldenrod.  I use liberally a dropperful as needed.  Externally for bug bite allergies you can't beat plantain.  Chew it up, stick it on.  Matthew Wood (herbalist) relates a story of 3 women gardening  who got into a nest of spiders and all got bitten.  One if them had just learned about plantain and put some on each of the bites.  The women thought the spiders might be black widow and all agreed to go to see the doctor in the am.  (Although, I don't know why one would wait if that was the thought...).  Anyways, the one woman woke in the am with much improvement in appearance of bites.  The other two women were dead.  I have stories of my own, but this one really showcases the power of the plant.

This still stands,  a tincture of Ragweed (preflowering plant), Goldenrod and Red Clover blend to which a small amount of Lobelia is added as a driver is stellar for allergies.   Showers and clothes washing are essential during high pollen days in the garden.  Reduce load as much as you can: don't eat things that you are allergic/ sensitive to,  watch timing on outdoor events,  selective use of air conditioning.

Current read: Beast of Ten by Beth Brower (author of The Unselected journals of Emma M Lion,  great fun).  
Just finished Isola: historical fiction about a young lady,  initially of means,  whose guardian fritters away her wealth and abandons her and her lover and maid on a small mostly granite island in New Canada.  
Also recently finished East of Eden by John Steinbeck.  I put of reading it for about a decade,  probably because Grapes of Wrath, although wonderful,  was such a tome.  It is now in my top 5 of all time for sure.   So good.

L Anderson wrote:

I’ll know I’m done when the lawn mower dies of loneliness.
Of all the different things I do, my gardens, messiness and all, are the most important to me.  They bring meaning to my life.
It’s amazing what grandmas can get away with when they put their minds to it.  

L Anderson, I adore your entire post,  but these three lines are pure gold!!!

The last time was about 10 days ago because I had an herbalism class "Fostered and Foraged Apothecary".  Did the class twice with 12 attendees the first time during which we had a downpour!  Thankfully,  I have a greenhouse and we waited it out.   The second class had about 6 attendees, and it was lovely.   I made nettle cake, spring garlic pesto and BumbleTea (Nettle,  Hibiscus,  Dandelion and Lemon Balm) to share with class.   I do take individuals on little mini tours now and then as well.   I have an Elderberry Crafting and Lore class early September in the garden and we will tour then as well.  And the Goumi berries are popping now!

John Gould wrote:Is your area wooded with a lot of wild goosberry (Ribes americanum)?

It is urban, so no,  but I planted a line of gooseberry on the other side of lots.