tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69654708311397381482024-02-07T01:27:02.407-08:00StarDragonfly HerbalsStarDragonfly Herbalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209791838302749742noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965470831139738148.post-7074829561784465282012-10-22T09:17:00.001-07:002012-10-22T09:17:41.679-07:00A New Chapter! And Farewell My Friends!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8n3kHrTTNVIRYOOYMbhZYazzLXun1GYB0u0kaCT3l3KwP1Ro4P6UlBEwGbiupRirzbla3_kVgHGdjWi-7yZND6-L0xXXxgVtBV7DOTsjgm91FJsVEg1bQsoTxt9ESMYSCe96RhNVr-PD/s1600/DSC00125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8n3kHrTTNVIRYOOYMbhZYazzLXun1GYB0u0kaCT3l3KwP1Ro4P6UlBEwGbiupRirzbla3_kVgHGdjWi-7yZND6-L0xXXxgVtBV7DOTsjgm91FJsVEg1bQsoTxt9ESMYSCe96RhNVr-PD/s400/DSC00125.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brugmansia</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #a2c4c9;">Good morning, All! This will be the last post of the StarDragonfly Herbals Blog!. I have thought long and hard about this decision.....honestly, I do not seem to have the time to devote to blogging. I am sad. I really enjoyed blogging! And I loved all the comments that I received from readers.</span><br />
<span style="color: #a2c4c9;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #a2c4c9;">I did not want to just disappear from the blogging world. I wanted to say "Farewell!" Closure is good. And for me and mine this closure is very good. As most of StarDragonfly Herbals readers know, I opened StarDragonfly Herb Company (a brick and mortar establishment) in June. And like the herbs we sell, the store is growing and blooming and seeding and doing all the planty things it should be doing! And I love it! I was only going to be open 4 days a week, well, that has grown into 5 days a week. The hours fluctuate with events that are happening in the small town of Winnsboro, Texas. So, sometimes the days are very long and busy! Which is awesome.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVs5ANiHeEC6TS5wblG7QnTKBnaOncEIxkGxKwIzjEAvShU9WzKUWqthzEd5qh290hF-W8sN1NOIp2SjuaM86zpaYbP-Enb4ZPYm5rTvyaoxDqrbBK-vG1xugOJ0zEn5wb0nZZ_mC_dp9/s1600/DSC00140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #a2c4c9;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVs5ANiHeEC6TS5wblG7QnTKBnaOncEIxkGxKwIzjEAvShU9WzKUWqthzEd5qh290hF-W8sN1NOIp2SjuaM86zpaYbP-Enb4ZPYm5rTvyaoxDqrbBK-vG1xugOJ0zEn5wb0nZZ_mC_dp9/s400/DSC00140.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a2c4c9;">Farmer's Market Flowers<br />at the front desk with<br />the organic chocolate and<br />organic suckers!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #a2c4c9;">In fact, a nice lady named Ann has agreed to be my apprentice! I took a very nice photo of her, but the camera is sitting on my desk.....which is about 20 miles away. So watch for Ann's photo on StarDragonfly Herb Companies FACEBOOK page.</span><br />
<span style="color: #a2c4c9;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #a2c4c9;">That brings me to FACEBOOK. This is what I have been doing. Every morning I put a photo and blurb about herbs or products in the store or just an inspirational saying in a post. I have found that this is mini-blogging! It is fun! And it helps those following me know what I do and have at StarDragonfly Herb Company! So please, LIKE StarDragonfly Herb Company on FACEBOOK! The link is at the top right of the blog. Oh, I bring that up because I hear this quite often. "Well, just what does she have in that store?"</span><br />
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<span style="color: #a2c4c9;">And what do we have at StarDragonfly Herb Company? Lots of wonderful herbs and herbal products! Let me see if I can give you some examples!</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: #a2c4c9;">Bulk Herbs, medicinal and culinary</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #a2c4c9;">Spices, common and exotic! (We have wonderful Vanilla beans!)</span></li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_mFckeCyrIUUWfGvvdOs4oQyy4N4_OhJko9PLWN9gobQeGtD1jwjnypzyZ9Gm9DRSqzHL3VCLTuyxkKEGb1aHTBC0Eh-EtJc4F-PvJCssMqFGKFggAm8GO3olEI58cdz0u9VKdwfhG9Qq/s1600/DSC00154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #a2c4c9;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_mFckeCyrIUUWfGvvdOs4oQyy4N4_OhJko9PLWN9gobQeGtD1jwjnypzyZ9Gm9DRSqzHL3VCLTuyxkKEGb1aHTBC0Eh-EtJc4F-PvJCssMqFGKFggAm8GO3olEI58cdz0u9VKdwfhG9Qq/s400/DSC00154.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a2c4c9;">Agatha posing with<br />Delta Aromatherapy Candles<br />Vanilla and Lavender.</span></td></tr>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: #a2c4c9;">Candles, Delta (which is owned by Cousin Sandra's daughter) and Native Naturals which are local</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #a2c4c9;">Organic chocolate bars and the absolute best Organic Hot Chocolate mix.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #a2c4c9;">Aprons and Tea Cozies from Glynda, The Cozy Kitchen.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #a2c4c9;">Red Oak Botanicals (room sprays, creams and salves, lip balm)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #a2c4c9;">Time To Thyme Herbals (laundry soap kits, beads, herbal medicines, salves creams, sachets and more)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #a2c4c9;">Sister Susan's Face Creams for Cowgirls and Country Girls and my magic salves.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #a2c4c9;">Fresh Granola</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #a2c4c9;">Fresh "Free-range" Eggs from Happy Chickens</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #a2c4c9;">The Essential Herbal Magazine</span></li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggUChW3CNewU2Ve61UAJpFK6ZEp8DofH92NwxCrMNIL2HJCHVd5edEoDN7dMEyC9eqsDopA9Irdi-UHX2XB0h-u-0LqHr4f6rZu8W7gkbXJEljo6tkNIYcknpwPPZdxMMa3FAoOoF1mXub/s1600/DSC00151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #a2c4c9;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggUChW3CNewU2Ve61UAJpFK6ZEp8DofH92NwxCrMNIL2HJCHVd5edEoDN7dMEyC9eqsDopA9Irdi-UHX2XB0h-u-0LqHr4f6rZu8W7gkbXJEljo6tkNIYcknpwPPZdxMMa3FAoOoF1mXub/s400/DSC00151.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #a2c4c9;">Christie, one of the shop "cats"</span></td></tr>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: #a2c4c9;">Herbal Tea Samplers-makes a great gift or these samplers are a wonderful way to star drinking herbal tea. Sometimes it is just so hard to make a decision on which delicious tea to purchase!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #a2c4c9;">Herbal lye soaps from Native Naturals.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #a2c4c9;">DVD's on the Edible, Medicinal and Utilitarian plants of Northeast Texas! Awesome videos! At a great price! </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #a2c4c9;">Pan Flute CD by David</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #a2c4c9;">CD that is a pdf file of the 100 top medicinal herbs. Great reference.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #a2c4c9;">And so much more! There is always a fresh pot of herbal tea brewed, so please feel free to stop by for a cup of tea and a chat. I will even get out the good china!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #a2c4c9;">So, now I am going to officially say "Farewell, Dear Blog Friend!" If you are local please stop by the store and if you are not, well, next time you are in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, Winnsboro is about 2 hours southeast of Dallas. Would love to share a cup of tea with you! Stay well and please, contact me by email or phone (903-588-4313) if you have any questions. Will try to help you to the best of my ability! Herbally, Susan</span></div>
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<span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-size: large;"><i>"I guess it's going to have to hurt, I guess I'm going to have to cry. And let go of somethings I've loved to get to the other side.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-size: large;"><i>I guess it's going to break me down, like fallin' when you try to fly.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-size: large;"><i>Sad but sometimes moving on with the rest of your life starts with goodbye."</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a2c4c9; font-size: large;"><i>Carrie Underwood</i></span></div>
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StarDragonfly Herbalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209791838302749742noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965470831139738148.post-77557587909327446142012-09-30T12:31:00.001-07:002012-09-30T14:02:47.536-07:00No Tea Cozy? Herbal Gift class and a Critter with Good Taste!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdU0OFMY-wlEJs5Zs_PGz05SEsaTao44HBn8Adud0R9KOBMy6Yfk0H2P80B01qW5elrTzMif719sWpbdEZIsbeu40b5m6_qL08M1p3-_SB64p36xorxwJXKMwO8ySYbphEtyX6bmP1jz9/s1600/tea+cozy+kitchen+clarity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdU0OFMY-wlEJs5Zs_PGz05SEsaTao44HBn8Adud0R9KOBMy6Yfk0H2P80B01qW5elrTzMif719sWpbdEZIsbeu40b5m6_qL08M1p3-_SB64p36xorxwJXKMwO8ySYbphEtyX6bmP1jz9/s200/tea+cozy+kitchen+clarity.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Tea Cozy!<br />
Photo by<br />
tea-cozy-irisheyes-jpg<br />
www.kitchenclarity.com</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;">Good afternoon, All! My theme for the day is tea cozies. Why? I was just curious about the whole concept of tea cozies. They are so English to me. (Well, and with a last name like Thames, you might understand the fascination with anything British!) </span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #999999;">Tea cozies rate right up there with scones, shortbread cookies, and Agatha Christie. And believe it or not, I do not have a single tea cozy in my kitchen! I had read the entire Agatha Christie series by the time I was 13. When I was a kid, I insisted on English riding lessons. (Yikes, there is nothing to hold onto on that saddle! For me riding a horse with a western saddle is a much safer option!) </span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #999999;">Cousin Sandra and I have at least 10 teapots and dozens of mismatched tea cups and saucers. I have consumed my share (and more probably) of scones and shortbread cookies. I have a pair of Wellies, (though in Texas they are just considered "those</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghRki0ZxVspKbJHZIBMhDSSQhrjqr0bTRdqVclpX4ICrUDUnWMI0m-8FdHMuBy4ECJCjhy6Ican0Fd_2YdA9VJOtsPZ6vrR9hYmYwRBu0XdtxzJp1pLmHs9sJDN_2RcC0ksHufpLmCV2rj/s1600/tea+cozy+kintting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #999999;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghRki0ZxVspKbJHZIBMhDSSQhrjqr0bTRdqVclpX4ICrUDUnWMI0m-8FdHMuBy4ECJCjhy6Ican0Fd_2YdA9VJOtsPZ6vrR9hYmYwRBu0XdtxzJp1pLmHs9sJDN_2RcC0ksHufpLmCV2rj/s200/tea+cozy+kintting.jpg" width="166" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">Love this Pumpkin Tea Cozy!</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">Photo by</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">teacozy.jpg</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">www.knitting.craftgossip.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;">old green dairy boots"), and I have watched most of the British mysteries on Netflix at least twice. </span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #999999;">My herb shop is filled with English antiques, I drink a cup of tea at 4 o'clock daily (with a shortbread cookie or a scone and I wonder why I had to give my apron maker all my old jeans!), I faithfully read Victoria magazine, but I do not own a tea cozy! I even have Tea Cozies in my herb shop! I use one daily when I make herbal tea for customers.....but I don't have one at home. I wonder why?</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #999999;">Okay, enough of that! Let's learn something about tea cozies! </span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #999999;">You would think that the history of the tea cozy would have started in the 1660's when tea was introduced to Britain, but no, it didn't start then. And how come the Chinese or Indian tea drinker didn't mention using a tea cozy to keep their tea warm? Or did they? And I am just missing this fact. The lovely Duchess of Bedford was probably the one that got tea cozy use</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjxKxYwo54zbHCM2iRP3FtzYgEaxidk4Ge2VWJ5BrXkW4jzUoM-0zKgiVSm-81PpshYX6Lp4ppa4m4pF0n_BWOVEL6T0qHtfeC7HQlrruDrkkfb7gHY6HCRcPEWf1rzZC74DOTS_UXFN-F/s1600/Duchess+of+bedford.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #999999;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjxKxYwo54zbHCM2iRP3FtzYgEaxidk4Ge2VWJ5BrXkW4jzUoM-0zKgiVSm-81PpshYX6Lp4ppa4m4pF0n_BWOVEL6T0qHtfeC7HQlrruDrkkfb7gHY6HCRcPEWf1rzZC74DOTS_UXFN-F/s400/Duchess+of+bedford.jpg" width="274" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">Anna Marie Russell</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">Duchess of Bedford</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">Sept. 3, 1783-July 3, 1857</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">Photo from</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">www.gogmsite.net</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;">started in England. (Okay, let's give credit where credit is due!) The cook or ladies maid that snuck the tea and goodies up to the Duchess's room probably invented some sort of cover for the tea pot because the Duchess and her gal pals got to gabbing and their tea would get cold. And tea was very expensive at that time. And the Duke probably got terrible upset if said gabby ladies didn't drink their tea while it was still hot! <i>Red faced, he stomped up and down the lady's chamber, muttering, "After all, Anna, do you think I am made out of money!" </i>Oops, sorry!</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #999999;">Okay, the tea cozy became popular during the late 19th century because the Victorians had an obsession of decorating and covering objects? This info is from Wikipedia.</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #999999;">Well, I had some lovely photos of <u>The Cozy Kitchen's</u> Tea Cozies that are for sale at StarDragonfly Herb Shop. But, wouldn't you know, the camera is sitting on my desk, in the store, 20 miles away. So, for those of you who follow me on FACEBOOK, well, watch for tea cozy photos this week!</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/StarDragonflyHerbCompany"><span style="color: #999999;">https://www.facebook.com/StarDragonflyHerbCompany</span></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1yXY7XbC2VKXB_FFLItCU1eZUmZukIc_D73YxIFlOQwFk1KbgOG0Gst7Ybpa93_O8u2zegwiZtz2NewANw9EpdCYNNy2VmrBU-RI0ACXTC3ryiG2vUal-eo6qQ9p0bHp1FGkdXWbasasg/s1600/tea+cozy+bella.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #999999;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1yXY7XbC2VKXB_FFLItCU1eZUmZukIc_D73YxIFlOQwFk1KbgOG0Gst7Ybpa93_O8u2zegwiZtz2NewANw9EpdCYNNy2VmrBU-RI0ACXTC3ryiG2vUal-eo6qQ9p0bHp1FGkdXWbasasg/s320/tea+cozy+bella.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">I love this one!</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #999999;">Photo from</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #999999;">www.belladia.typepad.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #999999;">Introduction to Basic Herbalism series</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">Class 1 Creating Herbal Gifts!</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #999999;">Thursday evening, October 11, 2012, 7-8:30 pm</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">Tuesday, morning, October 18, 2012 10 - Noon</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #999999;">$35.00 per person</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #999999;">This will be the first class of the Introduction to Basic Herbalism series! And what a great way to get started!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLEruY3ZNlzF0YW2OOjDVODnTNUQn46DtNeuK_DDphUIapQLWrgf1Zf3d43GVSOMYG0r8KtFKNm4mAT7hyphenhyphenjhaS5Az8a6A5w-75B_m2xzOgG49tUIkgsRGJIehencLbuQsTfB27ihS8abpS/s1600/tea+cozy+bug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #999999;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLEruY3ZNlzF0YW2OOjDVODnTNUQn46DtNeuK_DDphUIapQLWrgf1Zf3d43GVSOMYG0r8KtFKNm4mAT7hyphenhyphenjhaS5Az8a6A5w-75B_m2xzOgG49tUIkgsRGJIehencLbuQsTfB27ihS8abpS/s320/tea+cozy+bug.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">I want this one!</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">photo from</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">www.weburbanist.com</span></td></tr>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: #999999;">Learn fun ways to incorporate herbs into gifts for family and friends!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #999999;">Learn the medicinal value of herbs that are in the products you will be creating.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #999999;">Receive handouts and recipes!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #999999;">Share your experiences with other class members!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #999999;">Start building your vocabulary of Herbal Medicinal Properties.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #999999;">Students will receive 10% discount on "StarDragonfly" products on day of class.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #999999;">Class size will be limited, so please call or email to reserve your spot at the herbal work table!</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #999999;">StarDragonfly Herb Company</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">"The Little Herb Shop on Elm Street"</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">Winnsboro, Texas</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">903-588-4313</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #999999;">Time to close and do something besides sit in front of the computer! I think I will make myself a pot of tea (and use a tea towel as my cozy, drat!), grab a cookie, dust off a copy of Agatha Christie and snuggle in for the rest of the afternoon. That is to say until I have to put on my Wellies and do chores! Sure wish you were here! Herbally, Susan</span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999; font-size: large;"><i>"Under certain circumstances there are few hours more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea."</i></span></h2>
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<span style="color: #999999;">- Henry James, <i>The Portrait of a Lady</i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitJm13di1MQOVEgYfsiu9Ta0JJXkn2SYvu7-iER5U1oXMqPneMxVxqWkqx_T8GKIES8l75VcmCeglYY9zT8Yh0l1R3mYr7akKxf2CBxkOIzKTmq8upc92RFpCBWrActQtOj81XjW9467hg/s400/squirrel.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from<br />
www.haveacupofteawilltravel.com</td></tr>
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StarDragonfly Herbalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209791838302749742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965470831139738148.post-47769104166345724082012-09-24T09:19:00.002-07:002012-09-24T11:00:29.346-07:00It is almost Thyme for the "Herb" Mysteries Book Club!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYE3dv3qhGDdSIm-SB0C7eD8JRRks7ziyq_o-tCxl3maJaAEnYv6__sjrB-qoaJEiSqnkmWdj-O96erD0uctjXgWwwZpCFRoJ4v2yFFhmIIRgIxxpYGpMBrQ8TcZDioi4dV7jB8zYoQyq4/s1600/Thyme+of+Death.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYE3dv3qhGDdSIm-SB0C7eD8JRRks7ziyq_o-tCxl3maJaAEnYv6__sjrB-qoaJEiSqnkmWdj-O96erD0uctjXgWwwZpCFRoJ4v2yFFhmIIRgIxxpYGpMBrQ8TcZDioi4dV7jB8zYoQyq4/s400/Thyme+of+Death.jpg" width="235" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="color: #999999;">Thyme of Death</span></u><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">by Susan W. Albert</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">This is the first book the</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">"Herb" Mysteries Book Club</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">will read!</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">photo by www.gflibrary.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;">Good morning, All!</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #999999;">The "Herb" Mysteries Book Club</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">Introductory Meeting</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">Thursday, September 27, 7:00 - 8:30 pm</span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;">Join us for a fun evening of herbies and cozy mystery fans, getting together to read the Susan W. Albert, China Bayles Mystery series. These herbal mysteries are easy and fun reading. China Bayles is a fictional herbalist who owns and operates, <i>Thyme and Seasons</i>, an herb shop in Texas. Each book contains lots of herbal information and some recipes. This first meeting will be FREE and please, bring your favorite herbal snack to share with the group.</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #999999;">Sip herbal tea while enjoying this introduction to The "Herb" Mysteries Book Club. We will be learning about the series, and planning future club meetings.</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #999999;">This Group will meet on the last Thursday of each month at 7:00 - 8:30 pm.</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #999999;">Meeting place: StarDragonfly Herb Company</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">"The Little Herb Shop on Elm Street!"</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">Winnsboro, Texas</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZ2j_WFPuo9M2kR3ez11FYWoyyvT7jwqLL9whmBUXBT5qVfXyI098LUFqqvFEynIeHQc1HRla6O3eoqmBan0-sg52C41zbCWVdpjnEefyeXTpHxThr1aq8pEH44wCmle2oTWRzmWqgKiw/s1600/Susan+Wittig+Albert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #999999;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZ2j_WFPuo9M2kR3ez11FYWoyyvT7jwqLL9whmBUXBT5qVfXyI098LUFqqvFEynIeHQc1HRla6O3eoqmBan0-sg52C41zbCWVdpjnEefyeXTpHxThr1aq8pEH44wCmle2oTWRzmWqgKiw/s400/Susan+Wittig+Albert.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">Susan W. Albert<br />photo from www.blogbooktours.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;">For more information, please contact:</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">Susan Thames</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;">903-588-4313</span><br />
<span style="color: #999999;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #999999;">If you would like to learn more about Susan W. Albert and her other mystery series, check out her website</span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> www.abouthyme.com</span><span style="color: #999999;"> and subscribe to her e-letters.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">The Winnsboro Farmer's Market will be on Market Street all Saturdays in October!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">StarDragonfly Herb Company will be open at 8:00 am on Saturday mornings in October! So, when you are shopping the Farmers Market, just come on across Elm Street and have a cup of herbal tea and say "Hello!" Will be looking forward to seeing everyone from the market! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">There will be a Farmers Market Bingo game going on during the month of October! SDHC will have a space on the card! Make "The Little Herb Shop on Elm Street!" one of your stops! And there will be a sale on all bulk herbal teas for Bingo participants! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsop990k5pEm_euWw8h9eDXkYmYoLaQYDbM7MxVFramNwEaoS0hhsKJUcJ-3T7toA8dhOAlwvp11YPeLN3yC3h84uLAY4BTxhpC_1nFKLqqbCAkNqXWSn0cnwQ2zIzDyUJvDg6I3qTOLYq/s1600/winnsboro+farmers+market+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #999999;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsop990k5pEm_euWw8h9eDXkYmYoLaQYDbM7MxVFramNwEaoS0hhsKJUcJ-3T7toA8dhOAlwvp11YPeLN3yC3h84uLAY4BTxhpC_1nFKLqqbCAkNqXWSn0cnwQ2zIzDyUJvDg6I3qTOLYq/s400/winnsboro+farmers+market+1.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">Winnsboro Farmers Market<br />Summer 2012</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;">Did you know......that Thyme has been associated with courage since ancient times. The Greeks, the Romans, the Scottish highlanders, and the knights of the Middle Ages all thought thyme brought one strength and courage! <span style="font-size: xx-small;">www.health diaries.com</span> </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;"> Hmmm, I am sure these fellows needed all the strength and courage they could get, but what I do know is that Thyme tea with mullein and yarrow helped Cousin Sandra when she was coughing because of bronchitis! Herbally, Susan</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbfMtUipxCFEC_z85fRUEzFB6atayX12JAJKvnRgAAFderOc0ctUpOe3XZkAF2DUF18wyQrwu33pC_m9OaMzHznz9BZVkdgr0XbTroxQ_IXNjJt7dOFm1S6XccQIpsaqHRXawjyyQKNKwL/s1600/knight+on+horse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #999999;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbfMtUipxCFEC_z85fRUEzFB6atayX12JAJKvnRgAAFderOc0ctUpOe3XZkAF2DUF18wyQrwu33pC_m9OaMzHznz9BZVkdgr0XbTroxQ_IXNjJt7dOFm1S6XccQIpsaqHRXawjyyQKNKwL/s400/knight+on+horse.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">jpg. from www.perioddrama.com</span></td></tr>
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StarDragonfly Herbalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209791838302749742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965470831139738148.post-82421703281863912792012-09-16T05:40:00.002-07:002012-09-16T06:28:42.617-07:00Goldenrod, Another Class! and Elvis in Winnsboro, Texas?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1_Xj3Szts2CZkVvjB3BBHdy3KuJ_ZW5gepi5EgeSUvCiEcvmhCqJ-AnXtcYxtWTue4auz6vFWuBb7VUA9auzMhYDnNY-uaAkrLmFDREumnfTHMiqX0O5t5O4qNbQ99E7zMKv_uFNef7s/s1600/goldenrod+and+Riddells.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1_Xj3Szts2CZkVvjB3BBHdy3KuJ_ZW5gepi5EgeSUvCiEcvmhCqJ-AnXtcYxtWTue4auz6vFWuBb7VUA9auzMhYDnNY-uaAkrLmFDREumnfTHMiqX0O5t5O4qNbQ99E7zMKv_uFNef7s/s400/goldenrod+and+Riddells.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riddell's Goldenrod<br />
Solidago riddellii<br />
Buckeye Butterfly<br />
www.getyourbotanyon.blogspot.com<br />
Goldenrods, Asters, a thistle and some bugs.</td></tr>
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Good morning, All! Wow! The last couple months have been crazy fun at StarDragonfly Herb Company! SDHC has been in business now for 3 months! I was telling Cousin Sandra the other day that SDHC is like having a young baby. Right now, the store NEEDS me and all my energy! So, for those of you that have missed the Blog. Well, my sincere apologizes! And thank you so much for letting me know you missed the Blog and Thank you for all the support I have received from friends, family and customers to get StarDragonfly Herb Company on her feet or should I say get her "roots set"! Oh, and by the way, SDHC is doing FANTASTIC. Inventory is growing daily, new customers come in daily and more folks are getting turned on to HERBS daily! Now that is what I call SUCCESS!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBz9izWwy_17m7dq-djbCjMTTf4Ss5jBgEjpXy525aYCkMUsCLr16mJEaLJiCV-zs-RmhZoSn52ZBpAf5r-vWqla8DUTMW8FqaU6ahcZxdDNU1QAziIqSo8Yi0wrTPk_t5W1fODo4c_pq/s1600/Goldenrod,+tall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZBz9izWwy_17m7dq-djbCjMTTf4Ss5jBgEjpXy525aYCkMUsCLr16mJEaLJiCV-zs-RmhZoSn52ZBpAf5r-vWqla8DUTMW8FqaU6ahcZxdDNU1QAziIqSo8Yi0wrTPk_t5W1fODo4c_pq/s320/Goldenrod,+tall.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goldenrod, Tall<br />
Solidago canadensis var. scabra<br />
www.fcps.edu</td></tr>
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Now, I will try my best to give the Blog more attention! <br />
<br />
First announcement!<br />
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Thursday evening was the Introductory meeting for the Introduction to Basic Herbalism class series! It was a smashing success! There were a total of 17 of us! After we introduced ourselves, Nancy of Falster Farms gave us a brief history of Honey and some of it's medicinal uses. Then we stopped for a short break and Nancy provided us with Chicory tea (to which we added honey and half and half), chocolate covered meringue bites and a very delicious honey and (Young Living) citrus essential oil flavored Kefir cheese. After our snack we talked about the amazing medicinal properties of Cayenne Pepper and made a massage oil for cold, achy joints with Cayenne and Coconut oil. <br />
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I would like to send a Thank You to Nancy for helping me with this class and being the first speaker of the series and providing us with such yummy treats!<br />
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Let me tell you, I have had phone, email and Facebook requests to teach the Introduction to Herbalism class during the day! So, I know this is short notice but, here we go!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">The Introduction to Basic Herbalism class series </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Tuesday morning</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">September 18</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">10:00 am - Noon</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">$15.00 per person</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">(other classes will be $35.00 and up)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">For more information or to register, please give me a call (903-588-4313), an email or get in touch with me on Facebook.</span></h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Please LIKE us on Facebook! <a href="https://www.facebook.com/StarDragonflyHerbCompany">https://www.facebook.com/StarDragonflyHerbCompany</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">There are 2 more events this week at SDHC!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Native Plant Society of Texas</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Winnsboro Chapter</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Thursday, September 20</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">6 - 7 pm</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Subject....Goldenrod</span></div>
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We love for you to bring your mystery plants and try to "stump" the local "experts"! Or educate us with some facts about local wildflowers! And you just never know what might happen! Last meeting, Shawn built a "friction" fire using a Mullein stalk!</div>
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All are Welcome!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNI2E4r7OTf6GT5vBfdSHEvzRYoZNsM26Sffyy_RYsFIlhC0YEfdpf4PvGFQ0NhAr9-dBIiTgVmn8tIeQoR-iWLKP7K_ihBe66-KPaVKJ8DTLe_U9vbZYdjdxOsEGIn0HYFdSVXorGT-Ll/s1600/elvis+50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNI2E4r7OTf6GT5vBfdSHEvzRYoZNsM26Sffyy_RYsFIlhC0YEfdpf4PvGFQ0NhAr9-dBIiTgVmn8tIeQoR-iWLKP7K_ihBe66-KPaVKJ8DTLe_U9vbZYdjdxOsEGIn0HYFdSVXorGT-Ll/s400/elvis+50.jpg" width="314" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elvis!<br />
www.timegoesby.net<br />
Watch for Elvis sightings in Winnsboro, Texas next<br />
Friday night!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Winnsboro, Texas 3rd Friday ArtWalk</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">StarDragonfly Herb Company will have a Speaker!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Karl of Falster Farms</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Subject: Bees and Honey!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">6 - 8 pm</span></div>
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Listen, Folks, if you have never heard Karl speak, well, you are missing an oratory from a very fine southern gentleman! Karl gives a great talk on bees and honey and is funny, to boot! Besides, Nancy usually shows up with some yummy honey laced treats!</div>
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So stop on by Winnsboro, next Friday evening! Oh, and dig out those Poodle skirts and Saddle Oxfords, get your special guy in that white t-shirt and rolled up blue jeans! Put a pink ribbon around your pony tail and slick your guys hair back and join us for Fifties Night! I bet we will be "Rock'in"! Elvis style!</div>
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Yes, I have missed Blogging! There is so much I want to tell each and everyone of you! But, I will close for now! Until next time, enjoy this cool weather! Herbally, Susan</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goldenrod is not only beautiful<br />
a Texas native,<br />
medicinal,<br />
and makes a delicious tea!<br />
But you may not want to dry it in the house!</td></tr>
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StarDragonfly Herbalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209791838302749742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965470831139738148.post-23395151196957680292012-07-23T12:22:00.000-07:002012-07-24T05:03:00.077-07:00Steam..WHAT? You say?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;">Steam....What?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;">Good morning, All. If you just happened to be in Winnsboro, Texas last Friday, well you probably were witness to the craziness. And actually, it was rather crazy....because it was Crazy Daze in Winnsboro. Or for the more civilized 3rd Friday Art walk. All that means really is that the merchants and citizens get together, keep the stores open late, have great sales and tasty appetizers, lots of wonderful music and a few of us are into keeping Winnsboro Weirder by playing dress up! (If you have every been in the Austin area, they have a Keep Austin Weird campaign.)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;">So, on the 3rd Friday of the Month, whether it is full moon or not....a pretty good handful of merchants and citizens, weeeell, let me put it this way, sometimes we don't even know what is going to happen!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;">Have you ever heard of Steampunk? Neither had I but let me tell you about it, just in case, you come to Winnsboro and see us all dressed up!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;">Annie Oatmeal and the beautiful, but dangerous<br />Dressmaker!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Steampunk</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;">"Streampunk is a genre that originated during the 1980's and early 1990's and incorporates elements of science fiction, fantasy, alternate history, horror and speculative fiction. it involves a setting where steam power is widely used--whether in an alternate history such as Victorian era Britain or "Wild West"-era United States, or in a post -apocalyptic time--that incorporates of elements of either science fiction or fantasy. </span><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"> (The term "Steampunk" originated in the late 1980s with a cheeky letter to Locus Magazine from science fiction author K.W. Jetter. Jeter was trying to find an accurate description of works by himself (Morlock Night), Tim Powers (The Anubis Gates), and James Blaylock (Homunculus). While Jeter coined the word, it was William Gibon and Bruce Sterling that brought the genre attention with the book The Difference Engine (1992). This info is from the website www.ministry of peculiarocurrences.com). </span><span style="color: #999999;">Works of steampunk often feature anachronistic technology, or futruistic innovations as Victorians might have envisioned them, based on a Victorian perspective on fashion, culture, architectural style and art. This technology includes such fictional machines as those found in the works of H.G. Wells and Jules Verne, or the contemporary authors Philip Pullman, Scott Westerfeld and China Mieville."</span></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;">This info is from Wikipedia.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Always dapper and handsome. Note the<br />goggles.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Mademoiselle! Straight out of the pages of Art and Espresso!<br />And just where may she<br />be hiding her gun?</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Hi, Annie! Watch out she must<br />have a ray gun in the pocket<br />of that beautiful dress!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Doc?<br />You said I needed what removed?</span> </span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;">Okay, now this is just a sampling of the photos I took on Friday. I will share more with you in the following weeks! And yes, I did dress up as the mad (as in crazy) herbalist. Ms. Dandy (Dandelion) Dragonfly. My costume needs some work.....more metal, I guess, and definitely will have goggles and a gun. Because a girl just cannot be expected to make a trip through the jungles of Victorian science fiction with out all the right stuff. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;">Ms. Dandy Dragonfly....<br />the "Mad Herbalist/Chemist"<br />Okay, folks to my credit (or craziness)<br />I am wearing a wool skirt,<br />black boots,<br />a leather vest<br />and a hat.<br />I had just returned from a rushed trip to<br />Quitman, Tx to deal with a TAX issue<br />in an unairconditioned car<br />that decided to break down in<br />104 degree heat.<br />Oh well,<br />this is a great shot of a bit of<br />StarDragonfly Herb Company!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999;">So, next time you are in Winnsboro, stop in and visit all our wonderful shops! We are a crazy lot here in Winnsboro, but we have lots of fun and hope all our customers, family and friends do to! Until next time! Herbally, Susan</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;">Steampunk is...a joyous fantasy of the past, allowing us to revel in a nostalgia for what never was. It is a literary playground for adventure, spectacle, drama, escapism and exploration. But most of all it is fun!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;">George Mann</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>StarDragonfly Herbalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209791838302749742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965470831139738148.post-15595291020366242312012-07-02T15:30:00.001-07:002012-07-02T20:26:48.438-07:00A Medicinal Mystery Plant and a Cool Soup!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8x4bnoO248kpeFgYtjcL-BUu3MIzZ0wMtZZWlXaayNW_XfzYKIfbfB-svkKtESC5UQWiwtaWCIZj2cFTT5SvydnN78kceKiOK2hSavwTAHccXVlSX1mhSjuSbCT5Puuyo-wMckPJqxUc/s1600/DSC00108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8x4bnoO248kpeFgYtjcL-BUu3MIzZ0wMtZZWlXaayNW_XfzYKIfbfB-svkKtESC5UQWiwtaWCIZj2cFTT5SvydnN78kceKiOK2hSavwTAHccXVlSX1mhSjuSbCT5Puuyo-wMckPJqxUc/s400/DSC00108.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indian Mallow<br />
Family: Abutilon </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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How many people can really and truly say, I love my job! Well, I do love working with plants (though admittedly, I am not crazy about gardening in the summer heat), growing plants, touching plants, talking about plants, and making herbal teas and medicinals from plants. Saturday night, I was so happy to be able to share some recently gained information on this beautiful plant, Indian Mallow.<br />
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L and I were enjoying an Ice Tea and music at Liefie's in Winnsboro when a gentleman came over to our table. He had just learned that I owned StarDragonfly Herb Company. He was so excited to show me a photo of his "mystery" plant. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgtyMyl-ivCS42Ev-yMy6QtKkTQnoLuDVRDyd4cvjA81u8ycu0CjFd1Bxs0ufeOc3tAKEJdBbXadA2xy_DXz0XIAUEAqp8VGOQJxugujx3NQ_kWD8RtaxH26C8aEpymR2pFVCH8wwaUuOi/s1600/DSC00110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgtyMyl-ivCS42Ev-yMy6QtKkTQnoLuDVRDyd4cvjA81u8ycu0CjFd1Bxs0ufeOc3tAKEJdBbXadA2xy_DXz0XIAUEAqp8VGOQJxugujx3NQ_kWD8RtaxH26C8aEpymR2pFVCH8wwaUuOi/s400/DSC00110.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indian Mallow seed pods</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhbx0Ml0I0abno1OyYYCOB05RrK-9oesBwVP85Y7rNX4Dhddhcbah6ICY5gjwR2nzkA9_ZUFDnKBLIWUCHvwv-crSuMLN7vMAsNkH7A64yNaKp7VmUJ-zr3aZ84_RtdpbQnNeHjWI1a2l/s1600/DSC00115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhbx0Ml0I0abno1OyYYCOB05RrK-9oesBwVP85Y7rNX4Dhddhcbah6ICY5gjwR2nzkA9_ZUFDnKBLIWUCHvwv-crSuMLN7vMAsNkH7A64yNaKp7VmUJ-zr3aZ84_RtdpbQnNeHjWI1a2l/s400/DSC00115.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ironweed</td></tr>
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When he showed me his photo, "Well, Lo and Behold!", it was my new plant friend, Indian Mallow. Needless to say he was very happy. So, my new friend from Saturday evening, if you are reading the blog today, I thought you just might be interested in some more information on your "mystery" plant.<br />
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Indian Mallow generally grows wild on the prairies and open woods of Central and West Texas.<br />
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The roots and mucilaginous bark increase the secretion and discharge of urine.<br />
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A tea made of this plant (Indian Mallow) is an effective remedy for treating fevers. Indian Mallow has a soothing effect on the skin and mucous membranes. A paste can be made and applied to all types of abscesses and itches.<br />
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Makes an effective mouthwash for toothache and tender gums.<br />
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Seeds of Indian Mallow can be used in killing thread worms. A decoction (made by boiling and steeping the roots) is used for bronchitis, catarrh and biliousness. (If you have "biliousness" your liver or gallbladder is in distress and producing large quantities of bile.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1890FqJmwKfM_eR9BV9soW3_hQp6iNnENm1nP0bvBLfrBaeDvavb5Jd53ysrXRPrbh2wQG4AstyXsBnrTbNdx7D_oW7pERr-zfhZF_MZQOneSSKERY8hc78HO6Jl8YiAUJK-YwXP4WFs0/s1600/DSC00119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1890FqJmwKfM_eR9BV9soW3_hQp6iNnENm1nP0bvBLfrBaeDvavb5Jd53ysrXRPrbh2wQG4AstyXsBnrTbNdx7D_oW7pERr-zfhZF_MZQOneSSKERY8hc78HO6Jl8YiAUJK-YwXP4WFs0/s400/DSC00119.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meadow Beauty</td></tr>
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The seeds are laxative and very effective for curing piles. (Another name for hemorrhoids.)<br />
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The whole plant is uprooted, dried and is powdered. In ancient days, maidens were made to consume a spoonful of this powder with a spoonful of honey, once in a day, for 6 months until the day of marriage, for safe and quick pregnancy. The leaves can be used to treat ulcers, headaches, gonorrhea and bladder infection.<br />
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Well, ya'll....keep cool, keep safe, be happy! Herbally, Susan<br />
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<span style="font-size: 24pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: AntsyPantsNF; font-size: 24pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red;">“Gazpacho”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: AntsyPantsNF; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Bowl in a Bag”</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> cooking class<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Presented by
</span><span style="font-family: AntsyPantsNF; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">CHEF
NANCY</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> and </span><span style="font-family: AntsyPantsNF; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">StarDragonfly
Herb Company</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Friday, July 20, 2012, (6 pm-7pm) </span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Location: <span style="font-family: AntsyPantsNF;">StarDragonfly Herb Company</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">“The Little Herb Shop on Elm Street”</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Winnsboro, Texas</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">EAT SEASONALLY!</span></div>
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<i><span style="color: red;">Gazpacho is a chilled soup made with chopped<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: red;">Tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers and
herbs.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Learn how to
prepare this gourmet</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Summer soup
using fresh, local </span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">ingredients.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: AntsyPantsNF;">“The Bowl in a Bag”</span>
cooking class series </span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">asks aspiring “chefs” to bring a bowl, spoon/fork/knife in a
zip-lock bag. Plan to shop and eat
supper at the store. Dessert will be
served after class. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Learn more about <span style="font-family: AntsyPantsNF;">CHEF
NANCY</span> at</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.southerngrace.biz/"><span style="color: red;">http://www.southerngrace.biz/</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: red;">And <span style="font-family: AntsyPantsNF;">StarDragonfly
Herb Company</span> at</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">http://winnsboroonlineguide.com/_blog/Blog</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://stardragonflyherbals.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: red;">http://StarDragonflyherbals.blogspot.com</span></a></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Participants will</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Cut, prep & Season</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">A Farmer’s Market style Gazpacho</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Receive 20% off </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">StarDragonfly Herb Company</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Spice Seasonings</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Questions or to Register call:</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">(903)588-4313 or email:
<a href="mailto:stdragonfly@yahoo.com">stdragonfly@yahoo.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Class fee:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red;">$25.00 per
person or $40.00 per couple</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"><i>Texas is neither southern or western</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: x-large;"><i>Texas is Texas!</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red;">Senator William Blakley</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49w_mjecYxLPFxkmxdi7PhBfPX0aGjmVqS8GSg5rCfFMuG9x5JJ593sRVlS2Q1Ww4lyBKNSIZ-6rLsetvx3JOBJMmzCjkJU4_0xRQnw6KG664EqZAdeWXTBKx7rmgsGytKAb7503A77Xg/s1600/4th+of+July.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49w_mjecYxLPFxkmxdi7PhBfPX0aGjmVqS8GSg5rCfFMuG9x5JJ593sRVlS2Q1Ww4lyBKNSIZ-6rLsetvx3JOBJMmzCjkJU4_0xRQnw6KG664EqZAdeWXTBKx7rmgsGytKAb7503A77Xg/s640/4th+of+July.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4th of July greeting<br />
from<br />
kxxv.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />StarDragonfly Herbalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209791838302749742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965470831139738148.post-13917432825067630402012-06-25T20:26:00.000-07:002013-09-14T05:06:30.767-07:00It is so HOT, It must be SUMMERTIME!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPt-BpQ18UDI0hrpjMhwaRGu8UEx2bDgqGs5N6eosmDse5TgVj1lLPHVPlRTWcMnXQDdyVxY2Dt5L6wdW59hOhSdn2aVDLiMeIegn8H46WLPX0knJyB_M2rx8aQRfXW0ZL-PuaDGgXhRmd/s1600/DSC00112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPt-BpQ18UDI0hrpjMhwaRGu8UEx2bDgqGs5N6eosmDse5TgVj1lLPHVPlRTWcMnXQDdyVxY2Dt5L6wdW59hOhSdn2aVDLiMeIegn8H46WLPX0knJyB_M2rx8aQRfXW0ZL-PuaDGgXhRmd/s400/DSC00112.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hibiscus<br />
Roselle or Hibiscus sadariffa<br />
The flowers only last a couple hours<br />
but they sure are gorgeous!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: magenta;">Good afternoon, All! Summer has arrived! And is it hot!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: magenta;">I know what we need on a hot day like today! A glass of iced Hibiscus Ginger tea! Oops, we don't seem to have any fresh ginger....but Hibiscus tea is delicious all by itself.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Hibiscus tea is popular as a natural diuretic; it contains vitamin C and minerals, and is used traditionally as a mild medicine. </span><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Diuretic....diuretic herbs help the body shed excess fluids.) </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: magenta;">Dieters or people with kidney problems often take it without adding sugar</span> (<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">be prepared to pucker up, talk about tart!</span>) <span style="color: magenta;">for its beneficial properties and as a natural diuretic.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4DLwA8UqfhZXEag3mejBHB85nhKH4drUA8VqZOpq8F5vTK2ZlV6DmNnBy5_g3LA8hdWZEtL1_EMvgBIJo-nYRdhsylxlpZrqjCn-nNMKX1IPw7OwwnWYOQUc8AlGfBvBthj7NNdYyiLx/s1600/DSC00106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: magenta;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI4DLwA8UqfhZXEag3mejBHB85nhKH4drUA8VqZOpq8F5vTK2ZlV6DmNnBy5_g3LA8hdWZEtL1_EMvgBIJo-nYRdhsylxlpZrqjCn-nNMKX1IPw7OwwnWYOQUc8AlGfBvBthj7NNdYyiLx/s320/DSC00106.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta;">Dried Hibiscus Flowers</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">begging to become a delicious tea!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">A 2008 USDA study shows consuming hibiscus tea lowers blood pressure in a group of prehypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults. Three cups of tea daily resulted in an average drop of 8.1 mmHg in their systolic blood pressure, compared to a 1.3 mmHg drop in the volunteers who drank the placebo beverage. Study participants with higher blood pressure readings (129 or above) had a greater response to hibiscus tea: their systolic blood pressure went down by 13.2 mmHg. These data support the idea that drinking hibiscus tea in an amount readily incorporated into the diet may play a role in controlling blood pressure."wikipedia</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQIjIg4e0iub6SaI2fRGuqgODAaA90Cvbr9A-9oC1zZ86xD23I7SHbeENM-qsJla1VkV4LE9y4CMxSHaZGZdzuDcc3woEnWyGjOhqQhw_UFr0gEH79BlgCVyIJ4wSbfigCVBH8HsPxATP/s1600/DSC00097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: magenta;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQIjIg4e0iub6SaI2fRGuqgODAaA90Cvbr9A-9oC1zZ86xD23I7SHbeENM-qsJla1VkV4LE9y4CMxSHaZGZdzuDcc3woEnWyGjOhqQhw_UFr0gEH79BlgCVyIJ4wSbfigCVBH8HsPxATP/s400/DSC00097.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta;">Refreshing and healthy, plus this Iced Hibiscus<br />Tea gets the Garden Fairy's Seal<br />of Approval!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;"> <u>Iced Ginger Hibiscus Tea</u></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">1/2 cup water</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">1/2 cup sugar</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">one3" piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">1/2 cup dried red hibiscus petals</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">8 cups water, room temperature</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: left;">Make the ginger simple syrup: Combine the sugar and 1/2 cup of water in a 2-quart saucepan. Bring to a boil and let syrup cook for 3 minutes, stirring until all the sugar is dissolved. Remove the pot from heat and add the grated ginger. Let syrup cool completely and strain. Set the syrup aside.</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Make the hibiscus tea: In a 4-quart saucepan, pour 4 cups of water over the dried hibiscus petals and place the pot over low heat. Bring the water to a slow simmer and let cook for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the tea steep for another 5 minutes. Strain into a pitcher </span><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">(When I don't use the ginger syrup, I add 1/4 cup honey and 2 packets of Stevia)</span><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> and add in the remaining 4 cups of water. Fill the pitcher with ice </span><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">(I do not add the ice)</span><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">.</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">To serve, pour tea into glasses and stir in ginger syrup, sweetening to taste.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_lm2YZCq_58lTIag-WlETdNfyDovtazUE5PYM3nX6j-hgNxRTDiRdEKAUvR5Ls1Z4QUMGr-bKuIRH0NDpx1GSOsxHDC_mtnQq5DFe0SSL7441ozPv9Dhd26wskhte0_x0CnURgrX7WkPa/s1600/white+hibiscus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_lm2YZCq_58lTIag-WlETdNfyDovtazUE5PYM3nX6j-hgNxRTDiRdEKAUvR5Ls1Z4QUMGr-bKuIRH0NDpx1GSOsxHDC_mtnQq5DFe0SSL7441ozPv9Dhd26wskhte0_x0CnURgrX7WkPa/s320/white+hibiscus.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oil painting of a White Hibiscus<br />
elaineruettinger.co</td></tr>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span>"In the Indian traditional system of medicine, Ayurveda, hibiscus, especially white hibiscus and red hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), is considered to have medicinal properties. The roots are used to make various concoctions believed to cure ailments such as cough, hair loss or hair graying. As a hair treatment, the flowers are boiled in oil along with other spices to make a medicated hair oil. The leaves and flowers are ground into a fine paste with a little water, the resulting lathery paste is used as a shampoo plus conditioner." wikipedia</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Hibiscus family is very large and not all the members are edible. The Hibiscus sadariffa is edible and medicinal. Quite a versatile and beautiful plant. Roselle or hibiscus is an aromatic, astringent, cooling herb that is much used in the Tropics. I believe it, because it is the "tea" of choice here on the farm during our long, hot and humid summers!</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">StarDragonfly Herb Company</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"The Little Herb Shop on Elm Street"</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Winnsboro, Texas</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">903-588-4313</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have dried Hibiscus flowers in stock and can sell all our dried herbs and herbal teas by the ounce. Besides dried herbs, we now have hand-spun yarn from local animals and will soon have relishes, jams, jellies, herbal soaps, therapeutic bath salts and aromatherapy candles. Products will always be changing, so stop by often to see what is new.</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until later....stay cool, love your heart by drinking lots of Hibiscus tea and have a lovely week! Herbally, Susan</span></div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>"it's a smile, it's a kiss, it's a sip of wine....it's summertime!</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Kenny Chesney</i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNhYerwUZmi9W7ook0HWN9JQXZUeJWfujLe1ajePsta4vHde_m4JZUQ6OzyA8AEbWAwwq2gL5FSRzICgNhEGgPZ4F5XqlzY8WOfSUqb8Tup5aMhLCDljzZV3CbbK4WsPUuqyRWLESBZ37/s1600/DSC00108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitNhYerwUZmi9W7ook0HWN9JQXZUeJWfujLe1ajePsta4vHde_m4JZUQ6OzyA8AEbWAwwq2gL5FSRzICgNhEGgPZ4F5XqlzY8WOfSUqb8Tup5aMhLCDljzZV3CbbK4WsPUuqyRWLESBZ37/s640/DSC00108.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rose of Sharon<br />
Althea<br />
Chinese Hibiscus</td></tr>
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StarDragonfly Herbalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209791838302749742noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965470831139738148.post-29940074528480051352012-06-18T20:18:00.001-07:002012-06-18T20:18:29.894-07:00A What Doctor?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPX5ZjwzD55331KFFDl0bvAz6f4haV923ULxMXunjY33fegqyzYQSh9glOqBo5n5VoR6NY06A5xqR6lyi4roDFmVF-PpfZopmzJqDpQT9-n07PzCQKTVMAJU1qKomA6pU9FL8sdfukgK3Y/s1600/DSC00211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPX5ZjwzD55331KFFDl0bvAz6f4haV923ULxMXunjY33fegqyzYQSh9glOqBo5n5VoR6NY06A5xqR6lyi4roDFmVF-PpfZopmzJqDpQT9-n07PzCQKTVMAJU1qKomA6pU9FL8sdfukgK3Y/s400/DSC00211.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caleb<br />
A plague doctor!<br />
Nancy taking photos!<br />
Italian: medico della peste<br />
Dutch: pestmeester<br />
German: Pestarzt<br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Good morning, All! Well, StarDragonfly Herb Company opened Friday, June 15, 2012 and now, maybe, just maybe, I can relax a little and life will get back to some semblance of "normal!" Naaaay, welcome to my crazy life!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">We had an awesome store party Friday evening! The new store was packed with family, friends and potential customers! We were entertained by Caleb, who came dressed as a "plague" doctor and Karl, as a bee keeper. I think all present learned a lot about the plague and bees.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Nancy and Karl of Falster Farms provided homemade ice cream....Strawberry Basil and Chocolate Chip Mint and fresh brewed Chicory coffee.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">For snacks we had Chocolate Chip Mint cookies and Herb filled Cheese Roll-ups...the herbs all came for the StarDragonfly gardens.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;">Plague Doctors</span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">"In medieval times the large loss of people due to the bubonic plague in a town created an economic disaster. Community plague doctors were quite valuable and were given special privileges. For example, a normally well guarded procedure of autopsies was freely allowed by plague doctors to allow research for a cure of the plague during the Middle Ages.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">"A plague doctor was a special medical physician who saw those who had the plague. They were specifically hired by towns that had many plague victims in times of plague epidemics. Since the city was playing their salary they treated everyone, the rich</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBvDn3IAnWgh3tjAGZ0tiRa3FuNXMNxHB9eKB-YezO6_807EoYqu4chQLiICVFXVeRfzVwkINHAyiLa3bayuMAyUqN4HO7PFfUVRgMNYkGE24f4jXpOZOuTdWv8Cb2H0KxauDJdMSgMaN/s1600/plague+doctor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBvDn3IAnWgh3tjAGZ0tiRa3FuNXMNxHB9eKB-YezO6_807EoYqu4chQLiICVFXVeRfzVwkINHAyiLa3bayuMAyUqN4HO7PFfUVRgMNYkGE24f4jXpOZOuTdWv8Cb2H0KxauDJdMSgMaN/s400/plague+doctor.jpg" width="307" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Plague Doctor</span><br />
<span style="color: #c27ba0;">theloveforhistory.wordpress.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">and the poor. They were not normally professionally trained experienced physicians or surgeons, and often were second-rate doctors not able to otherwise run a successful medical business or young physicians trying to establish themselves.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Some plague doctors wore a special costume, although graphic sources show that plague doctors wore a variety of garments. The protective suit consisted of a heavy fabric overcoat that was waxed, a mask of glassed eye openings and a cone shaped like beak to hold scented substances.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Some of the scented materials were amber, balm-mint leaves, camphor, cloves,</span> <span style="color: #8e7cc3;">laudanum</span>,<span style="color: #c27ba0;"> myrrh, rose petals, and</span> <span style="color: #8e7cc3;">storax</span>. <span style="color: #c27ba0;">This was thought to protect the doctor from miasmatic bad air. A wooden cane pointer was used to help examine the patient without touching.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzElIPBP918f1wIhLUnu1ILUnWAxb4lW40uAPaSnB3VPpVHrSrZ10oTsqBcj9y7v11Qq6EVhGhr8UerAMz20EM4JkMv3EcRHq1hQFfnpdzNzDNUwb9MoBzXYHkUGkt9v-TR6oC3ODcclA/s1600/Laudanum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzElIPBP918f1wIhLUnu1ILUnWAxb4lW40uAPaSnB3VPpVHrSrZ10oTsqBcj9y7v11Qq6EVhGhr8UerAMz20EM4JkMv3EcRHq1hQFfnpdzNzDNUwb9MoBzXYHkUGkt9v-TR6oC3ODcclA/s400/Laudanum.jpg" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laudanum<br />
Tincture of Opium</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;">Laudanum</span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">"Paracelsus (1493-1541) born in Salzburg, Austria, a 16th-century Swiss-German alchemist, discovered that the alkaloids in opium are far more soluble in alcohol that water. Having experimented with various opium concoctions, Paracelsus came across a specific tincture of opium that was of considerable use in reducing pain.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Paracelsus' laudanum was strikingly different from the standard laudanum of the 17th century and beyond. His preparation contained opium, crushed pearls, musk, amber and other substances. One researcher has documented that "Laudanum, as listed in the London Pharmacoepoeia (1618), was a pill made from opium, saffron, ambergris, musk and nutmeg."</span><br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">A potent narcotic by virtue of its high morphine concentration, laudanum was historically used to treat a variety of ailments, but its principal use was as an analgesic and cough suppressant. Until the early 20th century, laudanum was sold without a prescription and was a constituent of many patent medicines. Today, laudanum is strictly regulated and controlled throughout most of the world." <span style="font-size: xx-small;">en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laudanum</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;"></b></span>Storax<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;"></b></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZGVoQtOR9P1dbbiXhy59JVFarbtq1ZCflrrt7PDZPgTXmIXQCXwuG-ff6eML_V7VrPndQOwsf1pYoTsH0xvLqp1DBy739d3EvYv50VilxANiWrtLvaMB5MdquFNWboDtt8P5M-op6tRB/s1600/sweetgum+pod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZGVoQtOR9P1dbbiXhy59JVFarbtq1ZCflrrt7PDZPgTXmIXQCXwuG-ff6eML_V7VrPndQOwsf1pYoTsH0xvLqp1DBy739d3EvYv50VilxANiWrtLvaMB5MdquFNWboDtt8P5M-op6tRB/s1600/sweetgum+pod.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Sweetgum Tree pod</span><br />
<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Liquidambar</span><br />
<span style="color: #c27ba0;">American Sweetgum</span><br />
<span style="color: #c27ba0;">www.flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">"Storax is the resinous exudate of the tree Liquidambar orientalis (commonly called oriental sweetgum or Turkish sweetgum), occasionally used in incense or as an aromatic fixative in perfumery." en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Storax</span><br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Well, Paracelsus would have definitely used the oriental or Turkish sweetgum in his laudanum, I though you just might be interested in knowing that our good ole southern sweetgum tree is in the same family! And is a East Texas native.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">"Sweetgum is chewed in the treatment of sore throats, coughs, asthma, cystitis, dysentery, etc. Externally it is applied to sores, wounds, piles, ringworm, scabies etc. The resin is an ingredient of "Friar's Balsam" a commericial preparation based on Styrax benzoin that is used to treat colds and skin problems. The mildly astringent inner bark is used in the treatment of diarrhea and childhood cholera." http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIZNFPx5Az4-VuDwFLgfGAl8UszmdpTXGtxmYel61TN6ztbDXfVZ5SnuTsCEVdSVkIm7jG8Oxvyemu5Rv3M6LEUze7QAYBNKvKfuTSkhN-5gb6X06aqItMtIvNfGZa3Ic9gLdxUPkgkWH/s1600/DSC00183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUIZNFPx5Az4-VuDwFLgfGAl8UszmdpTXGtxmYel61TN6ztbDXfVZ5SnuTsCEVdSVkIm7jG8Oxvyemu5Rv3M6LEUze7QAYBNKvKfuTSkhN-5gb6X06aqItMtIvNfGZa3Ic9gLdxUPkgkWH/s400/DSC00183.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">StarDragonfly Herb Company<br />Winnsboro, Texas<br />Ready to Party!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="background-color: #fffde6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: left;"></span>Gosh, who would have thought that the Sweetgum tree was such a medicinal plant!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Well, enough for today. Stop by the new store and I will put on a pot of herbal tea! Hope you have a great week! Herbally, Susan</span><br />
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: large;">Every day is a new beginning. Treat it that way. Stay away from what might have been, and look at what can be.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: large;">Marsha Petrie Sue</span></div>
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</div>StarDragonfly Herbalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209791838302749742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965470831139738148.post-77080081345386417572012-06-10T19:34:00.000-07:002012-06-11T05:34:06.304-07:00The Little Herb Shop on Elm Street!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4s0zpXleNErFbPnXZ06j7FdMjD3-oFM7AyeAhnGmjgOYDkDzInLAT5YAd39ln6Uyv8nAmLAo6bPDu1BNILPSaeBaPZK98XDC6cq3wamBFej7sgyGjAGbLVjePE1M9Y2PF0IyDK6a4re3/s1600/DSC00092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4s0zpXleNErFbPnXZ06j7FdMjD3-oFM7AyeAhnGmjgOYDkDzInLAT5YAd39ln6Uyv8nAmLAo6bPDu1BNILPSaeBaPZK98XDC6cq3wamBFej7sgyGjAGbLVjePE1M9Y2PF0IyDK6a4re3/s400/DSC00092.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Basketflower<br />
<i>Plectocephalus americanus</i></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #93c47d;">Good morning, All! Well, this is my final week of preparations before "The Little Herb Shop on Elm Street" opens. So, this weeks' post is going to be short and sweet! Cousin Sandra and I are making a quick trip to Tyler tomorrow (Monday) for supplies, bottles and jars. Then all week will be devoted to baking granola, making more herbal products, packaging, arranging and re-arranging products then getting ready for our big day! What a fun and busy week we have ahead of us!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;">StarDragonfly Herb Company</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8d3IFaETg1MzcaKomBPTAYpFnzk86LN_AyD_ERV2kGCd9fOkYTEWC30Y_RmTN2c2THIM1zIdD9qos7tZum-JvBgLTLKwnGDm-V15DhgB9Q_z-nsLIrfQwAdRs7OB35Z4JmqG8apUsTEOW/s1600/DSC00088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8d3IFaETg1MzcaKomBPTAYpFnzk86LN_AyD_ERV2kGCd9fOkYTEWC30Y_RmTN2c2THIM1zIdD9qos7tZum-JvBgLTLKwnGDm-V15DhgB9Q_z-nsLIrfQwAdRs7OB35Z4JmqG8apUsTEOW/s400/DSC00088.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">American Basketflower<br />I have not been able to find any information<br />on whether this plant is edible or medicinal. This flower is easy to<br />grow....find a patch of basketflowers, wait until seed heads<br />form, then in the Fall, scatter them in your garden. You should<br />have this beautiful flower by June of next season!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Officially, opens.....</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Friday, June 15, 2012</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">10:00 am until 8:00 pm</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">From 6 until 8, StarDragonfly Herb Company will be celebrating 3rd Friday Art Walk with the rest of Winnsboro, Texas.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Stop on by for a glass of good old Texas ice tea with herbs and fruit, a couple herbal snacks, some home-made ice cream (made by our very own Nancy of Falster Farms) and be prepared for a surprise visit from the "Prince" of thieves.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWylk10Ov6INy3SAOdN9bnESdF_3aqKdyBFdpEJaCvc8aR79Zoy5-agnowPf_78JHut7KXoH9zDgXa3dSSZmKPXcwNvjNENF7fYtClHvTgzInp7oa5H8sYkNbluWjn7KGt0-yBFmgTVG87/s1600/Kevin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWylk10Ov6INy3SAOdN9bnESdF_3aqKdyBFdpEJaCvc8aR79Zoy5-agnowPf_78JHut7KXoH9zDgXa3dSSZmKPXcwNvjNENF7fYtClHvTgzInp7oa5H8sYkNbluWjn7KGt0-yBFmgTVG87/s1600/Kevin.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kevin Costner as<br />
Robin Hood in the movie<br />
Robin Hood: The Prince of Thieves.<br />
Photo courtesy of<br />
www.reelist.com</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #93c47d;">Naaaaay! Unfortunately, Kevin Costner is not on the guest list, but Caleb with Thieves Essential Oils <a href="http://www.secretofthieves.com/">http://www.secretofthieves.com/</a>, will be paying us a visit.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">"Black Plague & Thieves Oil</span></div>
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Century after century, bubonic plague outbreaks decimate the population of Asian and Europe for the better part of a thousand years. Out of this period emerged a legend of four thieves who were captured and charged with robbing the dead and dying victims. When the thieves were tried, the magistrate offered leniency if they would reveal how they resisted contracting the infection as they performed their gruesome acts. They told of a special concoction of aromatic herbs, including garlic, cloves and rosemary, that they rubbed on themselves before committing their crimes." This info is from the website www.secretof thieves.com.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNLTBrQVwC4BvZo1fs6nitRqDKjLtv1Fa7eGej7T186XJHDqDvw7J3Bgu0fxcENECZPqYowl1h8eUCoMOUmH9Kk-xa4ulX1hDlJtqtud0GvGLK66UznoIOBOWe1ttp0hZdCQZx6ohbv0Jc/s1600/DSC00084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNLTBrQVwC4BvZo1fs6nitRqDKjLtv1Fa7eGej7T186XJHDqDvw7J3Bgu0fxcENECZPqYowl1h8eUCoMOUmH9Kk-xa4ulX1hDlJtqtud0GvGLK66UznoIOBOWe1ttp0hZdCQZx6ohbv0Jc/s400/DSC00084.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passionflower</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #93c47d;">StarDragonfly Herb Shop is a small shop featuring handmade folk remedies. These remedies are made with care in small batches with quality ingredients. A lot of the herbs used in these remedies are grown in this area. </span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;">We will have the following products available:</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: #93c47d;">Herbal Extracts (tinctures), single herb and blends.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #93c47d;">Herbal tisanes (teas)...caffeine free, wholesome and delicious.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #93c47d;">"Infused" oils </span></li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfUFayY6oPQ-_EhLNIxs8BPXwOGi7hNOpTaVBQ698-KxcaOtSAfc_kaxbbDDFA7zPeuPRsXvrpHsoa7MZMeywTTgF0FUE6JJbvqmXHRb7PnvXgSN64h7El9IFoIqs61CS5fSO4vYrdCzWB/s1600/DSC00104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfUFayY6oPQ-_EhLNIxs8BPXwOGi7hNOpTaVBQ698-KxcaOtSAfc_kaxbbDDFA7zPeuPRsXvrpHsoa7MZMeywTTgF0FUE6JJbvqmXHRb7PnvXgSN64h7El9IFoIqs61CS5fSO4vYrdCzWB/s320/DSC00104.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Calendula<br />I harvested this flower to use in<br />my Calendula salve. Great for<br />chapped skin.</span></td></tr>
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<li><span style="color: #93c47d;"> </span></li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXL0wQpO5mgqhyphenhyphenscN4FBpGuHPWGlG20RLv442yrW5316bMcI80HsseAnYP87AiZmzpfxw52R8NCSWWlES0G5XC2IQw50jHp8Q7Jdb0OzjCPWFAvKlcyeZj2Hd4vN3V-O35FO1rAkMlnJA/s1600/DSC00093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXL0wQpO5mgqhyphenhyphenscN4FBpGuHPWGlG20RLv442yrW5316bMcI80HsseAnYP87AiZmzpfxw52R8NCSWWlES0G5XC2IQw50jHp8Q7Jdb0OzjCPWFAvKlcyeZj2Hd4vN3V-O35FO1rAkMlnJA/s320/DSC00093.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Day Lily</span></td></tr>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: #93c47d;">Herbal salves....tried and true blends...can be used for dry, cracked and chapped skin. Gentle enough for children and animals.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #93c47d;">Spice blends...hand blended with love....spice blends that I use in my own kitchen!</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #93c47d;"><br /></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #93c47d;">Sugar blends...love Chai tea? Try our Spice Sugar blend for a easy but awesome cup of Chai tea</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #93c47d;">Dried herbs from StarDragonfly herb garden, or wildcrafted in the woods around the farm. Or ordered from responsible companies that believe in quality organic free-trade products. Fresh herbs on request.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #93c47d;">Candied Ginger! Hard to find, yes, yummy natural candy, yes, works great for stomachaches and motion sickness, yes!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #93c47d;">Herbal pet products. I have developed a "hot spot" treatment for dogs! Worked on my pups and has no harsh chemicals! We will eventually carry a home made doggie shampoo.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #93c47d;">Fresh Granola, chocked full of wholesome ingredients. Our specialty is a granola that is nut and seed free. Wonderful cereal for those suffering from diverticulitis.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #93c47d;">Falster Farms local honey</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #93c47d;">We will special order....I love to hunt for those hard to find herbs and spices. Need fresh Vanilla beans? Whole star anise? Or an unusual type of curry powder? Let me know and I will try to find it for you and/or carry it in the store.</span></li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4j52nrmN_B-CUOeHtFB6Lp-FZu5IagSBM0ALHweTsO4UYZuWroMxId7C-ZnefVP1ri3qpoh3qfrfUzyCthMpQ55hcb-Jx191fIrajK-U_qZcnK0ahxYwFR7ZgO9WCJKGShsfvEngcOHo/s1600/DSC00096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4j52nrmN_B-CUOeHtFB6Lp-FZu5IagSBM0ALHweTsO4UYZuWroMxId7C-ZnefVP1ri3qpoh3qfrfUzyCthMpQ55hcb-Jx191fIrajK-U_qZcnK0ahxYwFR7ZgO9WCJKGShsfvEngcOHo/s320/DSC00096.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">See those yellow green buds? <br />Those are day lily buds and they are edible!<br />Delicious, rare or stir fried!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #93c47d;"><br /></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #93c47d;">We have lots of great products coming in the near future! Soaps, bath salts, vitamins and minerals, jams, jellies and relishes, whole foods, packaged and in bulk, hand-made house hold products and crafts, sustainable farming products, books and magazines. The sky is the limit on what this little herb shop will eventually carry. Let us know what you would like to see in this store!</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #93c47d;">Okay, enough for now! Cousin Sandra and I have been down with a summer cold or allergies, yuck! Woke up last night with an unbelievable sore throat. Took about 2 dropperful of StarDragonfly Herbals Sore throat/cough tincture with 1 tsp. honey and a dropper of SDH Elderberry tincture. Amazing! I love herbal medicine! Hope to see you Friday evening! Herbally, Susan</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: large;">I'm a big fan of dreams. Unfortunately, dreams are our first casualty in life - people seem to give them up, quicker than anything, for a 'reality.'</span></div>
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: large;">Kevin Costner</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGbMCEbHvQaOIbgLOFlMb_gRL7Uu92J5LPdrXN7iy7UtHUjCNxLsqA_yKfK1eJ-HCY-8h2YXPUf_lA0l_cpdocQf4eoR2IuHZQrBxctjJk325HtzGK2F9oVeyB5cdzdo3kMvcq2b7pYc-L/s1600/border+collie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGbMCEbHvQaOIbgLOFlMb_gRL7Uu92J5LPdrXN7iy7UtHUjCNxLsqA_yKfK1eJ-HCY-8h2YXPUf_lA0l_cpdocQf4eoR2IuHZQrBxctjJk325HtzGK2F9oVeyB5cdzdo3kMvcq2b7pYc-L/s400/border+collie.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Border Collie and Sheep<br />
Art Print<br />
by<br />
CharlottesWebArt</td></tr>
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<br /></div>StarDragonfly Herbalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209791838302749742noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965470831139738148.post-10041064238660050632012-06-04T11:42:00.002-07:002012-06-05T09:17:20.353-07:00Mullein Flowers and a Folk Remedy<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyrRTS7Fmp8O-TVJL2CWJbnGILNRI5Uz1UDk0DEN53VHFRxrj9qOHmGQt8yRbWuO5nw4fUVhTm8KtywyrR1SZCDChJMvSOpFgsEJHPnKTmNlycLZRFR-RJ71EVJq9fQuW4S1ZLB9oQ27Ae/s1600/DSC00102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyrRTS7Fmp8O-TVJL2CWJbnGILNRI5Uz1UDk0DEN53VHFRxrj9qOHmGQt8yRbWuO5nw4fUVhTm8KtywyrR1SZCDChJMvSOpFgsEJHPnKTmNlycLZRFR-RJ71EVJq9fQuW4S1ZLB9oQ27Ae/s400/DSC00102.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to the wild, and wonderful<br />
world that is my "herb" garden!<br />
Zinnias and Black-eyed Susan line the <br />
garden path.<br />
Sister Belle watches over farm<br />
life from the shade of the Oak tree.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #f6b26b;">Morn'in, All! Well, thank you to all that inquired about Ann and her dealings with the Copperhead. Believe it or not, she went to work Monday morning! Ann owns Groomingdale's Pet Salon in Sulphur Springs. She drank lots of water to flush the venom out of her system, took her prescription meds, used the Echinacea tincture for several days and has been putting Comfrey salve on her foot and wrapping it with a towel. We are all so happy that her recovery has gone so well. I feel this is a very good example of Modern and Folk medicine working together for the good of the patient.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f6b26b;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #f6b26b;">This week we are actually going to spend some time foraging in the garden. The mullein plants have been in full bloom for about 2 weeks. So, let's learn a little about Mullein and make some Mullein infused oil.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9cdgDjPzvT0XNAtbjrNOras2_GFfL7gHuTLs885PjlqvS2NHBBgKWoJ8rPhqPugQGvp_qsDNcDJ2yCKwmg7F__51SrCtGt3E7NhutTPpznr8u_41b6DezDpXBzVkyZM0Sc9uPHl8z-03/s1600/DSC00099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9cdgDjPzvT0XNAtbjrNOras2_GFfL7gHuTLs885PjlqvS2NHBBgKWoJ8rPhqPugQGvp_qsDNcDJ2yCKwmg7F__51SrCtGt3E7NhutTPpznr8u_41b6DezDpXBzVkyZM0Sc9uPHl8z-03/s400/DSC00099.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mullein<br />
Genus Verbascum<br />
also known as Velvet plant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f6b26b; font-size: large;">Mullein</span></div>
<span style="color: #f6b26b;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #f6b26b;">"The flowers and leaves are anodyne</span> (<span style="color: #b4a7d6;">relieves or soothes pain by lessening the sensitivity of the nervous system</span>), antiseptic (<span style="color: #b4a7d6;">agent used to remove pathogenic microorganisms and to remove pus, blood, etc.</span>), astringent (<span style="color: #b4a7d6;">agent that constricts and binds by coagulation of proteins a cell surface</span>), demulcent (<span style="color: #b4a7d6;">soothing action on inflammation, especially mucous membranes</span>), emollient (<span style="color: #b4a7d6;">softens and soothes the skin</span>)<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;">, </span></span>expectorant (<span style="color: #b4a7d6;">facilitates removal of secretions</span>)<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 13px;"> </span></span>and vulenary (<span style="color: #b4a7d6;">used to heal wounds</span>). <span style="color: #f6b26b;">An infusion is used internally in the treatment of various respiratory complaints including coughs, bronchitis, asthma and throat irritations. An infusion of the fresh or dried flowers in olive oil is used to treat earaches, sores, wounds, boils, etc. The plant is harvested when in flower and should be dried quickly and with care or it will lose its medicinal qualities." </span><a href="http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net</span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #a2c4c9;">If you make yourself a tea from the fresh mullein leaves, I would suggest straining it through a coffee filter (organic, of course) because the hairs on the leaves can be irritating.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwemrcitqzCvkKvlCfyT702YjOrTIw2mFPFQfpmsMe3mLU8Afg4u_DsdrDPqssMl7fthV76z4bYhSD5lx3vJmLJFpq8gGH0Wu4pS8Dqqq1a78SSlhae42K1EOyJwm69psfkLXuUEkEO2Lw/s1600/DSC00091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwemrcitqzCvkKvlCfyT702YjOrTIw2mFPFQfpmsMe3mLU8Afg4u_DsdrDPqssMl7fthV76z4bYhSD5lx3vJmLJFpq8gGH0Wu4pS8Dqqq1a78SSlhae42K1EOyJwm69psfkLXuUEkEO2Lw/s400/DSC00091.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mullein Flowers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #f6b26b;">Historical uses.....Mullein has had an important and varied role throughout history. The Greeks, Romans, British and Native Americans have all used mullein to treat a number of conditions, from a mild cough to bronchitis and asthma. The dried stalks of mullein have also been used as torches. The flowers can be used to create bright yellow or green dyes, which were used by the ancient Romans to color hair, according to "Healing Teas" by Marie Nadine Antol." <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Livestrong.com article by Jonathon Thompson.</span></i> And if you are into Greek mythology...Ulysses was supposed to have carried mullein to protect himself from the evil Circe (<i>Circe transformed her enemies, or those who offended her, into animals through the use of magical potions. She was known for her vast knowledge of drugs and herbs.</i>) </span> <span style="color: #a2c4c9;">Hmmm..... Okay, now......what <i>could</i> have happened was that Ulysses feet hurt because of those long marches, so he padded his sandals with mullein leaves for some cushioning. And being a Hero and All, he was probably embarrassed to tell his buds so he made up the story about the evil Circe</span>. <span style="color: #f6b26b;">(My apologies to all those experts in Greek Mythology!) If you would like to read more about Ulysses and Circe here is a link...</span> <a href="http://www.pantheon.org/articles/u/ulysses.html">http://www.pantheon.org/articles/u/ulysses.html</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHxSpW0qz1XbvWYiwYuW2GUFOtMhmY4WtRXqsbWpKD0ccy7fXribkQ25PTK3WH-YDPen9eah2uwHqVyY61Vsct429cIrOBBtc0xIJgnzMB36hwtdBqDXevlXl50mMnnPcu3n9COazQSheM/s1600/Circe+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHxSpW0qz1XbvWYiwYuW2GUFOtMhmY4WtRXqsbWpKD0ccy7fXribkQ25PTK3WH-YDPen9eah2uwHqVyY61Vsct429cIrOBBtc0xIJgnzMB36hwtdBqDXevlXl50mMnnPcu3n9COazQSheM/s400/Circe+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Circe and Ulysses<br />
The hogs are Ulysses' men that<br />
she "reportedly" turned into hogs.</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f6b26b;">Mullein Flower Ear Oil </span></div>
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<i style="color: #f6b26b;">"Mullein flower ear oil, made with fresh live mullein flowers and unopened floral buds, is very effective for painful symptom relief from earaches caused by inspissated (</i><span style="color: #f6b26b;">thick or dense</span><i style="color: #f6b26b;">) earwax, especially in young children whose cerumen (</i><span style="color: #f6b26b;">ear wax</span><i style="color: #f6b26b;">)production and secretion is still being perfected. Very warm (105 degree F) mullein oil is droppered into the outer ear canal. (</i><span style="color: #76a5af;">ummm, I would not put "droppersful" in a child's ear....start with 5-10 drops every hour and for a child, I would prefer the oil to be a little cooler, say 98 degrees F</span><i style="color: #f6b26b;">) Garlic oil is sometimes added to the mullein </i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmX1iXL11f1mowsBbEQeqo3NKHYRzFJpt9ZK1vGPKbGENtM2yf3xsi08FPDPIGCMS-4bqRRMvo-9f2-9pEZPHkuni254Mh2SRicD8MA9dIJfvAoS-xpd17VYNKPfuPRrOxEFkpmDam9r_/s1600/DSC00085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #f6b26b;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmX1iXL11f1mowsBbEQeqo3NKHYRzFJpt9ZK1vGPKbGENtM2yf3xsi08FPDPIGCMS-4bqRRMvo-9f2-9pEZPHkuni254Mh2SRicD8MA9dIJfvAoS-xpd17VYNKPfuPRrOxEFkpmDam9r_/s320/DSC00085.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Jar filled with Mullein</span><br />
<span style="color: #f6b26b;">flowers and buds.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<i><span style="color: #f6b26b;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #f6b26b;">earache oil. A subsequent puddle of yellow to dark orange cerumen on the morning pillow is diagnostic for the mechanical problem of wax-impacted ear canals and a great teaching opportunity for the attending parents. Occasionally little or no ear wax is out flooded indicating more serious ear problems, even though the warm mullein or mullein/garlic oil has reduced the pain." <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Ryan Drum, Herbmentor.com</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #f6b26b;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f6b26b; font-size: large;">Triple-oleated Mullein Flower Oil</span></div>
<span style="color: #f6b26b;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #f6b26b;">Recipe from Kahlee Keane - Root Woman</span><br />
<span style="color: #f6b26b;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #f6b26b;">This is an excellent oil....if you are going to make it the old-fashion solar power way, well, it is going to take several weeks. If you need it, like, yesterday....put oil and flowers in top of a double boiler and cook for 45 minutes (gently simmer the water in boiler). Make sure you COOL the oil. If you have the mullein</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNW1jU-m3vRTeele5_Z0Y-UtnXp00nfI9ug7GeK5JujpoA87kmNkovisq5lWIWC9lGLfg4HoCl4bKtxl1SAttf0QrFGcEGIaTqbNbU7kek46BBYVtScGTckfVn-CqFjx0kmYFiAQXxoDP0/s1600/DSC00092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #f6b26b;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNW1jU-m3vRTeele5_Z0Y-UtnXp00nfI9ug7GeK5JujpoA87kmNkovisq5lWIWC9lGLfg4HoCl4bKtxl1SAttf0QrFGcEGIaTqbNbU7kek46BBYVtScGTckfVn-CqFjx0kmYFiAQXxoDP0/s320/DSC00092.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Mullein Flowers and buds read for</span><br />
<span style="color: #f6b26b;">chopping. I waited a few minutes to let all the</span><br />
<span style="color: #f6b26b;">bugs escape. I chop the herbs to a fine consistency</span><br />
<span style="color: #f6b26b;">then put in a clean jar. And yes, that is a cheese</span><br />
<span style="color: #f6b26b;">knife!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #f6b26b;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #f6b26b;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #f6b26b;">flowers and the time, go ahead and do the process 2 more times....if not the first time should work. Also, feel free to add some garlic cloves to the oil. Garlic is antiseptic and a whole lot of other herbal medicinal properties, but we will talk about that another time.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLwoeeuWjuIumhCWTSwS-fG3IxWJ3DUcegI2Nw9fMEQG-F6-EsNDzxwRQ0oqXlMFpUFOnhCcQzGztpcoRkGsbiApVSNBHlHbS0diS-q4vzFMXUlc6o4z9KrbM6UXhl_L4XLJScG-yxAhl/s1600/DSC00096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #f6b26b;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLwoeeuWjuIumhCWTSwS-fG3IxWJ3DUcegI2Nw9fMEQG-F6-EsNDzxwRQ0oqXlMFpUFOnhCcQzGztpcoRkGsbiApVSNBHlHbS0diS-q4vzFMXUlc6o4z9KrbM6UXhl_L4XLJScG-yxAhl/s320/DSC00096.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">I realize the instructions say</span><br />
<span style="color: #f6b26b;">put a lid on the jar. Well, when I</span><br />
<span style="color: #f6b26b;">make "infused oils" from fresh herbs instead</span><br />
<span style="color: #f6b26b;">of dried herbs, I always use a paper</span><br />
<span style="color: #f6b26b;">towel over the jar. You don't want</span><br />
<span style="color: #f6b26b;">any water to form in your jars and</span><br />
<span style="color: #f6b26b;">I was taught to do it this way. </span><br />
<span style="color: #f6b26b;">Honestly, I have never had any</span><br />
<span style="color: #f6b26b;">trouble making oils using fresh or dried</span><br />
<span style="color: #f6b26b;">herbs, lid or paper towel, as long as I</span><br />
<span style="color: #f6b26b;">was extra careful to make sure no water</span><br />
<span style="color: #f6b26b;">got anywhere near my oils.</span></td></tr>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Collect a cupful of the fresh flowers, after the morning dew has evaporated and before the heat of the day. </span> (<span style="color: #76a5af;">If you live in the South, that will be after the steam has evaporated and just before you faint from the heat!</span>)</li>
<li><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Put in a clean glass jar and cover with olive oil.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Place jar in a sunny window or outside in the sun for 10-14 days, shaking often.</span> (<span style="color: #76a5af;">or use the heat method described above, please note that I only use the heat method if I need my oil NOW, otherwise I use the old-fashioned solar method.)</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #f6b26b;">After this time period, press and strain the oil.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Repeat the procedure 2 more times using the same oil to cover more freshly picked flowers (add a little more oil if needed).</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #f6b26b;">After your final infusion, strain, cork and store the medicine in a cool dark place ready for use. </span> (<span style="color: #76a5af;">LABEL! Always LABEL!</span>)</li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="color: #f6b26b;">If you take care of children, pets or the elderly, I highly recommend you make yourself some of this oil or keep it handy. It is not something you can run down to Walmart and buy. Let me know and I will make you some Triple-oleate Mullein Oil. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJt0jLbd7f6ju3QapXxI3bMwtqesJM9dB3rWP-i24IXAbc_GVE7Cr-gNY7_S3yU90eI-T-3VEmyRcX7LTcFlO6Hx-sh9p0QKpfD5OFHYAokw5S4CUYnq0oHCOL4CYHjuH5V4m2QRMAeqHH/s1600/victorian+woman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #f6b26b;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJt0jLbd7f6ju3QapXxI3bMwtqesJM9dB3rWP-i24IXAbc_GVE7Cr-gNY7_S3yU90eI-T-3VEmyRcX7LTcFlO6Hx-sh9p0QKpfD5OFHYAokw5S4CUYnq0oHCOL4CYHjuH5V4m2QRMAeqHH/s1600/victorian+woman.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #f6b26b; line-height: 15px;">Her cheeks look a little irritated!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #f6b26b; line-height: 15px;">I think she used mullein leaf</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #f6b26b; line-height: 15px;">to get that rosy glow!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #f6b26b; line-height: 15px;">graphicsfairy.blogspot.com</span></span></div>
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<div>
<span style="color: #f6b26b;">Okay, enough for today. There is a lot more information on Mullein than I can cover in the post today! The Mullein is from Europe and Asia and has naturalized itself to the United States. It is considered a Texas Wildflower but not a native. "It is said the Romans dipped its dried flower stalks in animal tallow to use as torches. Victorian women rubbed the leaves on their cheeks, slightly irritating their skin, to add a dash of blush. Early settlers and American Indians placed the soft woolly leaves in footwear for warmth and comfort"<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <i>Wildflowers of Texas Field Guide by Bowers and Tekiela</i></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #f6b26b;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #f6b26b;">Okay, okay, I will stop now!</span><br />
<span style="color: #f6b26b;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f6b26b; font-size: large;">StarDragonfly Herb Company</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f6b26b;">"<i>The little herb shop on Elm street</i>"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f6b26b;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #f6b26b;">StarDragonfly Herb Company will be opening June 15, 2012. That is the 3rd Friday in Winnsboro, which means the stores will be open late and there will be music! SHC will open at10 am until 8 pm that evening. We will have speakers, herbal products, local products and local crafts for sale. Stop by and have a glass of good old Texas ice tea with herbs added and some herbal snacks. The snacks will be served from 6-8 pm.</span><br />
<span style="color: #f6b26b;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">The Winnsboro Farmer's Market will be having an Ice Cream Social and Homemade Ice Cream Making Contest....June 16th....for details please call.....903-629-3332. I will have more info about this COOL event next week! Dust off your granny's ice cream recipe and get out that old ice cream maker! And make some ice cream! Oh, and if you need a taste tester....pick me! pick me!</span><br />
<span style="color: #f6b26b;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #f6b26b;">So, until later...have a lovely day, stop by the store and visit, I will put on the kettle and we will have a cup of herbal tea and a chat! Herbally yours, Susan</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #f1c232;">Flowers have an expression of countenance as much as men and animals. Some seem to smile; some have a sad expression; some are pensive and diffident; others again are plain, honest and upright, like the broad-faced sunflower and the holly hock.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f1c232;">Henry Ward Beecher</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></h1>StarDragonfly Herbalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209791838302749742noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965470831139738148.post-35309524066614977072012-05-28T11:11:00.000-07:002012-05-29T12:27:38.096-07:00Copperhead! Oh, %@!+*<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy19jE02i5muVmM0z7Nh4OXDeiWTt4hFI71u_DvBzn99oWC0hJDvIpPML9HhCdHW8rnqEZWSDssEJFaABbmUfz1-0n3ZCz5fnA-qcTfpSNJk8oCci0jzycsofOfEjpQ6VphKdgzUR0jiUN/s1600/copperhead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy19jE02i5muVmM0z7Nh4OXDeiWTt4hFI71u_DvBzn99oWC0hJDvIpPML9HhCdHW8rnqEZWSDssEJFaABbmUfz1-0n3ZCz5fnA-qcTfpSNJk8oCci0jzycsofOfEjpQ6VphKdgzUR0jiUN/s400/copperhead.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copperhead Snake<br />
photo by<br />
www.fcps.edu</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Good morning, All. As I have told ya'll in the past.....we NEVER know what is going to happen around here from week to week.<br />
<br />
If you are really squeamish about snakes today's blog post is not for you. Hopefully, barring snake bites or any other unforeseeable circumstances, I will blog about that delicious summer vegetable soup and the plant Mullein in next week's post.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1oyIAzSgohKTfFjJy3P3ZcO014CamTUz-T0IfBUbyMjjET17hiKnExES6Zsqcgi41zexbQU6vs5P6oZP6IqsGTS4PyVycHT3JveG7m7hqx68Tg1gNuYWYiwzxl9cppi5ApKtpkYPQD3SP/s1600/copperhead+in+grass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1oyIAzSgohKTfFjJy3P3ZcO014CamTUz-T0IfBUbyMjjET17hiKnExES6Zsqcgi41zexbQU6vs5P6oZP6IqsGTS4PyVycHT3JveG7m7hqx68Tg1gNuYWYiwzxl9cppi5ApKtpkYPQD3SP/s400/copperhead+in+grass.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The snake that bit Ann was the same color as<br />
the dirt and dried grasses. It was almost<br />
completely camouflaged!<br />
photo by<br />
snakesandfrogs.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Last night, our "down the road" friend and neighbor, Ann was bitten by a Copperhead. Personally, I thought she handled the whole situation very calmly. Yours truly would probably would have to be sedated upon arrival at the Emergency Room.<br />
<br />
She followed the right procedure for snake bite. She did not panic. She killed the snake to take with her to the Emergency Room (now that is another story for a little later in the post!) She called someone to assist her...we live 19 + miles from the nearest hospital. She applied ice (controversial, I know). Fortunately, my fella, L, was visiting and he drove <span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;">US</span> to the Emergency Room. Well, we drove Ann to the ER....did I mention she handled this situation better than I would have!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRpxQpHWRhe-oH8VDG-mSstHO18mw7h_xqiv_MhM8uMDQIxNVCbQ34zc15c8rb0_Y0fXO5y1PtmHr6VDZpNhuC3e6ku8FgjMzHIpY698AEB-de9BoLTMduAo4x9s9JHM_r-tRXs93Cdye/s1600/copperhead+trans+pecos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPRpxQpHWRhe-oH8VDG-mSstHO18mw7h_xqiv_MhM8uMDQIxNVCbQ34zc15c8rb0_Y0fXO5y1PtmHr6VDZpNhuC3e6ku8FgjMzHIpY698AEB-de9BoLTMduAo4x9s9JHM_r-tRXs93Cdye/s320/copperhead+trans+pecos.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Trans-Pecos Copperhead</span><br />
<i>Agkistrodon controtrix pictigaster</i>photo from<br />
Wikipedia.com<br />
The only notable difference from the other<br />
2 species is that this guy has an<br />
elaborately patterned underbelly.<br />
That's okay, I don't plan on asking him<br />
to roll over so I can find out who his<br />
people are. Oh, that's a southern<br />
thing. We like to find out where you<br />
belong in our world by asking you,<br />
"Who'se your people?"<br />
meaning relatives.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #e69138;">There are 3 species of Copperheads residing in Texas. They are the Trans-Pecos Copperhead, the Broad-banded Copperhead, and the Southern Copperhead. The Copperhead is a venomous pit-viper.</span><br />
<br />
Back at the Emergency Room, Ann was treated quickly. She was watched for about 2 hours, the areas above, below and on the bite were measured frequently. Oh, so fortunately, the snake only got her with one fang and did not inject a full load of venom into her!<br />
<br />
Let me tell you, if you get a full load of venom, then you will have to be injected with 4-5 viles of anti-venom. At a whooping $8,000.00 a vile. We swear this is what the doctor said. And I googled cost of anti-venom, and some Arizona hospitals charge over $12,000 per vile. Yikes!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e69138;">Copperheads have the mildest venom of the poisonous snakes but in most years they bite more people. </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">(For some reason, I am not reassured!)</span><span style="color: #e69138;"> This is because the copperhead does not run </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">(??? how about slither!)</span><span style="color: #e69138;"> away when threatened. It is thought that because of it's excellent camouflage, it lies still,</span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBctW46YiPOyzIruhdnH8ovd1rGs1BY-tLqRYQD2SjdnLmqAcTLVlfmMnL52M3r-FfKsuNwVtEd5xdBj2g-WIlS0f03PHIEAEMYkP1ywq2LMYzw9rDWCA1zABofg_otWg8_zM7t4eQsAaI/s1600/copperhead+broad-banded+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBctW46YiPOyzIruhdnH8ovd1rGs1BY-tLqRYQD2SjdnLmqAcTLVlfmMnL52M3r-FfKsuNwVtEd5xdBj2g-WIlS0f03PHIEAEMYkP1ywq2LMYzw9rDWCA1zABofg_otWg8_zM7t4eQsAaI/s320/copperhead+broad-banded+1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: small;">Broad-banded Copperhead</span><br />aka Texas Copperhead<br /><i>Agkistrodon controtrix laticinctus</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138;">hoping to be undisturbed. Most people and pets are bitten because they step on the snake.</span> That is what happened to Ann. And the other day, the dogs and I were walking by the woods...and walked all over a Copperhead before one of the dogs smelled it. Fortunately, it never offered to strike and we quickly left the area.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e69138;">"Copperheads often employ a "warning bite" when stepped on or agitated and inject a relatively small amount of venom, if at all. "Dry bites" involving no venom are particularly common with the copperhead, though all pit vipers are capable of a dry bite." wikipedia</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhco1CIcB_XDK-QfoYx6pahEIE4nRXVncVXVx8jWKT0ys24jwq3DTpxukYax6fglYnMVr4MSImTBDzXEwrN-R6yu-mR51jbYFOv9yLVsutChLLl3CZqdbnfML8Z7-KBBYCu07EM7VQ0Qw8P/s1600/copperhead+southern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhco1CIcB_XDK-QfoYx6pahEIE4nRXVncVXVx8jWKT0ys24jwq3DTpxukYax6fglYnMVr4MSImTBDzXEwrN-R6yu-mR51jbYFOv9yLVsutChLLl3CZqdbnfML8Z7-KBBYCu07EM7VQ0Qw8P/s320/copperhead+southern.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Southern Copperhead</span><br />
<i>Agkistrodon controtrix</i><br />
Photo by<br />
houstonherp.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
We did take the snake with us to the Emergency Room. Actually, the snake was put in a garbage bag, I did mention that Ann had killed it. Because, I am not sure I trusted the deadness (????) of said snake and it was in the back seat with me (Ugh!), I tied a really tight knot in the bag. A hospital orderly came and took the snake from me. The nurse on duty wanted nothing to do with said snake, and voiced her thoughts loudly, "No snakes, No snakes in my area!" Anyway, the orderly looked tentatively at the bag and said "Is the snake in here?" <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Well, yeah! I am not going to carry it around in my purse! Geesh (I didn't say that, but I have one of those open book faces, so he knew what I was thinking!) </span> Anyway, he had to cut the bag open because the knot was so tight he couldn't get it untied. I told him "They told me it was dead, but that snake cannot be dead enough for me!" <span style="color: #3d85c6;">(My apologies to all the snake lovers out there.)</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkX5cu4xB-NTRfzFuXk_8-Qw-7EryUurt3qlyFOOZhLdOqi06yEehyphenhyphenpHrYSC7Cx3-gE8-blTm_8Fi_nz4BE-ss_O-H87CWbk6lAG2dSoGAubYN_KpPnHpuhZvHYWQNokKrxif8nLJTGg-/s1600/comfrey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzkX5cu4xB-NTRfzFuXk_8-Qw-7EryUurt3qlyFOOZhLdOqi06yEehyphenhyphenpHrYSC7Cx3-gE8-blTm_8Fi_nz4BE-ss_O-H87CWbk6lAG2dSoGAubYN_KpPnHpuhZvHYWQNokKrxif8nLJTGg-/s320/comfrey.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Comfrey<br />
<i>Symphytum officinale</i><br />
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #e69138;">Copperhead snake bite symptoms:</span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138;">Pain</span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138;">Inflammation and skin infection</span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138;">Swelling of the bitten body part</span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138;">Severe vomiting and nausea</span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138;">If not treated in a timely manner the venom can severely affect the bone tissue and body muscles. Especially, when the bite is on the hand or foot. If you are bitten on the hand or foot, remove any rings immediately! There will be swelling!</span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138;">There is a lot of information and mis-information out there about snake bites. The main one! Don't be like John Wayne in True Grit, never cut or suck the bite site! NO! NO! NO!</span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138;">You will hear to apply ice or not to apply ice. There is recent information that applying ice could possible cause more damage.</span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138;">The best way to handle this situation.....just like Ann did....get to the hospital immediately! Now, I know there are a lot of experienced snake handlers and herbalists out there that self treat. Well, most of us do not fall into that category. Don't panic, but do seek help! Copperhead bites are rarely fatal.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwS7wnbuxcg1kNAMef_BiwqLTR_HMJQNueajRApC5CsQO3JP2gdtThFXkwk7mWRBhzLOp3mDxaQX5VvlpJ8NBHLXUbeKEuxg3fqf4JYJrix6_QlaGfvle2CqUh460GadKWfNJHvqoOCHm0/s1600/DSC00085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwS7wnbuxcg1kNAMef_BiwqLTR_HMJQNueajRApC5CsQO3JP2gdtThFXkwk7mWRBhzLOp3mDxaQX5VvlpJ8NBHLXUbeKEuxg3fqf4JYJrix6_QlaGfvle2CqUh460GadKWfNJHvqoOCHm0/s400/DSC00085.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every country girl needs a good pair of<br />
heavy duty work boots and a FEARLESS protector.<br />
Look FEARLESS, Chi!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After doing some late night research, these are the herbal treatments that seemed most popular for the care of the snake bite after the trip to the Emergency room:<br />
1 dropperful of Echinacea tincture in a 4 oz. cup of water every 15 minutes,<br />
plantain poultices<br />
and comfrey or plantain salve.<br />
<br />
I have the Echinacea tincture and am making a Comfrey salve. The fresh Comfrey is in the oil brewing on the stove as I work on this post. And you had better believe I wore my big green boots and took my walking stick to poke around every plant!<br />
<br />
Well, enough for today. Sure hope you are enjoying your Memorial Day weekend. Be careful where you step and don't stick your hand in places where you cannot see! There just might be a creepy crawler in there, that is as scared of you as you are of it. Until next time, stay safe! Herbally, Susan<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with her and not only will she not scold you, but she will make a fool of herself, too!</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Samuel Butler, Higgledy-Piggledy </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJqRfgcQh9JYZKppKjIn7KgFYVXr-43h-SkhuXgBC3-_9VFNasfMBfH1Xi4PAC3Fgv7YomKEVKzPeS8CTgREKZnI_TBeon7pW1StmoTcgh2aQLuezYqEDCUmQCAYXK6rmxM0_2gvcJ2rn/s1600/red+poppy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJqRfgcQh9JYZKppKjIn7KgFYVXr-43h-SkhuXgBC3-_9VFNasfMBfH1Xi4PAC3Fgv7YomKEVKzPeS8CTgREKZnI_TBeon7pW1StmoTcgh2aQLuezYqEDCUmQCAYXK6rmxM0_2gvcJ2rn/s400/red+poppy.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Memorial Day (originally called Decoration Day)<br />
is observed on the last Monday in May.<br />
Remembrance is symbolized by the<br />
Red Poppy, an American wildflower.<br />
painting from<br />
picasaweb.google.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="quotes" style="background-color: white; margin-top: 16px; padding-left: 15px; padding-right: 15px; text-align: -webkit-left;">
<span style="color: #454545; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span></div>StarDragonfly Herbalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209791838302749742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965470831139738148.post-25830125105383517602012-05-21T17:25:00.001-07:002012-05-30T20:19:26.456-07:00I'm Doin' the Happy Dog Dance!<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizI8xXOeFQ_zZX4VmOyvoIHN9P1j7unP9GF6K4raNhBRzjIilKajbsMAcNROCXcoWjXbT8OfFl47UIhJhqj03B5oYN8157HuKuaI-izbVilXPN7tID-gkxg0vAW79g03o1EMVSD35R7Dqa/s1600/DSC00091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizI8xXOeFQ_zZX4VmOyvoIHN9P1j7unP9GF6K4raNhBRzjIilKajbsMAcNROCXcoWjXbT8OfFl47UIhJhqj03B5oYN8157HuKuaI-izbVilXPN7tID-gkxg0vAW79g03o1EMVSD35R7Dqa/s400/DSC00091.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning Glory growing on dried brush.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Good afternoon, All. I do not like to keep secrets. No, no, no! Now all of ya'll that have told me secrets and said "Please, don't repeat this!", fear not! I will not repeat what you have confided in me. You know what I mean, something in the planning stage that you are so excited about that you tend to have a goofy smile on your face all the time and your friends and loved ones are beginning to wonder why you are so distracted. You must be in love, well, yes, with an idea or dream, or I suppose, a person. Anyway, I have been like that for the last couple weeks. I have not been able to sleep at night (except with the help of herbs) because I plan my secret all day, then I plan my secret all night. Or at least that is how it seems! So, let me fill you in on my big secret and maybe, just maybe, I will be able to sleep tonight!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQpXfYl4Tw2CC6gBGAgd_ZDGxO2sY3CE2fLLGUspdHPk5ucYFoxoY3CIUa7-6mBPpQYFuhBqPedZC6pIjDlF-6uqVZVWj5iDCnRsw3R5db8oYSlE2NPPmHwect4KbSgbcvGRbmEfBJXsw/s1600/DSC00102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQpXfYl4Tw2CC6gBGAgd_ZDGxO2sY3CE2fLLGUspdHPk5ucYFoxoY3CIUa7-6mBPpQYFuhBqPedZC6pIjDlF-6uqVZVWj5iDCnRsw3R5db8oYSlE2NPPmHwect4KbSgbcvGRbmEfBJXsw/s320/DSC00102.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mullein<br />
We will talk about this herb<br />
next week!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">I will be opening an herb company in Winnsboro, Texas in the next couple weeks. Yee Haw! I finally got to tell the world! I feel so much better!</span><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRb1JmkYnnpICK_GFOPl3fsgdNTEL9EBz4E-5nL66C1crEwhIK2s5Yb6RmpaHlq9zZuu1u-tu-orMxmsPVhJlpDSQwwFV62Ua3f92WkhZ-TEV7LaLJQ2InDS1Tf0Q57fZr4im5gpug85k/s1600/Dance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRb1JmkYnnpICK_GFOPl3fsgdNTEL9EBz4E-5nL66C1crEwhIK2s5Yb6RmpaHlq9zZuu1u-tu-orMxmsPVhJlpDSQwwFV62Ua3f92WkhZ-TEV7LaLJQ2InDS1Tf0Q57fZr4im5gpug85k/s1600/Dance.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">This could be Chi and me<br />
doing the Happy Dog Dance!</td></tr>
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Okay, now for explantations.....if you have ever been to the Winnsboro Farmers Market <br />
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and stopped by my table, you know that I always have fresh eggs, granola, dried herbs, tea blends, tinctures, salves and herbal skin care products. Besides all the Texas native edible plants that I bring along each week. So, StarDragonfly Herb Company will be an extension of my Farmers Market table. It will be my workshop where I create my products, a retail store for StarDragonfly and Sister Susan's products, and other natural or healthy stuff. Things such as soaps, candles, honey, pet stuff (well, for now, a doggie herbal shampoo and kitty catnip toys). Eventually, we will add more health products, such as vitamins and minerals, essential oils, bulk foods, natural farming stuff........but, that part of the store is still in the dream phase.<br />
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Star Dragonfly Herb Company is located on Elm Street between the State Farm office and Hornbuckle's Flower shop.<br />
The store hours will be...........<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAEAS2Au4F3XArqzbaPoZqATspMAuytmf7EHjalReRuroR5VN-0Ro-VC9eCNskaPmX7g4Cy5nZLqokg9g5RtdobDqGC9rTxTtEb263OPBRlUBvVsJEMSJ8nHiWwCxphgiF6Y7gQpOYx0wn/s1600/DSC00094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAEAS2Au4F3XArqzbaPoZqATspMAuytmf7EHjalReRuroR5VN-0Ro-VC9eCNskaPmX7g4Cy5nZLqokg9g5RtdobDqGC9rTxTtEb263OPBRlUBvVsJEMSJ8nHiWwCxphgiF6Y7gQpOYx0wn/s320/DSC00094.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moonflower<br />
Datura wrightii<br />
Scared thorn-apple, Jimsonweed, Thorn apple<br />
Datura, Angel Trumpet, Sacred datura<br />
Texas native wildflower<br />
All parts of this plant are poisonous!<br />
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Wednesday-Friday................10:00 am- 6:00 pm<br />
Saturday............................... 10:00 am - 2:00 pm <br />
Every 3rd Friday....................10:00 am - 8:00 pm<br />
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You can contact me at 903-588-4313. <br />
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And please, let us know what you would like to see in StarDragonfly Herb Company. Especially, for my readers in the Winnsboro and surrounding areas.......are you interested in a certain essential oil, health food product, crystal deodorants (yes, there is such a thing), what do you have to travel clear to Dallas or Tyler to buy or have shipped mail order? We will be happy to try and stock these items, so our customers can save gas money and travel time.<br />
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Just a little more about my "dream come true" herb shop!<br />
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I would like to start a Mystery Book Club that meets at StarDragonfly Herb Company one Thursday night of each month. Either the 1st or the last Thursday. I would like to see this book club have a great time with the cozy mystery book genre that deals with herbs or tea. Examples:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5GQ3iahcQON0UtKtIiv0S99p_IzIit9sufEzRp4ipv6BmgNf6Ky0dkwvh5K7_rMGxQ_Avop-Pm2d1f9djoncPIAvtNQTKKpFZa2Bh2SqgDGkUFhopjFyPrSOLCFoIZpkGGRez7wlTWQCB/s1600/mourning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5GQ3iahcQON0UtKtIiv0S99p_IzIit9sufEzRp4ipv6BmgNf6Ky0dkwvh5K7_rMGxQ_Avop-Pm2d1f9djoncPIAvtNQTKKpFZa2Bh2SqgDGkUFhopjFyPrSOLCFoIZpkGGRez7wlTWQCB/s200/mourning.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
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Susan Wittig Albert's China Bayle's series. China is an Herbalist in the fictional Central Texas town of Pecan Springs. China owns an herb shop and gets herself into all kinds of interesting situations in her pursuit of bad guys and gals. The books contain recipes and information on herbs. She has a new series that is about southern women gardeners called the Darling Dahlias. A fun series!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLeNt2LcQ8NoYAJ4JzlYiu92AF7fv7oCPAYOBznW4aoU2apGrtjRLqpk8wsYTLTZ8dacE1s_vfp-q3LCN-atk0bX27__vwwE8f2zSCB5KXmM1HKkfSqU-MprlUnK_Txuxv5jt_5pLVU6x_/s1600/laura.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLeNt2LcQ8NoYAJ4JzlYiu92AF7fv7oCPAYOBznW4aoU2apGrtjRLqpk8wsYTLTZ8dacE1s_vfp-q3LCN-atk0bX27__vwwE8f2zSCB5KXmM1HKkfSqU-MprlUnK_Txuxv5jt_5pLVU6x_/s1600/laura.jpg" /></a></div>
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Laura Child's Tea Shop Mystery series. Her main character is Theodosia Browning, a lovely tea shop owner in Charleston, South Carolina and her super dog, Earl Grey. Theo is friends with an unusual cast of characters Drayton, the tea master and Haley, her in house chef extraordinaire.<br />
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I spent a delightful afternoon last Sunday researching other herb or plant "cozy" mysteries that would be fun to read........<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYdFfuskRixjBm3qiAoPD7Qq_B055xRJRfI9zRGgAvOnpohG-AZ84rodlIcSUzP7KdLK1loqLRgoCVIQNt7NeggS4y4EHGYcXO5NvtY9lgu193ATXe_8sw3qazwkR0UeYebIalHPo2xn9C/s1600/DSC00085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYdFfuskRixjBm3qiAoPD7Qq_B055xRJRfI9zRGgAvOnpohG-AZ84rodlIcSUzP7KdLK1loqLRgoCVIQNt7NeggS4y4EHGYcXO5NvtY9lgu193ATXe_8sw3qazwkR0UeYebIalHPo2xn9C/s400/DSC00085.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bois d'arc tree fruit<br />
Osage Orange<br />
Maclura pomifera</td></tr>
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Ann Ripley......gardening<br />
Joyce and Jim Laverne.......gardening<br />
Mary Freeman..........landscaping company<br />
Kate Collins..........flower shop<br />
Kathy Lynn Emerson.........Lady Susanna Appleton, herbalist when Queen Elizabeth I was on the throne<br />
Vicky Lane..........Elizabeth Goodweather, owner of a flower/herb farm in North Carolina<br />
Ann McMillan.....Civil War Mystery series with a Virginia herbalist<br />
Suzanne Young...Edna Davies amateur herbalist in Rhode Island<br />
Sheila Pim.....Irish Village gardening mysteries<br />
Ellis Peters...The Cadfael Chronicles, 12th century Welsh Benedictine monk who is an herbalist.<br />
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Wow! I have only read Laura Childs and Susan Wittig Albert. I am so looking forward to finding these other authors!<br />
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Okay, enough for today! Stop by and see me when you are in Winnsboro. I will try to always have a pot of herbal tea brewed and ready for sippin'! And hey, as much as I love cookies....well, you never know what yummy baked good may be hidden among the herbs. Next week, I have a really good summer vegetable soup recipe for you and we will talk about Mullein, a very versatile plant. But, if you have been reading the posts this year, you know that we never know what is going to happen around here and I just love to share our life on the farm with you! Herbally, Susan<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7M1BMMnbP5nX7Y-S8xKIZriddw6byOTFLRDz5LfwKivjqJkjoxOPRhZ7gV1jmdrPLvvPLAZXoCCmdIIePgW7rBqccfyB3ib7nlgzVmdwQnO1l7asC1wNtkF4sN-xHtaelcrylADo_zrBL/s1600/a+cup+of+tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7M1BMMnbP5nX7Y-S8xKIZriddw6byOTFLRDz5LfwKivjqJkjoxOPRhZ7gV1jmdrPLvvPLAZXoCCmdIIePgW7rBqccfyB3ib7nlgzVmdwQnO1l7asC1wNtkF4sN-xHtaelcrylADo_zrBL/s400/a+cup+of+tea.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
<br />StarDragonfly Herbalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209791838302749742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965470831139738148.post-18296018362605769512012-05-14T10:39:00.001-07:002012-05-14T10:39:25.677-07:00Dog with an Attitude, Poke Weed and Elvis?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgEIGpA3tLHEV4QFXklxUz7Z3tN5-kWS77MtWJ3N4FDWIQo_bPg_-_Hb2LCBmVlcOGpB-ELsmYxdd3RMhtIRIm82COdLjUN0qvcxZxxCjoK3NI-7DeDgwBW93J37B1DKmXBottNKbfad-8/s1600/DSC00071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgEIGpA3tLHEV4QFXklxUz7Z3tN5-kWS77MtWJ3N4FDWIQo_bPg_-_Hb2LCBmVlcOGpB-ELsmYxdd3RMhtIRIm82COdLjUN0qvcxZxxCjoK3NI-7DeDgwBW93J37B1DKmXBottNKbfad-8/s400/DSC00071.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Head of Ranch Security Summer Buzz Cut.<br />I just love the tail.<br /></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Good morning, All. The weather has been beautiful lately. We have actually gotten some rain and the last 2 days the temperature has been tolerable.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">As you might imagine from looking at the photo, Chi was not too thrilled with me for about a week after the haircut. I have never had a dog that could give me the "cold shoulder" quite as effectively as she can. She will sit as close to Cousin Sandra as she can, cast those lovely brown eyes over me disdainfully, then slowly close her eyes, and lift and turn that pointy nose in the opposite direction until she isn't looking at me. I guess in doggiedom, if you cannot be seen you just may not exist. Sorry, Chi Chi girl.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">There are still some wildflowers blooming. So let's go for a walk and let us see what we can see.......</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWgAtSu3Ae9iXFCpnS6gEzxY2E4-BvB7tqV_RKRJ1a82KRF2auiY9P-dPmCRzHet1Qiu0sEx_E6SveH7ORF-wq_66sVGud96HdE4KWFnywPBhL-s0_wu7PUlyKaSIyT9PpGR7e7obd4v3/s1600/DSC00134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWgAtSu3Ae9iXFCpnS6gEzxY2E4-BvB7tqV_RKRJ1a82KRF2auiY9P-dPmCRzHet1Qiu0sEx_E6SveH7ORF-wq_66sVGud96HdE4KWFnywPBhL-s0_wu7PUlyKaSIyT9PpGR7e7obd4v3/s400/DSC00134.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Wild Foxglove Penstemon cobaea<br />Photo taken at Spring Creek Preserve</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"> Wild Foxglove Penstemon cobaea</span></div>
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Other common names....Prairie penstemon, Foxglove penstemon, False foxglove, Large-flowered beardtongue, Large-flowered penstemon, Prairie beardtongue, Cobaea penstemon</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Wild foxglove is not related to the true European foxglove. The European foxglove is from the genus, Digitalis which is in no way related to the genus Penstemon. Our wildflower is in the genus Penstemon. Info from Ask Mr. Smarty Plants at the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Wild Foxglove is easily grown from seed. Just snap off a flower that is done flowering, let the seeds dry then scatter the seeds.</span><br />
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<center style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><u><a href="" name="elvis01"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></a></u></b></center><center style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><u><a href="" name="elvis01"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></a></u></b></center><center style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><u><a href="" name="elvis01"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></a></u></b></center><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYDnktcxxnOQDs6Z14ERXbvldJb2QBAxc77D0nqz1Cpu3LGejYQeCC-5GORExcXyAN3ZAQtgZXsFCr0M-ZOccmEMEcxzOZq_zdNba1F9gve-ksX92kef-GCFCdUCIyAhV33WO_XuzBGE3/s1600/DSC00102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYDnktcxxnOQDs6Z14ERXbvldJb2QBAxc77D0nqz1Cpu3LGejYQeCC-5GORExcXyAN3ZAQtgZXsFCr0M-ZOccmEMEcxzOZq_zdNba1F9gve-ksX92kef-GCFCdUCIyAhV33WO_XuzBGE3/s400/DSC00102.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<center style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><b><u><a href="" name="elvis01"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></a></u></b></center><center style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><a href="" name="elvis01"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Poke Weed</span></span></a></center><center style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><a href="" name="elvis01"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></a></center><center style="text-align: left;"><a href="" name="elvis01"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">The photo on the left is NOT Elderberry flowers! It is poke weed! An interesting plant. It is edible. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">O</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">h, just for the record. We do not eat Poke, and I won't recommend or not recommend eating it because in the South, well, let me put it this way. If someone's memaw, mama, aunt or neighbor cooked and ate this plant, you might just be treading on sensitive territory. So, when dealing with any herb, please do your research!</span></span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">) It does contain poison (</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: red;">phytolaccatoxin, triterpene, saponis, phytolaccin and histamines</span></span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">)</span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-weight: normal; line-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">. Poke</span></span></a><a href="" name="elvis01" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> is a very, very powerful medicine plant but you really have to know what you are doing! Poke is one of those old fashion folk plants. Did you know that there is a Tennessee Polk (Poke) Salad Association? Yeah, check this out! http://rockytopgen.com/polksalad.index.html "The purpose of our association is to inform the public as to the different way to safely and properly prepare "Polk Salad" for consumption as a healthy and nutritious food source." The Tennessee Assoc. spells the weed's name P.o.l.k because of the spelling in the following song.</span></a></center><center style="text-align: left;"><a href="" name="elvis01" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></span></a></center><div style="text-align: left;">
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<center><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiogFkwKqxa-i_YXKwJL7jf1OtXLin9uLdy9bNMCdVWYVIjPdTdfMkqqduT2wgB5A_9uEwnqTI2hD2Lx1LVdjOLs22wtUYhYEs32PqIxKDVr8Jlc5TKAcRhVjEVTuSp0G7RTFH2160MpGuC/s1600/DSC00156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiogFkwKqxa-i_YXKwJL7jf1OtXLin9uLdy9bNMCdVWYVIjPdTdfMkqqduT2wgB5A_9uEwnqTI2hD2Lx1LVdjOLs22wtUYhYEs32PqIxKDVr8Jlc5TKAcRhVjEVTuSp0G7RTFH2160MpGuC/s320/DSC00156.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Milk Weed</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">"Polk Salad" Annie</span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Sung by Elvis Presley</span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Lyrics by Tony Joe White</span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If some of ya'll never been down South too much...</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I'm gonna tell you a little bit about this, so that you'll understand</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">What I'm talking about</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Down there we have a plant that grows out in the woods and the fields,</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">looks somethin' like a turnip green,</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Everybody calls it "Polk Salad",</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtg11sNvWlp6eQkq0OqXnt7pNod4-WYFoJFtzxxxBtpfSwkoDDhyphenhyphen-jOGbYIf6qhl-pSV06AqiOA9sRzLmyOvdalobM2uMIdP-HmpuwdMIbZt-Vy0piofWMyMII6pJJgcD5Us_dr3Of9n_/s1600/DSC00140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtg11sNvWlp6eQkq0OqXnt7pNod4-WYFoJFtzxxxBtpfSwkoDDhyphenhyphen-jOGbYIf6qhl-pSV06AqiOA9sRzLmyOvdalobM2uMIdP-HmpuwdMIbZt-Vy0piofWMyMII6pJJgcD5Us_dr3Of9n_/s320/DSC00140.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Indian Blanket<br />Gaillardia also, called Firewheel</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Used to know a girl that lived down there and </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">she'd go out in the evenings and pick a mess of it...</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Carry it home and cook it for supper, 'cause that was about all they had to eat,</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">But they did all right.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Down in Louisiana where the alligators grow so mean</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">There lived a girl that I swear to the world made the alligators look tame</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">"Polk Salad" Annie "Polk Salad" Annie</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Everybody said it was a shame</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Cause her mama was working on the chain-gang</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(a mean, vicious woman) </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
</center><center><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><u><a href="" name="elvis01"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"></span></span></a></u></b><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQKlQggFEFz9Yg3KevvuaUEDKm2XaWrJSnHpPTNnTbmsqm1pZw9JZhWRxTyQ8RuBQitCKFhNYsq1I7CjVf_CmDj1kWeEykhcXBe1dooOu1U0oHYe_kePg1jaXLW8Hj7Eni77YA7SXNSVf/s1600/DSC00150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #ffd966;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigQKlQggFEFz9Yg3KevvuaUEDKm2XaWrJSnHpPTNnTbmsqm1pZw9JZhWRxTyQ8RuBQitCKFhNYsq1I7CjVf_CmDj1kWeEykhcXBe1dooOu1U0oHYe_kePg1jaXLW8Hj7Eni77YA7SXNSVf/s320/DSC00150.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffd966;">Barbara's Buttons<br />Marshallia caepitosa<br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Everyday 'fore supper time she'd go down by the truck patch</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">And pick her a mess o' "Polk Salad" and carry it home in a tote sack</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">"Polk Salad" Annie 'Gators got your granny </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Everybody said it was a shame</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">"Cause her mama was aworkin' on the chain gang</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(a wretched, spiteful, straight-razor totin' woman)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Lord have mercy, Pick a mess of it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Her daddy was lazy and no count</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Claimed he had a bad back</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">All her brothers were fit for was stealin' watermelons out of my truck patch</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">"Polk Salad"Annie, the gators got your granny</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Everybody said it was a shame</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Cause her mama was a working' on the chain gang</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">(Sock a little "Polk Salad" To me, you know I need a mess of it)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><u><a href="" name="elvis01"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"></span></span></a></u></b></center><center style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"><h2 class="tax_sn" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 20px; text-align: left;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUBufdUKo8UYa0zX_6TA2H7_gg2vcgF-FEiDBhtlTZqpTL3PZehDb-eL4uxI1PDNCyiUWX0cO6QrlXZA4-Xk68RyL3m1n-0N-9FuAFUx1liizR9nhBsRMTdIGw7zgfPtqQA6WUU02Pq1V/s1600/DSC00068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUBufdUKo8UYa0zX_6TA2H7_gg2vcgF-FEiDBhtlTZqpTL3PZehDb-eL4uxI1PDNCyiUWX0cO6QrlXZA4-Xk68RyL3m1n-0N-9FuAFUx1liizR9nhBsRMTdIGw7zgfPtqQA6WUU02Pq1V/s320/DSC00068.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Black-eyed Susan<br />Rudbeckia hirta</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Well, that was fun! Hope you have a great week! Remember...</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Native Plant Society of Texas </span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Winnsboro Chapter</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">will meet at StarDragonfly Herbals</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Thursday, May 17 at 6:00 pm </span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">We will be having a potluck supper....so if your plannin' on makin' the meetin', please bring your favorite dish or dessert! We will provide ice tea and homemade sourdough bread + herb butter. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Oh, and if your goin' to be a little late, let me know and we will eat supper then look at the plants around the house, before venturing off onto Mr. C's land.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22px;">
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Please RSVP at stdragonfly@yahoo.com and I will email you directions to the farm.</span><span style="color: #677617;"> </span></div>
<div style="color: #677617; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Tahoma, Arial; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22px;">
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<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Tahoma, Arial; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Ambition is a dream with a V8 engine.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Tahoma, Arial; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Elvis Presley</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTW54e0e1UqkS9PYSpl9EQTAZTVsL3Nj4W-wWwxNBeOLyzrmUA86B_67sFjeVTQnqNAP9avLI7lDdMgmPg7Hmzf9QAGxqF9FHqHeuGFpWlYWAQkQHQS0e3enG9baJVIvtEHOvlQFgE_-b/s1600/elvis+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTW54e0e1UqkS9PYSpl9EQTAZTVsL3Nj4W-wWwxNBeOLyzrmUA86B_67sFjeVTQnqNAP9avLI7lDdMgmPg7Hmzf9QAGxqF9FHqHeuGFpWlYWAQkQHQS0e3enG9baJVIvtEHOvlQFgE_-b/s320/elvis+a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elvis Presley<br />photo from Rolling Stones</td></tr>
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</h2>StarDragonfly Herbalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209791838302749742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965470831139738148.post-35864124951441122312012-05-07T06:26:00.000-07:002012-05-07T06:54:25.598-07:00Heart Strings<div style="text-align: left;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7mjMe7kuEAqtsGDbdt2WUSQyCzHiZsmlHi-aImqZerqmlQL2Jq2ZXJcAJHORhTaSHDHq6O7S154VGVK3vXj-jFGwFs69LyDSwvcC5xDWqNDtFyrWjRA2CaV8lt5Uy_lrOJLceOCF8FKq/s1600/DSC00081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw7mjMe7kuEAqtsGDbdt2WUSQyCzHiZsmlHi-aImqZerqmlQL2Jq2ZXJcAJHORhTaSHDHq6O7S154VGVK3vXj-jFGwFs69LyDSwvcC5xDWqNDtFyrWjRA2CaV8lt5Uy_lrOJLceOCF8FKq/s400/DSC00081.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laika</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Good morning, All. I am sitting here trying to decide how to write the blog this morning. I try to keep the blog upbeat. There is already so much sadness and violence in the world, you don't need another dose of that while reading this blog. But, the reality is that a friend of mine and the city of Winnsboro passed away Friday night. So I am sad.....that is reality. I don't have words to tell those who also loved her that all will be well without sounding insincere. No one can measure or judge another's grief. Grief is tricky. I know there are stages of grief.....but they never hit us in any particular order. There is the anger, the sadness, the guilt. Some feel betrayed, some are just stunned and so live in denial. For some of us life goes on.....we get to care for a beloved pet of the person who passed on......whether permanently or temporarily, Cousin Sandra and I feel that because Laika has come to live with us, we are sharing a very special part of Marlena. Marlena had rescued Laika, I am not sure the whole story, but they were bonded by heart strings. One thing I have learned from living on the farm. Life goes on...sadly sometimes...and joyfully most of the time. Right now me and mine at StarDragonfly Herbals are sad. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXYANXk_P1osFzFFn7wsAxTiAV_ihsrhSUGqSRHrk1lXzbDG9uf5zSHJpOl8OgWhRJOgcKnMPgjRu_b59OfuUcY3qFfolr4dXobqxsAKYAXOYyS-RmSU3boNgRe9uRfkCpT82OBNSqfXQ/s1600/DSC00152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXYANXk_P1osFzFFn7wsAxTiAV_ihsrhSUGqSRHrk1lXzbDG9uf5zSHJpOl8OgWhRJOgcKnMPgjRu_b59OfuUcY3qFfolr4dXobqxsAKYAXOYyS-RmSU3boNgRe9uRfkCpT82OBNSqfXQ/s400/DSC00152.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">If you knew Marlena, I share your sadness, if you didn't know her, well, you might just be experiencing your own version of loss and sadness. Come take a walk with me....we will take the dogs. Then we will sit in the shade of the Oak tree and drink a cup a tea. Hopefully, well, I know in time...All will be well, once again.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Herbally, Susan</span>StarDragonfly Herbalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209791838302749742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965470831139738148.post-27414704978116515392012-04-30T17:10:00.000-07:002012-05-21T17:26:24.797-07:00Come Tiptoe Through the Wine-cups with Me!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTOEKI__z3qurFbz_NUcim1l20_Xh8LpGvP71ZuZym1D0-ceyQ5eKb3JLle5BxrdzqGu9S20o6NGAcspkC3Y68f2IrgncKcsJMIDV6hXu3Y6QzQU6CAmpcjOZRWvreozJrPmrolkf-oQm/s1600/DSC00133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTOEKI__z3qurFbz_NUcim1l20_Xh8LpGvP71ZuZym1D0-ceyQ5eKb3JLle5BxrdzqGu9S20o6NGAcspkC3Y68f2IrgncKcsJMIDV6hXu3Y6QzQU6CAmpcjOZRWvreozJrPmrolkf-oQm/s400/DSC00133.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caterpillar on Indian Paint Brush,<br />
Spring Creek,<br />
Thank you, Mr. C for holding that flower up for<br />
the photo!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #a2c4c9;">Good morning, All! My, my, my, we have been busier than long-tailed cats in a rocking chair factory! Now that Farmer's Market has started, there are products to be made, herbs to be gathered, we are still planting stuff, and all the critters are always needing some kind of attention. Here lately, we have been living on Nachos and Wild Greens Salad, there just has not been time to cook! And to top it all off, I have started teaching herb classes on the farm. Yikes! But, honestly, I love every busy minute!</span><br />
<span style="color: #a2c4c9;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #a2c4c9;">We did take off a day last week to go to the Spring Creek Park Preserve at Garland. Wow! The wildflowers were pretty much in full glory! Blooms and Butterflies everywhere! If you have never been, I would suggest finding some time to make the trip. It was really easy to find. If you live east of Garland, you will take I-30 West to the President George Bush Turnpike (toll road), then you will exit toward N Garland/Holford Rd., then turn left on Holford Rd...turn left....then turn right.....you have arrived at the Preserve!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihsigPub95z_ojYDBm0jSzEFc9IqjtIVK77vAZV4pPG1V9sZSSlJ_zzLOv8EKrFSH-9XsmhoyO6cxLgTSpqEpQ05zbXNFBOqQgtAhQy9lla1EKqbZzVuhyURdYKAhyphenhyphen_wMNSKKFZL2Uno36/s1600/DSC00173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihsigPub95z_ojYDBm0jSzEFc9IqjtIVK77vAZV4pPG1V9sZSSlJ_zzLOv8EKrFSH-9XsmhoyO6cxLgTSpqEpQ05zbXNFBOqQgtAhQy9lla1EKqbZzVuhyURdYKAhyphenhyphen_wMNSKKFZL2Uno36/s200/DSC00173.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: #a2c4c9;">These are some of the beauties that Mr. C, Cousin Sandra, her daughter-in-law, Jackie and I saw!</span><br />
<span style="color: #a2c4c9;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #a2c4c9;"><br /></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1N4F-rBc9eCHQkq3f5SjLAsgcSXgO0WlZPNspw4PDA032FVCe4Aof85FXLisyf8OwWDDSOAb4sNOvyU_KxaJLakdmg5Ma_ZdJBbvFLLrHtB5pfC2eHTJftlnKrT4sJEWh5ft1oQmH3ST/s1600/DSC00068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1N4F-rBc9eCHQkq3f5SjLAsgcSXgO0WlZPNspw4PDA032FVCe4Aof85FXLisyf8OwWDDSOAb4sNOvyU_KxaJLakdmg5Ma_ZdJBbvFLLrHtB5pfC2eHTJftlnKrT4sJEWh5ft1oQmH3ST/s400/DSC00068.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wine-cup</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd; font-size: large;">Wine-Cup Callirhoe involucrata</span><br />
<span style="color: #d5a6bd;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Wine-Cup, which is also known as Poppy Mallow, is pollinated mainly by bees seeking nectar and pollen. To the Lakota this plant is known as pezhuta nantiaziliz, meaning "smoke treatment medicine"-the smoke from a dried, smoldering root was inhaled for relief from a head cold. The Osage and other tribes prepared the sweet, starchy root in various ways as a food source. </span><i style="color: #d5a6bd;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Wildflowers of Texas by G. Ajilvsgi</span></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ZiHvdZ2vUKnPZN6PUM_bkgvTzeEMzxrDf3vSyuch3oqq4b4P0IfMoo9FrpHWLU1yDX3YSLL9e5Jd3kWYHyMMwA1umXP0CO6Lb1T8pUehdN5UI6iB7sC1OHQ7xhojz9fu0n2ygIcf5rd4/s1600/DSC00075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ZiHvdZ2vUKnPZN6PUM_bkgvTzeEMzxrDf3vSyuch3oqq4b4P0IfMoo9FrpHWLU1yDX3YSLL9e5Jd3kWYHyMMwA1umXP0CO6Lb1T8pUehdN5UI6iB7sC1OHQ7xhojz9fu0n2ygIcf5rd4/s400/DSC00075.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Primrose<br />
There were 2 types of Primrose blooming.<br />
This is Missouri Primrose, I believe.</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #ffe599; font-size: large;">Missouri Primrose <i>Oenothera macrocarpa</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #ffe599;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #ffe599;">The Evening Primrose is prized by herbalists for it's medicinal qualities, but I could not find any information about the Missouri Primrose being either medicinal or edible. If anyone has a reliable source that states that Missouri Primrose is medicinal or edible, I would love to check it out! The sphinx moth relies on the Missouri primrose as an important food source. The moth, in turn pollinates the flowers on the one night they bloom. The flowers also attract hummingbirds who use the early morning or late afternoon blossoms as a source of nectar. Butterflies and bees also flock to the blooms. Does not appeal to deer. (this info is from gardenguides.com)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6vJxz4FWbeNzjCv9d1s-v6Ahs2lP-4Lj96b0-5eSOxUDrdBB6MyDOstkB7oe6dXETZPVf3KzyY9qa5u0bjMwATQ3NHMycxN94m6iAkPCT0TtpRM7lbBHLc8kwvixbvjCfHsQNqnjv1mz/s1600/DSC00076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6vJxz4FWbeNzjCv9d1s-v6Ahs2lP-4Lj96b0-5eSOxUDrdBB6MyDOstkB7oe6dXETZPVf3KzyY9qa5u0bjMwATQ3NHMycxN94m6iAkPCT0TtpRM7lbBHLc8kwvixbvjCfHsQNqnjv1mz/s400/DSC00076.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I believe the purple flower is <br />
Mealy Sage Salvia farinacea</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: large;">Mealy Sage <i>Salvia farinacea</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8;">This is another plant that I have not been able to find any information on whether it is edible or the medicinal qualities. If you know something I don't let me know! But, for now use this plant as a beautiful ornamental. We have this growing in one of our gardens. Looks especially beautiful in an arrangement with Artemisia.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: large;">Skullcap </span><i style="color: #9fc5e8; font-size: x-large;">Scutellaria</i><br />
<i><span style="color: #9fc5e8;"><br /></span></i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmHYvZuDGkl-Dl0duWTHii-0Ebuwabh3pZBB_q4VNLv9uhblXYYCy_RSMBtedzbeQaCTAMiA3Bf4T0gs0w1C_YffSF3qnlux1vuxixXmsOW2fhr1bPBy49OeKYtlc8me8EIMxhLlGUsfC/s1600/DSC00079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmHYvZuDGkl-Dl0duWTHii-0Ebuwabh3pZBB_q4VNLv9uhblXYYCy_RSMBtedzbeQaCTAMiA3Bf4T0gs0w1C_YffSF3qnlux1vuxixXmsOW2fhr1bPBy49OeKYtlc8me8EIMxhLlGUsfC/s400/DSC00079.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #9fc5e8;">From L to R....</span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Skullcap, Sensitive Brier and not sure what</span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8;">the little yellow flowers are......</span></td></tr>
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</div>
<div>
<span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Beautiful and quite prolific. Skullcap was traditionally used in the treatment of a wide range of nervous conditions including epilepsy, insomnia, anxiety, delirium tremens, withdrawal from barbiturates and tranquilizers and neuralgia. And infusion of the plant has been used to promote suppressed menstruation, it should not be given to pregnant women since it can induce miscarriage. This plant should be used with caution since in excess it causes giddiness, stupor, confusion and twitching.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Okay, this is where we get into some iffy territory with the medicinal herbs. There are over 350 species of Skullcap and they all are used in different ways. So, remember to research your plants thoroughly before using them and/or buy them from a reputable source!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Sensitive Brier......Other common names for this plant include CATCLAW, in reference to the prickly characteristic of the plant, and SHAME-BOY, referring to the sensitive foliage that closes when touched. The fruit of the sensitive brier is a long, slender, rounded pod densely covered with prickles; it is attractive when used in dried arrangements. <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Wildflowers of Texas by G. Ajilvsgi</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">We have a fun herb class coming up in May! Learn how to make your own herbal insect repellents! You can call....903-866-3606 or email me for more information....stdragonfly@yahoo.com. Or see the post titled Lady Lavender and A Beastie Be Gone Class.</span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">My friend, Ann, is a Master Naturalist that lives out at Holly Lake, Texas...you might want to check out her blog. http://thejardinencantado.blogspot.com/ </span><br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Well, a lovely garden club is coming for a visit tomorrow morning! Need to get busy and get them some herbal tea made so it can be chilling and make a few snacks. Until next week, herbally yours, Susan</span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-size: large;">"Women are vain. They think they look better in hats--if they have any sense."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #93c47d;">94 year old Louisa Hagood</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83vP8hfKJ8mtOTW_b2X2icAU8QUHV00A5y1jM5GUn96fVje3645I6fs3LMmKHB2_Jr-tkKsINs5W2fFsVqJCiLYb9eMPRFJP6AgniX14RXw1ikDAKpJU-8Z9_7Q3gZeCk7pdpjSv_my3V/s1600/DSC03079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg83vP8hfKJ8mtOTW_b2X2icAU8QUHV00A5y1jM5GUn96fVje3645I6fs3LMmKHB2_Jr-tkKsINs5W2fFsVqJCiLYb9eMPRFJP6AgniX14RXw1ikDAKpJU-8Z9_7Q3gZeCk7pdpjSv_my3V/s640/DSC03079.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a lovely hat pin!<br />
And I do agree with Ms. Hagood! <br />
I tend to be vain and I love<br />
wearing my hat!</td></tr>
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<br /></div>StarDragonfly Herbalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209791838302749742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965470831139738148.post-29689437507686069342012-04-23T09:35:00.001-07:002012-04-24T09:54:14.274-07:00Lady Lavender and a Beastie Be Gone Class!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinwFGackZfy7_hVJ66OspHUZ_qQ9YYAeFVI2J1jH8Fqw-jnAM4QDSfhNd_QkDOaMtX6cJ8zb9ovInNZ-S6l7IitheLMRuPvCX1K18v8nBEEuBygAq-uIl6mfi7YzVecsjRKAp-r5pMTNb9/s1600/DSC00065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinwFGackZfy7_hVJ66OspHUZ_qQ9YYAeFVI2J1jH8Fqw-jnAM4QDSfhNd_QkDOaMtX6cJ8zb9ovInNZ-S6l7IitheLMRuPvCX1K18v8nBEEuBygAq-uIl6mfi7YzVecsjRKAp-r5pMTNb9/s400/DSC00065.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Madame Flamingo invites Lady Lavender for Tea Time.<br />
Can you guess what flower will be in the herbal tea?</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #93c47d;">Good morning, All! Cousin Sandra is finally home from Austin, and as always, she loaded up the Santa Fe with baby plants and not so baby trees (more like pre-adolescent trees). We finally have all in the ground except for a few that will have to go in pots in the shade garden.</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;">Wanted to share with you a little about the April herb class The Wild Side of Herbs. We (me, my wonderful group of students and Chi) had a great time walking through the yard, garden and wild area identifying edible and medicinal "weedies". There was a whole range of students from those who had never eaten the weedy plants to budding herbalists actually enrolled in herbal education programs.</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;"><br /></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGxhXUQOboR2P174IyN4SsX0gNhbTbvMofVzVSr5_CaQxn37vBabwIOIgDn3rUlkK7mcYv4DVE5euyDkZunUCgsNGifMwNr57ZLwoKQtAcCB54tR1G_wGvU9Lx7WbrrdnV9IJgMKhpRGq/s1600/DSC00183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSGxhXUQOboR2P174IyN4SsX0gNhbTbvMofVzVSr5_CaQxn37vBabwIOIgDn3rUlkK7mcYv4DVE5euyDkZunUCgsNGifMwNr57ZLwoKQtAcCB54tR1G_wGvU9Lx7WbrrdnV9IJgMKhpRGq/s200/DSC00183.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">This is part of the Saturday class</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;">talking about Dewberry. There is</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;">a young plant growing there and</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;">we talked about harvesting leaves</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;">to use for tea.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijcBq_fpqpcP6qZ9MgwK7s-bFBRdxAZfUrsYt13Xth54Z_OmOahdf7-GJfYNmjqmJex4_Vr7BojNW-pd5flzTyClH_KeNVz7GoZXGLq1nN_PIG7KSLg5p_oLpdEDuyaJEJbtbEIm2FIxTL/s1600/DSC00188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijcBq_fpqpcP6qZ9MgwK7s-bFBRdxAZfUrsYt13Xth54Z_OmOahdf7-GJfYNmjqmJex4_Vr7BojNW-pd5flzTyClH_KeNVz7GoZXGLq1nN_PIG7KSLg5p_oLpdEDuyaJEJbtbEIm2FIxTL/s200/DSC00188.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #93c47d;">Chi</span><br />
<span style="color: #93c47d;">Herb Dog!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #93c47d;">Chi was very helpful, every time we would point out and talk about an edible plant, she would proceed to eat it. Thank you, Chi. Oh, and she totally enjoyed sharing her vast collection of sticks (to be thrown, of course!) with the students. She obviously makes it quite clear that even though she is a Border Collie she is an Herb dog not a Herd dog.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4h9PQ3_cOfOtBCh7mqdzguH0W4TB05kIanPR-wZ8MKIQJ_3AS-HuWBg5FWYoCxF7KTHIC0nCJgU4UGgjbpe-8XIRGpJLFAyeRYeMSlOtjVDVYBxVLUZoo2IO-iDvFfWDYr-LqnSnqaiE/s1600/lavender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx4h9PQ3_cOfOtBCh7mqdzguH0W4TB05kIanPR-wZ8MKIQJ_3AS-HuWBg5FWYoCxF7KTHIC0nCJgU4UGgjbpe-8XIRGpJLFAyeRYeMSlOtjVDVYBxVLUZoo2IO-iDvFfWDYr-LqnSnqaiE/s1600/lavender.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A gorgeous field of Lavender,<br />
can you imagine how mind blowing this<br />
would smell!<br />
photo by travelvista.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: large;">Lavender</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: large;">Lavendula</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">This week, well, actually tomorrow (Tuesday) I will be giving a little talk about weeds at a local garden club. And the ladies really wanted me to talk about Lavender, as well. So, let us see what we can find out about this lovely plant. In a nutshell or lavender bud......</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkDdyfMJofR8Sv4rfD9pWB3WuW2sNB657yCdvb-s4loDnFpUvOBk30U21gVFvmaFGLMETVlykBLGmAZQdi3K56NO3xP2uiMOHqcSg16qgepgzVdhyjmqmevNnLNeGuRDHTNEHhHKvhALk/s1600/lavender+eo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIkDdyfMJofR8Sv4rfD9pWB3WuW2sNB657yCdvb-s4loDnFpUvOBk30U21gVFvmaFGLMETVlykBLGmAZQdi3K56NO3xP2uiMOHqcSg16qgepgzVdhyjmqmevNnLNeGuRDHTNEHhHKvhALk/s1600/lavender+eo.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Lavender Essential Oil</span><br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">This EO is a must for any home</span><br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">herbal first aid kit!</span><br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">photo from nodosh.blogspot.com</span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">The English word lavender is thought to have come from the Old French word, lavandre, to wash or the Latin lavare (to wash). I guess the Old French and Romans made an infusion for their baths. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Lavender is in the mint family Lamiacaea and there are 39 species. The native range extends from the Canary Islands and Madeira, North and East Africa, Southern Europe, the Mediterranean, Arabia and India</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">The plant is commercially grown for the production of essential oil. Lavender EO is antiseptic (agent used to remove pus, blood, etc.) and anti-inflammatory (controlling inflammation, a reaction to injury or infection). Only the buds contain the essential oil of lavender.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">During WW1 the EO was used in hospitals to disinfect floors and walls.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Lavender oil heals acne. Mix Lavender EO in a 1:10 dilution with water, rosewater, or witch hazel. In other words, 1 tsp. of EO mixed into 10 tsps of the liquid carrier.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Lavender is not used in traditional southern French cooking but in the 70's the herb blend herbes de Provence (which usually includes lavender) was invented by spice wholesalers, so lavender has become more popular in cooking. The buds are sometimes paired with sheep's or goat's milk cheeses.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">In the US, we make lavender syrup and use the dried buds to make lavender scones and marshmallows.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgCPG8CGVU6iYf2wuHhw9-aaBZiNnr-p2D8IS0XMH857w_5Ycxjsd5ZATpEmc661CK85AI4mC6ESOxqjpSIzbY6Zx_D6D6lxxC1_vgbQDA7tUKnwZSgSJX_cgvOw63lrGYkeaFVd7p2CD/s1600/Lavender+wands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgCPG8CGVU6iYf2wuHhw9-aaBZiNnr-p2D8IS0XMH857w_5Ycxjsd5ZATpEmc661CK85AI4mC6ESOxqjpSIzbY6Zx_D6D6lxxC1_vgbQDA7tUKnwZSgSJX_cgvOw63lrGYkeaFVd7p2CD/s320/Lavender+wands.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Lavender Wands</span><br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">They are so beautiful!</span><br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Photo from chappellhillllavender.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Marshmallows? Interesting</span><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Lavender is and has been used as an insect repellent. I had a friend that loved to make Lavender wands for her friends to hang in their closets. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Here is a website on how to make lavender wands...www.gardengatemagazine.com/extras/62lvenderwant.php</span></div>
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Lavender is a must in dream pillows, aiding with sleep and relaxation. You can even make an infusion of the lovely flower heads to drink before bedtime. Infuse about 1 tsp. dried buds or 3 tsps fresh buds in one cup boiling water for about 5-10 minutes. Add some Lavender infused honey. Ahhh, heavenly!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76Mk1rf4IKqjuqVC-PCE53b4rxQcCqUcFg_e83TXEgesAmN5wCrTHQVNb2L-2dMd5lJOsGuJzplm1eYE1AoMxg5lM1CdKo4UqoCUrQeYArAPY4mYn6mylHXiAbCxL5262dPrEoNCiOb5Y/s1600/Lavender+cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76Mk1rf4IKqjuqVC-PCE53b4rxQcCqUcFg_e83TXEgesAmN5wCrTHQVNb2L-2dMd5lJOsGuJzplm1eYE1AoMxg5lM1CdKo4UqoCUrQeYArAPY4mYn6mylHXiAbCxL5262dPrEoNCiOb5Y/s200/Lavender+cookies.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Lavender Cookies<br />Sure wish I had these made!<br />Photo from allrecipes.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Easy Lavender Cookies!</span><br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Buy yourself one of those great Sugar Cookie mixes. There are even some gluten-free ones on the market!</span><br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">You will be following the directions on the package, but to the dry ingredients add 1 Tbls Lavender flowers. I would roll the flowers in the palm of my hand to break them up a bit. I have found that I always need a little extra liquid. Maybe 2 extra teaspoonful. Bake according to directions. Sprinkle lavender sugar on top or make a little glaze and if you have fresh lavender, stick a flower on each glazed cookie! There, easy and delicious!</span><br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Lavender sugar? No, I don't think you will find that at the local grocery store....well, if you live in the big city, you might, but not out here in the country! Lavender sugar is so easy to make! This is what you will need......</span><br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">2 Cups (castor) sugar....I use regular old white sugar</span><br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">1 Tablespoon, food grade dried lavender buds, you could use fresh lavender flowers if you have plenty in your garden. Increase to 3 Tablespoons if using fresh flowers.</span><br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Now grind dried buds to a fine powder in the food processor or coffee grinder dedicated to herbs. You will have to chop the fresh buds by hand.</span><br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Place sugar and lavender into a pretty, clean jar. Label </span><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;">(always label! This is the voice of experience talking to you! Always label!) </span><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"> Put in a dark cabinet for a couple weeks. Add your beautiful, fragrant sugar to tea or sprinkle on top of your lavender cookies!</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6X_KLn4dLLctU-vZexBdgV2_FoqFreP1hEFa0sgi0-QCYjHpCw3KRE25aeOlWL9vXF7MISsPZ4FUJ4aF8J62hodJd13lxRWOR9qhVZlGF93I70rPMYs7xvFuWi3bOyvNlBXHsW_Hzlk5Q/s1600/mosquito+repellant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6X_KLn4dLLctU-vZexBdgV2_FoqFreP1hEFa0sgi0-QCYjHpCw3KRE25aeOlWL9vXF7MISsPZ4FUJ4aF8J62hodJd13lxRWOR9qhVZlGF93I70rPMYs7xvFuWi3bOyvNlBXHsW_Hzlk5Q/s320/mosquito+repellant.jpg" width="287" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">May Herb Class announcement!</span></div>
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<i><u><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;">Natural Insect Repellents</span></u></i></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;"> Wednesday Saturday</span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">May 16, 2012 May 19, 2012</span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">2-4 pm...................$30.00 per person</span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">You can create you own insect repellents without the harmful chemicals that are found in commercial repellents!</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Learn natural ways to get rid of fleas and repel mosquitoes.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Explore fresh and dried herbs that are good at getting rid of the little beasties.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Make your own custom insect repellents.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Learn herbal ways to ease the stinging and itching.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Please call or email for information or reservations.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Susan</span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">903-866-3606 stdragonfly@yahoo.com</span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">You might like to bring a camera, bug spray, notebook/pen and a walking stick! We have Elderberry jelly and syrup, granola, fresh eggs, chicks, candied ginger, herbal teas and medicinals for sale.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Okay time to get to work! Have to get ready for the herb talk tomorrow and don't forget Winnsboro, Texas Farmers Market, now every Saturday morning until October! Get there early for the best produce! Until next week.....I hope you can keep those little biting beasties away from your tender skin! Herbally, Susan</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Anyone who thinks that they are too small to make a difference has never tried to fall asleep with a mosquito in the room!</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christie Todd Whitman</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Larkspur in April<br />
Hopkins County, Texas</td></tr>
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</div>StarDragonfly Herbalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209791838302749742noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965470831139738148.post-39575009502373671492012-04-16T09:10:00.000-07:002012-04-22T13:27:26.543-07:00Earth Day, Sunday, April 22, 2012<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgS8mG6YS-Xrv_6r0o0pCdFc6jVZ3cMWRBSxvNQt8Mxw9OW1o0OVhDaRcYdiL5z3aOiKC2y3aEUosVTqBuD1r4P0ev1WP4_FXLN-Jlq6zHiPe-RK7H0zDStYI0e78I9sKlU6LybffmJfN/s1600/earth+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmgS8mG6YS-Xrv_6r0o0pCdFc6jVZ3cMWRBSxvNQt8Mxw9OW1o0OVhDaRcYdiL5z3aOiKC2y3aEUosVTqBuD1r4P0ev1WP4_FXLN-Jlq6zHiPe-RK7H0zDStYI0e78I9sKlU6LybffmJfN/s320/earth+day.jpg" width="299" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Earth Day<br />
Sunday<br />
April 22, 2012</td></tr>
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Good morning, All! Just wanted to share a few thoughts with you this morning on Earth Day. I feel about Earth Day as Ray Stannard Baker felt about Christmas <br />
Day. See post entitled To All In Texas and Beyond, Merry Chirstmas, Ya'll. <br />
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With Mr. Stannard's blessing (I hope) this is how I would rewrite his quote to express my feelings about Earth Day.<br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">I sometimes think we expect too much of Earth Day. We try to crowd into it a whole years worth of loving Mother Earth and the plants and creatures that dwell on her. As for me and mine, we like to take Earth Day a little at a time, all through the year. And thus I walk my prairie and woodland path into the Spring, let it overtake me unexpectedly, waking up some fine morning and suddenly saying to myself:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ePjmmly6e45zbtrhEQRwopt5fehUbN-jrbjmVVajkw6XyVcSR0RkcSaaxsacP6sAExwOygCWbM6_CVvMlghWyGvW_zMm4lFcFbxKxy5-8I4RmZSvQen4bzuFVB70CRHnO3SUFkEp-AIp/s1600/DSC00065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ePjmmly6e45zbtrhEQRwopt5fehUbN-jrbjmVVajkw6XyVcSR0RkcSaaxsacP6sAExwOygCWbM6_CVvMlghWyGvW_zMm4lFcFbxKxy5-8I4RmZSvQen4bzuFVB70CRHnO3SUFkEp-AIp/s320/DSC00065.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Spider Lily</span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Hymenocallis liriosme</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Why this and everyday is Earth Day!</span><br />
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The Native Plant Society of Texas, Winnsboro Chapter, will be meeting this Thursday! We meet at 6:00 at Art & Espresso on Market Street in Winnsboro, Texas. We would love for you to attend our meetings. Feel free to bring your mystery plants, a field guide or two and a friend or loved one for a fun and fact filled hour about plants. If you need more information, please call me at 903-866-3606.<br />
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Now come take a virtual walk with me and let's see what has been blooming around here this April.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yarrow<br />
Achillea millefolium</td></tr>
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Yarrow is one of my favorite plants. She is so versatile and beautiful in her own wild way. You will see Yarrow blooming now along roadsides and in pastures. From a distance it will look a little like Queen Anne's Lace. The Yarrow leaves are feathery like a fern and the flower of the Queen Anne's Lace are claret-colored or pale pink before they open, then bright white and rounded when in full flower.<br />
<span style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span><br />
Milfoil (Yarrow) makes an excellent plant for the yard and is extensively cultivated. A tea from the leaves is said to be good for fever and restful sleep. Many other medicines are made from all parts of this plant, including a blood coagulant and a local anesthetic. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Wildflowers of Texas, G. Ajilvsgi</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showy Primrose or Pink Evening Primrose<br />
Oenothera specios</td></tr>
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The Pink Evening Primrose is not the Primrose so prized by herbalist for it's medicinal qualities. But, this plant has taken up Spring residence in my garden. So, I have been using her to make some oil and tincture. If you come across this plant, gently pick a flower and do like any kid would do! Hold it against your nose for a face full of butter colored pollen!<br />
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Pink Evening Primrose is <span style="color: #6fa8dc;">anti-microbial</span> (assists the body in resisting and destroying microbes), <span style="color: #6fa8dc;">anti-inflammatory</span> (reduces the redness, heat and swelling of inflammation when used internally or externally), <span style="color: #6fa8dc;">anti-ulcer</span> (herbs used to treat ulcers in the stomach and upper part of the small intestine), <span style="color: #6fa8dc;">anti-pyretic</span> (reduces fever), and <span style="color: #6fa8dc;">analgesic </span>(relieving pain, taken internally or applied externally).<br />
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The greens of this plant are edible but best used before flowering.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prairie Spiderwort<br />
Tradescantia occidentalis</td></tr>
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Prairie Spiderwort is blooming in all sorts of colors this year. I have seen violet to a dark purplish blue and have even seen a white one. They are growing along the roadways now. The leaves and flowers of this plant are edible, they can be eaten raw or boiled. The root is poisonous! Contains saponin so please avoid the root. The Dakota Indians used this plant as a love charm while singing. Information from <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Wildflowers of Texas, G. Ajilvsgi</span><br />
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Enough for today. Time to get to work! Remember, let everyday be Earth Day for you and yours. Simple acts such as planting wildflowers, heck, even not mowing them down until they have seeded, helps the Earth<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salvia greggii<br />
Autumn sage, Cherry sage,<br />
Gregg salvia<br />
Photo by Dana Michael</td></tr>
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tremendously. The bees will love you! How about planting something the bees love like Salvia or Sage? Now, Salvia will take over your garden, so be mindful where you plant her. She is a great plant to share so if she gets a little unruly, just pull her up and put her in a pot and give her to someone that loves bees, butterflies and hummers!<br />
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Oh, and remember!<br />
<span style="color: lime;">The Winnsboro Farmers Market opens this Saturday! Visit the new website: www.winnsborofarmersmarket.com. The website is beautiful!</span><br />
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This month's herb class <u>The Wild Side of Herbs </u>will be Wednesday and Saturday of this week! Let me know if you are interested in joining us for an afternoon herb walk, discussion and some simple herbal medicine making! You can email or call me. Susan....stdragonfly@yahoo.com or 903-866-3606.<br />
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As always, Herbally yours, Susan<br />
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: x-large;">We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.</span></div>
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Native American proverb</div>
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<br />StarDragonfly Herbalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209791838302749742noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965470831139738148.post-21046921972953823262012-04-09T20:30:00.000-07:002012-04-12T20:11:37.280-07:00Have You Heard the News!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Have You Heard the News!<br />
<span style="color: yellow;">Eggs</span> really are good for you!</td></tr>
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Good evening, All! There are some exciting events and classes coming up this month! <br />
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<span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;">Eggsceptional Day!</span></div>
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Saturday, April 14, 2012</div>
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Tinney Chapel Family Life Center</div>
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449 CR 4620</div>
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Winnsboro, TX</div>
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Peter H. Langsjoen, M.D., F.A.C.C. will be at Tinney Chapel Family Life Center. Dr. Langsjoen will be speaking on the saturated fat and cholesterol fraud. Find out from an expert the truth about magnificent <span style="color: yellow;">eggs</span> and why you can eat them.<br />
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At this event there will be speakers, vendors and a lunch for prepaid guests with Dr. Langsjoen.<br />
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I was able to attend this event last year. Learned a lot and was happy to visit all the great vendors. This year StarDragonfly Herbals will have a booth! Hope to see you there and yes, I will be selling<span style="color: yellow;"> eggs</span> from our Happy Free Range Chickens!<br />
For more information, please call 903-629-3034.<br />
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I have been having a great time preparing for the April herb class. There will be some useful information on the bounty of goodness that grows around us, some recipes, a herb walk and a chance to make some good medicine!<br />
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<u><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;">The Wild Side of Herbs</span></u><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">April 18 or April 21, 2012</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">2-4 pm</span><br />
<span style="color: #6aa84f;">$25.00 per person</span><br />
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Herbs are all around us, whether we live in the country or the city. They are called weeds! They are nutritious, full of good medicine, and very easy to find!<br />
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Please call or email for information or reservations<br />
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903-866-3606 stdragonfly@yahoo.com<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cut Leaf Evening Primrose is in bloom now!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">Native Plant Society of Texas</span></div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">Winnsboro Chapter</span></div>
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Thursday April <span style="color: magenta;">19</span>, 2012<br />
6:00 pm at Art & Espresso, Winnsboro, TX<br />
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Bring a couple of those mystery plants, a field guide if you have one or two, and join us for a fun and fact filled hour! All you need to attend is a love of native plants. Have questions? <br />
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Call or email me........903-866-3606 or stdragonfly@yahoo.com.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxtCCrenA3vP1nEpq9EekOJwNapYNGtillS2kjVTNW51ywC8dC5JWCBKTarfCaM8O1tlebdetoN-sLK90uEvRPRqkzFFXAkdRiGaKffN5I_8zdem0AWayWqnKzAi4DhCGSeqbsFTpBdvb/s1600/Farmers+market.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxtCCrenA3vP1nEpq9EekOJwNapYNGtillS2kjVTNW51ywC8dC5JWCBKTarfCaM8O1tlebdetoN-sLK90uEvRPRqkzFFXAkdRiGaKffN5I_8zdem0AWayWqnKzAi4DhCGSeqbsFTpBdvb/s400/Farmers+market.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chef Debbie and some great Farmer's Market patrons and vendors!</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #93c47d; font-size: large;">The Winnsboro Farmers Market</span></div>
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<span style="color: #93c47d;">Opening Day!!!!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #93c47d;">Saturday, April 21, 2012</span></div>
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<span style="color: #93c47d;">8-Noon</span></div>
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Folks, the Market is going to be great this year! Come on out and visit the vendors, the chefs, the 4-H kids, and musicians! Stop by StarDragonfly Herbals table and say Hi! I will be so excited to see all my friends again!<br />
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Now these events are just whats go'in on in April! I will tell you about May in a couple weeks. I do know that there is a Mother/Daughter Tea Party coming up, and a new herb class that will be about Natural Insect Repellents. My goodness have you seen the size of the mosquitoes lately! They look like sparrows. But, then again, everything is bigger in Texas! Herbally yours, Susan<br />
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<span style="color: #93c47d; font-size: large;">As long as there's a few farmers out there, we'll keep fighting for them.</span></div>
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Willie Nelson</div>
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On the Road again!</div>StarDragonfly Herbalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209791838302749742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965470831139738148.post-63338717037569250162012-04-02T10:55:00.000-07:002012-04-12T20:21:06.542-07:00Here Comes Peter Cottontail, Hoppin Down the Bunny Trail!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKGhwIiS9-Y0hBZkWiI_MLQh0tVn9w8zdNaccuzVHjcgRG_DUjK_CnjAkyfmXXt54EMMmeShcKiS67yKKj7twhk38W4GP3vFNOawN_xFTEdwBazEXcmlERN1fYBDAa3aOKceYk1hgtzQf/s1600/DSC00099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKGhwIiS9-Y0hBZkWiI_MLQh0tVn9w8zdNaccuzVHjcgRG_DUjK_CnjAkyfmXXt54EMMmeShcKiS67yKKj7twhk38W4GP3vFNOawN_xFTEdwBazEXcmlERN1fYBDAa3aOKceYk1hgtzQf/s320/DSC00099.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Can you see Chi's fangs?<br />This is the Head of Ranch Security look when<br />Mom makes Chi pose for photos.<br />Now, imagine that look with bunny ears.<br />Not pretty.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Good Morning, Yes! Hippity Hoppin, Easter's on its way! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">I found an article on Herbs of Easter: History and Traditions, written by Jackie Hardin. I am not sure if Jackie wrote for Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs, 1987 Rodale Press, or if this was an article she/he wrote using the Rodale book as a source. Anyway, all that said, I think the article is interesting and in a bit I would like to share it with you!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQC_XwDop2n2uzyIX_oKv4C3s0S_FJkVUT-tF1t3I9V-5Aj8a7mNsE3LDZAHbz2qFAnADw1B8h6pqN-eTmpZsVaSLxYvXGedw14e0hgQcyqTK6BO0E4vi60588AKhtJXlKToBmv7K5vpbu/s1600/DSC00086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQC_XwDop2n2uzyIX_oKv4C3s0S_FJkVUT-tF1t3I9V-5Aj8a7mNsE3LDZAHbz2qFAnADw1B8h6pqN-eTmpZsVaSLxYvXGedw14e0hgQcyqTK6BO0E4vi60588AKhtJXlKToBmv7K5vpbu/s200/DSC00086.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLl8HL-3RCCAS9MbLr_hHp8OWo635JXoIkWy5CMvnBhN7RGaSqeam9hmp7sk8ir3f0cRNL-2GS8F-tCKiB7rwJ7dAQHE7pycRbMckSBwtULJUUbl0UVxYSS3taIF3XXEI-BNNIm0Tq9ex9/s1600/DSC00064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLl8HL-3RCCAS9MbLr_hHp8OWo635JXoIkWy5CMvnBhN7RGaSqeam9hmp7sk8ir3f0cRNL-2GS8F-tCKiB7rwJ7dAQHE7pycRbMckSBwtULJUUbl0UVxYSS3taIF3XXEI-BNNIm0Tq9ex9/s200/DSC00064.JPG" width="150" /></span></a><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Okay, I am proud of the our Irises and want to share a few more photos with you. But, first a story. When we were living in Round Rock, TX, Cousin Sandra bought a whole bunch of beautiful Irises from a catalog. That was great, and after a fashion we got them planted. In the Spring of 2008, (I think that was the year), Cousin Sandra discovered the Northeast part of Texas, bought a farm, and we prepared to move. Part of this preparation for moving......was....I got it into my head that there was no way we were going anywhere without those Irises. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdoR9UYoTWs_0DbHUKjIY0G9lbE0HTjUcXlULDRp3Y4ZxqG-zRP5mI3KiSAWwh1wCvwv4yfSoZx1bbFNNOQDphN3p-iTpbEnfPUwKkKWjCQS4RaI_4a5g1MK5cG1wqKT7V_-NZy1aLzaRB/s1600/DSC00093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdoR9UYoTWs_0DbHUKjIY0G9lbE0HTjUcXlULDRp3Y4ZxqG-zRP5mI3KiSAWwh1wCvwv4yfSoZx1bbFNNOQDphN3p-iTpbEnfPUwKkKWjCQS4RaI_4a5g1MK5cG1wqKT7V_-NZy1aLzaRB/s200/DSC00093.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHw_k7R2sPQqIZO7FMJUv47PxLuJGKZwhlgNBajAg5YaaLnOfZmMiGkSK5ESgAKTc8lx7xVs-XHPzsSqIcG5xi-u-XSmK96FnK9ZrtVb1eZj6UR24qJNw3sOb4_E1dCNfPgNPBw5xZ3t6/s1600/DSC00065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0veKPJVINPVp7zBwOYmbAQp7a7EFDqdiUbH5EJAebtSXKnl5i4WMEVUepm8AmtQFzBvTCYuABqG2J2-AscX7mGvkKmWvgpb4GcPLp8FGnIMABQ5cPi1YTyt7KFmh68DvnQlEqU9s5CtJ4/s1600/DSC00062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0veKPJVINPVp7zBwOYmbAQp7a7EFDqdiUbH5EJAebtSXKnl5i4WMEVUepm8AmtQFzBvTCYuABqG2J2-AscX7mGvkKmWvgpb4GcPLp8FGnIMABQ5cPi1YTyt7KFmh68DvnQlEqU9s5CtJ4/s200/DSC00062.JPG" width="150" /></span></a><span style="color: #c27ba0;"></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHw_k7R2sPQqIZO7FMJUv47PxLuJGKZwhlgNBajAg5YaaLnOfZmMiGkSK5ESgAKTc8lx7xVs-XHPzsSqIcG5xi-u-XSmK96FnK9ZrtVb1eZj6UR24qJNw3sOb4_E1dCNfPgNPBw5xZ3t6/s1600/DSC00065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHw_k7R2sPQqIZO7FMJUv47PxLuJGKZwhlgNBajAg5YaaLnOfZmMiGkSK5ESgAKTc8lx7xVs-XHPzsSqIcG5xi-u-XSmK96FnK9ZrtVb1eZj6UR24qJNw3sOb4_E1dCNfPgNPBw5xZ3t6/s200/DSC00065.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="color: #c27ba0;">(Ya'll, I admit, I do these things to</span><span style="color: #ffd966;"> </span><span style="color: #c27ba0;">myself, I have no one else to blame!) So, by this time its June, 104 degrees, and there I be, in a fire ant infested garden, digging up Iris bulbs. Okay, that is not the worst of this story......we moved to our present location on July 4.......when we left Round Rock the temp was 107 and when we got here the temp was 104. Thank God, for the cooler weather! But, this all meant that in the heat of summer, we had to dig up the present Iris bed, amend it with compost, all the while fighting sand, fire ants and mosquitoes! So now the story has come to an end. And every year the Irises get more spectacular. Would you do it again, you ask? Sure, like I said earlier, I get myself into these situations (such as gardening in 104 degree heat), so why should I quit now!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvB4FK6HVz9rKujPW57zcMEANB5w4vvPW_LlZaDZJwvgXkujJM1mNQ0Ud_xLliNhOWUMGweekDD3NjHjmCCnxdU5x0EB_yjnfikuJwYE4mVmPWoZd5xzXfM2AbBmfEI7sZ3wP29aHo09cN/s1600/DSC00063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvB4FK6HVz9rKujPW57zcMEANB5w4vvPW_LlZaDZJwvgXkujJM1mNQ0Ud_xLliNhOWUMGweekDD3NjHjmCCnxdU5x0EB_yjnfikuJwYE4mVmPWoZd5xzXfM2AbBmfEI7sZ3wP29aHo09cN/s200/DSC00063.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="color: #c27ba0;">There are a few</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvB4FK6HVz9rKujPW57zcMEANB5w4vvPW_LlZaDZJwvgXkujJM1mNQ0Ud_xLliNhOWUMGweekDD3NjHjmCCnxdU5x0EB_yjnfikuJwYE4mVmPWoZd5xzXfM2AbBmfEI7sZ3wP29aHo09cN/s1600/DSC00063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"></span></a><span style="color: #c27ba0;">others that bloomed this morning but I will save them for next week.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: large;">Herbs of Easter: History and Traditions</span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">The herbs of Easter include chervil, tansy, hyssop, vervain, rosemary, rest harrow, and mistletoe. </span><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Some of these herbs I have heard of and some are new to me. So let's see what we have here........</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UEtK1d9nvzGuYC_LxPxrkpQAcMVdROQPNKP75l2qp-F6ymbkOCXnuXOe_G1P24vaGzB2HDhWRQi3x_ZN8r0dvLjY85OAPXlqBei3FxYPDDcvUn3401HG_zeGBoSOYnTuGH_E190fj4NK/s1600/chevril+c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UEtK1d9nvzGuYC_LxPxrkpQAcMVdROQPNKP75l2qp-F6ymbkOCXnuXOe_G1P24vaGzB2HDhWRQi3x_ZN8r0dvLjY85OAPXlqBei3FxYPDDcvUn3401HG_zeGBoSOYnTuGH_E190fj4NK/s1600/chevril+c.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Chervil<br />herbcompanion.com</span><br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Chervil, along with tansy and vervain symbolize the Resurrection. Chervil is the symbol of the return of life and is a traditional ingredient in Holy Thursday soup. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Chervil is a hardy annual that often self seeds over winter.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1Gib_eZ38gkvU7o3SbQqdBwEbMEfNrcTaHZYUlWbabZaicil1udDBdAvJkjma4q-W25O-NGlaBmQc0v55CqtfThUVLR8exs6hUT3mi-jfEz9aNdbJEjuLhsHtWws8G98AIgqw4VG0bRr/s1600/tansy+c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1Gib_eZ38gkvU7o3SbQqdBwEbMEfNrcTaHZYUlWbabZaicil1udDBdAvJkjma4q-W25O-NGlaBmQc0v55CqtfThUVLR8exs6hUT3mi-jfEz9aNdbJEjuLhsHtWws8G98AIgqw4VG0bRr/s1600/tansy+c.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Tansy<br />4-control.com</span><br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Tansy, derived from the Greek </span><span style="color: #c27ba0;">word </span><span style="color: #c27ba0;">anhanasia</span><span style="color: #c27ba0;">, meaning immortal, was used from Ancient times up until the American Revolution as a meat preservative. Representing everlasting life, tansy was used to rejuvenate the body after a long winter of salted meat and fish. Later it was used to purify the body after fasting for Lent. Tansy is a perennial small shrub that can be invasive if left unchecked.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLKXUZlsp2fIkbyktLOBqwBstgMLm0jSmkAUxlBYQmFUhqja1O_aJFmu0jg7UqUdwSXkDmCuKHnx6KSjUMTlyEnVVhLgM_VbOyS5XVtHDmVgZtthILCz9JQ7WOYQLAunpO0oAnyHVvW7f/s1600/hyssop+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLKXUZlsp2fIkbyktLOBqwBstgMLm0jSmkAUxlBYQmFUhqja1O_aJFmu0jg7UqUdwSXkDmCuKHnx6KSjUMTlyEnVVhLgM_VbOyS5XVtHDmVgZtthILCz9JQ7WOYQLAunpO0oAnyHVvW7f/s1600/hyssop+b.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Hyssop<br />whitesagelanding.net</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Hyssop is mentioned throughout the Bible. In John 19:29, we read,</span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">"There was set a vessel full of vinegar, so they put a sponge full of vinegar</span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">upon hyssop and put it to his mouth." </span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Many experts think the hyssop mentioned in the bible was not the herb we know today, but one of the marjoram's. The controversy continues. Hyssop is a perennial small shrub. It may be started from seed, cuttings or division.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: right; color: #c27ba0; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMs6lBnHlqA1y_W_4xn1rSRz9iM9zp1J4F5U-UgT7vM0Y00ud1k7WeaWS441inixm1MdeTj1CWpYkJ-tg4gdV3r7hsIW8XxDJ7b7gmZdklorQg1q62togwtKWXynsbh3tvcBKQlbzTS1b/s1600/vervain+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMs6lBnHlqA1y_W_4xn1rSRz9iM9zp1J4F5U-UgT7vM0Y00ud1k7WeaWS441inixm1MdeTj1CWpYkJ-tg4gdV3r7hsIW8XxDJ7b7gmZdklorQg1q62togwtKWXynsbh3tvcBKQlbzTS1b/s1600/vervain+b.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Vervain<br />ontariowildflower.com</span><br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Vervain is an ancient herb, sacred to the Druids, Egyptians and Romans. The Latin name is taken from the words, "sacred bough". Vervain is one of the herbs of the crucifixion, used to staunch the wounds of Christ. The herb grows easily from seed.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Vervain is a Texas wildflower. Vervain grows in all Zones.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmLo-GbemNv9TIGqICCraUuzWXT17mFr7auN_g6rgXWgoZTShBzXC7LXWtkkZiRnksa4d5c2bHLzl9DDzdyGR9sfPZ1yPm2KnlnUjC5GLajdgZaDXPxoawq1qUSY6zidKGmZBfD0Y_0lc/s1600/DSC00061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmLo-GbemNv9TIGqICCraUuzWXT17mFr7auN_g6rgXWgoZTShBzXC7LXWtkkZiRnksa4d5c2bHLzl9DDzdyGR9sfPZ1yPm2KnlnUjC5GLajdgZaDXPxoawq1qUSY6zidKGmZBfD0Y_0lc/s320/DSC00061.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Madame Flamingo and the Rosemary.<br />This Rosemary looks a little stressed but<br />it is greening up. </span><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"> I just want you to<br />know that as your fearless (Ha!) blogger and<br />photographer, I was attacked by a foot long<br />garden snake while in process of getting this photo.<br />Okay, folks, it might as well been a copperhead,<br />and yes, I screamed like a girl.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Rosemary is such a beloved plant among herb lovers there are many herbal legends associated with the herb. Helen Noyles Webster wrote in her 1939 book, "Herbs", that rosemary recalls the presence in the garden, a memory in the Garden of Gethsemane with the quiet solitude of old olive trees under which rosemary grew and blossomed. Legend tells that rosemary grows to six feet in thirty three years, then dies in tribute to Christ.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Rest Harrow<br />Ononis spinsoa<br />O.arvensis<br />naturephoto-cz.com</span><br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Rest Harrow, Ononis spinosa or O.arvensis, is said to been used to make the crown of thorns at the crucifixion. Sometimes, called wild licorice or cammock, this vetch's natural habitat is Europe, including Great Britain. The flower is sweet pea like in appearance, but the plant has rough, woody leaves and thorns. Rest Harrow was well known in Ancient Greece where it was used to cure delirium. The wild herb was believed to have such strong powers it was said if placed upon a stone, the stone would dissolve. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgEHDy_nF2rPwTnPzvTAb1YOxMnAR4vMXGxlgrnLSa2cTP8Zv0lNe92PnXLi8ccUhpancA0pwGVpwBH9HfAuMoG-JGTYRGe479iy-jg74cJQbhlzqQcy7mC_vKiJi2sMtudKRRYjXqcK_/s1600/mistletoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgEHDy_nF2rPwTnPzvTAb1YOxMnAR4vMXGxlgrnLSa2cTP8Zv0lNe92PnXLi8ccUhpancA0pwGVpwBH9HfAuMoG-JGTYRGe479iy-jg74cJQbhlzqQcy7mC_vKiJi2sMtudKRRYjXqcK_/s1600/mistletoe.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Mistletoe<br />en.wikipedia.org</span><br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">While we consider mistletoe a Christmas plant, in Brittany it is known as herbede la cross. It is believed to be the wood used to make the crucifix when mistletoe was once a tree. For its offense the tree was degraded to a parasite, forever more clinging to another. </span><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Hmmmm, I thought that was the Dogwood Tree.</span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #93c47d;">The Wild Side of Herbs</span></u></div>
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<span style="color: #93c47d;">April 18, 2012 or April 21, 2012......2-4 pm</span></div>
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<span style="color: #93c47d;">$25.00 per person</span></div>
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<span style="color: #93c47d;">Please call 903-866-3606 or email stdragonfly@yahoo.com for more information!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Well, that is about it for today, folks. I sure hope the Easter Bunny hops down your trail and leaves you a basket of goodies. Well, if not actually a real basket of goodies, how about some good love and blessings!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0;">Happy Easter from me and all the StarDragonfly Herbals Gang!</span></div>
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</div>StarDragonfly Herbalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209791838302749742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965470831139738148.post-2884487800684254182012-03-26T07:19:00.000-07:002012-04-12T20:24:42.764-07:00Pure Loveliness and a Wild Class!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Good morning, All! Can you believe how green the world around us has become in the last couple days. Yes, 5-8 inches of rain sure helps, let's hope this rain continues throughout the summer!<br />
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Cousin Sandra is off to Austin to visit her sister and is missing Iris Season at the ranch. So, some Iris photos and maybe a little Iris trivia!<br />
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But, before we continue on with Irises, I am very excited to announce a new class coming up in April.........<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFHyIv5EDLHvWrH9HuDrgjTR4evF9VPMiRfK98CmFr772ba8gXR4-nK3XVHqpSDDNCL_50ebrvnqF11RLpNjq6subIdFl5n5y5J9dGhYo33i3e4dxTKxxcKI7MBl4YrtzWV_NMI0b4mxF/s1600/DSC00111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFHyIv5EDLHvWrH9HuDrgjTR4evF9VPMiRfK98CmFr772ba8gXR4-nK3XVHqpSDDNCL_50ebrvnqF11RLpNjq6subIdFl5n5y5J9dGhYo33i3e4dxTKxxcKI7MBl4YrtzWV_NMI0b4mxF/s320/DSC00111.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plantain<br />
Oops! Not an Iris but will<br />
be one of the plants we will<br />
visit in the April class!</td></tr>
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<i><u>The Wild Side of Herbs</u></i><br />
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Wednesday, April 18, 2012<br />
or<br />
Saturday, April 21, 2012<br />
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2-4 pm...................$25.00 per person<br />
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Herbs are all around us, whether you live in the country or the city. They are called weeds! They are nutritious, full of good medicine, and very easy to find!<br />
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Come spend a fun spring afternoon at StarDragonfly Herbals, exploring for wild weeds.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtpj3EgKzj6LKuFv-lJCwRpDmw2KteYxr3q7yZWJN9uq5rWIzgJIftb45Z-jXb-j5nPE8v3ltsUhb-Fdz9ytEgwE4rnOOBd2-PmyBCpQ_IVfuaoG0L1K7L_Y_Xg4mGkdaNNjjqRpRiEy_/s1600/DSC00152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtpj3EgKzj6LKuFv-lJCwRpDmw2KteYxr3q7yZWJN9uq5rWIzgJIftb45Z-jXb-j5nPE8v3ltsUhb-Fdz9ytEgwE4rnOOBd2-PmyBCpQ_IVfuaoG0L1K7L_Y_Xg4mGkdaNNjjqRpRiEy_/s320/DSC00152.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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We will identify some common garden weeds.<br />
Learn their nutritional and medicinal value. <br />
Learn how to incorporate them into our daily life.<br />
Go on a nature walk...not too strenuous, but do wear sensible shoes!<br />
Have herbal tea and a snack or two.<br />
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Please call or email for information or reservations.<br />
903-866-3606 or stdragonfly@yahoo.com<br />
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You might like to bring a camera, bug spray, notebook/pen and a walking stick! We have Elderberry jelly and syrup, granola, fresh eggs, chicks, candied ginger, herbal teas and medicinals for sale.<br />
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This class should be fun! <br />
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Okay, now on to the beautiful Iris......................<br />
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">The name Iris means rainbow in Greek. It is quite an apt name, as irises come in all sorts of colors, such as blue, purple, white, yellow, lilac and even brown.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtAKnEzkWt-iGNIJC1bhGOxrd_kEuRWq9qleJq3tfjUhRbd7Ci_8-kTI7bgg3yoNd6NUVwP7vrerLwlVnU214x4feMLt-5PRq6HH6xNHRu4JlybxWg5s-CCQbwrHaxdZ8xDFl_j_mV6YUT/s1600/DSC00094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtAKnEzkWt-iGNIJC1bhGOxrd_kEuRWq9qleJq3tfjUhRbd7Ci_8-kTI7bgg3yoNd6NUVwP7vrerLwlVnU214x4feMLt-5PRq6HH6xNHRu4JlybxWg5s-CCQbwrHaxdZ8xDFl_j_mV6YUT/s320/DSC00094.JPG" width="240" /></span></a><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">The Iris belongs to the Iridaceae family. Another member of this family is the gorgeously scented freesia.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">The Iris is the state flower of Tennessee. It is also the national emblem of France.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">Irises are relatively easy to grow, even for the most inexperienced of gardeners.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3;">All information in purple comes from http://www.hotfact.com/iris-flower.html</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkOjxEe4WJGsknm1d3IKyZct8-Utn53A4tn13ExGWO-wJFPOoD6dEwmJ7U3xNg6lV6yeuZ5DYJpkeJkRmA6Hx3P5tRL-PxoIjnGQp1oou79kLGRLNjhjr1ryCS96hyphenhyphenw6GzAdTjHVAJn0J/s1600/DSC00107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFkOjxEe4WJGsknm1d3IKyZct8-Utn53A4tn13ExGWO-wJFPOoD6dEwmJ7U3xNg6lV6yeuZ5DYJpkeJkRmA6Hx3P5tRL-PxoIjnGQp1oou79kLGRLNjhjr1ryCS96hyphenhyphenw6GzAdTjHVAJn0J/s320/DSC00107.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_tEe_c4M52ndatF6t2w-uiTnkPA1hEQ8S07oRSnAgi2eBN_5HzySAlYP3p_7OJjurXthr5ST1odcVBXKEZttAJtOTI8mUX1brbOHkvInlzPuMYS96ZyTeyT2EEB8nbS2lNxoolik1B0G/s1600/DSC00102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_tEe_c4M52ndatF6t2w-uiTnkPA1hEQ8S07oRSnAgi2eBN_5HzySAlYP3p_7OJjurXthr5ST1odcVBXKEZttAJtOTI8mUX1brbOHkvInlzPuMYS96ZyTeyT2EEB8nbS2lNxoolik1B0G/s320/DSC00102.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This iris is actually a very pale green<br />
with yellow accents!</td></tr>
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Wow! Such loveliness!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih43vLwmJslE-tweuOQ54kfzPlgKh-jDex_SeGQfcrbgKuAM1L_RuurXKORzV9S6hYzKzuqgtTTYSu4GJB_RESXAQpPRvoYa6e36mnRLdwRXBhWL_bsA-3ZKhaxtyTXlh60owjWQMKjVLN/s1600/DSC00051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih43vLwmJslE-tweuOQ54kfzPlgKh-jDex_SeGQfcrbgKuAM1L_RuurXKORzV9S6hYzKzuqgtTTYSu4GJB_RESXAQpPRvoYa6e36mnRLdwRXBhWL_bsA-3ZKhaxtyTXlh60owjWQMKjVLN/s320/DSC00051.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is another view of the<br />
pale green Iris.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSKP411vRJfk1XX8VkQcbYJs_1pEhVHC-tAliivqRNATlJJtAo0r1dkVsFPzzjDgSp0G0a5bZVw0-DS3n4-p-AltyR2d2A98-E6ZHV4GM4LCTXuzwCxdYPKwM1Vm27m_ycYd9ghL-A8aH/s1600/DSC00057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSKP411vRJfk1XX8VkQcbYJs_1pEhVHC-tAliivqRNATlJJtAo0r1dkVsFPzzjDgSp0G0a5bZVw0-DS3n4-p-AltyR2d2A98-E6ZHV4GM4LCTXuzwCxdYPKwM1Vm27m_ycYd9ghL-A8aH/s320/DSC00057.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Columbine<br />
Not related to an Iris<br />
but beautiful in her own way!</td></tr>
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Once again, it is time to get on with the day! Where ever you may be, I hope your Irises or something beautiful is blooming around you! And that your world is as green as it is here in Northeast Texas! From all of us at StarDragonfly Herbals....have a lovely day! Herbally yours, Susan<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">The Bluebonnets are to Texas what the shamrock is to Ireland!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: xx-small;">http://wwwstatesymbolusa.org/Texas/Flower_Bluebonnet.html</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Madame Flamingo and the Bluebonnet Duet</td></tr>
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</div>StarDragonfly Herbalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209791838302749742noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965470831139738148.post-84513226502633532152012-03-19T09:44:00.000-07:002012-03-19T11:06:13.484-07:00That Nightmare Named Insomnia!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSd4S4yb63JKaUxrIO0xgwQZvlPBCKxnaKuk0o8K0Mbz1FJKURmYfSQOBjgU1CLW4HdEx4EESOHUJWXqRT08_bUkWHjvOxaS08bPGtvkM3ozfxn-SPLRHn-EeujVarwJoE_xzDYzgn7Li/s1600/DSC00005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSd4S4yb63JKaUxrIO0xgwQZvlPBCKxnaKuk0o8K0Mbz1FJKURmYfSQOBjgU1CLW4HdEx4EESOHUJWXqRT08_bUkWHjvOxaS08bPGtvkM3ozfxn-SPLRHn-EeujVarwJoE_xzDYzgn7Li/s320/DSC00005.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo was taken the other morning....<br />
I was sitting in the garden looking east.<br />
"The woods are lovely, dark and deep.<br />
But I have miles to go before I sleep."<br />
<i>Robe</i><i>rt Frost</i></td></tr>
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Good morning, did you sleep well last night? I have been asked to help someone with insomnia. Now remember, I am not a medical doctor. So I cannot diagnosis or prescribe anything and according to the rules I sure cannot cure. Well, whatever.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Insomnia</span></div>
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Insomnia can be classified as transient, acute or chronic.</div>
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1. Transient insomnia lasts for less than a week. </div>
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2. Acute insomnia is the inability to consistently sleep well for a period of less than a month.</div>
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3. Chronic insomnia lasts longer than a month. Now transient and acute insomnia are frustrating and make you sooooo veeery tired, but chronic insomnia is when you start hallucinating, having double vision and start seeing things move around you in slow motion. <span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Yikes!</span></div>
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Now the thing with insomnia is that it can be caused by so many things. Allergies, stress, location, temperature, medical issues, drugs, depression, etc., etc., etc. So if you have not been sleeping well for just a short time or have off and on bouts of sleeplessness or as Cousin Sandra would say, "Get the rat that is racing around my brain to stop!" so you can calm your thoughts and have a wonderful nights of sleep, there are quite a few easy lifestyle changes and herbs that I can suggest. If you have not slept well in over a month, the world around you is slowing down and your imagination is playing tricks on you.....well, I suggest you do get some medical advice. That way you have a diagnosis, have ruled out other medical problems, then please come and see me or email me and we can look at some herbs and life style changes.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Dietary and Lifestyle Change Suggestions</span><span style="font-size: large;"><u></u></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfcAPMmuMimd847Ecbf5iqSpekbezf6S_7KKPvXvy8dkkVZyh2AMk4lr3WC41kO-47vn-RVz22VD0RMS6OoKN8qiO1O3tvFiC5CoclVvWbetu2VP5IBlUJNzNbtIPl_mMzdZHEsDha7HC-/s1600/caffeine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfcAPMmuMimd847Ecbf5iqSpekbezf6S_7KKPvXvy8dkkVZyh2AMk4lr3WC41kO-47vn-RVz22VD0RMS6OoKN8qiO1O3tvFiC5CoclVvWbetu2VP5IBlUJNzNbtIPl_mMzdZHEsDha7HC-/s200/caffeine.jpg" width="166" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #009933; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 15px; text-align: -webkit-auto; white-space: nowrap;">chugginmccoffee.hubpages.com</span> </td></tr>
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Okay, my first question to someone having trouble sleeping? How much coffee, tea, sodas, and/or chocolate do you have on a daily basis? I can already hear the groaning. Sorry, folks, <span style="font-size: large;">caffeine</span> is a stimulant, has been and will always be. Now it does have some benefits...that will be another post...but for now it could be interfering with your sleep. The effects of caffeine can stay in your system for up to 20 hours. If you can't sleep, try cutting back on caffeine...I realize stopping "cold turkey" isn't such a great alternative....but weaning yourself back slowly could really help you get to sleep.</div>
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You could try: </div>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;">Decaf coffee or tea, and having no caffeine after noon,</li>
<li>herbal tea or an herbal combination of Valerian, Lemon balm, Chamomile, Hops, Passion flower, Scullcap, Catnip or Oats. </li>
</ul>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbozzAatsUANKk2S6OW1bzGUnmLQekib1bcS9ChDJbyLA7GUxQEPK5ylER_ptWlQQ2SXmZ-mM17qNTO3XCoLiGdp9PBE2arKJ_WuOJ_lFCcB39CGvPcWCMC9azYNt-dMGIcl-rVtp30GPe/s1600/melatonin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbozzAatsUANKk2S6OW1bzGUnmLQekib1bcS9ChDJbyLA7GUxQEPK5ylER_ptWlQQ2SXmZ-mM17qNTO3XCoLiGdp9PBE2arKJ_WuOJ_lFCcB39CGvPcWCMC9azYNt-dMGIcl-rVtp30GPe/s1600/melatonin.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pineal Gland<br />
photo by<br />
<a href="http://www.theherbprof.com/vitMelatonin.htm">http://www.theherbprof.com/vitMelatonin.htm</a> </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Melatonin</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><b>"Melatonin and Sleep: Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland in the brain that helps regulate other hormones and maintains the body's circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm is an internal 24-hour time-keeping system that plays a critical role in determining when we fall asleep and when we wake up. Darkness stimulates the production of melatonin while light suppresses its activity."</b></span><a href="http://www.theherbprof.com/vitMelatonin.htm" style="font-size: x-small; text-align: center;">http://www.theherbprof.com/vitMelatonin.htm</a><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: center;"> </span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">suggested dose 1-3 mg of melatonin taken 1-2 hours before bedtime.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Sleep in a dark room.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Set an alarm clock and get out of bed at the same time every morning, no matter how you slept the night before. Once normal sleep patterns are reestablished, most people find that they have no need for an alarm clock.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Avoid alcohol...yes, a small amount could make you feel sleepy, but it invariably disrupts deeper sleep cycles later. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Some will tell you not to eat 3 hours before bedtime and others will tell you to have some carbs before bed. So lets say....in the evening have a snack of turkey, bananas, figs, dates, yogurt, milk, tuna, and whole grain crackers or nut butter. These foods are high in tryptophan, which promotes sleep. Eating a grapefruit half at bedtime also helps.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;">Info with bullets came from the book, <u>Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing </u>by JaF. and Phyllis A. Balch</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">When I was a child and had trouble sleeping my mimaw told me she counted her blessings every night before she went to sleep. I have found this to be a very good practice....makes me focus my thoughts on the good in my life instead of what I perceive is going wrong. So....</span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBpGd93aqoOJ_7jQ9XU1-1_RuTVKZuhyphenhyphenbTqqXG2y-pwjCgFA5IeecDk7hl_cIQj8zSbdvrRhqQLVCSuqpY8BzYOld24a-BECvKsj6MlNiGy1NwmWQi5D_H0lbRv0TSETyDI2PuzHoUcFr/s1600/music+for+sleep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpBpGd93aqoOJ_7jQ9XU1-1_RuTVKZuhyphenhyphenbTqqXG2y-pwjCgFA5IeecDk7hl_cIQj8zSbdvrRhqQLVCSuqpY8BzYOld24a-BECvKsj6MlNiGy1NwmWQi5D_H0lbRv0TSETyDI2PuzHoUcFr/s1600/music+for+sleep.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theherbprof.com/vitMelatonin.htm">http://www.theherbprof.com/vitMelatonin.htm</a> </td></tr>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Learn to put worries out of your mind. Count your blessings.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Keep the bedroom comfortable and quiet. If too much quiet is the problem, try running a fan or playing a radio softly in the background. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Take a warm bath before bed. Add a couple drops Lavender Essential oil. Or better yet, add some Lavender Bath Salts. Shut out the lights, light a candle, breath deeply the lovely Lavender aroma, read an inspirational book on peace or love. Do this for 15-20 minutes.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">There is so much information these days on natural "cures" for insomnia...and like any thing else, one source will tell you something different than another source. But, sometimes getting back into a sleeping pattern is just a matter of a few simple changes. So, let me see if I can give you a quick list things to try today......</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">1. Skip the caffeine for the rest of the day.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">2. Take a walk in nature for at least an hour, sometime around mid afternoon.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">3. Make sure your bedroom is as you love it....comfy and cool.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">4. Eat a light supper, then have a carb rich snack before bedtime.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizITGq3S3zd25BWZSkbW_D2VIQSZ_Bf34BKUpq9BhCht5ainX5Fa8FsDH_w8oXiU8-RYpKqsI8jcorergWPX00x0JDhnijYxNIsGxmo-wzxtjr5ISpVdoKtgvpC396tErvVHBtV9Dcn2mM/s1600/sleep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizITGq3S3zd25BWZSkbW_D2VIQSZ_Bf34BKUpq9BhCht5ainX5Fa8FsDH_w8oXiU8-RYpKqsI8jcorergWPX00x0JDhnijYxNIsGxmo-wzxtjr5ISpVdoKtgvpC396tErvVHBtV9Dcn2mM/s1600/sleep.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">art.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">5. Take some melatonin about an hour before bedtime.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">6. Take a bath, relax meditate, read a "peaceful" book, breath deeply. Sip a cup of Chamomile tea (add a little honey and milk....yum!)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">7. Rub some Lavender essential oil on your temples.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">8. Make sure there is no light in your room. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">9. Climb into bed....cut out the light, snuggle in, shut your eyes, now </span><br />
<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">10. Count your blessings. Things tend to look cheerier in the morning anyway.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">As always, I hope this has helped. And remember when using herbal remedies and changes in lifestyle....well, it isn't always a quick fix.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Also, I have all the herbs mentioned in this post except the Melatonin, which I am sure you can find locally. Let me know if I can develop a "sleepy time" herbal tea or tincture for you, and/or make you some Lavender Bath Salts. Until next time, sweet dreams and herbally yours, Susan</span><br />
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<span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: Verdana; font-size: large;">To achieve the impossible dream, try going to sleep</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Joan Klempner</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpltZcj_5OiP1Od6TfjSgE01iMKVjcOunE-favVsLoYDXtzeJl_r2vrhqckKEfcIyTLX07MxU7O008MG1z0SzI6HK-8FbcX8pCLl3ZW6lEULyTuDZ4yvx8H9cylu-1ReURdrLbtzP1wIq/s1600/dreaming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpltZcj_5OiP1Od6TfjSgE01iMKVjcOunE-favVsLoYDXtzeJl_r2vrhqckKEfcIyTLX07MxU7O008MG1z0SzI6HK-8FbcX8pCLl3ZW6lEULyTuDZ4yvx8H9cylu-1ReURdrLbtzP1wIq/s400/dreaming.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dreaming of Flowers<br />
by<br />
Rebecca Merry</td></tr>
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</div>StarDragonfly Herbalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209791838302749742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965470831139738148.post-17530717789760734842012-03-12T12:46:00.000-07:002012-03-15T06:13:37.252-07:00Cilantrophobia!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLNc1gYJ674xZxpc3lyxfyHYJBU7Sh6vccBQ1UjpFGK2eGmJNU6F4CzN4nKhyeibfqPVDdGMmtEsqQvP6pX_TQfKIk_CiXA-eZ3d2dVDU5jGIzcVyx6HlWT507GRzVR9NjU_7PWWjHVnA/s1600/argue-ch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLNc1gYJ674xZxpc3lyxfyHYJBU7Sh6vccBQ1UjpFGK2eGmJNU6F4CzN4nKhyeibfqPVDdGMmtEsqQvP6pX_TQfKIk_CiXA-eZ3d2dVDU5jGIzcVyx6HlWT507GRzVR9NjU_7PWWjHVnA/s320/argue-ch.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cilantrophobia!<br />
To mention you hate cilantro in mixed company,<br />
which is to say any company really, is to<br />
immediately incur the fierce judgment and opposition<br />
of many.<br />
<br />
drawing and quote from:<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #228822; font-family: arial; line-height: 15px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">ihatecilantro.wordpress.com</span></td></tr>
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Good morning, All. If you were able to make it to Mineola, Texas for the Wood County Master Gardener event....well, you will know as well I that it was quite successful, lots of folks getting ready for spring planting! I shared a booth with Nancy and Carl of Falster Farm. They raise miniature Herefords and are representatives of the Weston A. Price Foundation for Wise Traditions in Food, Farming, and the Healing Arts which we will talk about on another post.<br />
<br />
And if you have run across me at the Farmer's Market or the Master Gardener booth, you know I love to talk about herbs and herbal healing and using herbs for nutrition, and so on and so forth. Oh, and if I get carried away and you just stopped by for a quick purchase, but you would like to talk about herbs and herbal healing and using herbs for nutrition, and so on and so forth, please know you can make an appointment with me and come on out to the ranch for a cup of tea.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio395SsxxvkkQO6YyDdqnx_-2nPZvhpLAzT2Kgfq-TJ3o4-UwiklZS85fC2xS9GYzz7O_p34N29SeGuC_dIMdqOauTb3JUO2XG-BLCbSmWvW0i8sshVL-icgyOAPkJfIfdSvFQ6q_ksGhO/s1600/DSC00173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio395SsxxvkkQO6YyDdqnx_-2nPZvhpLAzT2Kgfq-TJ3o4-UwiklZS85fC2xS9GYzz7O_p34N29SeGuC_dIMdqOauTb3JUO2XG-BLCbSmWvW0i8sshVL-icgyOAPkJfIfdSvFQ6q_ksGhO/s320/DSC00173.JPG" width="320" /></a>Okay, now back to business.....Cilantrophobia? Yes, where ever I may appear with my herbs and herbal concoctions, people love to ask me questions. One of the questions I have been asked lately is about Cilantro and why does the dadgum stuff bolt (flower) so quickly. Well, folks, Cilantro will go to flower as soon as the temperature gets about 75 degrees. I have tried for years to get cilantro to grow during the summer. What I suggest to people is to plant seeds every 2 weeks. You will get a small growth of the green stuff before it bolts, if you want it during the summer which most folks do. And don't worry about planting it in pretty rows. Plant it in amongst the flowers, try it in partial shade, or plant it at random among the veggies. Okay, so for a couple weeks you put it in every 2 weeks, now you have done better than I have.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZuRBenXUQx8xHuh_U-DQOfTn3-jhU6uA1d46K5UJ3ySu_9IPl6TITHbmtB4kp4ly9AyC6mnPlEmBcgJ_tnYgyR_Dlgo-PMof5R4Je6gl5yl3VorOlMd3H6TiNO24FbVtobFPaVknRn-R/s1600/DSC00177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZuRBenXUQx8xHuh_U-DQOfTn3-jhU6uA1d46K5UJ3ySu_9IPl6TITHbmtB4kp4ly9AyC6mnPlEmBcgJ_tnYgyR_Dlgo-PMof5R4Je6gl5yl3VorOlMd3H6TiNO24FbVtobFPaVknRn-R/s320/DSC00177.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
Let me tell you what happened to me and my Cilantro this year. I had a beautiful crop of Cilantro that was just insistent on becoming Coriander seeds (the by product of Cilantro) which in itself is not a bad thing. I kept cutting the plants back, then in November I was called away for an 8 week pet sit. Well the garden basically went unattended.....until one day, I was wandering around what was still green and Lo and Behold a whole raised bed full of baby Cilantro plants!<br />
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We have eaten Cilantro all winter! Tons of it! And since last week the temps got up to the 80's, yes, the plants are now sending up flower stalks. Morale of this story? If you want Coriander seeds (which are delicious ground on anything that sits still long enough for you to put it on) grow Cilantro during the summer and let it bolt. Then let all those lovely, delicious seeds dry on the plant. Put the dried coriander seeds in a peppercorn grinder and use like you would ground pepper. If you want the fresh Cilantro leaves, well, grow it all winter here in the South. And now you can make Cilantro pesto or Chimichurri Sauce from those leaves. Freeze fresh cilantro, leftover sauce or pesto in ice cube trays to be used later.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Cilantro Pesto</span> (Rexanne Meaux, Texas Coop Power magazine)<br />
2 Cloves garlic<br />
6 oz. grated Parmesan cheese (<i><span style="color: #76a5af;">I leave this out</span></i>)<br />
2 Cups fresh Cilantro, hard packed<br />
1/2 cup olive oil (<i><span style="color: #76a5af;">I don't use this much oil, I kinda just "eyeball" it!</span></i>)<br />
1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts (<i><span style="color: #76a5af;">I leave this out, maybe substitute sun dried tomatoes</span></i>)<br />
1 teaspoon pepper flakes<br />
1/4-1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
<br />
Puree all ingredients in food processor until it reaches the consistency of a sauce. Transfer to a bowl. Pesto will keep in an airtight container in frig for up to 3 days.<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: #76a5af;">This is the recipe I prefer!</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Chimichurri Sauce</b></span> (Ellie Krieger <u>So Easy</u>)<br />
<br />
1/3 cup packed fresh cilantro (<span style="color: #76a5af;"><i>I have used frozen, too</i></span>)<br />
1/3 cup packed fresh Italian parsley (<span style="color: #76a5af;"><i>or curly or chickweed, whatever green you have works</i></span>)<br />
3 tablespoons olive oil<br />
1 large garlic clove<br />
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (<span style="color: #76a5af;"><i>I also use the vinegar off the canned banana peppers or jalapenos</i></span>)<br />
1 tablespoon water<br />
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes<br />
1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
<br />
Puree all ingredients in food processor until it reaches the consistency of a sauce. Transfer to a bowl. Sauce will keep in an airtight container in frig for up to 3 days. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #76a5af;"><i>We use this sauce on steak, hamburgers, veggie burgers, chicken, tacos, eggs, and veggies. In other words, just about everything!</i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyv55jUzhPBsA54d6GGPSnwurBfefE6rueg_-5SsAfQdG1Zg55TK2yh2Gda-EG26xMJVCb8eU0yjzP0stkYGJ3K7Bz8PypSGAzBFBwhpqdQv6wJSd3HIP8s9gAojDuXJR9ayr9SMCNHaiL/s1600/Julia+child+sans+chicken.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyv55jUzhPBsA54d6GGPSnwurBfefE6rueg_-5SsAfQdG1Zg55TK2yh2Gda-EG26xMJVCb8eU0yjzP0stkYGJ3K7Bz8PypSGAzBFBwhpqdQv6wJSd3HIP8s9gAojDuXJR9ayr9SMCNHaiL/s320/Julia+child+sans+chicken.png" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo is titled "Julia sans chicken",<br />
but I rather think she is telling some<br />
poor cilantro lover exactly what<br />
she would do with that nasty<br />
Cilantro they put in her salad.<br />
Dear Julia was like that you know....<br />
photo borrowed from<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #228822; font-family: arial; line-height: 15px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">bishsbeat.blogspot.com</span></td></tr>
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<br />
And if you have Cilantrophobia.....well, substitute Parsley or any other mild green herb in the above recipes.<br />
<br />
Now for those of you who <span style="color: red;">HATE</span> cilantro, well, you are in good company. The esteemed Chef Julia Child said she would pick cilantro out of her food and throw it on the floor if served food containing the stuff. Josh from National Public Radio had these quotes from his program...."It has that same sort of acrid sweetness of death," according to my friend Jason. "It's got this evilness to it," my friend Wendy concurs." <i><span style="color: #76a5af;">Yikes!</span></i><br />
<br />
"Scientists believe that people's preference for or, alternatively extreme dislike of cilantro may actually be genetically determined. What's more: People who hate cilantro may, in fact, have a mutated gene. Here's Charles J. Wysocki, a scientist who's been studying the polarizing nature of the green herb, attempting to explain why some people detest it so strongly;<br />
<br />
What we think might be happening is the person who hates cilantro is, in fact, detecting the soapy odor. But what they seem to be missing is the nice, aromatic, green component....It's possible that they have a mutated or even an absent receptor gene for the receptor protein that would interact with the very pleasant smelling compound."<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">estir.cafemom.com/food_party/12704/people_who_hate_cilantro_areth</span><br />
<br />
Okay, all you folks who cannot stand Cilantro, if some well meaning Cilantro lover gives you that "What planet are you from look," when you say "Ahhh, please don't put that green stuff on my food!" You can tell them "I am genetically predisposed to hate the stuff." Then you can really <b><i>enjoy</i></b> the "deer in the headlights" look they are going to give you!<br />
<br />
Enough for today! I hope where ever you may be the weather is as beautiful as it is here in Texas today! If you can, get outside, go for a walk, take the dog, he/she will love it! If you have kids or grandkids or adopted grandkids, take them outside! Enjoy the day, Susan<br />
<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.</span></b></div>
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Sir Winston Churchill</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrUDWxnMRxjGfgo8cFOfGfJlwo9tjHQRagknSQIGs5jq6SWxF5kO7saRtia7J2EItR52iCslkIty1zhZv8o9wbegSju9FnrV_MFnB4Gp8TV2D7laxHOYw8lgrdZPZuOg5bYSRv6V4d9qvd/s1600/DSC00134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrUDWxnMRxjGfgo8cFOfGfJlwo9tjHQRagknSQIGs5jq6SWxF5kO7saRtia7J2EItR52iCslkIty1zhZv8o9wbegSju9FnrV_MFnB4Gp8TV2D7laxHOYw8lgrdZPZuOg5bYSRv6V4d9qvd/s640/DSC00134.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cash and Redman<br />
These two feel in love at first sight!</td></tr>
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<br />StarDragonfly Herbalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209791838302749742noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965470831139738148.post-136268402182102032012-03-05T09:07:00.000-08:002012-03-15T06:10:25.548-07:00The Shinrin-Yoku Therapy or I'm go'in hike'n in the woods<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWjU3vy2L2KZmDb12mb2ebFZRqgUwC8IP2Ocwx_GONyOKz05_I6CDUBpYCPNKZ5_rzYndrmS4W4eMrvakqzLl33fj7j6p4TwhxHHHvzY00muJUcy-ErCQml1GbtWiUuAFw2XL4OzujIcN/s1600/DSC00160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWjU3vy2L2KZmDb12mb2ebFZRqgUwC8IP2Ocwx_GONyOKz05_I6CDUBpYCPNKZ5_rzYndrmS4W4eMrvakqzLl33fj7j6p4TwhxHHHvzY00muJUcy-ErCQml1GbtWiUuAFw2XL4OzujIcN/s320/DSC00160.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you study the rock in this photo<br />
the roots look like long fingers holding it<br />
in place! For some perspective,<br />
the rock is about the size of a small desk!</td></tr>
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Good morning, All! This week I came across an article in the Spring 2012 Herb Quarterly magazine. The little article written by Barbara MacPherson is titled Shinrin-Yoku. Shinrin-Yoku is Japanese for the term "Forest Bathing". Sounds odd, I know, but it literally means exercising such as walking in a forest. Here in this part of Texas we would just refer to that as "I'm go'in hike'n in the woods" but please, stick with me because this is interest'in!<br />
<br />
Have you ever had these experiences where you just know something, don't know why you know the something or sometimes you don't even know exactly what it is you know, but it is just that "gut feeling" that can't quite be put into words? And when you come across an article, a conversation or a book that talks about the very thing you "knew instinctively", you think, "Oh My Good Gravy!", I really am not crazy!" Well, this was how I reacted to the MacPherson article on Shinrin-Yoku. Let me share with you some of the research I did this week!<br />
<br />
This paper reviews previous research on the physiological effects of Shinrin-yoku (taking in the forest atmosphere or forest bathing), and presents new results from field experiments conducted in 24 forests across Japan. The term Shinrin-yoku was coined by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries in 1982, and can be defined as making contact with or taking in the atmosphere of the forest. In order to clarify the physiological effects of Shinrin-yoku, we conducted field experiments in 24 forests across Japan. In each experiment, 12 subjects (280 total; ages 21.7 +/-1.5 year) walked in and viewed a forest or city area. On the first day, six subjects were sent to a forest area, and the others to a city area. On the second day, each group was sent to the other area as a cross-check. Salivary cortisol, blood pressure, pulse rate, and heart rate variability were used as indices. These indices were measured in the morning at the accommodation facility before breakfast and also both before and after the walking (for 16 +/-5 min) and viewing (for 14 +/-2 min). The R-R interval was also measured during the walking and viewing periods. The results show that forest environments promote lower concentrations of cortisol, lower pulse rate, lower blood pressure, greater parasympathetic nerve activity, and lower sympathetic nerve activity that do city environments. The results will contribute to the development of a research field dedicated to forest medicine, which may be used as a strategy for preventive medicine.<br />
<br />
If you would like to read the paper this review has been take from please go to:<br />
The physiological effects of Shinrin-yoku (taking in the forest....<br />
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19568835<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBm1ePzfVk7q3mrcqnr4X6A_1CLsJGfoZdORb0reFVX4JK0Dl4nHL7WreEP09dOxQonFpEDRimdjsV7_nbH-tdQF97BkMiaUoOxzEB19mA80qalchmerjDLvyrwWCWTvBHHRWDX9teFOU/s1600/DSC00131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBm1ePzfVk7q3mrcqnr4X6A_1CLsJGfoZdORb0reFVX4JK0Dl4nHL7WreEP09dOxQonFpEDRimdjsV7_nbH-tdQF97BkMiaUoOxzEB19mA80qalchmerjDLvyrwWCWTvBHHRWDX9teFOU/s320/DSC00131.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not only is Chi,Head of Ranch Security,<br />
she is a Shinrin-yoku Master!<br />
See another doggie devote at<br />
fromsophiesview.blogspot.com<br />
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For those who know me well, they know that my greatest love besides Chi, Cousin Sandra and L is to walk in the woods and look for wildflowers. I need to be outside.....ask Cousin Sandra, who on many occasions when Cousin Susan has been grumpy, irritable, anxious or any number of negative emotions has said "Please, go for a walk or go work in the garden!" knowing that I will come back in a much better frame of mind. So, today, make an effort, for your health and sanity to spend some time in the woods, a park or a garden. Walk awhile, sit quietly awhile. Lean against a tree, breath deeply, find a wildflower. Don't pick it, let it grow, remember where it is growing, and come back and visit again. Now, don't you feel better?<br />
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I will leave you this week with a wildflower and a recipe.<br />
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White Dogtooth Violet <i>Erythromium albidum</i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSYWt1E7szdbMi9zsWx9p8zxsZdDQptrmNZ0TV0x_LjrW5lKP6ENBqDdaP2TwHk_18Gx55Xh2T2uzl0wi-irxuUUWrwgOisyRg23RvqcGGhFCWtQdnxZTW5ThSnc6NYJByLOYgQRhgYKY/s1600/DSC00161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSYWt1E7szdbMi9zsWx9p8zxsZdDQptrmNZ0TV0x_LjrW5lKP6ENBqDdaP2TwHk_18Gx55Xh2T2uzl0wi-irxuUUWrwgOisyRg23RvqcGGhFCWtQdnxZTW5ThSnc6NYJByLOYgQRhgYKY/s200/DSC00161.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This White Dogtooth Violet<br />
Erythromium albidum<br />
at the end of life cycle</td></tr>
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This plant is also called Trout Lily in reference to the spotted or mottled leaves resembling a trout.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUXYRNMs4_6pUyNX0OC-WeCarOYS_Wk79xt4M59MFoaJfAII7SE0c2CB6cdiXnTs7sCAzACdnx5nr3MuEQyX2AqGZ3lMg1YZT8ftRrEQ3FxMQ2Awv_npH2rOLNgxEtXb3vWzh-FF7xHbM/s1600/trout_lily_white_7780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUXYRNMs4_6pUyNX0OC-WeCarOYS_Wk79xt4M59MFoaJfAII7SE0c2CB6cdiXnTs7sCAzACdnx5nr3MuEQyX2AqGZ3lMg1YZT8ftRrEQ3FxMQ2Awv_npH2rOLNgxEtXb3vWzh-FF7xHbM/s200/trout_lily_white_7780.jpg" width="172" /></a></td></tr>
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Various eastern tribes made medicines from this plant, including a root poultice to reduce swelling, a leaf poultice for ulcers, and a root tea for fevers. They also used both fresh and dried leaves as an expectorant. <i style="font-size: x-small;">Wildflowers of Texas by Ajilvsgi </i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">An expectorant herb makes you cough or spit</span>.<br />
This information is from www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net....and once again I shake my head in wonder at the following contradictions. "All parts of the plant, but especially the bulb and the fresh leaves, are strongly emetic and are not used internally. (<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Emetic means it will most likely make you vomit violently.</span> ) The fresh leaves are also antiscrofulatic (<span style="color: #3d85c6;">which means it counteracts scrofula, a tuberculous infection of the lymph nodes in the neck) </span>and emollient and are used as an infusion or stimulating poultice applied to swelling, tumours and scrofulous ulcers. The juice from crushed leaves has been applied to wounds that are not healing. A poultice of the crushed bulbs has been applied to swellings and to help remove splinters. The raw plant, excluding the roots, has been used by native North American young girls to prevent conceptions. Then this site goes on to say ... Bulb-raw or cooked. Crisp, chewy and very pleasant taste. The bulb is up to 25mm long and is buried quite deeply in the soil. Leaves-raw or cooked. Added to salads. (Probably not going to add this to the salad tonight!) Eating the leaves will greatly reduce the vigour of the bulb, so can only be recommended in times of emergency. Flowers, flower buds and flower stems-raw or cooked. Honestly, there were other lovely plants growing in the woods that can be eaten quite safely...such as Chickweed. So once again I will skip the Trout Lilly as a side dish until I learn more about this beautiful plant.<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"> And now the recipe......</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUs2fgUckkDg5KqvkCYXrQVy8Nuh_9fPasmDHdTAiuJIMbKhICscyi7lMiwE5imyeipcqjIzysjnoeC9K5MS1_n1GS9-igEAXQ4TxEJzowngUsQ7JEHm9lgWechIfl2CuyJxUv4kE7-buE/s1600/DSC00188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUs2fgUckkDg5KqvkCYXrQVy8Nuh_9fPasmDHdTAiuJIMbKhICscyi7lMiwE5imyeipcqjIzysjnoeC9K5MS1_n1GS9-igEAXQ4TxEJzowngUsQ7JEHm9lgWechIfl2CuyJxUv4kE7-buE/s320/DSC00188.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">This was our supper last night. A salad from the garden with fresh boiled Bantam chicken eggs and homemade Sourdough whole wheat bread. We didn't have a whole lot of lettuce in the garden, so I supplemented with:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Chickweed,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Arugula,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Garlic Chives,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Violet leaves and flowers (not the Trout Lilly!)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Dandelions leaves and</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Broccoli</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">I have been making my own salad dressings and it really is so easy.....</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Sister Susan's Salad Dressing</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fffde6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">1/8 cup Apple Cider Vinegar</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">1/4 Cup Olive Oil</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">1/4 cup jelly or jam<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> (I used Blackberry Jam)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">1/2 tsp. StarDragonfly Herbals Season Salt</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">That's it, now whirl it all up in the blender and viola, yummy homemade salad dressing or veggie dip.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: lime;">March 10th The Wood County Master Gardener Annual Spring Conference will be held at the Mineola Civic Center from 8AM until noon. The theme of the conference this year will be "Today's Garden, Tomorrow's Food".</span> </i>If you live in Northeast Texas and you love plants and gardening, I highly recommend you attend this conference. There should be a lot of interesting speakers and information. The Winnsboro Farmer's Market will have a booth and I will be sharing a booth with Nancy of Falster Farms. Hope to see you there or if you read the blog and we have never met, please introduce yourself. I will be the gal under the cowboy hat! Herbally, Susan</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Above all, do not lose your desire to walk. Every day I walk myself into a state of well-being and walk away from every illness. I have walked myself into my best thoughts, and I know of no thought so burdensome that one cannot walk away from it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Soren Kierkegaard</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love how the Moon seems<br />
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</div>StarDragonfly Herbalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209791838302749742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965470831139738148.post-69379768611878415712012-02-27T09:47:00.000-08:002012-03-15T06:08:55.072-07:00A Whole Lot of Peeping Going On!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFoMKDWkSSEzhaZdzkbCZc-xFNEXzQCdXOKby_7yaTnkApBL9O4Xhndfes_yKAKqxG5vlmk8KuMal9A99raOARjib5wZiJhf1oPKanUxg-K7c2U_5XLIKOxT6Enx3LODXpRNC9iehmW9g/s1600/DSC00126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFoMKDWkSSEzhaZdzkbCZc-xFNEXzQCdXOKby_7yaTnkApBL9O4Xhndfes_yKAKqxG5vlmk8KuMal9A99raOARjib5wZiJhf1oPKanUxg-K7c2U_5XLIKOxT6Enx3LODXpRNC9iehmW9g/s320/DSC00126.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brand new<br />
Barred Rock chick!<br />
That's her head and beak at the top<br />
and her little wing sticking <br />
out on the right!</td></tr>
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Good morning! And let me tell you, I sure was surprised when I got up this morning! I let Chi outside to "potty" thinking "Man, those birds are noisy this morning!" My sleep fuddled brain thought that an outside bird was sure unhappy and loud at 6:30 am on a Monday morning. But wait, when I finally made it into the computer room to sit down to work on the blog, Lo And Behold! a brand new baby chick! Poor baby, she was stuck in the turner of the incubator, no wonder she was so unhappy! So, you could say I woke up to "Help, help, help, help, help" in Chicken language! The "surprised" part of this tale is that the chicks are not supposed to start hatching until Wednesday! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukF-Qp3aElfz1HUr9HfFZW5ZGYtkQmOkENd8zcugCLyjbzwJHCwuaDqDFuLXshNyzlnwzwGXB3v0hYrWPmyq5bHFdq9N7mMyzhEWzZlDPzSkvbRbmkArQQssM95tccKcm5lotvjtVriLc/s1600/Fosters+Place+Restaurant.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukF-Qp3aElfz1HUr9HfFZW5ZGYtkQmOkENd8zcugCLyjbzwJHCwuaDqDFuLXshNyzlnwzwGXB3v0hYrWPmyq5bHFdq9N7mMyzhEWzZlDPzSkvbRbmkArQQssM95tccKcm5lotvjtVriLc/s320/Fosters+Place+Restaurant.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foster's Place, Pickton, Texas.<br />
This is a photo from their Facebook page.<br />
And, no, it was not snowing on Sunday. This<br />
photo was taken Jan. 9, 2011.</td></tr>
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Sunday, L and I went to Foster's Place in Pickton, Texas for lunch.<br />
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We really enjoy this little restaurant! They have great food, a warm atmosphere, and friendly management and staff. How many restaurants can you go to these days and have the owner come and sit at your table for a chat? Whether he knows you or not, Mr. Foster stops by all the tables to have a friendly "Howdy do" with his new best friends. The food is great! Foster's is located on Highway 11, between Sulphur Springs and Winnsboro. Check them out on Facebook, and better yet make the trip out and have lunch or supper. Their hours:<br />
Sunday and Monday 10:30-9:30 pm<br />
Closed Tuesday and Wednesday<br />
Thursday 10:30-9:30 pm<br />
Fri and Sat 10:30-9:30 pm<br />
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Mr. C (another, down the road neighbor) took me scouting for wildflowers this week. We found several of them on Saturday. I was kicking gravel around the parking lot at Fosters waiting on L and found quite a few more. So, let me get the photos loaded and and the field guides found! Now here we go!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__HWVgRFsCVdWNWTzjm_sEGuO1y3qSS4uhRKvDDhfqr0BH5hlnPQ788nur4kzU50ptmuLUVlob3fitOdTzO8rye2WGqqluvqlWOEJztIGvpDCz2OKS7Ul8wnFUuH7FpCfepcruGzVOuae/s1600/DSC00127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__HWVgRFsCVdWNWTzjm_sEGuO1y3qSS4uhRKvDDhfqr0BH5hlnPQ788nur4kzU50ptmuLUVlob3fitOdTzO8rye2WGqqluvqlWOEJztIGvpDCz2OKS7Ul8wnFUuH7FpCfepcruGzVOuae/s200/DSC00127.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Field of Wild Jonquils<br />
They are not only beautiful<br />
but they smell devine!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvw3nHNL6JsSmWVrocYT2qieSYoPkX_-99st7p-XhUeah-JP8E11Av5x0iiAgm9xg8UUCBDDkdT0dXcwt6eURhY_O-ETWuuZgV-uMkev_n818pYqpRnmpmm9U-sqhR45Jmrx8d2nl0rgH/s1600/DSC00136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxvw3nHNL6JsSmWVrocYT2qieSYoPkX_-99st7p-XhUeah-JP8E11Av5x0iiAgm9xg8UUCBDDkdT0dXcwt6eURhY_O-ETWuuZgV-uMkev_n818pYqpRnmpmm9U-sqhR45Jmrx8d2nl0rgH/s320/DSC00136.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Jonquil, <span style="color: yellow;">Daffodil</span><br />
<i>Narcissus jonquilla</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Narcissus jonquilla</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Wild Jonquil, <span style="color: yellow;">Daffodil</span></span><br />
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Texans are always a little surprised when the beautiful <span style="color: yellow;">Daffodil</span> shows her face, this flower is a sure sign that Spring is on the way! Around here she makes her appearance in February and March. "The Jonquil is an old world <span style="color: yellow;">daffodil</span> that has naturalized throughout Europe and the United States. It is one of the Narcissus species used in Narcissus Oil, a component of many modern perfumes." <i>wikipedia </i>I received some information this past week about our friend the Wild Jonquil. The author called them Lent Lilly <i>Narcissus pseudonarcissus</i>. The author states that the Lent Lilly or Wild Trumpet <span style="color: yellow;">Daffodil</span> has been in cultivation since the 1500s and all our hybrid trumpet <span style="color: yellow;">daffodils</span> originate with the Lent Lilly. <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Interesting.</span> According to the website www.naturalmedicinalherbs many if not all members of this species are poisonous but there are no known records of poisonings. There are no known medicinal uses. But, this website also states that the flowers can be eaten raw or candied and used in desserts. <span style="color: red;">?????</span> I really am not so excited about munching on this one! Personally, if I get the hankering for a flower snack, I will have a Dandelion!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswxvvzE0S6u5rw6dpwjh-N3OBFdfy-7SaXnByJNvxhHMVKrua5YF5prnCNGC8rBJ1NVpe7UHj47rdnJwk3GT8E871iv9PkaFzSSeIBvAMTjKZNtX6PjY55vaqtSnkFmMRnDR_0ih8hcKX/s1600/DSC00141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswxvvzE0S6u5rw6dpwjh-N3OBFdfy-7SaXnByJNvxhHMVKrua5YF5prnCNGC8rBJ1NVpe7UHj47rdnJwk3GT8E871iv9PkaFzSSeIBvAMTjKZNtX6PjY55vaqtSnkFmMRnDR_0ih8hcKX/s320/DSC00141.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carolina Anemone<br />
<i>Anemone caroliniana</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Carolina Anemone</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Anemone caroliniana</span></i></div>
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One of the wildflowers Mr. C and I saw this weekend was the Carolina Anemone. "Anemone is derived from the Greek word anemos, meaning "wind" (<span style="color: #3d85c6;">another source said "daughter of the wind"</span>); the flowers supposed open with spring breezes. <span style="color: #3d85c6;">Pretty!</span> The plant contains anemonin, a poison that affects the nervous system. Some Native tribes attributed great healing power to the roots, however, and used them in treating wounds." <i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Wildflowers of Texas by Ajilvsgi</span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5RUYFQNCx2zQXTG9x5nEUKypfuCgfjdk1OXeyeZswVtOKEYMHMiUM2DqE3Sk6L_KYspiEs9RTKTTVt0cal2tA1wOrk8q2sf-pwwUZ6HyOXgXCr69roMI-Q41gjzSJ3eE_noC5eb-x2sH/s1600/DSC00159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho5RUYFQNCx2zQXTG9x5nEUKypfuCgfjdk1OXeyeZswVtOKEYMHMiUM2DqE3Sk6L_KYspiEs9RTKTTVt0cal2tA1wOrk8q2sf-pwwUZ6HyOXgXCr69roMI-Q41gjzSJ3eE_noC5eb-x2sH/s200/DSC00159.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Callery Pear<br />
<i>Pyrus calleryana</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Callery Pear</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Pyrus calleryana</span></i></div>
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In bloom now is a tree with white flowers named Callery Pear.</div>
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"The Callery pear is an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invasive_species" title="Invasive species">invasive species</a> in many areas of eastern North America, out competing many native plants and trees.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Swearingen_1-2"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callery_Pear#cite_note-Swearingen-1">[2]</a></sup> In the northeastern United States, wild Callery pears sometimes form extensive, nearly pure stands in old fields, along roadsides, and in similar disturbed areas.</div>
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Callery pear is reported as established outside cultivation in 152 counties in 25 states in the United States.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callery_Pear#cite_note-6">[7]</a></sup> While these wild plants are sometimes called "Bradford pear" (for the 'Bradford' cultivar), they are actually wild-growing descendants of multiple genotypes of <i>Pyrus calleryana,</i> and hence more correctly referred to by the common (or scientific) name of the species itself.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Swearingen_1-4"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callery_Pear#cite_note-Swearingen-1">[2]</a>"wikipedia</sup></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTVmyiGnyqQVWnbSAkldrhQ4Wz07qoX0V3rcqP-LDZiLxaWQto1yIpYwrQ16e2ZQg0fQDxnh0ur2se5tdEbKj3lUY4-tknkVqsR46otxTG5bEh40sPSZDHJHmVFZgTuW06EBRpEdMCLCws/s1600/DSC00161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTVmyiGnyqQVWnbSAkldrhQ4Wz07qoX0V3rcqP-LDZiLxaWQto1yIpYwrQ16e2ZQg0fQDxnh0ur2se5tdEbKj3lUY4-tknkVqsR46otxTG5bEh40sPSZDHJHmVFZgTuW06EBRpEdMCLCws/s320/DSC00161.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Callery Pear Blossoms</td></tr>
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The fruit of this pear can be eaten raw or cooked but before you begin dreaming of a pear pie you had</div>
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best wait til the fruit has been exposed to frost. </div>
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According to www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net the fruit then will have softened and the the flesh will be sweeter.</div>
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There is no know medicinal use or no known hazards associated with this plant. Except that those lovely blossoms may get your sinuses in an uproar.</div>
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Now, we saw a lot of flowers this week but you probably need to get busy and do something around the house or in the garden. I know I do...but I would like to share 3 mushroom photos with you. The only thing I know about mushrooms is they are beautiful. And unless you really know what you are doing, and have basically been studying mushrooms for your entire life......well, let me put it this way......I am not ready to be the one pushing up the anemones and daffodils! Slang for being on the wrong side of the grass!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlP8BOIPxdT3OhFe35btLga3ue-j36FHxnTjaeoSpkW4RflWGRzYaLdNvaijQ1O5HiQKpPIKC3m6eX_42vmB2TC6XBPEzHgJ65xwRXBea8VSJVW7FbQSzPccKILd07P8tiy11sbm5fjBG2/s1600/DSC00145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlP8BOIPxdT3OhFe35btLga3ue-j36FHxnTjaeoSpkW4RflWGRzYaLdNvaijQ1O5HiQKpPIKC3m6eX_42vmB2TC6XBPEzHgJ65xwRXBea8VSJVW7FbQSzPccKILd07P8tiy11sbm5fjBG2/s200/DSC00145.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZROn1eX3moUHBYR3165Dr79_H8v8zd2pgKhDybZLhYyg95YBD-69IlweamvvsUWV5PkCxnBZJ2TYasf1jkc0LELvLV-OS54iaeNa0JTSSg0z2IoDgNShNv34h1KgllE5ak_7z5f2BbXP4/s1600/DSC00088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZROn1eX3moUHBYR3165Dr79_H8v8zd2pgKhDybZLhYyg95YBD-69IlweamvvsUWV5PkCxnBZJ2TYasf1jkc0LELvLV-OS54iaeNa0JTSSg0z2IoDgNShNv34h1KgllE5ak_7z5f2BbXP4/s200/DSC00088.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
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Well, 2 chicks have hatched since we have been blogging! And there are quite a few that have pipped. Pip means they have cracked their shell and want out of the egg! Sunshine and Bugs, here we come, those little chicks are peeping!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHkbV5okI7quyt0vgEjhaxZNSXxsRLOci3j3iSqqp6PEd3UZsZdErEBoR4a90mWyFALjqPc8q330f_nGmKjSZOilm1U53mZ2LvKNNCkG0V57Kmf65nRKI_HExcoNRGTgL-V_G3qdNX9IaE/s1600/DSC00147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHkbV5okI7quyt0vgEjhaxZNSXxsRLOci3j3iSqqp6PEd3UZsZdErEBoR4a90mWyFALjqPc8q330f_nGmKjSZOilm1U53mZ2LvKNNCkG0V57Kmf65nRKI_HExcoNRGTgL-V_G3qdNX9IaE/s320/DSC00147.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This beautiful mushroom is only<br />
one inch tall and growing on<br />
a <i><span style="color: #b45f06;">horse apple</span></i>!</td></tr>
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I will continue letting you know what wildflowers and plants are springing up around the ranch! Until then, think Spring and Green!......Susan</div>
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: large;">When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: x-small;">Jimi Hendrix</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>StarDragonfly Herbalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209791838302749742noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6965470831139738148.post-35577631207336624382012-02-20T08:10:00.000-08:002012-03-13T18:12:59.198-07:00A Duck, A Dog, and A Darling!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DucDuc, A Duck!</td></tr>
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My, My, My! You would think it is Springtime on the Ranch! This week we have had so many new arrivals! The first to arrive was the most gorgeous Duck. She has been showing up at chore time to dine with the chickens. She spends her time between here and the neighbors, who I have learned are also feeding her (but they are not feeding her biscuits!). DucDuc has definitely developed a fondness for sourdough biscuits.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stuart, A Dog!</td></tr>
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The next to arrive was Stuart. Now Stuart is just a guest and will go home when Nancy gets back to town. Stuart, also, has a fondness for Sourdough biscuits. Don't tell Nancy but we have been spoiling this little fellow all week!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faye, A Darling!</td></tr>
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And then there is Faye and her mom, Richelle. They came for a visit this weekend. Now, Faye's favorite thing to do on the ranch is feed the chickens. This weekend we have had the best fed chickens in Hopkins County. <br />
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As you might have guessed it has been a fun week! Not only have we had 2 legged and 4 legged guests but I am beginning to see a lot of plants making their appearance. Now, I just want to let you know that I am not an expert at identifying plants! But, I did check with my field guides and the Internet on the identification of these plants. To learn about the plants growing around us is a great adventure for me! If I am not always correct in my id's, please be patient with me!<br />
Let me see, where will we start? I have seen quite a few plants this week!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQOhyphenhyphenSVLS0WZZkUo7zwhgasPtz7slMxgJmsghuRDbrF6akPNKUvsHjuJPvDybB6ARLUD9gCxicmVrggCiTXjnpzp94OCA1sQYmcRPV3xyJqGwzZOupP2iljqwJ50UVq7Y3xrHQxLomrd5/s1600/DSC00092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQOhyphenhyphenSVLS0WZZkUo7zwhgasPtz7slMxgJmsghuRDbrF6akPNKUvsHjuJPvDybB6ARLUD9gCxicmVrggCiTXjnpzp94OCA1sQYmcRPV3xyJqGwzZOupP2iljqwJ50UVq7Y3xrHQxLomrd5/s320/DSC00092.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The large flower with the purple stripe is<br />
Spring Beauty <i>Claytonia caroliniana</i><br />
The small white flower, I think is<br />
Diamond flowers<br />
<i>Stenaria nigricans</i></td></tr>
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I will just list the plants and you can enjoy the photos!<br />
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One of the prettiest is the Bluet which is a native plant. It could, also, be called Star-Violet.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLwpL-xgV3ZxnoQVxXuGTwdfjXLY0hHanZt-UOtJwG0CHJOxpXeoo-7c9lkiCUQ2e2jY0D1QJxdeSOJvG0GBFyUFG9lDlXOJ7gX9mC_vH-0QM0MTkDM315ozwdadY_P-MGtoQq0M0OmxV/s1600/DSC00093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLwpL-xgV3ZxnoQVxXuGTwdfjXLY0hHanZt-UOtJwG0CHJOxpXeoo-7c9lkiCUQ2e2jY0D1QJxdeSOJvG0GBFyUFG9lDlXOJ7gX9mC_vH-0QM0MTkDM315ozwdadY_P-MGtoQq0M0OmxV/s200/DSC00093.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The little purple flower <br />
on the left<br />
I believe is,<br />
Tiny Bluet, Small Bluet or Least Bluet<br />
<i>Houstonia pusilla</i></td></tr>
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Spring Beauty is a member of the Greater Purslane family and is an edible plant. The plant grows small roots that remind people of tiny potatoes, hence the nickname “Fairy Spuds.” These roots are edible and said to be a littler sweeter than a potato.<br />
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I believe the tiny white flower that is all over the front lawn is Diamond flower, <i>Stenaria nigricans</i>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_eLxm89hC4tgpPELZdmhvDl2313OzsX_vyjCvB9_Ckx1e4dS4r0LPEopwT_cCQW1BoadKwZnnfhFzj8aO45EJH-8x5n2oVoOfTc4czvjha-mEAQGD3jlbtwIqAtUPiEewHXd7q5pYqjJT/s1600/DSC00080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_eLxm89hC4tgpPELZdmhvDl2313OzsX_vyjCvB9_Ckx1e4dS4r0LPEopwT_cCQW1BoadKwZnnfhFzj8aO45EJH-8x5n2oVoOfTc4czvjha-mEAQGD3jlbtwIqAtUPiEewHXd7q5pYqjJT/s320/DSC00080.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow flowers and a Puff Ball!<br />
Dandelion!<br />
<i>Taraxacum officinale</i></td></tr>
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The Dandelion! Wow, what a power house of medicine and food is contained in this little plant.<br />
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"Historically, dandelion was prized for a variety of medicinal properties, and it contains a wide number of pharmacologically active compounds.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Schutz_22-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dandelion#cite_note-Schutz-22">[23]</a></sup> Dandelion is used as folk remedies in Europe, North America and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China" title="China">China</a>.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Schutz_22-1"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dandelion#cite_note-Schutz-22">[23]</a></sup> It was used to treat infections, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bile" title="Bile">bile</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liver" title="Liver">liver</a> problems,<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Schutz_22-2"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dandelion#cite_note-Schutz-22">[23]</a></sup> as well as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cancer" title="Cancer">cancers</a>,<sup class="Template-Fact" style="white-space: nowrap;">[<i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed" title="Wikipedia:Citation needed"><span title="This claim needs references to reliable sources from February 2012">citation needed</span></a></i>]</sup> and as a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diuretic" title="Diuretic">diuretic</a>.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Schutz_22-3"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dandelion#cite_note-Schutz-22">[23]</a></sup> There is evidence to suggest it may have <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inflammation" title="Inflammation">anti-inflammatory</a> effects and assist with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urinary_tract_infection" title="Urinary tract infection">urinary tract infections</a> in women.<sup class="Template-Fact" style="white-space: nowrap;">[<i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed" title="Wikipedia:Citation needed"><span title="This claim needs references to reliable sources from February 2012">citation needed</span></a></i>]</sup><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-23">" this information is from wikipedia</sup><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikrPJC_Y9f2mwp3dMdf7FfhuuRpB45bqsujf2DMfJNw_mGjvDUYYQBILXQ35-qr5hIefzOa3Ct9HfphCUev0X8c_kBqvKnFegzDXlPSN-md9-KJX1knjcxz-sZee7L-A1rxpOX0n1r0D7M/s1600/DSC00105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikrPJC_Y9f2mwp3dMdf7FfhuuRpB45bqsujf2DMfJNw_mGjvDUYYQBILXQ35-qr5hIefzOa3Ct9HfphCUev0X8c_kBqvKnFegzDXlPSN-md9-KJX1knjcxz-sZee7L-A1rxpOX0n1r0D7M/s320/DSC00105.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Deadnettle, Purple Deadnettle,<br />
Purple Archangel<br />
<i>Lamium purpureum</i></td></tr>
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All parts of the Dandelion are edible. The leaves are used in salad and the roots can be roasted and ground as a coffee replacement. I really like the flowers and tend to munch on them as I am gardening. (Remember, I am the only person Omer had ever met that planted the weeds in her garden!) The flowers are made into a wine.<br />
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<span style="color: #93c47d;">Just eating a Dandelion leaf a day provides quite a few vitamins and minerals!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnLP_y69OKJhWM8pG6TzX3MgtelzxJ_Nlm4-2_Nq8jkbteRzlbViHtHY4CUKY_mGz-jp133CS5Joh2IxdEyoEZLYNcDW49auN5Hlccaoub49qa4Kl4Fq0Zm7-ydspPl_H54iEfl0PRfbI/s1600/DSC00096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnLP_y69OKJhWM8pG6TzX3MgtelzxJ_Nlm4-2_Nq8jkbteRzlbViHtHY4CUKY_mGz-jp133CS5Joh2IxdEyoEZLYNcDW49auN5Hlccaoub49qa4Kl4Fq0Zm7-ydspPl_H54iEfl0PRfbI/s320/DSC00096.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <b>Henbit Deadnettle</b>, <b>Greater Henbit</b><br />
<i>Lamium amplexicaule</i></td></tr>
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Though superficially similar to a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nettle" title="Nettle">nettle</a> in appearance, it is not related and does not sting, hence the name "deadnettle".<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd3XLK5NTu0wKCb4moI2C4RjZlJYjxIQB90dIC485NBf4LAEJS0yM3n0GGLSoEKv7yVuIt0BNd-LLloU0o1MKylCx8aQ_4FBd2el3foUTECEq2ax9nzIKsurc09DWUlqzjAPD7eH2_qiXt/s1600/DSC00112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd3XLK5NTu0wKCb4moI2C4RjZlJYjxIQB90dIC485NBf4LAEJS0yM3n0GGLSoEKv7yVuIt0BNd-LLloU0o1MKylCx8aQ_4FBd2el3foUTECEq2ax9nzIKsurc09DWUlqzjAPD7eH2_qiXt/s320/DSC00112.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chickweed!<br />
<i>Stellaria media</i></td></tr>
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Here in Northeast Texas Chickweed is prolific! Chickweed is one of my favorite wild edibles. It is great in salads. We have used it in salads, soups, green smoothies, on pizza and as a pesto.<br />
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Chickweed is a wonderful folk medicine. I make Chickweed oil and use the oil in my salves. "The plant has uses in folk medicine. For example, 17th century herbalist <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Gerard" title="John Gerard">John Gerard</a> recommended it as a remedy for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mange" title="Mange">mange</a>. Modern <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbalist" title="Herbalist">herbalists</a> mainly prescribe it for skin diseases, and also for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronchitis" title="Bronchitis">bronchitis</a>, <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rheumatic" title="Rheumatic">rheumatic</a> pains, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthritis" title="Arthritis">arthritis</a> and <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Period_pain" title="Period pain">period pain</a>.<sup class="Template-Fact" style="white-space: nowrap;">[<i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed" title="Wikipedia:Citation needed"><span title="This claim needs references to reliable sources from February 2012">citation needed</span></a></i>]</sup> A poultice of chickweed can be applied to cuts, burns and bruises.<span style="white-space: nowrap;">"</span><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-3">information from wikipedia.</sup><br />
<sup class="reference"><br /></sup><br />
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<sup class="reference"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;">Chickweed Pesto</span></sup></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">To make this
wonderful early spring treat combine:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">2 cloves of
garlic, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">3 Tablespoons of pine nuts or sunflower seeds, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">¼ tsp. salt, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">2 packed
cups chopped fresh chickweed, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">½ cup olive oil, and </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">½ cup Parmesan cheese in a
blender... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">THEN...Blend well! </span><br />
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This recipe is from Learningherbs.com<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yarrow!<br />
<i>Achillea millefolium</i><br />
<i><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Yarrow can be used to</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">stop bleeding. If you are outside and</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">cut yourself, squish some Yarrow</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">leaves and apply to the cut. Then</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">as soon as possible, clean and dress</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">the wound properly!</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj932qJM44cX9MuPHO4UAKdZVBE1BTfj_EfcLmAiQ0V1xazsoAjcPC0wx1NL1AB5h_E9b6b8Dw-l2p7kJZMqF6YYS4Op6qumoirU4-uJKWW8En5tybe92Ukbknuy2uP7kYv5YIxJID3q0PX/s1600/DSC00102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj932qJM44cX9MuPHO4UAKdZVBE1BTfj_EfcLmAiQ0V1xazsoAjcPC0wx1NL1AB5h_E9b6b8Dw-l2p7kJZMqF6YYS4Op6qumoirU4-uJKWW8En5tybe92Ukbknuy2uP7kYv5YIxJID3q0PX/s320/DSC00102.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sow Thistle!<br />
<i>Sonchus oleraceus</i><br />
<h4>
</h4>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6noiTEoVWkOOKKPrQj-wGi1625tBjVfCtKZK8L48EAWm-lszMczp6hiE2oinfjbJ_301zmbNXqeFDbEcW5EQs6mhmP5dxyzJmGrqI6agf9Z1zw-yafPyOzWgVhADoXiy02Zi-3wu6Ba07/s1600/DSC00089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6noiTEoVWkOOKKPrQj-wGi1625tBjVfCtKZK8L48EAWm-lszMczp6hiE2oinfjbJ_301zmbNXqeFDbEcW5EQs6mhmP5dxyzJmGrqI6agf9Z1zw-yafPyOzWgVhADoXiy02Zi-3wu6Ba07/s320/DSC00089.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dock!<br />
(the largest plant in this photo)<br />
The young leaves are edible.<br />
The root is medicinal and edible.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This week I also saw Field Pansy, Plantain, Shepherd's Purse, Lyre-leaf Sage and Honeysuckle and several others.<br />
<br />
Hope you are able to get out and enjoy this great weather. Go for a stroll (your dog will love it!) and see how many spring plants you can see! And remember some of them are a great addition to a salad.<br />
<br />
Herbally yours, Susan<br />
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<span style="color: #93c47d; font-size: large;">The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves, and not to twist them to fit our own image. Otherwise we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thomas Merton</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglm1EdXQ56TtbTeQX-Xt3hb9MIXgGtu0efkZBIAv8bpCHqovjXSSwUBrKp5YHuCqqA1jFTGLNr_11XGF_v5ETyA1FUZluj6z3Y9ZqIgO_Wp9WCHd5La9XftGoy0nWpt-rxzYbghnQF0i69/s1600/DSC00202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglm1EdXQ56TtbTeQX-Xt3hb9MIXgGtu0efkZBIAv8bpCHqovjXSSwUBrKp5YHuCqqA1jFTGLNr_11XGF_v5ETyA1FUZluj6z3Y9ZqIgO_Wp9WCHd5La9XftGoy0nWpt-rxzYbghnQF0i69/s640/DSC00202.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brother Cody, Faye and Cousin Sandra</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />StarDragonfly Herbalshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07209791838302749742noreply@blogger.com0